Apartments in Silver Spring by Kate Jenthoft-Herr licensed under Creative Commons.

Montgomery County Council passes new tenant fire safety rules

The Montgomery County Council passed legislation on Tuesday, July 16, mandating multiunit apartment complex owners to provide residents with information about renter’s insurance, automatic sprinkler systems, and emergency evacuation plans. Under the bill, multi-family units with frequent fire-related 911 calls would be required to make additional safety interventions. The loss of Melanie Diaz in the Arrive Silver Spring apartment fire in February 2023 prompted the county to take action.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360, Suzanne Pollak / Montgomery Community Media)  

Fairfax Connector to raise fares on July 29

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday, July 16, to raise fares for the Fairfax Connector to align with Metrobus fares. The base fare will increase from $2 to $2.25, and the fare for seniors and people with disabilities will increase from $1 to $1.10. This is the system’s first fare increase in seven years.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow, Makea Luzader / DC News Now)  

As DC office property values continue to decline, property tax revenues are set to drop

The assessed values of DC’s 488 largest office buildings have decreased by nearly $7 billion since 2020, according to a report by the District’s Office of Revenue Analysis. The 12% drop has cost the District $143 million in property tax revenue. As office vacancies rise and push sale prices lower, assessed values and tax revenue are expected to decrease. According to the District’s CFO, these declines will mean a reduction of $250 to $300 million in tax revenue annually. These large landlords account for about 38% of total property tax revenue. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Ben Peters / Business Journal)  

WMATA limits above-ground speeds due to high track temperatures

WMATA first enforced a speed restriction for above-ground trains across the system on Monday, July 15, due to high track temperatures. Extreme heat can cause heat kinks, where rails expand and bend. A heat kink caused single-tracking Monday outside Crystal City. Above-ground trains will be limited to 35 mph until track temperatures drop below 135 degrees Fahrenheit.  (DC News Now, Adam Tuss / NBC 4 Washington)  

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors delays data center zoning decision

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors decided to delay a zoning decision after four hours of public hearings. The proposal would allow data centers to be built as close as 200 feet from residential properties without permits or public hearings. The Board of Supervisors postponed their vote on the changes to July 30 to give them time to consider residents’ testimony and consult staff.  (John Rogers / ABC7)  

Downtown Silver Spring grapples with rise in office vacancies and retail closures

Increased office vacancies over the last five years in downtown Silver Spring have contributed to the closure of bars, restaurants, and retail establishments due to insufficient foot traffic. The average age of office stock in Silver Spring is 50 years old, and there’s been no new construction in the last 20 years, which makes it harder for the area to compete for commercial tenants. However, the Purple Line and new residential development provide reasons to be optimistic about the area’s future.  (Emily Wishingrad / BisNow)  

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