Photo by philliefan99
Good morning, Washington. So, we’re going to have streetcars still, I think? Yesterday’s council session was an exciting one by any measure, containing the removal and restoration of streetcar funds, the proposal and defeat of tax hikes for the wealthy, and a commuter tax that’s sure to attract congressional attention. Here’s hoping that today’s handful of committee meetings aren’t quite as dramatic.
Metro Board to Vote on Fare Hikes Today: In just a few hours the full Metro board is expected to approve the 15 percent fare increase that’s already received a thumbs up from the transit agency’s finance board. As you might recall, the new minimum fare during peak times will be $1.90 and Metrobus rides will cost $1.50.
Moran Fighting to Delay BRAC Move: The Base Realignment and Closure process has ruffled more than a few feathers; now all that’s left is complaining about the traffic. The Post reports on the efforts by Jim Moran to prevent a potential traffic mess at the Mark Center, the new workplace of a large number of defense workers displaced from offices near Crystal City. Moran’s measure would cap the amount of parking allowed at the new facility, effectively delaying the personnel move. It seems slightly silly to give Congress the final say over a traffic management plan, but the Virginia Department of Transportation seems to back up the dire warnings Moran has been issuing about a looming traffic apocalypse.
Briefly Noted: Traffic woes this morning on the 14th St. Bridge… Teen dies in Montgomery County crash… Montgomery County facing utility tax hikes… Amtrak conducting security drills today… Fund created in remembrance of murdered UVa student… Redskin Albert Haynesworth sued by exotic dancer who says he impregnated her… Man falls from Courthouse apartment building in Arlington, dies… D.C. soda sales tax passes… Defendant Zaborsky’s testimony played at Wone trial… Watergate sold… Former CFO of Md. Legal Aid charged with stealing more than $1 million…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we checked out H Street Country Club and the zoo lost a couple of stingrays.
