Committee Year-End-Review

The Street Traffic and Transportation Committee accomplished a lot this year.

• Worked with other transportation advocates to bring the Circulator East of the River.  Although the route isn't perfect, it's still a victory nonetheless.
• In March, we led and facilitated the Ward 7 Transportation Summit and Listening Tour, including preparing a report that was submitted to DDOT, WMATA, and the City Council.
• We arranged for the District Department of Transportation to speak at the September civic association meeting to present the recommendations from the Far SE II Livability Study.  Meeting summary here.  
• Facilitated the enrollment of Anne Beers ES in the Safe Routes to School Program
• Co-sponsored International Walk to School Day at Anne Beers Elementary School
• Announced the installation of sharrows on 38th Street SE.   This is the FIRST bike roadway infrastructure in the community.
• Testified in support of the confirmation of Terry Bellamy as Director of DDOT
• Submitted written testimony for Department of Motor Vehicles oversight hearing.
• Submitted written testimony for FY12 budget hearings for WMATA and DDOT
• Testified in support of enforcement of bicycle and pedestrian safety on behalf of the Public Safety Committee and the Street, Traffic, and Transportation Committee
• Documented the Bike Repair clinic at Skyland sponsored by Washington Area Bicyclists Association and The Bike House
• Worked with DDOT and Commissioner Jordan to get a bikeshare station installed in Fairfax Village to connect Hillcrest via three bikeshare stations.
• Started this blog to share information.  Was even able to live blog a meeting. 

More to come in 2012!!!

Sharrows on 38th St SE

The HCCA Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee is proud to announce that Hillcrest has its first roadway bike infrastructure.  The District Department of Transportation installed sharrows between Suitland Road and Alabama Ave SE.

What is a sharrow?
It's a decal to let motorist and bicyclists know they need to share the road and respect each other.   Share + arrows = sharrows.

WMATA Proposed Improvements to the W4

One of the HCCA Transportation Committee's goals was to work with WMATA to study and implement recommended improvements to the W4.  Please come out to the meeting to express your concerns, thoughts, and ideas on the recommended improvements to the W4.

What would you like to see in 2012?

The Hillcrest Community Civic Association is currently working on a work plan for 2012.  The transportation committee is seeking suggestions for programs you'd like to see.  Some of the things we are planning are:

- March: Trail clean-up between Branch Ave and Pennsylvania Ave SE in conjunction with the environmental committee
- May/June: Confident cycling class
- August: Bike repair clinic

Let us know your ideas!!!

Public Testimony for WMATA Hearing 10/11/11

We would like to thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony regarding bus service to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The Hillcrest community is comprised of single-family homes, and two large medium-density communities (Fairfax Village and Naylor Gardens). The closest Metro station to our community is Naylor Road in Maryland, which is as far as 1.5-miles for some of our residents. This makes us a bus-dependent community.

As part of my written submission I’ve included a report from the Ward 7 Transportation Summit & Listening Tour and testimony submitted on behalf of the Hillcrest Community Civic Association in April. Tonight I want to use my time to focus on 3 specific recommendations.

Recommendation #1: Enhancement of the W4
The W4 is a vital bus line East of the River. It is the only North to South route that truly connects neighborhoods in Ward 7 and Ward 8. Based on riding the W4 and observing it as a pedestrian, that bus is always full. I’ve seen standing room only on Sunday afternoons. That W4 needs newer buses and it needs shorter headways.

Per a presentation by Jim Hamre, WMATA recommends increasing weekday midday frequency to every 22 minutes and increase Saturday frequency to every 25 minutes. WMATA estimates $500k for this subsidy. The W4 needs to be a priority for improving service.

Recommendation #2: Inter-Agency Coordination at Bus Stops
Simple tasks of keeping bus stops clean and lights operable can cause the biggest headaches. Regardless if you call WMATA, DPW, or DDOT, and add in NPS if it’s Federal land, it appears one agency believes another agency is responsible. For example, we have been trying to get the light bulbs changed at the bus stop on 38th and Pennsylvania Ave SE for over a year. We would like to see WMATA show some leadership to coordinate with the agencies to ensure there is proper lighting at the bus stops, they remain free of litter, and they have accurate bus information.

Recommendation #3 Proactive Bus Planning
We all know that in 2014 we will likely have three major developments in Wards 7 & 8 come online: Homeland Security at St. Elizabeth’s, Skyland Shopping Center, and Capitol View Walmart. Our road network cannot handle more motor vehicles without impacting our quality of life. Now is the time to plan a limited stop route that connects these three developments.

While the City and WMATA face a budget crisis, let’s not forget that many families in Ward 7 are facing that same crisis. As gas prices continue to rise, more people are opting to use public transportation.

Submitted by
Veronica O. Davis
Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair

International Walk to School Day was a Success!!!

International Walk to School Day at Anne Beers Elementary School was a success.  The day started with great excitement and energy.  At the end of the day the kids had the same level of excitement.  This is great momentum for moving into the Safe Routes to School.

A special thanks to the District Department of Transportation, Children's Hospital, Safe Kids, Washington Area Bicyclists Association and the staff and Anne Beers for the countless hours spent planning and preparing for this event.  Thanks to Fed-Ex for all the goodies (coloring books, bracelets, necklaces, lights) for the kids.

The Secretary LaHood, has shared some photos on his blog.

Here are some photos from the day courtesy of DDOT.

US Secretary of Transportation to walk with our children

Government of the District of ColumbiaDepartment of Transportation

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Media Contact:  John Lisle at 202-486-5838

                              

MEDIA ADVISORY AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

DDOT and DC Schools to Celebrate International Walk to School DayU.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will Participate in Walking School Bus at Anne Beers Elementary in SE

(Washington, D.C.)  On October 5, students and parents in the District will join thousands of school communities across the nation in celebrating the simple act of walking and bicycling to school. Wednesday is International Walk to School Day, an annual event that promotes the health and environmental benefits of walking and bicycling and draws attention to the need for safer routes to school.

This year a record 22 D.C. schools have signed up including Anne Beers Elementary School in Southeast DC where U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Terry Bellamy will help escort students to their classes.

The event will feature four Walking School Buses that will walk from the neighborhoods surrounding the school starting at 8 am. The walk will be followed by a pep rally in the school auditorium. This event is the result of a partnership between DDOT, the DC Safe Kids Coalition, Children’s National Medical Center, FedEx, The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), and Anne Beers Elementary School and will also be attended by representatives from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

WHAT:       International Walk to School Day – Walking School Bus

WHO:         Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation

Victor Mendez, Federal Highway Administrator
Terry Bellamy, DDOT Director

Kwame Brown, DC Council Chair
Yvette Alexander, Ward 7 Councilmember

Anne Beers Elementary School Community

WHEN:         Wednesday, October 4, 2011

    8:20 am

WHERE:       Fort Davis and V Streets, SE

(Group will walk to Anne Beers Elementary which is located at 3600 Alabama Avenue, SE)

In addition to students at Anne Beers, thousands of students from the following schools will also be walking to school with parents, teachers, and community leaders as part of International Walk to School events during the month of October:

·        Aiton Elementary School

·        Ron Brown Middle School

·        Burrville Elementary School

·        Capitol Hill Cluster School

·        Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan

·        C.W. Harris Elementary School

·        Drew Elementary School

·        John Eaton Elementary School

·        E.L. Haynes Public Charter School

·        Lafayette Elementary School

·        Lowell School

·        Kenilworth Elementary School

·        Maury Elementary School

·        Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

·        Kelly Miller Middle School

·        Nalle Elementary School

·        Ross Elementary School

·        Tyler Elementary School

·        Washington International School

·        H.D. Woodson High School

·        Whittier Education Campus

Across the nation, International Walk to School Day is expected to include 4,000 schools from all 50 states. Walkers from the U.S. will join children and adults in 40 countries around the world.

Walk to School events work to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment and building connections between families, schools and the broader community.

Year-round, DDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program offers planning assistance for DC Schools that are interested in improving safety for student walkers and cyclists. For more information please visit the Safe Routes to School page on DDOT’s website.

Volunteers needed for International Walk to School Day

International Walk to School Day is almost here.  We are looking for the Hillcrest community to participate. 

How you can participate:

1. Join us at 7:15 am at the school OR meet at the beginning of the walking school bus to assist with walking the kids to school
2. If you live on a route, stand in front of your house and greet the kids as the pass
3. Meet us at the school at 8:30 am and cheer the kids as they arrive to school

Recap September 2011 HCCA Meeting - DDOT

At the September HCCA Meeting Charles Thomas from District Department of Transportation (DDOT) presented recommendations from the Far SE II Livability Study completed in April 2011. Below is a summary of DDOT’s recommendations and community concerns.

32nd St/Alabama Ave 
Because of the road geometry and proximity to Branch Ave, DDOT does not recommend a traffic light installation at the intersection. For pedestrian safety, DDOT proposed to install a rapid flash beacon. When a pedestrian wants to cross Alabama Ave SE, they will press a button that will activate the beacon. Once activated a yellow flash will alert drivers a pedestrian is in the intersection.

Here is a video of how they work (disclaimer: it's a marketing video, but this is best video to explain how it works):


Concerns: Residents are concerned that the beacons won’t slow traffic. They requested DDOT proposed solutions to slow traffic on Alabama Ave.  DDOT suggests the community work with MPD to get more speed enforcement.


36th Pl/Alabama Ave 
Due to the number of children hit, DDOT recommends installing a traffic light at the eastern leg of 36th Place that will work in tandem with the existing light on the western leg of 36th Place. Therefore when the light is red, pedestrians will have 4 cross walks available to cross the road. DDOT has received preliminary approval from the Federal Highway Administration.

Concerns: Residents are concerned about the aesthetics of the lights. They want a solution that improves safety around Anne Beers Elementary and the Library while enhancing the community.  One resident asked if the signal at 36th Pl and 36th St can be unsynchronized so that people make the light at 36th St (St. Timonthy's) they have to stop at 36th Pl (Beers).  DDOT stated they can look into it.

Naylor Road/27th and Naylor/Altamont
DDOT recommends repainting the crosswalks. They also recommend adding short islands/medians at the intersections so pedestrians have a refuge versus standing in the middle of the street.

Table of Improvements
Far SE Livaibility Study

For photos and additional description, please visit the committee website hccatranspot.blogspot.com or contact the Transportation Committee Chair, Veronica O. Davis via cell (202) 695-2160 or via email vod2@cornell.edu

Public Oversight Roundtable - Taxicab Commission 9/27

We encourage residents to submit written testimony

COUNCILMEMBER MARY M. CHEH, CHAIRPERSONCOMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT,PUBLIC WORKS, AND TRANSPORTATIONANNOUNCES A PUBLIC OVERSIGHT ROUNDTABLE ON


The District of Columbia Taxicab Commission
September 27, 201110:30 amRoom 412John A. Wilson Building1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
On September 27, 2011, Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson of the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, will hold a public oversight roundtable on the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission. The Taxicab Commission is responsible for rate setting and oversight for the District’s taxicab owners and operators, limousine owners and operators, and other public vehicles for hire. The roundtable will review the operation and performance of the Commission, as well as ways to enhance the performance of the Commission. The public oversight roundtable will begin at 10:30 a.m. in Room 412 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record. Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing should contact Ms. Aukima Benjamin, staff assistant to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, at 202-724-8062, or via e-mail at abenjamin@dccouncil.us. Representatives of organizations will be allowed a maximum of five (5) minutes for oral presentation and individuals will be allowed a maximum of three (3) minutes for oral presentation. Witnesses should bring 15 copies of their written testimony and submit a copy of their testimony electronically to abenjamin@dccouncil.us.
If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted either to the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, or to Ms. Nyasha Smith, Secretary to the Council, Room 5, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004. The record will close at the end of the business day on October 11, 2011.

Mobile Bike Clinic & How to use Capital Bikeshare

Join us on Sunday.  WABA and the Bike House will be hosting a FREE Bike Repair Clinic.  The Hillcrest Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee will be on hand to talk about the Capital Bikeshare program and we will demonstrate how to use the bikes.

How to use Capital Bikeshare!!!!

Due to scheduling conflicts we have to cancel this weekend's How to Use Capital Bikeshare scheduled for Skyland/Good Hope & Fairfax Village.  Weather permitting we'll see you next Sunday at:

Penn-Branch (Shopping Center) - Sunday September 18th, 1-3pm


Please come out to learn about the benefits of the program and ask questions. We will be giving away FREE 24-hour coupons so residents can "test-drive" the program.

Even if you can't make it out for our events, join us at the District Department of Transportation One-Year Anniversary Celebration of the Capital Bikeshare program on September 22nd, 6-9pm at Yards Park (behind the US DOT building in the Navy Yard)

Car-Free Pledge

Take the Car Free pledge and be entered to win great prizes like an Apple ipad.

Ways to get around without a car

Walk - Feet are free.  If you are physically able, consider walking to run errands or any other trips that you make in a day.


WMATA - The 32, 36, 39 M2, M6, V5, and W4 bus lines all serve the Hillcrest community.  To plan your trip, use the WMATA trip planner.

Capital Bikeshare - Stations are located at Skyland/Good Hope Shopping Center (Alabama Ave SE & Naylor Road SE), Fairfax Village (38th St SE & Pennsylvania Ave SE) and Penn-Branch (Penn-Branch Shopping Center.  Visit the website to join.

Anne Beers ES to serve as a model

I'm really excited to announce that Anne Beers Elementary School has been chosen as the host school for International Walk to School Day on October 5th by the Safe Kids, District of Columbia Coalition.

More to come on the routes and how everyone in the community can be involved.  Even if you don't have a child at Beers the HCCA Transportation Committee will be asking for all hands on deck that morning to show support. 

In addition, Anne Beers ES has submitted their application to be in the "Safe Routes to School" Program through the District Department of Transportation.  Stay tuned for more information on how you can be involved.

Speed Camera on Branch Ave

Thanks to the diligent efforts of Commissioner Hammond, speed cameras will be installed along Branch Ave SE.

September Speaker

The September Guest speaker will be Aaron Rhones and Charles Thomas from the District Department of Transportation to discuss the findings and recommendation from the "Far Southeast II Livability Study" completed earlier this year. The recommendations will include presenting solutions at 32nd St/Alabama Ave SE and 36th St/Alabama Ave SE intersections, traffic calming on Naylor Road SE and safety improvements to Branch Ave SE.

The Hillcrest Community Civic Association has been advocating for a livable, walkable community through traffic calming and reducing through traffic on neighborhood roads. Last year the District Department of Transportation embarked on the "Far Southeast Livability Study" to examine a holistic approach to improving transportation. The goals of the study were to:

• Devise a neighborhood-wide and comprehensive approach to implementing traffic calming and other safety measures;
• Identify specific issues, such as reducing vehicle speeds, and locations that impact the safety of pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists, and transit riders
• Design cost-effective and system-wide improvements, with measurable benchmarks for success;
• Study truck travel within the target area and recommend ways to mitigate its impact on neighborhoods;
• Emphasize safety measures and improve access near public facilities including: schools, churches, parks, recreational centers and others key community service providers.

If you have any questions or concerns prior to the meeting, please contact Veronica O. Davis, the HCCA Street, Traffic and Transportation Chair, via email vod2@cornell.edu or phone 301-233-0011.

How to use Capital Bikeshare!!!!

Ever wonder what those red bikes around Hillcrest? Our community is fortunate to have three Capital Bikeshare stations. Many residents are curious how to use the bike, but don't know who to ask. The Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee will be at the bikeshare locations on the following dates:


Skyland/Good Hope Marketplace (Good Hope Rd and Alabama Ave SE) - Saturday September 10th, 11am-1pm



Fairfax Village (38th St and Pennsylvania Ave SE)- Saturday September 10th, 11am-1pm


Penn-Branch (Shopping Center) - Sunday September 18th, 1-3pm


Please come out to learn about the benefits of the program and ask questions. We will be giving away FREE 24-hour coupons so residents can "test-drive" the program.

Even if you can't make it out for our events, join us at the District Department of Transportation One-Year Anniversary Celebration of the Capital Bikeshare program on September 22nd, 6-9pm at Yards Park (behind the US DOT building in the Navy Yard)

DC Circulator Meeting - Live Blog

Hey Neighbors....

6:11 pm: I'm sitting here next to Brenda Richardson from Councilmember Barry office and Daniel Conner from Councilmember Wells office.  There are 4 other community members here.

6:20 pm: DDOT presentation is starting.  About 10 community members in attendance. The presentation is here.

6:22 pm:  Limited number of buses.  There are only 6 buses available for this route, so it needs to be less than 55 minutes long.  The stops will be limited to 3 to 4 stops per mile.

6:26 pm:  DDOT is presenting the recommended expansion through 2020.  They will reevaluate and update it every 2 years.

6:30 pm: DDOT is calling the new route Skyland to Potomac Ave Metro Expansion.  It will run from  Potomac Ave Metro Station through Barracks Row.  Across the 11th Street Bridge.  Up Good Hope Marketplace.

6:31 pm: Daniel Conner from Councilmember Tommy Wells' office is stating that the expansion of Circulator East of the River is a priority to Councilmember Wells.  Brenda Richardson from Councilmember Barry's office is expressing that Councilmember Barry would like to see the route go to Congress Heights.

6:34 pm: Community member is concerned project won't go forward with CM Wells no longer as Chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee.  DDOT stated that it will still go forward.  Daniel states that CM Wells is still on the committee.

6:36 pm:  Community member is concerned that the route terminates at Skyland.  DDOT is explaining rationale for route.  They needed to shorten the route and they heard comment from Ward 7.   This route would serve Wards 7 & 8.

6:39 pm: Community member states that terminating at Skyland cuts Ward 8 out.

6:41 pm:  I just asked who are we connecting to what.  DDOT made a decision to only run services that connect to other Circulator routes.

6:45 pm: Comissioner Robin Marlin is giving history of the Ward 7 Ad Hoc Circulator Taskforce.  They presented a route that connects shopping nodes in Wards 7 and 8.  She also corrected him that it's Good Hope Marketplace and not Skyland.  She reemphasizes my point of who are we moving where.  DDOT is pointing out lines in the plan to provide additional and more connections.  They are trying to get a route out of the gate that is going to move people.

6:49 pm: Mr. James Bunn just stated that community doesn't trust the city.  His probably could live with this route, but knows that if six buses become available they won't come East of the River.

6:51 pm: Community member who lives along Good Hope Road believes that the route would serve the northern part of ward 8.

6:51 pm:  Public Testimony is starting.

6:54 pm: I gave testimony....

6:56 pm:  Ms. Linda (missed last name) is concerned about 144 buses a day on the Good Hope Road is too much.  She said I (Veronica) was being too nice when I asked who are we moving where.  She believes this is an effort to re-segregate the bus system.  These routes are intended to serve a few people who don't want to use regular buses.  This bus line mimics several other bus routes.  Why can't the funding be used to improve the metro bus system?

7:02 pm: Martha Parker lives in Ward 8 and rides public transportation.  She states that she has plenty of bus options to get downtown and other locations.  The Circulator is a nice bus, but they have buses all day and all night.  It seems like a waste of money.

7:11 pm:  Discussing next steps and where we go from here.

7:03 pm: Mary Buckley supports the Circulator route.  She does wish there were less commuter buses on Good Hope Road.

7:06 pm: Gentleman is concerned with traffic on Good Hope Road.  DDOT and WMATA need to work together to provide connectivity.  He thinks the community on Alabama Ave (Hillcrest) would be better served.

7:10 pm: Chris Jerry supports a Circulator East of the River, however, he does not support the current alignment.  He thinks that it should go to Metro stations in Ward 8.  He thinks its more important that this is done properly.  The current route duplications the 92.  We shouldn't have any route that duplicates and existing WMATA route.

7:11 pm: Next steps.  The public record is open until August 9, 2011.  You can call or email. aaron.overman@dc.gov (202) 673-1736.  DDOT will take all comments into consideration. The service for East of the River will begin on October 3, 2011.  That's the plan.

7:15 pm:  DDOT will host community meeting in early Fall 2011 to discuss how the route is working.

7:16 pm: Meeting is over.

Need your feedback - DDOT Circulator

DCCirculator Presentation 08-02-2011

Tomorrow will be the second public hearing for the expansion of Circulator East of the River. I'll be working on public testimony tomorrow on behalf of the HCCA transportation committee. I was able to talk to some of you last night. Please if you get a chance between now and tomorrow morning, review the attached materials & send me (vod2@cornell.edu) your feedback so I can be sure I'm representing a broad spectrum of the Hillcrest community. It can be a simple as "I support" or "I don't like this alignment" with bullets points for why.

If you can attend the meeting its tomorrow,

Thursday August 4th

Anacostia Public Library

6 – 7:30 pm.

Each resident will be given two (2) minutes to testify. If you would like to speak at the hearing please provide your name and contact information to Sandy Castor at sandy.castor@dc.gov. For those that can't attend DDOT is accepting comments through August 9th.

Video: Barriers to biking

Fairfax Village gets a bikeshare station

DDOT Circulator Meeting

Public Meeting for the DC Circulator Union Station–Navy Yard–East of the River Extension

When: Tuesday, July 12, 2011
7 pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Southeast Neighborhood Library
403 7th Street, SE

The Southeast Neighborhood Library can be accessed via rail and/ or bus:

Rail: Blue/Orange Line (Eastern Market Metro Station)
Bus Lines: 32, 34, 36, 39, 90, 92, 93, 96, 97, A42, A46, A48, V7, V9

For more information please contact:
Sandy Castor
202-671-3499
sandy.castor@dc.gov

Known for its convenient 10-minute headways, the Circulator costs one dollar a ride, with additional discounts for seniors and District students. More information about the routes and schedules is available at www.dccirculator.com.


At this meeting, DDOT will be presenting route alternatives and asking the residents that will be served by the east of the Anacosita River extension, and all interested stakeholders, to provide comment and indentify their preferred route alternative.

The proposed extension was developed during the DC Circulator’s 10-year planning process in 2010 and 2011 and was last presented at a public meeting that was held on June 6, 2011. To connect east of the Anacostia River the proposed extension will cross the 11th Street Bridge to serve the residents of Ward 8.

A summary of the feedback that was obtained from the community at the June 6 meeting and subsequent discussions will also be presented at this meeting.

DDOT will be making an online survey available for the community to indicate their preferences among the routing options and provide comment. The survey will be made available at http://1.usa.gov/nDaQ4B starting on July 12.

DDOT will also be presenting proposed changes to the Union Station terminus of the Union Station-Navy Yard Metro line, and proposed stop consolidations on other routes in the DC Circulator system.

Route 36 Will be impacted 7/7/11 - 7/11/11

Roadway Construction
10:00 am Thursday, July 7, through 5:00 am Monday, July 11

Location of Event
DC – Branch Av SE, between Pennsylvania Av SE and Alabama Av SE

Metrobus will serve the following street segments during the time of detour:

36 - Eastbound
• Regular route to intersection of Pennsylvania Av SE and Branch Av SE
• Pennsylvania Av SE, between Branch Av SE and 38th St SE
• 38th St SE, between Pennsylvania Av SE and Alabama Av SE
• Alabama Av SE, between 38th St SE and Branch Av Se
• Branch Av SE, between Alabama Av SE and continuation of regular route

36 – Westbound
• Regular route to intersection of Branch Av SE and Alabama Av SE
• Alabama Av SE, between Branch Av SE and 38th St SE
• 38th St SE, between Alabama Av SE and Pennsylvania Av SE
• Pennsylvania Av SE, between 38th St SE and Branch Av SE
• Pennsylvania Av SE, between Branch Av SE and continuation of regular route

Documents from Far Southeast Livability Study Meeting #3

PublicMeeting-1

HCCA Testimony - Confirmation of DDOT Director

BEFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION

RE: PR19-0246, the “Director of the District Department of Transportation Terry Bellamy Resolution of 2011”

Friday June 24, 2011

My name is Veronica O. Davis. I’m the Street, Traffic & Transportation Chair for the Hillcrest Community Civic Association (HCCA) and proud resident of Fairfax Village in Ward 7. Today I will be submitting testimony on behalf of HCCA.

We would like to thank Councilmember Tommy Wells and the honorable members of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of PR19-0246, the “Director of the District Department of Transportation Terry Bellamy Resolution of 2011”.

The mission of (HCCA) is to work “to enhance the quality of life and prosperity of residents, families, community organizations and institutions located within the designated geographic boundaries.” We look forward to working with Mr. Bellamy to enhance transportation in our community.

Our testimony will focus on five key issues we would like to see Mr. Bellamy address during his tenure as Director:

1. Genuine Community Outreach: Between the Pennsylvania Ave Great Streets construction project, the 11th Street Bridge construction project, and the Far Southeast Livability Study, our community has had increased interactions with DDOT’s staff and consultants over the last year. The experience for each interaction has varied from collaborative to frustrating.

The 11th Street Bridge construction project has a citizen’s council comprised of community leaders from the affected communities that meets quarterly. This is a great model for receiving information about the project, asking questions, and tracking specific issues from the community with the respective response.

On other projects and studies, the communication between DDOT and the community has been less than ideal. Many of the frustrations come from lack of timely information, the inability of DDOT to effectively communicate technical terms to laypeople, and an overreliance on the Internet to advertise in a ward where lack of Internet access still exists.

Moving forward, we think DDOT should engage in genuine and proactive community outreach, which includes engaging in targeted outreach to affected areas and working more collaboratively with the ward planners from Office of Planning. We believe DDOT should spend more resources on messaging to help the community understand technical recommendations and transportation programs. In addition, DDOT should utilized community advocates and leaders to assist with engaging residents.

2. Implementation: We've had multiple transportation studies in the last decade. At this point, Branch Ave has to be the most studied corridor in the City. Some of the newer studies regurgitate information from previous studies. While we understand the importance of examining existing conditions, we are beginning to suffer from study fatigue. We want DDOT to move from studies to implementation of recommendations from those studies.

3. Pedestrian/Bicyclist Safety: In the last year we’ve had four pedestrians and one bicyclist hit by motorists in our community. All of these incidents occurred on Alabama Ave SE. We have a population of residents who are aging-in-place and a high percentage of young people. Our older population should be able to walk to the senior wellness center and children should be able to walk or bike to school safely. We would like to see DDOT place pedestrian and bicycle safety as a top priority.

4. Complete streets: There is an obvious link between pedestrian safety and sidewalks. Many streets in Hillcrest still lack a sidewalk on either side, so pedestrians are forced to walk in the middle the street such as Hillcrest Drive, Camden Street, Fort Baker Drive, while hoping to avoid speeding motorists. Bus riders traverse grass then stand in mud at bus stops along Branch Ave. This is an urban area and it should be treated as such. We would like DDOT to prioritize installation of sidewalks in areas where pedestrians need to access bus stops, along high volume corridors, and along routes to school and recreation.

5. Focus on public transportation planning: Since taking office, Mayor Gray has made the development of the Skyland Shopping Center a priority. A development of this magnitude in our community will become a transportation trip generator. Our road network cannot handle much more traffic without impacting our quality of life. While we wait for shovels to go in the ground, we believe DDOT and WMATA need to begin examining public transportation options to move people in and out of the shopping center.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. We support Mr. Bellamy’s confirmation and look forward to his leadership at DDOT.


Submitted by

Veronica O. Davis, PE
Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair

Transportation Happenings - 32nd St SE & Alabama Ave SE (Update)

The Street, Traffic & Transportation Committee for Hillcrest, is committed to improving the safety of our streets for pedestrians, bicyclist and motorists. ANC Commissioners and residents have been trying to get a permanent solution to speeding along the stretch between 30th St SE and Alabama Ave SE for several years. One issue we've been working on since the beginning of 2011 is the intersection of 32nd St and Alabama Ave SE. An update was posted on the committee blog in March.

The committee has been working with DDOT staff since March 2011 to develop a permanent solution. To ensure this issue was on the radar of the interim (soon-to-be confirmed) director, the committee sent him an email outlining the issues.

DDOT's response: DC Department of Transportation as indicated in a earlier transmittal that we are working diligently to resolve this problem for the long term --- we cannot continue to put temporary solutions in place ---i.e. pedestrian placards in the middle of the road ---- Our solution will be long term implemented in the next 6 months and we are working with MPD to place a traffic camera mid – block --------- in this corridor ----------- we are also focused on the speeding that occurs from 30th street – on Alabama Ave to 36th Street SE on Alabama------- We are available to the public to discuss what is being looked at --- please encourage your constituents to call us at 202- 671-4667

In addition, Chairman Brown's Director of Constituent Services visited the intersection earlier this month. They concluded that a traffic signal was needed at that intersection.

(Photo courtesy of Chairman Brown's Office)

Photos from WABA Bike Repair Clinic - Skyland

TRAFFIC ADVISORY - Branch Ave SE

Neighbors... Please be aware that DDOT has issued a travel advisory.

DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) in association with the Great Streets Pennsylvania Avenue Project will close the north side and south side of Branch Avenue SE at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE to rebuild the roadway starting on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10:00am; weather permitting. Vehicles will be prohibited from turning north or south onto Branch Avenue SE from Pennsylvania Avenue SE during this closure.

This closure will begin on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 10:00am and will continue through Monday, July 11, 2011 at 5:00am at which time the roadway will be re-opened.

Due to heavy traffic volume and depth that DDOT contractors are required to the dig (28-inches deep), it was determined that DDOT could not safely maintain traffic on the 100-foot segment of Branch Avenue SE while rebuilding the roadway. This action will allow DDOT to completely rebuild these two areas of Branch Avenue and place asphalt in a four day period without contractors having to do half the road at a time while maintaining traffic.


Project Closure Limits:

Branch Avenue will be closed from Pennsylvania Avenue to approximately 100 feet north and south of Pennsylvania Avenue. There will be NO ACCESS onto Branch Avenue SE at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE and no additional closures will occur in the areas not listed. Several detours are available and the remainder of Branch Avenue will remain open and accessible to residents and police.



Variable Message Board (VMS) will be set up throughout the impact area to alert motorists of the upcoming closures. Sidewalks will remain open and temporary crosswalks will be set up at intersections.

Detour:

Please note that detours listed below are specific to travelling on Branch Avenue SE. If you are familiar with the impact area, feel free to use alternate routes. Branch Avenue, at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE, is the ONLY area that will be closed. All other streets and intersections will be open for through traffic.



Vehicles travelling south (outbound):

· At Randle Circle, make a right onto Massachusetts Avenue SE.
· Travel east on Massachusetts Avenue SE, then make a right onto Alabama Avenue SE.
· Travel south on Alabama Avenue SE, then make a left onto Branch Avenue SE.
· Continue on Branch Avenue into Maryland.

Vehicles travelling north (inbound):

· Travelling north on Branch Avenue in MD, make a right onto Southern Avenue SE.
· Travel on Southern Avenue SE, then make a left onto Pennsylvania Avenue SE
OR

· Travel on Southern Avenue SE, then make a left onto Massachusetts Avenue SE.
· At Randle Circle, take any exit to your destination.

DDOT thanks you for their patience as we move forward bringing an enhanced Great Streets network that will serve the greater community. All motorists are asked to stay alert as they travel through or near this work zone area. For more information please contact DDOT Project Engineer Luan Tran 202.904.3911.

Get your bike fixed

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) will be holding a FREE bike repair clinic in Hillcrest. The HCCA Street, Traffic, and Transportation Committee will be in attendance, so be sure to say hi.

Sunday June 19, 2011
1:00-4:00 PM
Skyland Shopping Center
(look for the WABA tent)

Pedestrian Struck: 3600 Block Alabama Ave SE

On Friday May 27, 2011 at approximately 3:27 pm a child was struck crossing Alabama Ave SE in the crosswalk in front of Anne Beers Elementary School. A vehicle traveling westbound on Alabama Ave SE struck the child and kept driving. The child was treated for a concussion, laceration to the forehead, and laceration to his arm.

The vehicle involved in the accident has been recovered. Upon further investigation, MPD learned the car had been stolen about 1.5 hours before the accident.

The Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee has been working with DDOT to develop a traffic calming solution for this intersection. We hope to hold a community meeting on solutions within the next few months.

Summary of Meeting with DDOT: BikeShare

Commissioner Robert A Jordan (ANC 7B06) and I met with Chris and Josh from DDOT regarding a BikeShare station near the Fairfax Village section of Hillcrest. We appreciate they took time out of their day to meet us on-site in Fairfax Village. Robert and I communicated the residents of Fairfax Village in Hillcrest and our neighbors across the street in Fort Davis have been begging for a BikeShare station.

The location that looks promising is the sidewalk on 38th Street at the triangle park between 38th St, Pennsylvania Ave and Alabama Ave. DDOT has to check to see if the City owns the sidewalk or National Park Service. Another possible location is the Fort Davis Shopping Center. DDOT is going to touch base with City Interest to see if it's feasible.

DDOT did state the Penn-Branch station was going to be reinstalled "soon". However, the bad news is it will be located west of Branch Ave. The reason is DDOT tries to keep the stations within 0.5 mile of each other, which makes it easier for the operator to rebalance the system (i.e. making sure their adequate empty docks and bike available).

Here is the follow-up email sent to DDOT.

Chris/Josh,

Thank you for meeting with us in Fairfax Village/Hillcrest today. The residents of Fairfax Village/Hillcrest and Fort Davis communities strongly believe that our community should be first on the list for any new stations East of the River. We have all the elements for success:

• Bike lanes on Alabama Ave SE
• Majority of the existing membership in 20020 zip code, which includes Historic Anacostia. Anacostia has 2 stations and we have 0.
• Residents who want to be members contingent upon getting a location close to our community
• Dedicated members of the community willing to go door-to-door in a grassroots campaign to register new members if we get a station
• Residents willing to conduct "lessons" at the station on how to use the program

We have our fingers crossed that the location at 38th and Alabama Ave SE or Fort Davis Shopping Center fits within the criteria for a BikeShare station. We understand the challenges that DDOT faces as the program continues to expand. The residents of Fairfax Village and Fort Davis communities, not only want to see the program succeed East of the River, we want to be part of that success.

Please let Robert and I know how we be of any assistance in this process.


Cheerfully,
Veronica

Photos from WABA Bike Repair Clinic

On Monday, the Washington Area Bicycle Association held a bike repair clinic in Anacostia Park. Here are some photos I took with my blackberry.

Capital BikeShare Meeting Tonight

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is preparing to expand Capital Bikeshare throughout the District and is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, May 25 to solicit input.

Capital Bikeshare Expansion (206x155)
Media Contacts

John Lisle, (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is preparing to expand Capital Bikeshare throughout the District and is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, May 25 to solicit input from the community on the proposed locations for new stations.
Starting this summer, DDOT is planning to expand the current system with 25 new stations and 250 new bikes. The expansion is set to be completed by Fall 2011.
At the meeting, DDOT officials will provide an update on the expansion plan, explain the process for evaluating new stations, share the feedback that has been received from the community about the potential locations for new stations, and solicit additional feedback from the participants.

A listing of the proposed station locations and a printable map is available online at ddot.dc.gov/capitalbikeshare. Comments may be submitted via email to ddot.bikeshare@dc.gov.
Capital Bikeshare is a bikesharing program developed through a partnership between DDOT and Arlington County and operated by Alta Bicycle Share, Inc. Capital Bikeshare offers four different membership options: Annual ($75), Monthly ($25), 5-Day ($15) and 24-hour ($5) for access to a fleet of 1,100 bicycles located at over 110 stations across the District and Arlington. Additional information about Capital Bikeshare is available at www.CapitalBikeshare.com A page will open in a new web browser window..

What Public Meeting for the Expansion of Capitol Bikeshare

When Wednesday, May 25, 2011
6 – 8 pm
Where 441 4th Street, NW, Room 1107
Washington, DC

The meeting location is in close proximity to the Judiciary Square Metrorail Station on the Red Line and accessible via several bus lines.
__._,_.___

Segment of Alabama Ave Closed May 21-26th

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Luan Tran 202.671.4649

May 13, 2011



PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE GREAT STREETS PROJECT
Segment of Alabama Avenue SE to Close for Construction of New Roadway

DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project will close a small portion of Alabama Avenue at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE to rebuild the roadway starting on Saturday, May 21st at 7:00 a.m.; weather permitting.

This closure will begin Saturday, May 21st at 7:00 a.m. and will continue through Thursday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m.. The roadway will then be re-opened.

Project Closure Limits (see map below):

Approximately 100 feet of the northbound and southbound lanes of Alabama Avenue SE (next to Papa John’s) will be closed beginning on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue SE. The remainder of Alabama Avenue SE, from the 100 feet south of Pennsylvania Avenue towards Maryland, will remain open and accessible for all traffic. No construction will occur in this area.

The Alabama Avenue SE entrance to Fairfax Village Shopping Center will be closed throughout the closure. All shopping center traffic will enter and exit from the Pennsylvania Avenue SE entrance.

Detour (see map below):

A detour will be set up to direct motorists north on Alabama Avenue SE and then bearing left on 38th Street SE. All turns onto Pennsylvania Avenue from 38th Street SE will be permitted.

Motorist travelling northbound on Alabama Avenue SE, heading towards Pennsylvania Avenue, will make a right on Pennsylvania Avenue, a left onto 38th Street SE and a right back onto Alabama Avenue SE.

Variable Message Boards (VMS) will be set to alert motorists of the upcoming closure. Sidewalks will remain open, since they have already been reconstructed

We are sorry for any inconveniences this may cause and thank you for your patience. We ask that all motorists and pedestrians proceed with caution when approaching the construction work areas. If you have any questions please contact DDOT Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202.671.4649.

closure

WMATA Hearing

Neighbors.... WMATA is having a public hearings on proposed changes. While these do not affect Hillcrest directly, we wanted to be sure you have the information.

OPEN HOUSE | TOWN HALL MEETING | PUBLIC HEARING

We are tuning in to you to help us make important decisions about Metro's future.

For the first time ever, Metro will host combined Open Houses and Town Hall Meetings prior to its official Public Hearings. Metro staff members will be available at Open Houses for one-on-one conversations about Metro service and programs. Town Hall Meetings will give you an opportunity to talk about the future of the system with Metro leaders, including members of the Metro Board of Directors. During the Public Hearings, Metro will take formal testimony on the following options under consideration for the FY12 budget:

o Increasing the Metrorail train wait times on weekends
o Eliminating the Metrobus E6, K1 and N8 lines
o Restructuring the Metrobus M4, V7, V8, 70 and 71 lines
o Eliminating the 50¢ discount on certain Anacostia bus routes, resulting in MetroAccess fare increase, and modification of the Anacostia station bus transfer discount program

The Open Houses will be from 5:30-6:00 p.m. followed by the Town Hall Meetings/Q&A from 6:00-6:45 p.m. The Public Hearings will start at 6:45 p.m.


THURSDAY, MAY 19
District of Columbia – SE
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church
2616 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, SE
Washington, DC
Metrorail stop: Anacostia

Testimony - FY12 Budget WMATA

BEFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION

RE: Public Testimony for Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Monday April 18, 2011

We would like to thank Councilmember Wells and the honorable members of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation for the opportunity to submit testimony on the Fiscal Year 2012 budget for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The Hillcrest community is comprised of single-family homes, and two large medium-density communities (Fairfax Village and Naylor Gardens). The closest Metro station to our community is Naylor Road in Maryland, which is as far as 1.5-miles for some of our residents. This makes us a bus-dependent community.

At the Ward 7 Transportation Summit and Listening Tour Jim Hamre, Director of Bus Planning, presented a list of bus enhancement recommendations to improve bus service in Ward 7. The Street, Traffic, and Transportation Committee went through those recommendations to identify the lines that serve the Hillcrest Community. We attempted to rank the recommendations in order of priority to the community should the funding become available.

• 35: New limited stop route between Southern Ave Metro Station and Archives via Naylor Road and Penn Ave SE. 20-min frequency during AM and PM peak WMATA estimates this improvement costs $800K. This would provide our community with an express bus to Capitol Hill and Penn Quarter.
• 36: Increasing the evening frequency to every 30 minutes for weekdays and weekends. Currently the headways are every 60 minutes. WMATA estimates $700K for the subsidy, but that number also includes improvements to the 32 line.
• W4: Increase weekday midday frequency to every 22 minutes and increase Saturday frequency to every 25 minutes. This is the only North-South route that connects Wards 7 and 8 on the eastern side. WMATA estimates $500k for this subsidy
• 39: Limited stop one-way rush hour bus. WMATA recommends increasing rush hour span from two the three hours and improving frequency from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. WMATA estimates $300K span, $500K frequency.
• V5: Limited stop one-way rush hour bus. Extend route to Metro Center. WMATA estimates $300K for this subsidy.

Even during tight budget times, we believe there are some actions WMATA can implement to improve reliability and safety of the existing systems. For example:

• Alternative SmartTrip Locations: Many times buses are delayed because people load their SmartTrip cards on the bus. We recommend WMATA consider SmartTrip kiosks in prominent locations in Ward 7, such as grocery stores, CVS, and high transfer bus stops such as L’enfant Square (Minnesota-Benning). This action needs to be coupled with informing people of these locations.
• Transit Police presence on Bus Lines: Some residents do not feel comfortable riding in the late evening and the hours when school lets out. We recommend for certain lines, such as the W4 to have transit police ride on the buses in the evening. Another option would be partnering with non-profit or community organization that has volunteers willing to ride the buses to improve safety.
• Communication Strategy (Incident Management): During predictable incidents such as snowstorms and unpredictable one such as accidents, WMATA buses are detoured with little to no communication to residents. As a phased approach, WMATA can start with developing a communication strategy for predictable incidents. During snowstorms, our community members should not be standing at a bus stop waiting for a bus that isn’t coming.
  

While the City and WMATA face a budget crisis, let’s not forget that many families in Ward 7 are facing that same crisis. As gas prices continue to rise, more people are opting to use public transportation.

Submitted by
Veronica O. Davis
Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair