[from Wayan V.]
•
Woohoo! DDOT has started the process of putting in raised median islands on New Hampshire Avenue just south of Grant Circle.
From past ANC meetings, I remember there was a controversy about this work. Some folks were against DDOT planting trees in the median. Thankfully, that objection was over-ruled and this time next year we'll have a median well on its way to being a green island in a sea of pavement, bringing shade and slowing down those New Hampshire Avenue speeders.
Cars can legally park against the medians (and median-to-be) between Quincy and Shepherd between 7 am and 2 pm ON SUNDAYS ONLY.
The installation of the medians raises another issue. As we see medians with trees installed, we will need community help with maintainence (watering, mulching, what have you). I have been having conversations with Anna Chamberlin, DDOT's Ward 4 planner, who's also one of our neighbors, about this issue.
A model for this, in my head, are the medians above and below U Street NW on Vermont Avenue. They are maintained by a Ward 1 neighborhood association. I'm sure DDOT has a role, too.
I will do my part within the context of my role in the Mayor's Office. I will see what ANC 4C resources can also be dedicated to this.
No doubt, we will need neighborhood help.
Please give it some thought.
ps Wayan, the opposition to trees was small in number. The majority of the ANC supported, with one exception, what we are getting on New Hampshire.
One noteworthy opponent was Carol Herwig, friend, neighbor and citywide volunteer coordinator for Casey Trees (http://www.caseytrees.org/).
Carol has been concerned the trees will not be maintained by the neighborhood.
Joseph Martin
Executive Office of the Mayor
Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS)
Outreach and Services Specialist - Ward 4
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Ste 211
Washington, DC 20004-3003
202-442-9509 desk
202-442-8150 main
202-340-7853 mobile
...and ANC 4C09 Commissioner/4C Chair
Posted by: Joe Martin | May 15, 2009 at 06:09 PM
how long will the work take? I believe the plan is that the cars will still be allowed to park in the median- they will just close one of the northbound and southbound lanes of traffic.
Posted by: Tim Watson | May 15, 2009 at 10:25 AM
I only feel sorry for NH Ave residents this week. I can hear the construction from my house and they much be really annoyed by the sounds.
Posted by: Wayan | May 14, 2009 at 01:52 PM