Photo by zzzack on Flickr.

Low property assessments cost DC

Property assessments consistently lag behind sale prices in DC, costing the city millions in lost tax revenue. Multifamily apartments are assessed at 79.3%, commercial buildings at 89.9%, and single-family homes at 97.1%. (City Paper)  

DC attracts venture capital

DC is the fifth leading center for venture capital investment in the US, as high tech startups turn to the urban core. Half of the region’s total is in zip code 20005, spanning McPherson Square, Thomas Circle, and Logan Circle. (Atlantic Cities)  

Empty buses serve the city?

Empty buses do not serve ridership goals, but the coverage addresses social and geographic inequities. Low-ridership routes help seniors, people with disabilities, and those without transportation options. (Streetsblog)  

Bike commuting continues to rise

Increases in bike commuting in Adams Morgan and the U Street corridor imply DDOT investments are yielding results. Could developers’ traffic impact studies affect parking requirements? (TheWashCycle)  

Silver Line test train derails

A slow-moving Silver Line train derailed during testing after it hit a derailer. This is the first derailment since testing began. (Post)  

Uber causes more tension

DC’s Taxi Commission says UberX does not comply with sedan class regulations. Taxi companies worry their employees may leave in favor of UberX, which claims the new service is cheaper and faster. (DCist, WAMU)  

Reston shopping center undergoes renovation

Hunters Woods Village Center in Reston is improving lighting, benches, and trash cans to deter crime and littering. The center hopes to become a third place for Reston residents. (Patch)  

Apply for Rail~Volution conference scholarships

Residents working on transportation and land-use issues can apply for scholarships to attend the Rail~Volution conference this October in Seattle.  

And…

WMATA explains how fares are calculated. (PlanItMetro) … Some extended-stay properties offer free bikes with a room. (Urban Turf) … Baltimore tells DC why Charm City is better. (DCist) … Bowie residents want local control over land use issues. (Gazette)