I hope you had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day with family and friends.
Here’s an update from May and June:
Commission Updates
Our May and June meetings ran the gamut from zoning to Vision Zero to Better Bus.
- Vision Zero is DC’s ongoing street safety initiative that aims to bring traffic deaths and serious injuries to 0 by 2024. We’re currently on track for our worst year since 2007. In previous years’ budgets, the Council directed excess automated traffic enforcement revenue to Vision Zero efforts. I applauded this as we should be using speed and stop light cameras to make the road safer for all — not as a source of general revenue for the city. The 2024 budget, facing a cooling financial forecast, reallocated much of that ATE funding back to the general budget (and away from Vision Zero). I co-sponsored Commissioner Joe Bishop-Henchman’s resolution to formally express ANC 5F’s objection to such an action. This resolution passed.
- Better Bus is WMATA’s reimagination of the bus network to make it easier to use and more reliable. As part of this, they’ll be renumbering and adjusting bus routes throughout the region, including our neck of the (Edge)wood. Councilmember Parker assembled a task force that made recommendations on how the plan can best serve Ward 5. I co-sponsored a resolution put forward Commissioner Bishop-Henchman, a task force member, to endorse those recommendations, as well as request updates to the plans to avoid potential loss of service to some parts of Edgewood. This resolution also passed.
Our next meeting is July 25th at 7pm. It will be hybrid - at a location TBA (most likely in Eckington) and online on Zoom. The agenda will be published to our website on the 18th.
Neighborhood Updates
A First Step Towards Closing the Metropolitan Branch Trail Gap
I’m delighted to share that construction to close the MBT gap will kick off with repaving a section of 8th Street NE this month. This marks a major milestone in the project. It’s been heartening to witness the persistent advocacy from many of you on this initiative, and I extend my sincere gratitude for your tireless commitment.
This project aims to create a safer, more continuous path for all trail users, connecting Ward 5 and bringing attention and amenities to our neighborhood. We’re on track to wrap things up by the end of the summer. There might be a few hiccups along the way, but the end product will be a positive impact to our community.
DDOT’s Take on Our Traffic Safety Resolutions
ANC 5F recently received a series of responses from DDOT on the many traffic safety resolutions we put forth. For the most part, they thanked us for our interest and assured us that our resolutions have been heard and will be factored into their future quarterly prioritization. This perceived inaction is what I was worried about with the move to TSI 2.0. I’ll continue to actively engage with DDOT to ensure our community’s safety concerns are given the attention they deserve.
The Q3 selections for Ward 5 should be published soon. Keep your eyes peeled! And, as always, please continue to file 311 requests. If you file a TSI, pass it along to me if you want me to put forward a resolution endorsing it.
The Potential for a New Library Branch in Edgewood or Eckington
In our most recent meeting, DC Public Library discussed the potential for a new library branch in Edgewood or Eckington. Such a development has been a long time coming, addressing a hole in DCPL’s coverage of the city.
They highlighted several factors critical for the success of the library, such as visibility, accessibility, community alignment, as well as considerations on building size, partnership potential, and the scope for community impact. We are keen on hearing your thoughts about this prospect. If you’re interested in participating in the process, please sign up for our Library Task Force (and let me know when you do).