Generator to run 24-hours-a-day for Purple Line construction in Chevy Chase

Stated site of the proposed generator
at 4200 East-West Highway; note
distance from the actual Georgetown Branch
right-of-way for Purple Line

Purple Line Transit Constructors plans to run a generator around the clock in a residential area of Chevy Chase for three weeks in December. The light rail contractors say the generator placed at 4200 East-West Highway will power a water pump. Purple Line-related new trail construction "requires 24 hour bypass pumping of water," the contractor argues in a filing with Montgomery County.

Coquelin Run continues
through the Columbia Country Club
northeast of the stated generator site

The all-day, all-night generator requires a noise waiver from the County. If the County issues the noise waiver, the generator is scheduled to begin operation on December 2, and power the water pump continuously for three weeks.

Coquelin Run passing under
East-West Highway in the
vicinity of the proposed generator
location

Curiously, the stated site of the generator and pump is a significant distance from the Purple Line Georgetown Branch right-of-way, where it passes under East-West Highway. What is near the pump site is Coquelin Run stream, which flows into Rock Creek further east. None of this makes a whole lot of sense, considering that no trail is being constructed along Coquelin Run. Why would they be pumping water here?

Bethesda construction update: 4747 Bethesda Avenue (Photos)

Here is the latest progress on JBG Smith's Class A office building project, 4747 Bethesda Avenue. All exterior glass appears to now be in place. There's still a lot of work to be done on the interior, and on the ground level retail and lobby spaces, but the project is clearly in the home stretch at this point.

Developer posts signage ahead of construction of The Claiborne

Developer Novo Properties has posted a large sign at the future construction site of The Claiborne, a residential building that will be constructed on the former site of Steamers and an adjoining parcel along Norfolk Avenue between Del Ray and Auburn Avenues in Bethesda. The sign lists the project partners, developer DBT Development Group and construction contractor Northpoint.

Donohoe brands Woodmont Triangle pedestrian plaza as Gallery Lane (Photos)

A pedestrian plaza developer The Donohoe Companies has aimed to be the next Bethesda Lane is getting similar branding. The art-filled public plaza between the Gallery Bethesda and soon-to-deliver Gallery Bethesda 2 luxury apartment tower has just been officially named "Gallery Lane."

While the plaza itself - and the lighted sculptures inspired by the Twist & Shout nightclub that once stood in the vicinity of both buildings - were completed in 2014, Donohoe's vision for the space is only now about to become reality.

The ground floor tenants in the earlier Gallery Bethesda building have been tenant-focused businesses like a convenience store with dry cleaning, and a fitness studio. Donohoe has planned all along that the ground floor spaces in the new Gallery Bethesda 2 tower would include at least one restaurant, as well as shops, that would draw non-resident foot traffic to the site. With decorative lamps strung across overhead, the plaza is designed to be a destination for outdoor diners and window shoppers - and art aficionados.

Small Business Saturday in Bethesda

Black Friday gets all the attention, but today the shopping continues locally with Small Business Saturday. Visit local retailers like Anglo Dutch Pools and Toys at 5460 Westbard Avenue, in the Westwood Shopping Center for special savings, and to support locally-owned small businesses.

Among the deals at Anglo Dutch today, both in-store and online, is 25% off all Melissa and Doug toys.

Confirmed: Brown Bag returning to Bethesda

My scoop last month about Brown Bag returning to downtown Bethesda has now been confirmed publicly by the local restaurant and catering chain. As I reported, Brown Bag will be opening in the ground floor of the Hyatt Regency Bethesda hotel at 1 Bethesda Metro Center.

The original Brown Bag at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue in the Apex Building was forced to close on December 19, 2016 because the building was being demolished to make way for a Purple Line station, and a new Carr Properties mixed-use development. It was one of the first economic casualties of the Purple Line in Montgomery County. Brown Bag continued to serve Bethesda through catering services, but was greatly missed as a breakfast and lunch spot by downtown workers.

Brown Bag has now confirmed it is "coming back to its roots" in Bethesda, where the chain opened its first restaurant. The company says its new 1710 SF location at the Hyatt will open next spring.

Mini Market to add beer and wine sales in Bethesda

The new owner of the convenience store at 8006 Norfolk Avenue is adding beer and wine sales in the near future, if approved by the Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control. Most recently called Norfolk Mini Mart, the store has changed hands, and is now known as Mini Market. The store's application will be reviewed by the Board of License Commissioners on December 6.

Pita on the Plaza coming to Bethesda Metro Center

Pita on the Plaza is coming to the plaza at the Bethesda Metro Center. The restaurant will open at 3 Bethesda Metro Center. They'll be only a block away from The Perfect Pita, a longtime fast-casual restaurant at 4520 East-West Highway.

Scaffolding blocks mailbox on Del Ray Avenue

Scaffolding has been erected to cover the sidewalk in front of the office building at 4930 Del Ray Avenue in downtown Bethesda. It is obstructing a mailbox that sits in front of the building.

Sheriff threatens to evict Paisano's from Bethesda location

Happy Thanksgiving: Montgomery County Sheriff Darren M. Popkin has posted an official notice of eviction on the door of Paisano's pizzeria at 4914 Del Ray Avenue in downtown Bethesda. The pizzeria abruptly closed a few days ago.

Now the sheriff is threatening to serve the writ of eviction if the business does not pay rent and other charges owed to the landlord and courts. The warning is labeled as a "final notice to vacate premises."

Bethesda restaurants open Thanksgiving 2018 - with menus, photos & video reviews

Did you wake up this morning and realize you have no Thanksgiving dinner plans? Not to worry, the annual Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row guide to Bethesda restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day is here.

Things change at the last minute, and seats fill up. That's why I strongly recommend:

Make sure to call ahead to reserve your seat, and ensure there are still reservations available for the time you plan to dine. I can't guarantee every restaurant on this list will still have seats to accommodate you, but I can guarantee that you will find a reservation available by the time you reach the bottom of this list.

Positano

Positano has been a fixture in downtown Bethesda since 1977, and is open every day of the year. While known for its Italian menu, you can also get a traditional Thanksgiving day feast with turkey (white or dark meat), mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, string beans, cranberry sauce and Italian bread at this spacious restaurant on Fairmont Avenue for $28. Pumpkin and apple pie, as well as several flavors of ice cream, are available to round out the meal. They'll be open from noon until 9:00 PM on Thanksgiving, their regular Italian menu will be available, and they have gluten-free options, as well.

4948-4940 Fairmont Avenue

(301)-654-1717

Dessert options on the
Thanksgiving menu at
Del Frisco's Grille

Del Frisco's Grille

Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at Pike & Rose. A la carte choices this year include Herb & Citrus Butter-Roasted Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, sage apple sausage stuffing, sweet potato casserole with pecan oat crumble, buttered green beans and cranberry sauce. Starter options are a butternut squash bisque, a jumbo lump crab cake, cheesesteak egg rolls, deviled eggs and a house salad. Dessert choices include pumpkin cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate pie, Molten Chocolate Cake, and Salted Caramel Pudding Jar.

WATCH: Video review of Thanksgiving 2015 at Del Frisco's Grille

11800 Grand Park Avenue

(301) 881-0308

Dine with an aerial view of
the holiday lights of
Pike & Rose at City Perch
this Thanksgiving

City Perch

City Perch is switching to a buffet this year for Thanksgiving. For $58 ($48 for members), you can choose from options like herb-roasted turkey, honey-baked ham, and dry-aged prime rib. Side dishes include sweet potato shepherd's pie, chestnut stuffing, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, and truffled mac & cheese. Finish your meal with renowned pastry chef Sherry Yard's 3-layer Silken Pumpkin Pie, apple cider doughnuts, or choose from a selection of house-made pies and cookies.

11830 Grand Park Avenue

301-231-2310

Clyde's of Chevy Chase

The Clyde's Thanksgiving dinner tradition continues at the Collection at Chevy Chase.

WATCH: Clyde's of Chevy Chase Thanksgiving dinner review

5441 Wisconsin Avenue
(301) 951-9600

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille in Chevy Chase will offer their Executive Chef's take on Thanksgiving favorites, as well as their regular menu.

5310 Western Avenue

(301) 718-7812

Le Vieux Logis

Yes, the revamped restaurant in downtown Bethesda raved about in the Washington Post is in the Thanksgiving sweepstakes for the fourth year in a row, and the menu can be as American or French as you want.

7925 Old Georgetown Road

(301) 652-6816

Lia's

Chef Geoff Tracy's Lia's in Friendship Heights will be serving their traditional Thanksgiving menu from 1:00 to 7:00 PM.

4435 Willard Avenue
240-223-5427

Maggiano's

A long-standing fixture on my list, Maggiano's will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal family-style.

Chevy Chase Pavilion

5333 Wisconsin Ave NW

(202) 966-5500

Morton's

A veritable Thanksgiving tradition, atop the Bethesda Metro station.

7400 Wisconsin Avenue

(301) 657-2650

The Irish Inn at Glen Echo

The Irish Inn will be charging $45 per adult, and $20 per child under 10. A wide variety of starters are available on the Thanksgiving menu, which ranges from the traditional to the Indian-inspired.

6119 Tulane Avenue
(301) 229-6600

Ruth's Chris Steak House

The Thanksgiving restaurant meal that can start with a Louisiana seafood gumbo, if you wish. Another Thanksgiving tradition in downtown Bethesda. Check out the menu here.

7315 Wisconsin Avenue

(301) 652-7877

Seasons 52

This health-conscious restaurant at North Bethesda Market returns to my list for a second year. So you'll find a Pumpkin Pie Mini Indulgence instead of a big pumpkin pie slice on the menu.

11414 Rockville Pike

(301) 984-5252

Happy Thanksgiving

from

Robert Dyer

at 

Bethesda Row!