Montgomery County Planners Say Good Riddance to Strip Malls

SILVER SPRING—It's been a long wait, but county planners are out with their first zoning revision in 35 years, and it envisions a modern Montgomery County that leaves 1950s-era commercial strips and office parks behind. Read more on Chevy Chase Patch.

PHOTOS: Fire at Marlo Furniture Closes Rockville Pike

ROCKVILLE—A two-alarm fire Wednesday night at the Marlo Furniture store at 725 Rockville Pike did significant damage to the store's roof and snarled traffic in Rockville Town Center at the height of the evening rush. Two firefighters were injured. Read more on Rockville Patch.

Police Say Man Tried to Force Woman to Perform Sex Act at Bus Stop

GERMANTOWN—Sex offense charges were filed against a Germantown man following a woman’s allegations that he tried to force her to perform a sexual act at a bus stop outside a liquor store. Victor M. Jimenez, 31, of the 19400 block of Saint Johnsburg Lane, was charged with fourth-degree sex offense, attempted second-degree sex offense, indecent exposure and second-degree assault, according to records obtained from Montgomery County District Court. Read more on Germantown Patch.

Council Votes to Restrict 'Mega' Gas Stations in Montgomery County

WHEATON—All nine Montgomery County Council members voted Tuesday afternoon to establish a 300-foot buffer between large gas stations in the county and community spaces such as parks, schools and pools. But the vote left unclear what was on everyone's minds: Whether Costco would be able to build its proposed gas station at Westfield Wheaton. Read more on Wheaton Patch.

Beer Truck Spill Rattles Morning Commute

GERMANTOWN—Cleanup crews spent nearly seven hours cleansing the highway of beer, fuel and wreckage after a tractor trailer overturned Thursday morning, spewing its contents across the traffic lanes of Interstate 270, near the Frederick County line. No serious injuries were reported. Police cited the driver with failing to secure the cargo. Read more on Germantown Patch.

To Understand Potomac River, Study a Clam

POTOMAC—According to one researcher, this virtually ignored species might be a key to the river’s vibrant life. If clams disappear, the river’s ecological clock could start to go in reverse. Read more on Potomac Patch.

Glenstone to Move Forward with Sewer Extension

POTOMAC—The Glenstone Foundation has received the county's go-ahead for a controversial sewer extension that will support a museum addition. Read more on Potomac Patch.

Planners Suggest ‘Traditional’ Look for Chevy Chase Lake

CHEVY CHASE—As debates about building heights, density and floor-to-area ratios for the Chevy Chase Lake Sector are resolved, a new question arises: What will the new buildings actually look like? Read more on Chevy Chase Patch.

Vision for Crown Farm Development Seen by City

GAITHERSBURG—It may have looked like a normal Gaithersburg City Council work session, but their meeting room was a bus and their agenda was a look into the future. Councilors got a glimpse of a time when developers envision a community park, a new school, homes, boutiques and fine dining along Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, opposite Washingtonian Center and Rio. Read more on Gaithersburg Patch. Visit Gaithersburg Patch's Crown Development topic page for more information on the topic.