Photo by Bruno Girin on Flickr.

Discord in Brookland

Development in Brookland is no easy undertaking as residents battle over a vision for the neighborhood’s future. Even the transformation of an abandoned building into a local restaurant draws divisions. (Post)  

Affordable housing for DC

DC will create or preserve an estimated 3,200 affordable housing units. The $87 million increase in funding comes from local deed transfer taxes and federal money earmarked for affordable housing. (City Paper)  

Height limit a home rule issue

Contrary to NCPC’s recommendations, DC’s Office of Planning says the city should have local control over building heights. Mayor Gray said NCPC’s recommendation seems “contrary to our home rule desire.” (City Paper, WBJ)  

Fasten your seat belt

Passengers could have the option to buckle up on buses. USDOT is proposing that safety belts be installed on newly built motorcoaches and city-to-city buses, but would exempt inner-city and school buses. (TheHill)  

Tysons outperforming DC

Tysons’ office rental rate is outperforming DC, which had its slowest leasing period in more than a decade. With cheaper rentals and the Silver Line on its way, will businesses continue to choose Tysons Corner over the District? (WBJ)  

Add some color

What can you do with an abandoned, near-windowless office building that’s set to be torn down in a few months? How about turning it into public art? That’s what’s happening to one building near Nationals Park. (WTOP)  

And…

DC’s winter plan draws attention to homeless youth and children. (DCist) … WMATA is upgrading train arrival signs so riders can make more informed decisions. (Post) … The Silver Spring transit center should open in 2014. (WNYC)