Photo from Trammell Crow/CSG.

Spa in NW, poor in Anacostia?

A vacant lot will become a gateway to Mount Vernon Triangle. Options include a residential building, mixed-use complex, and office building. But one proposal, by Don Peebles, would include a doggie day spa but place required affordable housing in Anacostia, instead. (City Paper, CHOTR)  

Mount Vernon v. urban blight

Residents of Mount Vernon in Fairfax County want to revitalize Route 1 with “high-end, family-oriented businesses.” Instead, title loan companies, which current zoning allows, fill the corridor. (Post)  

Expanding transit beyond Metrorail

25 corridors could support high-capacity surface transit as part of WMATA’s proposed 2040 transit network. High-capacity transit could mean bus rapid transit, light rail, and/or streetcar. (PlanItMetro)  

Nonprofit tax exemptions fading

As local governments try to make up for lost revenue, many are eyeing nonprofits for extra cash. Nonprofits often fill gaps in government services, but should they remain tax-exempt? (Post)  

MGM casino coming 2016

MGM was selected to build a casino overlooking National Harbor in Prince George’s County. The development will include a hotel, theater, meeting space, high-end retail, and at least 4 restaurants. (WBJ)  

Surge into the New Year

Uber riders will surely see surge pricing on New Year’s Eve. Surge pricing makes a lot of people angry, but is it really unfair? (City Paper, Post)  

And…

Mayor Gray wants DC to be the hippest city in America. (City Paper) … Take a survey about what you think about historic preservation. … A sewage treatment plant in Montgomery County will use solar power to cut electricity costs. (Post)