Breakfast links: Columbus Day

Streetcars get historic

DDOT is considering buying some historic streetcars to go along with modern ones. Preservationists also want the proposed car barn at Spingarn High School to get a historic look that harmonizes with the school building. (DCist)

Zoning update hyperbole

Residents unhappy with DC’s Office of Planning’s zoning update gave quite hyperbolic testimony on Friday. One resident said that Car2Go is the reason one can’t find a parking space. (City Paper)

Don’t bother with new bike map

VDOT has a new bike map, but it’s not very good.  It shows little street detail and some dangerous detours. It also excludes several good back roads routes. (FABB)

Germans love transit

Despite a high level of car ownership, Germans use mass transit at 5 times the rate of Americans. Service levels, fares, land-use policies, and gas taxes all play a role.  (Atlantic Cities)

Live on the Mall?

A redeveloped “Federal Triangle South” could bring housing right to the edge of the Mall and create greener and more livable neighborhood. Or, it could end up as another boring office monoculture. (Post)

Homelessness rises

The economy is mainly to blame for an 18% increase in homelessness in DC this year.  The spike has left the District with a shortage of beds with some left in reserve for the colder months ahead. (Post)

And…

Want a sneak peak at Metro’s upcoming 7000 series rail cars? … A contract dispute means no one is maintaining DC’s streetlights. (WBJ) … The presidential debate made no mention of cities. (NYT) … President Grant was once arrested for speeding on his horse and buggy. (WTOP)