Breakfast links: Purple Line lawsuits

No lawsuit from Chevy Chase

The Town of Chevy Chase has chosen not to file a lawsuit to stop the Purple Line. However, the town said it could still file a brief in support of the lawsuit filed earlier this week. (Post)

Eminent Domain for Purple Line?

A Montgomery Circuit Court is hearing a case over whether a homeowner can keep a fence on the shoulder of the Georgetown Branch Trail. The outcome will determine whether the MTA will need to use eminent domain to build the Purple Line. (Post)

Fannie Mae selling headquarters

Fannie Mae will sell its iconic headquarters on Wisconsin Avenue, along with two other buildings, and consolidate within DC. The three properties are worth $172 million, according to DC property records. (City Paper)

A new Ward 5

Ward 5 has long complained about being DC’s dumping ground. A plan unveiled this week envisions a new future for the ward while recognizing the needs of the industrial businesses in the neighborhood. (City Paper)

Stop blocking the streetcar

Parked cars on H Street are proving to be a problem along the streetcar route. Since streetcar testing began, the Department of Public Works has issued 143 tickets and towed eight cars for blocking the tracks. (WAMU)

Howze outlines streetcar improvements

Alan Howze, the Democrat running for Arlington County Board, outlined five ways that he would improve the Columbia Pike streetcar. Howze reiterated his support for a referendum on the streetcar. (ArlNow)

Bike lanes over car dependence

Downtown Pittsburgh has very little room for more car traffic. Instead of catering to cars, the city will begin building bike lanes to reduce car dependence. (Streetsblog)

Massive sprawl in Belgium

How did Belgium become the most congested country in Europe? Massive sprawl, a poor road network, and auto-centric policies in general are to blame, and there are few feasible solutions to fix the problem. (The Guardian)

And…

Former City Council candidate Jeff Smith will serve 60 days in jail for a false campaign finance filing. (DCist) … The Memphis Airport is attempting to become an aerotropolis. (CityLab) … To improve air quality, India’s Health Minister wants to build bike lanes. (Streetsblog)