Breakfast links: Out with the old

Go higher?

The Congressionally-mandated study on whether to ease the height limit will wrap up by September after 3 phases.  Arrington Dixon wants more height east of the river; some commissioners think all Americans outside DC ought to weigh in too. (City Paper)

Longer Metro

Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran have a bill to study extending Metro further into Virginia, with the Orange Line to Centreville, the Yellow Line down Route 1, and the Blue Line to Woodbridge. But what about the core? (Patch)

Old Metro radios

Metro’s radio system dates back to the opening of the system and has been inadequate in a number of emergencies, including when a train was stranded on the Green Line in January. (Examiner)

Financial outlook cloudy?

Risings costs of governing and growing school enrollment could wipe out DC’s run of budget surpluses in 2014. Though revenue numbers could yet rise if sequestration ends soon. (Post)

The shadow knows

Vincent Orange wants to pay DC’s shadow delegation a salary, but can other steps also to make them more effective, like more focus on the House or 4-year terms? (NUDCS, Josh B.)  (Tip: Josh B.)

Bocce balls come to Ballston

Arlington is converting a disused, small Ballston parcel into a bocce court.  This is the same plot we wished was a plaza.  (ARLnow, Joey)  (Tip: Joey)

And…

Work starts to repair earthquake damage on the Washington Monument. (DCist) … Should DC’s new taxi livery include “Taxation Without Representation” on it? (DCist) … Is this the future of public benches? (Atlantic Cities)