Breakfast links: Going private
CCT may use private funding
With little immediate hope of public funding, developers are considering privately funding the Corridor Cities Transitway. It has to be in place before most “Science City” development can proceed. (Post)
Not what Belward owner had in mind
Johns Hopkins is probably within its rights to build large suburban office parks on Belward Farm, but that might be because they “hoodwinked a woman in her late 70s.” (Post)
Arlandria project approved
Alexandria granted extra density to a mixed-use project in Arlandria. Opponents fear increased rents and gentrification, though the project entirely made of below market rate units. (Post)
Party with less paperwork
It’s pretty hard to throw a block party, involving hand-carrying forms to at least 3 agencies. Councilmembers Cheh, Bowser, and Mendelson want to simplify the process. (City Paper)
Unbanked on CaBi
DC is helping unbanked residents get Capital Bikeshare memberships, as part of a larger program to assist them in getting bank accounts and credit cards.
Don’t judge SF performance parking yet
SFPark manager Jay Primus says it’s too early to judge the program, after Michael Perkins argued that it’s not affecting driver behavior as much as expected. (Streetsblog SF) (Tip: David Edmondson)
Slow is the future
Many cities (including DC) are considering lowering speed limits because of streetcars, bicycling, and more pedestrian activity. Though pavement design can often do more to slow traffic. (Salon, RPUS)
And…
Brick sidewalks have their diadvantages. (In Shaw) … It’s hard to garden vacant lots in DC. (City Paper) … DC has far, far less surface parking than many cities. (Old Urbanist)