Posts by Alison Crowley — Guest Contributor
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Little-known Kenilworth-Parkside is neighborhood to watch
A typical DC resident may never have heard of the Kenilworth-Parkside neighborhood in Ward 7, but the federal government definitely has. It’s betting that an $800,000 investment in a local placemaking initiative can put this small Northeast neighborhood back on the map. In 2010, Kenilworth-Parkside received $500,000 as one of the Department of Education’s… Keep reading…
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Arlington candidates discuss streetcars and Crystal City
5 Democratic candidates are vying for Barbara Favola’s vacated seat on the Arlington County Board. Where do they stand on the issues? 3 of the candidates responded to a Greater Greater Washington questionnaire about the major issues facing Arlington. Favola was elected to the Virginia State Senate in November, leaving an open seat on the 5-person board. Arlington… Keep reading…
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Reroute.It clarifies costs, benefits of travel choices
When choosing between walking, biking, hailing a cab, taking the bus, or driving my own car for trips around town, a new app aims to put the relevant costs and benefits of these choices — to me and to society and the planet — at my fingertips. The app still needs improvement, though. Reroute.it is an open-source program featuring a minimalist interface with simple instructions… Keep reading…
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Novel rooftop house is attractive. Is it practical?
An unconventional entry in this year’s Solar Decathlon brings low-footprint home design to city rooftops. It has pleased the crowds, but not the judges because it has two significant drawbacks: comfort and up-front cost. This year’s Solar Decathlon is being held in West Potomac Park, near the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. The event will wrap up this Sunday,… Keep reading…
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Security experts, like the public, disagree on security
At last night’s NCPC panel, “Redefining Security a Decade After 9/11,” we were reminded that on security, Americans are a “cantankerous bunch.” According to Brian Jenkins of RAND Corporation, US residents demand to feel 100% safe at all times at no cost to their way of life. Jenkins, joined by architect Thomas Vonier and landscape architect… Keep reading…
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With crowdsourcing sites, agencies want your input on sustainability and security
Two local agencies have recently launched crowdsourcing websites to collect public input on important issues of the day. The DC government seeking ideas for building a more sustainable city, and NCPC wants input on security leading up to a panel discussion tonight. With “Start in September,” the Gray administration has turned to crowdsourcing to develop… Keep reading…