Passengers leave train on first day of service at Potomac Yard Metro station in May 2023 by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.

WMATA calling for dedicated operational support in face of $750 million budget shortfall

WMATA leadership is calling on local jurisdictions and the federal government to provide permanent dedicated operational support before it faces an operational deficit next fiscal year. It is the only transit agency of its size without dedicated funding for operations, even among systems that span multiple jurisdictions. The issue has existed since 1976 but has ballooned in recent years.  (Jordan Pascale / DCist)  

Report: Downtown DC missing amenities that lure residents to central business districts

A recent national report, JLL’s The Future of the Central Business District, has compared central business districts (CBDs) around the world and spotlighted amenities that convince potential residents to move into or remain in CBDs. DC was found to lack such amenities in its CBD, but the report noted that several other areas, such as Tysons, Bethesda, Navy Yard and the Wharf were providing those amenities, such as grocery stores and family-oriented restaurants.  (Jeff Clabagh / WTOP)  

Northeast DC apartment owner sues to evict tenants who face gas leaks and disrepair

The building at 115 Franklin Street NE seeks to evict 13 tenants, at least three of whom have been withholding rent while waiting for serious repairs to the building. The building has a history of ill repair, but gas leaks and a roach infestation have become more severe. Residents want to stay and are working together to stay, but many feel powerless against the landlord despite their efforts to organize.  (Morgan Baskin / DCist)  

Prince George’s County Councilperson introduces bill to increase apartment security requirements

Councilmember Wala Blegay is introducing a bill to require working security cameras at all county apartment buildings and 12 hours of security support daily for over-55 apartment buildings. Property crime has increased 53% over the last year at county properties, and the councilmember was on-site at one property as two thefts were happening on another part of the property.  (John Domen / WTOP)  

Fairfax County releases new extreme heat plan for residents

Fairfax County has released a new plan for heat mitigation for residents. Forty-seven centers, namely existing library and community centers, will serve as designated cooling centers and have supplies, seating, and other needs to help people beat the heat. Additionally, the county will provide free transport to cooling centers for those in need and utilize text and internet notices to distribute information about the centers. Changes were based on recommendations from a workgroup convened in response to concerns raised by the county NAACP.  (Melanie Pincus / FFXNow)  

Up to 3500 apartment units are planned near and in Trinidad and Gallaudet areas

The area has seven planned properties. One, the Bonsai, will provide 41 units and plans to provide bicycle spaces, pre-loaded SmarTrip cards, and Capital Bikeshare memberships in lieu of parking spaces. Several of the buildings will celebrate deaf culture, are designed to enhance life for residents who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, or include commercial space for deaf vendors. All properties will have an affordable housing component.  (UrbanTurf)  

New 30-unit apartment building proposed for H Street NE

The developers who wanted to build an apartment building above Atlas Doghouse, a dog care business on H Street NE, have filed pared-back designs for 30 one-bedroom apartments. The proposal was revised due to concerns about the historic nature of the base of the building.  (Urban Turf)  

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