Redevelopment Rehash

- A five-story office space near the Wheaton Metro, known as the Computer Building, could become a 14-story apartment complex. Lowe Enterprises, a Los Angeles-based developer, announced its plans last Wednesday at a public meeting, The Gazette reported. For the full story about the construction timeline and reactions from tenants, visit The Gazette’s website.

- On the same block as the Computer Building, if you walk by The Brownstones on your way to the Wheaton Metro station, you’re walking by rowhomes that are the work of EYA, a Bethesda housing developer. Last week The Washington Post published a Q&A with co-founder and president Bob D. Youngentob about his company’s economic strategy during the recession. Visit the Washington Post website for the full story.

- Small business owners around Montgomery County are worrying about the effects of redevelopment in their communities--and Wheaton is no exception. The Gazette interviewed Amanda Sanchez, the owner of Riverside Lounge:

“There is not much parking for my customers,” Sanchez told The Gazette. “It's a very slow economy. I might have to sell because of the new offices and houses causing rents to increase.”

The Gazette also spoke with Ash Kosiewicz of the Lation Economic Development Corp. about the Coalition for Fair Redevelopment of Wheaton, and with Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal (D-At large). Visit the Gazette website for the full story.