Posts by Rob Pitingolo — Guest Contributor
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ACS shows Ward 6 growing fastest, while Ward 1 shrinks
Census estimates released yesterday reveal that the population of DC’s Ward 6 grew by 9% during most of the last decade. More surprisingly, Ward 1, widely expected to have grown, actually shrank by 3%. Yesterday the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey released its five-year demographic averages for every neighborhood in the nation. Though… Keep reading…
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Talking buses another example of WMATA “safety theater”
Pedestrians across the region may soon find Metrobuses talking to them. Although WMATA will position these buses as a safety innovation, implementing system-wide talking buses would be a poor use of resources and would do little to improve safety. Supporters of talking buses argue that audible warnings make our streets safer. But the whole scheme feels like a knee-jerk reaction… Keep reading…
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Southwest might not have as big an impact as you hope
On Monday morning Southwest Airlines announced its intent to acquire AirTran Airways. The deal won’t be approved for some time, but when it is, the new combined company will likely impact air travel in Greater Washington. The big question is when Washingtonians will finally be able to catch a Southwest flight out of National Airport, and whether a Southwest presence will… Keep reading…
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Dedicated parking not optimal for Clarendon Trader Joe’s
Excitement is building around the arrival of Trader Joe’s in the heart of Clarendon. Before they move in, the grocery chain wants Arlington County to guarantee reserved parking spaces. But handing over free dedicated spaces isn’t the only option. Last week ARLnow confirmed the long-standing rumor that Trader Joe’s is interested in occupying retail space… Keep reading…
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What to do with Arlington’s vacant retail space
The age-old wisdom in business is that when you can’t move inventory, you lower your price. Developers in Arlington want tenants in vacant retail space, but the price isn’t right. Before approving rule changes for ground-floor commercial space, Arlington County needs to ask some hard questions. Over at the TBD Neighborhoods blog, Rebecca A. Cooper writes that… Keep reading…
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Arlington’s missing sidewalks
When I moved to Arlington two months ago, walkability was one of the area’s biggest draws. Maybe I’ve taken for granted that every place I’ve ever lived has had plenty of sidewalks, but I was definitely taken by surprised when I discovered my new neighborhood was missing more than a few pedestrian facilities. To put this in more context: I live within a half-mile… Keep reading…
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Is driving now cheaper than Metro? No.
Yesterday, Washingtonian Capital Comment blog calculated whether it is cheaper to drive into DC from the suburbs instead of riding Metro after the fare hike went into effect. Rodger Nayak found driving to be cheaper “every time, … particularly if you take your car to the subway station and pay to park in a Metro garage or lot. However, as many commenters almost immediately… Keep reading…
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Why airlines charge extra to check bags
A number of Greater Greater Washington contributors have been fans of economic urbanist blogger Rob Pitingolo. When we heard he was moving to Arlington, we jumped at the chance to have him start contributing to Greater Greater Washington. Welcome, Rob! Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Transportation announced its intent to beef up protections for airline customers. Keep reading…