Breakfast links: Anticipating crowds, Georgetown is making more walking room with deck panel sidewalk extension
Georgetown is expanding its sidewalks
Georgetown is looking to add more room for social distancing and outdoor dining by installing 4,000 feet of deck panels to extend its sidewalks. The project will cost $1.3 million and increase the average sidewalk size from 9.5 ft to 15 ft. (Mimi Montgomery / Washingtonian)
Maryland police reform heads to the governor’s desk
Maryland’s General Assembly passed a sweeping police reform bill that would change discipline and use of force standards, impose new criminal penalties for officers using excessive force, and grant more public access to disciplinary records. The bill is now being sent to Gov. Larry Hogan — it’s unclear whether he might veto all or part of the legislation. (Bryn Stole and Pamela Wood / Baltimore Sun)
An ode to National’s cursed gate
The uniquely frustrating Gate 35X at National Airport will soon be replaced by a new concourse, and the infamous gate will close on April 20. Will we miss this “bus station in an airport”? Well… (Dan Zak / Post. Tip: Azan)
Metro’s general manager discusses ridership and more
During a Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance talk, Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said there has been an 85% decrease in rail ridership and 60% drop in bus ridership since the start of the pandemic, with a projected revenue decline from $800 million down to $237 million for fiscal year 2022. (WTOP)
Co-op forms to get cheaper solar energy for residents
A new solar co-op will allow residents across the region to band together to get a better deal from solar energy companies with a group rate. (Mark Hand / Patch)
Another year without standardized tests for DC schools
For the second year in a row, DC schools will not administer standardized tests. Officials say with most District students attending virtual classes, standardized tests would not accurately show student achievement. (Debbie Truong / DCist)
Just a casual stroll from DC to New York City
Former Wall Street Journal reporter and DC resident Neil King is walking from DC to New York City, getting to know the places in between the two cities. He started on March 29 and plans to walk between 12 and 24 miles a day for about a month. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
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