By Libby Solomon (Writer and Editor) • April 29, 2021
A bill introduced by Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice on April 20 would require a permit to solicit money or donations from vehicles on high-speed roadways. A public hearing is scheduled for May 10. But critics in Montgomery County are calling Rice’s legislation an “anti-panhandling initiative,” saying it isn’t about traffic safety but rather about “criminalizing unhoused communities.”
By Wyatt Gordon (The Virginia Mercury) • April 29, 2021
From new walking paths at First Landing to freshly forged mountain biking trails in Pocahontas State Park, Virginia’s General Assembly isn’t unfamiliar with putting money towards outdoor recreation. However, the $10 million for regional trails included in the most recent state budget sets a new precedent for trails funding. Is it time Virginia created an Office of Trails to manage the process?
By Nick Sementelli (Board of Directors, Advocacy Committee), Alex Baca (Policy Manager), Michael Whelan (Guest Contributor) • April 29, 2021
Cleveland Park is one of several places in the District where the Office of Planning has proposed amendments to the Future Land Use Map to enable the potential future development of more housing in desirable neighborhoods. Even after navigating the zoning process to appeal for a higher-density allowance, new projects in Cleveland Park will still have to conform to the limitations of the neighborhood’s historic district, which, in addition to its goal of preserving history, was designed specifically to limit that exact kind of density.
Homelessness fell by 20% during this year’s point-in-time count in DC as compared to the year before. Experts say the drop could be linked to the eviction moratorium as well as programs including new family shelters and rapid rehousing. (Chelsea Cirruzzo / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
Claire E. Weissmeyer Grossmann, 63, of Aspen Hill, was struck and killed by a driver while crossing Georgia Avenue near Rippling Brook Drive Wednesday night. A cruel dose of irony: a neighbor says Grossman’s husband was struck and killed while crossing Georgia Avenue just two blocks away in 2016. (Kate Ryan / WTOP)
Alexandria’s city council voted to rescind its March vote against a mixed-use development near the Braddock Road Metro, though approval could be held up by a lawsuit. (Susannah Moore / Alexandria Living)
To facilitate pandemic-safe in-person learning, Fairfax County is trying outdoor classrooms at five schools. The program is set to be expanded in the fall. (Hannah Natanson / Post)
Mothers in DC currently being kept in their homes during the eviction moratorium are afraid of what will happen once it lifts and say they could face homelessness. (DCist)
DC’s outdoor pools and splash parks are reopening Memorial Day weekend for the first time since 2019. Social distancing will be required. (Washington Informer)
