Breakfast links: Cash crunch in Maryland
A transportation guy
Maryland transportation secretary Pete Rahn says he’s more than just “a highway guy” and is interested in the whole transportation network. He’s focusing on doing more with less money. Like other states, Maryland’s federal transportation funding has fallen 9% since 2008. (WBJ, Baltimore Sun)
Purple money
Purple Line advocates worry that a delay could put federal funding at risk. Governor Hogan pushed back the deadline for bids by five months, which will fall very close to the end of the fiscal year in September. (WAMU)
Burlesque show in Chinatown?
Chinatown could become home to a burlesque nightclub. Opponents in the neighborhood have labeled it a strip club. The building’s owner says DC should have a red light district. (Post)
On the waterfront
The Old Dominion Boat Club in Alexandria has unveiled plans for its new building. The rest of the Alexandria waterfront is taking shape, with plans for a waterfront walkway, flood mitigation, and new hotels. (Post)
The College Park try
Can College Park become a true “college town”? A partnership between the city and university is bringing lots of new development, but also trying to preserve its small-town feel. (Washingtonian)
Towers in a park
What should happen to a big property in Bethesda that is now on the market? Currently home to three radio towers, the land is zoned for single-family houses, but the area could use more parkland. (BethesdaNow)
Frozen
Most of the Chesapeake Bay is frozen. The bay has a larger expanse of ice than last year. Tangier Island had to receive provisions by Army National Guard helicopter, and the Coast Guard sent cutters to break up the ice. (Post)
Not enough bikeways
Bike advocates are disappointed with the seven miles of bike lanes DDOT plans to install in 2015. Most are painted bike lanes or “sharrows,” with no major new protected bikeways in the works. (WTOP)
Capitol Hill grinch
Kids have often enjoyed sledding on the Capitol grounds, but this weekend police put a stop to the fun. One congressman put a stop to the sledding because he didn’t like how it would look. (Heard on the Hill)
And…
Here’s the Oscar for most eco-friendly actor. (Next City) … DC is teaming up with activists to teach kids not to litter. (WAMU) … Watch Metro start installation on a new escalator in Bethesda. (BethesdaNow)