Breakfast links: Busy busy legislators
Microgrids for MoCo?
Montgomery County could set up its own utility focused on “microgrids,” which could be more reliable in storms and reduce dependence on Pepco, which leaders feel badly mishandled the aftermath of the derecho. (BethesdaNow)
Accessories get the nod
A Montgomery council committee supported a plan to allow some accessory dwellings by right. However, they raised parking requirements to demand 1 space for each apartment, even if the unit is near transit. (Examiner)
Tougher rules for scooters?
The DC Council heard testimony on tighter scooter regulations that would mandate drivers wear a helmet and goggles, ban sidewalk parking, and require a motorcycle license if scooters can exceed 25 mph. (Examiner)
car2go hits 6,000 trips
A spokesperson for car2go says the service now serves 6,000 trips per week in DC. They plan to keep growing and adding cars, which could alleviate “car2gone,” the equivalent of “dockblocking.” (DCist)
Arlington taxis have company
Arlington rejected a proposal to let individual taxi drivers control their own operating certificates, instead of all being in taxi companies. The board divided over whether there had been enough public input. (Sun Gazette)
Prince Georgeans want hens
A group called Prince George’s Hens wants to legalize chicken ownership in residential areas. Residents could own up to 6 hens. Gaithersburg, Annapolis and Baltimore have similar laws. (Gazette)
Development drives Alexandria race
A challenger to Alexandria mayor Bill Euille wants to reduce the amount of development. A plan to grow the city’s waterfront, and the redevelopment plan for the Beauregard corridor, were both very contentious. (Post)
Camera revenue numbers mean little
The constant articles about camera revenue don’t compare the numbers to other cities or otherwise put them in context. (RPUS)