Virginia State Capitol in Richmond by Martin Kraft licensed under Creative Commons.

Unscheduled stop: Youngkin budget amendment delays WMATA budget vote, could jeopardize Northern Virginia transportation projects

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Monday state budget amendment has delayed WMATA’s planned vote this week for its own budget. The General Assembly voted to provide $149.5 million extra to WMATA over the next two years, while Youngkin’s amendment partially draws on a Northern Virginia transportation trust fund to deliver $133 million over two years. A WMATA spokesman said without extra funding from all its jurisdictions, WMATA would be forced to cut service. The general assembly could vote to override his amendment.  (Tom Roussey / ABC7)  

Maryland Governor signs relief bills for Port of Baltimore workers and families of Key Bridge construction workers, renames port

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the first batch of bills after the legislative session closed Tuesday. Notably, the PORT Act, which provides relief to unemployed port workers and the families of workers killed in the Baltimore Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, was among the bills. Another newly signed bill renamed the port after former Congresswoman and Baltimore Sun maritime reporter Helen Delich Bentley.  (Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters, Brenda Wintrode / Baltimore Banner)  

DC’s Historic Preservation Office tables Chevy Chase historic district proposal

DC’s Historic Preservation Office (HPO) has shelved a proposal for a Chevy Chase Historic District, introduced amid attempts to densify the neighborhood’s housing. HPO cited a lack community agreement, insufficient justification for the proposed boundaries, and a need to conduct a broader equity analysis to inform historic district proposals among the reasons for tabling the application. The application can be reconsidered if more evidence is given. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Michael Neibauer / Business Journal)  

Owner of long-vacant DC property ordered to pay $1.8 million back tax judgment

A court has ordered the owner of 1000 C Street NE to pay $1.8 million in back taxes, interest, damages, and penalties, determining that they falsely claimed it was occupied to avoid higher taxes charged for vacant properties. The property has been a source of neighborhood complaints for more than a decade.  (Eric Flack / WUSA9, Michael Brice-Saddler / Post)  

Former AutoZone space on H Street up for immediate lease despite approval for multifamily redevelopment

The former AutoZone at 1207 H Street NE, recently approved for a multifamily redevelopment, is now up for immediate lease. The almost 9,000-square-foot retail space with a 40-spot parking lot was approved for a housing-over-retail, roughly 200-unit residential building in September. It’s unknown whether the plans have been scrapped. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Michael Neibauer / Business Journal)  

Fairfax County considering development-related ordinance to address climate resilience

Fairfax County is considering a new ordinance to protect mature trees and require the replanting of removed trees. It also would require climate-related Resiliency Assessments for any development on or near Resource Protection Areas. The changes will be reviewed by the Planning Commission May 22 and will likely be considered by the Fairfax County Board this summer.  (Vernon Miles / FFXnow)  

Economist: Northern Virginia may be better off without the arena

According to economist Stephen Fuller of George Mason University, Northern Virginia’s failure to secure a new arena for the Wizards and Capitals may ultimately be the best outcome for the state. He believes the proposed Potomac Yard site is a strategically important location and could be “more productive” if redeveloped for other uses, noting that arenas don’t yield the sort of spending expected. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Sara Gilgore / Business Journal)  

Harborplace developer owns 128 rowhomes in East Baltimore

MCB Real Estate, the developer behind the Harborplace redevelopment, purchased $14.3 million worth of rowhomes in East Baltimore in 2022, just months before the Harborplace deal. The developer plans to remodel the homes for sale or rent; 36 have active building permits. Many of the homes are vacant; one was recently raided for its connection to a theft operation.  (Giacomo Bologna / Baltimore Banner)  

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