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Study highlights need for 20,000 new rental units in Montgomery County
Montgomery County needs 20,000 more rental units to serve lower-income families, according to an analysis presented last week by county planners. The study’s preliminary findings also showed that more than half of the county’s rentals were built before 1980 and only 14 percent were constructed since 2000. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the county department of housing and community affairs two years ago commissioned the study, which should by completed by 2017. [Urban Turf]
Online video shows Montgomery County students combating stereotypes
A video of Montgomery Village fourth-graders confronting stereotypes has picked up more than 55,000 views online. In “The Lie,” Stedwick Elementary Schools students address damaging beliefs about various ethnicities, races, genders and religions. They go on to combat these harmful perceptions by stating what they believe is true. The recording, posted in late September, is an outgrowth of a poetry project the students completed in the spring. [Washington Post]
Metro officials blasted during congressional hearing
Congressional representatives on Friday urged the Federal Transit Administration to strengthen oversight for the Metro system. During a hearing, congressmen accused Metro board members of “rampant parochialism” and engaging in “political theater.” The U.S. representatives were incensed that Metro officials raised the notion of shutting down the Silver Line extension in Virginia as a cost-saving move. [Washington Post]
Moon picks up Senate endorsement from progressive groups
A collection of labor groups and immigrant advocates have announced they are backing Maryland Del. David Moon to fill a vacancy in the state Senate. The organizations include CASA in Action, the Service Employees International Union, UFCW 1994 MCGEO, Mid-Atlantic Laborers and Progressive Maryland. “We believe that now is the moment to aggressively launch forward a working family agenda,” the organizations wrote in their endorsement letter to the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. “We believe that David is the visionary change agent that can lead the charge.” Moon is under consideration to step into the seat being left by Sen. Jamie Raskin, who was elected as U.S. representative in District 8. [Facebook]
Bethesda businessman to help fund Washington Monument repairs
A Bethesda businessman and philanthropist has offered up funds for a roughly $2 million to $3 million project to renovate the elevator and ventilation system in the Washington Monument. David Rubenstein earlier this year volunteered millions of dollars to improve the Lincoln Memorial. The National Park Service on Friday announced Rubenstein was pledging money for repairs at the monument. [Patch]
Sunny, blustery weather in the forecast
The weather on Monday is expected to be mostly sunny, and temperatures should stay near the mid-50s, according to the National Weather Service. Wind gusts could reach 22 mph, with cloud cover increasing as night falls.
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