Photo by Mike on Flickr.

Best blossom bet

DC’s cherry blossoms will likely peak April 8-12, the Park Service predicts. (WBJ) … Metro ridership usually rises during the Cherry Blossom Festival. (PlanItMetro)  

Tax base boom

DC’s property tax assessments rose significantly thanks to rising property values, growth, and more. In 13 neighborhoods, the tax base grew by more than 10%. (WBJ)  

Marijuana is less of a crime

Consuming marijuana in a private home will no longer be a criminal offense under a bill the DC Council passed Tuesday. Smoking pot outside is still illegal. (Post)  

Metro door mayhem

A frozen door on a Red Line train left commuters waiting for more than 25 minutes on a frigid outdoor platform Tuesday morning. (WAMU)  

Protection creates jams

The Secret Service “paralyzed” DC traffic for several whole days recently around hotels housing visiting dignitaries. Mayor Gray sent a letter asking the Secret Service to be more sensitive to locals’ transportation needs. (Post)  

Elevated super train?

A maglev builder is hoping to convince Virginia Beach to construct an elevated maglev train, rather than its current light rail plans. The builder says it’s cheaper, but that seems extremely unlikely. (BeyondDC)  

Less building for Clarksburg

The Montgomery County Council tentatively voted to impose new building limits along Clarksburg’s Ten Mile Creek watershed. (Post) … Here’s more on why this is important.  

And…

President Obama’s budget could give DC more legislative autonomy—if it passes. (City Paper) … The U Street ANC’s transportation committee supports lower parking minimums. (SALM) … Harsh winter storms are decimating snow removal budgets across the region. (WTOP)