Posts by Cavan Wilk — Guest Contributor
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2010 wish list for transit
Since many transit projects have either broken ground or are in the engineering phase in the region, it is important to create long-term visions that will continue to make Greater Washington Greater. Some projects are new, while others repeat from last year’s list because they were good ideas then and are good ideas now. Build a southern entrance to Columbia… Keep reading…
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2009 wish list for transit, revisited
One year ago, I posted a 2009 wish list for transit projects in the region. In 2008, we reflected on the successes and failures of the first generation of transit-oriented development and revitalization of historic walkable urban places in the region. 2008 also drove home the dangers of car-dependent development, as historicallly high gasoline prices put fiscal strain… Keep reading…
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It Takes a Village 2: Walkable urbanism is good for seniors
Earlier this year, I wrote about how human-scale walkable urban places empower adolescents to experience the world without needing parental chauffeuring services. The same applies to seniors who have stopped driving for health or other reasons. This Thanksgiving, I visited my grandparents in their new apartment in a senior community in New Jersey. Heath Village is a quiet,… Keep reading…
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High ICC tolls show how expensive new freeways are
Many drivers are experiencing sticker shock at the proposed toll rates for the Intercounty Connector, up to 35 cents a mile during peak periods. The proposed toll structure is more expensive per mile than the turnpikes in neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and existing tolled portions of I-95 in Maryland. According to the Post, “the next-most expensive would… Keep reading…
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Transit is more economically efficient than freeway lanes
In Part 6 of David’s Gaithersbungle Series, we looked at a more comprehensive vision to invest in mobility infrastructure in western Montgomery County between Grosvenor and Clarksburg, in addition to more frequent MARC service to Frederick and Washington Counties. Keep reading…
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Lt. Gov. Brown open to new ideas, needs to hear them
On Thursday, July 23rd, I joined other Montgomery County-based bloggers for a conversation with Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown. Adam Pagnucco of Maryland Politics Watch organized the forum, and MPW contributor Marc Korman also attended. Many thanks to Adam for inviting me. Overall, I found Mr. Brown to be a competent and capable person. He clearly had a lot of experience… Keep reading…
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NextBus DC iPhone app review
The key test for any new product is, “does this product perform the task that I bought it for?” If I buy a shirt, I ask if it fits right, looks good on me, and functions as clothing. The NextBus DC application, available on the iPhone app store, works. It’s not quite perfect, but allows users to consistently access a good estimate of the wait time for a bus. Keep reading…
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Smart growth with more affordable housing in Wheaton, take 2
Last year, the Mehring Group submitted a proposal to the Montgomery County Planning Board to develop an empty three acre parcel of land that sits on the 2800 block of University Boulevard between Westfield Wheaton and the Kensington Heights section of single-family houses. After the Planning Board rejected the proposal, Mehring resubmitted a proposal for 24 townhouses… Keep reading…
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Maryland SHA pushing stupid growth on Connecticut Avenue
As part of their proposals for BRAC-related infrastructure adjustments, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) proposed adding an extra reversible lane on Connecticut Avenue between the Beltway and Manor lane. No matter the area, the state’s highwaymen continue floating more lanes as the solution to every problem, despite reversible lanes’… Keep reading…
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If only we had the Purple Line right now
I’ve never written a post on my iPhone before, but I’ve got a little time this morning. I’m on the Metrobus #79 due to yesterday’s tragedy on the Red Line and it’s aftermath. Keep reading…