Mega afternoon links: All the stuff I didn’t get to write about this week
The District:
- DDOT has rejected several suggestions for pedestrian improvements in Mount Vernon Square. Neighborhood resident Matt Yglesias is not pleased. (Life in Mount Vernon Square)
- The bad economy may deter legal challenges to DC representation in the House, if the voting rights bill passes. (DCist)
- Bicycle police harassed a cyclist downtown, telling him (incorrectly) that he was required to register his bike. (WashCycle)
- 77% of respondents in the Cleveland Park listserv’s unscientific poll support the Giant development.
The State:
- Montgomery County’s policy of giving parking fine money to the local parking district causes the districts to underprice parking and keep time periods really low to encourage fines, charges Ben Ross of the Action Committee for Transit. Performance parking would be fairer to all. (Ryan Avent)
- Building a skybridge across Wayne Avenue between the parking garage and the future Silver Spring library requires amending Silver Spring’s revitalization plan, and the County Council plans to try. Park and Planning officials and a majority of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board oppose the $684,000 bridge. (Gazette) … Previously: we shouldn’t build the bridge nor too much parking.
- Marc Fisher argues that PG’s scocer stadium deal with United is bad for taxpayers, and DC made the right choice by not doing a stadium deal. (Post)
- Residents are fighting the scale of the proposed JHU “Science City” at Belward Farm in Gaithersburg. For once, Smart Growth activists probably agree. (Gazette) … Previously: we should put the transit in first.
- Transportation Examiner Katherine Hill is pleased that Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley kicked off stimulus spending by overhauling the Laurel MARC station.
- Opponents of a downtown Wheaton library argue it should stay “modest”, but the best thing for “modest” Wheaton, including reducing crime, would be a downtown library. (Just Up the Pike)
The Commonwealth:
- Arlington can finally turn its red light cameras back on. Cameras have been shown to reduce fatal accidents to drivers and pedestrians. The Virginia legislature forced them to be turned off, then changed its mind, but VDOT just now gave the needed approval. (WTOP)
- Arlington’s long-awaited bike sharing program is happening. The County issued an RFP for an operator to share responsibilities with the County. (WashCycle) … Previously: can it be compatible with DC’s?
- HOT lane construction will be forcing pedestrians crossing the Beltway on Braddock Road to follow a 1.6-mile detour for at least 12 months. (WashCycle)
The Union:
- Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood suggested replacing the gas tax with a VMT tax. Matt Yglesias isn’t so sure that’s a good idea. The gas tax, at least, specifically discourages burning gasoline. … Way previously: A year ago, experts discussed the idea at the New Partners for Smart Growth conference. … Update: President Obama put the kibosh on the idea, Alex points out.
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