Breakfast links: DC AG sues Union Station leaseholder over Bikestation eviction
Taxi line and former Bikestation at Union Station by Victoria Pickering licensed under Creative Commons.
DC Attorney General sues Union Station leaseholder for wrongful eviction from bike facility
Union Station Investco LLC (USI) sought to evict the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) for nonpayment of $150 in rent on the bicycle parking and repair hub just outside Union Station. DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb argues in the lawsuit his office filed on April 22 that the eviction notice was sent after Amtrak had acquired an interest in the property, nullifying USI’s actions. In fall 2023, DDOT sought to assign its lease to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, but neither USI nor Amtrak agreed to the transfer. (This article is behind a paywall). (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)
Union Station retail operation could be in Amtrak’s control as soon as July 15
Barring the success of a federal appeal, Amtrak is expected to take control of the commercial leasing and retail operations of Union Station as soon as July 15, from Union Station Investco LLC. The two sides are still negotiating the status of several separate lawsuits filed by individual tenants, but the move is expected to accelerate the timeline of a larger redevelopment project and shift the focus of Union Station back toward transportation versus retail. (This article is behind a paywall) (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)
Alexandria City Council candidates debate Zoning for Housing reforms in forum
On Monday night, an Alexandria City Council candidate forum became heated over the provisions of Zoning for Housing/Housing for All, the recently passed housing reform package. Candidate Jonathan Huskey stated that councilmembers should be voted out for supporting the reforms and that too little attention was given to affordability. Current councilmember Canek Aguirre stated he was insulted by those comments, noting the ways in which equity concerns shaped the process. Multiple other candidates also pushed back and expressed support for the reforms. (James Cullum / ALXNow)
Some Congressional Republicans question need for federal government to cover 100% of Key Bridge costs
In a Wednesday hearing on the federal response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, several Republican lawmakers questioned the need for the federal government to pay directly for or reimburse the costs of the bridge. Several cited that while the bridge was tolled, all of its proceeds went to the State of Maryland and not the federal government. Other committee members from both sides of the aisle cited that the Port of Baltimore operations are a national economic driver and the federal expense is justified. (Jacob Fischler / Maryland Matters)
Arlington County Board to consider live/work and self-storage zoning reforms
To offset losses in commercial real estate tax revenues, the Arlington County Board expects to evaluate zoning changes to allow for more live/work and self-storage facilities in more of its zoning districts. Public hearings for the changes are being advertised for later this fall. (Gazette Leader)
Mayoral vote in Baltimore shows split along racial lines
A Baltimore Banner analysis of preliminary mayoral election results found that incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott, who won reelection, secured a strong lead in majority white areas of Baltimore City. Former Mayor Sheila Dixon is expected to carry most majority Black districts, but the vote margin between Scott and Dixon is narrower than expected. Majority Black districts saw lower-than-normal voter turnout compared to majority white districts. (This article is behind a paywall). (Baltimore Banner)
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