Breakfast links: Two Reston golf courses closer to becoming mixed-use villages and public parks
Lake Anne Village Center in Reston by Joe Flood licensed under Creative Commons.
Developer proposes converting Reston’s golf courses into mixed-use villages
Developers have nominated Reston’s two golf courses to undergo redevelopment as part of Fairfax County’s Site-Specific Plan Amendment process. Proponents say redevelopment would adhere to Reston founder Robert E. Simon’s vision for an inclusive and accessible community. (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)
Bowser and Mendelson propose to shrink DCHA board
Mayor Bowser and Council Chair Mendelson have proposed to replace the District of Columbia Housing Authority’s current board of commissioners with a smaller board. While Bowser claims a smaller board would streamline processes and be more efficient, critics say it would remove oversight and ultimately be undemocratic. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
Fairfax County officials consider changing zoning code to add emergency shelters
Fairfax County is considering a zoning change proposal that would turn unused commercial and office space into emergency homeless shelters, which is something that currently doesn’t exists within the county’s zoning code. The proposal comes as both vacancy rates and homelessness rates remain high. (Vernon Miles / FFXNow)
MCDOT launches transportation grant programs
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has launched two grant programs to fund and ultimately increase transportation services for its vulnerable residents. The grants, amounting to $800,000 total, is designed to help the county’s disabled, elderly, and low-income residents better access transportation and necessities. (Hannah Ziegler / Montgomery Community Media)
Where did home prices rise the most in DC this year?
A look at the nine DC neighborhoods with the highest increases in median home values saw prices skyrocket over the past 12 months. While neighborhoods with abundant multi-family housing stock like the U Street Corridor and Brentwood are on the list, prices have mostly gone up in neighborhoods with primarily single-family homes. (UrbanTurf)
District proposes legislation to change the way riders pay for Metrobus and Metrorail
The DC Council has proposed legislation that would make Metrobus fare-free for any rides originating within city limits. Additionally, the proposal calls for $100 Metro subsidies for all District residents and 12 new overnight bus routes. Fare-free bus rides have been successful on Alexandria’s DASH system, which could serve as a template for the District’s approach. (Justin George / Post)
Concerns rising around new DC solar purchase regulations
DC Council has passed legislation to revise how solar energy is purchased by Pepco. However, some councilmembers and environmental advocates are concerned that Pepco could pass on its new charges under the system to other rate-payers, some already struggling with their current electric rates. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
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