By Libby Solomon (Writer and Editor) • November 18, 2020
Before 2016, if you were a pedestrian or bicyclist who was hit by the driver of a car in DC, if even 1% of the incident was your fault you couldn’t collect a cent in damages. DC Council legislation in 2016 changed that by removing what is called a “contributory negligence standard” for crashes involving non-motorized road users like bicyclists, pedestrians, and people riding non-electric scooters. Now an amendment being considered would also include other vulnerable road users like those riding electric scooters or e-bikes.
By Jane Lyons (Guest Contributor) • November 18, 2020
This week, the Montgomery County Council officially and unanimously voted to eliminate the county’s housing moratorium and updated a suite of other growth policies. The county updates these policies every four years in what was formerly known as the Subdivision Staging Policy and will now be known as the Growth & Infrastructure Policy.
A new report released by the DC Auditor found that the DC Housing Authority failed to remediate lead paint hazards in many of its housing units in a timely manner, raising concerns about DC public housing residents’ exposure to lead paint. (Morgan Baskin / DCist)
The Maryland Transit Administration plans to pursue a P3 option to complete the Purple Line even if a deal is not reached with the original firm, Purple Line Transit Partners. The state is negotiating with that team over cost overruns. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
HOV lanes in Northern Virginia will soon be equipped with cameras that can compare the number of people in a car to the number indicated by the driver’s E-ZPass. The first cameras were installed along I-95 in the spring. (Nathan Diller / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
DC businesses hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic may get some relief through a $100 million grant program launched by the DC government. The program will target retail, restaurants, hotel, and entertainment businesses. (Emily Davies / Post)
Montgomery County will be strengthening its enforcement of mask-wearing and other coronavirus measures for big box retailers and grocery stores after concerns grow about lax compliance. (Jack Moore / WTOP)
Metro wants feedback as it considers whether to alter the West Falls Church station’s subtitle, “VT/UVA,” now that UVA is leaving its Falls Church campus. Metro also wants feedback as it considers whether its upcoming Alexandria station should be named “Potomac Yard.” (Alejandro Alvarez / WTOP. Tip: Chester B.)
A bill moving through DC Council would require builders to install infrastrucutre for electric vehicle charging in 20% of the parking spots at new or renovated commercial and apartment buildings. (Jordan Pascale / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
