Dinner links: Yer outta there

LinksBy David Alpert (Founder) September 24, 2009

Graham chief of staff arrested for bribery

Unless you use Greater Greater Washington as your only source of information, you probably already heard that the FBI arrrested Ted Loza, Jim Graham’s Chief of Staff, for taking bribes in exchange for pushing the taxi-medallion bill. (Post)

Pedestrian-hitting driver fired

Metro has fired the bus driver who struck jogger Amanda Mahnke at Florida and Connecticut. The family is looking for people who witnessed the incident.

Potomac Yard station will be less convenient

Alexandria has eliminated the best alternatives for locating a future Potomac Yard station. Placing the station in the middle of “Landbay F,” much closer to future development and existing homes, would put many more people within walking distance without that much more cost. Remaining alternatives all leave the station on the wrong side of the tracks. (The Arlandrian)

No tram; build a real subway

Residents of Florence voted narrowly against a new streetcar (or, as they say in Europe, tram). But it wasn’t because they oppose the cost; opponents want a subway instead. (i-ITALY, Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)

Reuse bags, please

A group in Arlington will raise awareness of reusable bags during a week in October. It’ll be interesting to compare the rate of bag reuse in Arlington after such a week to the rate in DC once the law takes effect in January. (Sun Gazette, Gavin Baker)  (Tip: Gavin Baker)

Sidleyless Chevy Chase will wait

The Town of Chevy Chase will hold off on any lawsuit against the Purple Line for two years, until the project reaches a later design stage. Any lawsuit would just get delayed until that point even if they filed now. Another interesting nugget is that law firm Sidley Austin is no longer representing the Town of Chevy Chase pro bono. (Post)

Get your act together, Georgia

DOT Secretary Ray LaHood said Atlanta will get high-speed rail only if Georgia “gets its act together” and starts being more supportive of transit instead of advocating for even more new freeways. (Jay Bookman)