Breakfast links: Bonded
Dems make Bonds interim councilmember
DC Democrats selected Anita Bonds to fill the at-large seat vacated by Phil Mendelson’s council chair election. The long-time activist and politician will serve through an April 23rd special election. (Post)
Judge blocks Ivy City yard
A judge granted a preliminary injunction blocking DC from putting tour bus parking at the old Crummell School in Ivy City, finding that it didn’t follow procedures around ANCs or environmental review (ruling here). Meanwhile, DC won the final eminent domain case for Skyland redevelopment. (City Paper)
Arlington rejects electric taxis
In a narrow vote, Arlington County Board voted down a proposal for an all-electric taxi fleet. Board members expressed doubts about whether they were prepared to add electric vehicle charging infrastructure. (Post)
Bethesda could be better for bikes
WABA made suggestions for adding bike lanes and other changes in Bethesda, such as replacing one driving lane with bike lanes on Arlington Road, but the county DOT seems uninterested. (Patch, Corbin Dallas) (Tip: Corbin Dallas)
From parking to park
A group has a plan for sports fields, walking paths and more on the 40 acres of “parkland” now covered with RFK’s north parking lots. (DCist)
DC still the Corcoran’s home
The Corcoran Museum will stay in DC. The art museum had been considering moving to a larger suburban location since June. (Post)
DC one of the choiciest
Brookings ranked DC third in school choice, with 40-45% of DC students in “schools of choice” like magnets and charters. (Post)
Tax land, not buildings?
Minneapolis is looking to reduce surface parking. Should cities tax land for their development potential to encourage higher-value and more intensive uses, and discourage surface parking? (Streets.mn)
And…
MTA has already begun selling MARC tickets for the inauguration. (Post) … Amtrak set another ridership record, this time for Thanksgiving weekend. (Post) … This year, DC will likely have fewer than 100 murders for the first time since 1963. (Examiner) … Bicycle deaths rose 9 percent in 2011. (Atlantic Cities)