Breakfast links: Dulles Airport to launch largest solar airport project in the US
Dominion Energy and Dulles Airport launch largest US airport solar project
Dominion Energy will break ground on August 22 on what will be the largest energy project at an airport in the nation at Dulles International Airport in partnership with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. This project transforms unused land into a massive solar farm on 835 acres. This project supports Dominion Energy’s efforts to comply with the Virginia Clean Economy Act passed in 2020, which mandates the company’s transition to 100% carbon neutrality by 2045. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)
Alexandria leads nation with 435 office-to-residential unit conversions in 2022
Alexandria ranks second nationwide, behind Los Angeles, in office-to-residential conversions, with 435 units transformed in 2022. The city’s smaller floor plates and standalone office buildings make conversions easier. In Old Town North, developers can gain a 30% density increase by including free community arts space for 30 years. (Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)
DC implements youth curfew in eight neighborhoods
In response to a surge in violent and property crimes, the District initiated a pilot targeted curfew enforcement for youth in eight neighborhoods, including U Street NW and Congress Street SE. Police Chief Pamela Smith announced the measure, emphasizing that its aim is to ensure the safety of young residents. The curfew runs from 11 pm to 6 am Sunday through Thursday, and 12 am to 6 am on Fridays and Saturdays. (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)
Harmful algae bloom detected in Maryland reservoir
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission alerted residents across Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Howard counties about a dangerous algae bloom, specifically blue-green algae, detected in the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir. While drinking water remains unaffected, the public is urged to avoid recreational water contact and keep pets away from the water. (Matt Pusatory / WUSA9)
Fairfax County drafts guidelines for one-for-one affordable housing replacement ahead of Board of Supervisors vote
Fairfax County is crafting guidelines to enforce a “one-for-one” rule for affordable housing replacement in redevelopment projects. This rule would mandate the creation of a new affordable housing unit for each one removed or replaced due to redevelopment. The draft will be slated for a public hearing and potential adoption on September 26. (This article is behind a paywall). (Dan Brendel / Washington Business Journal)
Maryland lawmakers and advocates reflect on first year of Inflation Reduction Act
Maryland lawmakers and advocates mark the Inflation Reduction Act’s one-year milestone. The Act allocated funding for projects to mitigate climate change, like clean energy rebates, and enabled two new offshore wind farms in Maryland. The Act also impacted healthcare costs, including capping out-of-pocket prescription costs under Medicare Part D. (Danielle J. Brown / Maryland Matters)
Inflation Reduction Act allocates $288 million for DHS headquarters renovation
Funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the Department of Homeland Security’s St. Elizabeths West campus is receiving nearly $288 million for completion. This allocation focuses on sustainability, emphasizing eco-friendly materials and technologies. Construction of the new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters buildings starts in 2024.
(Emily Wishingrad / Bisnow)
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