By Alex Baca (Housing Program Organizer) • September 20, 2019
DC’s Comprehensive Plan sets the course for how the city will grow, and the Framework element sets the tone for the rest of this important planning document. Right now the DC Council is in the process of updating the Comp Plan, starting with the Framework. Getting the amendments passed has been a slog.
Are superblocks the neighborhoods of the future? A Texas high-speed rail line project inches along. Ford’s new campus highlights walkability, and more in this week’s National Links.
By Canaan Merchant (Elections Committee) • September 20, 2019
When Arlington County approved the construction of Central Place a few years ago, it became the tallest building in Arlington, and with it came the promise of a new public space at the top offering fantastic views of the region. Alas, “The View” observation deck in Rosslyn was only around a year before shutting down. What gives?
The stigma surrounding bus riders is one of the reasons why bus signs in the US are so hard to decipher. To be effective, all bus signs should include the name of the transit agency, the endpoint service stop, the route number, and arrival times. (Laura Bliss / CityLab)
The newest design for the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation memorial will utilize different colors and remove a number of glass blades after the first design was criticized for being too intimidating. The design could undergo further changes when the foundation meets again in October and November. (Katishi Maake / WBJ)
Climate activists are expected to block off key streets in downtown DC Monday, September 23. In response, MPD is mobilizing additional officers and advising some commuters to stay at home if possible. (Hannah Natanson / Post)
Companies that help new residential buildings with high vacancy rates lease rooms as short-term rentals say they help bring stability to the rental markets. It’s unclear how DC’s new laws to restrict short-term rentals will impact these arrangements, however. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Institute)
The conversion of rent-controlled units into luxury condos in neighborhoods like Shaw is leading to the displacement of long-time, mostly African-American residents. (DeNeen L. Brown / Post)
Redevelopment of the Barry Farm public housing complex has been stalled since April when the complex was nominated for historic designation status by activists who point to the site’s significance to the history of the African-American community in the District. A District review board is scheduled to vote on the nomination September 26. (Paul Schwartzman / Post)
An 896-step staircase in the Washington Monument has been closed to the public since 1976. There are no plans to reopen the staircase, which is real shame given the amount of historical stones and markers that can be found throughout. (Mikaela Lefrak / WAMU)
