Breakfast links: Transit access, not distance, matters most for commuters
Less transit means longer commutes for the eastern half of the region
Commuters in the western half of our region can get to where they're going much faster than those in the the eastern half, regardless of the actual distance, due to huge disparities in access to transit networks like Metro stations. (Post)
Four ways to help fix Metro that are actually attainable
Here's one realistic, consistent, and carefully compromised proposal to fix Metro: change labor practices through the existing arbitration process to improve accountability, institute a regional sales tax, shrink and reform the WMATA board, and allow an outside group to take over if reforms don't happen. (Robert McCartney / Post)
How colleges in the region make their neighborhoods better places
The University of Maryland, Catholic University, and Gallaudet University all actively brought new development near their campuses, which has since improved quality of life and set off the addition of new amenities to nearby neighborhoods. (Dan Reed / Washingtonian)
Our region is building up new neighborhoods, not just new buildings
Capitol Crossing and the Wharf in the District, downtown Columbia in Maryland, and Tysons in Virginia are all essentially new neighborhoods developers have built from the ground up, with a focus on urban living and access to transit. (Marisa M. Kashino / Washingtonian)
DC landlords could play a greater role in addressing homelessness
The District is seeking help from private landlords to provide housing for the homeless. That could be a much cheaper alternative to the current system of using local hotels, which costs about $80,000 per day. (Andrew Giambrone / City Paper)
Free parking at the National Mall is no more
Metered parking spaces are coming to the National Mall soon. The National Park Service hopes the new system will drive more people to use transit and expand access to the Mall with higher turnover in parking spaces. (WJLA)
New businesses pop up to handle DC’s baby boom
There aren't enough entertainment options available for all the new infants and toddlers in the District. A new Barracks Row community center hopes to address this by providing an array of programs for both children and their parents. (Rachel Nania / WTOP)
What does the future hold for Cleveland Park?
Cleveland Park has largely stayed the same as many other DC neighborhoods rapidly changed over the past 10 years. Some residents want to retain Cleveland Park's suburban feel, but quite a few are more welcoming of new development. (Zak Salih / UrbanTurf)