Breakfast links: Shutdown everything
Park Police won’t do events, MPD will
In the event of a shutdown, the Park Police won’t help with any special events, forcing postponement of the GW Parkway Classic road race. But MPD, also affected by the shutdown, has agreed to step in and allow the Cherry Blossom Parade to go on. (Express Night Out, WUSA)
Public safety partially essential
While police will be exempt from a federal shutdown, the Office of Police Complaints, which records and investigates police abuses, will be shuttered along with several other consumer and citizen protection agencies. (City Paper)
Services that will continue
DPW will pick up trash, but only starting one week after the shutdown, because after a week the trash piling up will become a health risk. (Examiner) … Also, the Circulator and Capital Bikeshare will continue during a shutdown.
Furloughed workers can file unemployment
Employees who are furloughed are eligible for unemployment benefits in every DC area jurisdiction. District residents are eligible after a week, but even then, will DC’s unemployment office be open? (WTOP)
WMATA clarifies potential cuts
The WMATA Board narrowed its service cut options yesterday. On the table still are increases in weekend train headways, several bus route cuts and consolidations, and a revised Anacostia bus fare discount. (Examiner)
Wheaton Costco debate continues
Montgomery County executive Ike Leggett is still pushing for a $4 million subsidy to attract Costco to Westfield Wheaton mall. Marc Elrich is opposed, George Leventhal supportive. Also, Costco is refusing to meet with the local neighborhood association. (Gazette, Danila Sheveiko) (Tip: Danila Sheveiko)
Black History Museum design revised
The NCPC considered revised designs for the final museum on the Mall, which will have a more subdued nighttime lighting. One NCPC member balked at a water feature at the museum’s entrance saying, “It really is a foreign element in landscaping.” (Examiner)
And…
The looming federal shutdown shows DC advocates should focus on budget autonomy before statehood, Jack Evans says. (Examiner) … DC, Maryland and 23 other states applied for a piece of Florida’s $2.4 billion in high-speed rail funds. Where’s Virginia? (Transportation Nation, Gavin) (Tip: Gavin)