Breakfast links: “Yes in God’s Backyard” policies gain steam
Churches alongside housing in Adams Morgan by Victoria Pickerning licensed under Creative Commons.
Region’s lawmakers look for ways to make it easier to redevelop churches to include affordable housing
Facing declining congregation sizes, a number of churches in the Washington region are exploring whether they can redevelop their properties to include affordable housing — but financing and bureaucratic red tape can be barriers. DC, Maryland, and Virginia lawmakers are all weighing measures that would make such redevelopments easier. (This article may be behind a paywall.) (Danny Nguyen / Post)
Alexandria seeks public feedback on West End plan by March 31
The Alexandria City Council is seeking public comment through March 31 on a new plan to guide land use, transportation, open space, and other decisions in the city’s West End. The area will see a new mixed-use development next year plus a new Inova Health facility in 2028. (James Cullum / ALXnow)
Maryland leaders concerned about lack of revenue-generating measures for state’s $10B climate plan
Maryland legislators have introduced bills that would impose fees on companies transporting coal and other fossil fuels through Maryland as well as a cap-and-invest program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s unclear that either bill will advance this session. Governor Wes Moore has pledged a $90 million “down payment” for the state’s climate plan, but with a $10 billion price tag, environmental leaders say revenue generation is needed. (Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters)
Arlington releases list of crash-prone intersections, showing a decrease from prior years
Arlington County has identified 34 new intersections that are prone to vehicle collisions, for a total of 60 crash-prone spots altogether, a drop from 69 intersections in 2022. The county’s Vision Zero team is looking at ways to quickly improve safety at these “hot spot” intersections and track the impact of these safety interventions. (Joe DeVoe / ARLNow)
Residents of Silver Spring apartment complex rally for better conditions
Residents of the Enclave Silver Spring apartment complex protested outside of the complex on Saturday to push for better living conditions and renters’ protections. The complex, which is set to be sold to a Miami-based investor, has long struggled with housing code violations and illegal rent increases. (Elia Griffin / MoCo360)
Commercial property owners say crime concerns are deterring downtown DC office rentals and building purchases
Commercial real estate owners, investors, and tenants say a spike in crime in downtown DC has caused some companies to reconsider downtown DC as a location for offices and retail. While crime has declined since the start of the year and the District has advanced measures to improve public safety, business leaders say they’d like to see a more sustained drop in crime. (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow DC)
Leonsis’s late meeting with Lucas not enough to save stadium deal
Monumental Sports CEO first met with Virginia State Senator L. Louise Lucas nearly eight months after his initial meeting with Governor Youngkin about a proposal to relocate the Capitals and the Wizards to Potomac Yard. Lucas, who plays a key role in the state’s budget and appropriations process, ultimately wasn’t swayed to sign off on the project’s hefty price tag. (This story may be behind a paywall.) (Gregory S. Schneider, Laura Vozzella / Post)
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