Breakfast links: Money in Virginia

They literally have a bridge to sell you

Virginia is selling naming rights for roads and bridges across the state. It hopes to raise $273 million over 20 years, but critics say it distracts from the billions needed for transportation.  (Examiner)

Arlington still pays for HOT lanes

Arlington County may lose $100,000 in road maintenance money thanks to its lawsuit opposing HOT lanes along 395. The project was abandoned in February 2011 and the lawsuit was dropped shortly after. (Washington Times)

TOD or FBI eventually in Greenbelt?

hopes to add dense transit oriented development around Greenbelt Metro. But it’s been difficult to get anything funded. The FBI also might occupy the space, which would preclude much or any retail. (Rethink College Park)

Contractor defends concrete

The contractor for the delayed Silver Spring Transit Center says the concrete it used is fine, despite Montgomery County’s claims to the contrary. The county wants the contractor to pay to redo the work and if the two sides cannot come to an agreement, the matter will likely end up in court.  (Examiner)

Church tries to build housing

Plans for a church in Southwest DC to build an 11-story residential building has it’s share of opposition. Some neighbors say it doesn’t fit the character of the neighborhood and disrupts existing views. One comment points out killing the project will just make rents rise. (DCmud)

Win some, lose some

The Zoning Commission has approved American University’s campus plan to the chagrin of some neighbors opposed to the school growing. Not far away, the Safeway mixed use project has deleted a floor in response to neighborhood opposition. (City Paper)

No more garden stores?

The last garden store in the mid-city area has one season left, before the lot becomes condos. (Borderstan) … Is there any hope garden stores can fit into a growing city, or is their land-intensive use incompatible?

Too much stuff in urban parks?

Do urban parks with lots of amenities forget to include nature? While projects like the High Line can boost real estate values, do they actually serve people? (Salon)