Photo by keever04 on Flickr.

DC homeowners

DC’s hot real estate market is a boon for home sellers. This year, sellers gained an average of $108,000 from sales. Even sellers who sold their homes soon after buying made large gains. Meanwhile, homeowners in the District pay the lowest property taxes in the region. (District Measured, City Paper)  

Landowners win

Landowners command a rising share of the national income. Strict building regulations drive profits in desirable areas toward current property owners while renters and workers lose out. (Vox)  

Defending the Poor Door

Allowing developers to provide separate access to affordable units leads to greater integration says one author. If true, changing “Poor Door” policies means a trade off between equity and equality. (Rooflines)  

Not in my (former) back yard

A Portland women petitions to stop the redevelopment of her former property after learning that the new owner plans to demolish the house and build town homes in its place. (KATU)  

WMATA inspectors wanted

The Federal Transit Authority will be hiring contractors so the agency can inspect and oversee WMATA’s safety. The FTA now has safety oversight authority over WMATA yet it has never performed this task before. (WAMU)  

Powered by Metro

Metro may restore service at Stadium-Armory by the end of the year, much sooner than expected. Officials believe that equipment damaged in a fire last month can be repaired and put to use until replacements arrive. (DCist)  

Tolls ahead

VDOT’s plans to toll I-66 and use the money for multi-modal improvements won approval from the regional transportation board. The milestone makes the project eligible for federal funding but it’s still not a done deal. (WAMU)  

Bi-county support for HOT lanes

Fairfax and Montgomery County leaders want to combat gridlock on the American Legion Bridge with HOT lanes. The counties issued a joint appeal to the governors of Maryland and Virginia backing the plan. (WTOP)  

New rides for MPD

DC police are rolling out an improved fleet of patrol bikes. The new bikes are more durable and equipped with flashing lights and sirens. Are they also a sign that the city is getting more bike friendly? (Post)  

Dude, where’s my streetcar?

Back in the 1950s one streetcar operator was taking a late night coffee break when someone stole his streetcar. Larry Kenney said he wouldn’t want to drive the new streetcar because there are too many cars on the road. (Post)