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Earlier this summer, County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by Council President Gabe Albornoz, Councilmember Tom Hucker, members of the Montgomery County State Delegation and representatives from EDENS to announce bringing a main “anchor” store back to the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center and the redevelopment of the vacant shopping center. It was revealed that the Phoenix-based company Sprouts Farmers Market will be coming to Burtonsville in what will be the grocery chain’s first store in Montgomery County. Since then, Total Men’s Primary Care has also signed on for the soon-to-be renovated shopping center. At the community announcement in late June, an EDENS representative stated that Sprouts may open as early as the second half of 2023. Below, you’ll see the justification statement submitted to Montgomery Planning:

The subject property, known in the community as the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center, is comprised of approximately 13.35 acres (581,503 square feet) located at 15701 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. The center has been in decline and largely vacant for the past several years, but this Limited Major Site Plan Amendment application (“Site Plan Amendment”) represents an important first step towards its revitalization. As described more fully below, the proposed amendment will demolish a portion of the in-line retail to create a new community gathering space, add two new retail buildings without increasing overall density, enhance pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and introduce new landscaping, tree cover and improved lighting to the site

Montgomery County Police have added a section to its website with applicable laws regarding protests in Montgomery County that can be viewed here: Montgomery County Police Protest Laws (PDF) and Disorderly Conduct Laws (PDF), as well as at the bottom of this post. The website specifically mentions protests in front of or adjacent to private residences, which has been been a topic of debate recently as residents protest in the neighborhoods of Supreme Court Justices.

“The Montgomery County Department of Police is committed to preserving the first amendment rights of all individuals. Peaceful, lawful protest and assembly is a cornerstone of our democracy. That said, there are content neutral Montgomery County Code and Maryland Law provisions that restrict protesting and assembling in a private neighborhood. These laws exist regardless of the type of protest or assembly, or their location within a residential neighborhood. To assist in educating the community, below is a list of the most common laws that can have an impact on protest or assembly. This list is not exhaustive and does not include any federal laws which may impact the time, place, and manner of protest or assembly. As always, the Department will work with any individuals or groups to ensure that their particular protest or assembly is being conduced in a lawful manner.”

Coca-Cola announced in May that it would be phasing out the HonestTea line from its portfolio. Bethesda resident Seth Goldman co-founded the drink company in 1998 and was its CEO until 2015– when he stepped back and  became executive chairman of Beyond Meat. This morning, however, Goldman stated that he would be re-entering the bottled tea business with the announcement of his new line, Just Ice Tea.

In a series of tweets, Goldman announced the following:

Popular food truck Trippy Tacos is opening its first restaurant at 12134 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring (Glenmont). The grand opening takes place on Friday July 8 at 6:00 PM and Saturday July 9 at 11:30 AM.  Trippy Tacos specializes in tacos with freshly made corn tortillas, quesadillas, burritos, nachos and mulitas. The restaurant also plans to offers an expanded menu that includes breakfast (breakfast tacos, burritos and other breakfast plates), loaded nacho fries, pupusa pizza, and more.

According to Trippy Tacos, the grand opening of the restaurant coincides with the 3-year anniversary of the food truck. “It’s all come full circle. This is the first-ever restaurant location of Trippy Tacos, and we have plans to expand in the DMV,” said Chris Robles, the 26-year old Founder and Executive Chef. Chris perfected his technique for making tacos in South Central Los Angeles. His unique spin on al pastor combines family recipes with LA inspiration.

Donutchew, a mochi donut shop, is now open in the Rio Lakefront, taking over the location that was formerly home to Starbucks next to Fantasticks at 213 Boardwalk Place. To celebrate their grand opening, the donut shop is giving away free donuts with any purchase to the first 100 customers to visit the store on Tuesday, June 28.

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It is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn or explode any fireworks in Montgomery County, Maryland, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional with a permit. Penalties for violations of the law include a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail. All fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and the City of Baltimore. Montgomery County Fire Safety Code: Section 22-70: Fireworks.

In Montgomery County, ALL fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers. Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes and party poppers are the only exception to this law.