Breakfast links: Fairfax County looks at the possibility of making its Connector bus free
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Fairfax Connector bus by Ben Schumin licensed under Creative Commons.
Officials to study making Fairfax Connector bus fare-free
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay suggested that a study of more affordable public transportation take place. The Board approved the matter Tuesday, and staffers were tasked with presenting a list of pros and cons for a free system by the board’s next Transporation Committee meeting on Sept. 30. The Connector has about 30,000 daily riders, according to pre-pandemic numbers. (Emily Leayman / Patch)
Bike lanes proposed for two highly trafficked areas in Fairfax County
On Farmington Drive, bike lanes, crosswalks, and shared street markings could go near Huntington Metro on Farmington Drive, and new bike lanes are proposed for a road near a new parklet at Mount Vernon Plaza. Officials will discuss the plans with the community on June 15. (Matt Blitz / FFXnow)
Contractors see a possible handover date for Silver Line Phase 2
The rail line’s contractor says they could hand over the project to Metro by July 29. However, Metro has not announced a date for when the 11.4-mile extension into Loudoun County will be operational. (Fatimah Waseem / FFXnow)
How has systemic racism and discrimination affected housing in Alexandria?
Some city officials, including planning commissioners David Brown and Melissa McMahon, want this question studied and answered before the new land use plan for Alexandria’s West End is solidified. “We need to take a hard look at systemic land-use policies,” added Luca Gattoni-Celli, founder of YIMBYs of NoVA, in a planning meeting earlier this week. (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)
Effort to rename Indian Head Highway to Piscataway Highway goes awry
Some Piscataway tribal leaders said they weren’t allowed to fully vet the legislation before it was introduced. Not all of them agreed on the new name. And others disagree on the origin story of how the area in Southern Maryland came to be called “Indian Head.” Ultimately, the name was never officially changed, but instead designated with signposts. (Post. Tip: Chester B.)
OIG investigates DC’s Main Streets grant program
In a release of its early findings, the DC Office of the Inspector General found questionable accounting practices and programmatic mismanagement showing that the Department of Small and Local Business Development employees may favor certain nonprofits competing for the grant program that’s designed to revitalize business corridors. (Alex Koma / City Paper)
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