Breakfast links: Renters vote to purchase building and preserve affordability in Columbia Heights

LinksBy Libby Solomon (Former Managing Editor) February 18, 2022

“Cancel the Rent” rally in Columbia Heights in 2020 by Kyle licensed under Creative Commons.

Columbia Heights tenants form co-op to purchase building

Residents of Buena Vista Apartments in Columbia Heights are forming a cooperative to purchase their building under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. The move will preserve their housing as affordable and allow them to finance renovations of the deteriorating building.  (Abigail Williams / Street Sense)

Bid protest of Beltway toll lane project moves forward

A losing bidder is protesting the contract award for Maryland’s toll lane project on the Beltway and I-270, and on Thursday a Montgomery County judge ruled that most of the protest can move forward, potentially delaying the project.  (Katherine Shaver / Post)

Part of Blue, Yellow Metro lines to close Monday in northern VA for maintenance

Metro is closing the Blue and Yellow lines south of National Airport for track work on Monday, replacing service at the six closed stations with free shuttles.  (Justin George / Post)

Bill to reinstate vax mandate withdrawn ahead of vote

DC Councilmember Brianne Nadeau has withdrawn legislation that would have reinstated the vaccine check mandate for businesses that Mayor Muriel Bowser rescinded this week. Nadeau said the bill had a majority of support but wouldn’t have gotten the nine votes necessary for an emergency bill.  (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)

Many DC families live with broken heat

DCRA isn’t adequately enforcing rules that requite landlords to ensure properly functioning heat. Many DC apartment residents have to make do with ad-hoc systems involving blankets, space heaters, and stoves, causing safety risks.  (Marissa J. Lang / Post)

How a home becomes vacant

A fire at a vacant home in Baltimore led to the death of three firefighters. Reporter Justin Fenton tracked down the family that owns the building to learn how and why the house became abandoned.  (Justin Fenton / Baltimore Banner)

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