Friday, May 9, 2008
The Mall, in Need of Some Seed Money
The Reliable Source

It was rainy and muddy at yesterday's inaugural Trust for the National Mall fundraiser, which -- despite the soaring tent on the grass, the flowers and the Derby-worthy hats -- kind of proved the point. "America's front yard," the Mall itself, has fallen into disrepair and needs a $500 million facelift. "It is shameful," trust Chairman Chip Akridge told the crowd. "It should be the best and it is not."

The real-estate magnate launched the restoration effort -- modeled after Central Park's revival -- after taking a hard look at the Mall's trampled lawns, sinking Tidal Basin wall and lack of tourist facilities (restrooms, anyone?). Yesterday's "carbon neutral" lunch for 500 raised $600,000; everyone went home with flower seeds and umbrellas.

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