Breakfast links: Development under the lens

Red Line could close for 6 weeks

Metro could close the Red Line for 6 weeks between Friendship Heights and Medical Center stations to stop water leaking into the tunnels. A decision will not be made for several weeks, pending engineering work. (NBC4)

How United stadium stacks up

With the public paying half, the DC United stadium deal is about average when compared to other MLS venues. But budget watchdog Ed Lazere is concerned about the deal’s rushed timeline, which could prevent consideration of other priorities. (Post)

Skyland awaits a decision on Walmart

Despite a raze application, the Walmart-anchored development at Skyland in SE is on hold pending a mayoral decision on the Large Retailer Accountability Act. In contrast, PG County could break ground on its new hospital in 18 months. (City Paper, WBJ)

Too many developers on CTB?

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is staffed disproportionately by developers and those who work in finance, leading to questions about its accountability and motivation as it supports the Bi-County Parkway. (WAMU)

Do parking taxes help development?

Pittsburgh collects more money from parking taxes than income taxes. Has this led to a livelier downtown than in Detroit, which provides tax breaks to parking lots by treating them like vacant land? (Streetsblog)

Are yard requirements increasing housing costs?

Zoning codes mandate building setbacks and lot occupancy. But these requirements could be increasing the cost of housing while providing questionable benefit. (Slate)

More traffic cameras in Maryland

Despite some recent errors in placement and operation, the use of speed and red-light cameras in Maryland is growing. (Post)

And…

Montgomery County school buses drive four times the length of the equator each day. (Gazette) … Is the new Dunbar High School a great achievement or a waste? (RPUS) … The National Zoo welcomes a baby giant panda. (DCist)