Rockville Central Website Changes This Weekend

Dear Rockville Central readers:We are aware that in recent weeks many of you have been getting error messages when you try to post comments, read articles, or generally interact with the site. This weekend we are planning to move the entire site to a new webhost provider (Dreamhost, for those who are interested in such things).It’s not as simple as just dragging a few files from one folder to another, so we hesitated to do this, but we feel it’s necessary. We’ve been developing the new site all this week, and plan to “flip the switch” over the weekend. It is possible, but unlikely, that we will have a short period of downtime as that happens. Just a heads-up!The look and feel of the new site will be the same, and the address will still be >http://rockvillecentral.com as it always is. Please let us know if you notice problems.

The only real change you may notice is that, for those articles you have signed up to receive comments on, you won’t be signed up anymore. We are not able to transfer that portion of the database. Moving forward, though, you will be able to subscribe to comment emails as before.

Thanks for your ongoing support!

POTD: Obscured

Another in my “gnome series.”

Weekend to Weekend Pick 7-22-10: Wine At The Farmers Markets

>

This week’s W2W Pick is all about vino. Two Maryland wineries will offer samples and sell wine at select Saturday Farmers Markets. Your first opportunity will be July 31, 2010.

Recently Max van Balgooy wrote an article Fresh And Local Farmer’s Markets for Rockville Living and he emphasized the diversity of selection at our local farmers’ markets:

If you think Farmers’ Markets are just tomatoes and squash, think again. In recent years they’ve expanded to include all sorts of things that can be grown or eaten: flowers, plants, bread, pastries, cheese, meat, sausages, honey, and even chocolates. Because much of this is produced locally by individual businesses, you find things not available in regular stores.

Well, with the addition of wine, it’s getting even more diverse! Here are the three special dates when you can actually purchase wine from local vineyards.

July 31st

Elk Run Vineyards, located in Frederick County, uses “research and technology while retaining traditions and values to produce quality wine from quality grapes.”

August 14th and 21st

Frederick Cellars, located in historic Frederick “operates two vineyards in distinctive growing areas of Maryland, including Mountain Creek Vineyards in southwestern Frederick County and Harness Creek Vineyards in Anne Arundel County. Frederick Cellars has been producing award-winning wines for more than a decade.”

Farmers Market Info

The Rockville Farmers Market takes place every Saturday from 9 AM till 1 PM in the parking lot at the intersection of Route 28 and Monroe Street in downtown Rockville. The Saturday Market will operate through November 20th.

During the past three years, I’ve often highlighted events in and around Rockville. For a year and a half I researched and wrote the Weekend to Weekend listing of all the happenings in Rockville before we asked Helen Triolo at Rockville Living to automate the process and encouraged everyone to post event announcements on her wonderful calendar. For a while I picked the best of the week to highlight here on Rockville Central. Now I’m back at it again with the W2W Pick.

Police Seek Help Locating Rockville Woman

>

Photo from the City Press Release

The Rockville City Police Department is asking our help in locating a Rockville woman. Here’s some info from the City’s Press Release:

Lidia Labat, age 43, of the 1100 block of Agnew Street, was last seen on June 23 in the area of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, located at 9901 Medical Center Drive in Rockville. She is described as a Hispanic female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 140 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes.

Labat’s family reported her missing on July 17. She is known to frequent areas in Aspen Hill and Olde Towne Gaithersburg.

Anyone who has information about Lidia Labat’s whereabouts is asked to call the Rockville City Police Department at 240-314-8900.

Rockville Police: Lock Your Cars!

>We received this note from Rockville Central friend Lt. Eric Over of the Rockville Police Department. It’s focused on recent thefts from vehicles in the West End, but it’s good advice for folks who live all through town:

Over the past few weeks our police department has noticed an increase in theft from autos around the West End, specifically around Mannakee Street and extending in all directions into the neighborhoods. Most recently victims reported the glove boxes of their cars had been rummaged through and golf clubs taken from another vehicle.

We kindly ask that everyone remain vigilant about locking their car doors and keeping valuables out of sight, or out of their cars. Additionally, we kindly ask that everyone pay very close attention to any unusual activity in the neighborhoods. Activity such as persons seen walking through the neighborhoods at early morning hours, the sounds of car doors closing at early morning hours and any other activity they might consider unusual or suspicious. If someone does see or hear something and they are unable to determine if it might be a neighbor coming home late, please have them contact the police department right away at 240-314-8900 so that we can dispatch officers to investigate.

Lieutenant E. Over
Deputy Commander, ASB
Rockville Police Department

Maryland Releases School Assessments

The Maryland Board of Education released its annual “>2010 Maryland Report Card” Tuesday, showing that Montgomery County schools continue to excel but with some areas for improvement.

As the Gazette notes:

Third graders in Montgomery’s public schools did not do as well as last year on state reading exams. Countywide, according to the 2010 Maryland State Assessment, the percentage of third graders who scored proficient or higher dropped from 88.9 to 87.4. That’s the largest decline of any grade and subject measured by the exams, which test third through eighth grade in reading and math.

How did your school do? Click the links below to check.

Elementary Schools:

• Beall Elementary School
• College Gardens Elementary School
• Fallsmead Elementary School
• Lakewood Elementary School
• Maryvale Elementary School
• Meadow Hall Elementary School
• Ritchie Park Elementary School
• Twinbrook Elementary School

Middle Schools:

• Earle B. Wood Middle School
• Julius West Middle School
• Robert Frost Middle School

High Schools:

• Richard Montgomery High School
• Rockville High School
• Thomas S. Wootton High School

Police: Williams Confessed to Naimi's Murder

>According to documents made public at his bond hearing, the alleged murderer of Azin Naimi did so brutally. In the Washington Post account:

[Raymond] Williams, 35, of Kensington, allegedly beat Naimi, stabbed her repeatedly with a pair of scissors — including a thrust into one of her ear canals — and broke two of her ribs. Authorities say he tried to clean up the scene with a mop and towels, washed her body, carried it to a sport-utility vehicle, drove to an alley in the District and dumped her body there.

“This was a vicious, senseless, violent crime, with a desperate attempt by the defendant to cover up the crime scene,” Montgomery County prosecutor Stephen Chaikin said in court Wednesday.

Williams, who worked as a handyman for a business connected to the studio and knew Naimi, was ordered held without bond Wednesday. Detectives said he admitted to the slaying, and they charged him with first-degree murder. Detectives don’t know why he killed her, a police spokeswoman said Wednesday evening.

According to WJLA, Williams is being held without bond.

POTD: Lantern

>

Can’t say why, but I have this thing for gnomes. No, I don’t need any on my porch, but I like spying them as I walk around the neighborhood. I am going to go on a brief “gnome jag” for a while!

New Development Plan For Chestnut Lodge

>

Michael Harris Homes (a.k.a. Streetscape) has submitted an application to be considered at the July 28, 2010 Planning Commission meeting. The plan is to build 22 reduced/modified homes with attached garages and optional breezeways on the site of the historic Chestnut Lodge which burned down in June of 2009. With the housing market for large-scale homes suffering, the houses will be smaller in scale than the detached homes originally approved for the site. The floor plans will be 1400-2100 square feet and the lots will include 2 off-street parking spaces. Sketches of the design can be found here. The site plan shows the lots on a circular street.

The original developer, Chestnut Lodge Properties still plans to build on nine lots as originally planned, including the Rose Hill Barn lot. However, if they aren’t able to build these homes, Michael Harris Homes would use all the property and build 30 homes.

During Citizen’s Forum at Monday’s Mayor and Council meeting, Morty Levine, President and CEO of Chestnut Lodge properties, said there is a “depression in our industry not a recession.” He has sold three houses at Chestnut Lodge. One model and one spec home have been built and are for sale.

In 2006 before the Chestnut Lodge was destroyed by fire, the development was approved for 36 new single family detached homes and 7 residential condominiums in the Lodge building. The Little Lodge and Frieda’s Cottage were to be rehabilitated for use as single family homes.

The Community Planning and Development Services Department recommends approval of the new proposal, which they see as comparable to the density in the surrounding neighborhoods. They also believe the change to attached garages will blend well with the surrounding properties and adjacent historic districts.

The Planning Commission meeting to determine approval will be held on July 28, 2010 at 7 PM in the Mayor and Council Chamber in Rockville City Hall.

Missing Woman From Rockville Found Dead in D.C.; Investigated as Homicide UPDATED

>

From artist's web page

Montgomery County police say they are investigating the disappearance and death of artist Azin Naimi as a homicide. They say they have someone in custody and will release the name on Wednesday. [UPDATED; see below.]

Naimi was reported missing by her mother, at whose home she had been staying, early Monday morning and that afternoon she was found dead in the 300 block of Farragut Street in N.W., Washington, D.C. Police said that Naimi had a studio on Nebel Street that may become a crime scene.

According to police on Tuesday night:

The circumstances that led to Azin Naimi’s death are still under investigation. The preliminary findings from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington, D.C. ruled the manner of death to be homicide.

Detectives developed a suspect who is currently in custody and being interviewed. He has not yet been charged. His name will be released [Wednesday]. The victim and the suspect knew of one another. This was not a stranger-related crime.

Anyone who has information about the death of Azin Naimi is asked to call Montgomery County police at 240-773-5070.

UPDATE: Police have brought charges:

Last night Raymond L. Williams, age 35, from the 11100 block of Dewey Road in Kensington was charged with first-degree murder. He is being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center. He is expected to have his bond hearing today at 1:00 p.m.

POTD: Gateway

>

There’s something about a nice little fence gate in the summertime that I just love.

A Full Week Of Events On Rockville’s Rooftop

>

We are certainly into the height of the outdoor summer event season and you can’t have a great time any higher than The Rooftop in Rockville Town Square. This week has a full, ramped-up schedule with unique specialty parties, plus the regular good times.

Every Tuesday: Beso del Cielo-(Weekly, 5p.m. – 11p.m.) Latin music every Tuesday Night. Hosted by La Tasca, Telemundo, Radio Viva 900, and Cuzquena! DJ Dario: Latin Hits and Top 40. Doors open at 5p.m. weekly! Free Salsa lessons each week from 6 -7p.m. For VIP seating email info@rockvillerooftop.com

This Wednesday, July 21st – Sunset Jazz at The Rooftop (6-9:30 p.m.) Jazz aficionados can experience this music genre through a total indulgence of the senses. The spectacular Rooftop view, diversity of sounds from extraordinary artists, décor and the culinary skills of prominent restaurants will provide an unprecedented experience for jazz listeners. Please visit www.rsvpsignature.com/jazz.html for event details and pricing to reserve your seat today. Varied ticket levels available. Sunset Jazz at the Rooftop is brought to you by RSVPSignature LLC, a distinctive “Over the Top” event planning company.

Every Thursday: Sky At Five (Weekly, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.) The hippest party in town, SkyAtFive is The Rooftop’s weekly party. DJ Ramzy: Top 40 and House. Sponsored by Absolut, Lindy Promotions, Malibu, Peroni, Red Bull and Oro Pomodoro. For VIP seating email info@rockvillerooftop.com

Every Friday: Breeze (Weekly, 6 p.m. – 1 a.m.) Back by popular demand, this weekly Friday night event is hosted by K2Events and Taste of Saigon. DJ Twinspin: House, Hip Hop and Top 40. Doors open at 6p.m. For VIP reservations contact 202-222-5000

This Saturday, July 24th – Pride in The Sky (8 p.m. – 1a .m.). The Premiere of the first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender lounge to hit Montgomery County. Hosted by The Rooftop, La Tasca, LURe and DJ Rosie. Doors open at 8 p.m. Rain or Shine (moved to VisArts if inclement weather). 21+/ID. $5.00 Cover. Drink specials: 8-9 p.m.

This Sunday, July 25th – Dancing With The Stars (7 – 9:30 p.m.). Featuring the hot Big Band hits from the 30s, 40s, and 50s, this great dancing event will feature live entertainment by Night and Day Band - the area’s greatest Big Band, Swing and Jazz band. Free For All! Rain or Shine (moved to VisArts if inclement weather).

See what I mean? Every day this week! If you haven’t partied under the stars, this week is your chance.

Donate An Air Conditioner

This summer really is turning out to be a scorcher! If you have a window unit air conditioner you are not using please consider donating it to help local residents.Here’s the notice from the >Rockville Community Services Division:

To assist seniors and families with health risks associated with extreme heat, the Community Services Division of the Department of Recreation and Parks is asking for the community’s help in donating new or gently used window air conditioning units.

The air conditioning units will be distributed to city residents who have the greatest need first.

For more information or to donate an air conditioner, call Alfred Thompson, community services specialist, at 240-314-8319 or e-mail athompson@rockvillemd.gov.

Mayor And Council Meeting Recap 7-19-10 UPDATED

>

From Rockville Channel 11

Update: Correction concerning Piotr Gajewski’s response to Morty Levine in Citizen’s Forum.

Here is a brief recap of portions of Monday night’s Mayor and Council meeting.

Present: Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio, Councilmembers John Britton, Piotr Gajewski, Bridget Newton, Mark Pierzchala.

City Manager’s Report from Scott Ullery

Water transmission repair
A vote was taken to allow the City Manager to appropriate funds in excess of $100,000 for the emergency situation regarding our Rockville’s water supply. The City is currently supplying water through WSSC from various interconnects with their system because the water main, which connects Rockville’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to Rockville’s water customers, has been out of service since July 12 due to the water main breaks on July 7th and 12th. While the cause of the breaks is not certain, the City is examining two general areas: 1) the condition of the City’s 24-inch prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP); and 2) hydraulic surges at the water treatment plant and along the distribution lines. The Department of Public Works will not know how much repairs will wind up costing until an inspection of the pipe is completed. Three sources of money will be used. Some spending will be accelerated and other spending will be redirected to pay for the repairs. Craig Simoneau explained that these are older pipes but they are not at end of their life. Councilmember Pierzchala noted we should not have expected this to happen and don’t know the reason for the failure. The pipes breaking was the first indication of the problem.

Mr. Ullery also announced that hard copies of the adopted operating budget will be available at the Rockville and Twinbrook libraries. The FY11 budget will also be available on the City’s website.

Chamber of Commerce Update by Andrea Jolly
The Chamber is not taking summer off. A brand new website was launched with new sponsors. Businesses can learn about deals, participate in forums, and respond to events. A Mix and Mingle with three minority chambers and 270 Inc. was attended by over 200 people. Members volunteered at Stepping Stone Shelter doing yard work and putting cribs together. The Rockville Rewards program will be coordinated by Jane Meyer who was formerly with Whole Foods Rockville. Restaurant Week planning will be start at an August 9th meeting. Next Tuesday the Chamber will meet with the Environmental Commission about building green.

Citizen’s Forum

Anyone can address Citizen’s Forum. The best way is to call the City Clerk at 240-314-8280 by 4pm, but typically anyone who shows up is allowed to speak. Monday night, people spoke. Here are brief recaps:

Ted Reuther spoke about the notice from the Columbia Gas Transmission Company requiring extensive changes to his property. As 42-year residents, he has always honored the requirements of the transmission company but the extensive pruning and removal of trees on his property not in the right of way exceeds historical management practices. Removal of all the branches of large trees makes trees unsafe. Other approaches can take care of monitoring the pipeline rather than flyovers. The City has been involved with State in addressing large trees in parks where the pipeline crosses. A field agent of Columbia Gas spent hour and half in yard and described their intention to install an electronic detection system that would be placed near the surface of the soil over the pipeline. The system will be better than overhead flights to make visual determinations of dead grass possibly created by a leak. The flyovers don’t work in winter. Now they have in their hands a far better system. He hopes the City will also object to the pruning and removal of trees on our park land.

Dylan Prince spoke to advocate for keeping the Redgate Golf Course open. He learned to play two years ago with family and friends. Now golf is a favorite thing to play with their dads. It’s a good game for kids to learn because it teaches patience and focusing. Redgate is challenging and has lots of wildlife. He is looking forward to turning 16 to apply for a job at the course to get work experience and exercise. He asked for the City to keep it open for residents like him who are looking forward to playing for years to come.

David Prince joked he was at risk of being upstaged by son. He spoke about preserving the Redgate Golf Course for future generations. Since his wife and son play the course benefits his whole family. He wants everyone to consider what will happen if we develop the last large green space. Would we give up Monument Park which is by his house because it is not profitable? This would open up the possibility of putting a condo in his backyard. His suggestions were to implement better business practices like the new point of sale system and to look at ways of improving golf sales and making the restaurant real to attract more people. The practice space could also be improved so golfers don’t have to go to Olney. He thinks we should make it the best golf destination in the area.

Andrea Jolly spoke about 20% set aside for public space to be discussed during the worksession with the Planning Commission. The Chamber is interested in businesses and the City working together to come up with a compromise. They are interested in increasing the tax base not the tax rate. She asked for the Mayor and Council to take the work plan by city staff seriously and change the ordinance.

Morty Levine, President and CEO of Chestnut Lodge properties spoke about their recent request to extend the timing to complete the Ice House so the Blackmores can occupy the residence even though it is not completed. City staff said he would have to file a major site plan application. He would like the date to be the same as is specified on the application for other building permits. If all the meetings with the Planning Commission are required, the family will be out on the street. He can’t believe the zoning law is so inflexible that he can’t have extension.

Mayor Marcuccio asked the staff to respond during Citizen’s Forum. Staff talked to Mr. Levine on Monday and explained the provisions in the approval. Staff can’t change an adopted condition of the plan adopted by the Planning Commission. Susan Swift explained the question is whether it is minor or major. Friday was the staff’s first involvement. She already talked to the attorney and the attorney indicated it was major. They do have another application in front of Planning Commission for garages and architecture for this project and this was not included in that application. Her understanding is that unless there is a way the Planning Commission can include the change on the application it would have to be separate. Councilmember Gajewski suggested they schedule this request for the next meeting and ask the City Attorney and Planning Commission directors if there is any mechanism the Mayor and Council could use to help.

Art Stigile continued with questions about Redgate Golf Course which he has posted on Rockville Central. In his analysis he was generous and only included direct costs, not indirect costs. With indirect costs the subsidy by the City is $24 per round with a fee of $25.50. He asked questions #5 #6 and #7 and promised to come back next week and continue.

Mayor and Council Response

Councilmember Pierzchala asked the staff to respond to Mr. Reuther. The City sent a letter to Columbia Gas Company and spoke with them late last week. The City is having a discussion and requested they provide regular notice of their rights and their practices in maintaining the lines. No one on staff can recall any notices they said they sent out in past. The staff is trying to find what the easement is and what is required to maintain the pipes.

Mayor Marcuccio thanked everyone for speaking and added the young man can carry her clubs anytime.

Consent Agenda
The Mayor and Council approved the three items unanimously. Mayor Marcuccio had a question on the award for banking services and wanted to know the new cost. Finance Director Cohen explained the new cost is $60,000 and old one was $90,000 per year.

Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation
$754,233.60 was awarded to Construction of Sanitary Sewer System Rehabilitation AM-Liner East, Inc. of Berryville, Virginia to rehabilitate the sanitary sewer mains and manholes within Woodley Gardens Park and the Lower Cabin John Stream Valley which are in disrepair. Internal investigation found “defects such as cracks in the pipe, broken pipe segments, and root intrusion. These defects allow inflow and infiltration (I&I) of water into the sewer system, inhibit sewer flows, and have caused sewage backups. This project includes rehabilitating a total of approximately 6,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer pipes and 30 manholes via a cured-in-place liner. This rehabilitation method creates a “pipe within a pipe” and does not require any excavation.”

Comprehensive Banking Services contract
A five (5) year contract with an option to extend the contract for an additional five (5) years was awarded to Branch Banking and Trust (BB&T) bank out of Winston Salem, NC. The City’s current banking services provider is Suntrust Bank (formerly Crestar) and the contract expires on December 31, 2010. BB&T’s proposal was ranked #1 by an evaluation committee of four staff members.

Revised Letter to Ride On
The Letter was approved and will be sent to Montgomery College for signature then to Metro. The letter requests a small adjustment to Route 45 to add a loop off of Route 355 onto South Campus Drive to give riders from several Rockville neighborhoods, two Metro stations, and the Fallsgrove Transit Center direct access to the Montgomery College campus. It also requests an increase in the hours of service will allow current users and potential future users to travel to campus later into the evening for evening classes.

Other items of interest:

Possible annexation of property 15955 Frederick Road
Silverwood Investments wants to annex the Reed Brothers Used Car lot next to Carmax into the City of Rockville to build 455 multi-family units backing up to the Shady Grove Metro. The County likes the use but the most recent master plan did not include residential for this property. It would take a year to make the change and they can’t finance the change. During the discussion, the Mayor and Council were amenable to the possibility of building these residences for young, single professionals looking for a walkable environment, so the property owner will go forward with the process for annexation.

The Mayor and Council meeting also included a work session with the Planning Commission on a Zoning Text Amendment concerning public use space and open area percentages. The Amendment is scheduled for a vote at the next meeting. The Mayor and Council also discussed their views on changes to our City Charter and the timing on any action to consider changes.

The next Mayor and Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 2, 2010 at 7:00 PM.

Note: Mayor and Council meetings are long and can last into the wee hours of the morning. We can’t cover every decision and discussion but we’d like to provide enough information so readers know what’s happening in our City. After each meeting we will report on appointments and the City Manager’s report. When we can, we describe topics from Citizen’s Forum and report on any votes taken. We invite the community to let us know when we leave something out. We also invite anyone speaking during Citizens Forum to send their remarks to us for consideration as Contributor Opinions. Email to: rockvillecentral@gmail.com. If we miss a vote or leave out a bit of information you think is important, we’d like to know in comments!

POTD: Thomas

>

Another fine shot by Rockville Central friend Janet Piczak Brown. Of it, she says, “Snapped this picture at Thomas Farm Community Center and thought, ‘now that looks like summertime.’”

Yes!