Breakfast links: Legal leaps

Purple or private?

Montgomery County wants Maryland’s Court of Appeals to review the decision to give an adjacent homeowner property rights to part of the rail alignment along the Purple Line route. The county fears more landowners will claim the land as their own and delay the Purple Line. (Post)

Parking’s history

Spring Valley residents want historic designation for a parking lot slated for development. Locals argue the parking lot was built in a time of car-focused development, which makes it historic. (City Paper)

Taking a toll

A class-action lawsuit claims that Transurban, the company managing the I-495 express lanes, has cited drivers with false violations, charges excessive fees, and fails to notify drivers when they don’t pay a toll. (Post)

Can you hear me now?

Metro is still three to four years away from full cell phone coverage in stations and tunnels. The work will begin early next year and will require some single-tracking and station closures. (WAMU)

A strong Dulles

Virginia politicans rallied for Dulles Airport yesterday, citing the state’s need for a strong airport to lure business. Virginia’s Senators are ready “to be jerks” to persuade Congress to stop adding flights at National. (Post, WAMU)

Parking pivot

Last year DDOT stopped charging for metered parking around Nationals Park on Sundays due to driver confusion, but with new, clearer signage up, the parking regulations are back in an attempt to encourage transit use. (WJLA)

Middle class and the car

Car dependance appears to be taking a toll on the middle class. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, middle class families spend a much higher share of income on transportation than other income groups. (CityLab)

And…

Residents speak out against plans to widen I-66. (Post) … Check out some of DC’s great street art and murals. (DCist) … This laptop stand is built from refurbished bike handlebars. (CityLab)