Good morning, Washington. Well, it was great while it lasted. But while it’s true that last night’s rains may have added to the treacherous icepack, and although WTTG has made a yeoman’s effort at convincing us that icy death could plummet onto us from above at any moment, we still can’t help but feel like the golden age of this winter’s weather paranoia may be drawing to a close.
That’s Barely $2M Per Seat!: The Post updates us on the progress of the city council’s efforts to send Abe Pollin a $50 million thank-you note. We’ve written about this before — Pollin feels that the city ought to chip in money to help renovate the Verizon Center, which most agree has played a pivotal role in revitalizing Chinatown. Vincent Gray — who initially asked, “What the District taxpayers [would] get out of this?” — is now one of the sponsors of legislation that would provide money for the renovations through a combination of bonds and additional taxes on visitors to the arena. The other sponsor is Jim Graham, who calls the legislation “a good deal”. We’re not sure what he means — well, unless it’s a reference to the “rent-free, 24-seat luxury suite, which includes a private bathroom, two TVs, a refrigerator, a food service area and an unobstructed view of the arena floor” that the city would get as part of the legislation. It still seems like season tickets would be cheaper.
Lead Response Continues In D.C. Schools: The wheels continue to turn in response to last week’s news that some city schools’ water has elevated lead levels. NBC4 reports that Superintendent Clifford Janey is digging into the problem, ordering reports about the situation. Meanwhile, repair crews continue to fix school water fountains with known problems.
Washington’s Whiskey Is Coming: Sadly, it’s not in time for President’s Day. But WTOP brings word that Mt. Vernon may soon begin selling a recreation of our first president’s recipe for rye whiskey. It’s now up to Governor Kaine to sign into law a measure permitting the distilling, which he is expected to do.
Briefly Noted: Two planes get stuck at National… Maryland getting tougher auto emissions standards… D.C. business community supports mayor’s bid for control of schools… Va. legislature may be deadlocked over transportation funding, but it can agree on traffic cameras… Va. underage drinking bills founder in committee… Attendance at Air & Space Museum falling… Mystery landfill foot was ursine in origin…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we were worried that the Nats might have to change their name. Two years ago we were celebrating President’s Day by recalling our worst president.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user tess271
