Amtrak railyard in Ivy City by købiā [] used with permission.

Amtrak investing $1 billion in major rail yard upgrades, including $350 million in DC

Amtrak plans to invest $1 billion in major yard upgrades, with approximately $350 million going to DC’s Amtrak facility in Ivy City. Upgrades will include improved facilities, which will be ready to receive new fleet and improve working conditions for the mechanics at the yard. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Luz Lazo / Post)  

Some of the region’s vacant retail space remains vacant on purpose

Many DC-area retail spaces closed during the height of the pandemic, and some of them remain empty three years on. In some cases, this is because established tenants are taking advantage of “go dark” clauses in their leases that they see as cost-effective, even though landlords don’t like the ripple effects of empty space on the area’s sense of place. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)  

Arlington still doesn’t have to pay HQ2 incentives

Arlington’s promised tax incentives to Amazon were based on an anticipated increase in tax revenue froms hotels due to increased business travel. While tax incentives played a large part in Arlington’s bid for HQ2, hotel bookings continue to lag and the county hasn’t made enough in tax revenue to enforce paying tax incentives. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Teo Armus / Post)  

Vienna Town Council approves construction to imrpove dangerous intersection

The Vienna Town Council unanimously approved construction services for a project to improve safety around Maple Avenue and Nutley Street, which is one of its most dangerous intersections and a “crash hotspot.” Plans include updated technology to improve the flow of traffic, and the town hopes to be finished with the project by the end of 2024.  (Vernon Miles / FFXNow)  

Driver hits, kills cyclist in Germantown

A 28-year-old cyclist was killed after being fatally struck by a driver. The road, argues a local bicycling advocate, is unsafe and designed only with cars in mind. Montgomery County is falling sort of meeting its Vision Zero goals.  (Courtney Cohn / MoCo360)  

Howard County school bus contractor is understaffed, despite efforts

Silicon Valley-based transportation company Zum has a three-year contract to operate approximately half of Howard County’s school buses. Despite offering a high starting salary and good benefits, the contractor is still understaffed on drivers. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Daniel Zawodny / The Baltimore Banner)  

NHP Foundation files PUD for affordable housing units in Takoma

The NHP Foundation has submitted a planned unit development to the Zoning Commission for a new 80-unit housing complex in Takoma, DC. All units will be affordable, and at least eight will be designated as permanent supportive housing. (Disclosure: Pamela Lee, who serves on the GGWash board, works for the NHP Foundation)  (UrbanTurf)  

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