After receiving thousands of comments and suggestions, planners in Washington D.C. have narrowed options down to five plans for remaking the National Mall.
Maintenance has been deferred for so long on the Mall that even a no-action plan still requires more than $400 million worth of work.
"Besides the baseline 'no-action' plan, the four others would cost between $500 million and $700 million and all share such features as restoring the Ulysses S. Grant memorial and performing basic maintenance on the grounds. Beyond that, each alternative emphasizes a different primary role for the Mall.
One version gives priority to the area's historic landmark status, restoring vistas by removing its carousel and also the south ramp cloverleaf around the Lincoln Memorial. Another alternative focuses instead on the potential of the Mall to serve as a central gathering place for demonstrations and festivals."
FULL STORY: Don't Tread On Me

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

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

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
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