Here's our roundup of this week's must-read posts: The DC zoning commission voted to approve the Takoma Station planned unit development proposal (ZC 22-36). What does that mean for Takoma Park? Seeing green: A new Richmond grant program connects climate resilience and racial justice. Citing concerns over core capacity, WMATA's exploring six scenarios for expansion. Advocates are working to make sure landlords in Virginia cannot deny housing applications from justice-involved people. And, will nudging reckless drivers change their behavior in DC?

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440 residences next to Takoma Metro station in DC near final approval

Ethan Goffman (Contributor) • July 11, 2023

The mixed-use Takoma Station development next to the Takoma Metro station will provide 440 units, including 70 for those earning 60% or less of median family income.

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Richmond using federal recovery funds for grants to green its neighborhoods

Wyatt Gordon (Contributor) • July 10, 2023

Redlining left many neighborhoods devoid of trees and greenspace. Now, Richmond is directing funding to community gardens with goals of a more equitable and greener city.

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Metrorail leaders want the system to grow. What’s on the table?

Adam Bressler (Guest Contributor) • July 13, 2023

As the Washington region’s population grows, Metrorail needs to grow, too. Part I of a series looks at how the current system will eventually fall short of needs, and how capacity could be increased in the long term.

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Virginians with criminal records are routinely denied housing. Advocates hope to change that.

Wyatt Gordon (Virginia Mercury) • July 12, 2023

In Virginia, non-violent petty offenses committed decades ago as well as more recently committed or violent crimes all increase the likelihood that someone will be denied housing and find themselves homeless. A handful of proposed reforms could change that status quo.

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Dangerous drivers in DC to get mail, texts. Will it reduce traffic deaths and injuries?

Kea Wilson (Streetsblog) • July 12, 2023

Vision Zero officials are piloting a District government initiative to mail and text drivers warnings that have no legal consequences for their driving records, with the Lab @ DC signed up to evaluate the program’s effectiveness in decreasing traffic violence on DC streets.

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