Breakfast links: Decisions are hard

How Hogan decided

Maryland transportation secretary Pete Rahn gradually persuaded anti-transit Governor Hogan to support the Purple Line. (And yes, the purple tie he wore to the press conference was a hint.) Meanwhile, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties will have to chip in more funding for the project. The Kojo Show will be discussing these topics on the air today.  (Post, WAMU)

Blown opportunity

Larry Hogan could have promoted a great vision to improve Baltimore in the wake of the Freddie Gray incident, argues Dan Rodricks. Instead, he canceled the Red Line and moved the money to suburban roads. (Baltimore Sun)

Springfield evolution

The Springfield Mall went from being the place to be, to being a magnet for crime. Now the mall will be transformed into a town center, a place, along with a possible FBI relocation, that officials hope will revive the town. (Post)

Alley suit in Shaw

Neighbors of the new Shay development in Shaw on Florida Avenue are suing JBG over access to an alley. The suit alleges that JBG is not following through on promises to provide sealed trash containers and alley access. (WBJ)

People counters

A new startup, called Placemeter, uses cameras to detect foot traffic. The meters work better than people counting and can provide accurate data to help businesses or provide data for planners. (Post)

Let’s talk about sharing

Cities all over the country are struggling with how to regulate the “sharing economy.” Senator Mark Warner wants to start looking at its effects on the labor market and hasn’t ruled out federal regulations. (Post)

Which MTA

Hamish Smyth, one of the designers behind the campaign to reprint the 1970 New York City Transit Authority Graphic Standards Manual, now wants to take all the station signs from the subway and turn them into a poster. (Slate)