Exterior of Union Station by David Brossard licensed under Creative Commons.

Amtrak using eminent domain to try to take over Union Station

Taking control would allow Amtrak to expand the concourse and repair a tunnel under the station. The station is currently leased to a New York-based real estate firm through 2084.  (Luz Lazo / Post)  

Purple Line construction to resume after new contract signed

A new construction team inked a $2.3 billion deal with the consortium overseeing the Purple Line to complete work on the light-rail project. The new contract brings the cost to almost 75% more than Maryland initially budgeted. It’s now expected to start carrying passengers in fall 2026.   (Post)  

DC’s first Open Streets festival of 2022 is set for Anacostia in May

Five blocks of Martin Luther King Ave. SE will be closed to cars and open to all for fitness classes, music, art, kids’ activities, educational stands, and more. A similar event is scheduled for June in Shaw.  (Jordan Pascale / DCist)  

Hains Point could get new walking and bike lanes

The National Park Service plans to replace a vehicle lane with a buffered walking and bike lane on Ohio Drive SW, looping around East Potomac Park. Cycling advocates hope this will curb vehicle speeding due to low traffic on the long stretches of road.   (Jordan Pascale / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)  

Harassment of trans woman on the Metro is part of an increase in crimes against LGBTQ people

A video showing a man screaming transphobic slurs at Saoirse Gowan went viral, spurring others from the LBGTQ community to share their recent stories of harassment in the region. Police data and community groups also verify that there have been an uptick in similar incidents this year than during the same time frame in 2021.   (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)  

Developer files plans for mixed-used development near Clarendon Metro

The site on Washington Boulevard, which currently houses a Wells Fargo bank (that would remain open during construction), would include 238 apartments alongside office space and ground-floor retail.  (Jo DeVoe / ARLnow)  

College Park City Council prolongs contract for rental e-bikes and scooters

VeoRide’s e-bikes and scooters, which arrived in the city through a pilot program in 2019, will remain for three more years. The total fleet could increase from 50 bikes and 150 scooters to a total of 400 vehicles. Additionally, the cost of scooters will increase from 25 cents to 38 cents per minute.   (Grace Yarrow / The Diamondback)  

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