Last year we let you know that developers Bernstein Management and Finmarc Management pulled the first permits that will allow for construction to begin on the upcoming White Oak Town Center (12345 Columbia Pike). Now, five tenants have signed on for the upcoming shopping center. The previously reported European Wax Center, Jersey Mike’s, and Inspire Nail Bar are all still slated for the shopping center. They will be joined by Starbucks and Oak Barrel & Vine– a county-owned and operated liquor store that features tasting rooms and beer on tap.
White Oak Town Center also has plans to include at least one larger full-service restaurant, a cell phone store, a grocery store, and more. In February 2022, BizJournals reported that “Amazon has reached a deal to open a new supermarket at a long-planned Silver Spring redevelopment fewer than three miles from the Food and Drug Administration’s campus”, referring to White Oak Town Center. “The team behind the White Oak Town Center has swapped a 41,000-square-foot Amazon-branded market, likely an Amazon Fresh, in for what had been a roughly 16,000-square-foot Trader Joe’s.” Amazon Fresh is no longer in the plans as the company has moved away from opening new grocery stores and the grocery tenant space is still available.
Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich today signed Bill 18-22, Noise Control – Leaf Removal Equipment, into law. This new law will phase out the sale and use of gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums.
“With the signing of this bill into law, we are addressing the negative impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers and putting the health and safety of all our community members first,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “As our next step, we will be designing a rebate program to accompany the phase-out to ease the transition to electric leaf equipment. I want to thank all the members of the community who laid out the need for this legislation and advocated tirelessly.”
“The keywords with this bill are phasing out and phasing in,” said Jon Monger, director of the County’s Department of Environmental Protection. “We are phasing out gas powered leaf blowers and phasing in electric leaf blowers over the next two years. We designed this legislation to give landscape companies, independent landscapers and the public ample time to comply with the law.”
The new law will:
- Prohibit sale of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums starting July 1, 2024.
- Prohibit use of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums starting July 1, 2025.
- Authorize a rebate program to begin on July 1, 2024, and run through Dec. 2026 to partially offset the cost of replacing a gas-powered leaf blower or leaf vacuum with an electric leaf blower or leaf vacuum.
- Exempt the use of gas leaf-blower equipment for agricultural producers.
- Maintain noise ordinance limits for leaf blowers and leaf vacuums not to exceed 70 decibels at 50 feet.
DEP will work with local landscape businesses and independent landscapers to help implement this transition. DEP will meet with community organizations and landscapers to help them understand the law and assist with accessing the rebate program. DEP will also communicate the phase-out in multiple languages through public awareness campaigns and direct engagement with businesses and communities.
DEP is asking landscapers in Montgomery County to answer a five-minute survey to help provide perspective on the design of the rebate program that is authorized in the legislation. The survey can be found in English at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KWKQLBJ and in Spanish at https://www.es/surveymonkey/r/7C8BY22.
On Sept. 26, the Montgomery County Council passed Bill 18-22 by a vote of 10 to 1.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services responded to a “well-involved” vehicle fire on Monday, October 9, in the 800blk of Crown Park Ave, near near Decloverly Drive and close to the Crown Farm Community Center. . According to Chief Spokesperson for MCFRS Pete Piringer, “the car had recently been towed to this location, fire involved engine compartment, and interior dash, no injuries, cause under investigation & likely mechanical in nature.” We will provide an update if addition information becomes available.
Photos courtesy of @srsandoval on Instagram.
Update – IAO Decloverly Dr & Crown Park Av, PE731, E753 on scene 800blk Crown Park Av, vehicle ‘well-involved’
— Pete Piringer (@mcfrsPIO) October 9, 2023
Per the Maryland State Police: Maryland State Police are investigating a shooting that occurred late Saturday evening on the campus of Bowie State University. At about 11:30 p.m., troopers from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack, who were assisting Bowie State University with security during Homecoming weekend, responded to the school’s Center for Business and Graduate Studies for a report of a shooting. According to a preliminary investigation, two male victims, both 19, were located in front of the Center for Business and Graduate Studies and were transported by ambulance by the Prince George’s County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. There is no indication that either victims were students of Bowie State. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators from the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division are leading the investigation with assistance provided by troopers from the College Park Barrack and the Bowie State Police Department. Prince George’s County Police also assisted at the scene. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Bowie State Police tips line at 301-860-4688. The case remains under investigation.
Below is a list of restaurants and businesses that will be coming soon to Rockville, MD:
Coming Soon: Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream will open its third Montgomery County location in Rockville’s Fallsgrove Village Center. The ice cream shop, which was recently ranked #1 in “Mr. MoCo’s 15 Favorite Ice Cream Spots in MoCo” list, has two existing locations in Bethesda– The Wildwood Shop (10219 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814) and River Road Shop (5241 River Road Bethesda, MD 20816). Sarah’s Handmade aims to open its Fallsgrove location by the end of the year, with additional information to follow.
Per the ice cream shop, “Sarah’s Handmade was created by a Bethesda mother-daughter team, Sarah and Annie Park. When Sarah retired in 2018, she suddenly found herself with time to indulge in her old hobbies. She began to experiment and create original ice cream recipes for her family, friends, and neighbors, fit for each occasion. Soon enough, she was receiving calls and orders from strangers for her handmade ice cream! With strong enthusiasm from friends and wide support from neighbors, Sarah and Annie decided to bring the homemade flavors to a River Road storefront in Bethesda. To stay true to Sarah’s commitment to the highest quality ice cream that she would “feel proud feeding my family,” Sarah uses only the best, local-whenever-possible ingredients and sticks to her small-batch, all-natural recipes.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CwD-I5BuA-L/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=c485acf0-dda0-46c9-b40e-af0c9c6c3921
Coming Soon: Buena Onda Baja Taqueria
Buena Onda Baja Taqueria is coming to 12107 Rockville Pike, the former home of Avail Vape/Kure CBD & Vape, in the Pike Center shopping center (home to TGI Friday’s), according to Kimco. The restaurant is a José Garces creation. Garces is an Ecuadorian-American chef, born in Chicago to Ecuadorian parents. He won in the second season of The Next Iron Chef and also defeated Bobby Flay in Iron Chef America.
According to the restaurant website, Buena Onda, celebrity chef Jose Garces’ Baja-inspired taqueria is more than a fast casual taqueria, it’s a mindset. In Spanish, Buena Onda means ”Good Vibes”. In a world full of fast casual options, Buena Onda offers a unique, casual Baja taqueria experience for guests with an appealing menu, friendly service, and laid-back beach bum decor. Renowned Latin-American chef Jose Garces translates his rich cultural traditions and culinary vision into personal dining experiences. Taking a heartfelt and creative approach to time-honored recipes and dishes, Buena Onda brings these recipes together for a unique taqueria experience. An opening timeframe is not yet available for the restaurant.
Coming Soon: Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Kura Revolving Sushi is coming to 12266 Rockville Pike in Federal Plaza, taking over the other -part of the space that was recently home to Chuy’s and previously home to Ruby Tuesday. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is the “ultimate eater-tainment” dining experience serving up authentic Japanese cuisine through an engaging conveyor belt system packed with prizes, drink delivery robots and more. The dining experience features a revolving sushi bar that snakes through the dining area with a wide variety of sushi plates for patrons to select from as they circulate and an express belt positioned above the main belt that delivers orders tableside placed via the ordering tablet from the 140+ menu inclusive of sushi, udon, ramen, hot and cold sides, and desserts. Guests can also look forward to receiving fun prizes for every 15 sushi plates and soft beverages delivered by Kur-B the KuraBot.
Coming Soon: Torchy Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is also coming to 12266 Rockville Pike in Federal Plaza, taking over the other part of the space that was recently home to Chuy’s. Torchy’s Tacos, featuring “the most unique tacos, coveted queso and refreshing margaritas in the game, and the rotating Taco of the Month,” will open its first location in the DMV in 2024. The 3,961 square-foot restaurant will be located at 12266 Rockville Pike. With more than 115 locations across 14 states, Torchy’s Tacos serves tacos, sides, and drinks from scratch, made-to-order.
Luna Hall has signed on to move into one of the vacant spaces in the Pike Center (the shopping center that’s the longtime home of TGI Friday’s and the recently opened Golfdom), according to Kimco. The location is listed as taking is the former CiCi’s Pizza spot. The food hall recently opened its first location in DC’s Chinatown (625 H St NW). Offerings at the Chinatown location include Kung Fu Tea, TKK Fried Chicken, Dumpling District, Pollo Aria, and Luna Bar. There is no word on possible stalls at the Rockville location and Luna has told us things are in the works and that they’ll provide us with updates once they are available. The featured photo shows the Chinatown location.
Coming Soon: Teso Life
Teso Life is coming to 1701 Rockville Pike in The Shops at Congressional Village shopping center. Teso Life is a retail store that collaborates with a variety of well-known Japanese suppliers and has a limited amount of products from China and Korea as well. The company was established in 2017 in Flushing, NY and is based in Queens.
“Teso Life retail store is a great place to shop for high quality daily used products with decent prices, or stick around and enjoy the town! Along with the amazing make-up products, small housewares, kitchen supplier, snacks and more, we look forward to serving the best products in town!” In addition to purchasing in-store, you can order through their website where customers can place both pick-up or delivery orders. An opening date it not yet available for the store.
Coming Soon: Tequila Modern Mexican
Tequila Modern Mexican is coming to 11 N Washington Street in Rockville Town Center, the former location of Trapezaria. Tequila Modern Restaurant has additional location in Harrisonburg, VA and upcoming locations in Kansas and North Carolina. While an opening date has not been announced, the restaurant tells us its “almost ready.”
Coming Soon: La Speranza
La Speranza is coming soon to Rockville, opening at 806 Baltimore Rd. in the location that was most recently home to Tia Ochi in the Burgundy Park shopping center that has been the longtime home of Jonathan’s Sports Pub. While an exact opening date is not yet available, the restaurant had its alcohol license hearing with Montgomery County’s ABS last month and expects to open this month. La Speranza will feature both Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine, with a menu created by executive chef Neptali Mendoza, according to the restaurant’s website. Additional information from its website below:
“Neptali Mendoza, is an experienced chef who has worked in many well known restaurants to gain knowledge and have familiarity with the preparation of Italian cuisine. The newly founded La Speranza Restaurant, which is a Tex-Mex restaurant, will include Neptali’s expertise on Italian cuisine and his prior skills of Mexican food. Neptali’s journey in the world of culinary arts started at the Michelin guide, Obelisk Italian Restaurant (2006-2010) where he worked under the owner, Peter Pastan, a well-known chef in DC. While working in preparation, he learned the production of fresh pastas and the backstage environment of a restaurant’s kitchen. RedRocks Pizzeria in Alexandria, Virginia, was the next step for Neptali as he worked as the kitchen manager. Neptali was able to gain even more understanding and capability on how a successful restaurant is run and the work ethic it entails. Baronessa Italian Restaurant, was the final step before opening La Speranza Restaurant, as Neptali worked as the sous chef there. This enabled him to perfect his skills in the craft of cookery and gave way to the final preparation for the opening of his own restaurant. During this time, not only was Neptali working to gain valuable experience, but he also completed a demanding training program offered by the Culinary Arts Program at Carlos Rosario International School.” The full menu can be seen here.
Coming Soon: Mimi’s Handmade
Mimi’s Handmade ice cream is coming to Rockville’s Federal Plaza. It will be taking over the location that was recently home to Yogi Castle (12274 Rockville Pike Suite E). Yogi Castle closed permanently this spring and Mimi’s Handmade took possession of the space in May. No opening date has been announced.
Per Mimi’s Handmade: “With both Italian and German grandmothers, I inherited the secret family recipes from many generations including the most delicious desserts. I can still taste Nona Concetta’s hand cranked gelato and Oma Annamarie’s Bavarian creamy custards and sweets. Over the last 30 years, I have worked extensively in Asia allowing me to explore the wonderful tastes and flavors of the rich cuisines of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong, and Korea. Coming home from my trips, Alexandra, Mimi and I would try all new recipes from my trips, exploring sweet Thai basil, azuki beans, black sesame, ube, jackfruit, lychee and so many other flavors. While we all like interesting flavors, we all love the traditional flavors, from French Vanilla to Oreo to Mint Chocolate Chip. Whatever your tastes, we promise you the best and freshest ice cream you have ever had, all made right here in our little store. So, whether you’re a little kid or a “forever” kid (parents in hiding!), enjoy one of America’s oldest and favorite eating traditions. Welcome to Mimi’s Handmade.”
Coming in 2025: Weagmans
Wegmans is coming to Twinbrook Quarter, in the area of Halpine Rd and Rockville Pike. According to signage put up at the construction site this summer, Wegmans is now expected to open in 2025. Previously, a more general “Late 2024 or 2025” was the expected opening date of the grocery store. In addition to the grocery store, the upcoming neighborhood has approval for 480,000 SF of retail (which includes the 80,000 SF Wegmans and an additional 25,000 SF of additional retail/restaurants in the first phase. Twinbrook Quarter will also consist of 450 apartment homes (The Milton) and 248,000 SF of trophy office above. It will also include over 1,500 parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations.
The Director of Montgomery Parks, Mike Riley, has announced he will retire at the end of the year after completing 38 years of service with The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Riley was hired in 1985 as a staff civil engineer charged with designing and building parks and subsequently served as Chief Engineer, Park Development Division Chief, Deputy Director of Administration, and Director of Parks since 2014.
“I truly believe I have held the best job in all of local government,” said Riley. “The Department of Parks attracts highly talented and dedicated staff who provide open space, recreational facilities, trails, and programs that make Montgomery County a great place to live, work, and play. All I have to do for job satisfaction is visit our parks and watch the many ways they are enjoyed by county residents.” During his career, Riley is most proud of his role in:
- Successfully advocating for the resources necessary for the Parks Department to deliver exceptional programs and facilities.
- Building a talented and diverse staff and senior leadership team.
- Delivering award-winning projects including the LEED Platinum M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters, the Josiah Henson Museum, the Maryland SoccerPlex, the Shirley Povich Field, the Washington Nationals Miracle Field, and the Brookside Gardens Visitors’ Center.
- Establishing the Open Parkways Program.
- Prioritizing investment in Equity Focus Areas.
- Championing the 2022 Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan as a roadmap for the future of the park system.
- Improving the quality of parks and school athletic fields.
- Establishing the Park Activation Program.
- Growing both the paved and natural surface trail system.
- Maximizing public/private partnerships to deliver facilities that could not be provided by the public sector alone.
- Focusing on providing walkable, vibrant urban parks within our most populated communities.
“I owe so much to so many people who have mentored and supported me along the way, but the exceptional staff of the Parks Department is at the top of the list,” said Riley. “We accomplished so much for the benefit of the residents of Montgomery County and the future looks bright for the Department of Parks. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve for 38 years, particularly the last 10 years as Director of Parks.”
“On behalf of the Montgomery County Planning Board and M-NCPPC, congratulations to Mike Riley on a tremendous career at Montgomery Parks,” said Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. “Your steady leadership of one of the most awarded and admired parks systems in the nation has helped millions of county residents and visitors make wonderful memories thanks to the beauty of our parks and the bountiful activities they offer. Thank you for your decades of hard work and partnership making Montgomery County a great place to live, work, and play.”
“Mike Riley’s legacy touches every part of Montgomery County,” said former Montgomery Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, who worked closely with him for more than a decade. “If you’ve ever taken a bike ride or gone for a run along Sligo Creek or the Capital Crescent Trail, or played or watched a game at the Soccerplex, or visited Brookside Gardens or any of the hundreds of other parks and facilities he helped to build, improve, and maintain, then you owe Mike Riley a huge thank you.”
“Throughout his 38 years of service within our Parks Department, Mike Riley has been a responsible steward of our most treasured asset – our parks. During his ten years leading the Parks Department, he has been instrumental to so many initiatives, including efforts to make parks accessible to everyone in Montgomery County by prioritizing investments in historically underserved communities,” Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass said. “Mike Riley’s dedication to our parks and to our residents has transformed our community, and we are so grateful for his service. During his tenure as director, he has shown his support, respect and value for the dedicated staff that make up the Parks Department, from entry-level and seasonal workers to senior leadership. His legacy will live on through Montgomery County’s bountiful open spaces, trails, parks and state-of-the-art facilities.”
Riley plans to remain a proud Kensington, Maryland resident enjoying his newfound time exploring new hobbies, running and biking trails, and visiting national parks. He’s also looking forward to other adventures with his wife Joy and their two young adult children.
The Chevy Chase Land Company has announced that a Porsche Studio will soon be coming to The Collection Chevy Chase. The Porsche Studio Chevy Chase is the “urban expression of Destination Porsche.”
According to The Chevy Chase Land Company, the concept will be owned and operated by Sonic Automotive, the owner of Porsche Bethesda. An inspirational retail format that provides hospitality, brand, product, and community offerings to the Chevy Chase market. Designed with local character, attractive beyond-car experiences and state-of-the-art touchpoint experiences that provide opportunities for the community to get to know Porsche heritage, people, and the brand.
Porsche will be located next to Junction Bistro and Hunter’s Hound on the block across from Clyde’s.
Rockville-based Emmes (401 N Washington St), a global, full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO) dedicated to supporting the advancement of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation, announced the acquisition of VaxTRIALS. Headquartered in Panama City, Panama, VaxTRIALS’ 160+ staff members manage and monitor vaccine clinical trial activities throughout Latin America. Additional information below, per the press release:
“Today’s clinical trials are both more complex and more global in nature than ever before,” said Emmes Executive Chairman Sastry Chilukuri. “Combining VaxTRIALS’ depth of expertise in Latin America and Emmes’ strengths, particularly in technology, biostatistics and data management, will give clients an unmatched partnership experience in conducting their clinical trials.”
“VaxTRIALS is a highly complementary match for Emmes,” elaborated Emmes Chief Executive Officer Peter Ronco. “It extends our global reach from our current base in North America, Europe and Asia to Latin America, one of the fastest-growing regions for clinical trials due to its large, diverse patient population and high-quality clinical research sites. VaxTRIALS adds a number of new biopharmaceutical and public-private partnership clients and further strengthens one of our largest research therapeutic areas: vaccines and infectious diseases.”
VaxTRIALS’ vaccine-related clinical trials have been conducted in 11 Latin American countries, as well as the Philippines.
VaxTRIALS’ staff members have supported clinical trials aimed at preventing diseases such as influenza, dengue, chikungunya, hepatitis A, meningitis, norovirus, herpes zoster, pertussis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), polio and COVID-19.
“Another benefit for Emmes,” continued Ronco, “is that we’ll be able to take advantage of VaxTRIALS’ established network in Latin America to reach clinical trial participants in our other core therapeutic areas, including rare and pediatric diseases, cell and gene therapy, and ophthalmology.”
“Both our companies have built enduring customer relationships and a legacy of service in vaccine and infectious disease research,” said VaxTRIALS CEO Dr. José Jimeno. “I am proud that we have made both people and cultural development a priority, including hiring and developing employees who care deeply about making a difference in public health.
“I’m also excited to incorporate Emmes’ technology expertise, as well as legacy and depth in biostatistical analysis and data management, for the benefit of our clients throughout Latin America,” he added. “Emmes’ Advantage eClinical data management platform, with benefits including improving data quality, easing oversight of clinical trial operations, and reducing trial timelines and costs, can be extremely helpful to our customers.”
Chilukuri noted, “José Jimeno combines his background as a medical doctor with an extensive knowledge of the industry and the Latin American region and a stellar reputation in the global vaccine community. As VaxTRIALS’ founder and CEO, he has been an extremely active and energized leader. We are thrilled to welcome José and the VaxTRIALS team to Emmes.”
Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps
Per WMATA: On Monday, Oct. 9, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day, Metrorail service will operate weekend service levels and Metrobus will run Saturday Supplemental Service. Pre-scheduled subscription trips will be canceled on MetroAccess, but customers may still make a separate reservation to travel on the holiday.
SERVICE INFORMATION
Metrorail
Metrorail will be open from 5 a.m. until midnight. Trains will operate normal weekend service levels on all lines with no scheduled track work. Regular weekday fares will be in effect; however, parking will be free at all Metro-owned parking lots and garages.
Metrobus
Metrobus will operate on a Saturday supplement schedule. Hours vary by route. Check timetables for schedule information. Saturday supplemental service includes all routes that normally operate on Saturday as well as additional options beyond a traditional weekend schedule. Not every route operates Saturday supplemental service. View here for a full list of routes.
MetroAccess
MetroAccess will provide normal service on the holiday. Customers may call to make a separate reservation to travel. All pre-scheduled subscription trips will be canceled. Customers may schedule reservation online or by calling 301-562-5360 (TTY 301-588-7535).
Customer Service
Metro Customer Service will be available between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. to assist customers. Representatives respond to chat, email, and social media or you may call 202-637-7000 (automated information available 24/7).
Metro’s Lost and Found Office will be closed on the holiday, and will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 10. Customers may go to wmata.com/lostandfound to report a lost item.
Customers are also encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text or email messages or follow us on X @wmata, @Metrorailinfo, and @Metrobusinfo for updates, or go to wmata.com/MetroPulse for real-time service information.
