Illustration of finished renovation of the area known as Dave Thomas Circle by District Department of Transportation.

Dave Thomas Circle demolition begins

District officials kicked off the demolition of DC’s dangerous and frustrating intersection at Florida Ave and New York Ave NE following a press conference. The final plans for the reconfigured area are intended to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, as well as add green space. Residents are also encouraged to vote for a new name for the area, via a survey that will be open through August 25.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)  

Washington region home sales continue to struggle, down 19%

Across the nation home sales are struggling, with the lowest home turnover rate in a decade, leaving potential homebuyers with 28% less inventory to choose from. In Greater Washington, the number of homes available is down 20%, with sales down 19% from last June.  (UrbanTurf)  

Arlington County Board rejects ranked-choice voting for November’s election

Although ranked-choice voting in Arlington’s primary yielded results that supporters argue better represent voters’ preferences, the county has chosen not to proceed with this system for the November election. This decision comes in response to voters’ confusion regarding the tabulation method.  (Post)  

Dulles mobile lounge makeover approved by MWAA board

A $16.4 million contract was approved by the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) for a remodel of Dulles Airport’s mobile lounges. While the MWAA has discussed phasing out the mobile lounges for years, especially with the addition of the Aerotrain, they concluded that these vehicles still play a vital role in operations.  (Lori Aratani / Washington Post)  

Arlington Seeks $1.9 million federal grant for equitable tree canopy expansion

The funding, sourced from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, would maintain existing tree coverage, plant new trees, and combat invasive species in neighborhoods with an equity score below 100. This initiative responds to a report highlighting that urban and disadvantaged areas may have tree canopy levels below 20%, well below Arlington’s average of 41%.  (Caroline Gage / ARLnow)  

Federal Realty secures green light for mixed-use development in Federal Plaza

Federal Realty Investment Trust gained approval for a mixed-use redevelopment at the Federal Plaza strip shopping center in Montgomery County. The project includes two residential buildings with up to 500 units, retaining existing retail space, and adding new ground-floor retail. It aligns with the county’s urbanization vision for the corridor between North Bethesda and Rockville. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Dan Brendel / Business Journal)  

Baltimore’s failure to meet deadlines may result in loss of over $10 million in federal housing aid

Administrative hurdles caused delays in payments to nonprofits from the city, leading to the utilization of city funds instead of the designated HUD funds. Additionally, reimbursement requests were not submitted to HUD in a timely manner, potentially resulting in a loss of over $10 million. The homeless services office is investigating and working with HUD for reimbursement. (This article is behind a paywall).  (The Baltimore Banner)  

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