Breakfast links: Rent stabilization bill passes first vote in Prince George’s County Council
Townhomes in West Hyattsville by Graham Reid licensed under Creative Commons.
Prince George’s County Council unanimously votes in favor of rent stabilization bill
The Prince George’s County Council has unanimously approved a preliminary rent stabilization plan after extensive debate and amendments. The new law, set for final approval next month, caps rent increases for multifamily housing built before 2000 at 3% plus the Consumer Price Index, with a maximum of 6%. Single-family homes and any type of housing built after January 1, 2000, will be exempt from the rent cap. (John Domen / WTOP)
JD Spain leads Natalie Roy, Tenley Peterson in Arlington Democratic primary
Initial results show JD Spain, Sr. leading with 33%, followed by Natalie Roy at 29% and Tenley Peterson at 23% of the vote. James DeVita and Julie Farnam are trailing with 10% and 6% of the vote respectively. Spain and Peterson, who together have over 55% of the vote so far, support the Missing Middle housing ordinance, a key issue in the primary. The outcome of the primary will not be clear until provisional and mail-in ballots are counted. Voter turnout for the Democratic primary in Arlington is 11%. (ARLnow)
Gaskins projected to win mayoral seat in Alexandria Democratic primary
Councilmember Alyia Gaskins is projected to become the first Black woman mayor of Alexandria. City Council incumbents Sarah R. Bagley, Canek Aguirre, John Taylor Chapman, and R. Kirk McPike won their primary election contests. Newcomers Abdel S. Elnoubi and Jacinta E. Greene will join the incumbents on the ballot in November’s general election after beating a crowded field of primary challengers. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Teo Armus / Post)
DDOT to enhance safety at intersection on Howard campus after driver kills student
The District Department of Transportation will install new safety features on the streets in Howard University’s campus, including raised crosswalks and a bike rack at the intersection where student Mohamed Samura was struck and killed by a driver in April. Local Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Josh Jacobson said safety interventions are implemented too slowly and necessary changes only come after people die. (Luke Lukert / WTOP)
Arlington’s new apartments among the smallest in the US
A RentCafe study ranks Arlington’s under-construction apartments as the tenth smallest in the nation, averaging 742 square feet. Over the past decade, apartment sizes in Arlington have decreased by 23 square feet, placing it 14th in the US for shrinking apartment sizes. Neighboring Alexandria also saw significant reductions, ranking ninth with a 33-square-foot decrease over the last decade. Apartments in DC have grown by five square feet over the same period. (ARLnow)
Folger Shakespeare Library reopens tomorrow after four years
The Folger Shakespeare Library at 201 E Capitol Street SE will reopen on Friday, June 20 after a four-year, $80 million renovation. The library now features new gardens, a cafe, and a 12,000-square-foot pavilion to showcase some of the library’s collection of 350,000 items. The library and museum are free to visit. (This article is behind a paywall). (Adam Hudacek / Business Journal)
Extended heat wave hits Washington region, triple-digit temperatures expected
The Washington region faces an extended heat wave with temperatures potentially reaching triple digits over the weekend. The National Weather Service issued an “excessive heat warning” through Saturday, with heat indexes surpassing 100 degrees. Residents are urged to check on their neighbors, stay indoors, and utilize cooling centers. (Ciara Wells / WTOP)
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