Recreating on the Anacostia River. Image by Joe Flood licensed under Creative Commons.

More boating, recreational activities taking place on the Anacostia River

The Anacostia River, for decades plagued by pollution, trash, and toxicity, is becoming known for more recreational activities and green space. Several entities are working to provide rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and volunteering via mussel cultivation and clean-up opportunities.  (Jeffrey Yeates / MoCo 360)  

Arlington reduces parking requirements in a bid to nurture businesses

Businesses in Arlington will have fewer restrictions on the parking they must offer in order to operate, in a revised zoning ordinance passed unanimously by the Arlington County Board on Tuesday. Key changes include a shift from allocating various parking requirements for different business types, to a new category of “neighborhood commercial center” sites that need only one parking spot per 600 square feet of floor area. Off-site parking can now also be more than twice as far (1,320 feet) from the business as it could previously, potentially opening up more sites to prospective business owners.  (Daniel Egitto / ARLnow)  

Vehicle registration fees in Maryland to increase July 1

As part of a change in state law aimed at generating revenue for transportation infrastructure, Maryland vehicle owners will be required to pay more to register their vehicles starting July 1. The new fee structure includes changes to vehicle weight classifications and the fees assigned to each category. Observers noted that, as some drivers shift to electric vehicles, changes such as these are likely to be considered by states in order to cover shortfalls caused by reduced gas taxes. Registration fee increases will also fund medical programming, including trauma services.  (Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters)  

Proposed multi-use development in Arlington takes a step forward

The Arlington County Board voted to advance plans for a multi-unit, multi-use development near Crystal City proposed by Melwood, a nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, which owns the land. Melwood must obtain a zoning change in order to knock down a current structure and build the proposed development, but a local civic association has raised opposition. The Board’s vote clears the way for a study that’s required prior to any zoning change.  (Scott McCaffrey / Gazette-Leader)  

Most Washington-region residents prefer Commanders football stadium in DC, poll finds

A poll conducted by the Washington Post and Schar School of Policy and Management found that 51% of Washington-region residents would like to see the Commanders stadium return to DC, when compared with surburban Maryland and northern Virginia. Support was highest among District residents at 76%. The results come as Congress deliberates over a bill to give DC the authority to negotiate over the federally-owned land. (The article may be behind a paywall).  (Post)  

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