Recent Posts
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Charlotte agrees with DC on streetcar technology
Charlotte, NC has been conducting a thorough analysis of streetcar power technologies for their planned streetcar system. Their final report is out, and essentially agrees with the conclusions from the recent APTA technology seminar: overhead wires are best for now, but alternate technologies show promise for the future. Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Fares and blogs
Metro fares going up, twice; Capital surcharge too; DDOT blogging; More food, drink for U; Should Arlington require shoveling?; Fenty FOIA fail; Seasons change, bloggers switch jobs; And…. Keep reading…
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3 questions with Md. delegate candidate Vanessa Atterbeary
Vanessa Atterbeary is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 18, which includes Wheaton, Kensington, Chevy Chase, and Woodside (west Silver Spring). Vanessa lives in Silver Spring (not downtown), and works as a lawyer. In private conversations with Vanessa, she expressed her support for the Purple Line in addition to Smart Growth initiatives in District… Keep reading…
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Proposed AU dorms earn an easy A
With its 2011 Campus Plan, American University has a once-in-a-century chance to reshape Upper Northwest. The Plan offers two opportunities to local residents. The first is for a beautiful, sustainable, and safe Nebraska Avenue. The second is for a diminished impact on the lives and communities of neighbors. However, in order to reach a mutual solution, residents must give… Keep reading…
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East Falls Church plan endorsed, but opponents mobilizing
Last night, the East Falls Church Planning Task Force overwhelmingly endorsed the draft plan to transform the East Falls Church Metro area into a mixed-use, pedestrian, bicycle and transit-oriented community. Next, the plan will go to the Arlington County Board. If you support the plan, sign CSG’s new petition to the Board. It’s particularly friendly to… Keep reading…
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Should Metrobus run like the Circulator on major arteries?
WMATA has made strides with its Metrobus service, but it’s still a little stodgy when it comes to trying new things. Is it time WMATA took a bold move and began some Circulator-type service on a major arterial? WMATA has managed to reduce its average fleet age, institute MetroExtra service, implement NextBus service (which still needs improvement) and developed… Keep reading…
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The quotable Rollin Stanley
I’ve never been shy about professing my planner crush on Rollin Stanley, director of the Montgomery County Planning Department. Last week, I saw him speak before the White Flint Partnership, a group leading the push to redevelop that area, at White Flint Mall. If you ever get a chance to hear him talk, go. It’s inspiring to hear about everything he’s done in… Keep reading…
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Breakfast links: Types of density
Intersections = walkability; Degree density; Development agreements not followed; Boasberg says bye; $1m for ped/bike in Arlington; No bike racks at the Mayflower?; Halsey the super-reporter. Keep reading…
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Then and Now: Woodward & Lothrop building
The former Woodward & Lothrop flagship store bounded by 10th, 11th, F, and G Streets, NW did not achieve the form familiar to most Washingtonians until 1927. The historic building along G street was occupied by Woodies in 1887. They soon outgrew the space and began occupying other properties on the block. Though Woodies occupied nearly the entire block by 1897, it was largely in… Keep reading…
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WMATA GM search: What do you think?
The WMATA Board asked the executive search firm seeking a permanent General Manager to solicit input from the Riders’ Advisory Council on what they should be looking for. The firm, Heidrick & Struggles, put together a survey for RAC members to fill out. The survey isn’t open to the public, but I’d like to hear opinions from you as well before I make my responses. Keep reading…