In Case You Missed It…

As 2012 winds down, we here at BethesdaNow.com want to share some of the stories you might have missed.

Whether you’re new to the site or have been following since we launched in August, don’t hesitate to tell us what you think can be improved, what you like or anything else on your mind about the communities of Bethesda, Chevy Chase and North Bethesda.

In 2013, we will bring you more of the news that affects where you live, work, shop, dine and spend your time. Thank you for your support so far.

And as a reminder, please sign up for our daily afternoon email (sign-up is under the advertisements on the right side of the page), follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook and email desk@bethesdanow.com with any suggestions or news tips.

Now, some select stories from the year that was:

In August, a longtime restaurant owner forced out of his space on Norfolk Avenue by redevelopment talked about the challenges facing what was once thought to be Bethesda’s industry of choice.

As the economy improves and a new wave of intensive development hits Bethesda and North Bethesda, the ways in which businesses, government and established residents dealt with changes ahead was a constant topic. The school system must grapple with rising enrollment numbers. The county must find ways to ensure the proper balance of new residents, transportation infrastructure, parks and civic space. Developers and residents who have had rocky relationships in the past must find ways to work together.

In some cases, not everybody is going to agree. In November, a tiff over a guest house between neighbors in Battery Park led to a new law from the County Council. Upon hearing the county’s plans for expanding the popular Capital Bikeshare program into Bethesda next year, some residents expressed concern over biker safety and whether cyclists could co-exist on crowded downtown streets.

Some beloved businesses left town, while others survived scares and fresh ones with new ideas popped up. A wealth of restaurant options proved just how fierce the competition in Bethesda can be.

Despite the area’s affluence, homelessness, and how to fix it, remained a significant issue. The September death of a Bethesda woman who left behind three dead dogs and another that had to be euthanized raised serious questions about her participation in hobby breeding. County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) talked about the traffic issues on the minds of many and challenges that await.

There was the weird (a bachelor party kidnapping prank that turned out to be too real) and the celebratory (the 10th anniversary of one of Bethesda’s favorite hangout spots). Then, there was the king of celebrations, who lives and works right here in Bethesda.

There was a lot to talk about just in the last four months of the year, and we look forward to bringing you all to come in 2013.

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