Breakfast links: Maryland Governor Moore’s housing bills all pass Senate
Sign supporting more housing density near downtown Silver Spring, Md. Image by Adam Fagen used with permission.
All three of Governor Moore’s housing bills pass the Senate
Governor Moore’s package of three housing bills have all passed the Maryland Senate. These include HB 538, which will enable a density bonus for certain developments that meet affordability thresholds, HB 599, which establishes a new state-level housing and community investment finance entity, and HB 693, which creates a state-level Office of Tenants and Landlord Affairs among other reforms. (Danielle J. Brown / Maryland Matters)
Growing number of Marylanders worried about housing costs
19% of Marylanders say the rising cost of housing is their biggest concern, according to a poll conducted in March 2024. In October 2019, 13 percent of respondents cited housing costs as the state’s most pressing issue. (This article may be behind a paywall.) (Post)
WMATA says fare evasion down, ridership up across system
In March, ridership on Metrobus and Metrorail was 14% higher and fare evasion down 50% compared to last year. Federal employee ridership is up 33%. WMATA attributes the drop in fare evasion to retrofitted fare gates in Metro stations as well as the installation of new, more reliable fare boxes on buses. (Thomas Robertson / WTOP)
Monumental’s head of venues talks future of Capital One Arena and downtown DC
Jordan Silberman, the man in charge of venues for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, shares some insights into the plans for Capital One Arena: a possible new arena entrance at the current location of VIDA Fitness, a doubling of premium seats, and the move of back-of-house operations into a portion of the 200,000-square-foot expansion into neighboring Gallery Place. He says the success of a revamped Capital One Arena goes hand-in-hand with the success of downtown DC, which entails more businesses coming back, more office to residential conversions, and enhanced public safety. (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow DC)
Prince George’s County explores ways to encourage more Metro-oriented development
Prince George’s County’s planning chief briefed the County Council last week on incentives and regulations that could encourage more development around the county’s inside-the-Beltway Metro stations. The county has fallen short on its transit-oriented development goals; the council is currently considerig comprehensive zoning reform. (John Domen / WTOP)
Fewer construction cranes dot DC skyline
As of April 2024, there are an estimated 18 construction cranes active in DC, which marks a sharp drop from a total of 45 active cranes back in 2020. The drop in cranes is similar to that seen in other major cities like New York City, Boston, and Chicago. (UrbanTurf)
UMD students push to improve pedestrian, cyclist safety near campus
The University of Maryland’s Student Government Association voted to support improvements for pedestrian and cyclist safety along Knox Road, adjacent to campus. Some of the desired safety measures include in-street pedestrian crossing signs, an extended bike lane, and raised crosswalks. On April 16, the College Park City Council will vote on whether to conduct a traffic safety study in the area. (Lillian Glaros / The Diamondback)
Alexandria snags another nomination for best small city
Alexandria was nominated for best small US city in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards survey, marking the seventh consecutive time the city has been in the running for the accolade. The deadline for voting is June 30. (James Cullum / ALXnow)
Silver Spring pedestrian dies after being struck by two drivers
A 52-year-old Silver Spring man died after he was struck by two motorists near Randolph Road and Kimblewick Drive on Friday night. One of drivers fled the scene, and police are on the lookout for a late-model white Acura TL that is missing a fender. (Dana Sukontarak / WTOP)
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