Breakfast links: WMATA releases plans for service cuts if shortfall left unfunded
Metro escalator going up to Q Street NW by Diane Krauthamer licensed under Creative Commons.
WMATA releases details of potential shortfall service cuts, staffing reductions
WMATA released several service scenarios for fiscal year 2025 for if their $750-million budget shortfall is not funded or is only partially funded. Cuts *include: layoffs, *eliminating bus routes, reducing rail hours, increasing intervals between trains, and closing stations or entrances. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Justin George / Post)
Friendship Heights Alliance launches as two-jurisdiction development nonprofit
The Friendship Heights Alliance has hired Natalie Avery as its first executive director and secured funding to kick off its work to promote growth in the business corridor along the border of DC and Montgomery County. The organization hopes to advance a mixed-use redevelopment strategy. (This article is behind a paywall). (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)
Rock Creek Park golf project would clear-cut eight acres of trees
A National Park Service (NPS) proposal to rehabilitate the Rock Creek Park golf course could result in the removal of nearly 1,300 trees. NPS plans include planting 200 new native trees and introducing 13 acres of meadows and naturalized areas. After public outcry, the public comment period has been extended to November 4. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
Fairfax Connector union submits contract, operator refusing negotiations
Negotiations are in progress between the Fairfax Connector employees, represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, and Transdev, the operator of the largest bus system in Northern Virginia. Transdev recently canceled scheduled bargaining sessions, stating they weren’t prepared to counter the union’s proposal despite the current contract being set to expire November 30. (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)
South Baltimore community-developer partnership to address neighborhood needs
In recent years, residents from six South Baltimore communities have built relationships with developers to ensure revitalization plans in the area benefit the communities. The stakeholders have even come together to jointly form a nonprofit, the SB7 Coalition, that is tasked with investing millions of dollars into the neighborhoods following decades of neglect. (This article is behind a paywall). (Baltimore Banner)
Silver Spring theater undergoing $400,000 facade restoration
Silver Spring’s Flower Theater, originally opened in 1950, is undergoing a $400,000 rennovation after hosting a series of religious institutions following its closure in 1996. Spearheaded by Montgomery Housing Partnership, several stakeholders have expressing hopes of drawing commercial tenants when the restoration concludes. (Suzanne Pollak / Montgomery Community Media)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.