Photo by Dave Reid on Flickr.

Sidewalk cafes pay more?

Mayor Gray proposed increasing the fees for sidewalk cafes to occupy public space. Although the fees have not kept up with inflation, some argued that the benefits of sidewalk cafes outweigh their costs. (DCist)  

Gardens sprout downtown

There are now four rain gardens along sidewalks near 19th and L Strets NW. They store stormwater runoff while providing habitat for bees, butterflies, and contemplative office workers. (PoPville)  

What’s new in new Metro cars

The new 7000-series Metrorail cars have four new features to improve the rider’s experience, including doors that open enough to release arms and legs. But will the upcoming stop screens confuse riders? (Post)  

Some motion on 16th Street?

Responding to public and council pressure for a 16th Street bus lane, DDOT’s Sam Zimbabwe says they are analyzing the option and plan a more formal study soon. However, nothing would be built until at least 2016. (WAMU)  

Federal St. E’s faces more hurdles

Plans to build a Department of Homeland Security headquarters at St. Elizabeths has been delayed until 2026 or indefinitely. Limited funding and historic preservation lengthened the project and increased costs. (Post)  

Money means restaurants

One big reason the area has so many new restaurants? People willing to invest in new concepts when banks won’t. However, investors also bring their drawbacks to restaurants. (City Paper)  

Slow down in Paris

The new mayor of Paris wants to expand “slow zones” citywide, limiting speed to 30 km/h (19 mph). The goal is to reduce pollution, crashes, and resultant injuries and deaths. (Streetsblog)  

Unlivable highways foil livable communities

What happened to President Obama’s talk about high-speed rail and making federal transportation decisions less around just moving cars? Maybe the Interstate highway system created interests too entrenched, and federal officials too set in their ways, to quickly change. (CityLab)  

And…

Metro plans to phase out paper farecards. (Post) … DC’s autonomy was one part of LBJ’s Great Society program. (Post) … The Kidical Mass family bike ride expands to Falls Church. (FABB) … There are subdivisions in Phoenix where you’d have to drive 17 miles to get between two houses 500 feet apart. (Streetsblog)