Mayor Bowser, alongside leaders of the Downtown and Golden Triangle Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), revealed plans on Monday for the allocation of $400 million towards downtown revitalization efforts. These recommendations, which will be further detailed in May, aim to attract visitors away from the National Mall through the creation of a “history triangle,” the establishment of pedestrian-friendly zones, and the encouragement of diverse permanent tenants, such as universities, small businesses, and multinational corporations. Notably absent from the proposals is any mention of provisions for cyclists, signaling a potential gap in transportation planning.
Virginia State Police have reported a concerning surge in pedestrian fatalities resulting from traffic accidents across the state in the past fortnight, with incidents occurring in Prince William, Loudoun, and Fairfax counties. Authorities have issued reminders to motorists to remain vigilant for pedestrians navigating roads, especially at unmarked crossings. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the state’s estimate of 118 pedestrian fatalities in 2023 alone.
In Baltimore, the City Council passed a set of proposed bills by a vote of 12-1, advancing efforts to transform the Harborplace area of the Inner Harbor. These bills seek to modify zoning regulations within the Inner Harbor, enabling the potential for multifamily residential development and facilitating projects reliant on significant public financing. The ultimate fate of these proposals hinges on a final vote by the City Council and subsequent approval from Baltimore voters in November, particularly regarding sections requiring amendments to the city charter.
Meanwhile, in Arlington County, the Board unanimously approved plans for a mixed-use complex at the current site of the Goodwill store and donation center at Arlington Boulevard and S. Glebe Road. This development will feature five stories of apartments catering to individuals earning up to 60% of Arlington’s median income, alongside a child care facility and a ground-floor Goodwill donation center and retail outlet. This innovative blend of housing and community services represents a novel venture for Goodwill and may serve as a blueprint for similar endeavors elsewhere.
A pivotal bill concerning the RFK stadium site in Washington, DC, is slated for a House vote on Wednesday. This legislation would grant DC the authority to enter into a 99-year lease agreement with the National Park Service for the site. However, the bill leaves the decision regarding the site’s future use open-ended, allowing for various development possibilities, including the construction of a new NFL stadium or other sports and recreational facilities.