Photo by ewilfong on Flickr.

Pay phones don’t pay

Metro’s has no service contract to fix its pay phones when they break down. Verizon used to pay Metro for the phones, but lately was losing $500,000 a year as usage dropped. (Examiner)  

Another use for pay phones

One New Yorker is converting pay phone booths into miniature libraries. So far 2 phones are converted and the creator plans more, though theft has been a problem. (Atlantic Cities)  

Get off the phone

An informal 5-minute survey of a Georgetown intersection found at least five drivers on cell phones in violation of DC law and putting pedestrians at risk. (Georgetown Metropolitan)  

Forget you!

Following a heated exchange between Councilmembers Catania and Barry, the DC Council has enacted rules that prohibit “profane, indecent or abusive language” during public meetings. (Post)  

Don’t shut the door

Maryland lawmakers are considering giving health departments the power to allow open doors and windows in restaurants. Will this allow restaurants to better interact with the sidewalk and give more eyes on the street?  (Gazette)  

Second look at suburbs

A new MoMA exhibit ties suburbs to the foreclosure crisis, but Diana Lind argues that we need to “stop demonizing the suburbs” and think about how to improve, not abolish, suburbia. (Next American City)  

And…

New York Ave is Metro’s fastest growing station in terms of ridership. (Examiner) … The Economist makes the case for Gov. O’Malley’s proposed gas tax increases. … Why does a Baltimore art school oppose bike lanes? (Baltimore Brew)