gaithersblog.net

• Patricia M. Murret writes, Henderson found guilty in Harvey murder:
  

  The mother of the Gaithersburg woman shot and killed in a random attack outside her apartment in April said she was grateful that friends of the murderer told police what transpired the night her daughter died.

  “I’m just thankful that everybody saw in their heart the right thing to do,” Deb Harvey said Tuesday, after Shawn M. Henderson was found guilty of killing her daughter, Lindsay Marie Harvey, 25. She said she was happy that Henderson’s loved ones and acquaintances testified against him.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, While in jail, murderer threatened to kill co-defendant:
  

  The man found guilty Tuesday of killing of a Gaithersburg woman in April had threatened to kill a 16-year-old co-defendant and his family if he did not take the blame for the woman’s death, the teen testified during the man’s trial Feb. 10.

  Shawn M. Henderson, 26, of Landover threatened Anthony Moore, 16, of Gaithersburg at the county jail in Boyds as the two waited to be taken to court, Moore testified. Prosecutors had requested that the prisoners be kept separate.

• Sebastian Montes and C. Benjamin Ford write, Crime attacked on three fronts in Montgomery:
  

  Looking to beat back a spike in crime, Montgomery County is rolling out a three-pronged strategy that will add “new tools” to keep violent and repeat criminals off the streets.

• Patricia M. Murret writes, GHS student charged after firing gun at party:
  

  A Gaithersburg teenager was arrested earlier this month for shooting a stolen gun at a party near a homeowner’s association’s community center, but the manager of the HOA says she was not informed of the shooting or the arrest.

• Janel Davis writes, Council committee to revisit disability retirement payments this week:
  

  An update on the county’s new monitoring system for former employees receiving disability retirement payments is expected on Thursday, when a council committee continues its discussion of the county’s disability system.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Belward is at the heart of ‘Science City’ debate:
  

  The view from Jan Fine’s backyard opens onto a 19th-century farmstead atop the crest of one of the Belward farm’s swells of rolling green — a bucolic scene unsullied by the cul-de-sacs and office parks that crept in.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Hearing to be held March 26 on ‘Gaithersburg West’ plan:
  

  The first public hearing on the county’s blueprint for quadrupling development at the Shady Grove Life Sciences Center is set for March 26, putting the County Council’s approval of the Gaithersburg West master plan on a timeline to coincide with the state’s decision on shifting the proposed Corridor Cities Transitway further into the 800-acre area.

• Marcus Moore writes, With vote imminent, parents are debating the ‘gifted’ label:
  

  Few issues are as contentious these days as the question of what the Montgomery County school system should do with “gifted and talented” education.

  The school board is expected to vote Monday night on its Policy Committee’s work plan, which includes a school system proposal to drop the “gifted and talented” label.

Uriah A. Kiser writes in InsideNova.com,

Police search for man in rape of 8-year-old

A 25-year-old Honduran national is wanted in connection with the rape of an 8-year-old girl.

Police said Marcos Danilo Reyes Banegas is accused of raping the child in Woodbridge on Monday, said Prince William County police spokeswoman Erika Hernandez.

Police said Reyes Banegas is an acquaintance of girl.

Hernandez said the man has ties to the Woodbridge, Alexandria, and Gaithersburg, Md.

Police have obtained warrants charging Reyes Banegas with rape, forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties with a minor, Hernandez said.

He is about 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds. He has short black hair and brown eyes.

Hernandez said he is driving a dark gray four-door 2004 Pontiac Grand Am sedan with Maryland registration “2DWK45.”

Hernandez said because of his immigration status Reyes Banegas may try to flee the country.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Reyes Banegas is encouraged to call police at 703-792-6500 or Crime Solvers at 703-670-3700. Callers don’t have to give their names. Tips leading to arrest could earn a cash reward up to $1,000.

According to Maryland court records, a Marcos D. Banegas, who turned 26 a few weeks ago and is around the right height and weight, was arrested in Montgomery County just a year ago this week for disorderly conduct and second degree assault; his address at the time was on Story Drive in Gaithersburg. The State’s Attorney did not pursue the charges.

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Planning Commission Meeting, 2/18/2009

Posted 2/9/2009

City of Gaithersburg
31 South Summit Avenue

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
Telephone: 301-258-6330

PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA [subject to change]
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
7:30 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

February 4, 2009, Planning Commission Meeting
TBA - Background Material (pdf format)

RECORD PLATS

CONSENT ITEM

AFP-08-022 – Saint Martin’s Convent
R-90 Zone
110 South Frederick Avenue
Porch Architectural Elevations
COMPLIANCE WITH SITE PLAN CONDITION
Background Material (pdf format - 9M)

SITE PLANS

SP-08-0010 — Valentine Gardens
CD Zone
525 South Frederick Avenue
Reuse for Office and Hair Salon

FINAL PLAN REVIEW
Background Material (pdf format - 4M)

SP-08-0006 — Medimmune - Building 6/Garage B
MXD Zone
1 Medimmune Way

Building and Surface Parking Expansion
COMPLIANCE WITH CONDITION OF APPROVAL
Background Material (pdf format - 4M)

AFP-08-029 — Washingtonian Center
MXD Zone
Washingtonian Blvd./Grand Corner Avenue

Comprehensive Sign Plan Amendment
AMENDMENT TO FINAL PLAN REVIEW
Background Material (pdf format - Large File 14M)

FROM THE COMMISSION

FROM STAFF

Strategic Plan Update
TBA - Background Material (pdf format)

MP-2-08 — Municipal Growth Element
Closing of the Record
Background Material (pdf format)

ADJOURNMENT