Breakfast links: You’re out
Nats want taxpayer bonanza for playoffs
Not only are the Nats refusing to pay to keep Metro open late if games run late into the night, they are asking the District to pay if the team makes the playoffs, though DC is likely to say no. They also want free security, more of their own concession stands on Half Street, signs and more. (WTOP, Post)
No to highway
Montgomery County lawmakers think the Mid-County Highway extension, the “zombie road” in the county’s master plan from the 1960’s, will likely not get built due to cost and environmental concerns. (Examiner)
Gray backs car barn site
Mayor Gray reaffirmed his support of the Spingarn site for the streetcar car barn over the objections of Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. Gray notes that it’s likely every ward will eventually have a car barn. (DCist)
Maryland mopeds
Maryland will adopt rule changes for mopeds and scooters beginning in October. The new rules require insurance, as well as eye and head protection for riders. (Examiner)
Give tax breaks a break
DC is attracting investment in its tech sector even without special tax breaks. Across the country, such tax breaks seem to have little impact on attracting investment. (DCFPI)
Dining al fresco
Outdoor sales of alcohol in DC started 50 years ago this month and since that time outdoor dining in DC has flourished with about 500 sidewalk cafes today. DC’s wide sidewalks and short winters help encourage outdoor seating. (Blade)
Grid it
Well-developed street grids tend to concentrate land value centrally and better absorb growth than less connected systems that spread value evenly. (Streetsblog)
Want to go to Rail~Volution?
A few need-based scholarships can help activists attend the Rail~Volution conference in Los Angeles in October. Apply by September 5.