HCCA Letter to DDOT: Pennsylvania-Minnesota Ave SE Project

Austina Casey, Project Manager
District Department of Transportation
55 M Street SE, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20003

Monday October 8, 2012

Ms. Casey:

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the Pennsylvania and Minnesota (Penn-Minn) Avenues intersection project. The Hillcrest Community Civic Association believes Pennsylvania Ave SE is not only a “Great Street”, but it is America’s Main Street.

We fully support DDOT and NPS goals to: (1) enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians, (2) create a consolidated, usable park space for pedestrians and visitors, and (3) function as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. We would also like to ensure the following is included in the goals: (1) improve accessibility and mobility for our disabled population, (2) enhance safety for bicyclists, (3) enhance the intersection’s function as a major public transportation (bus) hub, (4) create an aesthetically pleasing gateway into Ward 7, and (5) alleviate traffic on local streets that connect both avenues.

We are not aware of any cultural or environmental resources within the project limits of the Penn-Minn intersection. We would like more information on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed alternatives before we provide comment.

While this is the early stage of the environmental assessment process, we invite you to present at our monthly HCCA meeting, so our community can fully understand the project and provide comment on the proposed alternatives.

We look forward to continuing the dialog and being part of the process to complete the transformation of Pennsylvania Ave SE.


Karen Williams, President
HILLCREST COMMUNITY CIVIC ASSOCIATION

Request for Comments: Pennsylvania Ave and Minnesota Ave SE intersection

DDOT is in the preliminary stages of an Environmental Assessment of the Pennsylvania Ave and Minnesota Ave SE intersection.  The Hillcrest Community Civic Association has been request to provide comment.

Specifically DDOT is looking for comments on the conceptual designs, and any input on cultural and environmental resources in the project area.  Please provide feedback to the Transportation Chair (vod2@cornell.edu) by September 21, 2012 via the comment form below.  We will compile all comments and present a letter to the HCCA membership at the October Meeting.

HCCA Comments PennMinnAves

Although we will be submitting a letter on behalf of the civic Associtation, You are also encouraged to submit comments directly to DDOT, by October 15, 2012

Mail: 
Penn/Minn Avenues Improvement Project
ATTN: Austina Casey, Project Manager
District Department of Transportation, IPMA/PDED
55 M Street SE, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20003

Online: 
ddot.dc.gov/PennMinnAvesProject

Related Documents:

Penn Minn Scoping Project Brochure Handout

Great Streets Framework Plan: Pennsylvania Ave SE

Great Streets Framework Plan: Pennsylvania Avenue SE

Pennsylvania Ave Great Street Ribbon-Cutting Video

Thanks DDOT for this great video

Improvements in Hillcrest

Pedestrian Safety improvements on Naylor Road

If you haven't seen the pedestrian safety improvements on Naylor Road between Good Hope and 25th, go check them out. DDOT is doing a fantastic job. I biked down there today and cars are actually respecting the crosswalk.

Thanks to Commissioner Williams, Mr. Rufus Norris, Deborah Dillard, and community for your tenacity. HCCA will submit a thank you to DDOT on behalf of the community, but we urge everyone else to submit individual thank yous. Terry Bellamy terry.bellamy@dc.gov.

Updates:
- Alabama Ave between Pennsylvania Ave and Naylor Road is on "the list" to receive fresh pavement markings in April.

- Storm drain on Branch Ave and Alabama Ave is on the list for cleaning and repairs. The back-up during rain events is because there is cement in the drain. I haven't received a timeline for repairs, but we have a work order

- Anne Beers Safe Routes to School is finally getting ramped up. DDOT, school administrators and I met last week to observe behavior at the end of the school day. It was emphasized to DDOT that Friends of Francis A Gregory/Library Staff and adjacent community need to be included in discussion and we want high quality improvements.

- 2000 block of Fort Davis and 3800 block of W Street are on the list for pavement repairs

- WMATA has a major effort to replace bus stop poles.  I've been biking the routes in Hillcrest to note stops that need new poles and/or bus schedules.  I'm about 2/3 complete and so far so good.  I hope to get the list to WMATA by next week.

Response to protest of Speed Camera on 1900 Block of Branch Ave SE

Wednesday February 8, 2012

The Hillcrest Community Civic Association (HCCA) is disheartened and disappointed by the protest of the speed camera on the 1900 block of Branch Ave SE held on February 8, 2012. Speeding along Branch Ave between Alabama Ave and Pennsylvania Ave SE has been a constant challenge due to the long stretch of roadway without any signalized intersections to slow or stop traffic. The speed camera on Branch Ave SE is the result of several years of advocacy by Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Phillip J. Hammond (ANC 7B04), his fellow ANC 7B Commissioners, and the Hillcrest community. HCCA stood in full support of the cameras then, and we reaffirm our support today.

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.” Part of fulfilling that mission is making our roadways safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. As a community, we have been actively working with DC Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Police Department to make our streets safe by implementing traffic calming solutions such as building speed humps, installing “Stop for Pedestrian” signs, repainting crosswalks, and increasing police enforcement of traffic laws.

We understand the speed enforcement tickets can become a financial burden for repeat violators. While some frame the financial penalty as unfair and unjust, we believe the impact of speeding motorists on our quality of life is unfair and unjust. The fair and just solution for everyone, is for motorist to obey the 25 mile per hour speed limit to avoid penalties.

HCCA stands firm in our support of the speed camera on the 1900 block of Branch Ave SE. In addition, we will continue to be vocal advocates of safety enforcement in our community.


Veronica O. Davis
Street, Traffic and Transportation Committee Chair

On behalf of the HILLCREST COMMUNITY CIVIC ASSOCIATION

Request for Information - Transportation

2 requests for input by Feb 10th

1. Questions for March Guest Speaker
DDOT Director, Terry Bellamy will be the guest speaker for the March civic association meeting.  Please email me any specific topics or questions you want him to address, so he can be prepared for answer at the meeting.


2. Transportation-related Oversight Hearings
It's that time of the year again for agency oversight w/budget hearings soon after.  The STTC plans to submit testimony for the public record for WMATA and DDOT on behalf of the civic association.  If you have any concerns, feedback, and/or suggestions for improvement for either agency, please email me by February 10th.

Last year the we submitted written testimony for DMV.


The Hearings for transportation related agencies are below (subject to change):
February 22nd - WMATA

March 2 - DDOT, Bicycle Advisory Council, Pedestrian Advisory Council


Hearing schedule attached for your information.  I also encourage you to submit your own testimony for the agency above (and other agencies too, of course).

The budget hearings are all after the Ward 7 Transportation Summit, so we have time to talk as a ward about issues we can tackle together. 

Fy11 12 Agency Performance Hearings Schedule

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

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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

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.
__._,_.___

Far Southeast Livability Study Meeting #3