Breakfast links: Changing the landscape
“Shallow” look at gentrification?
The New York Times reviews gentrification in DC. Race, the streetcar and bike lanes feature prominently. But some say it’s oversimplified and “shallow,” and the economy, not bike lanes and dog parks, was the reason Gray beat Fenty in 2010. (Prospect)
Freemasons pushed out, too
A branch of the Freemasons is leaving its location near 14th & U Streets to make way for a mixed-use apartment building. This particular branch of Freemasons is historically black. (Housing Complex)
Purple Line will reshape communities
The proposed Purple Line still isn’t yet funded, but counties are pondering what to do around planned stations anyway, including at Chevy Chase Lake, College Park and New Carrollton. (Post)
Carma-nothing
Los Angeles’ “Carmageddon,” where the 405 freeway was briefly shut down, was far from the end of the world, as enough people stayed away from driving to avoid massive gridlock. (Streetsblog, Post) … Too bad there’s no rail option. (Daily News) … Cyclists beat a plane from Burbank to Long Beach. (Slate, Brad)
Be careful, pedestrians AND drivers
A pedestrian was struck and seriously injured at 7th and Pennsylvania, NW. NBC Washington’s video report only talks about pedestrians being unsafe, with no mention of driver behavior except a note about more traffic.
Congestion relief for BRAC?
The Department of Defense will fund congestion relief projects around BRAC sites. Montgomery County’s hoped-for projects include the new Medical Center Metro entrance. (NBC Washington)
Learn how to deal with a crash
If you’re in a crash while riding a bike (or on foot), do you know how to get a police report? What if the report is wrong? WABA is holding a seminar tonight on what to do after a crash. If you can’t make it, read this.
And in PG…
A former deputy fire chief is the latest to plead guilty in the Prince George’s corruption scandal. (Post) … The county wants to eliminate a porn shop in Beltsville, but the zoning board expects an appeal. (Examiner)
And in DC…
DDOT has historic pictures of the 11th street bridge construction (Flickr) … The DC Office of Zoning is offering free zoning classes (Frozen Tropics) … WABA delivered new bikes to winners of the Get On a Bike contest east of the river … Is Vince Gray boring? (DCist) … 2 Senators buy houses on Capitol Hill. (City Paper)