Breakfast links: Raise the roof

Raise the height limit?

Congressman Darrell Issa is talking to Mayor Gray about raising DC’s height limit. The current proposal would just let currently-allowed mechanical penthouses hold livable space, not actually make taller buildings. (Post)

Wish list would restore cuts, maybe

Mayor Gray released a “wish list” of $120 million in programs he’d like to fund if more money becomes available. Most restore recent cuts to programs for the poor like affordable housing and TANF. (DCFPI)

Metro no, rural roads yes

While Governor McDonnell is cutting $300 million in state funding for the Silver Line, at the same time far less worthy road projects in rural Virginia will get close to $1 billion. (Post)

Innovation gets grants

DCPS wants to help its schools experiment, such as lengthening the school day or providing special services to a group that needs it. It’s offering $10 million in grants to make it happen. (Examiner)

Forest Glen zoned for failure

A large plot of vacant land near Forest Glen Metro will get a few single-family houses. Why nothing larger? The zoning only allows single-family homes, even though there’s a Metro station right there. (The Orbital)

Easy as 3-1-1

A new app for iPhone and Android lets you report 311 maintenance requests, and also see requests that have come from neighbors. (DCist)

Back to the land in the city

No city is a stranger to vacant lots, but no city knows vacancy as well as Detroit. To combat the problem, citizens are planting gardens and taking over neighboring lots, largely without the city’s approval. (Free Press)

And…

Shaw’s Tavern has a liquor license at last. (DCist) … DC’s arts commission weirds up the town with a stainless steel… box? (Post) … Prince William County gets away from federal oversight of its voting practices. (Washington Times)