Median problems

[from Jeff Green]

There is a serious issue with the medians being installed on New Hampshire Avenue. For the medians to support trees and other plant life they should be excavated to a depth of 36-48” inches. This is so the trees (DDOT and UFA planned for elms, like the ones across from the metro station) can develop root systems that are able to support themselves as they grow.

Members of the community have identified that DDOT and their contractor are only excavating to varying depths of 6-24 inches, depending on the conditions. During excavation DDOT and their contractor unexpectedly found compacted stone and have chosen to not remove this material, which in the future will cause problems with the trees that are to be planted. Additionally the contractor is leaving piles of concrete below the back fill as they install the medians, which will have adverse affects on any other plants that are planted.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/3554282759/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/3586057958/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/3586058172/

DDOT initially denied that there was a problem and after admitting it they are now refusing to correct. I have requested that the Ward 4 Councilmember’s Constituent Services Coordinator, Judi Gold, brief Councilmember Bowser on the issue with the medians and make an inquiry to DDOT for a solution to this problem.

Please take a few moments out of your day and email (addresses listed below) your ANC representatives, Councilmember Bowser, and the DDOT managers of this project to let them know that Petworth wants this project completed correctly the first time without any corners being cut.

Thanks!

Click on names to get email addresses:

Joseph Martin, ANC4C Chairman

Shanel Anthony, ANC4C07

Timothy Jones, ANC4C08

David Tumblin, ANC 4C06

Muriel Bowser, Ward 4 Councilmember

Judi Gold, Ward 4 Constituent Services Coordinator

Paul Stephenson, DDOT Project Manager

Said Cherifi, DDOT Program Manager

Karina Ricks, DDOT Associate Director

Jeffrey Marootian, DDOT

Comments

[Wayan]

Update: Today Muriel Bowser came out to check on the medians and we seem to have progress. Medians are being dug deeper (still not 4ft, but..) and she's pushing for solutions from DDOT and Urban Forestry. See: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/3620051416/

[Petworth Guy]

This sounds like a disaster.

It reminds me of the trees that the DC gov't planted on North Capitol Street a few years ago, which all promptly died from poor planning.

Here, by contrast, Petworth News has put the DC gov't on notice that the contractor has left the ground far too shallow for the trees. And the DC gov't just ignores it. Classic.

[Monkey Daddy]

I wrote an email to Ms. Bowser and Mr. Cherifi that CC'd most of the above people. Joe Martin emailed me back promptly, saying that DDOT will still go ahead with the trees. He didn't address the issue of planting depth/tree viability, however. So to my mind, the issue remains unaddressed.

Also, cherry trees are a good choice, and fall is a great time to plant them. Let's hope they live! I think we can get neighborhood support to keep them watered if rainfall won't do it alone.

[Hidel]

Cherry Blossoms?

[Jacqueline Ostfeld]

And - just got this from Joseph Martin...

Cherry trees are being planted in the fall on the median islands, according to DDOT's Anna Chamberlin.

There was NO decision to cancel the planting off trees.

Joe Martin
Mayor's Office of Community Relations & ANC 4C Chair

Joseph Martin - Sent from mobile.

[Jacqueline Ostfeld]

Just received this good news from Muriel Bowser's office:

Thank you for writing to Councilmember Muriel Bowser about this important matter. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has confirmed with our office that trees will be planted along New Hampshire Ave, beginning fall 2009. The tress will add great beauty to this corridor and we are very excited about this project.

If we can be of further assistance feel free to contact our office at 202-724-8052.

Best regards,

Brandon T. Todd
Office of Councilmember Muriel Bowser, Ward 4
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Suite 110
Washington, DC 20004-3001
202-724-8052 (Main)
202-741-0917 (Direct)
202-664-7594 (Mobile)
202-741-0908 (Fax)
[email protected]

[Kev]

I know very little about trees, but I was surprised to see how shallow the medians are. I can't see how trees can survive in something as deep as a window box.

[IMGoph]

good luck fighting for this one! there's absolutely no reason not to do this right the first time. i wonder, though, is the thing that's keeping them from digging down to the proper depth the metro tunnel under new hampshire ave.?