As a public service (can I write this off my taxes?), I've posted the following information from a coworker, with regard to road closures for the upcoming IMF/World Bank Meetings in October:
In preparation for the IMF/World Bank Meetings this weekend, the DC Police Department has announced the following road closures in the Northwest section of the city:
- Starting at 8:30 a.m. Friday, 18th, 19th, and 20th Streets will be closed between Pennsylvania Avenue and F Streets. G Street will be closed between 17th and 21st Streets. All vehicles in this area must be removed from the streets and parking garages by 6:00 a.m. Friday.
- Between 6:00 a.m. Friday and 7:00 p.m. Sunday no trucks or deliveries will be allowed east of 21st Street and west of 17th Street between E and K Streets.
- Starting at 10:00 p.m. on Friday and continuing until approximately 5:00 a.m. on Monday, October 4th no vehicular traffic will be allowed east of 21st Street between E and K Streets, south of K Street between 21st and 17th Streets and north of E Street between 21st and 17th Streets. In addition, 17th Street will be closed between E and K Streets. Vehicles must be removed from the streets and parking garages in this area by 7:00 p.m. Garages will be subject to police sweeps and remaining vehicles will be towed. In addition, the Farragut West Metro Station at 18th and Eye will be closed. Check points for foot traffic will be activated and appropriate identification will be required to enter this area.
Please keep in mind that last year the street barriers were put in place well before the announced start time.
Please folks (Black Bloc this means you) – don't come here intent on committing vandalism and harassing locals just trying to get to work (which has happened repeatedly during past protests). Protest all you want, but the second you forcibly prevent someone from getting to work or break a single window, you've crossed a line from simple protest to criminal conduct and violation of civil liberties.
Some of us have to work or live here. Remember, your grievance with the IMF does not authorize you to control another person's ability to get to work and earn a paycheck. And every window you break is that much less capital available to employ local residents, raise salaries or supply benefits to same. Vandalism hurts the little guy more than the corporation.
Think – don't be thug.