Breakfast links: Metro faces new reports of safety failures involving its third rail system
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WMATA workers conduct track repair work by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.
New Metro safety report says the agency put workers’ lives at risk
In one incident last month, Metrorail powered the electric third rail while workers were still on the roadway — disregarding detailed protocol, according to an investigation and subsequent report from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. That’s just one of many times Metro officials put service before safety, the report’s authors say. (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)
Median price for a detached DC house hits record $1.4 million high
The new price, recorded in April, is an 11% increase from April 2021 and about $100,000 higher than one month ago. Palisades, AU Park, and Chevy Chase saw the highest year-over-year price increases. (Urban Turf)
Engineers will study the Anacostia River as a second source of drinking water
The Potomac River is currently DC’s sole option for drinking water, and the Washington Aqueduct only keeps a day’s worth of backup water supply, according to a press release from Del. Eleanor Homles Norton, announcing approval for the Army Corps of Engineers to study the Anacostia River as a second source. (Will Vitka / WTOP)
Montgomery County Council gives tentative approval to continue free Ride On bus fares
The free fares would last for at least a year, pending a second approval by the council before its final operating budget vote. The council decided that Metrobus, however, will not be subsidized. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)
You can comment on Fairfax County’s new climate change plan
The public has until June 15 to weigh in on the draft Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan, which proposes climate change solutions such as an education program, a flood-risk reduction plan, capital improvement projects, and more. (David Taube / FFXnow)
Fairfax County’s Breezeway Motel renovation plan is approved
After several revisions, the Fairfax City Council has approved Pulte Homes’ redevelopment plan for Breezeway Motel, which would turn the Fairfax Boulevard property into a commercial building with 10,000 square feet of space. The new community will feature 40 townhouses, 20 two-over-two condominium units, and public space. (Fatimah Waseem / FFXnow)
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