Apartment buildings in Silver Spring by Elvert Barnes used with permission.

Maryland legislator introduces fire safety bill targeting large apartment buildings

State Del. Lorig Charkoudian (D-Dist. 20) has introduced a bill named for Melanie Nicholle Diaz, the Silver Spring resident who died in a three-alarm fire in her apartment building in 2023. The bill targets high-rise apartment buildings and would, among other measures, require smoke detectors in public corridors and establish a task force to determine how to best install sprinkler systems in buildings built before 1974, which aren’t required to have sprinklers in every unit.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360)  

Investors make up 11 percent of home purchases in region, below national average

A new study from Redfin finds that investors made approximately 11% of all home purchases in the Washington region in the final quarter of 2023. While some point to investor purchases as placing upward pressure on sale prices in a market with constrained inventory, the share of investor purchases in the region is notably lower than the national average of 19% for the same time period.   (DC UrbanTurf)  

Arlington seeks feedback for Crystal City apartment building

Today is the last day for the public to submit feedback on a proposed 370-unit apartment building in Crystal City. County staff have expressed concerns that the proposed design, which would prioritize two-bedroom apartments, deviates from the area’s sector plan in several ways, including its height: 85 feet, compared to the 200 feet that the plan envisions.   (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)  

Alexandria councilmember calls proposed Potomac Yard arena a “net positive,” cheers fare-free DASH service

Alexandria City Councilmember Canek Aguirre is up for reelection this year. In an interview with ALXNow, Aguirre said that he views the proposed Potomac Yard Arena as a net positive for the city’s economy, though he expressed concerns over the stadium authority board composition and the development’s impact on transportation and housing. In the same interview, he cheered fare-free DASH buses and expressed hope that fare-free service would continue and expand.  (James Cullum / ALXNow)  

Maryland Aviation Administration will receive millions for airport terminal upgrades

As part of the Biden administration’s efforts to help airports across the country update their terminals, the Maryland Aviation Administration will receive millions in federal funding. $14.5 million will go to replacing boarding bridges at BWI, while another $5.4 million will go to the construction of a new air control tower at Martin State Airport.  (Jacob Fischler / Maryland Matters)  

New grant program for local and minority-owned businesses at the Parks at Walter Reed kicks off

DC Mayor Bowser announced a new grant program for local and minority-owned businesses that activate retail spaces at the redeveloped Parks at Walter Reed site, with applications due March 8. Grants can cover construction, design, and equipment, as well as preservation of historic spaces.  (Informer)  

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