Breakfast links: DC’s new regulatory agencies for buildings, consumer protections open October 1
Cranes reflected on building in Rosslyn August 1, 2022 by Jeff Vincent licensed under Creative Commons.
DC’s DCRA to become Department of Buildings and Department of Licensing and Consumer Protections on October 1
After a 2020 vote to split up the former Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and a year of organizing the new replacement agencies, the agency will begin its new operations as two separate agencies on October 1. This is the largest DC government reorganization in over 20 years and DC residents hope this will improve customer service at the agency. (Martin Astermule / DCist)
Metrorail this weekend: more single-tracking, Capitol South closed, more Blue/Orange/Silver line changes
In addition, the Orange line platform replacement continues as well as continued repairs on some of the issues found earlier this week. All lines are running on average every 15-20 minutes. (Colleen Grabernick / DCist)
MoCo planning commissioner demands review process before I-495 toll lanes receive federal funding
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Chair Casey Anderson alleges in a letter to USDOT that the Maryland DOT failed to allow the commission to do its 60-day required environmental review before submitting the project for final approval and funding. A funding decision is expected soon. (Bruce DePuyt / Maryland Matters)
Georgetown University seeks zoning changes to redevelop law school campus near Union Station
The law school has filed a request with the DC Zoning Commission to raise the building heights allowed on the campus to 130 feet. There are no existing construction plans, but the campus would like the flexibility to make them without regulatory issues. (Hannah Denham / Business Journal)
New farm in Brandywine seeks to end Prince George’s food desert
Mike Jones, who previously partnered with the University of the District of Columbia and Anacostia Economic Development Corporation in DC to bring several urban farms there, will use hydroponic techniques, at the Brandywine farm to aid in ending the county’s food desert and extend teaching and farmers market opportunities to Prince George’s County residents. (Tracee Wilkins / NBC Washington)
MoCo economic development corp head to step down
Ben Wu, who had been running the Montgomery County Economic Development Corp since 2019, after economic development roles at the Maryland state level and the federal level, resigned (effective August 15) Wednesday afternoon. Bill Tompkins, the organization’s executive vice president & chief operating officer, will become president and CEO. Neither Wu nor the organization provided a reason for the departure. (Steve Bonel / Bethesda Beat)
Alexandria flood mitigation projects make progress
The City of Alexandria has selected a firm to make stormwater sewer repairs in the Four Mile Run watershed and is accepting proposals for firms to make repairs in the Hoofs Run watershed. The Four Mile Run project has also received funding from the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund. (ALXNow)
Arlington process for outdoor tents reverts back to pre-pandemic regulations
Arlington’s process for requesting outdoor tents has reverted back to the process executed pre-pandemic for these requests, which several restaurant owners have cited as complicated. The request process for temporary outdoor seating areas remains unchanged. (Matt Blitz / ARLNow)
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