Breakfast links: More affordable housing units approved for Crystal City
Apartment buildings in Crystal City by Emma K Alexandra licensed under Creative Commons.
Arlington County Board approves bump in affordable housing at Crystal House; civic association opposes decision
The Arlington County Board has approved 88 additional units of affordable housing for 1900 S. Eads Street. Most units will be large enough to families and affordable for very low-income households. A civic association is opposing the project, citing aesthetic and process concerns and claiming that the development will not adequately meet the needs of the building’s residents. (Disclosure: Senthil Sankaran, principal of the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, which provided financial support to the Crystal House project, serves on the GGWash board of directors.) (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)
Housing advocates organize to prevent narrowing of TOPA rights in DC
The Elle is projected to be the first office-to-residence conversion in the area bordering Dupont Circle and the West End known as the Golden Triangle District. While a portion of the 163 units will be income-restricted affordable, the building is not protected under DC’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA). Housing advocates are organizing to prevent what they say is a threat to TOPA rights that extends beyond this one building. (Sam P.K. Collins / The Washington Informer)
Montgomery County executive releases proposed budget that includes bump in affordable housing dollars
On Thursday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released his proposed budget for Montgomery County. The budget includes an additional $65 million for affordable housing and holds property taxes steady. The county council will hold hearings on the budget in the lead up to a June 1 deadline. (This article may be behind a paywall.) (Steve Thompson / Post)
USA Today study ranks Arlington as nation’s second most climate-resilient area
Arlington County came in second on USA Today’s list of the nation’s most climate-resilient cities. Factors include Arlington’s comparatively low risk for flooding, as well as well as its tree density. (ARLNow)
DC residents plan rally to save Rosemount childcare center
Advocates for Rosemount, a Mount Pleasant-based preschool that provides affordable bilingual early childhood education, meals, and healthcare, are rallying on March 23 to attempt to save the school. The landlord, House of Mercy, had previously announced it would not renew its lease. (Prince of Petworth / PoPville)
MCDOT will hold bike skills classes for adults this spring
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation will offer bike classes for county residents this spring, with a nominal $10 fee for most and at no charge for WABA and Capital Bikeshare For All members. E-scooter lessons will follow select sessions. (Tommy Tucker / Montgomery Community Media)
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