March 2024 Downtowner News
By • March 13, 2024 0 353
Mayor’s RFK, Downtown Plans Advance
The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.4984 last week, which would allow the D.C. government to begin to redevelop the RFK Stadium site. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a prepared statement: “[Wednesday night’s] vote was a significant step forward in our efforts to unlock the full potential of the RFK campus — for our residents and visitors, the community and D.C.’s comeback. We look forward to working with the Senate to swiftly advance this legislation.”
The bill calls for D.C. to pay for the demolition of RFK Stadium and all costs related to the site’s administrative transfer, making way for a contemporary stadium and a mixed-use development. As part of the bill, 30 percent of the site would be made available as open space for outdoor recreation.
In addition, Bowser recently announced two plans to support and drive downtown’s revival. The Downtown Public Realm Plan and the Downtown Action Plan are meant to guide the revitalization of downtown D.C.’s commercial core and public spaces to attract more residents, businesses and tourists.
Amtrak Ups Northeast Service
Last year, Amtrak ridership between Boston and Washington, D.C., grew by almost 30 percent. To meet the increased demand, Amtrak decided to add more Northeast Corridor service. Riders will be pleased to know that there are now four extra weekday roundtrips and two more weekend trips between Union Station and New York’s Penn Station/Moynihan Train Hall. There are also more morning routes between New York and Philadelphia and a weekend trip between Philadelphia and Boston.
It’s Time to Think Pink!
Earlier this month, peak bloom for D.C.’s famous Yoshino cherry trees — defined as the period when 70 percent of the blossoms are open — was forecast for March 23 through 26. Typically, weather affects this date. Speaking of weather, forecasting peak bloom is nearly impossible more than 10 days ahead of time. National Park Service horticulturalists monitor development and meteorologists sometimes chime in. The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang forecast an earlier bloom due to milder weather (the Gang is predicting March 19 through 23). Only time will tell, but mark your calendars for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, set for March 20 through April 14.
Adieu to D.C. Distilleries
The second distillery to open in the District since pre-Prohibition days, One Eight Distilling, is closing its doors. While in operation, One Eight released the first 100-percent made-in-D.C. bourbon in years. Owners Alex Laufer and Sandy Wood will be selling their brand of whiskey, gin and vodka through the end of the month. The tasting room hasn’t been open on a regular basis in six months, mostly due to post-pandemic lack of foot traffic. Just weeks ago, another D.C. distillery, Bo & Ivy, announced it would be shutting down. These closures follow the 2022 shuttering of New Columbia Distillers’ D.C. venue by MGP Ingredients, which acquired New Columbia early in 2020.
