Breakfast links: For Rent
The rent is too high
Half of all renters now spend at least 30 percent of their income on housing. As the trend to own a home is reversing, what can be done about the rising cost of rental housing? (City Paper)
Affordable housing saved
A team of developers purchased Channel Square Apartments to preserve affordable rental apartments in Southwest DC. The group says at least 51% will remain affordable to individuals making less than the median income. (Post)
Affordable housing gone
The supply of affordable housing units is declining, as homebuilders and landlords target the upper end of the market. What happens to the working poor who can’t afford their rent? (NYT)
DC’s changing demographics
A new study from the Urban Institute shows demographic changes in the District are not equal. The Hispanic population is leaving Columbia Heights and the Black population continues to decline. (City Paper)
ANCs losing weight
ANCs are supposed to be given “great weight” in public issues like zoning changes and public land dispositions, but recent decisions like 965 Florida Ave suggest DC doesn’t take their suggestions seriously. (City Paper)
New plans for Columbia
Leaders in Columbia, MD want to bring a central park, housing, and retail development to the area, hoping new recreational activities will draw young professionals to live in the planned community. (Post)
I-66 going up
Could the I-66 expansion go vertical? Most responses to an RFI included managed toll lanes, but one group believes building upward is the only way to provide bus routes and rail extension along the corridor. (WBJ)
And…
Charges against WMATA for redevelopment of the property above Shaw-Howard Metro Station were dismissed. (WBJ) … DC Streetcar will make its debut appearance on H Street in the coming days. (DCist) … Bethesda might get creative crosswalks. (BethesdaNow)