Breakfast links: Stop the harassment
Metro PD harasses photographer
A Metro Transit Police officer detained a photographer for taking pictures from a public sidewalk in Alexandria. The officer and his supervisor then displayed ignorance of laws around showing ID and detention of citizens. (Pixiq)
DC Council considers bullying law
The Council is considering an anti-bullying law that is pitting gay rights and youth activists against the ACLU, who says the Council should be careful not to limit free speech, and DC Charter School representatives, who say schools should adopt tailored policies independently. (Post)
The plan changed, comprehensively
The DC Council approved amendments to the Comprehensive Plan with little fanfare, including provisions giving charter schools first dibs on vacant school buildings, allowing higher density in some industrial and low density areas and Poplar Point, and more. (Housing Complex)
Are parks a “public good”?
Responding to yesterday’s NoMA post, Ryan Avent isn’t so sure parks are a “public good” which wouldn’t be adequately supplied without regulation. He argues that if people really wanted parks, then there would be more private parks, the way there are private gyms or golf courses, for example. (The Bellows)
Chesapeake Bay states wrestle with clean-up
The EPA is continuing to push Maryland, DC and Virginia to produce specific Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction plans. DC is still wrangling with federal agencies over stormwater treatment fees. (WAMU)
The latest anti-bike screed
“Local curmudgeon and bike hater” Gary Imhoff sees news that bike commuting has doubled to 2.2% as an argument against any bike infrastructure. TBD On Foot and WashCycle take apart the argument.
Melbourne bike share failing
While Montreal & London’s Bixi based bike share programs are wildly successful, Melbourne’s system, also from Bixi, has been a dud. The smaller number of bikes and stations is likely a contributing factor, but the biggest difference between the cities is Australia’s mandatory bike helmet law. (This Big City)
Rich giving up the American dream
In another sign that the big house in the suburb is losing its former cachet, wealthy Americans are increasingly choosing to rent rather than buy. (CNBC, Ben Ross) (Tip: Ben Ross)