Breakfast links: WMATA, safety regulators clash over train shortage
Metro’s board and safety commission clash over system’s train shortage
A WMATA board meeting highlighted the tensions between the agency and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission. Board members are frustrated by the slow return of 7000-series cars. In turn, the commission says the agency hasn’t addressed safety concerns regarding the 7000-series trains. (Editor’s note: Metro board member Tracy Hadden Loh, also GGWash’s board chair, is quoted in this article. She has no editorial input.) (Justin George / Post)
DC sues chemical manufacturer over pesticides in area rivers, water supply
Attorney General Karl Racine has announced DC’s plans to sue Velsicol, an Illinois-based chemical manufacturer, over its decades-long sale of pesticides containing chlordane, which has been linked to cancer. According to the lawsuit, improper disposal has disproportionately affected the city’s Black and brown population, particularly as the pesticide runs through the District’s water supply and the area rivers. (Kyle Swenson / Post)
Missing middle plans spark debate in Arlington, nationwide
Proposals for missing middle housing in Arlington face fierce backlash from critics, who claim it wouldn’t address affordability. Proponents say it’s the only way thousands will ever be able to afford to buy homes in Arlington County. Other communities nationally face similar housing issues and are watching Arlington County for solutions. (Teo Armus / Post)
Proposed front addition will address crowding at ALX nursing home
An Alexandria nursing home has proposed the construction of a three-story front addition. The proposed addition wouldn’t add new beds, but it would address overcrowding within the facility. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
Montgomery County Council still divided over Thrive Montgomery 2050
A Wednesday-night forum in Silver Spring showed Montgomery County officials disagree about the effects of Thrive Montgomery 2050. County Executive Marc Elrich claims that Thrive won’t address affordability, while Council Member Will Jawando believes it can provide smart growth. (Ginny Bixby / Bethesda Beat)
Emergency bill calls for DCHA, public housing reforms
In light of a federal audit indicting the DC Housing Authority’s handling of public housing, Councilmember Elissa Silverman (At-large) and Attorney General Karl Racine have drafted an emergency bill to overhaul the authority. The proposed bill would not address all issues, but Silverman and Racine expect to take more time working on long-term solutions. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
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