Interior rendering of 8000-series Metro trains. Image by WMATA.

More potential 8000-Series train designs released

WMATA released renderings to the public this week for the upcoming 8000-series Metrorail trains. The renderings indicate plans for open gangways in two car pairs, with four pairs making up a full train. In addition to more designated spaces for bicycles and strollers, all ads and service announcements would be on digital screens, and the walls could feature art or photography that evokes the region. WMATA leadership insists that nothing is final yet and that the public is encouraged to share feedback, namely at a pop-up event coming next month.  (Jordan Pascale / DCist)  

EPA settles lawsuit with several states and DC over pollution in the Chesapeake Bay

The EPA has settled two lawsuits brought on in 2020 by Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, as well as the Maryland-based Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Both lawsuits alleged that the EPA, while led by the Trump administration, failed to prevent pollution from Pennsylvania from affecting the Chesapeake Bay.  (Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters)  

DDOT to revisit Connecticut Avenue bike lanes in response to opponents’ complaints

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) plans to revisit and revise plans for bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue from Woodley Park to Chevy Chase, following pushback from residents and business owners. Proponents say that bike lanes will help congestion and protect cyclists’ safety, while critics say lanes will disrupt parking and accessibility.  (Luz Lazo / Post)  

Developers seek to replace McLean office space with multifamily housing

The McLean Professional Park could be the next office space to convert to residential if approved by Fairfax County. The new development as proposed would consist of 104 residential units, including 12 workforce dwelling units. Additionally, the development will be walkable thanks to walking paths and wide sidewalks. Most parking spaces will be underground, with 17 spaces above ground and 182 in an underground garage.  (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)  

Arlington plans to have electric buses operating from forthcoming Green Valley facility

A new ART Operations and Maintenance facility is set to open in the South Arlington neighborhood of Green Valley by next fall. Officials are optimistic that the facility will accommodate electric buses by 2025, which is part of Arlington’s larger goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.  (Jo DeVoe / ARLNow)  

Gaithersburg affordable housing complex now hosts largest solar project in Montgomery County

Gaithersburg’s Seneca Village Apartments now hosts the largest solar project in Montgomery County, funded by both private and public investors. The project is expected to eliminate emissions equivalent to approximately 400 cars per year and provide savings of up to one month’s worth of energy bills to residents.  (Suzanne Pollak / Montgomery Community Media)  

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