We’ve seen this coming for some time, but it seems that Dan Tangherlini is finally going to get serious about getting rid of Metro’s cushions and carpet. The Post notes, this morning, that vinyl floors will be tested this summer, but only in one pair of cars. Lots of interesting asides in the piece; I was not aware that the cushion and carpet “luxuries” were added to draw suburbanites out of their cars (thank goodness folks didn’t drive the living rooms on wheels they do now). Also, the cushions are made by Virginia prisoners, and “dirty carpet smells gross.”
Council Passes Budget: The D.C. Council approved a city budget yesterday of about $5 billion ($9 billion once Federal funds are added). This year’s budget includes an increase in the deed recordation and transfer tax, from 1.1 to 1.45 percent. A portion of that tax, from which residential property sales under $400,000 are exempted, will go to adding 100 additional police officers to the MPD’s force. Members of the Council not under election pressure this year are arguing that more officers aren’t necessarily what’s needed to further reduce crime. Kathy Patterson notes that those running for office simply want to take more officers back to their voters.
Gallaudet Unrest Continues: According to the Examiner, the outgoing president of Gallaudet University believes that part of the anger facing president-elect Jane Fernandes stems from his decision to name her provost six years ago without consulting the faculty. Additionally, the Post is reporting that the interim head of the school’s board of trustees, Celia May Baldwin, has resigned based on angry reaction to Fernandes, including threats made against her.
Briefly Noted: Northern Virginia continues its efforts to change stubborn lawmakers’ minds on transportation…Lots of disturbing news on the Fairfax shooter…Is Lost a repeat?
This Day in DCist: Commenters had a field day, once more, with the Whitehurst Freeway, campers began appearing outside the Uptown Theater in anticipation of Star Wars Episode 3, and we noted that Blake Gopnik did not, after all, know best, at least where the Corcoran was concerned.
Picture taken by edwardaggie98.
