Breakfast links: Groundhog Day

6 more weeks of… winter?

Puxutawney Phil’s “long-lost cousin,” Potomac Phil, had his own Groundhog Day celebration in Dupont Circle this morning. Organizers couldn’t find a live groundhog (the Zoo has none), so they had to use a stuffed one, at least this year. (Post)

House transpo bill to markup

The House’s bad transportation bill goes through markup today, and a few amendments could help.  Advocacy groups are asking people to contact their representatives to support restoring bike and pedestrian funding. (Streetsblog, Bike League)  (Tip: LouDC)

Metro finds more cracks

Metro has found cracked rails at an increasing rate over the past three years.  Part of the reason is the age of the system, but they also have gotten better at finding them. (Examiner)

Not terribly deliberate speed

In DC and nationwide, segregation is in decline.  But DC is desegregating slower than other cities, with large tracts that are entirely black or entirely white not seeing much integration. (City Paper)

Main drag a drag

College Park has the density to support many establishments but Route 1’s lack of walkability severely limits businesses.  Traffic calming and wider sidewalks could help make Route 1 a real main street. (Rethink College Park)

Food deserts not a huge issue?

A new survey shows that most urban families are satisfied with their access to food, but grocery prices and having time to cook were more pressing concerns. (WAMU)

Public safety and history collide

The Palisades firehouse needs larger vehicle doors, but that would significantly change the historic structure, which HPRB probably can’t allow under preservation laws. The Mayor’s Agent can. (Georgetown Dish)

Preservation group didn’t stall Met Branch

Owners of the Silver Spring B&O Station were initially blamed for blocking the Metropolitan Branch Trail, but their executive director insists they support the trail. So what happened? (Silver Spring Trails)

And…

Competition may encourage embassies to go green. (City Paper) … Walter Reed won’t be the new home for the FBI. (City Paper) … It’s time for TIGER IV. (Streetsblog) … The Bethesda Metro tunnel will get some art. (Patch)