Rockville Archives - Page 172 of 360

New Chuck E. Cheese Featuring Trampoline Zone Now Open; Grand Opening Event This Thursday

Published November 7, 2023 at 5:10PM | Updated November 7, 2023 at 8:18PM

Chuck E. Cheese is now open at 5238 Nicholson Ln in North Bethesda/Rockville. Chuck E. Cheese was previously located at 5270 Randolph Rd in Loehmann’s Plaza before moving to its new, larger location in White Flint Plaza, taking over the space that was previously home to Retro Fitness. The location is one of the first in the area to feature Chuck E. Cheese’s new trampoline park. There will be a grand opening celebration on Thursday, November 9 from 5-7pm that will feature free cake and the chance to win a free birthday party.

Chuck E. Cheese has an additional Montgomery County location at 1127 University Blvd E in Takoma Park. The children’s indoor entertainment arcade also had a location in Gaithersburg that closed in 2020 after being in business at Gaithersburg Square for over 30 years. Per the Biz Journals report, the new location will “feature a 17-foot digital wall and other technological advances over the older locations. There will still be some Chuck E. Cheese mainstays, including things like skee-ball, air hockey, and, of course, pizza.” The Rockville location has also matched pre-2019 numbers this year, hosting 289 birthday parties.

Main Lanes of SB I-270 Blocked Following Multi-Vehicle Collision

By MCS Staff

Published November 6, 2023 at 10:38PM

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) have responded to the scene of a crash involving several vehicles on southbound I-270, between exits 6 (W Montgomery Avenue) and 4 (Montrose Rd.) on Monday night.

According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, the Express/Main lanes are blocked as of 9:21pm and at least two patients have been evaluated/transported to the hospital. We’ll provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps

Rockville Residents Will Vote on Lowering Voting Age to 16, Permitting Non-Citizens to Vote, and More in November 7th Election

By MCS Staff

Published November 6, 2023 at 6:01PM

As well as choosing seven members to elect to the City of Rockville’s Mayor and Council, voters will decide on advisory referenda questions for the City of Rockville’s 2023 election. The questions, if approved by voters, would amend the city charter to:

For the exact wording of the questions, view Resolution 08-23. The amendments are recommendations from the Charter Review Commission. Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters who live within Rockville city limits. All ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7. Voters will be able to vote by mail, in person at the two election day vote centers on Nov. 7, or at an election drop box.

Loehmann’s Plaza Redevelopment Sketch Plan Goes to Planning Board on Nov. 9 (Renderings Included)

By MCS Staff

Published November 6, 2023 at 5:37PM

Rosenfeld Investments has proposed the redevelopment of Loehmann’s Plaza at 5200 Randolph Rd. in Rockville, and the sketch plan will be going in front of the Montgomery Planning Board on Thursday, November 9. The plan (renderings below) includes 710,000 square feet of residential uses and up to 40,000 square feet of commercial uses for a cumulative density of up to 750,000 square feet of mixed-use development, with 15% Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs), open space, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, and associated public benefits to support the requested incentive density.

Summary: Planning Staff recommends approval of the Sketch Plan with conditions. The proposal will transform the existing shopping center with surface parking and a one-story brick building pad site into a mixed-used development with retail. Under the Optional Method of development, the Applicant requests approval for up to 710,000 square feet of residential use (currently estimated to be up to 680 dwelling units) with 15% MPDUs and up to 40,000 square feet of commercial use.

Woodward High School Reopening Update; Boundary Study Scope to Create Service Area Approved Earlier This Year

By MCS Staff

Published November 6, 2023 at 9:54AM

HESS construction has made plenty of progress at the upcoming Woodward High School at 11211 Old Georgetown Rd in Rockville, which will be used as a holding school/facility for current Northwood High School while their new high school building will be built between September 2024 and August 2027. Charles E. Woodward High School originally opened in 1966 and closed in 1987, when the decision to merge with Walter Johnson High School was made. Tilden Middle School moved into the previous building in 1991, where it remained until the new school opened a few years back. Photos of the progress of the new building, per HESS construction, can be seen below. The completed Woodward High School will officially reopen as its own school in September 2027, following a boundary study to determine which students will be attending the school.

On March 28, 2023, the Board of Education approved the boundary study scope to create the service area for the reopening of Charles W. Woodward High School. The scope of the boundary study includes the following high schools: Bethesda Chevy-Chase, Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, Walter Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Northwood, Wheaton, and Walt Whitman. The scope also includes the following middle schools: Argyle, Eastern, A. Mario Loieder- man, Newport Mill, North Bethesda, Parkland, Thomas W. Pyle, Odessa Shannon, Silver Creek, Silver Spring International, Sligo, Takoma Park, Tilden, and Westland. No elementary schools are included in the boundary study. The boundary study process (community meetings, option development, feedback) is scheduled to take place between early 2024 and fall 2024. The boundary study report is scheduled to be released in early 2025, and the superintendent’s recommendation is scheduled to be released in winter 2025, followed by Board of Education work sessions, public hearings, and action on the superintendent’s recommendation.

Update: Thursday Morning Fire Causes Approximately $3 Million in Damage; Two Cats Unaccounted For

By Patrick Herron

Published November 3, 2023 at 1:00PM

A fire at 687 Lofstrand Lane in Rockville has caused approximately $3 million in damage. According to MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer, ~95 firefighters respond to the scene around 5:15am on Thursday, November 2. The fire originated at Soto Leeson Linen Service and spread next door to Motor Works Inc. The fire at the commercial building also involved some parked vehicles.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, although it is believed to have been accidental. There were no injuries reported, but two cats are currently missing/unaccounted for.

Man Claims $30,000 Lottery Prize While on Lunch Break

By Patrick Herron

Published November 3, 2023 at 9:57AM

Courtesy Google Maps

A Rockville man is $30,000 after claiming a winning lottery ticket he purchased at Dong Phuong Market (8545 Piney Branch Rd) in Silver Spring. Full story below courtesy of the […]

Open Houses on the Future of the Interstate 495/270 Corridor and American Legion Bridge Begin November 13

By MCS Staff

Published November 3, 2023 at 6:30AM | Updated November 12, 2023 at 10:39AM

The Maryland Department of Transportation will host a series of open houses, including one in Rockville, to engage the public about improvements to the Interstate 495/270 corridor from the American Legion Bridge to Frederick.

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Man Sentenced After Leaving Vulnerable Adult in The Car While Making Food Deliveries, Failing to Report Vulnerable Adult Was in The Vehicle When it Was Stolen

By MCS Staff

Published November 2, 2023 at 11:19PM

Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia: According to court documents, Barry, was a former Direct Support Professional for Community Options, Inc., a residential facility for persons with disabilities, located in Rockville, Maryland. Barry’s job duties included taking individuals on outings in the local community, such as bowling, etc. for approximately three to four hours a day, five times per week. Between June and October 2022, Barry provided care to a vulnerable adult, who is non-verbal, autistic, and unable to care for himself. Instead of going to various community outings, Barry used the Community Options van to make food deliveries with the vulnerable adult.

On October 19, 2022, Barry utilized the Community Options van to pick up the vulnerable adult. That day, Barry drove to Washington, D.C., and made a total of five food deliveries. While making the final delivery, Barry exited the vehicle and left the vulnerable adult unattended. After the delivery was completed, Barry observed a masked individual steal the vehicle while the vulnerable adult was still inside the van. During his initial call to 911, Barry failed to mention that the vulnerable adult was in the stolen vehicle and subsequently failed to notify the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officer who arrived on scene of the same. After, Barry informed his employer that he did not notify police that the vulnerable adult was still in the vehicle, and the company advised him to provide that information to the authorities. However, Barry did not provide this information during his subsequent notification. Approximately three and a half hours after the theft of the van, the vulnerable adult was found by the Prince George’s County Police Department, barefoot and wandering in the middle of traffic on the I-495 Capital Beltway. The Prince George’s County Police Department transported the vulnerable adult to a local hospital for treatment.

First Ever Buy Buy Baby Location Announces Re-Opening Date in November

By MCS Staff

Published November 2, 2023 at 10:14PM | Updated November 11, 2023 at 12:30PM

In July we let you know that Dream on Me, the New Jersey-based company that recently purchased Buy Buy Baby’s brand and digital assets for $15.5 million and was a supplier for the store, was the successful bidder for 11 store leases at a bankruptcy auction for about $1.17 million. Buy Buy Baby’s sole Montgomery County location, at 1683 Rockville Pike in Rockville’s Congressional Plaza, closed its doors on Sunday, July 30th, but was included as one of 11 stores that will reopen. The store will be reopening on Saturday, November 18th. Per Buy Buy Baby Rockville:

“We’re back, BABY! Mark your calendars-you’re invited to our celebration. Saturday, November 18th, 10am – 1pm. Join us for a day of interacting with your favorite brands, experiencing our store’s new look, and learning about the latest must-have products. Plus, attendees will be eligible to win prizes, enjoy delicious treats and go home with a gift bag!* (while supplies last)”

Pines of Rome Express Now Open

By Patrick Herron

Published November 2, 2023 at 5:40PM

Pines of Rome Express is now open at 121B Congressional Lane– the former home of Congressional Deli. Last year, we let you know that Pines of Rome, a Bethesda staple for over 50 years, tabbed WashUrban to spearhead their first ever search for a second location. The new restaurant is located beside/behind Mykonos Grill and near Bed Bath& Beyond.

The original restaurant, which will remain open, is located at 4918 Cordell Ave. in Bethesda. Pines of Rome moved to the location in 2017 and was previously located at 4709 Hampden Lane, opening in 1972. The restaurant is known for its extremely popular white pizza, spaghetti & meatballs, and other traditional Italian dishes. The express version will focus on carry-out and delivery. The menu can be seen below via Instagram.