Windows of rowhomes near Georgetown university by Jeff Vincent licensed under Creative Commons.

DC nonprofits returning federal aid for addressing homelessness due to staffing and administrative challenges

Administrative challenges and case management staffing shortages have led to several local housing nonprofits returning unspent federal grants meant to help end homelessness. Efforts are underway to improve spending and address staffing issues for effective utilization of grants  (Annemarie Cuccia / DCist)  

Regional tap water has odd taste due to prevalence of algae byproduct

The Potomac River contains more algae than normal, and they’re producing a byproduct called geosmin that changes the taste of the water. The Potomac River is a primary drinking water source for much of the region and is currently under monitoring for drought conditions, which contribute to the outgrowth of algae. All parties that examine the water systems state that the water is still safe to drink, but the taste can’t be changed until the algae die off.  (Jacob Fenston / DCist)  

Baltimore considers land bank to tackle vacant housing crisis

Baltimore City Council is considering a land bank as a quasi-governmental entity to tackle the problem of vacant homes. The proposed Land Bank Authority aims to revitalize disinvested Black communities by acquiring properties using public and private funds. Information sessions have been held, and negotiations are underway to finalize the land bank’s structure and objectives.  (Tashi McQueen / Afro)  

Lidl, Whole Foods stores to open in Northwest DC on June 28

The District’s second Lidl and an additional Whole Foods will open on the same day, June 28, just miles apart in Northwest DC. While the new stores are welcomed to the areas they are going in, concerns about the lack of grocery stores in Wards 7 and 8 are still lingering, especially with the loss of one, Good Foods Market, earlier this year.  (Aja Drain / DCist)  

House unable to override Biden’s veto of Republican resolution to block DC police bill

The House Republicans’ push to block the DC police reform bill did not receive the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto. The bill was first passed by DC lawmakers in the summer of 2020 after George Floyd’s killing. The bill adds restrictions to the use of chokeholds, as well as other reforms related to body camera footage availability, a public database of police misconduct, and more.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)  

Montgomery County explores mixed-use development potential on hospital and university land in Takoma Park

Montgomery County officials may update a master plan for Takoma Park, enabling mixed-use development on nearby hospital and university land. The 43-acre site presents significant redevelopment potential, including rezoning for commercial-and-residential mixed-use, attracting countywide attention. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Dan Brendel / Business Journal)  

Alexandria invests in major affordable housing redevelopment and preservation projects

Alexandria City Council has approved funding to renovate and preserve a historic rooming house at 1022 Pendleton Street, owned by a local Black family for over 100 years and included in the Green Book. That property will welcome residents back after a renovation. Additionally, the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) is in the early stages of redeveloping one of its Old Town North properties, the Langley, with units affordable to households with incomes ranging from from less than 30% up to 80% of area median income. (The article about the ARHA project is behind a paywall)  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow, Tristan Navera / Business Journal)  

DC Council increases affordable housing requirements for new downtown residential conversion tax abatement

On Tuesday the DC Council voted to amend the 2024 Budget Support Act to require developers taking advantage of the 20-year downtown housing tax break to ensure 18% of units are affordable to those making 80% of the Area Median Income. The Council voted to keep in place a 15-year exemption of TOPA rights for these properties. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)  

Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.