Breakfast links: Baltimore Red Line project officially relaunches
Maryland Governor Wes Moore relaunches Baltimore’s Red Line
On Thursday, Maryland Governor Wes Moore officially relaunched Balitmore’s Red Line project, nearly a decade after former Governor Larry Hogan pulled the plug on the massive transit investment in 2015. Officials still haven’t decided whether it will consist of light rail or buses and have not yet secured funding, but Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld believes they can build on the original plans rather than start planning from scratch. (Post)
Amazon HQ2 holds official ribbon-cutting and opening ceremony
Phase One of Amazon HQ2 officially opened in Arlington on Thursday, featuring two 22-story buildings and numerous amenities — including 600 bike racks. 8,000 workers were involved in HQ2 construction, and the buildings now support 8,000 of an eventual 25,000 Amazon jobs. Arlington County officials promise to monitor housing production to help prevent displacement as the population grows. (Disclosure: Senthil Sankaran, principal of the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, also serves on the GGWash board of directors) (DCist)
DC DMV’s antiquated software allows drivers with DUI convictions to stay on the road; it’s been up for replacement since 2016
The DC DMV relies on DESTINY, a computer system that is more than 20 years old, to track DUI convictions and suspend licenses. That system failed in the case of a driver with multiple DUIs who is now charged with murder in the deaths of three people on Rock Creek Parkway. Employees indicate that high-profile case is one example of a systemic problem rooted not just in old technology but also poor management. DC’s capital budget has included funds to replace DESTINY since 2016. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
Saturday parking in Bethesda and Silver Spring will now come with a fee
Parking is free on Saturdays in Downtown Bethesda and Silver Spring, but MCDOT has announced this will change effective July 8. The revenue will be used to support lighting, sidewalks, cleaning crews, and security in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. (Aya Hussein / Montgomery Community Media)
Fairfax County will officially rename highways named after Confederate soldiers in July
Fairfax County will officially retire the names Lee Highway and Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway for US Routes 29 and 50, respectively, effective July 5. The county had previously voted to change the names last year but had not announced an official replacement before now. (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)
Arlington releases proposed permanent regulations on outdoor seating
The Arlington County Board will hold hearings on zoning changes to make outdoor dining spots created during the beginning of the pandemic permanent. While the reforms have broad support, Arlington’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee expressed concern over the emphasis on using sidewalk space instead of other public space, which negatively impacts people with disabilities who depend on access to adequate sidewalk space for mobility. (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)
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