Breakfast Links: Anacostia is making more big restoration and development moves
Anacostia's historic district at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Good Hope Road SE Image by John Stowe used with permission.
A multi-building revamp is planned for a busy block in Anacostia
Developers plan to convert a line of storefronts and a vacant lot at Good Hope Road and Martin Luther King Avenue Southeast into a coffee shop, a bank, a market, and offices on upper floors. The proposal would restore existing buildings as well as construct new additions. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
Maryland housing development for Muslims sparks fair housing debate
The River Run development in Joppatowne, Maryland was marketed to older Muslims, and now the town is embroiled in HUD complaints, local arguments, and a lawsuit. Opponents allege religious discrimination in housing sales, while the developer and marketer say that the pushback is motivated by Islamophobia. (Justin Moyer / Post)
What can the city do with rundown diplomatic properties?
When an embassy or consulate falls into disrepair, it's a local matter that takes international diplomacy to resolve. Some DC neighbors of abandoned embassies have tried to draw attention to rundown buildings, but even the State Department can't do much. (Ashraf Khalil / WTOP)
Montgomery County plans a major school expansion
The county Superintendent announced a plan to build or reopen five schools, and to renovate or put additions in two dozen more. The massive proposal comes after a decade of student growth, including almost 3,000 new students since last year. (Donna St. George / Post)
Reston residents are embroiled in a heated density debate
About 900 people attended a heated Fairfax County zoning meeting about increasing the people-per-acre limit from 13 to 16 in parts of Reston. Detractors say the change would only serve developers, while proponents say it opens the door to regional growth. (Dave Emke / Reston Now)
The National Park Service wants to hike Shenandoah entry fees
The NPS proposal would hike fees during the five month “peak period.” One car would have to pay $70 for park access, up from $25 currently. The proposal is designed to raise revenue at popular parks, but many are concerned that the increase would dissuade visitors. (Benjamin Freed / Washingtonian)
This Halloween, SoberRide use Lyft to get revelers home
The Washington Regional Alcohol Program will offer free rides Saturday night to encourage people not to drive while drunk. This year, the nonprofit switched from partnering with local taxi companies to working with Lyft. (Chris Teale / ARLnow)
Singapore puts a moratorium on all new cars
Singapore already regulated cars with permits, placing strict limits on the number that could be imported to the small island. In February the government will stop issuing any new car permits, and may revise the decision in 2020. (Angie Schmitt / Streetsblog)
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