Tysons Development Plans Face Changes; Taxpayers Subsidizing Parades, Marathons: Morning Links

Tension Over Tysons Corner Development Cap: Kafia A. Hosh at the Washington Post reports that Fairfax is proposing a change to its office space cap. The cap was initially put into place to move the car-dependent area into a more walkable area. But the cap created a run on development plans, and they were often submitted in the earliest stages of planning. Now, Fairfax County wants businesses to wait to count development plans toward the cap only when they're in the final planning stages. Developers are protesting the added step, saying it could make securing financing more difficult.

DC Council to Scrutinize Online Gambling Implementation: DC Lottery announced it would begin rolling out legalized Internet gambling this summer, which was passed in a budget bill earlier this year. If the plan goes forth, DC would be become the first in the US to legalize Internet gambling. Many members of the DC Council, including Ward One's Jim Graham, are saying they hadn't properly vetted the law. They plan to hold a hearing on the bill today.

Taxpayers Subsidize Parades, Marathons: Freeman Klopott at the Washington Examiner finds that DC taxpayers are often footing the bill for festivals, parades, and other public events through police time. Though technically groups are supposed to reimburse the city for security provided by city police, many groups get fees waived by appealing to public officials. The city has waived more than $732,000 in security fees since 2008. Klopott has a complete breakdown of the fees.

Food Banks to Start Charging for Produce: WTOP notes that Capital Area Food Bank will start charging members 10 cents per pound for produce on Friday thanks to rising food and transportation costs. DC Central Kitchen, meanwhile, says it expects to take a hit, but will continue to serve fruits and vegetables with its meals.

Briefly noted: Greater Greater Washington wonders if the DC Taxicab Commission should just be abolished.

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Kay Steiger