Breakfast links: The doomsday Metro budget is moving forward to the public input process
Image by MW Transit Photos licensed under Creative Commons.
Metro’s grave cuts take one step forward
Despite two board members’ objections, WMATA is moving its doomsday budget forward to the public comment process. The public can weigh in January 16 through February 9. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
An apartment preservation requirement threatens low-income residents
Residents of a Mount Pleasant condo/co-op building are facing $1.69 million in repairs to corroding balconies, a price tag required by historic preservation rules but that could put lower-income residents at risk of displacement. (Amanda Michelle Gomez / City Paper)
Lee Highway could be renamed after Mildred and Richard Loving
Lee HIghway in Arlington is getting a new name, and the top recommendation is “Mildred & Richard Loving Avenue,” after the Virginia couple whose Supreme Court case struck down the law against interracial marriage. (Debbie Truong / DCist)
Metro headquarters is getting redeveloped
Metro has reached a deal with two developers for a $300 million redevelopment of its headquarters, with construction scheduled to start in 2023. The project is intended to create revenue for Metro and is part of WMATA’s consolidation of its office buildings, which is expected to save the agency $130 million over 20 years. (Jonathan Capriel / Business Journal)
Biologists say widening the American Legion Bridge would disrupt research
Biologists say that widening the American Legion Bridge on the Beltway would disrupt research on Plummers Island, a research site dubbed “the most thoroughly studied island in North America.” (Katherine Shaver / Post)
Officials take action as COVID-19 hits tragic milestones
More than 10,000 people in DC, Maryland and Virginia have died of COVID-19 as of Thursday. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam expanded the state’s mask mandate and imposed a statewide curfew; some Maryland counties are restricting dining, but Gov. Larry Hogan did not announce new restrictions. (Rebecca Tan / Post, Post)
A trespasser caused Metro delays
A trespasser on the Metro tracks near Columbia Heights delayed the Green and Yellow lines for about an hour on Wednesday. (Justin George / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
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