An image of the proposed bike space on the 8000-series Metrorail trains. Image by WMATA.

WMATA looks for in-person feedback on 8000-series cars

WMATA is hosting an in-person pop-up event at the 7th and F Street entrance to the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station over the next few days to solicit feedback and allow riders to test out certain elements of the new railcars.  WMATA officials state this is part of their wanting to do more public outreach about major, long-term changes such as the new railcars.  (Jordan Pascale / DCist)  

DC Councilmember proposes cap on rent increases at rent-controlled apartments

DC Councilmember and Housing Committee chair Robert White wants to lower the District rent cap below the recently approved 8.9 percent increase to 6.9 percent. However, advocates want to lower the cap further and share concerns that landlords are already pushing to exceed rent caps in the name of major maintenance projects.   (Alex Koma / Washington City Paper)  

Alexandria residents, stakeholders debate Duke Street Transitway plans

The proposed Duke Street Transitway was the subject of the most recent Alexandria Transportation Committee meeting. Residents, including a former DASH bus operator, raised concerns about running too many studies at the risk of raising the cost of the project but noted that the transit project is still needed and some of the challenges raised were similar to those around bringing Metrorail to Alexandria.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

In the wake of rent control, parking fee imposed—then cancelled—at Oxon Hill apartment complex

After rent control passed in Prince George’s County, the residents of an Oxon Hill apartment complex received a letter in March that they must pay $52 monthly for a parking permit or $103 for a reserved spot in their parking lot starting in April. The charge was canceled following media attention.  (Brad Bell / WJLA)  

Herndon Town Council approves capital improvement plan

The Herndon Town Council has approved its proposed downtown improvement plans. The plans span over the next six years, and include the construction of sidewalk improvements on Spring Street and Locus Street to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, as well as community center improvements.  (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)  

New 370-unit building proposed for Crystal City

JBG Smith has added another residential building to its redevelopment of Crystal City. This one, a seven-story residential and retail hybrid at 2451 Crystal Drive, will replace a parking lot, but leave 200 spaces for residents. The building is expected to bring 370 residential units to the area, with retail options to be determined.  (UrbanTurf)  

A brief history of messages on the Kensington railroad bridge over the Capital Beltway

MoCo360 recently documented the history of various sociopolitical messages on the CSX railroad bridge that crosses over the Captial Beltway in Kensington. While it’s most known for having the phrase Surrender Dorothy on its side, it’s been emblazoned with others over the years, most recently one referring to Hunter Biden, the son of the president currently under multiple investigations. The messages have also inspired beer and other separate pop-culture objects.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360)  

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