Breakfast links: DC to subsidize businesses to move into vacant spaces downtown
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C Street SW in Downtown DC by Jordan Barab used with permission.
DC announces new grant opportunity for businesses that move or expand downtown
DC is offering funds to up to five businesses to cover relocation expenses if they move or expand into downtown. Grantees must move into space that has been vacant for at least six months. A total of $3 million is available. (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)
Ribbon-cutting held to celebrate new Acela train platform in Baltimore
Amtrak has finished a platform remodeling project at Baltimore’s Penn Station that will provide passengers on Amtrak’s Acela trains a new boarding area. (This article is behind a paywall). (Daniel Zawodny / Baltimore Banner)
Arlington looks to loosen regulations to fill its vacant office space
Arlington is considering changes to its zoning laws to add leniency to parking regulations and make it easier to install large media screens in business districts, among other changes, in the hopes that the reforms will encourage businesses to occupy vacant office space. (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)
Arlington BZA rejects neighbor’s attempt to halt Missing Middle six-plexes in Alcova Heights
The Arlington Board of Zoning Appeals rejected a neighbors appeal seeking to halt two proposed six-plexes. The developer is planning to build the six-plexes in a “pipestem” configuration on a subdivided lot. Several neighbors, including some who say they support missing middle housing in Arlington, filed an appeal claiming the project did not follow county rules and was inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood. (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)
Greater Washington traffic deaths related to drugs and alcohol are rising while arrests fall
96 people died in 2022 throughout the region as a result of someone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, an approximately 13% increase from 2021. Driving injuries and crashes that included drug or alcohol use also rose at similar rates, while the number of people arrested for driving under the influence fell by over 9%. (Dan Ronan / WTOP)
DC School Board adopts student-led ‘Green New Deal’
The board voted to support students’ efforts to require DC Public Schools to create climate disaster plans, invest in greener infrastructure, adapt the curriculum, and teach students how to be ready for green jobs after graduation. The students’ proposal now heads to the DC Council which has authority for budget and regulatory decisions affecting DC schools. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Lauren Lumpkin / Post)
Maryland records first traffic fatality in 2024 following Silver Spring crash
A Prince George’s County resident was the passenger in a car whose driver attempted a left turn on Colesville Road and was struck by an oncoming driver. The 79-year-old passenger later died from his injuries, in Maryland’s first fatal crash of 2024. (MoCo360)
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