I’d like to start this issue of the Buzz with a shoutout to my neighbor, Dave, who reads this column and has noticed my on-again, off-again relationship with it of late. We’re back, folks! And we have landed on Wednesday (for now).
A gentle but urgent reminder that WMATA is doing away with the current bus route names and consolidating a few. This project, known as the Better Bus Network, kicks off officially on June 29. The signage is going up all over town so you can see what the new routes at your stop will be. For instance, my favorite bus route, the handy-dandy crosstown D6, has been re-christened and split up into two routes. No longer going from Stadium-Armory Metro station to Sibley Hospital, the D24 will originate at Deanwood Metro station and terminate at McPherson Square. The D94 will originate at Gallery Place metro station and continue on to Sibley. Is it progress? Only those who’ve ever needed to go from Hill East to Georgetown by bus will be able to answer honestly. Find out your new route and attending hassles at betterbus.wmata.com.
In a move that should surprise no one, the streetcar will be replaced by electric buses within a couple of years, reports the Washington Post. Listen: I know there are a whole bunch of streetcar haters out there and I would just like you to know that this project could have been great. It is great even in its absolutely nerfed, reduced state: A transit system that allows people with limited mobility to haul their groceries or allow for boarding at-grade brings more flexibility and independence for people. But at this point it’s a sad reminder that the government’s priority is never caring for the community but just ferrying people as quickly as possible.
Speaking of mobility, now you can use your contactless credit or debit card to pay for your Metro ride. What’s next, paying for it with the assistance of Klarna? I kid. WMATA
The Mayor unveiled her budget, which was a bit late and rather fraught due to the Republican congress holding a billion of DC’s money up for ransom or some sort of weird game of chicken. Anyway, tl;dr, she’s cutting services to the most vulnerable of DC residents but at least people won’t be losing their jobs and she won’t be raising taxes. Yay…? NBC Washington
Councilmember Charles Allen shared news in his weekly email. Read it here.
We’re already big fans of Lobby Bar, next door to Tunnicliff’s Tavern, because the food and the service are both outstanding (try the crabcake– it’s truly spectacular), but we’re so glad to see that the Post’s Warren Rojas is excited for them as well.
Need pool and splash pad updates in real time? There is a DPR website for that.
President Trump’s throwing himself (and the Army) a parade on June 14, Flag Day. The AP originally reported on it but FOX-5 has more details on what it’ll look like. You can RSVP here if you’re so inclined to attend.If you would rather do something else that day, here is a joyful suggestion for you at Anacostia Park.
Speaking of joy, there was a boxing tournament at the abandoned AutoZone on H Street and the Washington Informer was there.
This is from late March, but a house sold in the 200 block of A Street NE for a staggering $5.3M. The buyer, TSG DC Assets, secured a loan of over $4M (in this economy??) for the house. It’s worth pointing out that even though this is a residential neighborhood and zoned as such, this house was purchased for lobbying (i.e. commercial) purposes– not that anyone aside from neighbor and friend of the blog Valerie Jablow is keeping track of that. Washington Business Journal
The Friends of the National Arboretum just announced that the Arboretum will stay open until 8 p.m. from June 1 through August 30. A summer of joy, indeed. FONA newsletter
And there is a new vintage shop in Hill East. Hill Rag
Sadly, Hiraya will be closing on June 30– news via our Instagram.
Aww, a duck and ducklings off Benning Road. Smile a little. Thanks, PoPville.