Breakfast links: Nina Albert named DC deputy mayor for planning and economic development
The John A. Wilson Building in DC by angela n. used with permission.
Bowser names new deputy mayor for planning and economic development
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has tapped Nina Albert as the next deputy mayor for planning and economic development. Albert’s experience includes managing real estate for WMATA and overseeing the federal government’s real estate portfolio at the General Services Administration. Keith Anderson, who has served in the role in an interim capacity, was named the new deputy mayor for operations and infrastructure. (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow DC)
As Alexandria wraps up Zoning for Housing community meetings, residents weigh in
Alexandria City Council plans to vote in November on a zoning reform initiative to expand housing supply and affordability. Housing advocates are lobbying to expand the scope of reforms, including to legalize Alexandria’s traditional garden apartments and townhouses throughout the city. Opponents, who formed a new community group over the summer, disagree with the rationale for the reforms and believe the process should slow down. (Margaret Barthel, Morgan Baskin / DCist)
Six-year-old injured by hit-and-run driver in Capitol Hill
A driver drove into a young child and his family in a crosswalk at the intersection of 12th Street NE and C Street NE in Capitol Hill in early October, injuring the child. The driver allegedly told a bystander he was going to pull over before driving away. The crash happened the same day as a traffic safety hearing held by the DC Council. (Elizabeth O’Gorek / Hill Rag)
Inner Ear Studio’s demolition delayed due to structural problems
The demolition of Inner Ear Studios in Arlington that was slated to start in October has been pushed to November after structural issues were identified with an adjoining building. The demolition is part of a larger project to create an arts and entertainment district in the neighborhood. (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)
OP-ED: UMD’s scooter safety policies should target unsafe riders
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD)’s decision to prohibit the rental of e-scooters after 10 pm to stop intoxicated operators denies students a safe, late-night transportation option, argues a UMD student in an op-ed in The Diamondback. To improve e-scooter safety, the university should consider implementing changes like requiring short puzzles to unlock scooters and requiring collisions to be reported. (Ravi Panguluri / The Diamondback)
New UMD center to examine green transportation networks
The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) just launched the Center for Multi-Modal Mobility in Urban, Rural, and Tribal Areas to study how to build better transportation networks focused on complete streets with better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, fare-free transit, and the role of autonomous vehicles. (This article may be behind a paywall) (Ian Duncan / Post)
Eckington could get new townhouse development
A developer has filed plans for a 26-unit townhouse development in DC’s Eckington neighborhood. The plans call for 15 rowhouses, with a number of units designed to accommodate families as well as four inclusionary zoning units. (UrbanTurf)
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