Breakfast links: Alexandria will need backup during Yellow Line shutdowns
King Street Metro by Ben Schumin licensed under Creative Commons.
Alexandria needs help to fill in transit gaps during the Yellow Line shutdown
The City of Alexandria is applying for state funding to support transit service while parts of Metro’s Yellow Line are closed this Fall. Alexandria’s DASH bus network doesn’t have enough bus drivers to increase bus service to meet the additional travel demand alone, so the mitigation plan includes access to the water taxi, Capital Bikeshare, HOV lane changes, and the Virginia Railway Express. (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)
DC brings back mortgage tax credits for some homebuyers
DC is relaunching the Mortgage Credit Certificate program, which allows homebuyers with income below $154,800 and a loan below $647,200 to claim a federal tax credit on their mortgage interest. It can be paired with other programs like DC Open Doors and the Home Purchase Assistance Program. The goal is to make homeownership more attainable. (UrbanTurf)
Immigrant community in Falls Church highlights transportation safety issues
A pedestrian survey in the Culmore neighborhood of Falls Church found that most residents don’t feel safe when walking, biking, and catching the bus — particularly along Leesburg Pike. Some common safety concerns in this largely immigrant community include crime, dangerous driving, poor lighting, and an incomplete sidewalk network. (Héctor Alejandro Arzate / DCist)
New Montgomery County bill would require all-electric buildings by 2024
County Executive Marc Elrich and County Councilmember Hans Riemer partnered to introduce a new bill that would require all-electric building standards for new residential and commercial construction by 2024 in Montgomery County. Elrich highlighted real estate developers’ role in making new construction more energy efficient. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)
Fairfax residents push city council to change Confederate street names
The Fairfax City Council is hearing public comments on whether 14 streets with names related to the Confederacy and slavery should be renamed. Residents have testified that the current street names cause safety concerns and shame. (Kevin Lewis / WJLA)
Veterans’ hub in Alexandria could boost technology labor force
Boeing and Virginia Tech are creating a veteran workforce development center on Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus. The hub will offer outreach, workforce development, educational resources, and support for veterans’ transition to civilian life and pursuit of technology careers. (Teo Armus / Post)
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