Photo by danmachold on Flickr.

Free marketeers for government subsidies

Another “free market” think tank argues for more government services where that service is parking. They acknowledge that full parking is a problem of supply and demand, but insist the only solution is to increase supply by government action. (Sightline Daily)  

Market-rate hate crimes

Two white, gay men who moved into two of a small number of market-rate units in otherwise affordable 1400 block of R Street, NW were beat up by neighborhood youth. Rather than be proactive, the MPD told them to walk on the other side of the street and the management said to quit stirring up trouble. (TBD)  

Reckless driver sues victim’s family

A Connecticut man who struck and killed a 14 year old boy on his bike has sued the family, claiming they are responsible for their son’s death because they didn’t make him wear a helmet. Never mind the driver was going 83 in a 45 zone. (Associated Press)  

Gray might raise parking taxes

Mayor-elect Vince Gray is looking at a parking tax increase on private garages to close the budget deficit.  (Loose Lips) … While they’re at it, how about closing the loophole for garage spaces that are given out for free? Plus, here were our suggestions last time for revenue increases.  

Tregoning for DMPED?

Jonathan O’Connell rounds up speculaton about candidates for Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The list includes Harriet Tregoning, who would bring the “Planning” back into the job, and WMATA real estate head Steven Goldin, who isn’t like most other people at WMATA. (Capital Business)  

Security theater proliferates at area airports

Overshadowing a variety of positive improvements at the DC region’s airport is the addition of backscatter full-body security scanners, or rather intrusive, full-body pat-downs for those who opt out. Widely varied groups are decrying the new security measures while the Obama administration toes the security theater line. (Dr. Gridlock, Daily Paul, Flyers Rights, The Atlantic)  

NoMA is in good shape

Some worry that NoMA’s abundant office space will inhibit a lively neighborhood.  But its proliferation of housing, as well as an engaged BID will save it from the fate of L’Enfant Plaza. (Housing Complex, NoMa BID, Eric Fidler)  (Tip: Eric Fidler)  

And…

The space under Georgetown’s new Wisconsin Avenue Safeway has fallen prey to “CVS syndrome,” covering up its windows. (Georgetown Metropolitan) … The Washington, DC Economic Partnership has a healthy appreciation for irony on building heights. (Housing Complex) … The Reeves Center will get the District’s first electric vehicle charging station. (WTOP)