Breakfast links: DC Council takes a step toward more density with first of two Comp Plan votes
DC Council unanimously approves first of two Comp Plan votes
In the first of two votes the Council approved an update to the Comprehensive Plan that would allow for more density. The Council added changes to address racial equity and displacement, and boosted the allowed density of two city-owned sites that are poised for redevelopment. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
Alexandria gets rid of school resource officers
The Alexandria City Council is ending the practice of stationing police officers in some middle and high schools by reassigning the funding for that program to mental health resources and hiring a new behavioral health specialist. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
Vaccine outreach ramps up in Prince George’s
After months of not enough vaccine supply, Prince George’s County now has enough shots and is trying to drive up demand. The county launched a door-to-door canvassing program, walk up clinics, and phone and text banking to encourage residents in at-risk neighborhoods to get vaccinated (Post)
DC councilmember proposes baby bonds
Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie’s proposal would create a publicly funded trust fund for children whose families make less than $132,000 a year that the children could access after they reach age 18 to spend on housing, education or business investment. The goal would be to reduce the city’s stark racial wealth gap. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
JBG Smith takes ownership stake in Potomac Yard development
JBG Smith is partnering with JPMorgan on a major mixed-use development in Potomac Yard, just south of Virginia Tech’s proposed campus expansion. The company now has the rights for 79% of future development density in National Landing. (Jonathan Capriel / Business Journal)
New Purple Line builders are coming
Maryland Transportation Secretary Greg Slater says the state is choosing between three finalists to take over construction on the Purple Line after the first contractor left the project in September 2020. (Dick Uliano / WTOP)
DC is digitizing vaccine records
A new DC Health website gives residents electronic access to their COVID-19 vaccination records by making an online account. Not everyone will see their information right away, as the registry relies on different sources for data. (Amanda Michelle Gomez / City Paper)
Firetrucks can be small and still effective
Fire codes increase street widths to accomodate large hook and ladder trucks, but compact emergency vehicles can carry out many or most 911 calls while being more maneuverable and pedestrian-friendly. (Kea Wilson / Streetsblog)
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