Imagine a world where 50% of DC’s population lives near a streetcar stop. (Borderstan file photo)

By Michelle Lancaster. Got news, a hot tip or want to complain about what is or isn’t in this? Let her know on Twitter @michlancaster or via email at michellel@borderstan.com.

DC Streetcar Plans Deliver Some Promise

The DC Office of Planning released their Streetcar Land Use Study, and TBD has issued some early approvals for the plan. Imagine a world where 50% of DC’s population lives near a streetcar stop! I am dreaming with wistful sighs, after enduring the commute from hell on the Red Line this morning.

The author considers this as well, but seems to envision a world in which all transit systems could come out as winners. I can see that, I guess. Streetcars may provide public transportation to areas previously served by spotty bus service and make new areas of town more desirable. If that translates into a more vibrant urban area with affordable housing (hello, tax base), then everybody wins. It has the potential to do so, but the devil’s in the details, and execution.

Washington’s Pot Culture

The usually somewhat staid Washingtonian has devoted the February issue to marijuana. Specifically, the city’s plans to legalize medical marijuana this year are up for discussion as writers “get blunt.” Ahem. Ward 2 (that’s us!) has the highest marijuana usage in the city, so congratulations are in order. But with the bust of Capitol Hemp still fresh in many people’s minds, it remains to be seen how police will handle the new law and if Congress plans on leaving us the hell alone.

The Rent is Too Damn High, MoCo Style

Greater Greater Washington features a dilemma most Washington area residents face at some point in their first three months here. Where the heck can you rent a place that allows you to be in a safe neighborhood with some urban amentities that allows you to get to work in a reasonable commute…that you can actually afford?

In Montgomery County, the problem is even worse. The build outs represent what young families want, namely detached housing, parks and some single-car garages. But the fastest growing population in MoCo are millenials, who are desperate for affordable units near Metro stops. The author has some ideas on how to address both challenges, and they aren’t half bad.

Members of Occupy DC participated in a labor union rally on October 15 on the National Mall. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Michelle Lancaster. Follow her and tell her your news on Twitter @MichLancaster or email her at michellel@borderstan.com.

Occupy DC: Inside the Park

The Georgetown Voice goes inside the Occupy DC encampment and uncovers some interesting info about the food situation (spoilage and waste is a bigger issue than not having enough), trash and the grass everyone cares about so much. Apparently, the protesters are moving tents and re-seeding the grass during their time in the park, so there you go. It’s worth the read (it’s a little long) if you are at all curious as to what the protesters are protesting and how they’re spending their time. Note: a lot of these people are educated and employed and wear shoes, so stop stereotyping already.

Howard U to March in Support of Occupy DC

Howard University students, faculty and alumni are planning a march today to “bring more racial diversity” to the protests. They will start at the Campus and end at the Chamber of Commerce and have coordinated with the two occupation groups encamped in DC. The Washington Post has a quick blurb recopied from the AP that outlines their plans, so look for more coverage as the event unfolds.

Capitol Hemp Raided

Both locations of Capitol Hemp were raided on Wednesday night, a move the owner said was politically motivated. DCist has the updates in this unfolding story, but several employees (and a customer) were arrested and thousands of dollars of merch were seized. The laws seem awfully fuzzy about what is allowed and what is illegal regarding drug paraphernalia in DC. The political motivation the owner is referring to, by the way, is not about drugs but his opposition to a boutique hotel that he says has turned neighborhood folks against him.

ChiDogO’s Closing

Bummer. The dog joint will be closing its doors on November 11. U Street Girl broke the news, and noted it was likely inevitable given all the construction around the area. Did  you ever get a hot dog there? I thought they were pretty decent, and as much as I love taquitos from 7-11 it was nice to have an alternative late-night stumble home snack.