Breakfast links: Change at the top

Big fish swims away?

US Attorney Ron Machen will step down next month. Machen has been investigating Vince Gray since the former mayor took office, and Gray friends and foes alike want to see a resolution to the investigation. Machen successfully prosecuted several DC Council members and Gray aides. (Washingtonian)

The rent isn’t too high

A glut of high-end apartments in the region means that developers are lowering rents and even slowing construction. But average rents continue to rise, and affordable housing is still scarce. (Post)

Wavering revival

The streetcar revival took the country by storm from Portland, OR to Kenosha, WI. But in many places like Arlington, the District, and San Antonio, changing political leadership could easily kill a project.  (NYTimes)

Courthouse rising

For the first time, Arlington will allow a new building with less parking in exchange for other transportation improvements. The new office building in the Courthouse area will include a public plaza to activate the space. (WBJ)

Not just for Millenials

More older adults are moving into shared housing for companionship and to handle high costs. One Bowie woman saw an opportunity, and created an online portal for older adults searching for roommates. (WTOP)

Stop sandbagging

The developer of the White Flint Mall site is taking Lord & Taylor to court. The department store is the only mall tenant remaining, and the developer claims that the store is holding out for a multi-million dollar settlement. (BethesdaNow)

Does Baltimore like bikes?

Baltimore may be falling behind other cities when it comes to biking. Bike advocates say a plan to add a rush-hour lane to a street in Fells Point shows the city’s lack of commitment to its own transportation plans. (Baltimore Brew)

And…

Next stops on the Silver Line: Ashburn and Loudoun Gateway. (WBJ) … There are vacancies at multiple top USDOT posts, making the agency’s work more difficult. (TheHill) … Mayor Bowser believes DC has budget autonomy from Congress, a reversal from Gray’s position. (City Paper)