Snow, Ice and Sidewalks

Please remember that it is your responsibility to clear the sidewalks around your house! Also, think about your neighbors that might not be able to clear theirs - out of town, elderly, disabled, etc. - and help them out as well. I tend to clear at least half if not my whole side of the block while I am out there. I already did it this morning and will be back out there again if we get more tonight. It's good exercise and I know that I and my neighbors can then walk safely down our block.

Take Action: Rhode Island Avenue Safety Improvements Needed

A few weeks ago I wrote about the need for improvements to the sidewalks along Rhode Island Avenue, as well as, the access to the Rhode Island Ave metro station. Greater Greater Washington followed up with a great article on the issue. Those of us that regularly ride the bus or metro out of that station know how dangerous it can be to get to get there. The sidewalks are narrow and close to the busy traffic and the staircase is steep and narrow with steps crumbling. With millions of dollars being invested in redeveloping the parking lot into new retail and apartments you would think that an upgrade to the outdated sidewalks and stairs would be a natural progression. However, it has not been included in the plans!!!

We can change this by letting DDOT Director Gabe Klein and our Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr., know that we need these changes to happen now while the area is being redeveloped. I wrote CM Thomas and received a response that they would forward my concerns to the project team and I have not heard anything back since then. Everyone knows that there is power in numbers and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I am asking everyone to spread the word about this issue.

The Coalition for Smarter Growth has begun a petition to DDOT Director Gabe Klein and Ward 5 Council member Harry Thomas, Jr., that states the need we residents have to get these items fixed. Please sign the petition now and forward the link on to get as many people as possible to send the message that this is not an issue that we will let fade away!

Rhode Island Metro Station Sidewalks and Staircase Improvements Needed

Recently it was brought to my attention that with the construction of the Rhode Island Station development there are no plans to improve the sidewalks and staircase to the metro station from Rhode Island Ave. I thought with such a large-scale construction project they would be improving the public space as well especially since they would be using them.

Below is my letter to Councilmember Thomas and I am encouraging everyone to write or call him in order to bring attention to this issue.

Here is his email address: hthomas@dccouncil.us
Here is his phone number: 202-439-5103

Dear Councilmember Thomas,

I wanted to write to you about a concern that I have regarding the current sidewalks and staircase that led to the Rhode Island Metro Station with relation to pedestrian safety. These sidewalks are very narrow and the staircase is narrow and in need of repair as well.

While I am excited about the construction that is going on for the Rhode Island Station development I feel that as part of this project we should be fixing the sidewalks and stairs. We are missing an opportunity to repair items for the betterment and safety of the whole community if we do not get this done as part of the current construction. The new development will increase the traffic to that metro station and site, so if the narrow sidewalk and stairs are not adequate and safe under current use it will even be worse with increased use.

I know that the new pedestrian bridge is scheduled to be built from the Metropolitan Branch Trail to the metro station and that will help pedestrians and I encourage you to help move that project as long as well. But that bridge will not help people coming from the other direction to the metro or the new retail/apartments.

Please consider using your influence and helping to correct the problems with the stairs and sidewalks as a part of the current scope of construction that is taking place.

Edgewood: Alley Improvements

The alley between Channing and Bryant NE in Edgewood has been re-paved and looks great. It seems like there have been a few small improvement projects going on around Edgewood lately of sidewalks and alleys being re-done - this alley and sidewalks on Ascot and Hamlin. Has anyone seen any I've missed?

Sidewalks!!!

I have to thank DDOT for following thru on the new sidewalks within the month as I previously posted. One side of Ascot Place NE was done today and the other side will be done tomorrow.

Sidewalks!!!

Today I spotted a DDOT vehicle and representative taking pictures and measuring the sidewalks which are in bad repair from the tree roots. I asked him if they were going to fix the sidewalks and he said yes sooner rather than later he thought maybe within a month! This is very exciting news for us as I was hoping the sidewalk repair on Rhode Island Ave would spread to the neighborhood! Ascot Place NE will soon have normal sidewalks with no asphalt "fixes"!!