Melashops to relocate next month at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Melashops just can't settle down. The store made a big move downcounty from Lakeforest Mall in April to this space across from Urban Outfitters on Level 1 at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Now Melashops will make another move October 1, but one measured in yards rather than miles this time. It will fill the space vacated by Mulier across from Forever 21, also on Level 1. Melashops fills a unique niche in Montgomery County fashion retail, carrying apparel, jewelry, and accessories from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Afghanistan, and more.

Lining up for iPhone 15 at Montgomery Mall Apple Store (Photos)

There was still a short line of people lined up to be among the first to receive their iPhone 15 at the Apple Store at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda Saturday evening. We haven't seen the kind of camping-out-all-night spectacles that once greeted each new generation of iPhone in the last decade this time around. But a velvet rope seen nearby hinted that the line must have been significantly longer earlier in the day Saturday. The phones, and several other new Apple products, arrived in stores Friday. USB-C or bust!

Mulier opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Mulier is now open in a new spot at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Named for the Latin word for "woman," the apparel boutique with several area locations has long touted its concept of everything in the store being $8.99 or less. Alas, America's high inflation has hit Mulier, and a sign outside the new store promises everything is now $9.99 or less. It helps if you ignore the smaller sign that notes "some products excluded." Look for Mulier on Level 1 of the mall, next to Luggage Plus.

Maryland Supreme Court to hear appeal in Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition case

Maryland's Supreme Court yesterday agreed to hear the appeal of the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition to overturn a state appellate court ruling regarding the sale of property that includes a major portion of Moses African Cemetery in Bethesda. The June ruling itself overturned an injunction by Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Karla Smith, that froze the impending sale of Westwood Tower at 5401 Westbard Avenue to Charger Ventures. Charger Ventures withdrew its purchase offer following Smith's ruling, but Westwood Tower owner Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County appealed to the higher court and won. 

The Supreme Court's ultimate ruling in this case will have local and national implications for Black cemeteries, many of which are today in states of desecration and disrepair, hidden, or under threat from development. Moses African Cemetery is in all three categories. 

Smith ruled that HOC had entered a sale agreement without notifying the descendants of those buried in the cemetery, and without giving them a chance to weigh in on the sale, as required under Maryland law. Inexplicably, the appellate court found that following the law was not necessary.

This is a common occurrance when citizens challenge developers and powerful real estate interests in any Montgomery County or Maryland court. BACC noted yesterday that the Maryland Supreme Court only accepts about 15% of the certiorari petitions filed. But residents win over developers in our courts at an even lower rate than that, with judges blatantly ignoring statutory requirements on developers and planning authorities, as in the Westbard case. Smith, a relatively recent appointee to the Circuit Court in 2015, was a rare exception in ruling that the laws actually do apply to developers in Montgomery County.

Photo courtesy Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition

Tropical Storm Ophelia makes landfall, already impacting Maryland/Washington, D.C. area

Tropical Storm Ophelia has made landfall near Emerald Isle, North Carolina, but the outer rain bands of the storm had already entered the Washington, D.C. area overnight. What will the impacts of Ophelia on the Bethesda-Chevy Chase-Potomac area be? The National Weather Service predicts rainfall amounts from 2-4" in the Montgomery County/Washington, D.C. area. High winds with gusts up to 45-55 MPH are also anticipated.

Montgomery County and Washington D.C. are under a National Weather Service-issued Wind Advisory from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM today. The NWS forecasts northeast winds of 20 to 30 MPH, with gusts up to 55 MPH expected. Gusts up to 50 mph are possible along the immediate shore of the Chesapeake Bay and Tidal Potomac. Ocean City, Maryland is experiencing street flooding and wind gusts up to 50 MPH.Secure any outdoor furniture or objects light enough to blow away, or bring them indoors.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has
declared a State of Emergency

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has declared a State of Emergency. "If you can avoid driving or being out during the storm, please do so," Moore said. "We are expecting an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and elevated tides." Flooding, falling limbs, downed trees and power outages are expected.

Ophelia is currently located 25 miles WNW of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. Its sustained winds measured at Cape Lookout are currently 61 MPH, with gusts up to 73 MPH. The storm is moving NNW at 9 MPH, and will affect the D.C. region through Sunday.

Heavy rainfall and sustained wind gusts will combine for conditions that favor trees falling, causing damage and power outages. Charge cellphones and make sure you have batteries for flashlights and radios.

WMATA reports Metrobus routes D33 Westbound and E4 Westbound are temporarily detouring at Military Road and 14th Street NW, and resuming their routes at Military Road and 16th Street NW, due to weather conditions. Pepco is reporting a few, small power outages in Gaithersburg at this hour.

Tracking map courtesy National Hurricane Center

Z-Burger Bethesda hoping to open in 2 weeks

A spokesperson for Z-Burger said this morning in an email that the fast-casual burger chain hopes to open its Bethesda restaurant "in about two weeks," if all goes well. Construction continues inside the former BGR space at 4827 Fairmont Avenue, at the edge of Veterans Park in downtown Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. ZBurger is known for its made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, signature Z-Burger seasoning, and 75 varieties of milkshakes and concretes made with premium Wisconsin custard. 

Z-Burger's most famous fans are President Bill Clinton and Sasha Obama, both of whom have been photographed at Z-Burger while in Washington, D.C. Sasha Obama's favorite menu items remain a secret - though she appears to have ordered a shake or concrete to go with her meal. President Clinton favored a double burger without cheese, onion rings, french fries, and "a large apple pie milkshake," according to WUSA-9.

Indecent exposure reported at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were called to Westfield Montgomery Mall early yesterday afternoon, Thursday, August 22, 2023, to investigate a report of indecent exposure. The incident was reported at the mall at 12:15 PM Thursday. No arrests were made for indecent exposure yesterday, according to Montgomery County data, suggesting the suspect remains at-large.

Bethesda Row Apple Store ready for iPhone 15 launch day (Photos)

The illuminated Apple logo outside the Bethesda Row Apple Store has been dark at night in recent months. But not last night, as elves scurried about inside, preparing for today's launch of the iPhone 15. Unlike some years ago, no one was camped out the night before. But reports from around the world indicate there is still enough excitement in countries like India and Australia to keep Apple fans outdoors all night to get their iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, the new Apple Watch SE, and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging (USB-C). 

Will Jawando endorsed by Baltimore, Prince George's officials in Maryland U.S. Senate race

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando picked up the endorsements of four more Maryland elected officials in his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat of Ben Cardin (D), who will retire in January 2025. Baltimore City Councilmember Kristerfer Burnett, Prince George’s County Councilmembers Krystal Oriadha and Wala Blegay, and Riverdale Park Town Councilmember Karen Mejia all put their support behind Jawando, who is positioning himself as the true progressive in the highly-competitive Democratic primary. Jawando's leading primary opponents are Total Wine founder and Congressman David Trone (D - MD 6th District), and Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

Convincing three more Prince George's officials to support him over their own county executive is a coup for Jawando, as Alsobrooks is facing questions about her newfound support for criminal justice reform, relative to her own prosecutorial record and statements during her service as Prince George's County State's Attorney. Jawando is seeking to follow the insurgent path of new Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who stunned many by blowing past moderate establishment figures like Comptroller Peter Franchot to capture Government House in November 2022. 

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of these four fantastic public servants," Jawando said in a statement Wednesday. "This campaign is based upon the belief that we can build a shared prosperity for all Marylanders, and with their support, achieving this dream is increasingly possible. They represent the next generation of leaders in our state who are stepping up and doing their part to build a better future where no one has to be worse off for their neighbor to do better."

"Over the coming weeks and months, my campaign will continue to expand into both Prince George’s and Baltimore city and county. The race is early, and anyone who tells you they know how things will shake out is mistaken. I have gained a sense from speaking with residents across our state that there is a deep frustration with the status quo, and they are looking for a U.S. Senator who can deliver for their communities. This is what I have done in Montgomery County, and it’s why I am running for the Senate."

New CVS Pharmacy opens at Chevy Chase Lake, is immediately hit by professional shoplifter

The new CVS Pharmacy at 3820 Chaplin Place at Chevy Chase Lake opened over the weekend, although the actual pharmacy counter will open at a later date. It did not take long for the professional shoplifters operating in Montgomery County to find the new drugstore. County police were called to the store Sunday after a suspect shoveled the entire inventory of a high-end L'oreal skincare line into a garbage bag, and simply walked out the door, according to an employee account of the incident. Police reportedly have a piece of useful evidence, and are investigating.

Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition to converge on Congressman Jamie Raskin's Washington, D.C. office today

Raskin touring the Moses African Cemetery site
with BACC President Marsha Coleman-Adebayo
earlier this year

Leaders and members of the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition will converge on the Rayburn Office Building office of U.S. Congressman Jamie Raskin (D - MD 8th District) this afternoon, Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 3:00 PM. The organization, which advocates for the desecrated Moses African Cemetery now hidden primarily on the Westwood Tower property in Bethesda, says Raskin has ignored the cemetery issue despite being briefed on its history and visiting the site. BACC says it hopes to meet with Raskin during the office visit, and will demand he stop the ongoing desecration of the site, and call for a federal criminal investigation into all crimes committed at the cemetery since it was first disturbed in the 1960s.

Despite his awareness of the cemetery issues, Raskin has said he will continue to defer to Montgomery County officials rather than take action himself, BACC says. "The local officials he is referring to are the same who are responsible for the crimes," BACC argues in a press release. BACC says anyone wishing to participate in this afternoon's visit should meet outside the Independence Avenue entrance of the Rayburn Office Building at 2:30 PM. "BACC will continue to visit Jamie Raskin until it is clear that he will take action," organizers said in a statement.

"Improved lighting for selfies" activated on Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row (Photos)

A contractor has completed installation of new lighting above Bethesda Lane at Bethesda Row. Property owner Federal Realty has promised the new fixtures, which replace the iconic stringed light bulbs above the pedestrian street, will provide "improved lighting for selfies." They resemble the ring lights popular among YouTube creators and Instagram and TikTok influencers, but whether the effect is the same from above the subject as it is straight ahead is debatable. Other work around Bethesda Row continues, including replacement of pavers on Bethesda Lane, a sidewalk project on Elm Street, and a new fountain plaza outside Anthropologie.

Purse snatched at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a purse snatching at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on Sunday afternoon, September 17, 2023. It was reported at the mall at 3:50 PM. The purse was left unattended, rather than being forcibly grabbed, in this case. Remember to keep an eye on your purse while shopping, as apparently someone else at the mall has an eye on it, too.

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando introduces bill to eliminate tipped minimum wage

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) introduced a bill today that would eliminate tipped minimum wages in the county by 2028. Restaurant servers, bartenders and other tipped service workers currently can be paid less than the County's minimum wage, because they theoretically will achieve the minimum wage amount through customer tips. Jawando's bill, which is also supported by Councilmember Kristin Mink (D), would phase out the tipped minimum wage over the next five years, and require restaurant owners to pay all staff the current County minimum wage. His U.S. Senate campaign is touting the bill as the latest example of Jawando's progressive leadership on the Council, at a time when his leading progressive opponent, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, is under fire from a new Intercept article that raises doubts about her past positions on crime and civil liberties issues.

“Even while running a high-stakes and fast-paced campaign for the U.S. Senate, Will is continuing to fight each and every day for his constituents in Montgomery County and embodying the core message of this campaign: to build a shared prosperity that lifts everybody up, no matter who you are or where you come from," Jawando's campaign communications director Benny Stanislawski said in a statement today. "Today’s bill is a perfect example of this, and his tried and true approach to public service. From successfully passing historic rent stabilization, to a pilot guaranteed income program, and community-informed policing in Montgomery County, Will is without a doubt the most effective legislator in the race. Today’s bill will likely become law and completely reshape the lived experience of countless working-class residents of the county."

Similar bills and laws in other jurisdictions have been highly-controversial and divisive. Restaurant owners fear their already-slim profit margins getting thinner, having to boost the wages they pay employees directly by more than $10 an hour each. Some servers and bartenders, who say they now regularly earn more than minimum wage via tips, have even opposed similar laws elsewhere. Their concern has been that word of the law - and the new service charges that restaurants add to customer tabs in the wake of their passage - will encourage customers to cut back or eliminate tipping altogether. Jawando does not believe this will be the case, but says he is proposing a second bill that would ensure service charges go to restaurant workers, rather than to the restaurant owners.

Caroline Freeland Park renovations update (Photos)

Caroline Freeland Park at 7200 Arlington Road in downtown Bethesda has been closed since July for a renovation project. The project planning dates back an entire decade, but only moved forward this summer. What we're looking at here is mainly the end of the park near the Connie Morella Library. The current work appears to still be in the "demolition" phase. Caroline Freeland Park is anticipated to reopen to the public in the fall of 2024.

Westbard Avenue realignment project update (Photos)

The deadline for the reopening of the road network in the Westbard area of Bethesda is only 11 days away. Contractors have installed the new street lamps along the sidewalks. Most are still wrapped in plastic to protect them prior to activation. It appears that utilities have indeed been undergrounded along this stretch of the former Ridgefield Road between Westbard Avenue and River Road. The utility poles that ran along the Westwood Center II side of that block of Ridgefield are gone, an interesting development given that the Montgomery County Council did not require utilities to be buried in the 2016 Westbard sector plan.

There are now traffic signal arms erected in all directions at the future T intersection of the realigned Westbard Avenue and the residential block of Westbard between Ridgefield and River. Hopefully this means there will be signal control at this intersection, which would solve what would be highly-dangerous vehicle turns across oncoming traffic for drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrian signals have been installed at the intersection, also still mostly bagged for protection.

New signage, and a road grid realignment that really wasn't fully thought through when recommended in the 2016 plan, are going to continue to be a source of confusion for non-residents. For example, a short stub of lopped-off Westbard between the "new" Westbard Avenue and Ridgefield Road has been turned at an angle, creating an odd and tiny island of land that didn't appear in the 2016 sector plan. That is County property in the former Westbard right-of-way, but also sits alongside a private home. What is going to be on it? It wasn't part of any public plan or discussion, and was never shown on maps at public meetings, but...here it is. The angled road also cuts down on the buildable area for the EYA townhomes planned for the former nursing home property.

To add to the intrigue and disorientation, the street signage facing drivers turning from the residential block of Westbard onto the commercial Westbard Avenue now says "Brookside Dr 5600," with an arrow pointing left, and "Westbard Avenue," with an arrow pointing right. 

New streetlamps

No official announcement has been made about any of these matters, but some are asking if this means Montgomery County is going to redesignate the former block of Ridgefield between Westbard and River - which was always meant to be an extension of Westbard Avenue to River via this realignment project - as a new block of Brookside Drive. That doesn't seem smart - - but it appears to be true, as the new arrow sign refers to "5600" Brookside Drive, and first block of the long-existing Brookside Drive across River in Kenwood is 5700 Brookside.

I can't think that Kenwood or Westbard developer Regency Centers would be pleased by this development. Brookside has always been a Kenwood-exclusive address, and the new designation creates a new relationship between the heavy commercial traffic coming down from Westbard and the "next block of Brookside" in Kenwood, exactly the opposite of discouraging cut-through traffic from using Kenwood as a short-cut. A new Brookside-River-Brookside intersection would be a bummer for Regency Centers, too, in losing the prominent "Westbard" connection and signage at the heavily-traveled River Road intersection, when their development is branded as Westbard Square.

What is this new island of land? Who controls it?
What will it be used for?

Again, were all of these issues really thought through to their logical outcomes? It's not like there weren't years of delay between 2016 and 2022, during which all of this could have been hashed out with thoughtful common sense. Perhaps if the after-sector-plan deliberations and decisions had been made in a public process, rather than behind closed doors, these issues could have been pointed out and avoided.

New street lamp at the base of
Ridgefield Road at Westbard Avenue

Coalition Tattoo to host walk-in flash sale September 22 & 23

Coalition Tattoo is the newest tattoo parlor in downtown Bethesda, and will be celebrating its arrival with walk-in flash sale on September 22 and 23, 2023. Prices will start between $30 and $100, depending upon the design you choose from those available for the flash sale savings. All forms of payment will be accepted, and there is an ATM machine on-site. If you have a custom design in mind, beyond the designs on sale, artists will offer a consultation during the event. 

Coalition Tattoo is located at 4823 Fairmont Avenue. It replaces Tattoo Haven. If you have any questions about the event or services offered, call or text 571-369-2537.

Zuma by Chef Ninja opening October 6 in Bethesda + construction update (Photos)

The late September opening of Zuma by Chef Ninja has slipped by a few days into next month. October 6, 2023 is the new opening date, according to the Japanese-Caribbean fusion restaurant and lounge's Google listing. Construction continues inside the former Brickside Food & Drink space. 

Mural inside the dining area

That mural we saw the artist working on last week now appears to be finished, and is quite an impressive piece. It's been interesting to see recent businesses like Zuma and La Catrina Bar & Lounge employing very talented artists for decor and promotion purposes, who are generating art-collection-quality work. Still needed here is permanent, lighted signage out front, as the old Brickside logo is still there behind the temporary Zuma banner.

Security camera appears at Norfolk Avenue Streetery in Bethesda

A mobile security camera was placed at the Norfolk Avenue Streetery in Bethesda this weekend. The solar-powered unit is overlooking the block closed to automobile traffic for outdoor dining between St. Elmo and Cordell Avenues. Similar units have been deployed in downtown Silver Spring this year by Montgomery County. Private businesses in Bethesda like CVS Pharmacy have utilized a different type of mobile camera unit, a talking robot, for several years as crime has spiked in the area.

St. Elmo Apartments rebranded as Sophia Bethesda

The branding decision has been made for the development known to this point as the St. Elmo Apartments, which is now under construction at 4924 St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda. Sophia Bethesda is the new name for the apartment tower, and an official website has been created and activated. It's interesting to see the diverging marketing strategies of this and the 4909 Auburn Avenue project. The latter just elected to stick with the geographical address branding of "4909 Auburn." According to the Sophia website, a September 2024 delivery of the tower is now anticipated.