Photo by TheLivingRoom­inKenmore on Flickr.

Gray to announce DDOT head

Mayor Gray is expected to announce his pick for Director of DDOT at a press briefing this morning. There’s a possibility he will give the job to current interim director Terry Bellamy. (Housing Complex)  

Poor bear brunt of DC cuts

Prior to Mayor Gray and council’s proposals to cut more social services, the state of services was so bad that a mother and baby were turned away from shelter with instructions to ride the bus all night long. DC’s Democrats are following the national trend of rightward shifting priorities. (Huffington Post)  

Bixi in trouble

Bixi, Montreal’s bikesharing system and the maker of DC’s vehicles, is in financial trouble. They’ll keep delivering vehicles to DC but future cities will need to use other companies; will they be compatible? (AltTransport)  

Bus pass holders still paying

Something didn’t go quite right when WMATA implemented SmarTrip weekly bus passes, because fare boxes have still been collecting single-ride fares from pass holders. (WUSA)  

Bringing down Skyland

The city could begin demolition of Skyland Shopping Center as early as the fall. The city is currently working with the residents to determine interim uses, until the full redevelopment can begin. (Examiner, Veronica D.)  (Tip: Veronica D.)  

Faster is safer in Prince William?

A curving, hilly section of road in Prince William County has been the site of several fatal accidents, caused by speeding or wildlife. The County’s solution: flatten out the road so people can easily drive faster. (Post)  

ANC objects to students testifying

Georgetown’s ANC objected to letting students testify out of turn on the Campus Plan. Their turn would normally come at the next meeting, but the school year would be over and many would be away. Zoning Commission chair Anthony Hood let them speak. (DC Students Speak)  

A chat with DHCD Director

The new DHCD Director John Hall talks development oversight, rent control, tenant purchase and gentrification with Lydia DePillis. The former HUD executive wants to improve home ownership-readiness of the city’s lower income residents. (Housing Complex)  

NPS to improve Mall wayfinding

The Mall will be getting 500 new wayfinding signs to help visitors orient themselves and find various sites. The Park Service is also developing free apps for visitors to use on the Mall. (TBD, Bob B.)