Photo by Sameer Vasta on Flickr.

Big-box protections can harm

Laws restricting big box stores to protect small retailers may not achieve that goal. Chain retailers adapted by building smaller stores that directly compete with local businesses, and are doing better than ever. (Atlantic Cities)  

Follow the regs

A few Airbnb hosts comply with all of the licensing regulations to rent out their homes or extra apartments for short times, but most don’t. DCRA agrees the regulations are outdated. Condo rules also usually forbid such rentals. (UrbanTurf)  

What the frack?

The US Forest Service is currently weighing whether to permit hydraulic fracking in the George Washington National Forest, near the headwaters of the Potomac. Any accident could affect the drinking water of 4 million people. (Post)  

Kentlands split over BRT

Residents of Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood begged for a Corridor Cities Transitway stop, but now that they’re getting one, other neighbors are up in arms. The station’s an integral part of plans to give the famous New Urbanist community a downtown. (Gazette)  

Pay the fare with your phone

A new phone app could revolutionize fare payments for infrequent riders. Tickets purchased online can be displayed on the phone with no change necessary. (Human Transit)  

Howze wins the nomination

Alan Howze (whom GGW endorsed) received 52% of the vote and won the Democratic nomination to succeed Chris Zimmerman. He faces 2 anti-streetcar candidates in the special election, likely in March. (ArlNow)  

Will more Dems run as independents?

Bryan Weaver dropped out of the April 1 Democratic primary for Ward 1 council, but will run in the November general election. That might be part of a trend, boosted by the very early primary. (WAMU)  

Cyclists continue riding

Many local bicycle riders, with the help of multiple layers and some perspective, continued riding despite the cold. Ice, including on unplowed trails, was another matter. (Post)  

And…

Silver Spring-based renewable energy provider Clean Currents ceased operations Friday, a casualty of the recent extreme weather. (WBJ) … DC’s new traffic enforcement cameras went live over the weekend. (Wash. Times) … Georgetown’s BID has raised $100,000 to study the gondola to Rosslyn. (UrbanTurf)