Breakfast links: Missing middle passes Arlington Planning Commission, on to County Board
Clarendon by GordonCV used with permission.
Arlington Planning Commission votes to recommend revised missing middle plan
In a major win for Missing Middle housing proponents, Arlington’s Planning Commission voted to recommend revised upzoning proposals 8–0. (Two members abstained from voting.) The ordinance will be presented to the Arlington County Board on Saturday. (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)
WMATA board approves return to automatic train operations
During a Thursday meeting, WMATA board members indicated support for the return to automatic train operations (ATO) by the end of the year. Metrorail previously utilized ATO from its inception in 1976 until the 2009 crash that killed nine people. While an investigation determined ATO wasn’t a factor in the incident, the system consequently switched to manual operations. The return to ATO would be part of WMATA’s larger efforts to improve service and bring back riders. (Disclosure: GGWash Board of Directors Chair Tracy Hadden Loh is also on WMATA’s board. In keeping with our editorial policy, board members maintain no oversight of editorial decision-making) (Justin George / Post)
House Republicans introduce resolution blocking further criminal justice reforms in DC
Following the Senate’s vote to block a DC bill reforming the city’s criminal code, two Republican House members have introduced an additional resolution that would overturn police reforms made in the District over the past year. (Colleen Grablick / DCist)
DC rental assistance deadline tonight
The DC Department of Human Services Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) closes tonight, March 10, at 11:59 PM EST. While ERAP has a much higher budget compared to previous years, spending has also drastically increased thanks to an increased demand for rental services in recent years. (Aja Drain / DCist)
White Flint West Workaround Project is completed, marking a significant development in North Bethesda
The White Flint West Workaround Project, in development since 2016, was announced as officially finished on Thursday. The project, which cost approximately $74 million, connects streets and has expanded sidewalks. The county hopes to continue developing the area by adding office space, retail, and transit. (Maryam Shahzad / Montgomery Community Media)
Alexandria equity in housing reform program to begin later this month
Housing for All, part of Alexandria’s larger Zoning for Housing initiative, will kick off on Monday, March 20. The initiative, which has been in development since 2020, is meant to emphasize housing equity throughout the City of Alexandria. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
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