6th Street and Massachusetts Avenue NW facing west by Richard Piel used with permission.

DC mayor announces summary recommendations for revitalizing downtown

Mayor Bowser joined leaders of the Downtown and Golden Triangle Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) Monday to unveil the BIDs’ recommendations for how to spend $400 million on downtown revitalization. The recommendations include drawing visitors away from the National Mall via a “history triangle,” creating pedestrianized spaces, and encouraging more permanent tenants such as universities, small businesses, and multinational businesses, but avoid mentioning access for cyclists. The full details of the plan are expected to be made public in May. (The Washington Post article may be behind a paywall).  (Michael Brice-Saddler / Post, Nick Iannelli / WTOP)  

Virginia has seen 11 pedestrian deaths in the last 15 days

Virginia State Police are reporting a string of pedestrian deaths from traffic crashes in the state over the last two weeks, including in Prince William, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties. Police have urged drivers to look out for people walking along and across roads at unmarked crossings. The state estimates that 118 pedestrians were killed in 2023 in crashes on Virginia roads.   (Kate Ryan / WTOP)  

Baltimore Harborplace redevelopment proposals pass first Baltimore City Council vote

The Baltimore City Council voted 12-1 to advance the set of proposed bills to change the Harborplace area of the Inner Harbor.  The City Council will need to vote one more time on the bill, which would alter zoning restrictions within the Inner Harbor’s to allow multifamily residential use, and pave the way for a development that calls for substantial public financing. Baltimore voters would then be asked in November to approve a portion of the bills that requires a city charter amendment. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Emily Sullivan / Baltimore Banner)  

Arlington County approves over 125 affordable homes at Goodwill site

Arlington County Board unanimously approved plans for a mixed-use complex at the site of the current Goodwill store and donation center at Arlington Boulevard and S. Glebe Road. The new development will include five stories of apartments affordable to those making up to 60% of Arlington’s area median income, a child care center, and a ground-floor Goodwill donation center and store. The combination of housing with a service center is a first for Goodwill and, if successful, may provide a model for other Goodwill locations.  (Urban Turf)  

Vote expected this week in US House on RFK Stadium site

A bill that would allow DC to enter into a 99-year lease with the National Park Service for the RFK stadium site is slated for a House vote on Wednesday. The bill would not determine what kind of use DC would make of the site, meaning that multiple development options, including building a new NFL stadium or other sports and recreation facilities, remain on the table.  (Thomas Robertson / WTOP)  

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