This week's top posts covered some high and low moments for the region. From Gov. Hogan vetoing a MARC expansion bill in Maryland to WMATA's plan to phase Metro service back to "normal," to some high school students in Virginia who pushed to change laws in their state to make roads safer, each day was a roller coaster ride of urbanist news. Luckily, you can take this journey without leaving your home. Enjoy.
By Nick Sementelli (Advocacy Committee) • May 12, 2020
Historic designation can be complicated, but since DC has more than 50 historic districts, it’s important to understand. Here’s a breakdown of what it actually does.
By Alex Holt (Maryland Correspondent) • May 12, 2020
On May 7, Hogan vetoed 37 bills, including HB (House Bill) 1236, or the MARC Train Expansion of Service Act, an ambitious proposal to expand the scope of Maryland’s MARC (Maryland Area Rail Commuter) commuter rail system.
By Wyatt Gordon (Virginia Correspondent) • May 13, 2020
Overgrown vegetation, deep potholes, and sharp curves with 55mph speed limits form a deadly combination along the rural roads around Fredericksburg. After a crash killed a student at Colonial Forge High School last year, a coterie of classmates teamed up to improve the many backroads in Stafford County and took their cause all the way to the General Assembly this past session.
Much of our greenhouse gas, especially in cities, comes from buildings. To fight climate change, cities are pushing for buildings that don’t pollute. In the Washington region, a few are showing the path forward in urban and suburban areas.
By Stephen Repetski (Editorial Board Alum) • May 11, 2020
Metro bus and rail service might not return to normal until next spring, according to a plan released by the agency on Monday. Trains will continue running every 20-30 minutes “likely for the rest of the year” while the region responds to the coronavirus pandemic. Metro staff plan to present the plan to the agency’s board of directors on Thursday.
