Weekend links: Safety first
Metro safety in good shape
The Tri-State Oversight Committee (TOC) has no serious concerns about WMATA’s safety according to its quarterly report. Although some issues remain, the TOC says WMATA is handling them adequately. (Post)
Navigatorgate drags on
Kwame Brown still hasn’t reimbursed DC for the cost of his Lincoln Navigators, as he promised. There’s also still a dispute with one of the leasing companies, which is likely headed to court. (City Paper)
Why group homes concentrate
Despite Ward 8’s fight against more group homes, they keep coming. Zoning and regulations have much to do with it, as the ward’s R-5 zoning allows such homes by right. (City Paper)
A different kind of cycletrack
A velodrome is coming to Buzzard Point at 100 V Street, SW. Though site is one of the top prospects for a DC United stadium, the temporary cycletrack will only be up for 3-5 years. (SWTLQTC)
Hope and pain in Richmond
NoVa hoped redistricting would deliver them greater power in Richmond, but internal divisions have weakened the suburban delegation on all but transportation, where at last some progress is being made. (Post)
House transpo bill still flawed
Despite changes to the House transportation reauthorization bill, it remains terribly flawed. Transit funding may have returned, but transportation enhancements are still cut, funding is still too low, and environmental protections still suffer. (Streetsblog)
Lorax hawking cars
The Lorax, the Dr. Seuss book about environmentalism, is… being used to sell cars. Universal sold Mazda rights to tout the “Truffula seal of approval” in ads. Never mind the destruction of forests from highways and sprawl. (Streetsblog)
And…
Taller buildings are coming to Crystal City. (BeyondDC) … Arlington is developing a 6-year plan for bike sharing. (TBD) … WMATA will investigate a development contract near U Street for improper influence. (Examiner)