Breakfast links: At least something’s working
More metro escalators are working
Despite reporting a 4.2% drop in ridership for FY13, Metro says that 91.9% of the system’s 588 escalators were working between April and June of this year. (DCist)
Cuccinelli to defend funding source for Silver Line
Virginia Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli, an ardent opponent to the Silver Line, will have to defend the legality of funding from tolls used for the Downtown Tunnel at the state Supreme Court. The ruling could affect the legality of Dulles Toll Road revenues used for the Silver Line extension. (Wash. Times)
PG County Whole Foods project still faces challenges
Opponents of the Riverdale Park Whole Foods project voiced concerns about traffic and lack of specifics in the developer’s plan. County officials could vote later this month. (Post)
Washington area bike thefts on the rise
In just two months 126 bicycles, valued at $98,127, were reported stolen in Arlington. Fairfax County and Georgetown also reported similar increases in bike thefts. What more can be done to reduce bike theft? (Patch)
Bait Bikes PR stunts?
The Philadelphia Police Department is implementing a new sting program to catch bike thieves with GPS-tracked “Bait Bikes”. However, some argue that bait bike programs are publicity stunts that are ineffective at catching real criminals and verge on entrapment. (CBS, The Philly Post)
Challenge to Alexandria’s redevelopment dismissed
The City of Alexandria overcame a major hurdle after the Virginia Supreme Court dismissed a legal challenge opposing the city’s waterfront redevelopment plan. (Post)
Chuck Brown Park needs art
DC is seeking proposals for an art installation at the Chuck Brown Memorial Park. Plans for the park originally included a 900-seat music venue but that was derailed by neighbor complaints. (DCist)
No bike or dock blocked?
CaBi stations are more than twice as likely to be empty than full and these maps detail which stations were the most likely to be full or empty in August. (Rausnitz)