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. Read More

Photo by Bill in Brookland

A couple more photos from the Capitol by 51pedals: Read More

Photo by LaTur

From Congresswoman Norton’s Office:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today that she will introduce legislation to prohibit the installation of new permanent fencing at the U.S. Capitol complex. Norton has strongly opposed efforts to build permanent structures separating the Capitol complex from the rest of the nation’s capital in the wake of the January 6 attack. Read More

Photo of the fencing around the entire perimeter of the VP’s residence/the National Observatory from February 5th by Tucker

Thanks to Andrew Leyden for sharing the update last night:

“Work crews have started to remove the riot fences at the Vice President’s house.”

To the video! Read More

Photo by The Q Speaks

Congresswoman Norton’s office:

“Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced today she will host a virtual town hall on the impact of the U.S. Capitol attack on D.C. residents, public spaces, and security on Thursday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. All D.C. residents are invited to attend. D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) and representatives from the U.S. Capitol Police also will speak and answer questions from attendees. Read More

Constitution Avenue NW

Thanks to Rob for sending IM Pei’s glass pyramids from the National Gallery of Art.

Photo by Anna Meyer via DCPL

From the DC Public Library:

“Beginning Wednesday, January 13, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, located at 901 G St. NW, will be closed until further notice.”

Photo by Miki Jourdan

Ed. Note: Earlier this week we shared the request: “asking all DC folks who rent via VRBO/Airbnb/etc. to refrain from renting/listing their properties from January 17th-20th”.

From airbnb:

“Today, in response to various local, state and federal officials asking people not to travel to Washington, D.C., we are announcing that Airbnb will cancel reservations in the Washington, D.C. metro area during the Inauguration week. Additionally, we will prevent any new reservations in the Washington, D.C. area from being booked during that time by blocking such reservations. Read More

Photo by C Buoscio

Late last night MPD tweeted: “Traffic Advisory: On Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at approximately 6 am, morning commuters should be aware of parking restrictions & potential street closures in the downtown area. Stay tuned for additional updates.”

I got lots of concerned queries asking what this was about. The Mayor now explains:

“Allow for additional travel time in and around downtown. All are encouraged to sign up for text alerts, text INAUG2021 to 888-777.

This is the beginning of the installation of the inauguration perimeter around the White House, the Mall, the Capitol and parts of downtown.” Read More