New Carrollton Metro, MARC, Amtrak station in 2015 by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.

Developers, Prince George’s officials break ground on affordable housing project near New Carrollton Metro

The development, called The Margaux, will feature 300 new apartments at below-market rates. Local officials are hoping to transform the area into a walkable community and destination site after years of being a hub for commuter parking.   (John Damon / WTOP)  

Metro is storing some defective railcars improperly

Some of the defective 7000-series railcars being stored at Metro’s West Falls Church yard are missing labels and signage indicating that they are defective, according to findings by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. This violation comes as Metro plans to return some previously defective cars to regular rail service.   (Justin George / Post)  

Prince George’s isn’t the region’s richest majority-Black county anymore

That title now belongs to Charles County, which sits south of Prince George’s, and has an average $104,000 household income per year. The county’s Black population is estimated to be anywhere from 49.2% (2020 Census) to 50.6% (American Community Survey). Most of the Black middle-class families in the county reside in Waldorf.   (Andrew Van Dam / Post)  

Conversation about creating BIDs resurfaces in Alexandria

Alexandria’s City Council has approved guidelines that would make the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) a more structured process throughout the city. Under the guidelines, organizers would have to have the support of at least 60% of businesses within the commercial district, among other requirements. This step comes five years after one proposal for creating BIDs was sent back to the drawing board.   (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)  

Del Ray protestors delay plans for affordable housing complex

At a recent Alexandria Planning Commission meeting, several Del Ray residents spoke against a proposal to allow a bonus height of 25 feet in any zone or height district where the maximum allowable height is 45 feet. This includes plans for a new apartment building that could reach 70 feet in height and offer affordable housing. Protesters argued the new allowance would detract from the small town, mom-and-pop feel of the Alexandria community.   (James Cullum / ALXnow. Tip: Aaron W)  

Montgomery County super PAC criticizes Marc Elrich’s land use record in a new ad

The newly formed group, called the Affordable Maryland PAC, was set up to advocate for more affordable housing in the county. In his defense, Elrich said that his critics don’t grasp the nuances of solving such a massive crisis as the lack of affordable housing in the region and across the county.   (Karina Elwood / Post)  

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Christina Sturdivant Sani is a proud DC native whose work has exposed disparities and injustices that permeate under-resourced communities. She finds joy in highlighting creative solutions in this rapidly changing city. As a coffee shop connoisseur, she has a list of more than 60 cafes that she's visited in the District. If you see her at your local shop, story ideas are welcome!