LIVESTREAM Q&A WITH OPRAH, DAVID OYELOWO AT SELMA SCREENING TODAY AT ARCLIGHT BETHESDA

Whether you've seen Selma, have been waiting to see it, or are just a fan of Oprah - who produced and played Annie Lee Cooper in the civil rights biopic - you may want to attend a special screening of the film this afternoon at 5:00 PM, at ArcLight Cinemas in Westfield Montgomery Mall.

Oprah Winfrey and star David Oyelowo will join the theater audience live via streaming video after the film for a Q&A session. The session will begin immediately following the conclusion of the movie.

Tickets are available online now.

Image via ArcLight Cinemas

BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: SOLAIRE BETHESDA LUXURY APARTMENTS (PHOTOS)

Construction remains in the early stages at the future site of Washington Property Company's Solaire Bethesda project. The first apartments in this 139-unit, 12-story high-rise are expected to be delivered in February 2016. True Food Kitchen will be the anchor tenant of the ground floor retail space.

But here's some more-immediate positive news from the site: the previously-closed sidewalk along Wisconsin Avenue has reopened to the public, a great boost for pedestrian safety.

This site at 7100 Wisconsin Avenue was formerly home of the historic Eastham's Servicenter for almost 90 years, first as an Esso, then an Exxon. Eastham's auto repair and maintenance services moved to the corner of Fairmont Avenue and Old Georgetown Road when this property was acquired by WPC, and the Solaire was approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

The building in the background is Crescent Plaza, one of several residential buildings in Bethesda developed by Nathan Landow.

SUBURBS CONTINUE TO OUTPACE CITIES IN GROWTH, DESPITE MOCO POLITICIANS' PREDICTIONS OTHERWISE

Lawns. Backyards. Trees. Cleaner air. Supersize SUVs. Low crime. Peace and quiet. Free parking. Strip malls. Indoor malls. Full-size parks. Drive-thru dining. Good schools. And $2.11 gas* - (in Chevy Chase, Maryland?!)

Americans still want all of the above. They want the suburban lifestyle, and are voting for it with their pocketbooks and mortgage checks, according to the latest trend study by real estate website Trulia. And you can expect that trend to continue, says Trulia's Chief Economist Jed Kolko, Ph.D.

The latest figures and anecdotal evidence suggest that millennials are heading for the exits in "hip" urban areas, priced out by the recent real estate boom in urban multifamily housing, and seeking to escape poor schools and higher rates of crime. Even in urban areas where murders may be reduced, frequent burglaries, auto break-ins, and thefts of packages delivered are more than mere annoyances for all but the heartiest of gentrifiers.

Last year, population growth of suburbs again outpaced that of cities, and the Trulia study confirms it was not an anomaly, despite media hype that has tried to suggest the suburbs are dying.

In July 2013, Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal (D-At-Large) declared the suburbs were "a mistake." (Kind of ironic, for a Councilmember who lives in the suburbs himself, and represents a majority-suburban jurisdiction, don't you think?) The County Council, with the exception of Marc Elrich (D-At-Large), has voted repeatedly to urbanize the suburban areas of the county. Yet the studies show they are out of step with reality, and what the public is demanding in 2015.

"Today, the vast majority of young renters aspire to own," Kolko writes. "Homeownership remains core to the American Dream. The future of the suburbs looks bright," he concludes.

"As millennials get older, many will follow a familiar path: They’ll partner up, have kids, and move to the suburbs. Urban living starts to decline after ages 25-29," Kolko notes.

Kolko suggests that the appearance of the average age dropping in urban areas in the last decade was more a result of older people fleeing cities, than of millennials moving in. In fact, the number of people over 45 living in urban areas has dropped since 2013, the study indicates.

The Trulia study dovetails perfectly with the evidence and sentiments in the Washington Post article linked to above, in that young people are not planning to stick with urban living for more than a few years. And suburban residents are more satisfied, and more likely to say they're staying where they live now for the long haul.

"Urban residents feel the tug of the suburbs. For every 10 suburbanites who said they wanted to live in an urban area in five years, 16 urban dwellers said they wished to live in the suburbs. Even among young adults aged 18-34— who are more likely to live in urban areas than older adults are—more wanted to move from city to suburbs than the other way around," Kolko says.

Pressure by developers to urbanize suburban areas like Westbard in Bethesda, Twinbrook in Rockville, and White Oak in Silver Spring is driven by the pursuit of profits. But examining the current trends and data suggests the desires of the developers and County Council do not match what the majority of Americans are seeking today - the suburban lifestyle. 

*Regular gas is $2.11 a gallon at the Giant gas station at 8500 Connecticut Avenue, in Chevy Chase Lake, as of this writing. Source: GasBuddy.com

Photo: Library of Congress Online Collection

WATER MAIN BREAK SNARLS TRAFFIC ON RIVER ROAD IN BETHESDA

A water main break at the intersection of River Road and Willard Avenue in Bethesda is slowing traffic in both directions on River Road right now. Eastbound traffic is getting the worst of it.

The WSSC says its crew will continue repairing the leak in an 8" pipe there, and the Maryland State Highway Administration will direct drivers around the intersection. Avoid this area. Take Goldsboro to Massachusetts Avenue if you are inbound to DC.

NEW IMAGES OF TOLL BROTHERS HAMPDEN ROW CONDOS IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

Toll Brothers City Living is dialing up the promotion on its future Hampden Row luxury condos, which are currently under construction on Hampden Lane at Arlington Road, in downtown Bethesda. A new, updated website has launched, and new renderings of the exterior and interior are now available, which reflect the tag line of "Fashionably Traditional."

Rather than an overtly-modern facade, Toll Brothers has chosen a fusion of brick and stone, punctuated with oversize windows. If you examine the existing buildings around it, you'll find this was an excellent choice by company, as the color tones and textures on those and the Hampden Row renderings blend together nicely. As much as I am a fan of the modern buildings of Dubai and Shanghai, this will fit the location and surroundings quite well, including the library across Arlington Road.

Inside the units, 9-foot ceilings, hardwood floors with 5" planks, and custom millwork will offset high-end finishes and appliances by Gaggenau, Thermador, and Bosch. Fixtures will be by Grohe.

Amenities are in-line with competing properties under construction nearby, including 24-hour concierge, rooftop terrace and fitness center. The website emphasizes the building's close proximity to Metro, Bethesda Row and the Capital Crescent Trail. They might want to add that you have a public library literally across the street, as well.

The showdown between Hampden Row and same-block neighbor The Lauren will be an interesting storyline once both are completed and selling. They will both compete with The Darcy on Bethesda Avenue.
Renderings courtesy Toll Brothers City Living,
All rights reserved

BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: BARREL & CROW RESTAURANT (PHOTOS)

No, it wasn't the ghost of Superstorm Sandy. A man-made dismantling of the New England dock-themed patio began last evening at the former home of Freddy's Lobster + Clams, at 4867 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda. The rugged ropes are gone, and the process of rebuilding the space for its new tenant is now underway.

Barrel & Crow is expected to open there in March. But yesterday, a small blast of winter precipitation left the patio looking more like the victim of Bob Ryan's famous Thundersnow than a hurricane.

HOGAN SWORN IN, ISSUES FIRST EXECUTIVE ORDER AS NEW MARYLAND GOVERNOR (INCLUDES VIDEO)

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan was sworn in yesterday in Annapolis, and wasted no time in getting down to the People's business. Hogan, who spoke of "limitless possibilities," immediately limited the possibility of official corruption in his administration, by issuing an executive order on ethics.

Here is the text of Hogan's first Executive Order as Governor:

•An employee shall not, except as permitted by applicable law or regulation, solicit or accept any gift or other item of monetary value from any person or entity seeking official action from, doing business with, or conducting activities regulated by the employee’s agency, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s duties.

•Employees shall exhibit exemplary conduct and use honest efforts in the performance of their duties.

•Employees shall act impartially and not give preferential treatment

to any private organization or individual.

•Employees shall adhere to all applicable laws and regulations that provide equal opportunity for all Marylanders regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation.

•Employees shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance of any impropriety or that violate applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

•Consistent with all applicable substantive and procedural laws, violations of this Executive Order are grounds for employee disciplinary action, including termination from State employment.

The strong position on ethics parallels similar efforts underway across the Potomac, where the state of Virginia has recently found one governor headed to federal prison, and other officials still under investigation for breaches of ethics and acceptance of gifts or offers of employment. It also addresses equal rights "regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation," in a state where equality has been a major topic of discussion and legislation in recent years.

Hogan's order included language that would require discipline or termination from government employment, by any administration official who violates its provisions.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie traveled to Annapolis to speak before Hogan's inaugural address, which was also preceded by a 19-cannon salute. The new governor stressed themes of bipartisanship (quoting President John F. Kennedy on the subject) and jobs, declaring the state officially "open for business."

A steady snowfall set up one of Hogan's biggest applause lines, when he noted wryly, "They said it was going to be a cold day in hell before we elected a Republican governor..."

PIZZA PASS APPEARS TO BE PLANNING TO CLOSE IN BETHESDA

After slightly over a year in business, Pizza Pass appears to be planning its exit on St. Elmo Avenue. This Craigslist ad offers the entire contents of a pizza parlor for sale, and identifies the seller's street address as that of Pizza Pass, 4924 St. Elmo. Everything from patio furniture, to a satellite radio receiver, to a safe is up for grabs. The headline of the ad says, "Restaurant Closing!!!"

Pizza Pass is still open for business as of the moment, and has announced no immediate plans to close publicly. The ad does mention that the 2 pizza ovens will be available by the end of this month, perhaps suggesting a potential closing date. Anybody thinking of opening a restaurant, or needing additional supplies at your current establishment, will probably want to set up an appointment with them.

The restaurant's time in this space would not be indefinite even if it remained open. Its building would be demolished in about 2 years, should the Montgomery County Planning Board approve a plan to build an apartment tower on the site this year.

Over the last year, Pizza Pass has earned a very good 4-star average rating on Yelp, and has been known for its community involvement and events.

THE ART OF THE CAPITAL CRESCENT GARAGE IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

While advocates of the Capital Crescent Trail would likely favor anything that draws public attention to the linear park that runs through downtown Bethesda, naming a garage after a nature trail does have its ironies. I'm reminded somewhat of the "is this really appropriate" questions raised when Rockville was considering naming a town center garage after the celebrated F. Scott Fitzgerald. But the practical matter of using a landmark that might be easier for the directionally-challenged than another number likely prevailed in Bethesda (Fitz's namesake garage did not, but the Great Gatsby author did get a condo building in the end). "Capital Crescent Garage" makes more immediate sense than, "I'm over in Garage 89...or was it 98?"

Another unique aspect of this new garage, which opened yesterday, is the public art found inside. Mainly behind glass cases to shield it from exhaust particulates and vandals, it pays tribute to really Old Bethesda. We're talking about before Hot Shoppes and even the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Old old.

Developer StonebridgeCarras has already paid tribute to Bethesda's "founding father," William E. Darcy, above ground with its Darcy ultra-luxury condo (making him even with Fitzgerald in terms of luxury real estate). Now you'll find additional nods to Darcy below ground in this garage, and much earlier days in a very different downtown Bethesda. Even if Bethesda's Native Americans were actually here before that, and founded some of the most famous roads on these Bethesda maps...

BETHESDA SNOW UPDATE AND FORECAST #MDSNOW

It is currently 34° F in Bethesda, and snow is falling heavily in medium-to-large flakes. Accumulation is primarily on grass and trees, more than roadways at present, due to above-freezing temperatures. Those warmer temperatures are forecast to last the duration of the storm.

The National Weather Service predicts 1" of accumulation in the Bethesda and DC area before snow tapers off around 3:00 PM today.

Winds are currently around 3 MPH. Temperatures will be slightly warmer tomorrow.

Stay tuned to @BethesdaRow on Twitter for updates.

BETHESDA CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Bethesda on January 18-19, according to crime data:

January 18

Theft. 4400 block Montgomery Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 5500 block Friendship Boulevard.

Assault. 4700 block Olden Road (Randolph Hills).

January 19

Theft. 7900 block Connecticut Avenue.

WOODMONT AVE., NEW BETHESDA GARAGE OPEN WITH FREE PARKING BY BETHESDA ROW (VIDEO/PHOTOS)

Drivers take advantage of
the reopened Woodmont Avenue

The new Capital Crescent Garage has opened across from Bethesda Row at Bethesda and Woodmont Avenues, and as good as that news is, there's also great news - you can park in the garage for free until March 1, 2015. Here's a tour of the garage, which includes electric vehicle charging spaces, bicycle parking, and 960 parking spaces available to the public.

Strolling along the temporary
pedestrian walkway towards
Bethesda Row on Woodmont

Of course, opening the garage meant reopening Woodmont Avenue. There are 2 vehicle lanes, and as you saw in my report yesterday, a pedestrian walkway set off by barriers. No bicycle lanes are available at this stage, and the sidewalks are still closed. There is some dirt in the walking area toward the pedestrian entrance near the Capital Crescent Trail.

Woodmont near Crescent Plaza

Several readers were asking yesterday about the left turn off of Leland, and the Jiffy Johns. You still can't turn left from Leland onto Woodmont, and the portable toilets are indeed still there at that end of Woodmont.

Please use caution...

...Woodmont Avenue is now
open, and we wanted to give
you a full 30 seconds notice to use
caution in the new traffic pattern

One interesting point is that the opening process diverted from standard traffic procedures. The public knows there is a standard procedure, because when the ultimately-aborted effort to reopen Woodmont occurred last summer, electronic signs were posted on major routes far in advance. Two weeks in advance, in fact. These signs gave an approximate opening date, and alerted drivers that traffic patterns would soon change. No such advance alert was provided for yesterday's opening, which was certainly not in the best interests of safety and traffic management. In fact, the electronic signs were only activated after the road was reopened, giving unsuspecting drivers only moments to adjust.

Even the garage name was secret

Assuming the inspections that would green-light the garage and street openings are not so weak that they can be conducted in minutes, clearly the approximate date could have been forecast and announced, as it was this past August. Instead, the priority seems to have been to have a tightly-controlled rollout of the news. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation press release was not posted until 11:58 AM yesterday. MCDOT's parking Twitter account made the announcement even later, as did other County-related Twitter accounts.

MCDOT press release at 11:58 AM

I personally did not receive a press release or advance notice from the County, nor from the developer, regarding the reopening. That would not seem to make sense if the point is to alert the public to the new parking availability, and new traffic pattern. What in the world was gained from keeping this important information secret?

The gates are up for now

But starting March 1, you'll
have to pay during these hours

Thank the Monopoly Guy for
Free Parking

Cyclists weren't left out

Shiny elevator doors

It probably won't be this easy
to move around on a Friday night
this summer

Official logo

Elon Musk would approve

Proof this garage was designed for
the future of transportation

Don't touch this

Pay at one of these starting
March 1

Safety first

Driver having no problem picking up
speed on the reopened Woodmont Avenue

Pedestrians will have to use this

Eventually, you might pick up
a treat from the Paul Bakery before
heading back to your car...

...at this trailside pedestrian
entrance to the garage

960 spaces sound great, when you remember
that the existing public garage at Bethesda
Row was often filled to capacity last summer