Breakfast links: Big votes on money
What’s in the DC budget?
In: $1.5 million for Bruce-Monroe’s temporary urbanism, and sales taxes on soda along with Healthy Schools. Out: a tax hike on the wealthy to pay for social services, raiding the bag fee fund and $3 meters. Also out, but not reported as far as I can see: money to replace coin meters with credit card meters. (Park View DC, Post, Examiner)
Fares hike may be approved today
WMATA Board members are close to a deal to raise fares about 15% with a 20¢ peak of the peak. They are also likely to start buying new railcars and enter into a new advertising contract worth about a third of the last one, which was negotiated at the height of the advertising market. (Post)
Motivated seller
By far the cleverest response to yesterday’s streetcar cut (before its restoration) was this Craigslist ad by Frozen Tropics
Dave Stroup offering “Barely used streetcar equipment for sale, LIKE NEW, $9000000 (Greenbelt, MD).” (Actually, the three existing cars are for the Anacostia line, but still.) (Frozen Tropics)
N Street eclipse
The Historic Preservation Review Board today will review the proposed “N Street Follies” hotel, which could plunge the adjacent Tabard Inn into darkness. (Post) … I’m testifying for shaving off some of the rear addition that will cast the shadow.
How you talk about it matters
When gas tax hike supporters and media articles talk about “crumbling infrastructure” and “economic progress,” proposals are more likely to pass than when coverage focuses on closing long-term budget gaps, a University of Vermont report found. (Streetsblog Capitol Hill)
And…
Consider volunteering for CSG to help the region’s best smart growth organization! … Neil Flanagan is going to Yale, but won’t stop posting here entirely … Fairfax’s Planning Commission will vote on the Alcorn plan today. (Post)
Up in Maryland
The Maryland MTA has had over 800 meetings at UMD and in College Park about the Purple Line (Housing Complex) … Baltimore’s version of SmarTrip, the Charm Card, is still not ready after seven years (WBAL) … Prince George’s police have created a new unit to focus on traffic safety and enforcement. (Crime Scene, Stephen Miller)
In the west
San Jose, California’s airport might get PRT (MercuryNews, David C) … What would LA look like with no cars? (Michael P.) … Can we improve on the simple stop sign? Maybe. (Slate)