Photo by BuzzFarmers on Flickr.

Cities for everyone

Joel Kotkin writes that planners cater to the rich and “luxury cities” are not where most Americans can or even want to live. Instead, they find what they need in Sunbelt boomtowns. Should other cities adopt the Sunbelt model? (Post)  

For affordable housing, change zoning

Will changing zoning laws to allow denser development bring more expensive condos? Maybe, but it will also allow other types of housing, as argued over decades by advocates for social justice. (Post, Dizzy)  (Tip: Dizzy)  

Cities made for walking

People know that living near a highway is unhealthy, but what about cul-de-sacs? Disconnected streets correlate with less walking and could lead to more obesity and diabetes for the poor as they leave cities. (The Atlantic, charlie)  (Tip: charlie)  

Bike around construction

DDOT has proposed that a protected path must be provided if construction blocks a bike lane. This can be done by closing a parking lane or general-use travel lane or, as a last resort, rerouting cyclists to another street. (WBJ)  

Tunnel delays

Some neighbors oppose an expanded Virginia Ave. train tunnel, but delaying the decision is also delaying development. New routes around the bottleneck would be very costly and controversial. (Post)  

Takoma Park saves energy

Takoma Park is a semi-finalist in a nation-wide competition to reduce energy waste. The competition, sponsored by Georgetown University, seeks to promote new thinking and $1 billion in energy savings. (Gazette)  

Save South Capitol for pedestrians

With plans underway to design a new bridge across the Anacostia, the current one could be retained and repurposed for walking and bicycling, encouraging active transportation east of the river. (RPUS)  

Transit and food deserts

One cure for food deserts is more and better-stocked grocery stores; another is frequent transit. It will not only keep food from spoiling, but can also connect the poor to other opportunities. (Human Transit)  

If you build it . . . ?

Santa Clara county in California has seen over $13 billion of new investment within 1/2 mile of its light rail system, but ridership remains abysmal. The problem is lack of walkability and buildings that continue to favor driving. (NextCity)  

And…

Greater Washington business leaders are supporting funding for eight-car trains. (8CarCoalition) … There is still no opening date for the Silver Spring Transit Center. (Post) … You can expect some changes to bus service, including on the 30s lines. (Post)