Alexandria, Va apartment building by Patrick licensed under Creative Commons.

Virginia Rent Relief Program stops accepting new applications

The program, which closed on Sunday, provided rental assistance to tenants who earn 80% or less than the local area median income and whose finances were negatively impacted by the pandemic. The online application shuttered due to limited funding and a surge in recent applications.  (Margaret Barthel / DCist)  

Metro train strikes, kills man near Brookland station

Red Line service between NoMa and Fort Totten stations was suspended on Sunday afternoon after a Metro railcar struck and killed a man who was found on the tracks near Brookland station.  (WJLA)  

Fairfax County community divided over Confederate street names

A debate over whether to rename Confederate-themed streets in the small Fairfax County community of Mosby Woods is threatening to destroy the community’s sense of unity.  The debate signifies ongoing tensions in Virginia over the state’s confederate past.  (Antonio Olivo / Post. Tip: Chester B.)  

Designs for Friendship Heights redevelopment unveiled

Plans have finally been released to redevelop Friendship Center, which is currently home to commercial spaces such as Marshalls, DSW, and Maggiano’s. The redevelopment will include 310 housing units, 15% of which would be deemed affordable. The building will feature nature-focused designs such as greening on balconies.   (UrbanTurf)  

Metro’s incoming general manager optimistic about the system’s future

Metro is facing a ton of headwinds right now, like a major funding shortfall next year and concerns about how remote work will affect ridership and revenue. But Metro’s incoming general manager is confident the system can bring back riders by focusing on safety measures and offering an alternative to congested roadways and high gas prices.  (Justin George / Post)  

Candidates in Montgomery County Council race suggest ideas for improving upcounty transportation

In a forum last week, the seven candidates vying for the new County Council District 7 seat, which covers neighborhoods such as Derwood, Olney, and Ashton, discussed expanding MARC and rapid bus service, increasing the use of personal rapid transit systems, and shifting times for traffic lights on Georgia Avenue to reduce traffic.  (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)  

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