The Wharf at sunset by Rob Pegoraro licensed under Creative Commons.

Maine Ave surpasses Pennsylvania Ave as DC’s most expensive street for offices

Maine Avenue SW, along the Wharf and the Waterfront, surpassed Pennsylvania Avenue NW because it has all-new, mixed-use real estate with a waterfront view. It is also ranked 10th nationally for highest office rents. Offices along Maine Avenue see a vacancy rate of around 2.5% at a time when parts of DC have struggled to retain businesses.  (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)  

Federal judge rules Amtrak can employ eminent domain for Union Station

Amtrak moved to take over Union Station two years ago via eminent domain after talks about buying the property fell apart. The judge ruled eminent domain was appropriate because of the importance to intercity rail, but stopped short of granting Amtrak immediate control of the lease. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)  

Alexandria soliciting feedback on proposed bike and pedestrian changes to South Pickett Street

The proposed change would redesign a four-lane road to add protected bicycle lanes. It would also include additional pedestrian measures such as speed limit reductions to 25 mph and new pedestrian crossings. The city is accepting feedback until Sunday, May 5.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

Arlington lowers speed limits on five roads

The Arlington County Board voted to lower speed limits from 30 to 25 mph because they are in areas with high land use density and pedestrian foot traffic. A sixth road, S. Carlin Springs Road, will not have its speed limit reduced but will have speed and red-light cameras installed instead.  (Daniel Egitto / ARLNow)  

WMATA receives extension on subpoena to provide safety documents

The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission initially required documents on staff drug testing and workplace hazards to be turned over by April 22. After first refusing to provide the documents, WMATA asked for, and received, an extension to submit documents by the end of May.  (Tom Roussey / WJLA)  

MoCo Council to hear testimony on tenant rights legislation in response to 2023 apartment fire

The legislation, prompted by the fire at the Arrive in Silver Spring, would require building owners to include information in leases about sprinklers, emergency evacuation plans, and renter’s insurance. The hearing will take place today, Tuesday, April 23.  (Ginny Bixby / MoCo360)  

Mayor Bowser announces streamlined permitting for pop-up businesses

The pilot will allow pop-up businesses to skip normal permitting processes. Applicants will receive permits within 15 business days to open businesses for up to one year in vacant spaces. Funding to incentivize pop-up businesses is included in the Mayor’s proposed budget.  (Cuneyt Dil / Axios)  

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