Breakfast Links: DC Attorney General sues home renovation company after numerous consumer complaints
House under renovation in middle of DC block by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.
DC Attorney General sues renovation company Curbio for numerous consumer violations
The DC Attorney General has filed suit against home renovation company Curbio, accusing it of deceiving homeowners into damaging contracts, particularly targeting the elderly. The lawsuit claims Curbio promises profitable renovations but instead locks clients into unfair agreements, risking foreclosures. Curbio denies these allegations. The suit seeks to force the company to operate differently and obtain damages for affected homeowners. (The Washington Post article may be behind a paywall; The Washington Business Journal article is behind a paywall). (Justin Wm. Moyer / Post, Ana Lucía Murillo / Business Journal, Alex Koma / City Paper)
Arlington County shifting to automated traffic enforcement
Arlington County is moving towards using automated enforcement, like speed cameras, to improve road and traffic safety. This decision, influenced by community concerns about speeding and distracted driving, awaits broader legislative approval from Richmond. While officials remain committed to traffic safety, the county faces procurement and other challenges in the timely implementation of the technology. (Jo DeVoe / ARLnow)
Marylanders skeptical of I-270 widening at open houses
At open houses hosted around the region, Maryland’s proposal to widen I-270 and the Capital Beltway, including the American Legion Bridge, faced skepticism. Concerns raised included potential toll lanes, inadequate transit expansion, and funding issues. (Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters)
Prince George’s County announces basic income pilot
Prince George’s County leaders announced a two-year basic-income pilot program Tuesday, providing $800 monthly to 175 seniors and young residents. The program will give direct cash payments to participants and is funded by a $4 million mix of public and private sources. Applications are set to open in mid-December. (This article is behind a paywall). (Lateshia Beachum / Post)
Maryland Department of Transportation updating roadside historical markers
Maryland’s 700+ historical markers often miss key details and context, especially regarding Black and Indigenous histories. The Maryland Department of Transportation recently took over the program and is working to update the markers for greater accuracy and inclusivity. (This article is behind a paywall). (Rona Kobell / Baltimore Banner)
Rosslyn’s Nestle building targeted for foreclosure despite being mostly occupied and in good standing
Despite still being occupied by Nestle, Humana, and a division of the Oracle group, the prominent tower, at 1812 N. Moore Street in Rosslyn, has been targeted for foreclosure and a takeover by another real estate firm. The building would continue to be managed by the existing firm, but the new firm wishes to use a loophole in the Uniform Commercial Code that allows such takeovers of property. (This article is behind a paywall). (Dan Brendel / Business Journal)
Advocates and residents express dismay at delayed West End DC shelter opening
A new lawsuit against the Aston shelter for mixed-gender families and medically vulnerable people prompted the DC government to delay the opening by six months. Now advocates and supportive residents of the shelter worry that more people will be hurt by the delay of opening. (Morgan Baskin / DCist)
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