Outside the DC Convention Center. Photo by toniluca.

Convention center hotel back on track

A judge unexpectedly dismissed JBG’s lawsuit over the convention center hotel, which was delaying the 1,167-room project; now it could break ground as soon as late May. (WBJ, Post)  

Exurbs become “gated ghettos”

A gated community at the far edge of the Los Angeles area, 88 miles from downtown and 35-40 miles from Riverside and San Bernardino, has turned into a “gated ghetto” as banks foreclose and many properties go vacant, while many others become cheap rentals. Not asked: how will the new residents get to work? Will commuter buses get more crowded? (LA Times, Ben Ross)  (Tip: Ben Ross)  

Ped hit at Wisconsin and M

A driver hit and seriously injured an elderly pedestrian in Georgetown last night. Georgetown Voice editor Iris Kim witnessed the accident and said the pedestrian was not crossing with the light. (Georgetown Voice, Scott C.)  (Tip: Scott C.)  

Stroll and circulate freely

As promised, following Ken Archer’s experiences, the Circulator has formally changed its rules to allow strollers. Only smaller strollers are allowed, and only if the “priority area” is not already occupied by people with disabilities or seniors with walkers.  

Blogging transit agencies

LACMTA reviews eight blogs run by transit agencies besides their own. They’re all west of the Missisippi. (The Source, Matt’)  (Tip: Matt')  

Give us our squares

DC Metrocentric laments the sad state of many DC federal parks’ maintenance and asks the frequent question of why small city squares should be federally controlled at all.  

JetBlue really coming to DCA

The US Airways-Delta slot swap that would give JetBlue some slots at National Airport is still under review, but JetBlue will indeed launch service at DCA in November, with 8 daily flights, after agreeing to a codeshare and slot swap with American. (WTOP, NYCAviation)  

On politics

Former Maryland Governor Bob Ehrlich (R), who championed the ICC and tried to kill the Purple Line, will run again this fall. (Post) … Columnists are fairly pessimistic about Vince Gray’s chances in the DC mayoral primary (Post, Examiner) … Jack Evans will run for Council chair. (WTOP)