Breakfast links: Local leaders try to lessen blow of possible federal shutdown
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National Mall facing east at sunrise by Joe Flood licensed under Creative Commons.
Local lawmakers prepare stopgap measures in case of federal shutdown
With a Federal shutdown looming if Congress doesn’t approve funding by the end of the month, the Washington region is bracing for detrimental effects on the region’s economy. Several Virginia lawmakers have either advocated for no shutdown at all or introduced bills to soften the economic blow to federal employees who would be furloughed. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
House committees to hold hearings on bill for RFK stadium redevelopment
Two US House committees are set to conduct hearings next week on the RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act, a necessary step towards redeveloping the RFK stadium site into a potential Commanders stadium (or anything else). Mayor Muriel Bowser’s priority is to transform the site for various purposes, including a new stadium, housing, and retail. The bill seeks congressional approval to extend and modify the existing lease, which currently limits the site’s usage to “sports, recreation, and entertainment” and is set to expire in 2038. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Post)
Campaign aims to convert Alexandria roadway into two-way bike lane
The Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail are advocating for the conversion of a section of East Abingdon Drive in Old Town North, Alexandria, into a two-way buffered cycletrack connected to the Mount Vernon Trail. Currently, cyclists have to use a narrow sidewalk, making it challenging for two riders to pass comfortably. The proposal is open for public feedback until September 17 and will be presented to the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board on October 23. (Vernon Miles / ARLnow)
Some Old Town Alexandria residents fight to prevent a four-story residential building
At a recent Board of Architectural Review (BAR) meeting in Old Town Alexandria, board members noted improvements to a proposed four-story residential development 301 N. Fairfax Street and requested some additional changes. Some residents, however, took a more oppositional stance, with one stating, “…know that many of our residents are attorneys. We will force you to spend money before you put one shovel into the ground.” The developer is planning to seek approval from the Planning Commission and City Council. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
Howard County Schools modify start times, again, amidst busing challenges
Starting September 20, Howard County public schools will adjust their start times due to ongoing transportation issues, as the new private contractor navigates staffing shortages. The changes aim to alleviate delays experienced during the first week of school, which included 54 bus route cancellations. (This article is behind a paywall) (Dan Belson / Baltimore Sun)
Transportation 101 course empowers residents to advocate for change in Maryland transportation policy
Over the course of seven years, more than 200 people have taken part in the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance’s Transportation 101 program, which is starting a new course soon; registration closes September 15. Several past attendees note that the program has helped them influence transportation decisions throughout the region. (This article is behind a paywall) (Daniel Zawodny / Baltimore Banner)
PARK(ing) Day in DC this Friday
PARK(ing) Day in DC celebrates its 10th anniversary on September 15. Nine pop-up parks will occupy parking spaces in various city wards from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Community groups and businesses creatively repurpose parking spaces for as pedestrian spaces, with installations such as gardens and seating areas. The tradition began in San Francisco in 2005 and has since spread to cities nationwide as ways to alternatively use spaces typically reserved for cars. (Colleen Grablick / DCist)
Keith Pettigrew named new executive director of DCHA
The executive director of the Alexandria Housing and Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Keith Pettigrew, will start as executive director of the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) on November 1. He takes the helm during a tumultuous time for DCHA, as it has been subject to numerous criticisms and oversight investigations due to housing conditions and mismanagement. (This article is behind a paywall). (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)
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