Breakfast links: Trains ready to move
Back on track
Metro and and its safety overseer have come to an agreement on safety certification for the new 7000 series rail cars. The first 8 new cars should enter service in early 2015. (Post)
Streetcar start?
There’s still a small possibility that the streetcar will open before the end of the year, even though DDOT still has not sent the required safety documentation to the FTA for review. (WAMU, Thad)
Not so fast
Federal officials say a new environmental study, which woudld take at least a year, needs to happen before I-395 could be closed for construction of buildings above. Eleanor Holmes Norton thinks there needs to be more discussion with area members of Congress and the public. (Post)
Montgomery moves
A draft plan for Bethesda includes taller buildings, a central civic green, parklets, and more. … Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase Lake could get a protected bike lane. (BethesdaNow)
More silver for transit center
Montgomery County may move funds away from two recreation centers and a fire station to complete repairs to the Silver Spring Transit Center by May. The county plans to sue the contractor to recover funds. (Post)
Who’s running?
Candidates for the Ward 4 and Ward 8 Council seats are beginning to campaign for the April special election. The fourteen candidates include a number of ANC comissioners and community activists. (City Paper)
And…
Muriel Bowser tapped Rashad Young for DC city administrator. Young is currently the city manager in Alexandria. (Post) … DC rented out an entire motel for housing homeless families this winter. But is it enough? (HillRag) … There’s more trouble for the tiny home community in Stronghold. (PoPville)