Breakfast links: Planning places

Happy Birthday, Reston!

As the town turns 50, its founder reflects on its growth and stumbles. A stepping stone between Garden Cities and New Urbanism, Reston sought to build community through design of public places. (Post)

Greens fore housing

Neighbors have approved a plan to transform a bankrupt golf course near Gaithersburg into 1,000 new housing units. The project will also include a new 80-acre park. (WBJ)

Landscaping’s good, bad, and ugly

Some landscape experts list the area’s best and worst public places. The worst are desolate places like Franklin Park, Freedom Plaza, and in Rosslyn; among the best are Yards Park, the sculpture garden, and one apartment building on 16th Street. (WBJ)

How tomorrow doesn’t move

CSX has changed its mind about sharing its right-of-way for the Capital Crescent Trail near Silver Spring. That will likely force a detour for the trail, but it would be flatter than the original route. (Silver Spring Trails)

Feats of strength up next

A trade association of taxi drivers has launched a campaign to air grievances about the ride sharing industry and push for regulations. Sidecar calls the effort protectionist. (Post)

If biking were a pill…

Doctors in Boston are now prescribing bikeshare to low-income patients suffering from obesity. The prescription comes with a helmet and a big discount on membership. (Streetsblog)

“Is the dog included?”

With almost 40,000 apartment units in the pipeline, competition for high-end renters is heating up. Rents in this segment fell by 3% last year, and landlords continue to add amenities, even a communal dog in one building. (Post)

Robocop II: Dogwalkercop

Los Angeles police are asking neighbors to walk by crime hot-spots in the course of their day. People’s mere presence may deter crime at these locations, which are identified by a predictive algorithm. (Atlantic Cities)

Towers rise in London

Londoners are alarmed at high-rises that threaten views, create discord, and may sit empty. Sound familiar? The proposed solution includes renderings, a mayoral design review, and more rules to guide development. (Guardian Cities)

And…

How can transit agencies make their data accessible? (Kurt Raschke) … Streetcar lines in DC and a western access highway to Dulles are new additions to long-term transportation plans. (Post) … A Prince George’s proposal to tie permits to local contracting could delay construction on the MGM casino at National Harbor. (Post)