Breakfast links: Governors versus transit
Purple Line money’s there, just not there
When Maryland gubernatorial candidate Bob Ehrlich says “the dollars aren’t there” for the Purple Line, what he really means is that he doesn’t want the money to be there. Erlich aides said halting the project along with Baltimore’s Red Line would save money that could instead be spent on roads. (Post, ACT) (Tip: Cavan)
Christie cancels ARC, again
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has re-canceled the ARC tunnel for good, citing cost overruns. (WNYC) … Senator Frank Lautenberg blasts the decision, and Friends of the Earth observes that Christie had no problem saddling the state with debt for NJ Turnpike improvements. Yonah Freemark says it’s time to consider what else will improve transit in New Jersey and the NEC.
Another near miss on Metro uncovered
In September, WMATA track inspectors experienced a “near-miss” on the tracks south of National Airport. Workers reported the incident and Metro is blaming a communication breakdown. (WTOP)
Where will Ward 8 go?
When the 2010 Census numbers roll in, DC will redraw ward boundaries, and Ward 8 will have to get larger. Marion Barry may seek to add the Southwest Waterfront to his ward. (City Paper, Eric Fidler)
What to do with Bruce Monroe?
The former site of Bruce Monroe Elementary School continues to spark controversy over whether to restore a school at the site and more. Construction on a new school, if the site gets one, likely won’t start until 2018. (DCist)
How to make ANCs lean less anti
Matt Yglesias suggests giving ANCs a stake in retail success in their areas. That might remove the incentives to just oppose or to hold up support for new cafes to squeeze out financial or other benefits.
Old Town Alexandria meters get cheaper
The Alexandria City Council voted to lower the parking rate at Old Town meters by 50 cents, ostensibly to make payment easier, until new multi-space meters can be installed. (Alexandria.gov)
Use a car tire to inflate a bike tire
Lifehacker provides instructions on how to jimmy a hose that will take air pressure from a car tire and reroute to a bike tire. This tip can be used for good or evil. A lively discussion ensues of the ethics of air theft.
And…
Anti-terrorist plate scanners found the Jeep belonging to a murdered professor. (Jalopnik, charlie) … Someone in New York has posted their own service announcements on the G train. (Oddly Specific, Gavin) … 14th Street will get another new condo building, but it will at least incorporate the abandoned historic building on the block. (DCmud) (Tip: charlie)