Breakfast links: Plans to grow
Georgetown residents v. students
Some residents of Georgetown and Burleith don’t want more graduate students at Georgetown University, saying they bring traffic and noise.
Resident Stephen Brown was so upset that he created a Web site threatening to take photos of students drinking inside their own homes and post them online where potential employers might see them. The hosting company took the site down, but Brown put up a new site on Blogspot. (Post, Casual Hoya, Georgetown Voice, dp.3) (Tip: dp.3)
A smaller Hill East, for now
Mindful of the problems that derailed Poplar Point, DC is proceeding piece by piece on the Hill East development south of RFK Stadium. Instead of seeking a master developer to manage 5 million square feet, ODMPED is looking just for about half that for the first phase. Some residents worry this will compromise the larger vision that has strong community support. (WBJ)
CLD in MVT?
The whole-block parking lot that didn’t shovel its sidewalks in Mount Vernon Triangle could soon be redeveloped along with another large parcel. Owner Steuart Investment would like permission to fulfill the 50% residential requirement by making one parcel all residential and the other all office (known as “Combined Lot Development” and common downtown) but needs ANC support. (The Triangle)
One small step for a better Gaithersbungle
The Montgomery County Concil will require a higher percentage of “life sciences” — 40% instead of 30% — in the so-called “Science City” development. One of the plan’s many flaws was that it could let Hopkins just profit off generic office park development instead of actually bringing in the promised biotech research. (Examiner)
What’s getting built
The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approval for a new building at the White Flint Metro … Undeterred by the recession, one developer is still building a 4-story as-of-right apartment building at Georgia and Harvard. (DCmud)
Taxes or social service cuts and meter hikes?
The DC Council is considering tax increases for top income earners, a sales tax on soda, and removing the sales tax exemption for pet grooming, club memberships, and theater tickets. The money would restore some services for needy residents, roll back the $3 parking rates, and more.
Ride Metro or not?
A seeing-eye dog trainer rode Metro for the first time during the cherry blossoms, and found Metro very accommodating (Smart Dog University, Cavan) … A Falls Church resident who could walk to Metro drives to work instead largely because his Rosslyn office building gives him free parking. (Unsuck DC Metro) (Tip: Cavan)
Legalize personal car sharing
California may change insurance laws to allow “personal car sharing,” where car owners can rent out their cars via sharing companies to members during times the owner doesn’t need the car. It’s a good idea, but current insurance laws don’t allow this for vehicles not registered commercially. (Streetsblog SF)