Breakfast links: Secrets and plans

Problems aren’t secret, solutions shouldn’t be

David Gunn’s upcoming report on Metro will be delivered in secret to the Board but not released to the public. Kytja Weir quotes GGW contributor/Sierra Club member Dennis Jaffe and myself arguing riders should hear Gunn’s recommendations. (Examiner)

Hearing a better snow plan

Councilmembers asked many questions about snow removal at Friday’s oversight hearing, and pedestrian advocates (including myself) argued we need to better include pedestrian walkways and bus stops in the snow removal plan. (TheCityFix DC)

Town Centers the future of suburbs?

Rockville Town Center is doing well, but has a way to go; Reston’s is a “home run,” while Fairfax City’s isn’t as much. Katherine Shaver and Miranda Spivack write an excellent, balanced article looking at the successes and challenges of mixed-use, walkable suburban centers that meet the needs of the growing demographic groups of empty nesters and young people without children. (Post)

Recycle, really

DC is proposing tougher recycling rules for commercial properties, and requiring recycling for everyone. Recycling (and snow) will come up at the DPW oversight hearing on March 10th.  (Examiner)

New Arlington bike map

There’s a new draft of the Arlington bike map, which simplifies some items but also removes some useful symbols, says People Powered Arlington. (via WashCycle)

Them’s the breaks?

Despite getting millions in incentives, Radio One has pulled out of a deal to move to DC from Maryland. The United Negro College Fund, which is also asking for millions in tax breaks, may move in instead; Kwame Brown wants to use the money for a Costco. (WBJ)

Funding runs out at USDOT

USDOT will furlough 2,000 employees today, including workers at FHWA and the road safety agencies, and stop work on a number of projects after Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) blocked an extension of federal transportation funding. (ABC, Streetsblog DC)