View of DC rooftops facing towards US Capitol building by Ted Eytan licensed under Creative Commons.

Councilmember Nadeau introduces public land acquisition bill

The bill — possibly the first of its kind in the nation — aims to reduce one of the biggest barriers to affordable housing creation and preservation in DC: the high cost of land. If passed, the bill would create mechanisms for DC government to purchase land underneath some multifamily residential and commercial buildings. DC would have the ability to enter into long-term ground leases with building owners, such as tenants seeking to purchase their buildings through the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. Mayor Bowser’s proposed budget also includes a similar public land acquisition provision.  (Morgan Baskin / DCist)  

DCHA claims it doesn’t have capacity to manage additional funding for public housing repairs

DC Councilmember Robert White proposed increasing funding for the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) to complete repairs, beyond the level proposed in Mayor Bowser’s budget. DCHA’s executive director said they would be unable to manage the additional money, despite its large maintenance backlog.  (Alex Koma / Washington City Paper)  

DCHA’s housing waitlist reforms may have mixed results for those on waitlist for years

The District of Columbia Housing Authority recently held its first events in years for those on its housing waitlist, which has been frozen for a decade. About 10 percent of the 18,000 invited residents attended. A number of attendees report waiting decades for housing, and it is unclear how many will access housing through the reformed lottery-based system.  (Meagan Flynn / Post)  

Prince George’s Council townhome restriction proposal receives pushback from county executive’s office

A recent bill put forth by two Prince George’s County councilmembers to restrict townhome development to areas near existing transit was sharply criticized by the county executive. The county executive’s office noted that the bill would put the county at risk for developer lawsuits and issues with missing middle housing down the road.  (John Domen / WTOP)  

University of Maryand students worry about transport options during summer Metro closings

Many University of Maryland students plan to commute from campus into DC and Virginia for internships over the summer and worry how Yellow Line changes and Green Line closures between Greenbelt and Fort Totten will increase their commute times. WMATA will provide bus shuttles, but they may face traffic.  (Bridge Byrne / The Diamondback)  

Redevelopment with up to 740 units proposed at Rockville shopping center

Developers filed plans with the Montgomery County to redevelop a shopping center on Rockville Pike near the Twinbook Metro station. The development would occur in two phases, including a 270-unit building and a second 470-unit building. It would also include a neighborhood green space.  (UrbanTurf)  

Funding secured for crossing beacon on Columbia Pike in Fairfax County where a driver killed a teen

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a pedestrian hybrid beacon at the crosswalk at the intersection of Tyler Street and Barcroft View Terrace after pedestrian deaths. Residents have also petitioned for a lower speed limit.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

Rosslyn pedestrian bridge to be demolished starting Saturday

The former RCA building in Rosslyn and its pedestrian bridges will be demolished soon. The pedestrian bridge was built in the 1950s and 1960s as part of a trend in keeping pedestrians separate from vehicles that have fallen out of favor over time.   (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)  

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