Breakfast links: In the debate over housing construction in DC, racial justice is at the forefront
Cleveland Park could see more development under DC's proposed Comprehensive Plan update. Image by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.
As DC’s Comp Plan vote approaches, racial justice looms large
For decades, exclusionary policies forced Black people away and kept them out of of wealthy, white enclaves in DC. Today, in the shadow of police killings and the country’s reckoning over racial justice, advocates are talking about allowing affordable housing in wealthy parts of DC as a way to right past wrongs. (Paul Schwartzman / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
Arlington County will buy more than 100 affordable units
Arlington will pay $27 million to buy 105 apartments in aging affordable complex Park Shirlington after redevelopment plans fell through. The county will work to redevelop the property while maintaining affordability. (Alex Koma / Business Journal)
Brutalism is back
President Joe Biden revoked former President Donald Trump’s executive order that attempted to promote classical architecture in federal buildings over modern styles. Architects spoke out against the order, saying design shouldn’t be legislated. (Victoria Chamberlin / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
Maryland approves coronavirus relief for BWI businesses
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved an relief measure to provide extended financial assistance to food and retail shops at BWI Marshall Airport that have been hit hard by reduced travel during the pandemic. (Lorraine Mirabella / Baltimore Sun)
DC has a little less fencing
Fencing outside St. John’s Church and Lafayette Park has come down after nearly nine months, since the fencing went up amid racial justice protests in June. The Capitol is still surrounded by fencing, but razor wire has been removed in some places. (Colleen Grablick / DCist)
Bowser is trying (again) to legalize marijuana
Mayor Muriel Bowser has yet again introduced legislation legalizing recreational marijuana sales in DC. Since 2014, Congress has blocked legalization in the District. (Margaret Barthel / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
DC’s eviction moratorium moves through the courts
After a judge struck down a moratorium on eviction filings in DC, the case is moving to the Court of Appeals. Landlords say the ban on filings is unconstitutional; DC officials say eviction filings put people at risk during a pandemic. (Kyle Swenson / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
Cyclist dies after crash in northeast DC
A cyclist has died after he was struck by the driver of a Children’s National Hospital shuttle van operated by LAZ Parking on Michigan Avenue. Another pedestrian hit by a driver in northwest DC Monday afternoon was in critical condition. (John Henry / WUSA9)
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