Thanks to a reader for passing on CM Jack Evans latest parking prowess outside the Wilson Building.

In other Jack Evans news – from the Washington Post:

“Former Metro board chairman Jack Evans threatened the jobs of the agency’s top lawyer and board secretary in an effort to keep secret that the panel’s ethics committee had found he committed a violation, according to confidential agency documents.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

From Councilmember Grosso’s office (yesterday):

“The following is a statement from Councilmember David Grosso regarding Councilmember Evans’ latest dishonesty to the Council about the nature of his relationship with lobbyist Bill Jarvis:

“Tomorrow, the Council will consider resolutions to remove Councilmember Jack Evans as chairperson of the Finance and Revenue Committee and hire a law firm to conduct an investigation into his potential violations of the Council’s Code of Conduct. While I appreciate that the Council is finally acting to take Councilmember Evans’ misconduct seriously, it is frustrating that it has taken us this long to act to protect the Council’s reputation and hold our colleague accountable.

“Regardless of the actions we take tomorrow, given new revelations over the weekend of Councilmember Evans’ dishonesty, I believe the public trust in Councilmember Evans is irreparable and it is in the best interest of the Council and the residents of the District of Columbia that Jack Evans resign as the Ward 2 Councilmember. Short of that, I will be offering an amendment that would also remove him from all committees until the conclusion of this investigation. Read More

Photo by PoPville flickr user John Goucher

From Councilmember Grosso’s office:

“Today Councilmember David Grosso, chairperson of the Committee on Education, introduced legislation to generate new revenue for the District of Columbia’s budget priorities with a progressive tax on high-value properties.

“D.C. has experienced tremendous economic growth in the past decade, but not everyone has shared in that prosperity,” said Grosso. “Instead, the income and wealth gap has widened in that period and is starkest along racial lines.”

The wealthiest 20 percent of households in D.C. make 7.5 times as much income annually compared to the poorest 20 percent. The average wealth of white households is now 81 times that of the average Black household.

“Every budget cycle, investments in educating our students, ending homelessness, and preventing violence in our communities fall short. A high-value property tax would address racial inequity by raising resources from those most well off to fund public investments to lift up those who have been left behind,” said Grosso.

Currently, residential property is taxed at 85 cents per $100 of value, prior to deductions for principal residences and for senior citizens. Residential Real Property Taxes Equitable Alignment Act of 2019 would create two additional marginal rates for high-value properties, taxing $1.25 for every $100 of value over $1.5 million and $1.50 for every $100 in value over $5 million. Read More

20th and Massachusetts Ave, NW

Thanks to John for passing on from FRESHFARM:

“FRESHFARM needs your help! We have an important update to share about the FRESHFARM Dupont Circle Farmers Market. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is exploring the creation of a north-south protected bike lane to connect the Dupont Circle neighborhood with Foggy Bottom and the National Mall. This week, the Dupont Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC 2B) made a motion to recommend that the protected bike lane be constructed along 20th Street NW, which would travel directly through the market. While FRESHFARM strongly supports more protected bike lanes throughout the city, we are very concerned about the impacts the proposed bike lane will have on market operations. A protected bike lane along 20th Street could reduce the footprint of the Dupont Circle Farmers Market by as much as 60% and create serious safety hazards for shoppers, farmers and producers, as well as cyclists. Read More

Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

Ed. Note: So about that upside down flag spotted at the Newseum the other day…

Update from the Newseum:

“the Newseum will remain open to the public through 2019.

“We stand ready to continue much of the Newseum’s important work for decades to come — through digital outreach, traveling exhibits, and web-based programs in schools around the world, as well as hopefully in a new physical home in the area.”

From a press release:

“Johns Hopkins University is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement with the Freedom Forum to acquire the property that currently houses the Newseum at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington, D.C., subject to all necessary regulatory approvals.

“Acquiring this iconic property in the heart of the nation’s capital will represent a transformative moment for Johns Hopkins University and place our research and expertise in the midst of national and global decision-making. This new location will allow us to consolidate and expand our Washington, D.C., academic facilities into a single state-of-the-art building – a world-class academic space that can be optimized for current and future research, education and engagement.

“Johns Hopkins’ acquisition of the building also provides financial support for the Freedom Forum’s vitally important First Amendment mission. As a nonprofit academic research institution committed to advancing knowledge and the principles of free expression, Johns Hopkins will continue to use this iconic facility as a home for education, discovery, free and open debate and the preservation and advancement of democratic ideals. Johns Hopkins also is deeply committed to serving and engaging the public, and, at this new facility, we will continue to open the doors of the university for a variety of events and offerings. Read More

Thanks to Marcy for sending last night:

“Spotted: Jack Evans’ car in a tow zone. Perks of being a DC council member??”

The man is a legend, if that’s the right word. Rules? hahaha do as I say peasants. And thank me for telling you. At least it didn’t snow last night.

Ed. Note: We’ve previously learned that Council Members are not obligated to follow parking regulations.

Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.

From WMATA:

“In a move designed to attract new customers and deliver better service for current riders, Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld will recommend to the WMATA Board of Directors this week an FY20 operating budget that does not raise fares, lowers the cost of weekend travel, increases rail service, and makes unlimited rail and bus passes even more affordable.

The recommendations include: expanding rush-hours to provide more frequent rail service later in the morning and evening, charging a flat $2 fare for all weekend Metrorail trips, extending the Yellow Line to Greenbelt to double rush-hour service at nine stations, running all Red Line trains to Glenmont to double rush-hour service at an additional three stations, making all trains eight-cars long, and enhancing the value of Metro unlimited bus and rail passes. Read More

Continuing Coverage of Council Member Jack Evans’ Driving and Parking Continues.

“Dear PoPville,

I was driving to dinner last night (my wife took the photos) and lo-and behold Jack Evans cut me off; I saw that he was talking on his cell phone then he pulled over into a no parking zone – parked – and walked into Washington Square. Read More

13th and K Street, NW

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Bowser celebrated the start of a renovation that will transform the historic Franklin School into Planet Word – a museum dedicated to the power and fun of words and language. The Mayor was joined by Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans and Planet Word Founder and CEO Ann Friedman. Read More

The following was written by PoPville contributor David McAuley, founder of Short Articles about Long Meetings.

Photo of the Gryphon in July 2017 from google street view

A team of developers briefed Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 2B/Dupont at its regular monthly meeting February 14 on its plans for the proposed “Penelope Hotel” at 1337 Connecticut Avenue NW, south of Dupont Circle. The space currently hosts “The Gryphon” bar and restaurant.

Photo by David McAuley

As currently planned, the hotel will have 73 “keys” and space for a bar/restaurant on the Connecticut Avenue. Since it is located on a wedge-shaped block, it will have entrances both on Connecticut Avenue and 18th Street.

Felipe Serpa, Development Manager at Valor Development, told the ANC the developers were close to a deal with a hotel operator and would be “back in front of you guys” when the deal was finalized.

The purpose of the briefing was to present the construction schedule and let the ANC know about possible disruptions to Dupont life, such as the closing of traffic lanes on 18th Street and when construction cranes will be used. The developers are adding an additional floor to the existing five-story building.

Exterior construction work is scheduled to begin on April and end in February 2019. Read More