Breakfast links: Let’s ride!
Streetcars are open
For the first time in over 50 years, streetcars are operating in the District. Mayor Bowser hopes it will extend across the Anacostia River and connect to the Metro there. (WAMU) … Here are some key numbers about the line. (City Paper)
Retired trains
WMATA has started pulling its non-revenue 1000-series rail cars off the line, and the first fleet versions will begin their journey to a Balitmore scrap yard on March 15. The 2009 Red Line tragedy exposed safety problems with the cars. (Post)
Separation of powers?
The National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial will add an underground museum with two pavilions flanking the entrance to the DC Court of Appeals. The chief judge says it’s wrong to make people walk past pavilions honoring police on the way to court. (Post)
11th Street bridge in 2019
It’s taking a little longer than planned to build a park on the old 11th Street Bridge piers; the project will take until at least 2019, not the 2018 estimated last year. (City Paper)
Fix Fed buildings
General Services Administration can’t get anyone to fix up ugly federal buildings just south of the National Mall along Independence Avenue SW. The large, complicated buildings present a challenge for most developers. (Post)
Shelter-skelter
Massachusetts Avenue Heights residents are up in arms about a proposed homeless shelter in their neighborhood, but studies in other cities show shelters don’t necessarily lead to higher crime or lower property values. (Post)
Baker attacks Hogan
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker attacked Maryland Governor Larry Hogan for making decisions based on politics. Baker may be setting himself up for a future run for governor. (Post)
The architecture of oppression
A number of DC buildings bring back painful memories of the District’s days of slavery and segregation. (Post)