Breakfast links: Happy PARK(ing) Day!
A parklet from PARK(ing) Day 2014 by DC Duxbury used with permission.
Here’s where you can find parklets around DC
Every year, DC transforms parking spaces into tiny parks on PARK(ing) Day to show how space for cars can be used for other things. This year, there are 28 new mini parks planned — find them on this map. (Maria Carrasco / DCist)
DC’s sanctuary city status has a glaring loophole
The DC Superior Court is staffed by federal marshalls rather than local law enforcement. That unique arrangement means even though DC has committed to being a sanctuary city, immigrants brought to there are under threat from federal officers who are not beholden to that status. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
The toxic industrial legacy of cities
A new book explores how as cities have evolved, residential areas have replaced what were previously industrial zones. Businesses buried millions of pounds of hazardous waste, and the harmful toxins could hurt residents. (Dwyer Gun / CityLab)
JBG Smith flipped a Crystal City project from apartments to offices
Despite the housing crunch and glut of office space, developer JBG Smith has abruptly changed a plan (for the second time) to convert an old office building in Crystal City to apartments, and now plans to keep it as office space. (ARLnow)
MoCo may make it easier to build accessory apartments
The Montgomery County Council is considering a proposal that would remove more barriers to creating accessory apartments, which could help alleviate the housing crunch. (Bethany Rodgers / Bethesda Beat)
This Spanish city banned cars downtown. It’s flourishing.
The Spanish town of Pontevedra banned cars downtown; its mayor believes “owning a car doesn’t give you the right to occupy the public space.” Now the city is flourishing, and it's easier to hear birds and humans talking. (Stephen Burgen / The Guardian)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.