Breakfast links: Closures

Some schools survive

DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson will keep some schools open she had proposed closing, including Garrison and Francis-Stevens in Ward 2, Johnson and Malcolm X in 8, and and Smothers in 7. (DCist)

School closings have costs

Is the pattern of regularly closing DCPS schools the equivalent of a transit death spiral? DCPS estimates this round of closings will save $8.5 million per year, but others disagree, and Muriel Bowser and Yvette Alexander worry many kids won’t have alternatives in their neighborhoods. (Examiner)

Gas tax vs sales tax

A Maryland bill would allow local jurisdictions to impose a 2% sales tax on gasoline. (Gazette, JimT) … AASHTO’s outgoing director also suggests a sales tax on gas replace the gas tax. (Streetsblog)  (Tip: JimT)

Silver Spring plan too monolithic?

Residents near the proposed Studio Plaza in Silver Spring, which Dan Reed somewhat unfavorably reviewed recently, say the building would destroy their sense of community and is too monolithic in appearance. It also has 1 parking space per unit, which may be too much. (Gazette)

Light rail for Southeast DC?

The Capital Riverfront BID has proposed a new light rail line running from Union Station to St. Elizabeths. How would it relate to existing transit or the planned streetcar network? (WBJ)

G’town argues parking

At the Georgetown parking meeting, some suggested smaller RPP zones while others like being able to commute to Dupont. Charging non-residents to park on side streets was also controversial. (Georgetown Metropolitan)

Parade will show off bilke lanes

When the inaugural parade goes down Pennsylvania Avenue, there will be no way for the TV cameras not to capture shots of the bike lane right down the middle. DC officials are excited about showing off the lanes. (Post)

Darrell Issa, DC’s best friend

When many thought House Republicans might try to re-impose the Control Board, oversight chairman Darrell Issa instead turned out to be a big advocate for more DC budget autonomy. How did that happen? (City Paper)

And…

WMATA reached a deal to replace 128 of its 588 escalators by 2020. (Post) … Chap Petersen’s VA anti-dooring bill made it through a Senate committee on a close vote.  … Ray LaHood is optimistic that the Silver Line will receive TIFIA loans. (WAMU)