Breakfast links: Purple people mover
Purple planning in Bethesda
Bethesda’s Apex Building may become three highrise buildings and a Purple Line station. The redevelopment could also incorporate an underground tunnel for the Capital Crescent Trail. (Bethesda Magazine)
Take it or leave it
Most DC residents support the idea of paid family leave, but only when the employer has to pitch in to the fund. The debate DC Council will debate whether to tax employers or employees at a hearing today. (Post)
Perilous platforms
Overcrowding in stations is dangerous, and WMATA’s new safety oversight office is trying to curb it. The feds are looking into a complaint that poor directions and cramped conditions put riders “close to a deadly incident.” (WAMU)
Fund us, finally
Congress has finally agreed on five years’ worth of transportation funding. There’s money for transit, bike and pedestrian programs, and faster installation of positive train control, along with more roads. (Post)
Public pier coming soon
The 7th Street Recreational Pier, public space tied to “The Wharf”, a development that’s in the works, may be here sooner than planned. The pier is set to have retail, benches, swings, and a gathering area at the end. (WBJ)
More cycling in Virginia
Northern Virginia has 230 more miles of bike lanes, paths, and trails today than in 2003, and VDOT is working to update its plans for more. Overall, the demand for bike-friendly routes continues to rise. (TheWashCycle)
Glimmer of hope
Once a premier shipping destination, City Place Mall in Silver Spring fell into disrepair in recent years. With mixed-use centers becoming more popular, are new tenants and a facelift enough to save an indoor mall? (Post)
Benefits of density
Cities can be stressful, but living close to public transportation and in dense urban environments could actually cut people’s likelihood of getting depressed because moving and socializing are easier. (CityLab)
And…
Locally crafted goods may soon be branded with a “Made in DC” label. (City Paper) … A park in England is painting reflective stripes on wild ponies so that drivers stop hitting them. (CityLab, KC) … A local jazz duo has immortalized the golden rule of Metro with a song called “Stand Right.” (Post)