Breakfast links: Barry Farm redevelopment breaks ground
DC breaks ground on Barry Farm housing redevelopment
Construction officially began on a mixed-use building with 108 affordable housing units for people over 55. This will be the first of 900 planned affordable housing units, of which 380 will be reserved for residents displaced by the redevelopment project. (Michael Brice-Saddler / Post)
Industrial facilities dumping toxic chemicals into Maryland waterways, new report finds
The “Wasting Our Waterways” report, released Wednesday by the Maryland PIRG Foundation, found that 94,000 pounds of toxic chemicals were dumped into Maryland waterways in 2020. The report recommends increasing protections against “forever chemicals” like PFAS that continue to contaminate Maryland’s waterways. (Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters)
Alexandria report provides updates on housing goals, pandemic recovery
The report was compiled for an Alexandria City Council meeting tonight (Wednesday) and reviewed progress toward a variety of goals, including diversifying housing options at different price points. The report points to ordinance changes allowing accessory dwelling units and bonus building height as indicators of progress towards these goals. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
Lidl opens supermarket east of the Anacostia River
Lidl will be the first supermarket to open east of the Anacostia in 15 years. The store is part of Skyland Town Center, a mixed-use development that has been under construction since 2014. (Michael Brice-Saddler / Post)
Montgomery County considers banning gas-powered leaf blowers
Montgomery County Council Chairman Gabe Albornoz submitted a proposal to ban the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers in Montgomery County. Residents and elected officials alike point to noise pollution reductions and climate impacts as benefits of the bill if it were to be enacted. (Fox 5 DC)
DC homebuyer program set to increase maximum assistance amount
The program will increase its maximum downpayment assistance from $80,000 to $202,000 starting October 1. The loans are available to first-time homebuyers earning up to 110% of the median household income. (Urban Turf)
Tolling begins on parts of I-66 Express Lanes outside the Capital Beltway
To ensure vehicles can maintain speeds of 55 mph, the new I-66 Express Lanes change toll prices depending on traffic volume. On Monday, the peak toll for Express Lanes between Gainesville and Centreville, Virginia was $6.50. (Neal Augenstein / WTOP)
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