Breakfast links: Virginia plans to reopen businesses on May 15
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An open sign by Elliott Scott licensed under Creative Commons.
Buinsesses expected to open in Virginia on May 15
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam expects “Phase 1” of the commonwealth’s easing of restrictions will likely begin on Friday, May 15 and said his stay-at-home order will become a “safer at home” recommendation. Virginia will publish guidelines for industries like restaurants, retail, fitness, personal care and grooming, and entertainment. (ARLnow)
DC Council considers flexible rent-repayment legislation
In response to activists calling on legislators to cancel rent during the pandemic, DC Councilmember Mary Cheh (Ward 3) is sponsoring emergency legislation that would require residential and commercial landlords to work out rent repayment plans with tenants who are struggling during the crisis. (Ally Schweitzer / WAMU)
MDOT to add a bike lane to fatal stretch of Old Georgetown Road
The Maryland Department of Transportation will begin construction on a bike lane and narrower travel lanes on a one-mile stretch in Bethesda of Maryland Route 187, also known as Old Georgetown Road. This follows two separate incidents in 2019 where drivers struck and killed two teenage bicyclists along this section of road. (Brandon Millman / WTOP)
DC doctors concerned that COVID-19 is keeping other patients at home
Doctors at DC hospitals have noticed fewer patients filling cardiac wards and other treatment wings as more deaths occurred in private residences and other buildings, including nursing homes, and outdoors. Between March 1 through April 15, 138 people were pronounced dead on the scene, a 74% increase over the same period in 2019. (Peter Hermann / Post)
Edgewood developer wants to add senior housing units
In DC’s Edgewood neighborhood, a developer applied to add a 151-unit building to the southwest corner of the 792-unit Edgewood Commons community. The new units would be available to people aged 60 and older and earning up to 60% of the median family income. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
A DC building with a canniabis lounge may add apartments
An architectural firm applied for a historic preservation review to retrofit 1318 9th Street with nine apartments and office space. Lift Lounge, an event space for legal cannabis gifting, currently operates at this address. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
Post-COVID-19, why disaster resilience planning will be important
Although cities can learn from this pandemic experience, it’s important to generalize the lessons to better prepare for all types of risks and strengthen the resilience of communities, health, and physical infrastructure. (Todd Litman / Planetizen)
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