Mark your calenders. I will be holding a single member district meeting Saturday, April 30, at First New Hope Baptist Church, 1818 3rd Street NE.
I will get the agenda out sometime this weekend.
The meeting is from 9am-10:30am.
Friday, April 22, 2011
More Trees for the Metropolitan Branch Trail
Hooray! More shade for the walkers, bikers and runners that utilize the MBT.

Thanks to Casey Trees, Rails to Trails, DDOT and the many volunteers that came out yesterday. The Metropolitan Branch Trail received a second installment of 30 trees. This was a great effort by everyone involved and the trees will benefit trail users for many years to come.

Thanks to Casey Trees, Rails to Trails, DDOT and the many volunteers that came out yesterday. The Metropolitan Branch Trail received a second installment of 30 trees. This was a great effort by everyone involved and the trees will benefit trail users for many years to come.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Traffic Mayhem On New York Ave to Begin 4/22/11
Residents,
Brace yourself for the extended delays around the New York and Florida Ave corridor as part of the New York Ave bridge construction. This along with the daily headaches of the Dave Thomas circle will add extra time to residents commute for the next couple of years so be prepared.
Government of the District of Columbia
Department of Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Media Contact: John Lisle at (202) 671-2004
REMINDER: New York Avenue to Lose One-Third of Lane Capacity on/about April 25
Bridge Between Florida Avenue and Penn Street, NE to be Reduced from Three Lanes to Two in Both Directions
Set-up Activities for New Traffic Pattern Start at 10 pm on Friday, April 22
(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) would like to remind travelers that on or about April 25, weather permitting, one-third of the lane capacity will be reduced on the New York Avenue Bridge between Penn Street, NE and Florida Avenue, NE. The lane closures are necessary for the next phases of the reconstruction of the bridge.
By 5 am on Monday, April 25 only two lanes per direction will be open for traffic on New York Avenue along this stretch. The set-up activity for this new traffic pattern will occur over the weekend starting at 10 pm on Friday, April 22.
Commuters traveling over the New York Avenue Bridge can expect delays of 15 to 30 minutes in the project area for the duration of the lane reduction, which is anticipated to last approximately two years.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has developed alternate routes and incentive programs to encourage commuters to try a new way into and out of the District.
“DDOT is aware of the substantial impacts these required closures will have on this already congested corridor. Providing travelers with alternate routes and offering incentives to utilize alternate modes of transportation are just some of the ways DDOT is proactively working to minimize impacts in the project area,” said DDOT Chief Engineer Ronaldo "Nick" Nicholson.
Some of the specific tools put in place by DDOT to help travelers cope during this time include:
1. New York Avenue Bridge Bucks – DDOT already has received nearly 400 applications to the New York Avenue Bridge Bucks incentive program that is designed expressly for New York Avenue commuters. The first 2,000 commuters accepted into the Bridge Bucks program will receive a monthly incentive of $50 loaded onto their SmarTrip card, or other fare media, for whatever transportation alternative best suits their individual commuting needs (including bus, rail or vanpool options). The program is available on a first come, first serve basis to commuters who commute over the New York Avenue Bridge, NE. Applications are being accepted now through the project website, www.FixingNewYorkAve.com. Please be sure to include valid driver’s license information on all applications.
2. Alternate Routes – Viable alternate routes for vehicular commuters and a pedestrian detour have been identified and are available for further exploration on the project website.
· Option 1: Montana Avenue to Rhode Island Avenue to North Capitol Street
· Option 2: West Virginia Avenue to Florida Avenue
· Option 3: South Dakota Avenue to Rhode Island Avenue to North Capitol Street
· Option 4: I-295 to two potential exits: Benning Road or East Capitol Street
3. Real-Time Traffic Updates – DDOT provides real-time updates on Variable Message Boards within the New York Avenue corridor. These strategically placed message boards will be updated constantly to caution travelers about traffic conditions in the project area, enabling them to divert onto alternate routes.
4. Project Tweets – Before hitting the road, travelers signed up to the project Twitter account, @NYAve411, will receive regular construction alerts and updates traffic updates.
5. Coordination with Neighbors – DDOT is working in close coordination with transportation and emergency services in Maryland and Virginia to ensure all are prepared and aware of the impending pattern shift.
For more information about the project, DDOT’s impact mitigation efforts, alternate routes and to apply for the New York Avenue Bridge Bucks program, visit the project website, www.FixingNewYorkAve.com. For construction alerts and updates, follow the project on Twitter, @NYAve411.
The New York Avenue Bridge, NE is utilized by more than 87,000 vehicles each day and crosses several busy commuter and freight rail lines run by Amtrak, CSX and WMATA. DDOT has worked in close coordination with these agencies throughout the planning process to ensure the safety of both those travelling the rails and road during construction. This coordination also has served to help identify the optimal time to begin construction, which takes into account all the possible impacts on the various modes of transportation in the project area. DDOT’s New York Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project is funded fully by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). Construction is scheduled to continue into 2013 with long term benefits that will ease congestion and improve safety.
DDOT encourages all motorists to Stay Alert as they travel in this corridor.
###
Visit goDCgo.com for more information on transportation options in the District
Department of Transportation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Media Contact: John Lisle at (202) 671-2004
REMINDER: New York Avenue to Lose One-Third of Lane Capacity on/about April 25
Bridge Between Florida Avenue and Penn Street, NE to be Reduced from Three Lanes to Two in Both Directions
Set-up Activities for New Traffic Pattern Start at 10 pm on Friday, April 22
(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) would like to remind travelers that on or about April 25, weather permitting, one-third of the lane capacity will be reduced on the New York Avenue Bridge between Penn Street, NE and Florida Avenue, NE. The lane closures are necessary for the next phases of the reconstruction of the bridge.
By 5 am on Monday, April 25 only two lanes per direction will be open for traffic on New York Avenue along this stretch. The set-up activity for this new traffic pattern will occur over the weekend starting at 10 pm on Friday, April 22.
Commuters traveling over the New York Avenue Bridge can expect delays of 15 to 30 minutes in the project area for the duration of the lane reduction, which is anticipated to last approximately two years.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has developed alternate routes and incentive programs to encourage commuters to try a new way into and out of the District.
“DDOT is aware of the substantial impacts these required closures will have on this already congested corridor. Providing travelers with alternate routes and offering incentives to utilize alternate modes of transportation are just some of the ways DDOT is proactively working to minimize impacts in the project area,” said DDOT Chief Engineer Ronaldo "Nick" Nicholson.
Some of the specific tools put in place by DDOT to help travelers cope during this time include:
1. New York Avenue Bridge Bucks – DDOT already has received nearly 400 applications to the New York Avenue Bridge Bucks incentive program that is designed expressly for New York Avenue commuters. The first 2,000 commuters accepted into the Bridge Bucks program will receive a monthly incentive of $50 loaded onto their SmarTrip card, or other fare media, for whatever transportation alternative best suits their individual commuting needs (including bus, rail or vanpool options). The program is available on a first come, first serve basis to commuters who commute over the New York Avenue Bridge, NE. Applications are being accepted now through the project website, www.FixingNewYorkAve.com. Please be sure to include valid driver’s license information on all applications.
2. Alternate Routes – Viable alternate routes for vehicular commuters and a pedestrian detour have been identified and are available for further exploration on the project website.
· Option 1: Montana Avenue to Rhode Island Avenue to North Capitol Street
· Option 2: West Virginia Avenue to Florida Avenue
· Option 3: South Dakota Avenue to Rhode Island Avenue to North Capitol Street
· Option 4: I-295 to two potential exits: Benning Road or East Capitol Street
3. Real-Time Traffic Updates – DDOT provides real-time updates on Variable Message Boards within the New York Avenue corridor. These strategically placed message boards will be updated constantly to caution travelers about traffic conditions in the project area, enabling them to divert onto alternate routes.
4. Project Tweets – Before hitting the road, travelers signed up to the project Twitter account, @NYAve411, will receive regular construction alerts and updates traffic updates.
5. Coordination with Neighbors – DDOT is working in close coordination with transportation and emergency services in Maryland and Virginia to ensure all are prepared and aware of the impending pattern shift.
For more information about the project, DDOT’s impact mitigation efforts, alternate routes and to apply for the New York Avenue Bridge Bucks program, visit the project website, www.FixingNewYorkAve.com. For construction alerts and updates, follow the project on Twitter, @NYAve411.
The New York Avenue Bridge, NE is utilized by more than 87,000 vehicles each day and crosses several busy commuter and freight rail lines run by Amtrak, CSX and WMATA. DDOT has worked in close coordination with these agencies throughout the planning process to ensure the safety of both those travelling the rails and road during construction. This coordination also has served to help identify the optimal time to begin construction, which takes into account all the possible impacts on the various modes of transportation in the project area. DDOT’s New York Avenue Bridge Rehabilitation Project is funded fully by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). Construction is scheduled to continue into 2013 with long term benefits that will ease congestion and improve safety.
DDOT encourages all motorists to Stay Alert as they travel in this corridor.
###
Visit goDCgo.com for more information on transportation options in the District
Friday, April 15, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
ANC5C Development Committee Still Seeking Community Input
ANC 5C ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE SEEKS CITIZEN INPUT
Plant Trees on the MBT 4/21/11
Dear friend,
On Thursday, April 21, join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy as we volunteer with Casey Trees for a planting on Washington, D.C.'s Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). As spring begins to bloom and the summer sun approaches, help us bring more green to neighborhoods along the MBT!
Where: At the corner of 3rd and R streets, NE
Closest Metro: New York Avenue (Red Line) - Street parking available
Closest Metro: New York Avenue (Red Line) - Street parking available
When: Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Bike commuters encouraged to attend!
Questions? Contact Carol Herwig, Casey Trees Volunteer Coordinator (cherwig@caseytrees.org or 202.349.1907)
Dress for the weather; wear durable, close-toed shoes and bring your own water bottle. Tools and instruction are provided. This event will occur rain or shine unless the weather is severe.
This tree planting is supported by The Coca-Cola Foundation.
Happy trails,
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Monday, March 28, 2011
"Do The Right Thing" Viewing 4/1/11
See this message from Commissioner, Silas Grant on the viewing of the film "Do the Right Thing" followed by a discussion on diversity in our city. I encourage all residents to participate in this event and share their thoughts and ideas on diversity in our neighborhoods.
As a follow-up to the "March for Peace" that took place on 2/12/11, Tony Lewis, Jr. and I will be hosting a viewing of the film "Do the Right Thing".
Please join us on Friday April 1, 2011 at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Ave, NE) at 7pm as we view the film followed by a provocative discussion about diversity in D.C.
“Do the Right Thing” is a concept that is derived from the 1989 Spike Lee film which placed a spotlight on gentrification and diversity in a big city. The District of Columbia has achieved a high level of diversity. From diversity in the areas of age and generation to diversity in the areas of culture and ethnicity, this city has truly become a “melting pot”. While we have achieved this diversity, accepting and respecting diversity is more important.
Segments of the city’s population congregate and interact based on similarities. Religion, economic class level, education and race provide platforms for those who are alike to come together. However, those same elements cause barriers for those who are considered different in these areas. “Do the Right Thing” causes a provocative conversation around diversity to take place. The goal of this event is to have all District citizens understand that we are more alike than we are different. Also, we share resources and common space and the need for coexistence with harmony is higher than ever.
The film “Do the Right Thing” was shot over 20 years ago at a time when New York City was experiencing gentrification, diversity and the ups and downs of sensitivity around these issues as well. The District of Columbia is now facing these same issues in 2011. At some point, the “elephant in the room” has to be addressed. The viewing of “Do the Right Thing” amongst a diverse crowd along with a conversation following will begin the process of accepting and respecting diversity.
It is our hope that you will be able to attend and take part in this discussion.
Thanks!
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