Breakfast links: Port of Baltimore expected to fully reopen by end of May
![](/images/made/images/posts/_resized/The_Francis_Scott_Key_Bridge_(Baltimore)_800_534_90.jpg)
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, as seen from Fort Armistead Park in 2015 by Patorjk licensed under Creative Commons.
Port of Baltimore should fully reopen by end of May, according to Army Corps of Engineers
On Thursday night, the US Army Corps of Engineers set out a timeline for reopening the Port of Baltimore to shipping. A narrow channel is expected to open by the end of April, with full access to the port restored by the end of May. Weather or unexpected complications related to the bridge wreckage could cause delays. (This article is behind a paywall.) (Cody Boteler / Baltimore Banner)
High-end retailers in downtown DC seeing foot traffic and sales beyond pre-pandemic levels
Numerous high-end retailers in downtown DC are reporting sales and foot traffic growth, often exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Nine new luxury retailers, including Armani and Chanel, have opened in downtown since the pandemic. This mirrors a nationwide growth trend among high-end stores, with a customer base largely insulated from the effects of inflation. (This article may be behind a paywall.) (Omari Daniels / Post)
Construction to begin on affordable apartment building near McLean Metro Station
With financing lined up, construction is set to begin on phase one of an affordable housing development near the McLean Metro Station, which will consist of 231 units built atop a preexisting parking garage. Ultimately, the completed project will feature 456 units, most affordable at 60% of area median income, with phase two built on the site of a former office building. (This article is behind a paywall.) (Dan Brendel / Business Journal)
What could the renovated Capital One Arena look like?
With $515 million in public funding approved for the $830 million Capital One Arena renovation, Monumental Sports & Entertainment has not publicly released its redevelopment plans. The company has noted, however, that priorities include improved sightlines for fans, increased premium hospitality options, and upgraded technology. (This article is behind a paywall.) (Business Journal)
Interim director appointed to head beleaguered Maryland property taxation agency
Governor Wes Moore has appointed Daniel K. Phillips as the interim director of the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, replacing Michael Higgs. Phillips has been with the agency for 35 years. Higgs was at the helm in January when the agency failed to mail property assessment notices to 100,000 households by a legally required deadline, putting $200 million in tax revenue at risk. (Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters)
Arlington-based legislators push for market-rate wages for Arlington Career Center construction workers
Arlington Public Schools are exempt from a 2021 county-wide mandate requiring large-scale construction projects to pay workers market-rate wages. Several state-level elected officials are pushing the Arlington School Board to pass a resolution authorizing a prevailing wage requirement for the upcoming $180 million Arlington Career Center project. (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)
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