Breakfast links: Know your history
The day the city burned
British forces invaded the District and burned the Capitol, White House, Navy Yard and other buildings 200 years ago, after an inept defense at Bladensburg. Renewed patriotism later built support for the capital. (Post, JDLand)
The Beltway’s golden
The Capital Beltway had its grand opening 50 years ago, with the ceremony causing a traffic jam. Though some things have not changed, there are many fewer deaths, even as the number vehicles of has risen dramatically. (Post)
More affordable than we thought?
A new study finds that DC is the second most affordable city for low-income earners, after San Francisco. The study takes into account transportation costs, putting older, denser cities ahead in the rankings. (Post)
Historic districts are not the problem
Do historic districts increase the cost of housing by limiting development? In one case where older houses just outside a historic district were replaced with an apartment building the resulting rent was still high. (RPUS)
The show will go on
A judge is allowing musicians to continue performing outside Metro entrances, while a lawsuit on the legality of playing for tips on Metro property continues. WMATA bans the practice, labeling it a commercial activity. (Post)
Subway bag check
Hong Kong allows air passengers to check in their bags at downtown subway stations, rather than hauling them to the airport. Would you use such a bag check if it accompanied Phase 2 of the Silver Line? (CityLab)
Scaling up urban farming
Although urban farms are closer to consumers, distributing the food has not been easy. However, several new companies are using technology to cut waste and beat the supermarket on convenience and cost. (CityLab)
And…
Is UNESCO’s World Heritage City designation petrifying cities by stifling new developments and driving out locals (Domus) … DDOT has proposed a minor change to the visitor parking program. (City Paper) … The H Street streetcar derailed as part of an emergency drill. (WTOP)