Photo by Rosa Say on Flickr.

Fence offense

In a case of literal NIMBY-ism, the president of a group trying to save the Capital Crescent Trail from the Purple Line illegally built his backyard fence into the county’s right-of-way. Purple Line proponents are crying foul. (BethesdaNow)  

Skyland is coming

After a decade of eminent domain battles, the Skyland Town Center should break ground this month. The Walmart-anchored development will include 476 residential units, 20% of which will be affordable. (WBJ)  

Moving toward autonomy

Along with ending congressional review, Obama’s 2015 budget would allow DC to set its own fiscal year, which currently matches the October-September calendar used by the feds. Maryland and Virginia use July-June. (WBJ)  

Arlington retail in good shape

Retail and real estate experts are bullish on Arlington retail, particularly the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, thanks to its urban, walkable, and mixed-use form. (ArlNow, Canaan)  (Tip: Canaan)  

Bikeshare is good for business

A study of the economic impact of bikeshare stations found most riders plan to spend money at their destination, and that business owners want more stations. (Mobility Lab)  

Bottoms up

A new DC law loosens a number of alcohol regulations. Now restaurants can distill on site, and breweries and distilleries can hold tastings seven days a week. Tax revenue from liquor sales in the District has doubled since 2009. (City Paper, DCist)  

Marijuana stumps DCHA

Now that DC has decriminalized marijuana, should officials evict public housing tenants for using pot? Federal laws may require it, despite lawmakers’ desires. (WAMU)  

How much house is enough?

The “tiny house” movement isn’t for everyone, but there’s a real trend toward smaller home sizes in the US. Old Greenbelt’s New Deal-era housing stock may actually be ahead of the curve. (Greenbelt Live)  

Photo enforcement, parking edition

A DC program launched in 2011 was supposed to provide ticketed parkers with photo evidence of their infraction. A new manager at DPW admits the program is not working and promises to fix it. (WTOP)  

Discouraging driving

Most plans to increase non-car mode share focus on “carrots”: more bike lanes, sidewalks, and bus stops. If taking the “stick” approach to drivers is politically impossible, how much can we reduce car trips? (Atlantic Cities)  

And…

Alexandria police think Ron Kirby’s murder may be linked to 2 other high-profile killings, including one a decade ago. (City Paper) … A man seems to have intentionally jumped in front of a train at Waterfront. (Post) … Jeffrey Thompson, the architect of Gray’s 2010 shadow campaign, is in the final stages of a plea negotiation. (Post)