Tuesday, September 27, 2011

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



Friday, September 16, 2011

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.

Wednesday, September 14, 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.

Friday, September 9, 2011

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)

Monday, September 5, 2011

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.


Thursday, September 1, 2011

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.