Photo by armistar_photo on Flickr.

Georgetown Metro station by 2040?

The long-term expansion plan unveiled by Metro would add new stations around the downtown core, including a Georgetown stop. The proposed Yellow/Blue line loop would also add a second Potomac crossing. (WAMU)  

Make way for the Purple Line

Planners are trying to convince the owner of the offices and theater at 7272 Wisconsin to raze their building to accommodate an optimal Purple Line stop. Will an increase in allowable height be enough? (BethesdaNow)  

FBI definitely leaving DC

A District official has conceded that the GSA’s relocation criteria for the FBI headquarters rule out the possibility of the agency staying in town. Despite a recent push for Poplar Point, this may not be a bad thing. (City Paper)  

Federal transit benefits set to lapse

If Congress doesn’t act by January 1, the $245 transit subsidy available to federal workers will drop to $130, while parking benefits go up to $250. A previous lapse in the program dented Metro ridership. (WAMU)  

Two tiers of municipal service?

Special service districts like the Golden Triangle and NoMa Business Improvement Districts let cities shift some service costs onto the private sector, but do they do long-term damage to urban communities? (Newgeography)  

Deep roots of affordable housing shortage

There hasn’t been a sufficient supply of affordable housing for the working poor since 1970. Since then, the middle class moved into cheaper rental housing, and housing aid hasn’t kept up. (Atlantic Cities)  

Montgomery funds storefront renovations

Wheaton businesses will be getting a facelift courtesy of a new facade improvement program. The county will reimburse up to 75% of the owners’ costs in exchange for a lien on the properties. (Gazette)  

And…

None of the 25 most dangerous street corners in the US are around here. (Marginal Revolution) … Uber, not just for cab rides anymore, will bring you a Christmas tree for a cool $135. (WTOP) … Is Rhyno, the one-wheeled motorcycle, any cooler than a Segway? (Post)