The Silver Spring Transit Center, seen in May 2024. Image by Graham Reid used with permission.

MoCo Planning Board expresses concerns about transit-oriented parking garage

The Montgomery County Planning Board isn’t thrilled with the county’s proposed 675-space parking garage in downtown Silver Spring, a quarter-mile from the Metro station. They plan to send a letter to County Executive Marc Elrich detailing their frustrations, including that housing isn’t part of the site plans.   (Elia Griffin / MoCo360)  

Alexandria’s rate of housing construction doesn’t match growing population

From 2010-2022, Alexandria built housing at just half the rate of its population growth. Although the pace of construction has picked up, this trend has exacerbated problems for the city’s residents — more than half of whom rent, and 44% of whom are paying more for rent than they can afford.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

Marylanders want Key Bridge rebuilt as quickly as possible

Residents of Dundalk, Md., gathered for a public meeting on Thursday to learn more about the imminent demolition of what remains of the Key Bridge. Noting that demolition and reconstruction will be a multiyear endeavor, residents expressed understanding that increased vehicle traffic in residential areas will be a reality, but urged a speedy process. (This article is behind a paywall.)  (The Baltimore Banner)  

The latest buzz: DC creates water sources to help bee colonies beat the heat

It’s hot out there for the bees, too: residents reported that thirsty bees were congregating at the Edgewood splash pad. Hoping to avoid the sting of human-bee conflict, DC agencies worked together to install consistent water sources near existing bee colonies. All indications are that the bees are satisfied with their newest amenity, and kids are now able to splash safely.  (Makayla Lucero / WUSA9)  

Bechtel, engineering firm responsible for Silver Line expansion, to expand Reston Town Center office

Bechtel, the engineering company that helped with 2022’s Silver Line expansion, announced it will remain headquartered in Reston Town Center and will expand its space. It’s a positive note for Reston’s economy, which has largely avoided the increased office vacancy rates experienced in other parts of the region.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

CareFirst moves DC headquarters into Met Square building

CareFirst has opened a new headquarters in the Met Square building located one block from the White House. The lease, just shy of a dozen years in length, is designed for the company’s hybrid work model, with 1,500 employees from different locations able to work out of the space as needed.   (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)  

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