Breakfast links: Maryland Transit Authority’s governance structure isn’t working, report says
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An MTA bus in Baltimore by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.
MTA’s governance comes under fire in a new report
The Maryland Transit Administration is hamstrung by its lack of local oversight and reliance on the governor, a new report says. Recommendations include creating a board of directors, oversight boards and a Greater Baltimore Transit Authority. (Holden Wilen / Business Journal)
Amazon will dole out $9 million to local nonprofits
At the two year mark since Amazon chose Northern Virginia for its HQ2, the company is pledging to give $9 million to local nonprofits. The bulk of the funds will go to legal services for people facing eviction in Virginia and DC. (Jonathan Capriel / Business Journal)
MoCo’s residential building moratorium is over
The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved ending the residential building moratorium, replacing it with a “utilization premium payment.” The move clears the way for construction that could help address the county’s housing shortage. (Briana Adhikusuma / Bethesda Beat)
Count every cat
Researchers have been taking millions of photos of cats in the District in order to count the feline population. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
A Gaithersburg amendment could limit public housing
A zoning change under consideration in Gaithersburg could limit government-provided housing construction in commercial and employment zones, where it is currently allowed by right. The amendment would prohibit residential use in those zones. (Dan Schere / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)
From Alexandria power plant to mixed use development
A developer has purchased Alexandria’s former coal-fired power plant, the Potomac River Generating Station, and plans to turn the 20-acre site into a mixed-use development. (Alex Koma / Business Journal)
Montgomery County works to replace its homeless shelter
Montgomery County is considering spending $1 million to purchase and renovate a facility to replace its men’s shelter, which is expected to close in May. (Briana Adhikusuma / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)
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