The construction of a new apartment on Elmo Avenue in Bethesda has led to parking and traffic issues for local businesses and residents. Construction workers are occupying the Montgomery County parking garage 40, leaving limited parking options for others. Business employees, like TJ Callahan and Monica Chavce, have expressed their frustration over the lack of parking spaces and the inconvenience caused to customers. The situation has also resulted in financial burdens due to parking tickets. Despite acknowledging the problem, construction worker Jeremy Redd pointed out the need for more parking space. Local businesses are concerned about the potential decline in customer traffic and financial losses if the issue persists. The Wash has reached out to the construction owner and Montgomery County officials but has not received a response.

Small businesses in Bethesda, including Anglo-Dutch Pool and Toy Store, Custom Framers, and Master Lee’s Martial Arts and Taekwondo, have been ordered to vacate their premises by November 30 due to a new shopping center development by Regency Centers. The redevelopment, which will transform the current Westbard shopping center into Westbard Square, is forcing these businesses to either relocate or close due to unaffordable rent increases. Despite being offered space in the new development, the higher market rate rentals are beyond what the small businesses can afford. The community is feeling the loss of these long-standing local shops, which have survived past economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, but are now facing closure. The new development will include a variety of new facilities and amenities, and Regency Centers claims it will provide space for both current and new small/local businesses.