Breakfast links: Life of a Mayor

Marion Barry dies

DC’s “Mayor for Life” died on Sunday from a heart attack. Barry’s history paralleled that of the city he led, from the struggle for civil rights and home rule to the crack epidemic and receivership. Many journalists look back on his storied life. (Post, WBJ, City Paper)

Olympics group eyes venues

The businessmen behind the DC-area Olympics bid have begun identifying potential venues, including a resurrected Arlington aquatics center, but are still being fairly secretive about plans. Others remain skeptical of the benefit. (Post, RPUS)

Improve the stadium deal

With the Reeves Center likely out of the soccer stadium deal, DCFPI proposes five ways to improve it further, including capping the budget, using other public land, and eliminating tax breaks. (DCFPI)

Wilson changes popular

Neighbors mostly approved of a Wilson Boulevard road diet in the Bluemont neighborhood that would add a turn lanes and bike lanes. Future plans include wider sidewalks as well. (ArlNow)

From nowhere to NoMa

The NoMa-Gallaudet station has radically changed the surrounding area in the decade since opening, adding residences, retail, and hotels where none existed before. (City Paper)

What’s next for streetcars

A Columbia Pike resident lays out next steps after the streetcar. Meanwhile, DC must move quickly to restore faith in its own streetcar program, which has been delayed again pending safety approvals. (ArlNow, Post)

No Hollywood here

Residents living below the Hollywood Sign got Google and Garmin to hide directions to the landmark, sending tourists to far-away viewing locations instead. They have also harassed those posting directions. (Gizmodo)

And…

Is gentrification a cure for segregation, and is there a middle ground? (Post) … What happens when a Mini Cooper driver blocks a streetcar? (BBC) … The Federal Housing Administration continues to subsidize sprawl. (Streetsblog)