By Caitlin Rogger (Policy Manager) • June 19, 2020
On June 1, law enforcement and military forces executed a coordinated attack on people exercising their first amendment rights in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, forcibly removing protestors from Lafayette Square in downtown Washington, DC. Since that day, many Americans have realized what Black Americans have known for a long time: the right to safe and legal use of public space is assured for no member of the public.
There’s some interesting history behind the oddly disconnected corridor between Columbia Heights and Brookland in DC. That weird traffic cloverleaf on North Capitol is one of several remnants of a planned DC freeway system that was never built.
New York-based artist Jake Berman created and shared this unique map of streetcar routes in DC. But this isn’t a map of the modern, sleek streetcars we have today. Nor is it a map from the 20th century showing electric streetcar routes, such as the map Berman made that detailed streetcars and proposed subways from 1944.
The high cost of bad sidewalks. Wall Street wants to invest in rail service. Miami looks to update its zoning codes, and more in this week’s National links.
The District has thousands of manhole covers, and a lot of them offer a glimpse into the city’s history. This one, for example, is from a 19th Century streetcar company that hasn’t existed in over 100 years.
Last week, it appeared that DC had met all key Phase Two reopening metric except for its contract-tracing goals. District officials say its new data tracking system has not been fully updated to account for new numbers that show attempts to contact 90% of new positive cases have been met. (Natalie Delgadillo, Elliot C. Williams / DCist)
As local jurisdictions continue to gradually reopen, transit agencies are attempting to boost ridership by restoring routes and increasing frequency. Returning passengers can expect new rules on social distancing and wearing masks. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Washington, DC has taken over Arlington as the most-expensive jurisdiction by county in the region. In May, the median price of a home in the District was $656,000, while the median price of a home in Arlington was $646,000. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)
Experts believe negotiations between Maryland and the companies tasked with building the Purple Line are likely continuing even through the deadline to reach an agreement on how to handle cost overruns came and went on June 20. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
A group of developers lead by EYA has reached an agreement to construct 90 townhomes and a mixed-used residential development near the Fort Totten Metro station in DC. The project will include 80 units of senior housing. (Alex Koma / Business Journal)
Friday’s Juneteenth gatherings drew participants from the Washington Wizards and Mystics, including Bradley Beale, Natasha Cloud, and Myisha Hines-Allen, who shared their own experiences involving racism and police brutality. (Kelyn Soong / City Paper)
