FAA schedules meeting on proposed flight path change toward Bethesda

Updated 12:00 AM September 3: The meeting location has been moved to downtown Bethesda due to "Back to School Night" at Westland MS. Please note the new location below

A public workshop will be held on September 15 to discuss a proposed flight path change from Reagan National Airport along the Potomac River. The meeting will be held at 6:30 PM at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, which is located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda.

Under the proposed change, the path of jets departing Reagan National would move 1525' closer to the Maryland side of the Potomac from its current departure route. Essentially, neighborhoods in McLean would get a relative break at Bethesda and Palisades residents' expense (though, considering both communities are very wealthy, one has to wonder what would tip the political scales in any particular direction in this case). In official terms, however, the change is part of the NextGen program that the Federal Aviation Administration expects to have significant environmental and efficiency benefits.

Among those predicted benefits, the FAA says, will be the saving of 2.1 million gallons of jet fuel, and 18200 metric tons of carbon. The new flight paths will also improve on-time performance of airlines operating out of major U.S. cities, the agency forecasts.

The FAA says its "noise modeling" of May 2016 tells them that "there would be no significant noise impact" on communities near the new flight path. It should be noted that computer modeling is not the same as measuring actual noise levels in the real world environment.

Attendees will be able to speak individually with experts, and comment on the proposed flight path change. Those comments will be reviewed by the FAA before it makes its final determination this fall.

Map courtesy FAA

Theft on Aberdeen Rd., burglary on Wisconsin Ave. + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on August 14, according to crime data:

Burglary. 6500 block Wisconsin Avenue.

Theft. 5800 block Aberdeen Road.

Theft from vehicle. 5400 block Wisconsin Avenue.

Theft. Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Burglary. 7100 block Democracy Boulevard at 11:44 AM.

BCC Rescue Squad 2016 AYCE crab feast set for September 11

Enjoy all-you-can-eat crabs, fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, applesauce, and rolls, along
with beer and soda on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad from 1:00-5:00 PM. All proceeds go to support the squad, a community-supported nonprofit organization that provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the Bethesda-Chevy Chase area, and upper Northwest Washington, D.C.

The event will be held in the Anastasi Room at the Squad, which is located at 5020 Battery Lane.

To order advance tickets for $45 each, call 301-442-4136. Tickets will be $50 at the door on the day of the event.

Demolition update: 4733 Bethesda Avenue (Photos)

Demolition operations appear to have begun at 4733 Bethesda Avenue, to my knowledge the largest structure to be demolished in the history of Bethesda. Some equipment is in place on the roof, and a debris/trash chute has been installed down the entire height of the rear of the building.

Can any of our resident construction/demolition experts share any clues as to what is going on with some of the windows? Some along the top floor on the western facade have an appearance like they are cracked or broken, but it also looks like there is a film over them. It is hard to tell from ground level, but they didn't look like that before.

4733 Bethesda Avenue is being removed to make way for the JBG Companies' 4747 Bethesda Avenue office and retail project.

Look at the windows along the
top floor of the building - they
have a jagged/cracked appearance
but don't necessarily look like
the glass is actually punched out

Notice the attachment along
the second vertical strip of
windows at the rear of the
building

Car stolen from Galsworthy Pl., assault in Randolph Hills + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on August 13, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 4800 block St. Elmo Avenue.

Theft. 5600 block Wisconsin Avenue.

Theft from vehicle. 9800 block Broad Street.

Assault. 4700 block Creek Shore Drive (Randolph Hills).

Drug arrest. 11500 block Rockville Pike.

Vehicle burglary. 5700 block Marinelli Road.

Stolen car. 10100 block Galsworthy Place at 9:58 AM.

Burglary. 9900 block Avenel Farm Drive at 11:06 AM.

First look: New retail structure at Montrose Crossing (Photo)

The future retail addition that will replace Timpano Italian Chophouse at Montrose Crossing shopping center is officially pre-leasing. In fact, the first space has already been leased by Allure. Now included in the Federal Realty property's site plan, the above image gives the first indication of how many retail/restaurant spaces the new building will add.

There will be 7 spaces in all, ranging from Allure's 1700 SF spot to the largest 4500 SF end unit. Montrose Crossing is located at the intersection of Montrose Parkway and Rockville Pike in North Bethesda's Pike District.

Map courtesy Federal Realty
Photo: Robert Dyer

Ministry of Supply coming to Bethesda Row

The working men of Bethesda are about to get a wardrobe upgrade. A suit coat you can throw in the washing machine? Businesswear that is easy to stuff in your suitcase? A dress shirt that utilizes NASA temperature-control technology? Welcome to the Ministry of Supply, coming soon to Bethesda Row.

Named after the British government's pre-1959 military equipment department, Ministry of Supply specializes in performance businesswear that is easy to maintain, and comfortable during and after work. The venture was founded by 3 students at MIT. Much like another disrupting menswear shop at Bethesda Row, Bonobos, Ministry of Supply started online and is now moving into bricks and mortar. Bethesda will be one of the lucky few places to have them; they have existing stores in the District, San Francisco and Boston.

Prices are mid-to-upper range. You can pick up their Daystarter Kit, which includes everything you need for the office minus shoes and a tie (if you have to wear a tie), for $640. I definitely want to investigate suit coats that don't require expensive dry cleaning to maintain.

Ministry of Supply will take over the former Tugooh Toys space at 4823 Bethesda Avenue.

Theft from vehicle in Spring Hill, car burglarized on Bradmoor Dr. + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on August 12, according to crime data:

Theft. 5500 block Friendship Boulevard.

Vehicle burglary. 8900 block Bradmoor Drive.

Theft from vehicle. 5200 block Cammack Drive (Spring Hill).

Theft. 10000 block Edward Avenue.

Sketch plan filed for Crescent at Chevy Chase

The sketch plan for the future Crescent at Chevy Chase development, which will replace the Newdale Mews apartments, has been filed with the Montgomery County Planning Department. Part of the Chevy Chase Lake sector plan area, the project is directly adjacent to existing single-family homes.

When constructed, the Crescent will contain 100-125 units, with a maximum height of 50'. Parking will be provided in a one-level garage underneath the building, with up to 115 parking spaces. The precise number of spaces will not be determined until the Site Plan phase of the process. 12.5% of the residential units will be affordable MPDUs, the rate required by Montgomery County.

The Crescent will be right alongside the future Purple Line light rail system, which is currently stalled by litigation.

Chuy's aiming for October opening at Federal Plaza

Chuy's, the Mexican restaurant chain, is planning to open its first Montgomery County location at Federal Plaza this October. The restaurant has been under construction for the past several weeks; the target opening date was just announced by the restaurant's PR firm.

Chuy's replaces Ruby Tuesday at the Federal Realty shopping center. It will be located at 12266 Rockville Pike.

Theft from vehicle on Manning Dr., drug bust on Adelaide Dr. + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on August 11, according to crime data:

Theft from vehicle. 5100 block Manning Drive.

Drug arrest. 9300 block Adelaide Drive.

Theft. 7100 block Democracy Boulevard.

Theft from vehicle. 7900 block Tuckerman Lane.

Theft. 100 block Rollins Avenue (Pike District).

Bethesda Italian restaurant for sale

Wildwood Italian Cuisine and Oakville Grill and Winebar appear to be for sale, based on the contents of an online listing. Previously called Gepetto, the restaurant opened in 1977, the same year given for the start of the unnamed restaurants in the ad. Other clues include the fact that there aren't any other co-located Italian restaurants sharing a single kitchen in Bethesda. The asking price is $670,000.

3 drug busts in Bethesda, assault on Elm St. + more - Bethesda crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on August 10, according to crime data:

Assault. 4900 block Elm Street at 7:31 PM.

Theft from vehicle. 4800 block Fairmont Avenue at 3:30 PM.

Drug arrest. Beach Drive at Leland Street.

Drug arrest. 5700 block Greenlawn Drive.

Drug arrest. Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Bethesda construction update: Solaire Bethesda luxury apartments (Photos)

Check out how the Solaire Bethesda is fitting in with close neighbor Crescent Plaza like a chameleon. The color of some of the facades that face that building are now a shade closer to that of Crescent Plaza since my last update.

Considering that the Solaire's shape and proximity give the sense that the new building is "eating" the existing one, this a thoughtful touch to at least create a harmonious relationship between the two. I think they've done a nice job.

With 139 apartments and True Food Kitchen as its ground floor retail space anchor, the Solaire Bethesda is scheduled for delivery this fall. The developer is Washington Property Company.

Sex offense reported at Suburban Hospital; cars stolen in Bethesda, Martin's Additions + more - Crime update

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on August 9, according to crime data:

Theft. 7900 block Woodmont Avenue.

Burglary. 4300 block Leland Street at 10:01 AM.

Other sexual offense. Suburban Hospital.

Vehicle burglary. Columbia Country Club.

Theft. 5300 block Western Avenue.

Stolen car. Thornapple Street at Summit Avenue at 4:46 PM (Martin's Additions).

Drug arrest. Rockville Pike at Tuckerman Lane.

Stolen car. 5600 block Luxemburg Street at 5:38 PM.

Theft. 11400 block Rockville Pike.

Suicide Squad cocktails and collectible popcorn tub at ArcLight Cinemas in Bethesda (Video+photos)

Count on ArcLight Cinemas in Bethesda to enhance the experience of the biggest blockbusters, with their famous poster wall in the lobby, and cocktails inspired by the films. That is true of Suicide Squad, currently number one at the box office.

The lobby bar is offering 3 custom cocktail recipes based on the movie:

Beautiful Disaster

Beautiful Disaster

Based on star Jared Leto's two-word summary of his take on the Joker, this drink is made with Casamigos Blanco tequila, Midori liqueur, and lemon and lime juices. Having tried this one myself, I give it 5 stars.

Love Addiction

Surely Harley Quinn's choice, Love Addiction is a combination of Cruzan Aged White Rum, watermelon liqueur, lime juice and honey.

Allies

Johnny Walker Black, Carpano Antica, angostura bitters, and an orange slice are allies in this cocktail.

But wait, there's more. At the concessions stand, order your popcorn in a collectible tub emblazoned with characters from the movie.

Not sure if this is the right movie for you this weekend? Watch my review before ordering tickets.