By Nick Sementelli (Advocacy Committee) • June 8, 2020
After a series of updates, it appears that DDOT’s most recent plan for the Florida and New York Avenue NE intersection is more aligned with advocates’ vision of a safe space for pedestrians and cyclists.
Today, many people might think of Silver Spring as a pretty prosperous place, with a steady stream of restaurant openings, cranes everywhere, and busy sidewalks. But not that long ago, Silver Spring’s future was highly in doubt. These 1970s-era plans from Montgomery County show just how far we’ve come.
By Christina Sturdivant Sani (Contributor) • June 8, 2020
Learn about programs and policies to improve health outcomes for communities of color. Get educated on the movement for black lives. Find out what Habitat for Humanity is doing in DC, and more in this week’s urbanist events.
By Dave Johnson (Guest Contributor) • June 8, 2020
After nearly two years of design and construction, local historic preservation nonprofit the L’Enfant Trust (the Trust) has restored three historic homes in Anacostia that are now ready for new owners.
On Monday, DC Mayor Murriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation announced the first seven locations subject to the Slow Streets initiative, which will reduce speed limits to 15 miles per hour and limit car use only to drivers whose destination is within two blocks. Additional Slow Streets are expected to be designated over the next 12 weeks. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
As the DC Council considers an emergency bill in light of local and national attention on police tactics and funding, Mayor Murriel Bowser defended her proposed budget, citing the 12% increase in police spending since 2012 was exceeded by higher percent increases in spending on other social services. (Will Vitka / WTOP)
Former at-large councilmembers Vincent Bernard Orange Sr., who was sanctioned for intervening in the health inspection of one of his campaign donors, and Michael A. Brown, who pleaded guilty to bribery charges and was released from federal prison in 2017, are considering joining the crowded field for the citywide at-large seat being vacated by David Grosso. (Mitch Ryals / City Paper)
This summer, Metro plans to temporarily close different sections of the rail system to do 24/7 track work and other maintenance while ridership levels are down about 90% because of the coronavirus. Work begins Monday on the first segment: the Yellow Line between L’Enfant Plaza and Pentagon. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Extending previous orders that had put a hold on evictions and expired last month, the Virginia Supreme Court on Monday halted eviction proceedings through June 28 because of the ongoing public health crisis. (Ally Schweitzer / DCist)
The number of visitors to Maryland state parks saw a sharp increase in March and April over the same period last year. This year, parks have reached capacity 20 times before Memorial Day, compared to only 12 times during all of last year. (Taylor DeVille / Post)
The Federal Bureau of Prisons awarded a $64 million contract to Core DC for a new Northeast Washington facility on Benning Road that will house up to 300 men coming home from prisons across the country. Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray, questioned the model used by the federal government, citing the need for a “more humane, family-like setting.” (Justin Wm. Moyer / Post)
