Breakfast links: Stadium skepticism
Soccer deal isn’t popular
59% of DC residents oppose the proposed deal to build a soccer stadium for DC United. Meanwhile, 6 councilmembers introduced a bill asking DC to study building a domed football stadium at RFK. (Post)
Geography influences opinion on fares
The WMATA board will soon hold hearings to discuss fare and fee increases. Expect opinions to vary between city and suburbs, as people differentially value paying for buses, rail, and parking. (Post)
Plows miss bike lanes
DDOT’s Mike Goodno says the snow plows clear bike lanes with the rest of the road, but most bike lanes are still full of snow. (dave rides a bike)
On another waterfront
A 5-story hotel will be the first new building under Alexandria’s waterfront plan. The hotel replaces a warehouse, providing new tax revenues and contributions to the city’s affordable housing fund. (Post)
Lower rents by taxing land
100 years ago, a San Francisco economist proposed taxing land rather than property. The tax would encourage development while discouraging speculation and could be the solution to high rents in expensive cities. (Atlantic Cities)
California appealing high-speed rail decision
California Gov. Jerry Brown wants to sell bonds to finance high-speed rail, but court rulings prevent that. Delays from those rulings could risk federal funds, so the administration is appealing the case. (WTOP)
Protesters target Google buses
The shuttles driving employees between San Francisco and Silicon Valley have become a symbol of gentrification and rising rents. But can buses be blamed when the highest earners bid up property prices? (The Observer, RPUS)
What lies beneath London?
Workers digging the Crossrail tunnels underneath London have found medieval graveyards and ancient coins in their quest to connect Heathrow Airport with Essex County. The project is set to open in 2018. (The Atlantic)
Novel solutions for unbearable pollution
Desperate for a relief from extreme smog in China, inventors are proposing to remedy it with filters, electrostatic rings, and artificial rain, but well-connected industries have blocked emissions reductions. (Post)
And…
The National Park Service might install parking meters around the Mall. (NPS) … Interactive maps can now look like woodcuts. (Mapbox) … A taxi slammed into a bus shelter on U Street. (PoPville) … What did New York’s old Penn Station look like? (NYT)