Breakfast links: The constant skyline
No height increases in L’Enfant City
The National Capital Planning Commission recommends against allowing higher buildings in central DC, but possibly allowing taller buildings through the Comprehensive Plan process elsewhere. The recommendations make little mention of affordability, a key issue to residents. (City Paper, GW Hatchet, Pooya) (Tip: Pooya)
Inner Harbor improvements
A floating swimming pool and a footbridge across the harbor’s mouth are just some of the proposed improvements to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The harbor’s redevelopment began 40 years ago. (Baltimore Sun)
New development may fund housing
New tax revenues from development along Columbia Pike could go to fund affordable housing. Could a similar strategy help bridge the divide between New and Old Washington? (Post)
Microsoft is coming to St. Elizabeths
Microsoft has confirmed that it will open an office at St. Elizabeths bringing “startups and researchers together with government and industry” and joining the recently-opened Gateway Pavilion. (City Paper, PoPVille)
Further details emerge on FBI site
The GSA released further specifications for the future FBI headquarters site, including a minimum size of 50 acres and a maximum distance of 2 miles from Metro. (WBJ)
Opposition threatens King Street bike lanes
Continued outcry by residents demanding street parking may force Alexandria to propose sharrows instead of continuous bike lanes along King Street, a key connection to Old Town. (TheWashCycle)
The future of retailing
To compete with on-line retailers, brick-and-mortars are focusing on customization and experience. But are all the new concepts leaving out older residents? (Post)
HOT lanes’s first birthday
One year after they debuted, the I-495 high-occupancy/toll lanes in Virginia continue to confuse drivers. Travel-time signs comparing the lanes to regular lanes could help inform potential users. (Post)
And…
The DC United stadium deal will likely be delayed. (City Paper) … New bills introduced in Congress would improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. (Streetsblog) … Is a historical beer garden impossible? (WBJ)