Breakfast links: California’s high-speed rail, the nation’s largest infrastructure project, is being scaled back
Computer-generated image of the proposed high-speed trains for use in California. Image by California High-Speed Rail Authority.
California’s high-speed rail project has been cut back
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced he wants to scale back a $77-billion high-speed train project, slated to run between Los Angeles and San Francisco, because it would be too costly and time-consuming to execute. Some point out his plan isn't all that different from the previous governor's. (Ralph Vartabedian / LA Times, Jeff Davis / Eno Center for Transportation)
Governor Hogan won’t build a football stadium at Oxon Cove
Governor Larry Hogan still wants Maryland to take over the federal land at Oxon Cove Park, next to National Harbor, but he no longer intends to use it for a new NFL stadium. DC is now the only local jurisdiction interested in a stadium, but some councilmembers and residents are saying #HailNo. (Liz Clarke and Ovetta Wiggins / Post)
Make transit-oriented plans for Valentine’s Day
Pick your favorite mode of transit from a helpful Valentine's mobility flowchart to plan your perfect urbanist date. (Tasha Arreza, and Jenna Fortunati / Mobility Lab)
Metro may commit to current hours of operations for another year
This Thursday, the Metro Board is expected to vote to keep the current hours for the system in place until at least July 2020. The DC representatives on the Metro board had pushed to expand service hours, but Maryland, Virginia, and federal representatives opposed that plan. (Max Smith / WTOP)
DC pushes back a homeless services center opening days before the ribbon cutting
DC and the Downtown BID planned to open the Downtown Day Services center this week, offering a safe indoor space with wraparound services to people experiencing homelessness. Construction delays have pushed that date to February 25, further behind the original planned opening in November. (Natalie Delgadillo / DCist)
DC shows off plans for a new “town square” at the St. Elizabeths campus
A new development adjacent to the Congress Heights Metro station and the Wizard's practice arena will have office space, retail, 288 housing untis including affordable family units, and the first hotel east of the Anacostia. (Andrew Giambrone / Curbed)
An apartment in Rockville will be designed with adults with disabilities in mind
A 70-unit apartment under construction in Rockville will set aside a quarter of its units for disabled tenants and include an on-site cafe, movie theater, and wellness center to provide venues for residents and neighbors to engage and socialize. (Tara Bahrampour / Post)
Derwood residents want buildings, not school buses next door
Residents started a petition to spur Montgomery County to move a school bus parking lot and make room for a development that includes 700 housing units. A planning document from 2006 first called for moving the bus depot, but county leaders haven't been able to find another place for it yet. (Caitlynn Peetz / Bethesda Beat)
Maryland and Virginia want to send students back to school before Labor Day
Both state legislatures are working on bills that would overturn current state laws preventing the school year from starting before the holiday. In Virginia, several local school systems had already obtained waivers allowing them to start before the Labor Day limit. (Alex Koma / ARLnow, Ovetta Wiggins / Post)
Reston pedestrians need more streetlights
A district supervisor from Hunter Mills said that Reston needs new streetlights to better illuminate pedestrian paths and sidewalks. Fairfax County is currently replacing its streetlights with energy-efficient LED bulbs. (Vernon Miles / RestonNow)
An Ohio man is calling attention to the danger drivers pose to wheelchair pedestrians
Neil Kelly was hit by two SUVs and a van while using his wheelchair in crosswalks and curb cuts over the past 10 months. Kelly said he'd just like it to stop; pedestrians who are using wheelchairs are 36% more likely to be killed in traffic than those who aren't. (Hannah Sparling / Cincinnati Enquirer)
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