It has long been time for the District of Colombia to become a federal reservation. By this I mean the systematic purchase of all lands in the district, so that in its entirety it is US national property, with the exception of foreign embassies, whose grounds are by law the sovereign territory of their respective nations, as are our embassies in their lands.
Many of the buildings in the District could then be torn down, and the infrastructure beneath them improved, then they would remain public park until needed for federal buildings, monuments and other needs.
The roadways could be restricted to only inspected VIP vehicles and public transportation, with alternative routes for trucks bringing supplies and materials into the district. All businesses operating in the city would do so by federal lease, to include the Watergate hotel complex.
Automatic sidewalks, such as are used in some long airport concourses, could rapidly convey pedestrians over the more popular routes.
The end result would be a city stripped of its ghetto and most street crime, with little or no automotive congestion, much easier to access by the public and tourists, with far more park land, space for memorials, and the enlargement of currently cramped federal buildings in the district.
It would no longer have the need for a city council, school board, or other such civic organization.
Great idea! The government could then proceed to do the same for the rest of the country.
How about this:
Since residents of the District have no Senator or Representative, they should pay no federal income tax.
And anyone who wishes can buy one square inch of land or an apartment in the District and become a resident.