Breakfast links: The Metro Safety Commission will likely be another six months
The Metro Safety Commission still a long way from ready
The Metro Safety Commission (MSC) is still about six months away from launching, though the date was originally set for February 2017. DC has yet to appoint its commissioners, but Mayor Muriel Bowser did just nominate her pick. (Faiz Siddiqui / Post)
Why one DC gas station owner can’t use the land for apartments
A law from the 1970s is stopping a developer from tearing down a gas station for new apartments. The developer is suing the city for the right to develop his property as he sees fit, while the city maintains that the restriction is necessary to ensure gasoline remains available for residents. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
How do school districts decide to cancel school?
Winter weather can pose challenges and hazards for students and teachers getting to school. In the Washington region, large counties like Montgomery County in Maryland must consider a variety of conditions when deciding to cancel school. (Kate McGee / WAMU)
Pre-K programs across DC are subject to different regulations
Though DC is a national leader in pre-K education, a patchwork of programs deliver these services, meaning that they are not all subject to the same regulations. This has led to confusing expectations for parents and uneven access for children. (Rachel Cohen / City Paper)
Cycling on Columbia Pike appears to be getting more hazardous
A recent increase in accidents between cyclists and drivers on Columbia Pike in Arlington concerns local businesses. A local bike store manager has seen the uptick firsthand, even as law enforcement have increased their attention. (Chris Teale / Arlington Now)
DC is auctioning vacant lots off to increase workforce housing
To help clear the number of vacant properties across the city, DC will auction off 35 vacant or unimproved lots as a part of the city's Vacant to Vibrant initiative. The auction is expected to yield approximately 50 units of workforce housing. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
DC’s Golden Triangle haiku contest is back
It may be nine degrees today (seriously) but the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District (BID) is already looking towards spring. This year’s theme for their annual Golden Haiku is “Spring in the City.” Come March, they will decorate downtown DC with haikus submitted from the public. (Michelle Goldchain / Curbed DC)
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