By Caitlin Rogger (Interim Executive Director) • December 23, 2020
2020 didn’t go as expected. COVID-19 devastated lives, jobs, educations, businesses, plans, and dreams of every stripe. The failure of national leadership in the US to guide us during this profoundly destabilizing threat, and the societal wounds laid bare by moral demands for racial justice and a historic election year, have strained our capacity as people and organizations to chart our paths. But we adapt, and through this year of uncertainty and suffering, community has been a bright spot for many of us.
Metro added a new tool to its website and third party apps that allows customers to see how crowded buses are before boarding. The information is generated by infrared sensors at the doors tracking people who board and leave. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
Fairfax County is proposing changes to its Fairfax Connector bus service, boosting service between Dunn Loring and Tysons and possibly replacing some routes previously run by Metrobus. A community meeting is set for January 7 at 7 p.m. (Angela Woolsey / Tysons Reporter)
After Montgomery County approved a measure to allow for more accessory dwelling units such as tiny houses and in-law suites last year, Chevy Chase Village is seeking to impose restrictions on ADUs by requiring more off-street parking. (Ally Schweitzer / DCist)
A DC Superior Court decision to end the District’s ban on eviction filings means small businesses including restaurants that have been struggling on rent could soon face eviction. A saving grace could be a temporary law requiring landlords to offer alternative payment plans. (Ally Schweitzer / DCist)
A Montgomery County Circuit Court who judge upheld the county’s ban on indoor dining on December 23 will hold another hearing after the holidays to review the ban more closely. Restaurant owners who filed the lawsuit say the ban could cause many establishments to permanently close. (Dan Schere / Bethesda Beat)
For the next council period starting in January 2021, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has removed progressive councilmembers Brianne Nadeau and Trayon White from the housing committee. Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie and Brooke Pinto, who are considered moderates, will replace them. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
The District is launching a pilot program that would send text messages and mail to drivers with a history of infractions to try to reduce injuries and fatalities. GGWash first reported on the program last month. (Luz Lazo / Post)
