Breakfast links: DC Housing Authority was aware its properties weren’t safe before lawsuit
Despite saying otherwise, the DC Housing Authority was aware of its properties’ safety issues
Despite claims by DCHA’s Executive Director stating they had limited knowledge, the DC Housing Authority knew about the numerous safety issues that plagued 10 DCHA properties a year before DC Attorney General Karl filed a lawsuit, according to correspondence obtained by DCist. (Morgan Baskin / DCist)
Black homeowners in Prince George’s are still affected by the mortgage crisis
Black homeowners were amongst the hardest hit by the 2008-2009 subprime mortgage crisis in Maryland. Now, Black homeowners in Prince George’s County are dealing with the current recession’s effects coupled with the debt from predatory loans during the last recession. (Dominique Maria Bonessi / WAMU)
Maryland is canceling Styrofoam
Starting on October 1st, Maryland will begin a statewide ban on Styrofoam products. The ban would apply to most containers used for food services but not prepackaged products in foam containers or containers for raw meat and seafood. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
MTA halts plan to cut Baltimore bus service
After receiving much criticism, the Maryland Transit Administration has decided against cutting Baltimore area bus service. However, MTA will continue to pursue cuts to its commuter bus and MARC train services starting in November. The service cuts were proposed in response to a drop in revenue due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Colin Campbell / Baltimore Sun. Tip: Chester B.)
American suburbs are diverse, but still segregated
Despite American suburbs’ diversity, racial and ethnic groups remain segregated due to exclusionary zoning and discriminatory land-use regulations supported by local officials and communities. (CityLab)
A new park is coming to NoMa
NoMA will be getting another park that’s temporarily being called “Swampoodle II.” The NoMa Parks Foundation recently acquired a vacant lot, which will be turned into the 8,400 square-foot public park. The land sits adjacent to the current Swampoodle Park. Also, here is an interesting conversation being had about the legacy of the park. (Nathan Diller / DCist)
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