Breakfast links: DC rental assistance portal crashes upon reopening
Wilson Building by angela n. used with permission.
DC rental assistance portal crashes on reopening due to high traffic volume
DC planned to reopen the application portal at noon Tuesday for its Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for low-income residents facing eviction, but the site displayed an “under maintenance” page when accessed. The site, which has had similar issues in the past, only reopens periodically and accepts a limited number of applicants. This cycle, 3,500 applications will be accepted. (Rafael Sanchez-Cruz / WUSA9)
DC Council majority support resolution to sue Mayor Bowser over SNAP funding
Council Chair Phil Mendelson filed a resolution Tuesday that, if passed, would allow the Council to sue Mayor Bowser over her refusal to allocate a share of excess revenues to SNAP benefits, as required by law. The majority of the Council support the resolution. (Sam P.K.Collins / Washington Informer, Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)
Fairfax County expected to make outdoor dining permanent with new rules
Fairfax County will review its new outdoor dining proposal at a January 10 planning commission hearing and a final Board of Supervisors vote is expected on February 6. Under the new rules, temporary seating would be allowed automatically while permanent installations will require a permit. Size, placement, and noise limits are also considered in the new regulations. (Neal Augenstein / WTOP)
Demand for warehouses in Baltimore region both welcomed and resented
The Baltimore region’s air, rail, and port access make it a logistics hub, with warehouses serving as one of biggest employers. Warehouse capacity has grown by 39 million square feet in the last decade, and new warehouses can top one million square feet. Despite the economic boon, increasingly, localities are pushing back against the losses of green space and increased freight traffic.(This article is behind a paywall). (Giacomo Bologna / Baltimore Banner)
Union Market park plan includes children’s area, open space, and dog park
The Union Market District Parks Foundation is planning a 40,000-square-foot public park behind the Theory apartment building at 300 Neal Place NE. Originally envisioned as a dog park, the project has expanded to include open green space and a children’s play area. The Foundation is engaging with the community for feedback on the $3.5 million proposal. (UrbanTurf)
A-HA moment? NVAHA and AHS announce merger
Two Northern Virginia housing advocacy nonprofits, the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA) and the Alliance for Housing Solutions (AHS), have announced that they are merging. A new name is being considered and will be announced. (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)
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