Breakfast links: Clearing the smoke
Sleeveless
Power cables involved in the January smoke incident on Metro might have lacked sealing sleeves to keep out contaminants leading to short circuiting and smoke. Metro officials have indicated that 80% of the connectors lack sleeves and the agency gave maintenance crews latitude about when to install them. (Post)
Transit oriented library
The new Silver Spring Library will open on Saturday complete with a future Purple Line station, cafe, art gallery and other multi-use spaces. Since 1998, the project evolved from a new library and civic center to this new space. (Gazette)
Innovation initiated
Fairfax County broke ground on the Innovation Center South development, next to the future Innovation Center Silver Line station. The mixed use site will include a hotel, retail, apartments, and offices. (WTOP)
Taxi complaints
DC taxi drivers are getting notices of complaints dated as far back as 2012. The letters from the DC Taxicab Commission requires drivers to go through mediation but they are not clear about the infractions. (WAMU)
Still popping
A new DC zoning rule to limit rowhouse pop-ups to 35 feet will not take effect immediately. The Zoning Commission has not issued a rulemaking notice, and building permits in the pipeline now will be reviewed under current rules. (WBJ)
The return of Gray
Former DC mayor Vincent Gray says he hasn’t ruled out running for a seat on the DC Council. He has stayed out of the spotlight since his term ended, and federal prosecutors investigating his 2010 campaign haven’t charged him. (WAMU)
City Place facelift
Silver Spring’s City Place mall is getting a facelift and a new name, Ellsworth Place. New stores and additional entrances on Ellsworth Drive and Colesville Road should help the mall attract shoppers from area street traffic. (Gazette)
And…
Municipal pools like the Takoma Aquatic Center can bring together diverse communities. (Route Fifty) … Urban sprawl has been declining since 1994. (CityLab) … Find out what you’re breathing when you ride your bike. (Transportation Nation)