Photo by jiadoldol on Flickr.

90 minutes to Richmond

Virginia got $45 million to begin engineering on a high-speed rail line from Richmond to Washington.  A 100-mph train ride may soon unite the capitals of the Union and Confederacy in as little as 90 minutes. (Post, Eric Fidler)  

No HSR for Palo Alto

Some of the most liberal towns can still be the most resistant to sustainable local projects. In Palo Alto, home to Stanford University, the city council voted against a plan to route the California high-speed rail line through their town. They don’t necessarily get to decide, however. (Transportation Nation)  

Columbia for transit

Columbia, MD wants better transit, but is Howard County just too sprawling right now to really make it work? (Baltimore Sun via T4MD)  

Safe bike parking at school

At least one Fairfax school is supportive of students walking and biking to school. Kilmer Middle School is working to add more bike parking since current racks are constantly full. (FABB)  

What is the “area” for affordable housing?

Area Median Income, the benchmark for affordable housing’s eligibility, is very distorted in DC since it includes rich outer counties. In the face of HUD’s inaction, DC is considering a bill to require lower income brackets for affordable housing. (Housing Complex)  

Zoning marathon in PG

In a marathon legislative session, the Prince George’s County Council rejected a Montgomery County-style stormwater regulation, rejected upzoning in Fort Washington, redefined “multifamily dwellings” to include townhouses, and refused to constrict the definition of accessory uses. (Post, Eric Fidler)  

Potomac Yard neighbors protest taxes

Residents in a special tax district proposed to fund a new Potomac Yard Metro station are planning a protest next week. (WTOP)  

Fight graffiti with art

Aspiring Michelangelos have taken to DC’s walls.  The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Department of Public Works have sponsored numerous murals to cover illegal graffiti canvases throughout the city. Even the BBC noticed. (DCist, Eric Fidler)  

And…

A copper thief may have caused Monday’s delays on the MARC Penn Line. (Post) … The first ICC segment’s opening may be delayed until early next year. (Post) … Organizers of the Rally to Restore Sanity have no interest in a WABA bike valet. (TBD)