Breakfast links: Whether to build it

Tysons trees safe?

Fairfax’s DOT has recommended dropping a highway exit ramp through Spring Branch Park in Tysons Corner. Nearby residents want to keep the forested area between their homes and the more urban Tysons. (Post)

TOD for New Carrollton?

The developer building TOD at Rhode Island Ave has announced plans for a major project at New Carrollton Metro, with 2 to 4 million square feet of office, retail, and housing on 39 acres Metro owns. (Post)

No bowling alley for Georgetown?

People living in condos above Georgetown Park Mall oppose a bowling alley and restaurant with outdoor patio, saying they fear it will create too much noise. The ANC voted to oppose the plan unless owners reach a binding agreement with the residents. (Georgetown Dish)

2013 critical for Purple Line

Rushern Baker says 2013 is “make-or-break time for the Purple Line.” Maryland needs to find money to qualify for matching federal funds, but the state’s Transportation Trust Fund is nearly empty. (WTOP, Ben Ross)  (Tip: Ben Ross)

Silver Spring parking more pricey

Parking rates rose in Silver Spring and Bethesda. Some people say they’ll now take the bus instead. That’s probably good. (Gazette)

What’s changed in Ward 3

Ward 3 Vision looks back at the development debates in the Connecticut and Wisconsin Avenue corridors last year, from the AU campus to Safeway, and predicts over a billion dollars in new development coming to the area.

Market answers for urbanism

Market Urbanism talks with GMU’s David Schleicher about ways to help nearby residents benefit economically from new development, and whether smart growth and market urbanist adherents should be friends.

Thank lead for crime wave

More evidence suggests drops in crime since 1970 come mostly from less lead in paint, car emissions, and more. Lead removal coincided with crime’s decrease, other theories don’t seem to fit the facts, and lead indeed makes people more aggressive. (Mother Jones via Gothamist)

And…

Mary Cheh proposes a bill requesting President Obama put “taxation without representation” on his limo’s plates. (DCist) … Virginia considers allowing gubernatorial reelection. (WAMU) … Metro reopens elevators at Bethesda station. (Examiner)