Recent Posts
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DC press doesn’t fall for bike-baiting
Before the holiday break, the Washington Examiner published a poorly-researched article about bike lane opposition. But instead of jumping onto an anti-bike lane revolt, DC press and opinion leaders quickly saw through the rhetoric and put forth a more nuanced and sensible reaction. As other cities, like New York, struggle with fiery opposition to bike lanes, DC can hope to… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Some sunny news, some more gray
The Gray era begins; SmarTrip of the future; Bowser defends density; Tax policy spurred demolitions; Preserve King Farm’s transit limitations?; It’s the pedestrian’s fault there was no crosswalk; Goodbye, shuttles; In case you missed it. Keep reading…
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Happy New Year!
Between vacations and a few unforeseen circumstances, Greater Greater Washington will be off until Monday. Have a very Happy New Year and don’t play real-life Frogger as you navigate the region. This can also be an open thread for any thoughts or news that you’d like to discuss during the New Year’s break. Keep reading…
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Candidates short on details as DCDSC ponders appointment
Amid biting budget forecasts, endemic unemployment in struggling neighborhoods, bursting juvenile crime and many other burdens, DC will fill Kwame Brown’s at-large seat as he becomes chair. It’s a very important position, one of just 13 men and women who will steer a city of 600,000 through tough times. The city’s Democratic clubhouse of about 80 people,… Keep reading…
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Will smart growth or sprawl win in 2011?
In our last post, we talked about the top 5 smart growth victories of 2010. More and more people are looking for vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods where walking, biking, and transit are real options. In the year ahead, will our leaders maintain the momentum for smart growth? Or will they make decisions that mean a return to sprawling development, more traffic, higher energy use… Keep reading…
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Is Rhee’s new project on the right track?
Several weeks ago, former DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee topped off her media blitz by unveiling her new venture, StudentsFirst, on Oprah. With this grand annoucement, local residents got a peek at her vision to take her agenda to the national level. At times, I’ve been a fan of Rhee’s passion and drive, but on some occasions, her methods have pushed me towards skepticism. Unfortunately,… Keep reading…
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Walmart shows conceptual renderings for Ward 7 store
Following Walmart’s announcement that they will build four stores in the District of Columbia, few details were available about the Capitol View location, until recently. Walmart’s Keith Morris presented at a forum held by Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander on December 18. While most of the community concerns centered on living wage jobs and contracting… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Stepping up
Tysons working to be more bikable; Escalator work accelerating; Cold keeps shelters full; DC Schools’ COO departs; Others find same DC population shift; Travel options on New Years Eve; Norton will fight through 2012; And…. Keep reading…
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Downtown posts big gains in housing units
Recent American Community Survey data reveal strong growth in the number of housing units in downtown Washington and adjacent neighborhoods. Of the 10 census tracts that saw the greatest net increase in units, 9 are located within the area covered by the L’Enfant Plan. After comparing the housing unit numbers from the 2000 census and the recent ACS averages… Keep reading…
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Will Thomas push for local business and good urban design?
Harry Thomas, Jr. will lead the DC Council’s Committee on Economic Development next year. In a press release, Thomas notes his plans to continue “building on what he has accomplished in this area for Ward 5.” The trouble is, Thomas’ development record in Ward 5 is spotty, at best. Suburban-style, big box-anchored retail development is scattered throughout… Keep reading…