Judith Bernholc

Contributor at Greater Greater Washington

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Breakfast links: MDOT to go on road safety “quick-build” spree this summer

3 weeks ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

The Maryland Department of Transportation is launching “quick-build” Complete Streets projects this summer across several counties to improve road safety. These cost-effective improvements include speed cushions, improved crosswalks, lane narrowing, and other traffic-calming measures. Spencerville Road in Burtonsville and Ethan Allen Avenue in Takoma Park are slated for safety projects this summer.
Breakfast links: “Tap and go” has arrived on Metrorail

4 weeks ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

Metrorail riders can now pay for train fares using credit cards, easing travel for visitors during major summer events like World Pride. The update is part of WMATA’s broader push to modernize and simplify transit access. SmarTrip cards are still required for bus rides, transfers, and special fare programs, though credit card access on buses may arrive by year’s end. Officials hope the change will boost ridership, especially at Dulles Airport.
Breakfast links: EPA cuts threaten Chesapeake Bay progress

1 month ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

Maryland lawmakers are raising alarms over proposed budget cuts at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that could slash staff and jeopardize Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The Trump administration’s 2026 plan would reduce the EPA’s budget by over half. Advocates say additional cuts to grants and monitoring programs could halt progress on water quality and pollution reduction after a period of the Bay’s health slowly improving. (This article is behind a paywall).
Breakfast links: Region’s housing market slows as economic uncertainty grows

1 month ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

The Washington region’s spring housing market is marked by caution, with falling consumer confidence, federal job cuts, and high borrowing costs deterring buyers and sellers alike. Pending sales dropped 2.5% in April, and showings fell over 8%, even as home inventory rose. Single-family homes remain scarce and in high demand, pushing prices to new highs despite a decreased pace of sales across other home types.
Breakfast links: MDOT awards grants to businesses affected by Purple Line construction

1 month ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

Nearly three years after the Purple Line was expected to be completed, businesses along the corridor continue to face steep declines in foot traffic due to construction. In response to these disruptions, the Maryland Department of Transportation awarded more than 100 businesses between $1,000 and $40,000 in the first phase of the Purple Line Small Business Grant Program.
Breakfast links: Commanders stadium deal includes up to $850M in public funds

2 months ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

Mayor Bowser and leaders of the Washington Commanders are negotiating a potential $3 billion stadium deal at the site of the old RFK Stadium that includes a commitment of up to $850 million in public funds. DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson said he doesn’t want public funds to go to the stadium and expressed concern that the mayor hasn’t informed or consulted the council, which has the final say about the matter, about the negotiations.
Breakfast links: Hunting for wheelchair-accessible taxis in DC

2 months ago | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

Kelly Mack, a wheelchair user in the District, reported a 71% failure rate for accessible taxis showing up after she called them over the last three years. The District Department of For-Hire Vehicles, which regulates taxicabs, launched a pilot last year aiming to address the unreliable availability of wheelchair-accessible taxis. The program has shown limited success.
Breakfast links: Maryland House passes $67B budget

Mar 27, 2025 | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

The Maryland House of Delegates approved a $67 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 after two days of tense debate, with lawmakers clashing over spending cuts and tax increases. (Danielle J. Brown / WTOP) Arlington’s proposed FY 2026 budget includes cuts to eviction prevention aid, planning positions, and transit services.
Breakfast links: Region’s drivers pay about $2,200 per year to sit in traffic

Mar 20, 2025 | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

A new report quantifies the cost of time lost in traffic, fuel waste, and poor road conditions for drivers in Maryland and the Washington region. Drivers in the region lose about 86 hours and 31 gallons of fuel annually, costing $2,183 per driver. Deteriorated roads add $788, while crashes impose another $493 in economic costs per driver.
Breakfast links: Maryland bill could force counties to trade off tenant protection approaches

Mar 13, 2025 | ggwash.org | Judith Bernholc

A Maryland Senate proposal would require counties to choose between rent stabilization and good cause eviction laws, sparking opposition from tenant advocates. Supporters argue the measure balances renter protections with the need for more housing, while critics, including Montgomery County officials, call it an unnecessary tradeoff. They warn that removing either policy could weaken tenant protections.