Breakfast links: Smaller footprints

Fewer feds raises revenues

The federal government is shedding property holdings and that’s helping DC raise revenue. The market share of tax-exempt commercial properties, most of which are federal property, dropped from 49% to 47% in the past ten years. (WBJ)

Smile, you’re on camera

Metrobus will install video monitors that show surveillance footage on 22 buses on the X2 line in an attempt to deter crime. The X2 is one of the busiest and most dangerous routes for bus drivers. (City Paper)

Paying for permitting

A private permit expediter, a person hired to get permits approved quickly through DCRA, has been charged with bribing three DCRA employees with “lunch money” in exchange for faster service. (City Paper)

Downsizing

While median home prices are rising in the Washington region, home prices fell 2.1% over the past year in Montgomery County. Experts say the luxury home market is down while demand for downtown Bethesda condos is up. (Bethesda Beat)

Bridge rebuilding

Repairs to the Memorial Bridge will begin later this month. The National Park Service closed lanes and sidewalk space in May after finding that the bridge’s secondary support beams were not meeting load-bearing standards. (Post)

MARC moves to diesel

The MTA is looking to replace its MARC electric locomotives with diesel locomotives. The electric fleet has not been very reliable, but the engines can reach higher speeds than their diesel counterparts. (Baltimore Sun)

Beautification Day no more

DCPS will not host “Beautification Day,” an annual event to spruce up its schools, this year because they want to encourage sustained support from community partners rather than a one-day effort. (Post)

Like father, not like son

While Donald Trump has made a career out of constructing luxury buildings, his father Fred Trump built housing for lower- and middle-income families throughout New York City. (Post)