RFK Stadium, seen back in 2013. Image by Eric Kidwell used with permission.

National Park Service okays demolition of RFK Stadium

The National Park Service has affirmed that RFK Memorial Stadium can be demolished and it can now move forward with issuing a demolition permit to the District. Mayor Bowser has eyed the site as a potential home for a new Commanders stadium. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Drew Hansen / Washington Business Journal)  

Governor Moore signs bill allowing increased taxes on vacant properties

Maryland’s House Bill 2, which Governor Wes Moore signed into law, will allow jurisdictions to impose a higher tax rate on vacant properties. The measure is intended to motivate owners to stop sitting on long-vacant properties and make it easier for localities to acquire abandoned properties — all with the aim of returning them to productive use. It goes into effect on June 1.  (Danielle J. Brown / Maryland Matters)  

Bowser’s big investment in downtown alongside big budget cuts generates pushback

Muriel Bowser has proposed investing $800 million in downtown DC’s revitalization, including $520 million in Capital One Arena. All but $141 million in downtown investments come from the District’s capital budget, rather than its operating budget. The proposed $500 million in operating budget cuts to social services, early childhood education, and other programs, however, alongside downtown’s big funding boost, have generated pushback. (This article may be behind a paywall.)  (Post)  

Inova nixes mixed-use development plans for former ExxonMobil headquarters

Inova Health System has walked away from approved plans to convert the former ExxonMobil corporate headquarters in Merrifield into a 117-acre mixed-use development including medical, research, residential, retail, office, and a hotel. Instead, Inova will focus on medical facilities and other health-related uses for the site.   (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

Pedestrian and bike path between Mount Vernon Trail and Long Bridge Park opens

A pedestrian and bike path between Mount Vernon Trail and Long Bridge Park is now open to cyclists and pedestrians. It’s part of a larger project improving safety along Long Bridge Drive and the I-395 interchange.  (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)  

BWI parking rates will increase by more than 30% this summer

BWI officials have announced parking rates will increase for the first time since 2009, effective July 1. Short- and long-term rates will jump more than 30%. Motivated in part by the state’s transportation budget shortfall, the added revenue will go toward airport improvement projects, including new electric shuttle buses. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (Royale Bonds / The Baltimore Banner)  

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