Breakfast links: Work to turn Black Lives Matter Plaza into a permanent public art installation begins today
Black Lives Matter Plaza in DC by Ted Eytan licensed under Creative Commons.
Construction on Black Lives Matter Plaza begins today
Starting today, Black Lives Matter Plaza in downtown DC will be closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate a construction project to turn the plaza into a public art installation with a dedicated pedestrian plaza running through the center. (Ellie Silverman / Post)
Arlington County Board votes to rename Lee Highway to Langston Boulevard
On Satuday, the Arlington County Board voted unanimously to rename the Lee Highway to Langston Boulevard, after John M. Langston, an attorney and abolitionist who became the first Black Virginian elected to Congress in 1890. The use of Lee’s name is under review in other parts of the county. (Naomi Starobin / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
MoCo Planning Board to review proposed 600-home development
The Montgomery County Planning Board is expected to sign off on a plan to redevelop a former public safety training academy into a 600-home development when the board meets this Thursday. The development, if approved, would be located along Great Seneca Highway between Gaithersburg and Rockville. (Caitlynn Peetz / Bethesda Beat)
Region sees uptick in new COVID-19 cases
The District, Maryland, and Virginia all saw an increase in new COVID-19 cases over the past seven days, which can be attributed to the more transmissible Delta variant, slowing vaccination rates, and general lack of restrictions. However, hospitalizations have not increased in Maryland and Virginia. (Colleen Grablick / DCist)
Historically Black community in Prince Williams skeptical of new development
The Settlement, a Prince William County that was founded by a former slave in the 1860s, is under pressure to accomodate new, pedestrian-oriented development as the county’s population continues to grow. But some are worried that higher property values could make the community unaffordable to long-time Black residents. (Antonio Olivo / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
DC’s luxury apartment market is hot right now
After seeing demand drop last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DC’s luxury apartment market is back as renters take advantage of lower than usual rents. As a result, good deals on rent are starting to dry up. (Ally Schweitzer / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
Tickets won’t be needed anymore at most Smithsonian museums
Starting Tuesday, visitors to all Smithsonian museums except the National Zoo and National Museum of African American History and Culture will no longer need to get a timed-entry pass for general admission. Other currently-shuttered museums like the Air and Space Museum and Smithsonian Castle are also set to reopen later this month. (Daniella Byck / Washingtonian)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.