Breakfast links: Looking for exciting architecture? Try the public library.
Shaw library by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.
Some of DC’s best architecture are its new public libraries
The DC library system has climbed out of a financial and physical decline in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the city built interesting, beautiful, and functional structures for people to read, work, and just sit in. (Dan Reed / Washingtonian)
Outpacing the streetcar is a little harder than you think
The H Street Runners Club tried chasing down the DC Streetcar, which is known for its frequent stops in mixed traffic, but only the fastest among them could match its pace. When the way is clear, the streetcar can fly along its route at 35 mph. (Linda Poon / CityLab)
The MoCo Council isn’t on board with I-270 expansion and tolls
At a hearing with Maryland Department of Transportation head Pete Rahn, Councilmembers raised concerns about the cost of toll lanes on I-270 and I-495, and pressed for including more transit options like dedicated lanes and ramps for bus users. (Kristi King / WTOP)
Anacostia will lose Cheers @ the Big Chair
Ward 8 will lose one of its few sit-down restaurants when Cheers closes after four years. Owner and recent DC Council candidate Dionne Reeder says that the building's landlords were unwilling to extend her lease. (Lenore Adkins / DCist)
The Potomac has a new boat for a pollution watchdog program
The Potomac Riverkeepers Network's new boat, the Sea Dog, will monitor water quality in the river as the Potomac works to become swimmable again. The boat was donated by retired Navy admiral Paul Reason and his wife Diane. (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)
Governor Hogan is still trying to bring Amazon to Maryland
Though Amazon has publicly said it is not looking for a second location after pulling out of Long Island City, Governor Larry Hogan extended another pitch at a meeting with company leaders, saying that Maryland is “still interested.” (Rachel Chason / Post)
Jack Evans is reprimanded, but keeps his committee chairmanships
The DC Council unanimously voted to reprimand Evans over his unethical emails. The Council also moved some items like tax abatements and TIFs out from the Finance and Revenue Committee, which Evans chairs, without removing him from that committee or from any other leadership and oversight roles. (Fenit Nirappil / Post)
DC is one of the most gentrified cities in the US
A new study from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition found that DC had the highest percentage of “gentrifying” neighborhoods in American cities from 2000 to 2013. The study also examined the demographic shifts in the region, as Black residents have been displaced while overall population has grown. (Cordilia James / DCist)
Bowser’s State of the District promised advances in housing and transportation
In addition to announcing free rides on the Circulator, the mayor addressed DC's plans for federal lands at RFK, and promised to direct more money to affordable housing in the city, including a hike on commercial real estate taxes that could raise up to $79 million for the Housing Production Trust Fund. (Andrew Giambrone / Curbed, Jon Banister / Bisnow)
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