Breakfast links: It’s the first day on the job for WMATA’s new GM and CEO
Two 7000 series Metro trains at L’Enfant Plaza on June 16, 2022, their first day in passenger service since December. by airbus777 licensed under Creative Commons.
WMATA General Manager/CEO Randy Clarke starts work
Today is Randy Clarke’s first day on the job as WMATA’s general manager and CEO. Clarke faces a long list of new challenges in the new role, including how to bring the beleaguered 7000-series back into the system and addressing a $300 million funding gap next year. (Note: GGWash board chair Tracy Hadden Loh also serves on the WMATA Board of Directors and had no editorial input into today’s links). (Justin George / Post)
DC grant supports new Anacostia Arts and Culture District
The DC government provided a $3.7 million grant to launch the Anacostia Arts and Culture District, which will support hiring staff and provide grants and technical assistance to neighborhood businesses, arts, and cultural organizations. The grant is part of a $5 million grant package to business improvment districts across the District and the Anacostia grant in particular is lauded as a major investment in DC’s Black cultural legacy. (Elliot C. Williams / DCist)
Average monthly rents for newer buildings at $2,200
Since 2021, the average monthly rent at amenity-laden Class A apartments built after 1991 sits at above $2,200. Over the past year, some neighborhoods saw particularly steep rent increases, with Capitol Hill/Navy Yard and Crystal City seeing rents increase by 17%. (UrbanTurf)
Baltimore’s Port Covington developers provide $2.5 million more in support to neighboring communities
Community groups in South Baltimore neighborhoods Brooklyn, Cherry Hill, Curtis Bay, Lakeland, Mount Winans and Westport recieved $2.5 million of grants, co-administered with the Port Covington development team by the South Baltimore 7 Coalition, a partnership made of the residents of the South Baltimore neighborhoods. (Lorraine Mirabella / Baltimore Sun)
Local residents to weigh in on park names around HQ2
Arlington County residents will have an opportunity to suggest names for parks around Amazon’s Metropolitian Park development in Pentagon City through an online survey. The County Board is set to approve final names for the parks in November. (Mavis Chan / ARLNow)
New Union Market development to feature iconic Flatiron design
The DC Zoning Commission approved plans for a 115-unit, 12 story affordable residential development near Union Market that’s designed to look like New York’s famous Flatiron building. Initially, the building was proposed to have just eight stories and 56 units. Units will be affordable in the 30% to 50% Area Median Income range. (UrbanTurf)
Amtrak not spared from summer travel delays
It’s not just air travel - people are increasingly encountering delays and service disruptions on rail networks, too. Like air travel, the rail industry is trying to navigate among staffing shortages and increased demand among customers. (Luz Lazo / Post)
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