Image by US Department of Agriculture.

Baltimore opens first temporary shipping channel on the northern side of the Key Bridge collapse site

The channel, which is 11 feet deep, is the shallowest of three channels planned to open in the coming weeks. It will allow response crews through, as well as shallower tugboats and barges. The deepest channel will be 25 feet, half that of the Harbor’s bottom. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Baltimore Sun)  

Downtown Action Plan recommends waiving Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) rights

TOPA was created to prevent displacement of tenants, but businesses have complained it makes it harder to finance the conversion of downtown office buildings to residential and are using post-Covid planning as an opportunity to push for a waiver. While Mayor Bowser is considering the plan’s recommendations, any changes to TOPA will need to pass the DC Council. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)  

Arena proposal spurs broader discussion in Alexandria about future development

The Potomac Yard arena planning process raised broader questions among residents about land use and housing plans for Alexandria, in a key local election year and at a time when the budget is heavily dependent on residential property taxes and housing costs are rising.  (Margaret Barthel / WAMU)  

Local family and developer seek exception from regulations aimed at preserving Chinatown businesses

A local family that has owned seven buildings in the 500 block of H Street NW since the 1950s seeks to add a nine-story hotel and additional retail atop the structures. In so doing, they want to reduce ground-floor retail, requiring an exception to regulations meant to preserve Chinatown storefronts. Neighbors are concerned this means further erosion of Chinese heritage in the area. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)  

Proposal for 820-unit apartment building in DC’s Ward 8 begins to move forward

The property would set aside 17% of units as income-restricted affordable through the District’s inclusionary zoning policy, and would have an on-site daycare and garden. It would replace four low-rise residential buildings, adding an additional 675 housing units to the site. The zoning committee recently reviewed the proposal and will set a public hearing for the coming months.  (UrbanTurf)  

Alexandria adding protective barriers to four existing bike lanes

The bike lanes, located on Seminary, King, Pegram, and North Van Dorn, currently have painted buffer zones but no barriers. Installation is expected this spring or summer.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

Office buildings likely to be replaced with 104 housing units in McLean office park

As part of the construction, the developer would add a shared-use path along Chain Bridge Road for walkers and bicyclists. Some residents have expressed concern that adding more units would add traffic, but studies show it may actually reduce traffic. The Fairfax County Planning Commission unanimously recommends approval; the project heads to the Board of Supervisors on May 7.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

Maryland data center bill advances to House floor with compromise measures

The bill would reduce environmental review processes for data center developments and had earned sharp opposition from the League of Conservation Voters and other organizations for undermining the state’s climate goals. In response, an amended bill is advancing in the House that would direct 15% of data center tax revenues toward clean energy and climate programs.  (Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters)  

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