Photo by Phil Yabut
Thanks to Phil for sharing: “They started taking the outer #razorwire fence down early this morning. (Louisiana Ave. and N. Capitol Street, NW)”
Federal Government
Photo by Victoria Pickering
From Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) said today that the fencing around the Capitol complex will begin to be scaled back due to a lack of known, credible threats. Norton introduced a bill in February to ban permanent fencing at the Capitol complex and has been an outspoken advocate of removing the razor wire and slowly taking down the fencing, preferring to instead rely on state-of-the-art security options and better intelligence to prevent attacks like the one incited by former President Trump on January 6th. (more…)
captain’s log, NE DC, march 10, 2021: the helicopters are back with a vengeance. @PoPville
— Lauren (@lms2710) March 11, 2021
From Congress member Norton’s Office:
“Members of the Quiet Skies Caucus (QSC) sent a letter, led by QSC Co-Chairs Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) and Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) and QSC Vice Chairs Congressman Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Steve Dickson expressing their concerns over the FAA’s nationwide survey about aircraft noise annoyance. The letter points out that the noise metrics are outdated and do not accurately reflect the level of disruption caused by aircraft noise.
“These metrics are the very foundation of the FAA’s understanding of aircraft noise in the United States,” the members wrote. “If these metrics are not reliable, that calls into question the FAA’s entire framework of regulations and programs to reduce aircraft noise. It also suggests the FAA may not be doing enough because, to date, it has not understood the true scope of the problem.” (more…)
Photo by Al Drago
Thanks to Beth for sending: “Louisiana Ave has been opened! They moved the fences back by a street. I work at 101 Constitution and this is a huge game changer/ win!”
U.S. Capitol Police reported yesterday: “As part of continuing efforts to help improve traffic and pedestrian flow, crews are modifying parts of the outer fencing in order to open portions of Louisiana Ave., NW and Washington Ave., SW by the end of the weekend.” (more…)
Photo by angela n.
From the United States Capitol Police:
“The United States Capitol Police Department is aware of and prepared for any potential threats towards members of Congress or towards the Capitol complex. We have obtained intelligence that shows a possible plot to breach the Capitol by an identified militia group on Thursday, March 4. (more…)
Photo by Gretta Blatner
It was not a start after all.
Thanks to Gretta (and others) for the update: “yesterday they lowered the height of the fence on 3rd st sw, today they are adding razor wire.”
Photo by Andrew Leyden
Thanks to Andrew for sending: “Work crews removing a secondary fence at the White House today. Could we soon see access to Lafayette Park once again?”
And the latest from Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a letter to the Capitol Police Board requesting that the public have access to the outdoor spaces of the U.S. Botanic Garden that remained open to the public after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were instituted at the U.S. Capitol complex but were closed after the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. (more…)
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Photo by Eric P.
From Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Office:
“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), co-chair of the Quiet Skies Caucus, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas asking that their departments’ helicopters in the District of Columbia fly at higher altitudes, limit nighttime flights and flights over residential areas, and provide advance notice to residents of prolonged training in a particular area.
“D.C. residents contact me frequently about helicopter noise in their neighborhoods,” Norton said. “Residents say that it affects their sleep and their ability to think and have conversations, and that it can cause structural damage to their homes.” Norton asked for a written response by March 19th.
The letter follows. (more…)
Back in the before days the above notice from OPM would signal waves of joy throughout the District. Alas, here we are (with not really much snow to boot). Readers wrote last night:
“OPM is showing Closed. Does that mean we actually get a snow day and not have to work from home? What are people hearing from their HRs?”
“Per the guidance I got if we telework we still have to telework”
So just curious, did anyone, Fed or not, actually get off today? Do we think snow days will ever return one day or teleworking will be the new normal for inclement weather days?
The Washington Post reported on Friday:
“Postmaster General Louis DeJoy is preparing to put all first-class mail onto a single delivery track, according to two people briefed on his strategic plan for the U.S. Postal Service, a move that would mean slower and more costly delivery for both consumers and commercial mailers.”
A few more last Christmas (Hannukah) Cards in Town: (more…)