Morning links: Dealing with delays
Streetcars delayed a year, but streetscape done
The H Street streetcars, which were supposed to start running next year, won’t run until late 2013. DDOT’s original construction timeline might have been unrealistic. (WTOP)
The delay doesn’t mean disruptions all along H Street will continue, though; that construction has now ended, and there’s a celebratory event at 10 am at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.
DC supports red light cameras
IIHS polled drivers in 15 cities with red light cameras, and found strong majorities in all but Long Beach, CA. DC had the strongest support, with 78% approving of the cameras. (WTOP)
Mayor wants more police
Mayor Gray wants to use unexpected tax revenue to hire more police. Meanwhile, the council is questioning reimbursement rates for a medical contract that happens to go to one of DC’s biggest political donors. (Post, City Paper)
All bets may be off
The DC Council is questioning the online gambling program it passed with little scrutiny as part of the budget. Both Michael Brown and Jack Evans have potential conflicts of interest on the issue. Defending his actions because others do the same, Brown says “that’s the world we live in.” (Post, WAMU)
BZA might reread library plans
DC’s Board of Zoning Adjustment, with its new member, may block the expansion of the Mt. Pleasant Library. DCPL is expected to take the board to court if that happens. (City Paper)
How about affordable housing?
Fairfax County has cuts its affordable housing spending and is behind on its goals for 2020. (Post) … Some Montgomery officials are concerned that zoning changes don’t give high enough priority to that county’s affordable housing program. (Gazette, Stephen Miller)
PG mulls liquor regulations
The county’s liquor board heard a litany of worries about home deliveries of alcohol to college students, the aesthetics of liquor store signs, and the image of the county. (Post)
A park for a school
Rather than busing their children 3 hours to a temporary school during construction, parents at Farquhar Middle School in Olney want the new school built on a neighboring park. When the new school is finished, the old school would become the new park. (TBD)
And…
The dead can vote (sorta) in Virginia starting Friday. (AP) … A Solar Decathlon house will go to Habitat for Humanity. (TBD) … Leslie Johnson will likely plead guilty today to corruption-related charges. (Post)