Breakfast links: DC Council targets environmental injustices related to pollution with new legislation
Wildfire tinged sunrise in DC in Summer 2023 by Diane Krauthamer licensed under Creative Commons.
New environmental justice legislation would target industries causing pollution in DC neighborhoods
DC Councilmember Zachary Parker, alongside Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie and Christina Henderson, introduced legislation that would require DC regulators to consider existing pollution levels in a neighborhood before granting permits for new businesses, denying permits in neighborhoods that already bear a disproportionate pollution burden. (Jacob Fenston / DCist)
HUD gives Annapolis Housing Authority “troubled” rating
The Annapolis Housing Authority (HACA) received a score of 43 on Housing and Urban Development’s Public Housing Assessment, leading to a “troubled” grade. Aging structures and late financial paperwork were among the reasons for the grade, which does not factor in redevelopments currently underway. HACA will work with HUD on a two-year plan to bring up its score. (This article is behind a paywall). (Royale Bonds / The Baltimore Banner)
Baltimore area sees surge in apartment leasing
Thanks to significant job growth and a 28% in the number of new Class A apartment units coming on line, apartments in the Baltimore area are leasing at faster rates, but researchers suggest this may plateau soon. (This article may require you to enter your email address before reading) (Adam Bednar / Bisnow)
FBI’s HQ selection process causes backlash
Multiple officials have voiced concerns regarding the selection process for the FBI’s new headquarters. FBI Director Chris Wray has pointed to a potential conflict of interest, since the executive who made the final call previously worked at WMATA. Meanwhile, multiple elected officials in Virginia — including both US Senators, Governor Glenn Youngkin, and multiple US House Representatives — have signed a letter denouncing “political interference” in the process. (DCist)
Fairfax County resumes discussion on Wiehle Avenue pedestrian crossing
Fairfax County has resumed discussions concerning a new pedestrian crossing on Wiehle Avenue in Reston. Previous discussions in 2021 fell through after members of a designated study group rejected three options proposed by the developer that is providing funding for the crossing redesign. (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)
New housing development will replace former Salvation Army headquarters
New housing development will replace former Salvation Army headquarters in West End
DC’s Board of Zoning Adjustment has approved developers’ request for relief to construct a new 32-unit condo building in the West End. The condominium will replace the Salvation Army’s former DC headquarters, which will be demolished. (UrbanTurf)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.