Breakfast links: Finding flaws

NCPC mulls Ike memorial

The Eisenhower Memorial Commission and Frank Gehry have developed three revised options for the Federal Center SW memorial site. One would keep Maryland Avenue open to traffic, though NCPC fortunately balked at the idea. Other initial reactions are not encouraging. (DCmud, DCist)

C100 publishes streetcar report

The Committee of 100 released a 91-page report on the streetcar system. They agree with most but not all routes, but oppose any increased density to pay for lines, and continue to fixate on overhead wires. (City Paper, EMMCA)

FTA incident data flawed

A GAO report has discovered a variety of flaws in an FTA database which tracks injuries and fatalaties on the nation’s rail systems. Among other things, the report faults FTA for not implementing sufficient checks to catch errors and oddities in states’ data reports. (Dr. Gridlock)

New study says red-light cameras save lives

In what Ashley Halsey III calls “the first definitive study” on red-light cameras, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found the cameras significantly reduced traffic fatalities at over a 5-year period at intersections where they were installed. (Post)

Fla. & N. Capitol home to increasing problems

The intersection formerly known as Truxton Circle has seen an increase in crime over the last two months, culminating in two shootings, one fatal. City officials are beginning to take a closer look, though initial steps are mostly reactionary. (TBD)

Control Board specter lingers in budget debates

The Federal control board has not been forgotten as the District struggles to close a $600 million budget shortfall. Leaders admit the control board was a good thing in hindsight, and says it continues as a good scapegoat to make tough, politically unpalatable choices. (Post)

February track work announced in new format

They had already announced closures between L’Enfant Plaza and Metro Center on Presidents Day weekend, but Metro has released the rest of its February trackwork in a new, more readable format (which the press release fails to mention). (WMATA)

MD pols propose performance standards for utilities

Marlyand lawmakers will propose performance standards for the state’s utility companies. Failure to meet the standards would carry fines, though it’s unclear how the state will prevent these from being passed on to customers. (WAMU)

And…

Eleanor Holmes Norton sounds a warning that the GOP plans increasingly to wade into local DC governance issues. (WAMU) … Sidewalks left uncleared after several days reveal abandoned properties and random parcels of ambiguous government ownership. (TBD) … James Hartman, Alexandria’s City Manager, announced his resignation yesterday but will remain in the position until May 2. (City of Alexandria)