Breakfast links: Transportation projects for the new year
VA’s Outer Beltway coming
Officials displayed plans to build Virginia’s portion of the Outer Beltway, from Loudoun to Prince William. Nearby landowners are eager to build new sprawl subdivisions along its length. (Post)
What counties want
Both Montgomery and Prince George’s want more transportation funding from the coming state legislative session, for the Purple Line, Corridor Cities Transitway, and roads at National Harbor. Rushern Baker also hopes to win right to levy a 5¢ bag fee. (Post)
More info on Jack’s
The Park Service says they canceled Jack’s boathouse lease
because the owner’s name isn’t even on it and they want to switch to a modern concession contract. The owner says NPS didn’t return calls or letters about it over the past few months after first giving conflicting information. (Post, City Paper)
Arlington peaking?
Despite 3 decades of growth, and continuing development, a University of Virginia study projects Arlington’s population will fall in each of the next 3 decades. What trends account for that prediction? (Sun Gazette)
Year’s most annoying in development
The City Paper dubs the zoning rewrite “much ado about nothing” (lots of conflict for a tiny change), parking exceptions “most tedious” (they’re almost always granted, but only after a very long process), and Howard Town Center’s $11 million abatement the “least-necessary tax break.”
Regulations make alley living pricey
Toronto tried to legalize alley dwellings that could be built for only $100,000 per unit, but laws and review boards added fees and restrictions that can add hundreds of thousands to the cost. (Toronto Star)
DC faces higher fiscal cliff
DC’s concentration of federal government jobs mean that the area would be the hardest-hit in the event of a “fiscal cliff.” According to Mayor Gray, DC tax revenue could fall by $50 million. (WAMU)
And…
Ike Leggett wants to start funding BRT studies. (Gazette) … Richmond gives the Redskins training camp final approval. (WBJ) … SoberRides will be available through New Year’s Eve. (Examiner) … One of Annapolis’ “trolley” tour operators is shutting down to avoid having to give tours to same-sex married couples. (DCist)