A default DC license plate from 2008 with a custom message. A new speciality plate will go even further in demanding statehood. by lala s. licensed under Creative Commons.

DC DMV to offer “We Demand Statehood” license plates

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will start selling specialty plates for $51 that state “We Demand Statehood” by October. The plates were approved in 2016, but similar to a couple of other recent plate offerings, they are just becoming available. DC already has specialty plates that support cycling, the Anacostia River,  several of the area’s sports teams, breast cancer awareness and military service.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)  

Maryland Housing Partnership will aid 400 residents affected by Silver Spring apartment fire

The Maryland Housing Partnership (MHP) has created a fund at the county’s request to aid victims of Saturday’s fire at Arrive Silver Spring, which displaced 400 residents and killed one resident along with three pets. Although the building is not managed by MHP, it does provide affordable housing for Montgomery County residents and has prior partnerships with MHP.  (Akira Kyles / MoCo360)  

All-affordable housing complex proposed for Tysons approved by planning commission

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has approved the all-affordable two-tower development proposed adjacent to the Spring Hill Metro station. The units, affordable for those making 60% of the area median income or less, will also have access to a community center and “skypark” with amenities open partially to the public. The project was expedited by funding from Amazon as part of their role in the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, which will be building the complex.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

Mt. Rainier City Council votes to create a rent stabilization board

The Mount Rainer City Council voted Tuesday night to create a rent stabilization board. The board will penalize landlords if they increase rents above 60% of the consumer price index, via a fine of $500 to $1,000 per increase. Seventy-five percent of the Prince George’s County city’s population of 8,000 are renters. The penalty would only apply to properties under 15 years old.  (John Henry / WUSA9)  

Fairfax County considers how to use American Rescue Plan funding for people experiencing homelessness

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has provided $7.88 million of American Rescue Plan funds to Fairfax County, who is considering using the funding towards permanent supportive housing projects. Some county supervisors want to focus funding on lowering youth homeless rates in the county.  (Vernon Miles / FFXNow)  

Fairfax County launches survey about navigating Tysons

Fairfax County has launched the “Wayfinding and Signage Survey” in partnership with the Tysons Community Alliance. The survey seeks to find out how residents and workers find their way through Tysons and how it could be improved. They will explore modes of transportation as part of the survey.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

Up to 450 units planned for Georgetown across several developments

Georgetown is set to add up to 450 housing units over the next few months. Many of the proposed projects will retrofit or replace commercial spaces with residential units, or add a few residential units to buildings with commercial space. Namely, The Georgetown West Heating Plant will be developed into 72 units and a public park.  (Urban Turf)  

ARHA to request loan, tax credit from Alexandria City Council to complete Samuel Madden redevlopment

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) is asking the City Council for a $1 million loan from the $3.1 million City Housing Opportunities Fund, a cash reserve created by other redevelopment properties in the Braddock section of Alexandria, to pay for the Samuel Madden Redevelopment Project. The ARHA attributes the cost increases prompting the funding request to construction cost changes and inflation.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

Alexandria implements “slow zone” for scooters and e-bikes in part of Old Town

The slow zone will require scooters and e-bikes to remain an eight miles per hour in the Robinson Landing neighborhood, which includes part of the waterfront. This is far below the city limit for vehicles of 15 mph. The pilot slow zone will run through May 21.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

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