Breakfast links: Fewer in the force
Police part with DC
DC’s police force is shrinking. Why? Chief Lanier says it’s just officers, hired during a spree in the 1980s, retiring, but many say they left out of frustration with policies, compensation issues, and a culture they say doesn’t support proactive police work. (City Paper)
Fewer black cops
In DC, black officers now make up just 55% of the police force, compared to 67% in 1998. Is it a problem? Some say it fits the city’s changing demographics, but others worry white officers will struggle to effectively patrol black neighborhoods. (Washingtonian)
Courts on Brookland density
DC courts have rejected plans for a six-story, 200-unit apartment building near the Brookland Metro, saying it’s too big for the location, even though the ANC, Office of Planning, and Zoning Commission support it. (WBJ)
DC’s most dangerous intersections
DDOT wants to make changes at its five most dangerous intersections, including repainting bike lanes (14th St and Columbia) and changing traffic rules (Firth Stirling Ave and Suitland Pkwy). (WTOP)
MoCo hikes property taxes
Montgomery County property taxes will increase by 9% this year to help decrease overcrowding and close the minority achievement gap at county schools. (Post)
Sports facility for more housing
A Loudoun developer will build an indoor sports facility for the county in exchange for approval to build nearly 700 more residential units at its huge mixed-use development in Ashburn. (WBJ)
Subways show their age
As city populations boom, subway systems in New York, Boston, and DC are struggling to keep overcrowding and delays at bay, thanks to years of lacking investment in rail infrastructure and maintenance. (NYT)