Breakfast links: Election Day

Vote today!

Today is Election Day. Vote! Greater Greater Washington recommends you vote for Elissa Silverman and Robert White for DC Council at large, Yes on marijuana legalization, Anthony Brown for Maryland governor, Brian Frosh for attorney general, Alan Howze for Arlington County Board, and yes on Fairfax’s transportation bond.

Free transit on election day

Minneapolis-St Paul’s public transportation is free today under a Minnesota law requiring free public transit on national election days. Other US cities also provide free transit to encourage voter turnout. (CityLab)

No rail growth

WMATA is forecasting stagnant rail ridership next year, meaning DC, Virginia, and Maryland will need to increase their financial contributions. WMATA blames the drop in federal transit benefits for the lack of growth. (Post)

‘K

Anacostia’s “Big K” development will move forward. The preservation board wouldn’t allow moving two historic houses, but the Mayor’s Agent gave approval, saying affordable housing gives the project “special merit.” (City Paper)

Wrong place?

Nikki Peele says DC should locate affordable housing in other parts of the city, since Ward 8 has no market-rate, high-quality rental buildings at all. (CHOTR)

IZ ire

The Inclusionary Zoning program, which sets aside units for low-income people, has created many rental units, but administrative snafus have stymied sales, leaving developers with empty units. DHCD promises reforms to fix the problem. (Post)

Historic Hill

Capitol Hill debates whether to expand its historic district. One possibility is a less-restrictive “conservation district,” but the Office of Planning has decided such districts are not “workable.” (District Source)

The case for a height limit

Could height restrictions actually encourage more develop­ment? The owner of a vacant lot next to a huge tower might not sell just to build a medium-sized building, even if there isn’t market demand for towers on every lot. (This is more relevant to other cities rather than DC.) (StrongTowns)

And…

DC rolled out new speed cameras. (WTOP) … If marijuana legalization passes, will Congress interfere? (CityLab) … The streetcar’s future is up to the next mayor. (WAMU)