Breakfast links: Nuances in crime stats
WMATA board member skips Largo station
WMATA board member Artis Hampshire-Cowan (PG) doesn’t use her nearest station for fear of crime. Despite that, she says Metro is still safe. (WTOP)
Mixed news in PG crime stats
Violent crime fell in several neighborhoods targeted for increased patrols. Even still, the county is set to outpace last year’s homicide count and is nearing DC’s count for the year. (Washington Times)
Too many apartments in DC?
Some developers are nervous that the city might face an oversupply of housing. (City Paper) … Considering that DC rent increases continue to outpace the region and nation, perhaps developers shouldn’t worry so much.
Barry decries displacement, whites, renters, etc.
Marion Barry (D - Ward 8) criticized gentrification as displacement. Also, CM Barry, who previously complained that “renters will allow drug dealers in the neighborhood,” admitted that he is a renter. (CHotR)
Counties coordinate on streetcars
Fairfax and Arlington Counties are coordinating their streetcar plans for Columbia Pike. The plan is to have the first stretch open in 2016 with a second leg opening afterward from Crystal City to Alexandria. (Post)
VA politicos criticize BRAC
Several state lawmakers are asking DoD why it reduced the number of Metro shuttle routes to Mark Center from 5 to 4. Lawmakers also worry that the 3,800 parking spaces will induce more traffic to I-395. (Lorton Patch)
Arlington & DC safe as houses
Arlington and DC home prices have hit 95% and 90% of their pre-recession peaks respectively. Prince William and Prince George’s Counties bottom out the list at 65% and 47% respectively. (Examiner)
Flimsy historic designation not a total hurdle
A proposed condo building near Mt. Vernon Square is moving forward despite the controversial historic designation for the plain brick building on the site. (City Paper)
And…
The Census Bureau asks its employees to stop counting sheep on the job. (Post) … DC GOP suggests auctioning off DC Council tickets to the Verizon Center. (DCist) … DC rescue workers participated in a disaster drill at RFK yesterday. (Washington Times)