Recent Posts
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Fallout shelters: Cold War history in your neighborhood
At the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, the District of Columbia prepared hundreds of fallout shelters. However, since the capital was a primary target in the event of nuclear war and most shelters were located downtown, the city’s fallout shelters could not have saved Washingtonians in a direct attack. Had a nuclear bomb detonated over Washington during the early 1960s,… Keep reading…
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What can we seriously do to fix WMATA?
Everyone agrees WMATA has problems. Unfortunately, there are a lot more criticisms of the problems going around than actual solutions. That’s because solutions are hard. But if we’re going to actually fix WMATA, instead of just complaining about it, we need to seriously discuss how to fix what’s broken. Calling for all WMATA Board members to be lined… 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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Breakfast links: Better pedestrian environments
New crosswalks in Lincoln Park; Arlington police step up enforcement; A green street in PG; Arlington’s streetcar old and new; Credit card payment at more Metro lots; New LEED to incorporate transportation; Free parking in Eugene not working as hoped; Robocars by 2026 or not?; Regions and neighborhoods more important than cities?. Keep reading…
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Testify on car and bike parking rules Monday
On Monday, November 15th, we need your help to testify before the DC Zoning Commission. They are holding the public hearing to decide on parking requirements for cars and bikes in DC’s new zoning code. Detailed information on how to sign up to testify in person or submit written testimony can be found at the end of this article. In the summer of 2008, we advocated for removing… Keep reading…
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Encourage better conditions for restaurant workers
Dining out in the DC area is an occasional practice for many and an everyday indulgence for some. The restaurant industry is an ever-changing and fast growing industry not only across the nation, but here in DC. Unfortunately it is also an industry plagued with many bad jobs and only a few good ones. There are almost 2,000 eating and drinking establishments in Washington… Keep reading…
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Gentrification east of the river, pt. 2: Economic development
Yesterday’s post on gentrification stirred up some great conversations. Between that and other conversations I had yesterday, a few points have become clear. First, no one knows what the heck “gentrification” means. I had six different conversations yesterday, and each conversation led to a different conclusion. Second, historically in this country,… Keep reading…
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It’s not the (escalator) crime, Metro, it’s the cover-up
When WMATA contracted with a consultant to assess its elevator and escalator maintenance, I asked for a copy of the report and was rebuffed. The Washington Post was as well. We were both given the PowerPoint summary of the report that WMATA prepared for its Board. Yesterday, local blog Unsuck DC Metro got its hands on a copy of the report. Rather than reading… Keep reading…
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DDOT identifies future Circulator routes
After receiving public input from over 500 online rider surveys, four Citizens Advisory Panels, and several town halls, DDOT has released a map of recommended new Circulator bus routes. Officials hope to make these a reality over the next 2 to 3 years if they can get funding from the DC Council, though in the current budget climate the chances may be remote. Which routes should… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: What’s in a number?
How far can you get in 15 minutes?; 85-year-old man killed; Hit-and-run driver avoids felony charge; How CaBi handled the insanity; Coke gives $50,000 toward Mall rehab; Ballston looks to create BID; Dulles Metro stop could ruin viewshed?; EPA attacks manicured lawns; And…. Keep reading…