Breakfast links: Debating density

Four stories? Professional offices?

ANC 6A opposes a 4-story building on a block of H Street mostly made up of 2-story buildings, and having ground-floor professional offices instead of retail. (DCmud)

Matt Yglesias argues that “taller” buildings and offices both add more customers, especially daytime ones, for existing and future retailers. Richard Layman points out that the developer’s proposal not only would not put retail there but design a building that couldn’t be easily converted to retail in the future.

A walkable Herndon?

Herndon is trying to cluster retail in its downtown area and increase the number of residential units there. This would be a huge improvement over the existing strips of auto dealerships and restaurants surrounded by huge parking lots. Many residents agree, though some want lower density and the story quotes Councilmember Connie Hutchinson advocating for wider streets and fretting about traffic from new residents. (Herndon Connection, Joshua D.)  (Tip: Joshua D.)

Good questions

It looks like many of you submitted questions for Metro chief planner Nat Bottigheimer’s bus chat on Friday, since they were all really important policy questions facing Metro. Nat addressed devoting road space to buses, bus stop spacing, bus bunching, NextBus accuracy, data openness, the D6, the 5A, the Q2 and the 16A/D, bus widths, and more. (WMATA)

I-66 metering now two-way

Virginia will now use ramp metering on I-66 in both directions during rush hour. The road’s traffic is no longer primarily one-way; “reverse” traffic is only about 10% lower than in the traditional direction. They may expand the ramp meters to weekends as well. (Examiner, Michael P)  (Tip: Michael P)

More water for bank deserts?

The FDIC is considering increasing the credit banks get under the Community Reinvestment Act for certain “basic financial services” to try to reduce “bank deserts.” (Post, Chuck Coleman)  (Tip: Chuck Coleman)

Locking the canal again

NPS is restoring the C&O Canal’s locks for mule-powered barge rides to once again ply its length. Barging on Europe’s canals (in motorized barges, not mule-drawn ones) is a major tourist activity; could the canal be even more popular with more than just mule-drawn historic interpretive tours?

Free car with condo

The Savoy Court condo in Congress Heights is giving away a Smart Car with the purchase of a condo. Fortunately, they are also offering a $12,000 cash-out for those who don’t need or want it. They say potential buyers like the building but it’s too far from Metro (though a bus stops right in front). (City Paper, JTS)  (Tip: JTS)