Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland by Brian Allen used with permission.

With pending Orioles sale to David Rubenstein-led group, Rubenstein touts opportunity to “catalyze development” in Baltimore

An investor group led by billionaire Baltimore native David Rubenstein is set to purchase the Baltimore Orioles for $1.7 billion. Rubenstein expressed enthusiasm about, “The opportunity for the team to catalyze development around Camden Yards and in downtown Baltimore.” News of the sale came as a surprise to Governor Moore, who had spent months in 2023 in difficult lease negotiations with Orioles CEO and Chairman John Angelos, in large part due to Angelos’ desire to secure redevelopment rights around the stadium.  (CBS News Baltimore WJZ, Pamela Wood / Baltimore Banner)  

Fairfax County swaps road-widening projects for transit, bike, pedestrian upgrades in long-term plan

Fairfax County dropped several road-widening projects in Merrifield and Pimmit Hills from Visualize 2050, its long-range transportation plan. New additions include Metrorail extensions on the Orange and Yellow lines and Route 7 Bus Rapid Transit. While not all road projects have been eliminated, officials describe the changes as “balanced” and “a good decision.”  (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)  

Yes in God’s backyard? MoCo considers zoning change to boost affordable housing stock

The Montgomery County Council is considering a zoning change that would enable local faith congregations to utilize their land to develop affordable housing, helping to supplement income for struggling congregations while addressing the county’s affordable housing shortage. With wide support on the council, the measure could be approved by late March 2024.  (Kyle Cooper / WTOP)  

Nearly 3,000 residential units are in the development pipeline in Navy Yard

Notable projects include an all-affordable 127-unit project at New Jersey Avenue and Tingey Street SE, WC Smith’s 13-story, 352-unit apartment building at 1 K Street SW and The Yards’ second phase featuring 1,200 residential units, office space, and open areas. Additional developments by Ruben Companies, Brookfield Properties, and others promise over 1,000 more housing units, plus retail spaces and green space.  (Urban Turf)  

Prince William County launches automated traffic enforcement pilot program in school zones

Prince William County launched its Automated Traffic Enforcement pilot program in five school zones this week, with others set to come online later this year. During the initial 30-day period, drivers will receive warnings; after that time, $100 fines will be issued for violations.  (WTOP)  

DC Attorney General sues property manager for failing to protect Black women tenants from man later convicted of federal hate crime

The DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is suing UDR, a property management company, for failing to address multiple instances of racist harassment and abuse reported by Black woman residents of the Waterfront Towers apartment building in 2020. The man responsible for the abuse moved out voluntarily in 2020; in 2023, he was was convicted of a federal hate crime for a violent incident that took place at the building.  (Winston Rogers / WJLA)  

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