Breakfast links: The Purple Line finally takes a step forward
Purple Line construction, March 2021 by Elvert Barnes licensed under Creative Commons.
New contractor tapped to complete Purple Line construction
The organization in charge of building the Purple Line named Maryland Transit Solutions as the new contractor to complete the 16-mile light rail line. Pending approval from the Board of Public Works, construction could resume next spring. (Elliot C. Williams / DCist)
Criminal subpoena issued about former DC Housing Authority chair
The US Attorney’s office has issued a criminal subpoena to the DC Housing Authority seeking information on its former board chair Neil Albert after revelations he approved contracts for a woman with whom he had a relationship. Albert also leads the Downtown DC Business Improvement District.** (Paul Schwartzman / Post)
Metro shortfalls stretch into December
Metro will continue operating limited train service through at least the rest of November, officials say. The agency is working on a testing program the 7000-series railcar fleet it was forced to pull for safety after a Blue Line derailment. (Justin George / Post)
Protesters argue MoCo master plan won’t make housing affordable
Dozen of Montgomery County residents gathered last week to protest against Thrive Montgomery 2050, a proposed county master plan that would encourage future upzoning to boost the county’s housing stock. Some opponents say the plan focuses too much on market-rate housing, while also decrying its focus on upzoning single-family neighborhoods. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)
What’s in the infrastructure bill for the Washington region
At least $18 billion of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed in the House on Friday will support project in the Washington region over the next five years. Some of the projects that could benefit include Union Station and a bus rapid transit line in Fairfax County. (Post)
MoCo’s indoor mask mandate actually won’t return this week
Montgomery County will no longer be reinstating its indoor mask mandate after new data CDC data showed the case rate had declined into “moderate transmission.” (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)
Over 400 new units proposed for downtown Silver Spring
A proposed redevelopment of a Days Inn/Travelodge motel at the Silver Spring/DC border would bring 415 new units, nearly 50 of which would be affordable. The project would include a rooftop pool terrace and a parking garage. (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
Is all that new development in Tysons accessible?
In an op-ed, a retired architect and developer argues that The Boro, a massive development in Tysons, isn’t paying enough attention to the Americans With Disabilities Act. (John G. Colby / Post)
**The Downtown DC Business Improvement District (BID) is a member of the DC Sustainable Transportation Coalition, which GGWash manages; the coalition’s membership includes ten of DC’s BIDs. Since Fall of 2020, GGWash has leased office space from the Downtown DC BID.
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