Breakfast links: Shape DC’s future
Live in 5? Vote! (McDuffie!)
Ward 5 goes to the polls today to choose a replacement for Harry Thomas, Jr. We have endorsed Kenyan McDuffie. Turnout will likely be light, so votes are critical to shape the future of the ward.
Budget boosts housing, delays NoMa park
Kwame Brown’s proposed budget changes restore affordable housing funding, taking money from NoMa parks. It also allows later bar and restaurant hours but only around certain holidays, and avoids higher alcohol taxes. (Post, Washington Times)
Taxis get better
The taxi stand at Union Station now has a police officer keeping order, ensuring that the past chaos of involuntary group rides, refusals by drivers to take people to certain destinations, and the like are a thing of the past. (Post)
Bike & Ride opens today
WMATA’s first new secure biking facility, called a Bike & Ride, opens today at College Park station. Metro wants to triple its bicycle access by 2020, and Bike & Rides are planned to be a big part of that increase. (TBD)
What to do with Franklin
Franklin Square could transform from a haven for the homeless to a centerpiece of a new living downtown. But it’ll take a long time… and what about the homeless? (Harry Jaffe)
Pepco trims trees
Pepco is cutting back trees in Maryland that have caused so much damage to its infrastructure during storms. Residents disagree: is this long overdue, or is it an unnecessary loss of nature? (Post)
Fly to PDX, SJU, AUS, SFO
DOT has awarded 4 new nonstops from DCA to destinations beyond the 1,250 mile perimeter: Portland, San Juan, Austin, and San Francisco. The recent FAA reauthorization created the 4 new exemptions. (The Hill)
Nothing new under the sun
Opposition to the Golden Gate Bridge was just as fierce as opposition to major projects today. The arguments are uncannily familiar: no unbiased numbers, proponents are moving too fast, and more. (SFGate)
Santa Monica fights meter feeding
Santa Monica is installing sensors that will prevent drivers from feeding meters beyond the time limit. But perhaps they would be better served by changing to performance parking? (Huffington Post, Neil) (Tip: Neil)
Los Angeles grows up
Atlantic Boulevard is emblematic of both old car-centric LA and the emerging transit city championed by the local council of governments and Mayor Villaraigosa. New development engages the street next to old strip malls, and highways mix oddly with the new light rail. This city is changing. (LA Times)