Breakfast links: Vacant ethics

Ethics posts go unfilled

The Board of Ethics and Government Accountability remains empty, as Mayor Gray has not nominated anyone to serve on the new board. The statutory deadline for nominations was Wednesday. (Examiner)

Montgomery grows for once

Montgomery Executive Leggett’s proposed budget bucks recent trends and actually increases, growing staff by 92 positions and awarding $2,000 bonuses to all current staff for sticking it out through the austerity. (WAMU)

Intersection design still critical

Rhode Island Row is facing problems with its primary exit intersection, which was poorly designed for the kind of walkability developers wanted and the access needed for the Metro station. (Rhode Island Insider)

Take the Rapid out of BRT

Pressure from drivers is having its effect on the proposed Montgomery BRT system, with even its strongest proponent expecting a compromise. Up to 25% of dedicated lanes could be cut. (Examiner)

NPS says no triathlon

The National Park Service has denied a permit for the 3rd annual triathlon. Their policy is to deny races in June to prepare for July 4th, and gave the triathlon exemptions twice, but this year denied it. (WBJ)

A poorly appraised situation

Low appraisals in Anacostia are a big problem for new developments, as low home values in the area mean buyers can’t get mortgages small enough to purchase new construction. (Housing Complex)

Red-top meters red flagged

Councilmember Bowser wants to put a stop to red-top parking meters, which are reserved for persons with disabilities but act like normal meters for all other purposes. According to Bowser, they amount to an additional fee to seniors and the disabled, rolled out without public comment. (Post)

Bit of K Street to get an upgrade

Mount Vernon Triangle’s bit of K Street will get a streetscape facelift, to be completed in 2013. The stretch will eventually have a streetcar line, but resurfacing will not include tracks. (Post)

And…:

Compared to Apple’s massive proposed donut, Amazon shows how a corporate campus can be walkable. (NRDC) … Despite an early cherry bloom, Metro work will go on as planned. (Washingtonian) … What happens if DC gets nuked? (Gizmodo)