Breakfast links: Welcome
More tourists for DC
DC tourism increased 3% in 2012, setting a record high. The big draws were museums and memorials. DC fared better in the recession than elsewhere. (Examiner)
Robberies up on Metro
Crime has declined overall on Metro due to safer parking lots. But robberies, mostly people stealing phones, has increased. Transfer stations like L’Enfant Plaza and Gallery Place are the biggest targets. (Post)
DC ready for armed march
A radio host proposed marching with loaded rifles from Arlington Cemetery to DC. Police Chief Cathy Lanier plans to enforce DC gun laws. (Wash. Times) … Side note: Both ends of the Memorial Bridge are actually in DC.
Raid affordable housing for summer school
The DC Council approved $4 million to keep summer school open to more kids. But the funds came out of the $51 million Mayor Gray pledged to increase the amount of affordable housing. (Post)
Route 1 urban or suburban?
A Costco with a huge parking lot and a dense mixed-use development are both coming to Route 1. Does Fairfax want it to be a walkable urban corridor or strip malls? (WAMU)
Transit union opposes Circulator
The WMATA workers’ union isn’t pleased about the Circulator expanding. They say it would cost jobs, but Mary Cheh says it means better service for the same number of jobs. (Circulator workers are also union.) (WJLA)
“Roll models” help women bike
WABA’s program to help more women bicycle is starting to get results. They’ve picked 10 women “roll models” who can help friends and acquaintances overcome obstacles, like what gear they need. (Post)
Seriously, chill, NYC
Sommer Mathis, who covered CaBi’s rollout extensively, patiently explains to New Yorkers that all of the complaints about Citibike stations are nothing new. Here, at least, they mostly vanished once the program opened. (Atlantic Cities)
And…
Arlington and Alexandria are increasing property taxes; Alexandria’s will allow the city to fund Capital Bikeshare and libraries. (WAMU) … David Catania’s truancy bill received preliminary approval, without the part about imprisoning parents. (WAMU) … Retail at Dulles and National airports could get a lot better soon. (WBJ)