Significant power outages in Bethesda as storm produces heavy lightning in D.C. area

Over 1000 Pepco customers across Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac have lost power so far in a storm that struck the area just after 8:00 PM tonight. The storm's most destructive feature so far has been the frequent lightning, along with some strong wind gusts. Hardest hit so far has been the Woodmont Triangle in downtown Bethesda, where over 1180 homes and businesses are now in the dark. Smaller outages (between 5 and 60 customers apiece) have been reported in Wyngate, Lone Oak, Westlake, Potomac, Carderock, Glen Echo Heights, and Chevy Chase.

Sidewalk reopens at The Edge in Bethesda (Photos)

The Woodmont Avenue sidewalk in front of the construction site of The Edge apartments at Edgemoor Lane has reopened to pedestrians. That is giving the first closeup look inside the lobby and future fitness center. You can also see the nice accent lighting from the sconces along the exterior of the ground level.

Lobby

The package room in the lobby

Lobby

Lobby

Lobby

Fitness center

Fitness center

Vuk, Chef Tony's close on St. Elmo Avenue (Photos)

Vuk and Chef Tony's have closed on St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda. Both are among the spaces being demolished to make way for the St. Elmo Apartments development. Chef Tony's still has a location at The Promenade in Bethesda. 

Honda Civic Hatch Sport TRG on display at Ourisman Honda

Ourisman Honda at 4800 Bethesda Avenue has a 2021 Honda Civic Hatch Sport TRG on display. I prefer the exterior of the Type R model, and you have other choices in this price range, but this one is not bad for $33,000. The styling is aggressive, and the car is loaded. Just in time for F9!

Bethesda fountains come alive for summer (Video+Photos)

The temperature and the fountains in downtown Bethesda often get ahead of Mother Nature in declaring the arrival of summer. Once again, the fountains in Veterans Park and on the Bethesda Metro Center plaza are providing David Letterman-esque dancing waters, cool breezes and negative ions that can boost the spirits of the weary commuter, tourist or Montgomery County taxpayer. 

The cascading waterfalls at the Bethesda Metro Center fountains can relax the mind. Bethesda's water features remind us of the inspiration behind our town's name: the healing pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem.

Bethesda construction update: The Edge apartments (Photos)

A leasing office has opened for The Edge apartments at 4885 Edgemoor Lane in a temporary space next door in the The Edgemont apartment complex. Pricing for the apartments has also been announced: 1-bedrooms from $2510, 2-bedrooms from $3960, and 3-bedrooms from $5325. 

"You just passed us!"

As you can see, the promise of Montgomery County politicians that a flood of new apartments would result in lower rents still has yet to materialize. The upsides are luxury amenities, premium appliances, a 96 walk score, and being directly at the Bethesda Metro station. See their updated website for full details and to schedule a leasing appointment.

Catalytic converters being stolen in Bethesda

Residents in the Woodacres neighborhood and elsewhere in Bethesda report that thieves are again targeting catalytic converters in vehicles. Airbags are the primary auto part crooks are after these days, but catalytic converters are very expensive to replace. One resident reports that catalytic converter security covers can be installed to deter thieves. 

As always, if you can garage your vehicle at night, it is increasingly advisable as crime increases. Realistically, however, many vehicles must remain outdoors, so be alert to this current trend.

Bethesda construction update: Maizon Bethesda apartments (Photos)

Construction of the interior of the units at the Maizon Bethesda seems to have taken forever, but more appliances are being installed in completed apartments. Washers and dryers have now appeared in units visible from street level. The lobby entrance is also taking shape. Located at 4900 Moorland Lane, along Arlington Road, the building is scheduled to begin leasing this summer.

Track and ceiling lighting fixtures
in a unit at the Maizon

A stacked washer-dryer unit
awaits installation