MONTGOMERY COUNTY FARM WOMEN'S MARKET RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER CAR STRUCK THEIR BUILDING (PHOTOS)

The strange turn of events last week that saw a luxury car crash into the Montgomery County Farm Women's Market building, led to an indefinite shuttering of the structure. A Mercedes Benz remained lodged in the market's exterior wall last night.

Earlier Saturday, the market opened with vendors set up outdoors on the property.

The market released the following statement:

"Unfortunately, the Farm Women's 'Inside Market' is temporarily closed for repairs. Join us for an 'Open-Air' Market! Most every vendor will set up a stand outside as weather allows. Fresh croissants, cheese, flowers and much more... In true 'Farm Women' fashion, we turn lemons into lemonade... Fasten your seat belts and grab a scarf..."

I guess the "fasten your seatbelts" line is showing that they've maintained a sense of humor despite the possibility that the historic structure could be condemned.

The market is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with an additional Outdoor Bazaar on Sundays. Of course, it will all be outdoors for the time being, until inspectors can determine the future of the building.

CRANE ACTIVITY CLOSES AUBURN AVE. BETWEEN NORFOLK AND RUGBY IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

A crane, mounted on a flatbed truck, was being used on Auburn Avenue earlier, requiring a temporary closure of the street between Norfolk and Rugby Avenues. My guess would be that it was construction-related. But it was not a big deal trafficwise.

WHY THE CAR THAT CRASHED INTO THE FARM WOMEN'S MARKET BUILDING IS STILL THERE... (PHOTOS)

A luxury car remains lodged in the historic Montgomery Farm Women's Cooperative Market due to fears that towing it out will further damage the building. The structure has a do-not-occupy order from Montgomery County, as officials believe there is a danger in entering the building at this time.

RESIDENTS VACATE THE HAMPDEN APARTMENTS AHEAD OF DEMOLITION (PHOTOS)

The Hampden apartments at 4905 Hampden Lane in Bethesda are now vacant. Cannon Upholstery also moved out of the complex this week, into a new location on Cordell Avenue.

Once Montgomery County issues a permit, The Hampden will be demolished to make way for an ultra-luxury condominium project, The Lauren. The Hampden was one of the few (relatively) affordable buildings in downtown Bethesda.

CHEESECAKE FACTORY BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Major construction work continues inside and outside of the future Cheesecake Factory at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It is now almost certain that the exterior will be transformed into the distinctive design employed at most of the chain's locations. Expect to see columns, etc. installed before this is over.

Some of the shapes on the inside of the restaurant suggest some of the design cues found in other Cheesecake Factorys.

Also, The Cheesecake Factory has applied for a liquor license. Its hearing is December 5.

WILL APEX BUILDING DEMOLITION BE A RAW DEAL FOR BETHESDA, MOCO TAXPAYERS? (PHOTO)

Last night, I testified before the Montgomery County Planning Board regarding the Bethesda Minor Master Plan Amendment that would permit redevelopment of the Apex Building at Wisconsin Avenue and Elm Street.

Translation: the Apex Building would be demolished, the Purple Line station and Capital Crescent Trail tunnel(s) would be built, and then a new air-rights building would be constructed atop the site once again.

I am personally uncomfortable with the utilization of "minor master plan amendments," as they do not offer the level of public involvement a master plan does (theoretically, regarding the latter). Minor amendments are also ripe for unethical abuse (as opposed to ethical abuse?).

So, to be clear, I am not happy with the process being utilized here. But it's going forward anyway, so I'm engaging in said process.

I like the Apex Building, and would prefer it not be torn down. It has above-average architecture, and a well-designed plaza at street level. There's something hoggish and #firstworldproblems-esque about tearing down essentially new buildings, such as White Flint Mall and the Capital Centre.

Having said all that, I do see justification for redevelopment of the site (I'll explain that below). But there are several issues that must be addressed, if this were to be accomplished successfully.

First, the state and county have put themselves - but, more accurately, the taxpayers - in a terrible bargaining position. Ostensibly, "we" have to persuade the Apex owners to redevelop the site. That vaguely involves unspecified incentives, and possibly taxpayer expenses (in fact, some funds have already been expended in this process). But, the state has said, we need to do this by mid-December, or we're doomed.

That is the weakest and worst position you can negotiate from in a real estate deal. We're now over a barrel, and the Apex owners hold more cards than we do. Will the county and state drive a tough bargain? Or will taxpayers end up paying more for primarily a private profit enterprise?

I believe that the possibility of eminent domain needs to be employed as a result of this reckless scenario government has created. I'm no fan of eminent domain. With all due respect to the U.S. Supreme Court, I believe there are only 3 justified uses of eminent domain: for transportation facilities (highways, rail lines, etc.), public safety (fire stations) and public hospital construction if necessary. The Apex issue does involve transportation facilities: the Purple Line light rail station, and the Capital Crescent Trail.

I include the trail as a transportation facility, because in encouraging greater use of bicycling, it is a major bike conmuter route. Having a through tunnel for the trail will make it a more attractive commuting option than one on the surface with stops and starts.

Eminent domain should not be our first option, but should be used as leverage in the negotiations. And the Apex Building owners should not be punished in this process; their building fully complied with the rail system planned at the time it was built. The Purple Line has become far larger in scale than imagined at that time.

There is also another issue: will the new building have public space at street level like the Apex? Where will the garage entrances be?

Then there's the issue of density. Theoretically, atop two rail stations, the new building should be the tallest in Bethesda. Transit doesn't get any more convenient than that. What the actual height should be will have to be determined by the Planning Board, the developer, and nearby residents (at least you'd hope all stakeholders would get a say).

But, finally, here's the biggest problem of all, and the issue that this whole plan needs to hinge on: the Regal Cinemas.

The report cited by the planning department made a laughable claim that the loss of Regal would have a negligible economic impact on downtown Bethesda. Unfortunately, that blatantly false statement damaged the credibility of the entire report.

If an astronomer making a presentation begins by saying the moon is made of green cheese, sensible listeners would question the credibility of the rest of his scientific arguments to follow.

The reality is that Bethesda restaurants make a tremendous percentage of sales on "dinner and a movie" business. Landmark Bethesda Row is a fantastic theater, but it doesn't show the blockbusters the broader consumer audience goes to see.

Demolition without replacement of a multiscreen theater would be an economic disaster for Bethesda businesses. Several restaurants even have movie ticket offers, and they are virtually always for Regal.

Can you imagine being one of the few towns of Bethesda's size in America, and the only urban area in Montgomery County, without a cineplex? It's outrageous that this is even considered an option. This is my hometown, and I'm not going to let it take a backseat to Silver Spring and Rockville.

And it's total hypocrisy to talk ad nauseum about the "nighttime economy," and "walkable communities," and then suggest a major town not have a mainstream multiplex. Do county leaders want money to be spent in DC? Are they trying to fill empty seats in the restaurants and theaters coming to White Flint, where there will be more such seats than residents who can afford to fill them on a daily basis? What is going on here?

The bottom line: a development that does not contain a replacement cineplex will absolutely put more cars on the road, and send money to DC coffers, in search of movies.

Perhaps county leaders who just voted themselves a $30,000 raise at your expense have an understandable inability to relate to the common citizens, who rely on movies as a somewhat-affordable weekend entertainment option. And who have dropped tax after fee after tax on Bethesda restaurants, and just don't seem to care about the loss of income for restaurant owners and workers.

They say we need more nightlife options for young people - and they're going to take away one of the big ones we have now?

Ridiculous.

With reservations, I would support redevelopment of the Apex Building.

But under no circumstances will I support a redevelopment that does not require an equivalent multiscreen cineplex to be included in the new building.

Period.

They can't be allowed to get away with handing Bethesda residents, businesses and taxpayers a raw deal.

SHOPPES OF BETHESDA TO RENOVATE SHOPPING CENTER (PHOTO)

The Shoppes of Bethesda, a retail center located between Elm Street and Hampden Lane in Bethesda, has announced a major renovation plan for its property. Work is expected to be completed next year, and will freshen the appearance of the complex. The shopping center is directly adjacent to Bethesda Row.

Rendering courtesy Draiman Properties, All rights reserved.

THE DARCY BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

Here's the latest progress at the Lot 31 construction site at Bethesda Row. The area you see in the photos below is where The Darcy luxury condo building will eventually stand, 10 stories above Bethesda Row. But at the moment, workers are still completing the mammoth, 900-space public parking garage the building will share with The Flats, a luxury apartment building. In the not-so-distant future, you may driving around down there (and hopefully finding a vacant space more quickly than you do at the existing garage on Bethesda Avenue).

Click on photos to enlarge for detail:

MCDONALD'S BACON BUFFALO RANCH MCCHICKEN REVIEW (VIDEO) - MCDONALD'S NEW DOLLAR MENU AND MORE

It's time to test out another new sandwich on the equally-new "Dollar Menu and More" menu (is that redundant?). Today I'm reviewing the Bacon Buffalo Ranch McChicken. Plus, our guest expert's latest business scheme goes awry. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, and you won't miss a single episode.

PANERA BREAD POSTS COMING SOON SIGNAGE AT FUTURE BETHESDA LOCATION (PHOTO)

A "coming soon" banner has been posted at the future Panera Bread at 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, in downtown Bethesda. Work continues inside.

WSSC BRINGS IN HEAVY EQUIPMENT TO SEARCH FOR BETHESDA ROW WATER MAIN BREAK (PHOTOS)

WSSC crews are arriving with heavy equipment at Bethesda Row, after earlier efforts narrowed the search area for a water main leak beneath Bethesda Avenue.

A valve shut off earlier stopped the flow of water on the busy street.

Crews are now focused on a section of street between Five Guys and ShopHouse, and the pavement is marked up for digging.

It's best to avoid this route for now, despite the temporary reopening of lanes on Bethesda Avenue.

Stay tuned here and on Twitter for updates at @BethesdaRow.

BETHESDA ROW WATER MAIN BREAK UPDATE (PHOTOS)

WSSC employees were telling Bethesda Avenue business owners that water could be shut off on Bethesda Avenue for 30 minutes at 7:30 tonight. However, it has become apparent that it could be off for a longer period.

Water continued to flow into storm drains from a water main break under the street, which remains closed between Woodmont Avenue and the Public Parking garage entrance by Nando's.

WSSC crews say they are narrowing their search for the location of the break on Bethesda Avenue at this hour.

Five Guys aren't waiting any longer; the restaurant has closed for the night.

Stay tuned here and on Twitter at @BethesdaRow for updates.

PATI JINICH BOOK SIGNING AT BETHESDA ROW NOVEMBER 21 (PHOTOS)

You may have seen chef and author Pati Jinich on PBS. On November 21, you'll be seeing her in person at Bethesda Row. She'll be signing copies of the companion cookbook to her TV series, Pati's Mexican Table, at Le Creuset on Bethesda Lane, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.

This would be a great holiday gift for the aspiring chef, or just to get some last minute ideas for unorthodox Thanksgiving side dishes.

BRUNO CIPRIANI MOVES FROM WHITE FLINT TO CHEVY CHASE, CHANGES NAME TO DePandi

Legendary local menswear clothier Eduardo DePandi has made the move out of his longtime home in White Flint Mall, and headed down Route 355 to Chevy Chase.

But his new business is an eponymous one, putting his name on the storefront, rather than Bruno Cipriani, as the old location was called.

DePandi's famous son-in-law and daughter, Bill and Giuliana Rancic, hosted a grand opening party at the store this past Sunday. Georgetown Cupcakes were served (see photo below). When she was Giuliana DePandi, Rancic lived in Bethesda and attended Walt Whitman High School.

DePandi offers formal to casual wear from premier Italian designers, including Versace Collection, Dolcepunta, Ravazzolo, Gerlin Look, Marol Bologna Gimo's and other exclusive and made-to-measure collections.

The store is located at 5518 Wisconsin Avenue. I recall this space being Julian's, a pretty decent restaurant in what was then a Holiday Inn. Today, the hotel is a renovated Courtyard by Marriott.

CANNON UPHOLSTERY OPENS IN NEW BETHESDA LOCATION (PHOTOS)

Cannon Upholstery has opened in its new home at 4913 Cordell Avenue. Their new space was previously occupied by Cookies By Design. The longtime Bethesda business has moved because its old location is being demolished by The Lauren ultra-luxury condo project on Hampden Lane.

AVOID INTERSECTION OF OLD GEORGETOWN AND ARLINGTON IN BETHESDA - UTILITY WORK (PHOTOS)

Utility work has made a mess for traffic at the major Bethesda intersection of Old Georgetown Road, Wilson Lane, Arlington Road, and St. Elmo Avenue in Bethesda.

There are lane closures on Old Georgetown inbound, St. Elmo westbound, and Wilson Lane. I would suggest detouring onto Wisconsin or Woodmont to avoid this area.

DOWNTOWN BETHESDA MASTER PLAN MEETING: MISSED IT? YOU DIDN'T MISS MUCH

Miss the Downtown Bethesda Plan Kick-off Meeting last night at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Services Center? You had two additional hours in your life that those of us who attended lost.

I can't speak for anyone but myself. Perhaps everyone else there felt it was productive. But I found it to be mostly a waste of my time.

Clearly, the Montgomery County Planning Department underestimated the level of community involvement by residents of downtown Bethesda and surrounding neighborhoods. Both rooms were standing-room-only. With all of this interest and engagement, and with a sense of respect for people's valuable time, so too did the format seem to undershoot a highly educated audience.

Large easels were set up with childlike questions: What do you like about Bethesda? What don't you like about Bethesda? What places in downtown Bethesda are important to you?

That's fine to start with, I suppose. But that ended up being it. We learned shocking insights, such as that people like restaurants and art in Bethesda. And that people don't like traffic congestion and parking.

Who knew?

When I left the meeting, my issues had never even gotten a hearing. I did not have a chance to speak. My comments on a Post-It note were stuck on to the easel. But when the group's Post-Its and verbal comments were later summarized aloud to the entire room - and recorded onto video for the planning website - none of my issues were mentioned.

And of other attendees' issues that were acknowledged, the discussion was never advanced as to how these issues will be addressed in the plan.

For example, when someone says they are displeased about traffic, that's not enough information. And we don't know how that's being interpreted by the planners through the biases they have, just as each of us have different opinions and theories about transportation. What if we get a plan that addresses traffic with a transit-only solution, for example? We know that doesn't fully address the fact that cars remain the primary mode of transportation. But we didn't have that discussion.

We like art. We want affordable housing. Great. But how do we want to achieve that? If the solution part is entirely up to the planners, that's not an inclusive process.

The county takes a carrot approach to developers, but takes the stick to citizens. For example, when the County Council wants developers to build more affordable units, it doesn't exercise its power to set a higher percentage. It offers incentives and buyouts, etc.

But when the county wants you to stop using plastic bags or speeding, does it offer you a treat? No. It uses the stick of charging you money. Why the discrepancy in approach?

So will goals people had last night be reached by developer funds or taxpayer wallets? We don't know, because we never had the discussion.

Is a draft plan of some kind going to be generated from this very shallow level of discussion? And we will get that plan without further discussion?

In my experience, events like this get held, and basic ideas are recorded. But rather than shape the plan in a forward direction, planners already have a plan in mind, and will attempt to tie those master plan changes to the citizen comments from the initial meeting. I hope that will not be the case here.

Perhaps my Post-It notes will be recorded. I think some of the issues I mentioned on there were fundamentally important in drafting a master plan - such as providing adequate gas stations for a population that is only going to increase in the future. We were entirely sold out of gas in downtown Bethesda during two weather incidents that weren't even that catastrophic. This presents a major public safety and infrastructure issue going forward. But it got no consideration last night.

And what about perhaps the most fundamental issue that must be addressed: density and building heights? It's not about buildings being "too tall," or "too short," but where they are located in the downtown. For example, we have a tiny bank building being proposed for a site surrounded by high-rises at the Metro station. That makes no sense if we are claiming to support higher density at the Metro station.

Likewise, Upstairs at Bethesda Row was reduced in height despite being a full block from a residential neighborhood. Fair enough. But why, then, is The Darcy allowed to be 10 stories directly over homes in the Sacks neighborhood. This type of inconsistent zoning, and consideration of nearby properties in zoning, need to be addressed in the master plan revision.

There also were no handouts at the meeting. It's good to hear from the specific people who are working on the plan. But we need to hear a lot more from the public before a specific draft proposal can be drawn up.

MCDONALD'S BBQ RANCH BURGER REVIEW (VIDEO) - NEW MCDONALD'S DOLLAR MENU AND MORE ITEM

Starting today, McDonald's is launching a new Dollar Menu, now called Dollar Menu and More. Some items cost $2, hence the "and More" suffix.

A new addition is the McDonald's BBQ Ranch Burger. I reviewed this new burger, which has a surprising number of toppings for a burger costing a mere $1: Classic McDonald's hamburger and bun, white cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, crunchy tortilla strips, BBQ sauce and ranch sauce.

Obviously, the crunchy corn chips on top are the biggest source of excitement and interest in this new burger.