WMATA cited for more rail operator training lapses
At least one WMATA Metrorail operator was improperly certified and allowed to operate trains, according to a new Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC) report. This follows the May 2022 discovery that the training and testing of 257 operators lapsed. The commission expressed disappointment that more hasn’t been done to address operator training. (Justin George / Post)
An “unincorporated civic association” filed suit to stop the conversion of a vacant GWU dorm building into a 190-person shelter in the West End for people with chronic medical conditions and childless families, arguing its approval was rushed. ANC 2A argues they followed the legal timeline. (Morgan Baskin / DCist)
The delicate dance of Washington National Airport’s overnight runway repaving
Other airports close a runway if one needs to be repaved, but National Airport needs its two runways to be open every day. The fix? Replacing pieces of the asphalt every night while the airport is closed. Jordan Pascale follows the crew. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
The ‘YIMBYs of Northern Virginia’ are organizing for supply reforms and navigating zoning politics
The YIMBYs of Northern Virginia started on Facebook, but have evolved to advocate in person for reforms to increase housing supply. DCist covers a pre-planning commission happy hour and explains their outreach. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
Proposed Xenia Street SE tree removal becomes case study in power and influence
Councilmember Trayon White introduced a June emergency resolution to remove three trees from public land on Xenia Street SE in DC. It appears to be the result of one man’s three-year crusade for their removal, rather than a sign of any widespread opposition to trees, raising questions about who gets to speak on behalf of a neighborhood and prompting national coverage. (Jerusalem Demsas / The Atlantic)
Before going on summer recess, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved the second phase of the North Bethesda Market project, which was originally considered in 2011 and will connect the existing phase that’s home to Whole Foods and a number of other retailers with a pedestrian plaza. In addition, they approved a large mixed-use development in Germantown’s Gateway Corridor and new streetscape guidelines for downtown Wheaton. (Elia Griffin / MoCo360)
Alexandria’s DASH bus breaks ridership records after its fare-free overhaul
Alexandria’s DASH buses broke ridership records, supporting 4.5 million boardings in Fiscal Year 2023 — three times its ridership in FY 2021. This comes two years after eliminating fares and reorienting routes for more frequent service in higher-density areas. (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)
Maryland highways have fewer travelers but more fatalities than before the pandemic
A new national study finds highway traffic fatalities have increased 16% per mile since 2019 in Maryland despite fewer vehicles traveling. Major causes are distracted driving, speeding, and not wearing seatbelts. (This article is behind a paywall). (Daniel Zawodny / Baltimore Banner)
Crews continue to remove trees on the George Washington Parkway from weekend storm
Workers continue to clear storm-toppled trees from the George Washington Parkway. A northbound lane reopened Tuesday on the major highway following its shutdown by the “most intense storm of the year.” The southbound lane is slated to open today. (This article may be behind a paywall). (Post)
A new bicycle and pedestrian trail will connect Prince George’s County to Southeast DC
The 6.5-mile Central Avenue Connector Trail will connect Capitol Heights Metro station and Largo Town Center. A $25 million grant will fund the project, which doesn’t have a final design nor start date yet. (Adam Tuss / NBC 4 Washington)
Washington region apartment rent increases could be slowing down
Although rents in newer, amenity-rich apartment buildings are still climbing, the size of those increases is decreasing in the second quarter of this year in the Washington region. A Delta Associates report points to newly constructed units, increasing the supply of apartments, as contributing to the shift. (UrbanTurf)
Virginia’s budget gridlock is over tax cuts
Virginia’s General Assembly is struggling to pass a state budget update, leaving $4 billion unallocated. The deadlock is over Governor Youngkin’s proposed $1 billion tax cut. The negotiations may extend into next legislative session. (VPM)