Bethesda Metro Center by Boris used with permission.

Montgomery County paves the way for parking-free housing near transit

The Montgomery County Council passed a bill Tuesday loosening parking requirements for new developments near transit. Under the zoning text amendment, developers will be exempt if their projects are within a half mile of a Metro station or a Purple Line station or within one-quarter mile of a built or funded bus rapid transit station. It goes into effect 20 days after the March 5 vote.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360)  

Fairfax Connector workers reach tentative agreement with Transdev

Fairfax Connector mechanics and operators, represented by ATU Local 689, have reached a tentative deal with operator Transdev. The agreement could end a two-week strike if ratified by rank-and-file workers, with service resuming as early as Thursday. A union representative said he was optimistic about the planned vote today.  (Thomas Robertson / WTOP)  

Region’s poverty rate declines, racial wage gap widens

A report by Brookings Metro highlights that while the poverty rate among people of color in the DC area has decreased, from 33.8% in 2012 to 29.1% in 2022, the wage gap between white workers and Black and brown workers has widened. On inclusive growth, the region ranked 40th out of 53 metro areas studied, a low ranking but an improvement from last year, when the Washington region ranked dead last. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Ana Lucía Murillo / Business Journal)  

Buying a parking space in DC costs around $25,000-$30,000 on average

UrbanTurf analyzed purchase prices for parking spaces in the District, finding that they vary by neighborhood, but typically range between $25,000 and $30,000. Dupont and Foggy Bottom have some of the most expensive parking spaces for sale, but the priciest parking spot sold in the last year was in Adams Morgan and cost $53,000.  (UrbanTurf)  

University of Maryland commuter bus crowding is so bad, some students have reported riding in the luggage compartment

University of Maryland commuter bus riders are reporting issues with overcrowding and unsafe conditions, and the University’s Department of Transportation Services doesn’t have the budget to run more service. Students from areas like Gaithersburg and Columbia have had problems getting seats, forcing some to stand in aisles or to be turned away, while some even report witnessing students riding in the luggage compartments.  (Bridget Byrne / The Diamondback)  

Free art installation will take over vacant eight-story West End office building

Artomatic will occupy a vacant West End office building at 2100 M Street NW from March 8 through April 28. It will include a mix of performances, dance, film and workshops across the building’s eight floors and is free to attend. The building will eventually be converted to residential units. (The Washington Business Journal article is behind a paywall; the Washington Post article may be behind a paywall).  (Michael Neibauer / Business Journal, Michael O’Sullivan / Post)  

Some apartments in new residential Tenleytown building will temporarily become hotel rooms

A nearly 700-unit apartment building located in Tenleytown on the site of Fannie Mae’s former headquarters will be host a hotel pop-up. 150 units will be converted into temporary hotel accommodations and managed by a company that developed the hotel model to generate revenue for just-built residential projects.  (UrbanTurf)  

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