Potomac Yard Metro station under construction in March of 2022 by airbus777 licensed under Creative Commons.

WMATA seeks to improve community engagement as new station opens

WMATA is actively working to decrease delays and increase communication in installing its new Alexandria connector tracks through the soon-to-open Potomac Yard station and beyond. WMATA will completely remove and replace its tracks through the Potomac Yard station in Alexandria during its scheduled closing from September 10 to October 22.  (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)  

DC planning leader James O. Gibson dies

James O. Gibson, an influential DC city planner in the 1970s and 1980s, died on August 4 in Rockville at the age of 88. Under Marion Barry’s administration, he oversaw the opening of DC’s first major convention center and in later years worked on racial justice, economic development, and social services, for numerous local agencies and organizations.  (Adam Bernstein / Post)  

Hogan Administration to turn over State Center complex to Baltimore City

The Hogan administration announced Wednesday plans to start the process of turning over the state-owned office complex in central Baltimore to the City of Baltimore for them to determine next steps. The process would not be completed under the Hogan administration and future governors can make changes to the process.  (Baltimore Banner. Tip: Chester B.)  

Fairfax County campaigns for a tourism improvement district

Visit Fairfax wants to create a tourism improvement district (TID) around Mt. Vernon and the surrounding communities called “Potomac Banks” and is seeking approval from local businesses and Fairfax County to do so.  (Virginia Business)  

West Baltimore organizations working to build new art center on historic arts corridor

Intersection of Change, a nonprofit that promotes the cultural legacy and revitalization of West Baltimore, is expanding and developing a 20,000-square-foot arts center in partnership with the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts & Entertainment District.  (Billy Jean Louis / Post)  

Virginia’s passenger and commuter rail ridership is growing

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, which was established in 2020, reports increased train ridership on routes from DC to Roanoke, Norfolk, and Newport News. July had the highest ridership in the agency’s history. State funding supports the routes, which are operated by Amtrak.  (Sun Gazette)  

Ride On bus schedule changes come into effect on September 11

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will adjust 24 Ride On bus routes schedules starting September 11. The changes are meant to improve efficiency and increase reliability without affecting service levels, according to the agency.  (Michael Hernandez / MCMedia)  

Child getting off school bus seriously injured after being struck by driver

The child was exiting the school bus near Montgomery Village and the driver attempted to pass the school bus illegally. The driver remained at the scene and the seven-year-old child was taken to the hospital for their injuries.  (Caitlyn Peetz / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)  

WMATA may replace faregates again after evasion issues

WMATA is looking into more restrictive faregates as a way to stop fare evasion, which according to the agency costs them $25 million a year in lost fares. Debates around this change focus on fares themselves, area jurisdictions having different enforcement of fare evasion, and choosing the right gates during formal purchasing processes.  (Adam Tuss / NBC 4)  

Takoma Park residents debate unauthorized but beloved sidewalk art

The City of Takoma Park has asked a homeowner to remove a sidewalk mural that began during the pandemic and features work by local youth because it violates a graffiti law. Other residents are split in their support of the mural.  (Elliot C. Williams / DCist)  

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