Breakfast links: Changing the status quo
How about some rights?
Today is Emancipation Day in DC, which means taxes aren’t due until Monday. What better day for a protest over DC’s lack of representation? DC Vote is holding a peaceful rally at 10:30.
Does DC have enough police?
DC currently has 3,800 police officers, more than Baltimore or Denver, which are larger in population and size. Councilmember Mendelson points out that the city is served by several other police forces, but he and other councilmembers want to 3,900 or 4,000 officers. (WUSA)
Alexandria struggles with waterfront plans
The Alexandria planning department wants to include a hotel in its redevelopment plan for Robinson Terminal South, while residents would prefer a portion of the site be reserved for a museum. (WAMU)
Could mortgage interest deduction go?
Although the President didn’t mention it specifically, cutting the mortgage interest tax deduction is specifically recommended in the commission report he said would guide his deficit reduction plan. (WUSA)
PG raises Purple Line gentrification fears
Some Prince George’s leaders are concerned about the gentrification and displacement that could come with the construction of the Purple Line, worrying the project will drive up property prices and displace low-income workers currently living in the corridor. (Examiner)
MWAA mandates union hiring
Several Virginia officials were unhappy with the decision of the MWAA to mandate a project labor agreement on Phase 2 of the Silver Line. Fairfax County’s Pat Herrity, a representative of Virginia, said DC & Maryland having a vote amounted to “at best, taxation without representation.” (Examiner)
University neighbors have mixed feelings
While there is clear, vocal opposition to the city’s universities’ growth plans, less vocal neighbors seem open to university community members and area residents co-mingling. This sentiment is more prevalent around the city’s less affluent schools. (City Paper)
WABA, FABB join up
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling will become a WABA-sponsored project, formalizing the all-volunteer group and allowing them to seek donations and other funding sources. (WABA)
And…
Prince William will add shuttle bus service between a new, underused commuter lot and a popular slugging lot to help sluggers park and ride. (Examiner) … Two pedestrians and a bicyclist were struck by drivers yesterday in the region, one of them was killed. (Post) … Bikes for the World will accept donated bikes at 8 DC and Mongtomery County Whole Foods locations tomorrow from 11am - 3pm. (WashCycle)