Photo by clappstar on Flickr.

Long delays at IAD

International airline passengers at Dulles Airport wait on average 3 hours to pass through customs. The airport recently expanded its screening area, but an insufficient number of customs officers may be to blame for the long delays. (WBJ, Post)  

DCA and IAD to receive makeovers

National and Dulles Airports will soon have new food and retail options as MWAA begins renovations in both airports. 95 percent of DCA’s concessions will be revamped in the next 30 months. (ArlNow)  

Marijuana bill introduced to Council

A bill that would legalize the possession and sale of marijuana was introduced to the DC Council. The bill proposes a 15 percent excise tax that would go towards substance-abuse prevention programs. (WAMU)  

How people commute

Mass transit commuting and telework are becoming more popular in the region according to the 2013 State of the Commute Survey. Individuals in Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Fairfax are more likely to commute by car, while DC, Arlington, and Alexandria have more mass transit users and cyclists. (WTOP, MWCOG)  

DHCD funding takes a hit

Federal government funding for DHCD housing programs continues to decline. Programs affected the most include the HOME Investment Partnership Program and Community Development Block Grant Program. (City Paper)  

Ballston Mall redevelopment pushes forward

The developer and owner of Ballston Mall purchased Macy’s Furniture store as part of the mall’s redevelopment. The planned revamp, which includes mixed use, must be approved by the County Board. (ArlNow)  

Friendship Heights gets greener

Montgomery Parks and Chevy Chase Village are partnering to build a two-acre park on the edge of Friendship Heights. Pending approval, the green space will be named Western Grove Park. (BethesdaNow)  

Silver Line expected for February

Construction of the first phase of Metro’s Silver Line is near “substantial completion”, but will not open to passengers until at least February. (City Paper)  

And…

DC is more energy-efficient than most cities. (WAMU) … Meet Lance Wyman, the man who designed Metro’s newest map. (Post) … Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) visited Maryland to recruit businesses to move to Texas. (BethesdaNow)