The completed, but still closed Reston Town Center Silver Line station as pictured in October 2021 by Rob Pegoraro licensed under Creative Commons.

Simulated service on Silver Line extension to start in October

The testing schedule was announced at the September 8 WMATA board meeting. However, WMATA officials did not announce an opening date at the meeting.  (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)  

DC declares public emergency over migrant bus arrivals

The order from the mayor’s office also creates an Office of Migrant Services to provide aid to the over 11,000 and counting migrants bused to the city by officials in Texas and Arizona. The mayor has also sent legislation to the DC Council to provide aid past the current 15-day public emergency.  (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)  

How and why a Southeast DC street was named after Queen Elizabeth II

In 1992 the District renamed Drake Place in Marshall Heights “Queen’s Stroll Place” after Queen Elizabeth II visited a home there on her 1991 US tour alongside an official DC delegation, with the hopes that the neighborhood would continue to attract foreign embassies and investment, which did not happen.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)  

Baltimore transit question won’t be on November ballot

The Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition hoped to place a transit referendum on the November ballot, however, the petition was rejected again by a judge for not having adequate signatures.  (Emily Opilo / Baltimore Sun. Tip: Chester B.)  

Alexandria Planning Commission suggests that noise restrictions are too tough along waterfront

In approving the expansion of outdoor dining for a restaurant near the Torpedo Factory arts center, the commission also recommended that the city allow live entertainment on the waterfront during business hours.  (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)  

City of Rockville will pay state fees to access data on proposed I-270/I-495 project

The City of Rockville and the Sierra Club placed two separate public information requests to the Maryland State Highway Administration for the traffic modeling data on the highway widening project and both were told fulfilling each request would cost about $11,848 and $21,796 respectively. The Sierra Club opted to drop its request, but Rockville will continue its assessment of the proposed I-270/I-495 toll lane plan.  (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)  

Developer proposes housing and park instead of offices in Tysons

With housing demand high and office demand low, a developer with an approved office plan in Tysons is now requesting to swap it for a residential high-rise with 240 units and retail space on the ground floor. The space will also include a public park.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)  

New study estimates vacant properties cost Baltimore $200 million yearly

The report, issued last week by the Johns Hopkins 21st Century initiative estimates that $100 million is lost yearly in tax revenue and $100 million is spent on maintenance of vacant properties in Baltimore city. Study organizers hope this will aid in developing new policies and local action around these homes.  (Baltimore Banner)  

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