Posts from August 2018
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DC’s rivers could be swimmable in the next several years
The reasons why you can’t safely or legally swim in the District’s rivers could be resolved within the next several years. That would open new outdoor recreation opportunities city-wide and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, and also represents a concrete milestone for clean rivers which until recently seemed difficult to envision. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Transit is for everyone…even this raccoon
This racoon decided to take a ride on the Circulator bus. Homeowners are way more engaged with local and national politics than renters, and vote to protect their home values. After a fourth pedestrian was struck and killed by a driver in MoCo, activists are calling for change. Keep reading…
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Without accommodations, Uber and Lyft are leaving customers with disabilities at the curb
Ride-hailing services have integrated themselves into our cities so completely that in just a few years, “Uber” has become a verb and spotting license plates from afar has become a valuable skill. Uber and Lyft have gotten flack for not providing riders the same level of service if they have service animals or mobility devices — if they are served at all. Keep reading…
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Ask GGWash: How can I get more plugged in to urban planning locally?
I'm a DC resident who has recently become interested in a career in urban planning. As I've begun researching grad schools, I've realized I need to become more plugged in to community dialogues that relate to urban planning. To that effect, your site has been an extremely valuable resource for me. Can you recommend ways for me to become more plugged in? Keep reading…
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“No vacancy” is a problem when people need homes
“Now Leasing” signs seem to be ubiquitous on apartment buildings across the region, from the eerily dark new high-rises downtown to well-worn mid-century garden apartments with colorful banners out front. Yet at the same time, experts agree that the area has a housing shortage. What gives? Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: That inviting bench might also protect against terrorist attacks
Landscape architects are finding clever ways to make cities inviting for people, while also protecting against terrorist attacks. A fourth pedestrian was struck and killed by a driver in Montgomery County since August 11. So why did the FBI headquarters not move? Trump might have been worried about a competing hotel taking its place. Keep reading…
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Events: Save the date for GGWash’s next happy hour with Deaf urbanists in Hyattsville
Join GGWash and Deaf urbanists for our next happy hour in Hyattsville at Streetcar 82, the East Coast's first Deaf-owned brewery. There's also a walking tour of the Wharf, a bike ride to a movie, an urbanist book talk, and more in this week's events! Keep reading…
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Metro Reasons: Two train cars pulled apart on the Silver Line on Saturday
A Silver Line train experienced a “pull apart” Saturday morning on August 25 after leaving the McLean rail station headed inbound to Foggy Bottom. The trailing three cars on the train separated from the lead five, causing the train to become disabled and leading to hours of single-tracking as Metro employees worked to move the train to a rail yard. Keep reading…
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Why is that house or storefront vacant?
In an area like DC where the population is growing, one question often vexes neighbors: why is that house or storefront vacant? It just doesn’t seem to make sense. Why do landlords leave properties empty when they could be getting rent? Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: How are Metro riders handling service disruptions?
Per Metrorail's advice, many riders are ditching the train during repairs and are taking the bus instead. Why didn't the pop-up bus lane work as planned? New homes and shops could be coming to Minnesota Avenue NE in DC's Benning neighborhood. Keep reading…