An ongoing crime wave surrounding the new Westbard Square development in Bethesda has prompted a letter from an adjacent civic association to Montgomery County officials, and property owner Regency Centers. While the County has been experiencing a persistent wave of violent crime and looting-level shoplifting since the summer of 2020, crime has noticeably increased in the Westbard Avenue area this year. Incidents have included thefts from at least 16 vehicles parked in the Westbard Square garage at 5400 Westbard Avenue since February, and a March 29 shooting that wounded two people outside the Bowlero bowling alley across the street; the shooter(s) remain at large two months later. County officials and police have not commented publicly on the Westbard incidents, the suspects involved, or the status of the investigations.
Increasing community concerns about the crime, and the inaction by the County, have led the Westbard Mews Condominium Association to send a letter to County officials and Regency Centers. The Westbard Mews community, which consists of 36 townhomes, is located just down Westbard Avenue from the Westbard Square development.
The association's letter, a copy of which was obtained by Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row, notes that the recent surge in crime "appears to correlate with the new developments and businesses around Westbard Avenue." "Many of our homeowners have lived in their homes for upwards of 30-40 years, and have gotten accustomed to living in relative safety compared with neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.," the association writes. The incidents of the last several months "have understandably caused great concern among our residents, and highlight the need for increased security presence in the neighborhood."
"We kindly request increased patrolling, and a collaborative effort from local law enforcement and county authorities to address these issues promptly. We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone in our neighborhood, and believe that with your support, we can effectively mitigate these concerns."
The letter also expresses additional concerns relating to traffic safety along Westbard Avenue, and within the Westbard Square development's garage and internal private streets. It notes that the "State Law" sign at the crosswalk meant for use by Westland Middle School students has been knocked off by a vehicle, and now is laying nearby on a sidewalk. The WMCA is requesting traffic calming measures for Westbard Avenue.
Recipients of the WMCA letter include Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada, Regency Centers, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, and other Montgomery County elected officials.
22 comments:
Funny that the very people that voted for the current leadership wonder why those progressive policies aren't working as promised. Maybe this time will be different if they pen the letter in all caps.
We should not have to resort to this. County / State follow thru is beyond pathetic. Don't tĥink.this goes unnoticed by the criminal element.
Ooooohhhh, a letter... We "kindly request." LMAO
“ The WMCA is requesting traffic calming measures for Westbard Avenue.”
Westbard is already approaching traffic jam status due to the new light and other bottlenecks. Even slower traffic is the last thing we need there.
Good for the WMCA association. It is appropriate that this be brought to the attention of the police and County officials as WMCA has done. I live in another nearby community which has also contacted Regency Centers and the police.
All retailers at Westbard should be concerned about the security situation — it reflects badly on the shopping center and could depress customer traffic. It is clear that Regency Centers, the property owner and landlord, is not providing sufficient security in the parking garage. This is a standard, straight-forward property management concern that should be addressed immediately.
Questions for Regency Centers:
*Are all levels of the parking garage under comprehensive video surveillance?
*Should motion-sensitive lighting be installed on all parking levels?
*Is onsite security stationed on all parking levels and actively patrolling throughout operating hours?
All of these measures should be implemented and prominent signage installed to indicate their use. If the situation does not improve, I’d suggest that area residents consider shopping elsewhere.
Most likely, they will recommend that the WMCA hire
Community Engagement Officers(CEOs) from the YMCA.
The second letter might have to be terse. Show them you're not kidding around.
This was predictable. They wiped out the stability of the old local businesses for a handful of magic beans promising exotic flavors and beautiful landscapes. Look what you got. You know us old shopkeepers actually cared about our customers and the neighbors. We watched the parking lot. We were invested in your safety and ours. We miss you, but that is now gone forever.
People get the government they deserve. Liberal/ woke politics does not work any where.
I'm opposed to crime at Westbard
Thanks for being such an integral part of the community. I'm sorry you were squeezed/forced out (like so many others across the county).
DREAM ON!
You're assuming that they can read.
A word to the wise, simply move far away.
Have the demographics changed in the housing back behind the big old Giant parking lot? Gotta be local talent doing this. Too far to come for such paltry returns.
Don't expect any thing different or better from our Round Robin Council.
They are abstract, aloof and totally out of touch.
Read all the above grips/grapes, I feel like I'm walking through the wine isle of an Oak & Barrel.
Or care
Someone was assaulted and died yesterday, (5/27), at Silver Diner in Rockville just before noon. I know, I know, no big deal, people die all the time and we should all get used to it. Thanks to all the democrats in MC/MD that make this possible!
Apparently the 'assulter,' died, not the 'assultee.' Just getting ready for the new liberal terms.
I wonder if any of our dauntless leaders frequents the joint.
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