Breakfast links: Zealous enforcers and budget maneuvers

Yo building is so ugly, only terrorists want to photograph it

Security guards harassed Beatus Est’s boss for photographing the monumentally ugly Forrestal Building, but not other, more attractive government offices. Those London cops also seem to have gotten suspicious when the tourists photographed the Modernist Vauxhall bus station. Could it be that security guards get more suspicious when people photograph ugly and/or modern buildings, since they less commonly attract tourists?

Maryland offers more money for PG buses

The State of Maryland has offered to pay half the cost to restore the Metrobus lines cut from Prince George’s County, as long as the County pays the other half.

MoCo may allow parking revenue to fund transit

The Montgomery County Council is discussing a bill to allow parking district money to fund transit which helps people reach that area without parking. This is an important change and is a key part of Donald Shoup’s recommendations for good parking policy. If they can fund other transportation modes, parking districts can meaningfully enhance mobility in a high-demand area; if they can’t, then they just take choices away from the county and force more and more parking. If you live in Montgomery County, tell Councilmember Floreen you like the idea on her site.

Performance parking working in Philly

As a result of a recent parking meter fee increase in Philadelphia’s Center City, occupancy at on-street meters has decreased from 97% to 77% and it’s now easier to find a parking space. But contrary to performance parking principles, the city is considering raising meter prices even more. (Philadelphia Inquirer, Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)

Berliner proposes more Metro stops in Bethesda

Montgomery Councilmember Roger Berliner suggests adding a Metro stop between Grosvenor and White Flint. He said the station should cost $70 million, but WMATA says it might be more like $140 million. (Gazette)

Arlington picks stimulus projects

The County will spend its transportation stimulus money to put Columbia Pike’s utility lines underground, purchase new buses, and “upgrade the county government’s transportation system management plant.” (Arlington Sun Gazette, Gavin Baker)  (Tip: Gavin Baker)

Clarendon zoning adjusted

The Arlington County Board adjusted zoning rules to allow some more density in exchange for greater review around Clarendon Metro. The Board hopes the changes will encourage the desired walkable development in the area. Some neighbors oppose the changes. (Arlington Sun Gazette, Gavin Baker)  (Tip: Gavin Baker)

Park Service cracks down on pedicabs

The U.S. Park Police have been intimidating pedicab operators around the Mall. One Park Police officer said Tourmobile was pushing for the crackdown. (We Love DC, Jaime, Tom A.)  (Tip: Jaime)

An even greater Thomas Circle vision

BeyondDC expands upon Chris Loos’ Thomas Circle sketch, adding verdant trees in addition to benches and a nice usable public plaza.

Twice a day?

Thanks to all of you sending in lots of tips, the links have gotten longer. Today, I even held many good links back. Would you like to see more frequent but shorter links posts, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon, at least some of the days?