Breakfast links: Governments get the message

MPD issues cyclist mea culpa

DC’s Police Complaints Board found several instances of police officers incorrectly blaming cyclists during collisions with motorists.  The board recommends improved officer training and better report filing procedures. (Post)

Maryland getting tougher on bad drivers

Maryland is making texting while driving a primary offense.  The state will also allow criminal prosecution of negligent drivers who kill cyclists or pedestrians.  Previously, such drivers only faced fines. (Post)

Housing prices are more than supply and demand

Increasing a neighborhood’s housing supply won’t hold down prices if new neighborhood amenities accompany the new housing.  In fact, newcomers may fight newer development projects. (Forbes)

Whither the young preservationists?

Preservationists saved much of DC’s beautiful architecture from demolition. Now that the heavy lifting is done, is attention to decks, windows and compatibility of new buildings antagonizing the public? (City Paper)

Arlington hires celebrity planner

Arlington has hired Peter Katz, who literally wrote the book on New Urbanism, as its planning director.  Mr. Katz is a strong advocate of zoning codes that focus on physical form more than use. (Arlington Co, Dan Malouff)

ANCs make their own rules

A Ward 5 ANC stands accused of misappropriation of tax dollars, illegal secrecy, and general irresponsibility. Several DC officials admit they have no legal means to force ANCs to obey the law. (Washington Times)

Some stations have 4th, 5th, and 6th rails

WMATA is storing replacement rails on the trackbed so they can install the new rails quickly during upcoming maintenance sessions. The new rails are clamped together lest they get loose. (HuffPo DC)

Is Southwest DC historic enough?

Southwest DC, with its towers in the park and segregated uses, is undoubtedly a product of its time.  One preservationist says it’s as worthy of historic preservation as Capitol Hill and Georgetown. (City Paper)

It’s curtains for the Lincoln Theatre

The Lincoln Theatre on U Street is nearing bankruptcy.  Its board blames the mayor for not subsidizing it enough and they demand another city bailout. (Washington Times)

And…

Height limits, historic preservation, and taxes are scapegoated for the pinball museum’s closure. (HuffPo DC) … NPS spokesman Bill Line bikes. (Washcycle) … Metro faced radio trouble during yesterday’s commute. (DCist)