Breakfast links: Moving outside the Beltway

Devil’s bill dies

The aptly-numbered Virginia House Bill #666, to require half of all VA transportation bonds to go to new highway construction (not maintenance) died yesterday. The terrible bill to require building a western outer Beltway passed the transportation committee. (BeyondDC)

Driver kills two

Two drivers hit each other in a minor fender bender near Adelphi, but while exchanging insurance info, another driver crashed into them both, killing them. According to one witness, her headlights were off (it was 10:45 pm). Note how the article says the two men “crashed into each other,” but then the SUV “approached and hit both men.” (Post)

Sprawlwater regulations?

Jim Smith, County Executive for Baltimore County, says new stormwater regulations could damage Smart Growth by making dense infill more difficult than building on open space. (Baltimore Sum, Stanton Park)  (Tip: Stanton Park)

A denser Columbia

Howard County has approved a redevelopment plan for downtown Columbia, which would fill in the mall’s parking lots to create a walkable downtown. (Baltimore Sun, Stanton Park)  (Tip: Stanton Park)

Even more VRE

VRE is adding capacity, thanks to a new storage track at L’Enfant. They’ll add cars to several trains and a new express train from Fredericksburg. (mcs)  (Tip: mcs)

MARC boarding now less convenient?

MARC riders will now have to wait in the gate areas at Union Station to board trains, like Amtrak passengers do. Commenters worry there’s not nearly enough room. (Get There)

Surprise, we’re building

Alexandria leaders were surprised to find out about two large development plans approved just over the Fairfax border (not around Metro). (Examiner)