Weekend links: Questionable actions
PG County Executive and wife arrested
The FBI arrested Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife Leslie yesterday. They were under investigation for corruption in awarding development contracts in the county. Mr. Johnson is ending his second term while Mrs. Johnson was recently elected to the County Council. (Post)
No more free Smithsonians?
The federal debt commission, in its recommendations for reducing federal spending, has suggested charging $7.50 admission for Smithsonian Museums, saying it would save $225 million. DC Like a Local says it’s not only a bad idea, the numbers are embarrassingly questionable. (NBC Washington)
Herndon Metro plan raises differing opinions
The planned Herndon Metro station abuts a single-family subdivision. Some residents are eager for TOD, while others want no change, fearing they will be “developed right out of Herndon.” (Fairfax Times)
DC crime concentrated in pockets
Recent analysis of DC crime from 2000-2009 reveals that crime is unevenly distributed throughout the city, with a small percentage of blocks accounting for a high percentage of all crime in the city. (Urban Institute, Mark Jordan) (Tip: Mark Jordan)
M and New Jersey SE will start (Barnes) dancing
DDOT will try a second “Barnes Dance,” where pedestrians get a phase where they can cross diagonally as well as in the usual directions, at the busy corner of New Jersey and M Streets, SE, where the Metro station is on one corner and USDOT headquarters is diagonally across. It’s not clear whether turns will be allowed or not. (Housing Complex)
Montgomery moves closer to car sharing
Montgomery County’s parking facilities may soon house car sharing vehicles. A vendor hasn’t been selected, but Silver Spring and Bethesda will each get 6 spots, Wheaton, 4, and Montgomery Hills, 2. (South Silver Spring)
Metro wants to hire vets
WMATA will hold an employment open house for veterans, hoping to attract service members transitioning from active duty into the workforce. (WTOP)
Driver charged in hit-and-run on S. Capitol
A Fort Washington resident has been charged with negligent homicide after he struck and killed a 71-year-old pedestrian on South Capitol Street in Bellevue, and left the scene. (Post)
And…
Loudoun and Fairfax are the richest counties in the country. 5 other Washington-Baltimore region counties make the top 10 list. (Post) … A large number of bikes were stolen from a bike rack inside a locked Rosslyn apartment building garage. (ARLnow, Rob Pitingolo) … The problem with drive-thrus is if one goes out of business the building can only accommodate the same type of business. (Greater City Providence) (Tip: Rob Pitingolo)