Tenleytown Metro. Photo by glass window.

Sidewalks, assured

DDOT and Mary Cheh are holding firm on sidewalks (large annoying PDF), so far, on University Terrace in the Palisades. One anti-sidewalk resident told the Current that DDOT was pointing the finger at Mary Cheh; Cheh denies that, but she also agrees the street should get a sidewalk. The reconstruction, including a sidewalk on one side, should start next week.  (Current)  

Don’t drive? You must not live here

The DC Office of Tax and Revenue is asking some homeowners to prove they deserve the homestead deduction, by providing four forms of ID including a drivers’ license (large annoying PDF). Residents noted that this discriminates against those without drivers’ licenses. OTR says they will work with people to find alternatives, but they should offer an alternative up front, instead.  

These go to Elevenleytown

Two development projects will make the Tenleytown Metro area look less forlorn. Safeway will renovate its store in the area, and a vacant lot will become a one-story building. (DCmud) Some neighbors told the Current (large annoying PDF) that they’re hopeful that one-story structure can turn into something bigger and better in the future.  

Tall TOD at PG Plaza?

Developers are proposing a 33-story mixed-use tower, some 17-story apartment buildings, and some four-story townhouses for a site right near the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station. Some residents and nearby elected officials say the plan will displace low-income families and that they don’t want to live in an area that looks like Bethesda. The County should ensure affordable housing in the plan, but another Bethesda would be great for Prince George’s. (Gazette)  

Days since last injury: 1

Two Metro employees were injured Wednesday in the West Falls Church yard when two train cars collided. The workers were taken to a nearby hospital but will survive. (DCist)  

Metro keeping its escalators

WMATA considered replacing some shorter escalators with stairs as a cost-cutting measure in 2006. They identified 23 places where one of three escalators could go, leaving one in each direction. However, the Board rejected the plan. (Unsuck DC Metro)  (Tip: Matt')  

Cowening before trains

Tyler Cowen isn’t convinced by Infrastructurist’s improved HSR cost-benefit analysis. Cowen also doesn’t take the Metro because he can’t stop along the way to run errands. (Marginal Revolution, Froggie, David C)  (Tip: David C)  

And…

Maryland is getting $5.9 million in stimulus money for grants for companies to convert their trucks to hybrids (WBJ, Gavin Baker) … Here’s an example of a 100-year-old TOD development, in Queens, New York (Slate, Chris R, Reza) … The curator of an upcoming a soon-ending green building exhibit at the National Building Museum now

has a companion blog.  (Tip: Gavin Baker)