Alexandria waterfront takes shape; Potomac River scores healthier grade; HQ2 openings; and more

It's challenging to keep up with local news, particularly the items that may impact your life, your commute, or your community. That's why each week we compile a few interesting developments happening in the area.

The Washington Post: ‘Failing communities never have parking problems’: A suburb’s new waterfront begins to take shape

"For centuries, the Potomac River in Alexandria was a place of commerce. Mills and warehouses lined the river banks, a military munitions plant dominated the center point, and rail lines connected to inland routes or factories. Now the riverfront, like the city itself, is changing. From King Street south, decrepit warehouses have been torn down and replaced by a boutique hotel, pricey new townhouses, a relocated private boat club and an already popular interim park with interactive art."

The Washington Post: Trade tensions push mortgage rates lower for second week in a row

"Concerns about the U.S.-China trade feud pushed mortgage rates lower this week. With investors’ anxiety increasing after President Trump threatened to further raise tariffs on Chinese goods, the yield on the 10-year Treasury sank to its lowest level in a month Tuesday, dropping to 2.45 percent."

Curbed: D.C. area records lowest number of homeless residents since 2001, report finds

"Based on the results of an annual census taken during a single night in January, this year the D.C. region saw the fewest homeless residents it has seen since the census launched in 2001: 9,794 people. This was the first time that, regionally, the number of people experiencing homelessness was less than 10,000."

ArlNow: Water in Potomac Getting Better But Still Not Clean

"A new report says some levels of pollution are down in the Potomac River, but cautioned that the once-troubled waterway isn’t out the woods yet. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments analyzed data collected between 1985 and 2016 and found that “water quality improvements have reduced pollution significantly.”

Curbed: Metro due to get hundreds of millions more in federal funding

"Pending U.S. Senate and House bills would shower the D.C. Metro with hundreds of millions of dollars in fresh funding a year. The legislation comes as Metro embarks on initiatives that include station improvements and energy reductions."

Washington Business Journal: Amazon adds a few new HQ2-related job listings

Amazon said the HQ2 workforce will reach around 400 by the end of 2019 and jump to more than 1,100 by next year. But Ardine Williams, vice president of HQ2 workforce development, said Amazon accelerated the timetable because Virginia and Arlington County officials were quick to move incentives packages along.

Alexandria Times: Chop Shop Taco opens in former auto shop

"The new fast-casual, chef-driven taco joint is the brainchild of local innovators Teddy Kim, Kris Garcia and Chef Ed McIntosh. From the decor to the menu, Chop Shop Taco draws inspiration from its previous life as an auto shop and the neighborhood’s criminal backstory."

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