Photo by kathy doucette on Flickr.

Buses growing more quickly than rail

Metrorail usage grew at half the national rate for heavy rail in the first quarter, while Metrobus surpassed the national average for bus systems. Maybe track work is keeping some people away? (TBD On Foot)  

It’s affordable, but not mortgagable

The first affordable housing from DC’s inclusion­ary zoning law is coming online, but people can’t get federally-backed mortgages for the affordable condos due to rules keeping them affordable in perpetuity. (City Paper)  

What’s up with Walter Reed

Walter Reed will be getting 90 townhouses, 1,864 apartments, 100 homes for homeless veterans, 2 bilingual charter schools, a medical center, and retail. The first phase, occupying existing buildings, could happen in 2014; the last, which require construction of new buildings, not until 2032. (Urban Turf)  

District budget approved

The DC council approved the District’s 2013 budget, with expanded traffic cameras and longer holiday bar hours. There are still $130 million in “wish list” items to fund if more money comes in. (Examiner, @mikedebonis)  

Council shuffle creates new development committee

New member Kenyan McDuffie will oversee employment issues. Michael Brown, whose committee formerly included employment, gets economic development and also keeps housing. (Post)  

Memorial Circle still dangerous

Another drvier hit a cyclist on the GW Parkway, at the dangerous approach to Memorial Circle. What will it take to get a light or other fix here?  Meanwhile, be very careful! (ARLnow)  

What is the Corcoran thinking?

The Corcoran’s plan to move away from 17th Street doesn’t make a lot of sense, financially or for its reputation, and its building wouldn’t be that useful for anything but another museum or similar institution. (Post, WBJ)  

Time running out on transpo bill

As the transportation trust fund approaches bankruptcy, Senate leaders are trying to get a transportation bill the House might consider, which could mean giving up ped/bike funding or environmental protections. Stakeholders are urging Congress to get it together and pass a bill. (Streetsblog)  

How Battery Park City became rich

New York’s Battery Park City was originally supposed to house many income levels, but officials removed affordable housing from the plan to get it built. (Next American City)