Over eight city and county police units responded to the call at 424 Main Street.

According to police, the suspect pulled out a handgun and demanded money from a female employee before fleeing the scene. No one was injured, police said, and the suspect, described as a light-skinned black male, 6-foot tall and wearing a black ski mask, jacket and jeans, remains at large.

The Montgomery County Police Department is in charge of the investigation.

Officer Howard Hersh said police have increased patrols in the area and he is reminding residents and employees to call the police if they see someone or something suspicious.

“Kentlands is a tight-knit community,” Hersh said. “You don’t have to be an employee of a business to contact police if you see something suspicious.”

“It is always good to call police, and it may thwart an attack or robbery,” he said. “Citizens are our eyes and ears.”

According to Hersh, Kentlands is not a high crime area. Still, if you are ever a victim of an armed robbery he has some advice.

“Comply with the assailant’s request,” he said. “If at all possible, try to be a good witness. Do what is instructed [and] when safe call the police,” he said.

Despite a recent rash of robberies at late-night businesses countywide, Hersh said, the Kentlands armed robbery appears to be an isolated incident.

“An assailant saw an opportunity to initiate this crime,” he said. “This is an unusual occurrence for the Kentlands.”

Domenic Cicala has owned O’Hair Salon and Spa for 31 years and he said his salon has never been robbed before.

While the robbery was in progress on the street-level floor, he said none of the salon’s clients or employees on the second floor were aware of it.

Not surprisingly, Cicala said his front desk employee was shaken up by the incident. After locking the doors, the employee called Cicala and went upstairs to tell her co-workers what happened.

Cicala said police interviewed the victim to get a suspect description and dusted the business for fingerprints.

Police said they are also hoping to find some surveillance video from nearby businesses.

According to Cicala, the night before the robbery one of his employees reported seeing a suspicious man across the street near a dumpster.

He also noted that the street lamp in front of his Main Street business is not working and he can’t help but wonder if the incident would have ever happened if the Main Street businesses were more robust and viable at night. He noted how few businesses are open after dark and how few people are out and about on the downtown street.

The morning after the robbery, Cicala held a staff meeting to reassure his staff they are in a safe neighborhood and to make sure they realize the chances of something happening like this again are slim. He went over the salon’s “common sense” approach to safety and security issues noting it was a fluke that only one employee happened to be on the first floor when the robbery occurred because two employees are always assigned. The other employee, Cicala said, had just run upstairs to take care of an issue that unexpectedly came up.

Although he already has a closed-circuit camera, Cicala said he now plans to install a surveillance camera.

Police think that is a good idea.

“A surveillance camera is always a good deterrent,” said Hersh. “[The video] assists detectives in solving crimes,” he noted.

With or without surveillance video, Cicala hopes detectives solve this crime too. He said the bottom line is that he wants police to find the suspect and make an arrest.

Qdoba co-owner Anthony Hakan and General Manager Letizia Orellana are standing outside their restaurant’s new Kentlands location. Leitizia formerly managed Qdoba’s restaurant in Rockville.

The Kentlands opening marks the 12th location for this group of owners who have Qdobas throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Partner Scott Bocek said: “We have finished hiring and are really excited to be here.”

The restaurant “is a fast, casual, fresh Mexican grill that provides catering as well,” explains Bocek.

The chain is ensuring that they are family friendly with promotions geared toward students. In addition to a free soda with each entree purchased daily, Qdoba also features Student Nights offering a 50 percent discount on Wednesday evenings and school fundraisers.

Lakelands resident Paula Ross has stepped down from the KDP's executive board.

Previously, Ross served as president of the board and most recently she ran, unsuccessfully, for a seat on the Gaithersburg City Council.

“Paula has been with the KDP since before it was the KDP. We will miss her drive, skill and passion for the Kentlands businesses as well as the greater Kentlands/Lakelands residential community on behalf of the KDP,” said KDP President Joe Pritchard.

A Lakelands resident, Ross said her family business (Andy’s Parties/Great Kids Events) will continue to be a member of the KDP.

“I’m proud of KDP’s accomplishments and proud of how far we’ve come in just a few years to raise awareness and branding of Kentlands Downtown and to advocate on behalf of our small business community,” she said. “I’m confident that the current board will continue to move the organization forward.”

Current board members include: President Joe Pritchard of Pritchard Music Academy, Secretary Ann Derryberry of Chyten Premier Tutoring & Test Preparation, Treasurer Will Corbin of Corbin Creative Databases and Joe Allen, member at large. The board is now looking to fill the opening on the executive board following Ross’ departure.

The KDP meets next on Jan. 25 at Pinky and Pepe’s Grape Escape. The 7:30 p.m. meeting/event will include a free wine tasting and a short presentation of interest to Kentlands businesses, according to Pritchard.

For more information about getting involved with the KDP, visit www.kentlandsdowntown.com.

The guest speaker is Maryland State Delegate Luiz Simmons.

Deputy City Manager Tony Tomasello said Simmons is looking forward to addressing the group a few days before the 2012 Maryland General Assembly convenes.

“He has done a great job in previous appearances,” Tomasello wrote in an email to committee members.

The event is considered a combined Dec. and Jan. meeting for the committee, according to Tomasello because the monthly Dec. meeting was canceled because of scheduling conflicts with some of the membership.

Several Kentlands residents volunteer on the city’s economic committee. According to the city’s website, the committee’s membership includes: Nathaniel Centeno, Don Fatzie, Duane Jelinek, John Lin, Matthew Markiewicz, Raymond McKenzie, Robyn Renas, Tracie Seward, Sheri Turnbow, Alfred Wurglitz and Chris Zindash.

Minutes from committee meetings are generally posted online but at press time only the July 16, 2010 minutes for this committee were found on the city’s website.

For more information about attending the city’s Jan. 6 economic development breakfast, contact Tomasello at 301.258.6310.

Tom Lonergan is the city's new economic development director.

Lonergan emphasized the critical importance of a stellar reputation for the city as a business-friendly destination, and he detailed some of the work that would be involved in maintaining that reputation. He said in a city where land acquisition opportunities are “slowly drying up,” future economic development must have its emphasis on projects that “grow up, not out, and place more diverse uses on fewer parcels of land.”

He also underlined the importance of the independent retail community – particularly the mom-and-pop shops (many of whom were represented among the KDP members on hand) — and spoke directly to them.

“Your struggles are understood; your voices are being heard,” he said. “The value you add to our city’s economic appeal and overall quality of life will not soon be forgotten.”

Before outlining details, Lonergan pressed the case for patience and flexibility. “The devil is in the details. … No one size fits all,” he said.

He added high praise about the economic progress already being made in Gaithersburg and singled out the Gaithersburg Economic Development Toolbox funding initiative and its concrete success.

Plunging into a detailed action plan, Lonergan:

* Suggested the city investigate Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), a public financing method that has been used for redevelopment and community improvement projects in others areas for more than 50 years “as a potential mechanism for stimulating new development in targeted areas of the city.” “The premise of a TIF is to finance new improvements — infrastructure, land purchases, demolition, sidewalks, etc. — through the dedication of future gains in taxes, which are anticipated by the increased value of the affected and surrounding real estate.”

* Addressed Gaithersburg’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO). Lonergan said he could make no present recommendations for tweaking it or addressing the city’s “apoplexy” about it, but added, “I firmly believe that it is imperative for Gaithersburg to always support policies and pursue agendas which promote and encourage smart development, particularly mixed use, high-density, development and particularly in Olde Towne, as well as along the 355 corridor.

“Striking a better balance between adequately managing public facilities and infrastructure — and freezing almost all residential development in more than half the city — must be an economic development priority for the city in 2012 and beyond.”

* Lonergan promised to continue to work with all parties, including county and state officials toward the long-time Gaithersburg goal of construction of a full interchange at Watkins Mill and I-270, a “relatively low price tag” project “long and rightfully at the top of Gaithersburg’s transportation infrastructure priority list.”

* Lonergan proposes a thorough analysis of the retail side of Gaithersburg business “at some point in the not too distant future,” by undertaking “a formal retail gap analysis.

“In this type of study, estimates of retail spending for a retail trade area are determined, based upon population, income and consumer spending patterns,” he said. “Using the model … we are then able to determine the extent to which the community is, or is not, capturing its sale potential.”

By analyzing the patterns for all retail sales in the area — taxable and nontaxable — Lonergan said, “we can further determine which retail sectors are exhibiting ‘leakage’ and which sectors are exhibiting ‘surplus.’

The end result would be filling vacant commercial space and enhancing the blend of shopping and dining options of city residents, workers and visitors, he said.

* For Olde Towne, Lonergan says now is the best time to actively pursue strategic redevelopment. The combination of a commuter rail station, nearly 1,000 under-construction apartments, an incontrovertible dearth of retail and restaurants, a designation as an Enterprise Zone District, coupled with a rental market that is pricing young professionals out of Rockville and Bethesda, “makes here and now the best time.”

* Regarding Lakeforest Mall where Lonergan said multiple owners “share a struggling investment,” Lonergan sees the city’s role as fostering communications among the parties and “encourag[ing] them to work together to devise a strategy which breathes new life and brings long-term fiscal stability to one of the city’s largest commercial anchors.”

* Highlight, leverage and support “our positioning as premier address for the biotech industry,” including use of the toolbox, Lonergan said.

●Lonergan said work is finally taking place “behind the scenes” on the city’s redeveloped website, which will include a brand new site for the Economic Development Office. The EDO site is slated to include a comprehensive database of all available commercial space within the city; a listing of all tax credits, grants and other government incentive programs that support business and investment; and a data center with industry, population and workforce information.

“This site is a critical component of our message, our branding, our accessibility and our overall economic development strategy,” he said. “Down the road, it may behoove us to pursue another site — this one dedicated to the retail and restaurant offerings of the city. …”

Lonergan wrapped up his comments by emphasizing the importance of marketing all that the city has to offer, utilizing a multi-tiered approach to merchandising. In addition to the website, he spoke of inundating developers, realtors, site selection consultants, and potential leads with appropriate written, advertising, online, directories and other materials to keep Gaithersburg top of mind.

In summary, Lonergan advocated a “sustained commitment to keeping Gaithersburg promoted, publicized, plugged, pitched and praised by any and all means necessary.”

In later comments, KDP president Joe Pritchard of Pritchard Music Academy commented that Lonergan’s presentation was a good one.

While Lonergan did not specifically mention Kentlands in his prepared remarks, Pritchard noted many of the things he said were applicable to the economic development in Kentlands.

“In general, it went very well,” Pritchard said.

Also in later comments, Lonergan specifically addressed Kentlands. “I understand the importance of effective signage (directing traffic to the Kentlands businesses) and look forward to working with the Kentlands on improving that in the future.”

He added that he is available to work with businesses and individuals on a myriad of issues affecting small business owners. He can be reached at 301.258.6313, ext. 2171.

A 7-Eleven store is coming to Kentlands.

Gaithersburg city officials issued a $500 fine to the 7-Eleven, Inc. because a city-issued no occupancy legal sign posted on the front door Dec. 7 was ignored.

Instead of closing the store as city officials requested, the store remained open for business while renovations for the new 7-Eleven were going on inside.

Gaithersburg Commercial Permits Coordinator Cliff Lee said it was not safe for customers to shop in the small store during renovations.

After an inspector reported the store was ignoring the no occupancy sign on the front door, Lee said, city officials called a meeting on Dec. 8 with the representatives from the store, the gas station and contractors.

City officials posted a "do not occupy" sign on the entrance door.

The store and gas station have different owners, Lee noted.

According to Lee, there is still quite a lot of work to do inside the new 7-eleven store including the installation of plumbing pipes. He said the store might be open later next week if the renovation work goes as planned.

Lee said an inspector would be following up to make sure the store was following the restrictions associated with the compromise.

Tom Lonergan is the city's new economic development director.

He chose the Kentlands/Lakelands community to live because of its urban lifestyle.

“While Gaithersburg has so many terrific neighborhoods to call home, we chose
Lakelands/Kentlands because of its ‘walkability,’ its unique blend of residential, commercial, and civic uses, and its seemingly endless schedule of events and activities,” said Lonergan. “With a newborn son, this seemed like the perfect place for my family to make friends and establish roots.”

In between diaper changes and unpacking, Lonergan said he’s been a frequent guest of some of the area’s restaurants.

“The Star Diner, Coal Fire and Potomac Pizza have become our tasty alternatives to home cooking while our kitchen is still in disarray,” he said.

When it comes to the Kentlands downtown, he’s already a big fan.

“It’s fabulous! What’s not to love? The community possesses a multitude of shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreational opportunities practically at your doorstep. As compared to other downtowns, it ranks among the best I’ve experienced,” he said.

How can it be better?

“Without having explored it completely or spoken with area business owners, it’s too soon for me to opine on how to make the Kentlands downtown better,” he said. “But supporting and strengthening the independent business base of any community is always a laudable objective.”

As he begins his new job as the city’s economic development director, Lonergan said his top priorities are meeting with and listening to Gaithersburg business owners, developing marketing initiatives and strategizing on how best to attract new business and bolster the city’s existing base.

His first fix, he said, will be “redesigning the city’s economic development website.”

Lonergan also wants to get the word out that he’s here to help business owners.

“Whether they are an indie shop seeking 1,000 square feet for two employees or a multinational tech firm seeking 100,000 square feet for 200 employees, it’s my job to let them know we’re here to help,” he said. “Making myself available at all times to city business owners, both existing and prospective, both big and not-so-big, is critical.”

When asked about his biggest or proudest accomplishment at his last job in Montclair, New Jersey, Lonergan said: “I would have to say it was securing the loans and other funds to redesign an outdated block in the central business district as a more retail and pedestrian oriented corridor, and establishing our office as a one-stop destination for assisting existing and potential business owners.”

Lonergan said he is grateful for the opportunity to spearhead the city of Gaithersburg’s economic development initiatives.

“I’m really looking forward to getting started,” he said the day before he reported to work.

The Kentlands Square Shopping Center was sold to Saul Centers, Inc. on Sept. 23 for $74.5 million.

The center, anchored by a 61,000 square foot Giant Food Store and a 104,000 square foot Kmart, was constructed in 1993 and is 100 percent leased.

“This means a lot to us,” said William Anhut, vice president of finance for Saul Centers, Inc. “We now control the entire shopping center. It gives us some flexibility and maneuverability in operating the center and leasing.”

Anhut said Saul Centers, Inc. now owns 395,712 square feet of commercial real estate in Kentlands. According to Anhut, the Kentlands Place property, where Bonefish restaurant and Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Spa are both located, is 93 percent leased.

Another selling point: More than 38,000 households, with annual incomes averaging over $114,000, are located within a three-mile radius of downtown Kentlands, according to information released by the developer.

The purchase agreement for the Kentlands Square Shopping Center was executed on Aug. 9, he said.

Although Saul officials said they met with city staff once the property was under contract, Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz said he only learned of the sale last night after reading an online report. Katz said he looks forward to sitting down with the new owners and working together.

John Collich is the senior vice president for acquisitions and development for Saul Centers, Inc. He said it is too early to tell if the company will move forward with any of the recommendations of the Kentlands Boulevard Commercial District charrette plan.

“Kentlands is a phenomenal asset for the company,” Collich said. “The charrette is a very exciting plan … long term we will explore those things.”

Kentlands resident and former City Council member John Schlichting participated in the charrette and said the ownership change could be good news for the greater downtown area.

“I see enormous benefits with all (or most) of Kentlands Square being owned by one entity, and I’m hopeful that Saul Centers will grasp the vision inherent in the Kentlands Boulevard Commercial District Charrette Plan,” said Schlichting. “I would also love to see the planned and long anticipated vehicular and pedestrian connection made between the Colonnade and Kentlands Square.”

According to Collich, company officials are studying the charrette and the Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT) plans. He noted the site had just been acquired and that evaluating the redevelopment plans would take some time.

When the opportunity to purchase the Kentlands property became available, Collich said Mr. Saul was committed to making it happen.

“The big picture is we are very excited about the property. [We are happy to be the] new owners and look forward to a bright future.”

Dr. Ann Gupta

Dr. Ann Gupta is the director of the state-of-the-art facility, which offers radiation treatment for cancer patients in the Gaithersburg area.

“My staff and I are pleased to become a part of the community in Montgomery County where we will help patients in their fight against cancer with unparalleled personal care and high-quality radiation treatment programs,” Gupta said. “We have a long history of caring for patients in the community of Fairfax City, and once patients step into the Cancer Center at Gaithersburg, they will not only see but feel the difference in the level of attention, concern and comfort that we extend to our patients and their families.”

According to a state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) report, cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Maryland and in the nation.

In 2007, a total of 26,377 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Maryland and more than 10,000 died from cancer.

For more information about the Cancer Center, visit www.raddocs.com.

One property owner was interested in building more live-work type units in between the Michael’s and Whole Foods stores. Another was considering a unique residential concept on an office pad site near the Colonnade.

Greg Ossont, Gaithersburg’s former assistant city manager, said both property owners were unable to move forward in the planning process because of the city’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO), which limits development based on school capacity.

Rachel Carson Elementary School is one of nine schools, including eight elementary schools, currently in moratorium as evident by the growing number of portable classrooms on campus.

“We can’t add one single-family house, one townhouse or one apartment at all,” said Ossont. “None of the Kentlands master plan can be implemented. More than half the city is in residential moratorium.”

City leaders also learned in August that Gaithersburg Elementary has been added to the growing list of schools enrolled at over 110-percent capacity.

Ossont said the news has “significant implications” for redevelopment of Olde Towne and the Frederick Avenue areas.

In addition to Gaithersburg and Rachel Carson elementary schools, the city’s over capacity list now includes: Strawberry Knolls, Summit Hall, Judith A. Resnick, Brown Station, Jones Lane and Diamond elementary schools; and Wootton High School.

Gaithersburg City Council member Henry Marraffa voted against the APFO when it was adopted in Jan. of 2007 and remains convinced the ordinance, which is more stringent than Montgomery County’s APFO, hurts Gaithersburg. “People have to live somewhere,” he said.

Ossont said amending the city’s ordinance is one possibility.

“If we changed it to be consistent to Montgomery County, then it would take care of all of these issues,” he said.

When asked what he thinks, Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz said local leaders need to have a comprehensive discussion about the issue as soon as possible. A work session to discuss the status of the APFO is now scheduled for Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.