Breakfast links: Tunnel vision

B&P Tunnel plans

The Federal Railroad Administration has plans to replace the 142-year-old Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel that MARC and Amtrak use. The new tunnel would allow trains to run through Baltimore faster, but would come at a steep cost. (Railway Track & Structures)

DC going gray

In DC, a gray rowhouse is usually a sign of a flipped home. But why are all the flippers painting houses gray? It’s neutral, but sharp-looking, and it’s a lot cheaper than repairing old brick. (City Paper)

Transit for all

Is transit the next big civil rights issue? In the 60s, black neighborhoods were demolished to make way for highways. Today in Baltimore, it’s the poorest neighborhoods that have been denied transit investment, like the Red Line, that could connect people to jobs. (Post)

The last scrap yard

DC’s last scrap yard will close by Christmas to make room for the DC United soccer stadium. Industrial land has been shrinking and now covers just 4% of the city as manufacturing gives way to breweries and coffee roasters. (Post)

Cashing in on the casino

As the casino at National Harbor nears completion, Alexandria is looking for ways to lure visitors across the river, with options like improved transportation, new events, and aesthetic changes in Old Town. (WBJ)

A short ride home

Images of families traveling home for the holidays abound, but the average American lives only 18 miles from his or her mom.  Income and education level are the biggest factors in how far people stray from the nest. (NYTimes)

End-of-the-year tallies

Rent in Baltimore actually got cheaper over the past year. (BBJ) … Here’s a list of the top Washington area high schools for 2016. (Lotus Prep) … City Paper hands out silly superlatives for 2015’s best politics, politicians, and political moments in DC.