Breakfast links: DC Council to vote on the budget today
Chair Mendelson speaking at a swearing in ceremony for elected officials by Adam Fagen licensed under Creative Commons.
DC Council to hold first vote on the budget today
DC Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson’s budget proposal includes tax rate increases for home values exceeding $2.5 million; preserves Mayor Bowser’s proposed sales tax increase while eliminating her proposed hotel fees; and increases the employer contribution to the Universal Paid Leave program. The proposal eliminates the Circulator and removes funding for the Connecticut Avenue bike lanes. Chair Mendelson signaled that his proposed budget is meant to fill budget gaps to fund WMATA and affordable housing programs while addressing the CFO’s concerns about the District’s liquidity. The Council will consider the budget today, May 29, for the first of two votes. (The Business Journal article is behind a paywall). (Ben Peters / Business Journal, UrbanTurf, Thomas Robertson / WTOP)
MTA reduces commuter bus service, but not routes, amid budget constraints
After facing budget cuts, the Maryland Transit Administration will continue commuter bus service across all 36 routes, but at reduced service, starting July 1, 2024. While the number of trips will decrease, current service hours and coverage areas will be maintained. (Mass Transit)
Forest Glen, Wheaton train delays were caused by outdated signal tech from the 1970s
Metro apologized Tuesday, May 28, for ongoing delays at Wheaton and Forest Glen stations, attributing the problem to outdated signal equipment from the 1970s. Metro will upgrade the signals while they temporarily close five stations along the Red Line from Takoma to Glenmont for maintenance and Purple Line construction. (Josh Rosenthal / FOX 5)
Herndon Town Council votes on “streetery” pilot
Herndon’s Town Council voted Tuesday to authorize streetery projects, allowing businesses along a few streets in its downtown to convert on-street parking to outdoor dining spaces. The pilot will run for six months, and businesses can apply for permits immediately. (Tisha Lewis / FOX 5, Jamie Rogers / FFXnow)
Reston to add traffic lights at dangerous pedestrian crossing
The Reston Town Center Association will install a new traffic signal at the intersection of New Dominion Parkway and Explorer Street on the northern side of Reston Town Center. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there have been 27 injuries at the intersection since 2010, and residents of the area have long expressed their safety concerns about the site. (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)
Frederick County announces plans for affordable housing development at Prospect Center
Frederick County announced a 150- to 200-unit affordable housing development for its 26-acre Prospect Center campus. It could be designed as workforce housing or housing for seniors, depending on the results of a housing needs assessment. The county is seeking federal funding for the project, with project completion targeted for 2028. (Skyler Sales / DC News Now, Ceoli Jacoby / Frederick News Post)
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