Frederick Douglass Bridge looking north and westward by Joe Flood licensed under Creative Commons.

Black homeownership rates fall east of Anacostia River

The Urban Institute reports that the percentage of mortgages going to Black homebuyers east of the Anacostia River has decreased by about 18% between 2007 and 2021, from 92% to 75%. Home prices have increased in the area, particularly adjacent to the Anacostia River and the Anacostia Freeway, shutting out the average renter in Ward 7 or 8 from homeownership, while home prices remain lower that much of the rest of the city, attracting a larger number of non-Black buyers. As DC grows, a mismatch exists between Mayor Bowser’s goal of increasing Black homeownership and a construction pipeline of mostly rental units.  (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)  

Arlington County Board to review plans to redevelop lot on Columbia Pike

The Arlington Planning Commission has approved plans to tear down the Bank of America site that currently stands on Columbia Pike in South Arlington and replace it with a four-story residential development. The County Board will review the plans on February 18th, and developers have already made sure the plans meet certain provisions.  (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)  

Shutdown of encampment at McPherson Square highlights staffing issues

As the National Park Service and the DC government prepare to shut down the encampment at McPherson Square, advocates have pointed out that only a small percentage of those facing eviction have been approved for housing assistance. While the District has the funds, a lack of case managers reflects a nationwide staffing issue, as well as DC’s own racial disparities in its licensing exam for social workers.  (Post)  

Fairfax County announces pilot program for speed cameras around schools

Fairfax County announced its Board of Supervisors approved a pilot program to install speed cameras around schools, effective February 10. The program, which will initially start with eight locations, comes in the aftermath of a fatal collision that occurred in Oakton last year and killed two high school students.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

Talisha Searcy, Takoma Park’s Mayor, discusses housing policy

Talisha Searcy, who is Takoma Park’s first elected Black mayor, sat down with MoCo360 to discuss her vision for goals for this term. One particular area of focus is housing policy: Mayor Searcy wants to focus on expanding housing throughout the city while ensuring rent remains affordable.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360)  

US House of Representatives votes to block local DC bills

The House voted to block two local bills in DC pertaining to voting rights and criminial justice reform. Dozens of Democrats joined Republicans in voting these bills down; the bills’ supporters say the vote highlights the urgency for DC statehood.  (Meagan Flynn / Post)  

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