Breakfast links: We could have nice things
Tear it down
The District could create a new neighborhood and reconnect Navy Yard with the rest of the city by tearing down the Southeast-Southwest Freeway. There could be 44 new city blocks with homes, office space, retail, cultural space, and more. (Washingtonian)
DCRA fail
At a Council oversight hearing for the DC Department of Regulartory and Consumer Affairs, residents lined up to show that the agency is failing to protect the public. The agency has not been following through with building inspections and didn’t even provide information online. (Wash. Times)
Streetcar haters gonna hate
People have complained a lot about the new streetcar but on Monday some of them realized it’s a pretty smooth ride. Though some still criticized it, they had to admit it got them where they needed to go. (Post)
Rand won’t ride
Senator Rand Paul complained that the DC streetcar is an example of government waste. He complained about the line even though federal funding wasn’t used for it. He also used the moment to criticize Metro. (Roll Call)
Housing and poverty linked
Poor people get trapped in a cycle of awful housing conditions. When they can’t even afford that, they struggle in a cycle of eviction and poverty. A universal voucher could help families choose better homes. (Post)
USDOT threats
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx threatened to withhold transportation funding from Virginia and Maryland if district and state officials do not create a new Metro safety committee this year. (WAMU)
Buzzard Point Marina closed
Several boats are still docked in the now-closed Buzzard Point Marina. They need to go before the National Park Service and others redevelop the space into a park. (WTOP)
Let’s move beyond the automobile
Streets are not just for cars. The public spaces-necessary for walking, biking, and transit - can improve public health and increase social cohesion. (Post)