Image from DCPL via City Paper.

Libraries + architecture + DC gov = controversy

Ward 8 residents aren’t happy that DCPL closed their library even before they have the raze permit to tear the old one down; many don’t like the design either. In Tenleytown, DCPL also closed the library only to suffer years of delay; why keep doing that? (City Desk)  

Scattershot humps no longer

In response to the speed hump controversy in Chevy Chase, Gabe Klein told the ANC that instead of installing a speed hump when enough residents petition, they’ll conduct more comprehensive traffic calming studies of neighborhoods, starting with Chevy Chase, Kalorama, and ones to be named in NE and SE. The studies will include looks at pedestrian and bicycle needs. (Current, freaking huge PDF)  

H Street shuttle saved

DC has found money to restore the H Street shuttle, which runs express along the X2 route on H Street but only runs every 30 minutes. I’m all for more transit, but this process of cutting and then restoring transit services, as with the Circulator on Wisconsin Avenue, is a little too political and skips the analysis of whether different transit spending would be better. (Post, Pat O)  (Tip: Pat O)  

Metro didn’t “bar” inspectors, but just said yes very slowly?

The Tri-State Oversight Committee’s Eric Madison told WTOP, “We want to make it clear: Metro waasn’t barring is from the tracks.” Metro sent sent out a “correction” to the earlier Post article, repeating that quote over and over. But if Metro was simply taking months to work out a satisfactory safety protocol and TOC got so frustrated they considered asking the FTA to impose sanctions, is this a distinction without a difference?  

Transit-oriented concrete plant

Not only does the proposed concrete plant in Prince George’s County intensify polluting uses near the same poor, minority residents, but as Dave Murphy notes, it’s really close to Cheverly Metro, missing a good opportunity for TOD at the same time. (Imagine, DC)  

Warner suggests BRAC congestion pricing

Since the Department of Defense won’t pay for transportation improvements on US-1 near Fort Belvoir, Senator Mark Warner wants to explore congestion pricing, to toll the road and more at busy times to raise money for improvements (hopefully including some transit). (WTOP)  

Cargo without the car

Cargo bikes are beginning to gain popularity in the US, especially for trips to the grocery store or picking up kids from school and especially in, you guessed it, Portland. (NPR, Steven Y.)  (Tip: Steven Y.)