Breakfast links: Greater Washington at risk for drought this summer
Golden hour on the Potomac River near the C&O Towpath by Diane Krauthamer licensed under Creative Commons.
Washington region in first stages of drought
After several dry months, the Washington region is taking steps to prepare for possible water restrictions. According to the US Drought Monitor, the region is in a moderate drought, and as of Monday the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin has begun drought monitoring. The officials state that we have enough water now, but if conditions worsen, the region would be asked to limit water use. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
National Landing name slow to catch on among residents
After five years, the name “National Landing” it not the neighborhood name of choice for many residents and business owners in Crystal City, Pentagon City, and Potomac Yards, the neighborhoods of Arlington and Alexandria that comprise the National Landing area. While some businesses are gravitating toward the name, which leaders indicate was meant to refer to the expanded market area, not replace the legacy neighborhoods it contains, “National Landing” hasn’t gained much traction in internet search results. (This article is behind a paywall) (Alan Kline / Business Journal)
McMillan community center and park to open in 2024 as development continues
After more than three decades of delays, the 25-acre McMillan reservoir site is being redeveloped into more than 600 units of housing, a grocery store, office space, retail, and other amenities. First to open — in 2024 — will be a 17,000-square-foot community center, with a park and pool. Some of the historic structures from the site’s past as a sand filtration facility will be incorporated into the new developments. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
FBI issues document preferring Virginia for new headquarters; Maryland lawmakers push back
The FBI has told Maryland officials that proximity to Quantico is the most important criterion for the new FBI headquarters building, and appears to be close to making a final decision. Maryland officials, however, continue to argue that the FBI should locate the facility in Prince George’s County either on the Blue Line Corridor or in Greenbelt, which Governor Wes Moore said would “lift up” the community. (William J. Ford / Maryland Matters)
Loudoun County is reducing the number of roads named after Confederate generals and segregationists
Loudoun County is renaming a number of streets to remove references to Confederate generals and others who fought or argued for the continuation of slavery in America. So far the county has renamed Jeb Stuart Road to Philomont Road and renamed a number of roads in Round Hill. Still to come this fall: renaming parts of Rt.50 and Rt.7, including the section named after Senator Harry Byrd, who argued that it was better to close public schools than to integrate them. However, some neighborhoods have succeeded in preventing the proposed changes. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
Developers are asking DC to help make office-to-residential conversions easier
Several developers are asking the DC government to ease building requirements to help them make “razor-thin margins” on office-to-residential conversions work. The Mayor’s Comeback Plan includes a process for reviewing and possibly removing some regulations affecting building codes, tax codes, and the permitting process, and some developers are also suggesting that the city consider easing other requirements, such as green roofs, which can help mitigate climate change. (Emily Wishingrad / BisNow)
Arlington County redesignates affordable housing site near Ft. Myer to speed renovations
The Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing is repairing 62 affordable garden-style apartments near Ft. Myer and planning to build another two 12-story buildings with all affordable apartments. The property was developed before current zoning and setback requirements, and as a result required another step in order for the renovation to proceed. The county decided to redesignate the parcel to preserve trees and open space, and support the re-use of the historic homes for affordable housing. (Joe DeVoe / ARLNow)
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