Reston Town Center by citta-vita on Flickr.

Reston rising

A new community group in Reston is pushing to increase density around its proposed Metro stations. The group building heights of up to 350 feet, to ensure that the expected 26,000 jobs and 7,000 residential units do not gobble up prized green space. But Reston founder Robert E. Simon, a prominent figure in the community, wants to preserve a “suburban feel.” (Fairfax Times)  

An even better Frederick

Its downtown already being acknowledged as one of the 10 best neighborhoods by the American Planning Association, Frederick is going through a planning and public involvement process to redevelop an aging 1970’s era retail corridor. Plans discussed include smaller blocks, mixed use development, and pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets. (Examiner, Frederick News-Post)  

Walter Reed is Metro-accessible

Most news articles about Walter Reed say it’s not accessible by Metro, but actually it’s 5 blocks from Takoma if there were a new entrance added on Dahlia Street. (The Brightwoodian)  

O’Malley, Ehrlich spar

Governor O’Malley and Bob Ehrlich debated yesterday. Ehrlich was colorful and animated, O’Malley more cautious, but he beat back Erhlich’s barbs. (Post) … With his Purple Line opposition and education formula, Ehrlich seems to have given up on Montgomery County. (Gazette)  

VRE breaks own record

Virginia Railway Express set a single-day ridership record Wednesday, with more than 19,322 passenger trips. (Post, mcs)  (Tip: mcs)  

Live atop a church

A church in Clarendon is adding 8 floors of apartments, about 2/3 affordable, atop their building (but not taller than the steeple). Other churches in the area and around the nation are watching this as a potential model for how to deal with shrinking congregations. (Examiner)  

Be nice, taxi drivers

Alexandria may require all taxi drivers to be polite, “not just to their passengers but at all times to city officials and people on the street.” Cabbies say that’s not reasonable. (Examiner)