Is Mount Vernon the next action-adventure theme park?
"In a shiny new orientation center, twenty-first century glitz aims to entertain and educate visitors to Mount Vernon prior to their entry to the historic grounds of George Washington's 18th century estate. A new museum education and exhibit hall adds to the packaged historical experience as a bookend for visitors leaving the property. Is the attraction of the actual Founding Father's home not sufficient on its own? Architecture critic Philip Kennicott suggests the new layout and facilities impart a coddling Disney effect that distracts from the genuine article--leaving something to be desired for visitors who already know that George Washington was not a Civil War hero."
FULL STORY: Additions Give Mount Vernon The Feel of Yesterdayland

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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