The Silver Spring Penguin

Dear Penguin,

I figure you will be able to get to the bottom of this pressing question: Why is Ellsworth Drive always wet?

– Gary Hewitt

Dear Gary,

It’s a damned good question, one that we in The Penguin newsroom have asked ourselves. Of course, the sidewalks along Ellsworth Drive are a little wet today from snow, but they retain that slick, “fresh out of the shower” look even on the driest days.

So what gives?

According to Jennifer Nettles, property manager for the Downtown Silver Spring shopping center, the brick sidewalks are mopped (her word) every morning. It’s just a matter of keeping the place looking clean, she said.

But science also could be at play here, said Gary Stith, who recently left his gig as Silver Spring’s regional director for a swank new job as deputy director of planning with the department of general services.

Late last year, the shopping center used a magnesium-based salt to keep the sidewalks from icing over. The problem was, that salt drew moisture from the air, causing water to bead on the brick even on relatively dry days, Stith explained. The shopping center has since switched to another compound to keep the place from getting too frosty, he added.

(If any chemists out there wanna get in on this explanation, holler back.)

That’s the story, Gary — mop or magnesium salt. I’ll leave it to you to determine which story will impress your coworkers.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Deseo
Editor, The Silver Spring Penguin

Photo: Chalk grafitti makes a statement during the 2007 Photo Walk and Protest on Ellsworth Drive. Courtesy of Flickr user Sabine01.