Breakfast links: Redevelopment plans canceled at Armed Forces Retirement Home
Armed Forces Retirement Home cancels mixed-use redevelopment plans
The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) has terminated its redevelopment agreement with developers Madison Marquette and Urban Atlantic. While the AFRH cites risk and cost uncertainties, the developers expressed confusion over the issues leading to the decision and are asking for it to be reconsidered. The development would have created as many as 3,100 housing units, an assisted living facility, and hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail, medical, and hotel space. (This article is behind a paywall). (Michael Neibauer / Business Journal)
White House releases toolkit highlighting federal funds available for office-to-residential conversions
The Biden administration announced guidance on federal funds that can be used for office-to-residential conversions, including financing for transit-adjacent projects. Office-to-residential conversions often have a hard time getting off the ground due to costs, but the Washington region’s high rents make it one of six markets where conversions are considered economically viable. (Sami Sparber / Axios)
Montgomery County releases list of “troubled” apartment buildings amid first year of financial sanctions
Montgomery County has released its annual list of troubled apartment properties, a determination based on code violations. Under the new county rent stabilization law, rent increases for the 77 buildings on this year’s list are limited to that which the Department of Housing and Community Affairs deems “necessary to cover costs required to improve habitability.” (This article is behind a paywall) (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)
Black e-bike riders in DC cite exercise, convenience, cost among the benefits of riding
Two Black DC residents featured in this Washington Informer profile made pandemic-era e-bike purchases and haven’t looked back. They note that the e-bikes make it possible for them to cover more ground, transport cargo (and kids), get exercise, and save on gas. One of the riders would like to see bike infrastructure investments framed more clearly around safety to help build community support. (Kayla Benjamin / Washington Informer)
Tysons office building slated to become live/work space
A proposed redevelopment of a ten-story office building in Tysons received approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The building will be repurposed to 250 live/work units that will accommodate both offices and housing units. Additionally, surface parking will be replaced with tenant amenities and open space. (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)
Fairfax supervisors approve plans for new Annadale apartment building
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors signed off on plans to build a six-story, 280-unit apartment building on the site of a food hall at Annadale’s Eastgate Shopping Center. The board also approved a request from the developer to reduce parking requirements for the new building. (Acacia James / FFXnow)
Fairfax County explores using turn-calming measures to improve pedestrian safety
Fairfax County Supervisors expressed support for a pilot program that would employ turn calming measures at intersections to get drivers to slow down and improve pedestrian safety. Examples of turn-calming measures include using median bumps at intersections and pavement striping. (Scott Gelman / WTOP)
University of Maryland promotes micromobility safety with e-scooter, bike tours
The University of Maryland Department of Transportation Services has been hosting bike and e-scooter tours around campus to demonstrate safe riding routes and practices. During the tours, participants are instructed to wear a helmet, ride on roads instead of sidewalks, and follow traffic laws. (Bridget Byrne / The Diamondback)
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