Breakfast links: Federal takeover of Metro still on the table
Ray LaHood is open to a federal takeover among many options when it comes to fixing Metro. The District has forfeited millions in HUD funds that was supposed to go towards rent vouchers. The Anacostia River is still in rough shape but is slowly getting better. Image by Jeff licensed under Creative Commons.
LaHood’s open mind on Metro fixes includes federal takeover
At the helm of a panel tasked with finding solutions to fix Metro, former head of the US Department of Transportation Ray LaHood says we need to be open to many options, including a federal takeover until a new governance system is put in place. (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)
DC is losing millions annually in federal grant money for housing
DC uses local dollars to fund its Housing Protection Trust Fund, a program that provides rent vouchers for low income families, but has given up millions in federal funding that could have been used for a similar purpose after failing to meet spending deadlines. (Post)
Anacostia River takes small steps toward health improvements
A local group wants the Anacostia River to be safe for fishing and swimming by 2025. The river has a long way to go, but it's making progress thanks to more commitments from local governments and the reintroduction of some wildlife. (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)
Bowser’s proposed ban on backyard chickens unlikely to become reality
In her budget, Mayor Bowser proposed outlawing keeping chickens outside DC homes. But after chicken owners lobbied, Vincent Gray and the health committee are likely to strip this from the budget bill. (Peter Jamison / Post)
DC’s rapid rehousing program is far from a sure thing for homeless families
Some say DC's rapid rehousing program isn't as successful as the District says it is because the rent subsidies offered to help families move from shelters to apartments aren't enough to handle high housing costs. (Paul Duggan / Post)
Georgetown’s big plans for staying a desirable destination
The Georgetown 2028 plan hopes to revitalize the neighborhood with proposed projects like the gondola to Rosslyn and streetcar expansion. Backers say the plan is necessary to help the area stay competitive with other neighborhoods. (Zak Salih / UrbanTurf)
Property taxes creep up in Alexandria
The Alexandria City Council voted to increase property taxes by almost six cents, which they say is necessary to help schools handle high enrollment and meet Metro's request for more funding. Mayor Allison Silberberg voted against it. (Patricia Sullivan / Post)
Slumlord’s bankruptcy filing stands up in court
A federal judge ruled that Sanford Capital, a property management firm under fire for mismanaging low-income housing in DC, is not abusing its bankruptcy filing as a way to dodge payment for potentially thousands of dollars in fines. (Darrow Montgomery / City Paper)
Gains in DC real estate prices far outpace those in surrounding counties
While real estate values have steadily grown across the region over the past 25 years, DC's grew twice as fast as those in surrounding counties, mirroring a nationwide trend for housing costs. (Rachel Sadon / DCist)
Amazon to set up shop in DC with a real, physical store
Amazon has been opening bricks-and-mortar retail stores in a number of cities. Their next location: along M Street in Georgetown. (Sarah Haack / Post)