Breakfast links: Site debate
Strategic areas for tall buildings?
Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the Height Act. DCmud reviews its history and suggests relaxing it in key areas outside the L’Enfant City, like Marshall Heights, Deanwood, or where East Capitol or Georgia Avenue cross the DC line as Paris did with La Défense. … NCPC has now posted a transcript and podcast of Larry Beasley’s talk.
Gas station worse next to community pool or Metro?
The Post covers the Wheaton Costco gas station controversy. The Planning Board rejected the idea because it wouldn’t make Wheaton more walkable, but some neighbors are suggesting an alternate gas station location that’s actually far closer to the Metro. County Councilmembers seem to be waiting until after the September primary to decide.
Fix it
An outside expert will evaluate Metro’s elevator and escalator problems, and Interim GM Sarles appointed a new head of customer service … Crews are trying to shore up the sinking Jefferson Memorial. (Post)
More Council votes
Besides approving required sidewalks, the DC Council also set up a referendum on an elected attorney general for November, and postponed action on Mayor Fenty’s nomination to chair the Zoning Commission. (Post, Housing Complex)
Youth driving less because…
It’d be a stretch to say that youth driving has declined because of the Internet, but whether from more walkable areas, higher gas prices, tougher rules for getting driver’s licenses, and/or the Internet, fewer teens have licenses, which could certainly affect the way young people think about transportation policy. (Infectious Greed via @ryanavent)
No grocery store since…
Residents of Near Southeast pushed for a grocery store in their neighborhood… back in 1965. (JDLand)
DIY subway
One man in Russia is single-handedly building a subway system underneath his neighborhood. He has been working on it since 1984. It even has permits. (English Russia via Planetizen)
And…
Today’s Kojo show will discuss Maryland’s prosecution of people who videotape police … Can you really call the tire store that burned a landmark? (Post) … BRAC traffic still vexing (Connection) … Wiehle development was approved (Post) … Rockville passes green building codes. (Gazette)