Rowhouses on R Street NW in DC by Tim Brown used with permission.

Metropolitan Washington Regional Fair Housing Plan cites rising segregation in the Washington region

The draft housing plan, coordinated by DC, the counties of Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, and Montgomery, and the cities of Alexandria and Gaithersburg under the auspices of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), reports that segregation is rising in the DC region. Additionally it lays out a framework to “overcome past and current segregation patterns.” This is the first time in 25 years there has been this sort of regional cooperation on planning for housing and it proceeds a similar plan from 2020 by Prince George’s County, which will also incorporate potions of the regional plan.  (Dan Brendel / Washington Business Journal, ARLNow)  

Metro Red Line to start running trains every eight minutes all day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

The change, which begins today, comes as WMATA continues to make adjustments based on changing commuting patterns in DC and brings more 7000-series rail cars back into service.  (Abigail Constantino / WTOP)  

Vietnamese Eden Center business owners call for equity in redevelopment plan

The Eden Center redevelopment plan has been underway in Falls Church for over two years, but many of the Vietnamese family businesses there have not been engaged with the planning process due to language and other barriers. To change that, a group a young Vietnamese Americans are organizing to help the owners - often their parents - understand what may happen, and to help the county understand the needs of their community.  (DCist)  

Lower Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park reopens; cascading fountain still dry

The National Park Service removed many trees and bushes from the lower park last year, and replaced them with new landscaping, more accessible ramps, a tree archway, and “exposed aggregate” sidewalks. The fountain, which is the longest cascading fountain in North America, is expected to turn back on in the spring once its repairs are completed.  (Aja Drain / DCist)  

Prince George’s County Council considers a higher limit for rent increases

Several County Council members have introduced a second rent control bill for the council to consider, one that would place a higher limit on rent increases than the bill currently in front of the council. The county is trying to balance renters’ needs while giving developers enough return on their investments to continue encouraging growth along Metro’s Blue Line corridor.  (Jacob Wallace / BisNow)  

Takoma Park city manager resigns

Jamal Fox, who assumed the role in May of 2021, has resigned effective February 13 citing changes in the city’s administration.  Deputy managers Rosalind Grigsby and Greg Clark will share duties until an interim city manager is named.  (Akira Kyles / MoCo360)  

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