Anacostia Freeway by SounderBruce licensed under Creative Commons.

Pilot study reveals air pollution hotspots near high-traffic DC roads

The DC Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) released findings from a June pilot study revealing substantial air quality differences in neighborhoods like Buzzard Point, Mayfair, Ivy City, and Brentwood. At hotspots near high-traffic roads, sensors detected fine particular matter levels up to two times higher than EPA’s standards.  (Kayla Benjamin / Washington Informer)  

Chesapeake Bay reports smallest recorded aquatic ‘dead zone’

This year, the Chesapeake Bay’s dead zone is the smallest it has ever been in the 38 years it’s been tracked, marking a positive outcome of longstanding pollution control efforts. Dead zones, characterized by low oxygen levels harmful to aquatic life, were approximately 50% smaller than last year and nearly five times reduced from 2019.  (Jacob Fenston / DCist)  

National Park Service fences off Georgetown ‘graffiti cliffs’

A fence has been put up at the popular Potomac River spot in Georgetown known as the “graffiti cliffs,” causing consternation among locals. The National Park Service (NPS) notes that the area has been closed for over ten years due to safety concerns and the new fence replaces one that had been vandalized.  (Amanda Michelle Gomez / DCist)  

Modular home company receives $3 million award to expand into Prince George’s County

Module, a Pittsburgh-based modular home manufacturer, plans to expand into Prince George’s County with a $3 million award from the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The company focuses on building cost-effective prefabricated homes, mostly marketed to nonprofits and government. They’re seeking a transit-accessible site for the new factory.  (John Domen / WTOP)  

Route 50 Goodwill redevelopment in Arlington County holds public engagement meeting

Plans for the redevelopment of the Goodwill near Route 50, presented by Goodwill and AHC Inc., include a six-story apartment building with 128 units of affordable housing, a new store, and a 3,300-square-foot childcare facility went through the public opinion opportunity garnering mostly positive feedback. The next steps involve two as-yet-unscheduled site plan review committee meetings, followed by hearings at the Planning Commission and Arlington County Board.  (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)  

WMATA, Fairfax Connector to unveil holiday buses in December

WMATA will release four buses and a train adorned like a gingerbread house in December.  Additionally, Fairfax Connector will unveil its holiday buses on December 9 at the Fairfax County Winterfest, where attendees participate in a drawing for a $50 SmarTrip card by sharing photos of the festive buses on social media.  (Gina Cook / NBC 4, Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

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