Breakfast links: Mapping the proposed “mansion tax” in DC
Spring blossoms above a street sign in Georgetown. Image by Jeff Vincent used with permission.
Most “mansion tax” revenue would come from Georgetown, Kalorama, and Massachusetts Avenue Heights
A new analysis from the DC Policy Center finds that more the half of the revenue generated by a proposed tax increase on homes valued at $2.5 million or more would come from the neighborhoods of Georgetown, Kalorama, and Massachusetts Avenue Heights. Other neighborhoods with a relatively large share of affected properties include Spring Valley, Kent, Palisades, and Chevy Chase. (UrbanTurf)
Proposal to bury dredge material and possible contaminants beneath Patapsco River generates pushback
The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) dredges shipping channels. Since the dredge material can contain toxic industrial pollutants, it is typically stored on land. Now, MPA is proposing to dig a hole in the floor of the Patapsco River and bury the dredge material, generating pushback from residents of waterfront communities worried about the potential release of heavy metals, PCBs, chromium, and other contaminants. (This article is behind a paywall.) (Caroline Foreback / Baltimore Banner)
Loudoun County approves plan to go fare-free for county buses, raise fares for commuter buses
Starting in 2025, Loudoun County will eliminate the $1 fare for the county’s bus and paratransit service, whose riders are disproportionately seniors, lower-income, or disabled. However, fares for the county’s commuter bus service to Arlington and downtown DC will increase in 2025 and 2026, with data showing that those riders have an average annual income of $150,000. (Neal Augenstein / WTOP)
DDOT to host virtual meeting on Connecticut Avenue redesign on Monday, June 3
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hosting a virtual meeting at 6:30pm today — Monday, June 3 — to update the public on its proposal to redesign Connecticut Avenue to improve safety and reduce crashes. Advocates are pushing to keep bike lanes in the project. (Jess Arnold / WUSA9)
House committee launches investigation into WMATA’s treatment of inspectors general
The House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation to determine whether WMATA interfered with the work of several prior inspectors general. According to a letter from Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY), the committee is concerned about a lack of independence, accountability, and transparency within WMATA’s internal watchdog. (Disclosure: Tracy Hadden Loh, a member of the WMATA board of directors, also serves on the GGWash board of directors.) (Michael Laris / Post)
Arlington County moves to demolish condemned Key Bridge Marriott
Arlington County has informed the owner of the vacant Key Bridge Marriott of its intention to demolish the building if the owner fails to do so on a set timeline. Once a landmark, the hotel has fallen into disrepair. It was condemned in 2023 and the county has taken steps to prevent squatters and secure the building from unauthorized entry. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)
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