Breakfast links: More Shelters, fewer riders
Shelters out-of-place?
Mayor Bowser’s plan to open eight new homeless shelters in the District is already facing backlash. A flyer circulating in Ward 1 lists “congestion, loitering, safety, and decreased property values” as potential issues. (DCist)
Ridership down
Ridership on all transit modes declined by 5.4% last year, according to WMATA’s second quarter financial update. Rail ridership took the hardest hit, and the drop is creating a budget gap. (DCist)
To peak or not-peak
Due to unsynced clocks, some Metro stations have been charging peak fares at off-peak hours. Metro has extended the off-peak grace period at affected stations until it can fix the glitch. (Post)
Toxic department
The DC Fire Department’s medical director resigned from her position this week, citing the department’s “toxic” resistance to reform. (WTOP)
Bus lane patience
16th Street’s S buses are getting a dedicated lane, but the project will likely could take 4 years to complete. Part of the reason: A new system that gives buses priority at stop lights will take a while to get up and running. (WAMU)
Taxing Reston
Officials say Reston will require more than $2.6 billion in transportation work over the next 40 years. A special tax district might help pay for it. (Reston Now)
Pay to build?
In Virginia, developers help pay for public projects like roads, parks, and schools. Some lawmakers argue that this proffer system means higher costs for buyers while others say it keeps cities functioning. (WAMU)
BRT in Richmond
Richmond is getting a BRT network that proponents will be the start of a regional system. Some opponents say the coming route won’t adequately poor neighborhoods and job centers. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Breaking even
In the DC region, homeowners must own their property for an average of 4.5 years before its value outweighs the cost of renting. It takes longer to reach the “break-even point” in our region than anywhere else in the US. (Urbanturf)
Ackridge out
DC-based developer Akridge pulled out of a deal to develop the 1.3 million-square-foot Loudoun Parkway Center South. Detroit-based Soave Enterprises now stands to develop the transit-oriented site on its own. (WBJ)