Breakfast links: Tracks in the sky
No streetcar under H Street bridge
Plans to run the H Street streetcar under the H Street “hopscotch” bridge is now off the table, due to opposition from Amtrak. DDOT is looking at running the streetcar onto the bridge deck and into the parking garage, but that would be more expensive. (City Paper)
Dulles Metro now in the air
MWAA reversed itself and now supports building an aerial airport station instead of the costlier, but closer, underground version it endorsed in April. The board feared the cost of an underground station would jeopardize the entire extension. (Post)
Few takers for NIH bike benefit
NIH is offering a $20/month bike benefit to reduce car traffic, but few employees are taking NIH up on the offer. Reducing the number of parking spaces would be a cheaper and more effective solution. (Gazette)
Boston bikeshare won’t go everywhere
Boston is wisely focusing its upcoming bike sharing system, Hubway, in fewer dense neighborhoods near the center, but many people are eager for it to include their neighborhoods as well. (Boston Globe)
WMATA board turnover not smart
Some officials are criticizing recent WMATA Board turnover, including both Kwame Brown ousting Tommy Wells and Bob McDonnell passing legislation to kick out a Northern Virginia member. They say the board needs stability. (Post)
Gray considers plant closure
The District may file a complaint seeking the closure of an Alexandria power plant notorious for its air pollution. Virginia officials wanted to close it years ago before the feds intervened. (Examiner)
Transit- and trash-oriented development
Montgomery County will allow some affordable housing near both Shady Grove Metro and a trash transfer station. The Planning Board had recommended against allowing the development. (Gazette)
Then and now in a single photo
A photographer holds up historic photographs in front of the exact same scenes today, to create amazing composite shots of Washington past and present. (Business Insider)
And…
Glover Park residents are looking to relieve parking pressures. (Georgetown Dish) … Manassas National Battlefield added 54 acres in time for today’s 150th anniversary of the confederate battle victory. (Examiner) … Despite his guilty plea, Jack Johnson is entitled to collect a $50k annual pension. (Examiner)