Breakfast links: Limbo
Photo by Kevin Mueller on Flickr.
Waiting game
Regardless of the future of the DC Streetcar, H Street will survive, but Benning Road may not. Suffering from crime and disinvestment, the area’s vitality hangs in the delicate balance of the future of the streetcar. (City Paper)
Managing the streetcar
Other cities are watching what happens next to the DC Streetcar. Management problems plagued the project from the start. But, no matter what happens next, decisions should be based on what’s best for DC. (Gov Exec)
No answers
Ron Machen, the US Attorney who laid out a case against former Mayor Gray’s campaign is retiring. His retirement leaves questions about the timing of his allegations and his success in rooting out corruption. (City Paper)
Wal-Mart crows
Walmart says its first year operating in DC was a success. A company commissioned study says the two stores brought in $6 million in taxes, created 630 jobs and lowered grocery bills. (WBJ)
Returning to the mothership
NIH has plans to return nearly 2,600 employees back to the main Bethesda campus. The new master plan consolidates parking and promotes pedestrian and transit access. Although local officials say it’s not enough. (WBJ)
Working together
Muriel Bowser, Ike Leggett and Rushern Baker have established a regional council to work on ending homelessness in the region. The council will work to coordinate and share resources for the area’s homeless population. (Gazette)
Small streets
20th century cities were designed for cars, but the 21st century is about giving streets back to the people. Narrower streets bring the focus away from cars and back to people allowing more development and lower costs. (Strong Towns)
Paid to ride
Last year France began a program that paid workers to commute via bike. The trial run posted some pretty unimpressive numbers, proving it takes more than money to get people out of the car and onto a bike. (CityLab)
Hopping down the bike trail
Gear Prudence advises cyclists to avoid potholes by utilizing the bunny hop or by looking ahead and navigating around them. He also reminds everyone to report potholes to 311 so they can be fixed. (City Paper)