Bowser Launches Contracting Oversight Board – “I think it’s an excellent idea,” Chairman Phil Mendelson said. “We can figure out what changes need to occur so we don’t need retroactive approvals.”  [Washington City Paper]

A Reimagining in Washington Divides the Neighbors – “There were some things that were not handled right,” Mr. Mendelson said, “but a lot of the opposition has to do with a no-build mentality — more about preventing development than modifying it.  I’d like to see more of a park, but the horse left that barn a long time ago,” he added. “It’s too late to be unwinding that deal.”  [The New York Times]

“I was disturbed to learn today that the Mayor opposes the implementation of broad-based tax relief as adopted by the Council,” Mendelson stated.  “Acting to implement tax relief expeditiously is an important component of the District’s affordability strategy.  Changing course from this strategy would delay tax relief, hurting middle-class residents, or those on the road to the middle class, as well as businesses.”

“There is no reason to delay implementation of tax relief,” Mendelson continued, “unless the Mayor’s goal is to cancel the tax reform in order to unnecessarily increase spending on discretionary programs.  The government should be steadfast in its commitment to providing relief to those residents and businesses that bolster the District’s continued growth.”

The tax relief approved in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget is a comprehensive package of tax reforms that place particular emphasis on benefitting low and moderate income earners.  On average, the package provides an estimated $400 – $600 per resident in tax relief.   The reforms also make the District more competitive for businesses.  The Council has made implementation of this relief a priority.  Implementation of the tax reform package as proposed does not impact the approved funding for agencies and programs in the upcoming fiscal year.

DC Reproductive Health Discrimination Law Blocked by House Panel – “It is beyond comprehension why Members of Congress would condone discrimination in any form,” DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said in a statement. “That’s what this is about, and bigotry has no place in America in the 21st century.”  [The Mendelson Post]

Union Station Overhaul Doesn’t Happen Until H Street Bridge is Rebuilt.  Here’s When That Might Happen – Building a new bridge, one strong enough to support future development in all directions, is an immense undertaking, and Union Station’s second century plan is at a standstill until it’s done. The two together “will substantially transform Union Station as a transportation hub, not just in the region, but arguably on the eastern seaboard,” DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said Wednesday during an oversight hearing on Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commitment to the overall project.  [Washington Business Journal]

United, District Reach Finals Terms on Stadium Deal – Mendelson, however, added that under the terms released Monday, a stadium feasibility report now due before the city commits to buying the land at the end of September provides “outs for both sides” should cost estimates prove wildly off the mark.  But the chairman said he thinks the odds of the project derailing now are low. “I think we have a deal.”  [The Washington Post]

Bowser Announces Final DC United Soccer Stadium Deal – “There’s no question that the District is the most logical place for the stadium,” [Mendelson] said.  [DCist]

DC Mayor, City Council Talk Further About Wooing Washington’s NFL Team – “I don’t that we have funding for a Washington football team,” Mendelson continued. “I don’t think we even have a concept at this point. So no, I don’t think that you could make the comparison.”  [The Washington Post]

DC Lawmakers Vote to Defy Congress on Billions, but Will Anyone Notice? – “This is a seminal day in the history of Home Rule,” [Mendelson] said in a statement. “While litigation continues, today’s vote moves the District forward.”  [The Washington Post]

DC Council Objects to School Renovations Costs–Again – “Twenty-four schools have gotten nothing,” DC Council chairman Phil Mendelson said. “It’s not like we haven’t spent a couple of billion dollars.”  [Washington City Paper]