Breakfast links: Second phase of Amazon’s HQ2 campus gets the green light
The Helix, Amazon’s planned office building in Pentagon City by Amazon used with permission.
Phase 2 plans for Amazon HQ2 approved by board
The Arlington County Board unanimously approved phase 2 of Amazon HQ2 and related development of PenPlace in Crystal City. The project will include $30 million in affordable housing and protected bike lanes. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
Mayoral candidates spar over housing, Vision Zero, and homelessness
In their first debate since March, the four candidates for DC Mayor had plenty to say about the issues and one another. Mayor Muriel Bowser, councilmembers Robert White (at-large) and Trayon White (Ward 8), as well as James Butler, argued over a range of issues from Vision Zero and the District’s rising number of traffic deaths, to housing costs and people experiencing homelessness. The primary is slated for June 21. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
Disability community urges Metro to keep masks
Metro’s Accessibility Advisory Committee, which advocates for improvements for older riders and riders with disabilities, is urging that the transit agency continue to recommend using masks on trains, at stations, and on buses. (Luz Lazo / Post)
VRE allows bikes permanently
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board first allowed full-size bikes aboard railcars on weekdays at the beginning of the pandemic. The board voted to make the policy permanent on April 22. (Zebra)
Dulles may build a new concourse
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority’s board of directors authorized the project. Now they must find a way to pay for it, and are looking for a grant under funding authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. (Tom Roussey / ABC7)
Clean river advocates hope to regain seats on Patuxent River Commission
Two of the longest-serving members of the Patuxent River Commission, including its Riverkeeper, are hoping to be reappointed to their governer appointed positions. They say they were dismissed because of their objection to a proposed senior living facility that could impact the health of the Patuxent River. Meanwhile, the General Assembly recently passed a bill that would make the Patuxent Riverkeeper a permanent voting member of the commission. (Elizabeth Shwe / Maryland Matters)
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