Breakfast links: Congressional bill could clear way for RFK stadium site to become mixed-use development, new Commanders stadium
RFK Stadium in 2020 by Olaf Zerbock licensed under Creative Commons.
Congressional bill could open up mixed-use development at RFK site, along with new stadium
Congressman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky who chairs the congressional committee that oversees the District has said he will introduce a bill to extend the lease of RFK’s property between the District and the federal government for up to 99 years. This move could create a route for a new Commanders stadium, commercial, and residential developments on the 142-acre site. Challenges still remain in financing the proposed redevelopments. (Post)
DC environmental groups propose ‘Bottle Bill’ to safeguard Anacostia River from waste
The Sierra Club’s DC Chapter, Anacostia Riverkeeper, Ward 8 Woods, and several other local organizations have united to create 3RC for DC to push for a deposit-return rebate law. This is in the wake of 1,000 pounds of plastic bottles and other plastic waste collected from the Anacostia just this year alone. The proposed law suggests implementing a 10-cent fee on small bottles, allowing consumers to reclaim their money by returning the bottles to grocery stores. (Kate Ryan / WTOP)
Fairfax County Supervisors approve rezoning for third parcel redevelopment near West Falls Church Metro station
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has given the green light to a rezoning request for 7.5 acres owned by Virginia Tech and the City of Falls Church near the West Falls Church Metro station. This approval is the last one needed for a three-part public-private partnership project in the area that aims to deliver several million square feet of new mixed-use development, including residential, office, retail, and academic spaces around the West Falls Church Metro station. (This article is behind a paywall). (Dan Brendel / Washington Business Journal)
‘Abuelina’ guides Montgomery County residents in navigating confusing pedestrian hybrid beacons
Montgomery County has launched a public service campaign featuring Abuelina, a Spanish-speaking animated character, to assist residents in navigating HAWK lights or pedestrian hybrid beacons. These beacons are activated only when pedestrians push a button and have different signals that might not be intuitive for residents unfamiliar with them. (Kate Ryan / WTOP)
Loudoun County advances zoning rewrite amid developer concerns over potential repercussions
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors continues work on their zoning ordinance revision to enhance flexibility, adaptive reuse, and affordable housing access. Their hope is to pass the revision ordinance before the term concludes in November. However, some developers have expressed apprehension about potential drawbacks in the zoning plan being too prescriptive and restrictive. (This article may require submitting an email address to view.) (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)
Maryland kicks off Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 series of public meetings
The Maryland Department of the Environment held its inaugural public meeting to discuss the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, targeting 60% greenhouse gas reductions by 2031 and carbon neutrality by 2045. The Maryland Department of the Environment and the Center for Global Sustainability presented a preliminary report and opened the floor for comment from the public. Six additional town hall meetings are scheduled through late September. (Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters)
Biden nominates Martin O’Malley, former Maryland governor and Baltimore mayor, to head Social Security Administration
President Joe Biden selected Martin O’Malley, former Maryland Governor, and Baltimore Mayor, to head the Social Security Administration on Wednesday. Confirmation pending, O’Malley will address financial challenges at the agency, seeking to ensure the continuation of benefit payouts, amidst continued funding of the trust fund. Several Maryland leaders expressed support for O’Malley to take on the role. (Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.