UP Robotics opens in Bethesda

UP Robotics has moved into the second floor space at 7801 Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda, above Reddz Trading. Founded by parents and experienced robotics teams coaches, UP Robotics offers after school and summer camp programs centered on robots, drones and coding. Programs are available for Grades 1 through 8. Teams will compete in FIRST Lego League Challenge and FIRST Lego League Explore divisions.​

You're on Candid Camera in Westbard Square garage in Bethesda - forever

UPDATE - May 18: I have been informed by Regency Centers that the signs were posted temporarily for a promotional video shoot at the property, and are not permanent.

There's an unusual sign posted inside the parking garage at the new Westbard Square development at 5400 Westbard Avenue in Bethesda. "Notice of Filming," it reads at the top. But it's different from the typical disclosure of surveillance camera monitoring. 

The notice advises patrons that not only are you being filmed, but audio recorded as well, and that your image, likeness and voice can be used by property owner Regency Centers in perpetuity. This use of your image and voice can be in any form of media that exists now, or in the future. I am waiting for Ashton Kutcher to jump out.

Hogan launches Democrats for Hogan in Maryland Senate race; Alsobrooks responds with video, Clinton endorsement

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) formalized his outreach to Democratic voters in the blue state, a day after winning the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat of the retiring Ben Cardin (D). He turned to former Democratic State Senator Bobby Zirkin (MD-11) to lead "Democrats for Hogan," a coalition voters can join that will spearhead the popular former governor's effort to win with bipartisan support in November. 

Hogan enjoyed such support during his two terms as governor, and with his attacks on Donald Trump, reporters and pundits pointed out that polling showed him more popular with Democrats than in his own party at times. Some Republicans took to calling Hogan "Lockdown Larry" for his response to the pandemic, but he received high marks for his handling of the Covid-19 crisis from a majority of voters.

"I’ve been a lifelong Democrat, and as a Democrat, I’m excited to vote and support and work for Larry Hogan for the United States Senate. He is exactly the leader we need," Zirkin said in a video released by the Hogan for Maryland campaign. "I encourage all of my fellow Democrats to really review the record of Governor Hogan, to look at things like fracking and criminal justice reform and cyberbullying, and the way that he was able to hold the line on taxes and still invest in things that are important like education and the Chesapeake Bay. Maybe most importantly, for those of you who believe like me from both parties - but I’m talking to the Democrats right now - that the hyper-partisanship in Washington is not what we should expect from our leaders. That we should expect them to work together. And if you believe that like I do, then I would encourage you to come out and support Larry Hogan for the United States Senate."

Not so fast, Hogan's Democratic opponent, Angela Alsobrooks said with her postings on social media today. Alsobrooks tweeted a video in which she emphasizes Hogan's identity as Republican rather than bipartisan. She retweeted an endorsement from Hillary Clinton, in which the former U.S. Senator wrote of the current Prince George's County Executive, "Maryland, help this extraordinary public servant become your next Senator!" Not surprisingly, the overarching theme of Alsobrooks' output today was abortion. So far, the campaign and all of its surrogates are laser-focused on the pro-choice message, which Democrats have found to be a winning one since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

The topic was also on Hogan's agenda today. Referring to his record at the state level, he tweeted, "As governor, I protected the rights of Maryland women to make their own reproductive health decisions. I will do the same in the Senate by restoring Roe v. Wade as the law of the land. No one should come between a woman and her doctor."

He followed up his Democrats for Hogan announcement with a new video of prominent Democrats praising him compiled from TV and radio reports broadcast in recent years, featuring current Governor Wes Moore, former president Bill Clinton, President Joe Biden, Senator Chris Van Hollen and...Angela Alsobrooks.

"To my Democratic and Independent friends, you know me and you know my proven track record of reaching across the aisle to find common ground for the common good," Hogan said in a statement. "I will continue to be the same strong independent leader for Maryland that I always have been. You know that I have the courage to put people over politics and to put country over party. If you are completely fed up with the divisiveness and dysfunction and want a strong, independent leader who will stand-up and fight to clean up the mess in Washington—then join our cause."

Photos courtesy Hogan for Maryland (top), Alsobrooks for Senate (bottom)

MCPS Countywide Art Show at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

Here are some of the exhibits displayed during the recent Montgomery County Public Schools Countywide Art Show at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The schools represented at the show included Ashburton Elementary School in Bethesda, Candlewood Elementary School in Derwood, and Germantown Elementary School. MCPS uses the annual art show to represent student talents, and illustrate the goals of its Visual Arts curriculum. "The visual arts promote the core competencies - Academic Excellence, Creative Problem-solving, and Social Emotional Learning - identified by MCPS as essential to prepare students for success in the 21st century," the school system explained in a description displayed alongside the artwork.

Armed robbery at Geste Beer & Wine in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Geste Beer & Wine at 4801 Edgemoor Lane early Tuesday evening. The robbery was reported at the store at 6:32 PM Tuesday. A reader reported having seen at least 10 police cruisers arriving at the store, which is right by the Bethesda Metro station, about 9 minutes after the store owner reported the robbery. That fits what owner Ajay Aggarwal told Fox 5 yesterday. Another reader tweeted video of the scene about 50 minutes after the robbery.

Fox 5 reported that the store had been robbed at gunpoint only one night earlier. Aggarwal said police "made me close the shop" earlier than the usual midnight closing time. He complied, but said he cannot afford to do that every night, and wished there were more police on patrol in downtown Bethesda. Montgomery County has lost 194 police officers in the last 5 years, there are 179 sworn officer vacancies, and police priority response time has increased "more than 17%" since 2019, a County Council staff member reported in March.

Despite that and the ample evidence of crime all around us, the Council has not taken any substantive action on public safety. The record of no results speaks for itself. It will be interesting to see how much longer business owners can take this, before they take concerted action to elect leaders who will actually address the crime plaguing Montgomery County.

Bethesda Downtown Minor Master Plan Amendment process beginning

The public process to introduce and potentially approve a Minor Master Plan Amendment to the 2017 Bethesda Downtown master plan will begin next week. Three community events will provide information to, and take preliminary feedback and commentary from, the public. The first will be held during the Bethesda Central Farm Market at Bethesda Elementary School at 7600 Arlington Road this Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Two more events are scheduled for Wednesday, May 29 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at the Connie Morella Bethesda Library at 7400 Arlington Road, and on Saturday, June 1 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chevy Chase Town Hall meeting room at 4301 Willow Lane.

Minor Master Plan Amendments have been controversial for three reasons. They have an abbreviated public process compared to a full sector plan. Second, there is often a particular developer seeking to redevelop a particular property beyond what current zoning allows, and - to get around the illegality of benefitting one property owner - a map is drawn up including a few properties around that site to provide a veneer of legitimacy to the amendment. Finally, the Montgomery County Council and Planning Board have failed to extract significant concessions or public benefits and amenities in exchange for the upzoning that typically results from an MMPA. 

Case in point for the latter is the MMPA that covered the redevelopment of the Apex Building at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue. The Council could have, but did not, require a replacement cineplex for the Regal Bethesda 10 that was in the ground floor of that now-demolished building. It also did not mandate that the developer provide the replacement Capital Crescent Trail tunnel under Wisconsin Avenue. As a result, we now have neither. 

The CCT tunnel? It's now very likely never to happen, especially as long the County budget continues to favor the developers and "non-profits" run by Friends of the County Council over the residents and taxpayers. The whole point of the MMPA process is to wrest at least some public benefit out of the upzoned development, in exchange for the greater profits being realized by the private developer. It's safe to say the Council failed spectacularly in that last MMPA, despite holding 100% of the leverage, and it's clear the failure was intentional.

Now, the MMPA being proposed this time is said to be focused on the cap on development allowed by the 2017 plan's Bethesda Overlay Zone. When development since 2017 comes within 2,000,000-square-feet of the 32.4 million cap, the plan recommends the County Planning Department "check in with the County Council to see if additional recommendations are needed to help implementation of public amenity and infrastructure recommendations like new parks and transportation-related improvements."

So far, despite the lofty promises of the Planning Board and County Council, the 2017 Bethesda Downtown Plan has delivered zero amenities and zero new parks. At the same time, it has provided substantial real estate development for tremendous private profit. Keep this in mind if you participate in this MMPA public process. Demand you get a return for your tax dollars that are being spent (the County's structural budget deficit has raised your property taxes every year except FY- 2015, in which the average homeowner received a $12 tax "cut") and the noise, higher housing costs, inconvenience, overcrowded classrooms, traffic congestion and net loss of existing affordable housing created by all of this development.

Alsobrooks to take on Hogan this fall, Parrott surprises to face Delaney in Maryland primary election results

Democrat David Trone's wallet is a lot lighter this morning, as Angela Alsobrooks brought an expensive end to the multimillionaire's political career by securing the Democratic nomination for the Maryland U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Ben Cardin (D). Alsobrooks, who currently serves as Prince George's County Executive, would be the first Black person to represent her state in the U.S. Senate if she wins in November. Standing between her and victory is popular former governor Larry Hogan (R), who also won his primary last night. 

While the victory of Alsobrooks followed the trends of her party in the state's recent elections, the favoring of younger and more-progressive candidates did not extend to the 6th Congressional District race, as April McClain Delaney defeated fellow Democrat Joe Vogel. The McClain Delaney-David Trone-John Delaney arc begs the question: has this seat simply become the plaything of the rich? One has to be wistful for the days of farmer Roscoe Bartlett (R), who - God bless him - is still living his best life at the age of 97 after being gerrymandered out of the seat in 2012. A congressperson who thought it was wrong for the government to spy on its own citizens - imagine that!

The surprise of the night in the 6th was the decisive victory of Neil Parrott on the Republican side of that contest. Former gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox was expected to win, or at least come close, after his high-profile endorsement by Donald Trump two years ago. Now spending most of his days in a Manhattan courtroom, and without his nemesis Hogan facing Cox this time, Trump did not weigh in on the 6th District race.

Cox has a strong and loyal following among his supporters, establishing a real movement among Christian conservatives and America First Republicans, even if downsized from 2022. While Tuesday's loss may add to doubts about his future statewide potential, it's unlikely you've heard the last of the attorney and former delegate on the political stage. Parrott will now need to maintain his momentum - and money, money and more money - to stay competitive with McClain Delaney this fall. The 6th District remains severely gerrymandered in strong favor of Democrats. A majority on the U.S. Supreme Court seem to be fine with that, as long as they don't have to undo the red state gerrymandering that has helped Republicans win more seats in Congress than they otherwise would have in recent years.

In the 8th Congressional District, Cheryl Riley defeated Michael Yadeta in a blowout victory. She will face incumbent Jamie Raskin (D) in November.

Can Alsobrooks beat Hogan? Absolutely, if all of the Democrats, independents and Republican women fired up about Roe v. Wade turn out like they did nationally in 2022 and 2023. Out-of-state groups supporting abortion rights were already engaged on her behalf in the primary, and those cash spigots will almost surely be fully-opened after Labor Day. You will hear the word "abortion" coming out of your TV speakers non-stop starting around that time, and lasting through Election Day in November. 

With Black voters holding real power in Maryland, Alsobrooks' potential history-making win is another point in her favor. And she clearly has keen political senses and organizational skills, having just run one of the biggest upset campaigns in recent Maryland history.

At the same time, Hogan has to like the result last night. Alsobrooks doesn't have the Trone fortune at her disposal, while Hogan will have a bounty of GOP dark money flowing in from out of state. Trone had much more appeal to older, moderate and independent voters than Alsobrooks will; those demographics are now in Hogan's corner again. 

Hogan enjoyed strong bipartisan support during his time as governor; Alsobrooks has not in her time as executive or state's attorney. She also doesn't have the statewide name recognition Hogan has. And because she has served in an executive role, Alsobrooks has a record with some weak spots that Hogan or his surrogates can target to a greater extent than Trone's would have provided.

Hogan was limited in what he could do while governor, as his power was greatly restricted by the Democratic legislature. But the things he did do, such as stopping tax hikes or reducing tolls, helped everyone, and voters across a diverse spectrum are likely to remember that at a time when wallets are being crushed by inflation. Barring a Roy McGrath October Surprise, Hogan is going to run a competitive race, and it will be the most-watched contest in the nation outside of Trump vs. Biden.

The most closely-watched races in Montgomery County were for the Board of Education. With the school system, student safety, and student performance continuing to trend downward, and a contentious debate over parents' ability to have their kids opt-out of some curriculum content, a number of insurgent candidates entered the contests to take on the establishment. Election results are so far showing none of the "opt-out" candidates prevailing, and two out of the three teacher's union Apple Ballot candidates are currently winning. 

Apple Ballot choice Rita Montoya is in a tight At-Large race with incumbent Lynne Harris, as ballots continue to arrive and be counted. Election results show Montoya seemed to perform best with voters who cast their ballots in person, while Harris excelled among those voting by mail. Mailed-in votes will continue to be delivered to the Board of Elections in the days ahead.

But David Trone spending $60 million of his own fortune and losing is probably the biggest headline this morning. The private jets, the Ferraris, the lavish mansions that the rest of us could have bought if we had that money... Or the sick who could have been cured, the homeless that could have housed, and the children who could have been educated... Our political system is totally corrupt, and our bank vault-busting election spending is only one of the notable symptoms. 

Initial release of Westbard Square townhomes sells out in Bethesda

The initial set of townhomes released at the Brownstones at Westbard Square development in Bethesda sold out on the first weekend of sales, developer EYA reported today. While not even one of the homes has been constructed yet, potential buyers or their representatives lined up outside the sales center overnight Saturday, despite stormy weather. When sales commenced Sunday morning, there were more than 60 people waiting in line for the $1 million homes. A video posted by the developer features comments from the first buyer to sign a contract.

"All appointments are booked," the Bethesda-based company said in an email. Another set of the townhomes is expected to go on sale soon, however. New rental apartments often stand empty these days in Montgomery County. Condo-mania in downtown Bethesda seemed to cool off several years ago. Is million-dollar-townhome-mania next?

Photo courtesy EYA

Jewelry store broken into at Bethesda Row

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at a jewelry store at Bethesda Row Sunday morning, May 12, 2024. The burglary was reported at a store in the 7100 block of Bethesda Lane at 5:09 AM. Officers arriving at the scene found evidence of forced entry at the business. Pampillonia Jewelers is located on that block. 

Contents of Potomac restaurant to be auctioned off Tuesday

The contents of a shuttered restaurant in Potomac will be auctioned off starting tomorrow, May 14, 2024, at 10:07 AM. Synchronize your watches if you want to get in on all of the kitchen and dining room equipment being liquidated from Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar at 10128 River Road, in the Potomac Place shopping center. Items up for bid include a salad spinner, various types of refrigerators, a pizza prep station that makes a loud grinding noise in its current condition, dining tables and chairs, booth seating, artworks that include a canal boat traveling between the C&O Canal locks that inspired the restaurant's name, flatscreen TVs, assorted china, and waffle makers.

Rasmus Auctions has prepared a video to give you a preview of what's being auctioned off, in addition to the photos on the individual items shown in the auction listing. That's where you can also sign up to be approved to bid. The video gives you a lot more information than the typical auction listing provides. Lock 72 Kitchen & Bar closed last fall.

Ruta Ukrainian restaurant Bethesda location construction update (Photos)

Construction on the outdoor patio at Ruta, the Ukrainian restaurant opening soon at 4862 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda, picked up steam over the weekend. A pair of artists worked into the night on a wall art installation on the right side of the patio. The frame and backlighting for a sign over the storefront are now in place. Painstaking work painting the final letter "A" on a floral logo has begun. This will be the second location for Ruta, whose Washington, D.C. location has been touted as the first Ukrainian restaurant in the District.

"Do not enter with mask," warns business at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

"Do not enter with mask," a sign warns patrons at Perfume World in Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. A hand-drawn illustration next to the message depicts a full-face ski mask. The City of Philadelphia passed a ban on ski masks in many public places, with some exceptions, last year. Many jurisdictions across the country have a form of ski mask ban, while others have considered passing one amid a persistent spike in retail and violent crime since 2020. A few, including New York City and Washington, D.C., have repealed existing ski mask bans during that same time period.

Buyers brave storms to line up overnight for Bethesda townhomes

The rumors circulating among local real estate observers were true. Prospective buyers and investors, or representatives hired to take their physical place, indeed lined up outside overnight at the sales center for the Brownstones at Westbard Place at 5101 Ridgefield Road in Bethesda, where sales will officially begin this morning. Developer EYA held a preview event for the luxury townhome development yesterday. The event ended at 4:00 PM, but the night was just beginning for the tent and car campers.

Buyers seeking to secure one of the 101 townhomes with a sales contract and deposit this morning were milling around under the white event tent last night. What looked like the setting for an upscale garden party soon became a shelter from tempestuous weather. An electrical storm passed through around midnight, sending some retreating to their vehicles parked along Westbard Avenue. 

Flashes of lightning illuminated the construction site where the first 50 of the coveted homes will rise over the next two years. Thunder shook the land, a suddenly-windswept bluff with a commanding view of the majestic Kenwood community and a Whole Foods Market. The heaviest downpour of 2024 so far couldn't wash away the true believers, with visions of in-home elevators and rooftop decks dancing in their heads.

Two vehicles in a driveway on the development property had running motors. Others were parked in the bike lane on Westbard. One person appeared to be asleep inside. At 5:30 AM, another storm passed through. There was very little thunder, but the heavy downpours lasted for more than half an hour. Let's hope whoever's paying the campers - future homeowners, investors, Blackrock? - is compensating them sufficiently for this long, dark and stormy night.

Fountain activated at Veterans Park in Bethesda

The number of water features in downtown Bethesda has been shrinking rapidly in recent years. One of the few still functioning was just activated for the summer season yesterday at Veterans Park at 7898 Woodmont Avenue. The fountain is a natural noise cancelling machine, providing a calming effect amid the sounds of traffic and activity downtown. This memorial is dedicated to Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents killed in the major military conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. "Fondly do we hope - fervently do we pray - that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away.” - Abraham Lincoln.

Road closures, parking restrictions today & Sunday for Bethesda Fine Arts Festival

Watch for street closures and parking restrictions in the Woodmont Triangle of downtown Bethesda today and tomorrow, May 11 and 12, 2024, related to the annual Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. Many parking meters are "bagged" to be out of service, and the small Public Parking Lot 28 at 4854 Cordell Avenue will be closed from now until 9:00 PM Sunday night. The festival is free, and will be located along Norfolk, Auburn and Del Ray Avenues from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM today, and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday. It will take place rain or shine on both days.

EYA holding Brownstones at Westbard Square preview event today in Bethesda

Developer EYA is holding a preview event for its Brownstones at Westbard Square development today, May 11, 2024, from noon until 4:00 PM, in a special event venue set up near the sales office at 5101 Ridgefield Road in Bethesda. You can RSVP online to attend (click on the link and scroll down to the bottom of the webpage for the RSVP form). Four townhome models are being presented for sale: the Beryl, the Citrine, the Citrine with elevator, and the Lapis (click on the individual links to see floorplans, and a video tour of each model). The first sales contracts will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis starting tomorrow, Sunday, May 12.

Beryl model living room

All models feature open floorplans on the main level. Promotional materials highlight the location, which is within walking distance to Whole Foods Market and the Capital Crescent Trail, as well as the new Westbard Square development itself with retailers such as Giant and the future Tatte Bakery & Cafe. Part of the Brownstones community will be on the Westbard Square property itself, a Sonny Jurgensen football throw away from 5101 Ridgefield at 5400 Westbard Avenue.

Beryl model kitchen

“I am thrilled to see such robust interest in The Brownstones at Westbard Square, a community that will exemplify the best of walkable urban living and offer a tremendous quality of life to our future homeowners,” EYA President and CEO McLean Quinn said in a statement. How strong is the interest? If you believe this poster on Reddit, "people are hiring line waiters to wait overnight Saturday night until they open at 10 am on Sunday to accept $10k deposits. Crazy stuff." 

Beryl model rooftop terrace

Renderings courtesy EYA

The Grove recalibrates for today's economy at Cabin John Village

The Grove has undergone the second revamping of its concept since the Common Plate Hospitality Group first signed a lease at Cabin John Village about a year ago. Initially envisioned as a Belgian restaurant, by the time it opened in the December, the cuisine had shifted to the Mediterranean. It was positioned as upscale fine dining. But it just closed for a few days, and has now reopened with changes to the menu and dining room.

Most noticeable are the additions of the words "Bar & Grill" to the restaurant's name, and the flatscreen televisions now showing live sporting events around the bar. It looks like prices on the menu have been reduced. The cuisine is now American, with a number of dishes inspired by a body of water much closer to home: the Chesapeake Bay. Burgers, crab cakes, chicken, pasta dishes, and seafood - including Maryland favorite rockfish - are slightly more reasonable in price, as well.

There seemed to be a good crowd on hand for one of the first nights under the new concept. The Grove has broadened its appeal, and can now attract more of a neighborhood, family target audience. Every shopping center needs a restaurant like this, where even the pickiest members of the group can find something on the menu that doesn't break the bank - in relative terms. This is Potomac, after all.

Mon Ami Gabi closes for renovations at Bethesda Row

Mon Ami Gabi has temporarily closed for renovations at 7239 Woodmont Avenue at Bethesda Row. Signage has been removed from the exterior. The popular French restaurant will not only undergo remodeling, but will expand to become even larger. 

Changes will include a new, relocated main entrance, and the addition of a larger outdoor dining area. An expansion into the vacant former Chaia space next door will allow for two private dining rooms. Mon Ami Gabi is anticipated to reopen by the end of 2024.

Rendering of future entrance

Mui Japanese restaurant to replace The Block at Pike & Rose

The Block is gone at 967 Rose Avenue at Pike & Rose, but the space is going to remain a destination for Asian cuisine. Mui, a Japanese restaurant, will open in the former food hall spot next to West Elm this coming winter. Inspired by the modern cuisine of Japan, the menu at Mui will combine traditional and innovative new dishes. Seafood and meat will be cooked on a Robata grill. Like many top sushi restaurants in the region, Mui will offer an omakase dining option, which will leave the selection to the chef, who will surprise and delight diners with their latest creations.

A wine and champagne list will join a curated selection of cocktails. These will be complimented by a menu of fine agave, scotch and sake brands. 

"We warmly welcome Mui to Pike & Rose," Federal Realty Senior Vice President Stuart Biel said in a statement this morning. "Our highly amenitized neighborhood is a popular destination for foodies and shoppers from North Bethesda and the greater community, and we are thrilled to share this new dining experience." "With its lively environment, Pike & Rose is the perfect setting for Mui’s first restaurant location, noted Mui's Edward Wong.

Assault at 7-Eleven in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault at the 7-Eleven at 7820 Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Bethesda Tuesday night, May 7, 2024. Police were called to the store at 10:08 PM Tuesday. Two readers report a large police response, with one counting seven police cruisers at the scene. A Black man in his 30s was seen handcuffed, surrounded by officers, in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven around 10:25 PM. Police were still on the scene at 10:45 PM, but no further information about the incident has been released as of this writing.