Breakfast links: More than 55,000 drivers caught speeding near Fairfax County schools
McLean Metro station at dusk in 2016 by Daniel Kelly used with permission.
New Fairfax County speed cameras capture 55,000+ drivers speeding near schools
Since April, speed cameras installed near eight Fairfax County schools have caught more than 55,000 drivers speeding 10mph or more above the speed limit. Preliminary data suggests speeds have dropped by about 24% near the cameras. The revenue from speed camera violations has exceeded $562,000; the county plans to add 40 more camera sites this fiscal year. (Scott Gelman / WTOP)
Receiver appointed for DC office building, emblematic of commercial real estate challenges downtown
A downtown DC office building at 717 14th Street is in danger of foreclosure at 67% occupancy, though it has the Treasury Department and CVS as tenants. The building, built in 1928 and renovated in 2012, has seen its value drop from $56 million in 2014 to $41 million now. Many other major properties face similar challenges. (This article is behind a paywall). (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)
Baltimore County executive blocks exemptions in plastic bag ban legislation
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. vetoes bills aiming to exempt liquor stores and thicker plastic bags from the upcoming plastic bag ban. He did approve one exception for certain kinds of paper bags used to package medications at pharmacies to be exempt from the five-cent surcharge. (This article is behind a paywall). (Lia Russell / Baltimore Sun)
DC Council considers new bill to fund local news through vouchers
Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George and Brianne Nadeau introduced a bill to the DC Council to fund local news outlets through a public voucher program. The current bill proposes 0.1% of the District budget or $11.5 million to go to local news organizations and journalists through “news coupons” that registered voters would be able to allocate using an online system. (Elliot C. Williams / DCist)
General Services Administration seeks 20-year lease for 50,000-57,000 square feet in DC
The General Services Administration (GSA) is looking for a long-term lease of 50,000 to 57,000 square feet for an undisclosed tenant in downtown DC for mixed-use office/medical/temporary residential use. This move is part of a broader trend of government agencies dominating leasing activity in the Greater Washington area. (This article is behind a paywall). (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)
Temporary tenants open in Baltimore’s Harborplace amid ongoing redevelopment plans
Baltimore’s Harborplace is set to welcome new temporary tenants as part of its ongoing redevelopment plans. The Light Street Pavilion will host an art showcase, a tech incubation and youth engagement center, a pop-up store, and an all-day breakfast spot. While MCB Real Estate plans to tear down the pavilions eventually, new local tenants are moving in. (This article is behind a paywall). (Penelope Blackwell / Baltimore Banner)
Red Top Cab redevelopment in Clarendon finishes ahead of schedule
Alexan Fitzroy, the final building in the Red Top Cab site redevelopment project located at the corner of Washington Blvd and 13th Street N. in Clarendon, is complete ahead of schedule. The project brings 269 units to market, and leasing has already begun with a 15% pre-lease rate. (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)
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