Breakfast links: King Street Pedestrian Zone made permanent by Alexandria City Council
Alexandria makes King Street block closing permanent
The 100 block of King Street and the unit block between King Street and Strand Street, which were originally shut down as a pilot, have been permanently shut to traffic after a unanimous vote from the Alexandria City Council. A community feedback survey found 89% of respondents wanted the changes made under the pilot program to be made permanent. The city does not anticipate high costs from the closure. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
11th Street Bridge Park moves forward, exempted from environmental regulations
The 11th St. Bridge Park, which was planned over a decade ago and will connect Fairlawn and Historic Anacostia with Navy Yard and Capitol Hill, was delayed because local environmental regulators couldn’t give out permits because of the project’s impacts on the Anacostia River. The City Council unanimously approved an emergency bill that exempted the project from these regulations. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
Affordable housing, rent stabilization to be priorities of discussion for new MoCo Council
Montgomery Council president Gabe Albornoz said the newly elected council will focus on creating more affordable housing options for residents, and signaled openness to discuss rent stabilization. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)
DCHA improperly awarded software contracts, audit reveals
According to an internal audit conducted by DC Housing Authority’s Office of Audit and Compliance, the agency had improperly awarded contracts worth $967,260 to software developer Verbosity. These contract issues compound concerns from DC officials about DCHA leadership and oversight. (Elliot C. Williams / DCist)
Plan pitched to redevelop former Sheraton Tysons Hotel into 544 housing units, park space
Because of the relatively small size of the guest rooms that will be converted, coupled with a decision to preserve much of the existing structure, developer JBG Smith argues the project will create “naturally affordable” housing in Tysons West. The plan would also replace large portions of an existing parking lot with parks and recreational space. (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)
Arlington County may remove some right-turn-only lanes for safety near East Falls Church Metro
The proposed changes would apply to an intersection where a fatal crash occurred last year and would add protected bike lanes in place of the right-turn lanes. The concept could be finalized by next winter for construction to kick off in 2024. (Joe DeVoe / ARLNow)
Alexandria city staff present redesign plans for dangerous intersection
Alexandria’s Vision Zero plans viewed the intersection as a crash hotspot. Revised plans are expected in Spring 2023, to be developed by 2026. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
MD lawmakers in Congress push for the creation of Chesapeake National Recreation Area
The proposal would allow the National Park Service to better coordinate planning around the Chesapeake Bay watershed and open opportunities for additional federal funding. Lawmakers hope the draft legislation will increase public access to the natural amenities of the Bay and bolster economic development and conservation efforts. The draft is open for public comment for 90 days. (Meghan McIntyre / Maryland Matters)
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