Breakfast links: Washington City Paper is going to be all right
Long live City Paper
Businessman and philanthropist Mark Ein has purchased Washington City Paper. Ein will not take an editorial role in the paper and has instead assembled an “alumni group” of former City Paper writers, such as Jake Tapper and Ta-Nehisi Coates, to advise the paper on editorial matters. (Andrew Beaujon / Washingtonian)
Two Dupont developers are getting questionable tax breaks
Should two commercial properties in Dupont receive exemptions from paying property taxes? Local ANC leaders say no, but the proposals championed by the city council would provide tax breaks to a new hotel on Connecticut Avenue and to the Masonic temple on 16th Street. (Andrew Giambrone / City Paper)
Smithsonian has a new plan for the South Mall revamp
The Smithsonian on the South Mall is ready for an overhaul, and the organization has selected a plan that would move administrative functions out of the Smithsonian Castle, expand several of the gardens, and create a new underground visitor center. (Michael Niebauer / Business Journal)
Prepay your property taxes to get a deduction? It’s complicated
A provision in the recently-passed federal tax bill will limit deductions of state and local taxes to $10,000. This will most likely affect large numbers of DC, Maryland and Virginia residents, who are now looking into whether or not they can prepay their 2018 property taxes to avoid the new law. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
Hop-backs are ready for their time in the spotlight
The much maligned pop-up, when homeowners continuously build additions vertically, could have some competition. Hop-backs, a second structure on the property joined to the street-facing structure by a “meaningful connection,” seem to be gaining in popularity. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
Arlington scores a platinum “LEED for Communities” award
The US Green Building Council has named Arlington County the first platinum award winner under its new LEED for Communities program. The designation recognizes the county's large-scale adoption of long-term sustainability plans. (Arlington County)
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