Breakfast links: Virginia House passes arena bill, future uncertain
Rendering of Potomac Yard arena complex by Monumental Sports used with permission.
Net loss? Virginia House passes arena bill, future uncertain
The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Tuesday to advance the new arena in Alexandria. The bill now heads to the Senate; Virginia legislators will also consider a provision to finance the arena that was included in Governor Youngkin’s budget. The Virginia legislative session ends March 9. Meanwhile, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser is threatening litigation of Monumental attempts to break its lease and move the Capitals and Wizards to Virginia. (The Washington Business Journal article is behind a paywall). (Matt Blitz / DCist, Dan Brendel / Business Journal)
Three years later, displaced DC condo owners still awaiting resolution
Three years ago the homeowners of Grandview Condominiums on Talbert Street Southeast in DC were forced to evacuate their homes due to the building’s unsafe conditions. Structural engineers found the building to be dangerous and unlivable, displacing 46 families. Some residents delayed life events and some left the city altogether. Lawsuits are ongoing, and with rental assistance ending in June, homeowners are anxiously seeking a resolution to the emotional and financial toll. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Post)
Nearly 400 units of housing planned for part of Bethesda office park
A seven-story building with 393 units is planned for a six-acre vacant office park along I-270 in Bethesda. Seventeen months after the purchase of the CapRock office park for $69.5 million, part of the campus is being sold to the NRP Group for the residential project. Approximately 59 units will be rent-capped. (This article is behind a paywall). (Dan Brendel / Business Journal)
The latest on Anacostia River restoration efforts
The effort to restore the Anacostia River has made significant advances as the $2.7 billion Clean River Project now diverts 98% of sewage and stormwater away from the waterway. Beaverdam Creek and Hickey Run, however, continue to release toxic pollution into the Anacostia, while Springhouse Run is a low-pollution haven for wildlife. (Bill Matuszeski / HillRag)
DDOT installing cameras to enforce school bus stop signs
Beginning in March, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will install cameras on school buses to identify cars that unlawfully pass when their stop signs are extended. Interim DDOT director Sharon Kershbaum suggested the initiative is particularly important for special needs students, who make up a large share of the students who take school buses to school, rather than public transportation. (Adam Tuss / NBC4)
Developer of partially constructed Alexandria hotel site hopes to switch project to residential
The new developer of a partially built hotel site in Alexandria on the site of the former Towne Motel now wants to rezone the site to residential and build 47 condos after the original developed failed to access financing to continue the project as a hotel. Currently, a parking garage, support pillars, and a historic townhome are sitting on the lot. (This article is behind a paywall). (Dan Brendel / Business Journal)
Harborplace redevelopment bills advance out of Baltimore City Council committee hearing
The Baltimore City Council’s seven-member Economic and Community Development Committee voted to advance three bills to the full council related to the redevelopment of Harborplace. The proposed redevelopment includes 900 residential units and a floating promenade. As the Banner notes, the redevelopment faces three hurdles: “amendments to zoning restrictions, the harbor’s urban renewal plan, and the city charter,” the last of which will require a public vote in November. (This article is behind a paywall). (Adam Willis / Baltimore Banner)
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