Introduction

All about the Edgewood Neighborhood of Washington, DC

Questions/Comments/Story Ideas - email me at lifeontheedgewood@gmail.com





Thursday, April 22, 2010

Rhode Island Ave Development Walking Tour

A walking tour showcasing the development coming to the Rhode Island Metro Station is being offered by the Coalition for Smarter Growth on May 1st. You will need to go to their website to RSVP if you want to attend.

This was taken from their website:


Dear Smart Growth Supporters,

It's time to kick off a new season of smart growth events, starting with a walking tour next weekend. If you haven't checked out the area around the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station lately, you'll want to join us to discover all the great developments being made there.

Check Out Rhode Island Avenue With The Experts! Learn about the plans to turn the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station parking lot into a vibrant, walkable community. Representatives from DDOT and Urban Atlantic will be there to answer all your questions.

Walking Tour: Transformation of the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station Area
Saturday, May 1, 2010 12 noon - 2:00 pm RSVP Required
$10 suggested donation* Meet at the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station entrance

About Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station

In 1976, Rhode Island Avenue Metro station was at the end of the Red Line. A lot has changed since then, but much of the land use around the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station is still a hodge-podge of industrial and automobile-oriented uses crisscrossed by busy railroad tracks, a commuter arterial road and hilly topography.

This tour will look at plans to transform Rhode Island Avenue Metro station parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly place of shops and housing. We'll also hear from the D.C. Department of Transportation about how they are building a pedestrian bridge to overcome barriers to reaching the transit station from the west side and create a direct connection to the Metropolitan Branch Trail. From the Metro station, we'll cross over Rhode Island Avenue to walk the brand new Metropolitan Branch Trail (which should be open by May 1), and discuss other efforts to improve walking along the corridor.

Hosting us on our walk will be the site developer, Urban Atlantic's Caroline Kenney, and D.C. Department of Transportation planner Heather Deutsch.

Learn more about the trail and new pedestrian connection to the Metro station here.

*$10 Suggested Donation
Please consider making a $10 donation to help us cover the costs of this tour. Your donation will also help us continue to provide walking tours like this one. We'll accept cash or check donations at the event, or you can donate online.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Laura DeSantis
action@smartergrowth.net
Coalition for Smarter Growth

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Groundbreaking on Artspace Lofts

The official groundbreaking for the Dance Place and Artspace Lofts will be Friday April 30th. There will be a performance before the groundbreaking. This is exciting news as the development moves forward and a great addition to the Edgewood community (even though they call it Brookland - it is located in Edgewood!!).

Here is a link to the project website with all the details about the project which is expected to be completed with a Grand Opening in June 2011. There is also more information about the groundbreaking and an email to RSVP.

http://www.artspacewashdc.org/

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Un-zoned streets and Residential Parking Permits

I have been meaning to send a letter to the DC Council for a long time about not being able to purchase a residential zone parking permit since I live on an un-zoned street. Today I finally did it - I am sure I'm not the only one with this issue and that it is not even Edgewood specific. If you too feel the same way please send a letter to your council member and the at-large members.

Here is a link to the council's email addresses:

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/councildirectory

Here is my letter:

Dear Council Members,

I am writing on behalf of the non-zoned street constituency in Washington, D.C. I live on an un-zoned street and I fully understand the purpose of these streets in the city. I support keeping some streets un-zoned for guests, home service calls, etc.

However, I would like to have the option to purchase a residential parking zone sticker from the city’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Right now if you live on an un-zoned street you cannot purchase a residential parking zone sticker which means I cannot park on any other street than my own (even if it is less than 50 feet from my house!) for more than two hours. This becomes especially difficult during the days we have street cleaning as parking is essentially cut in half.

I see allowing residents on un-zoned streets the OPTION of purchasing a residential parking zone sticker as a triple win – keeps un-zoned streets, extra income for the city, and allows all residents in an area equal parking opportunities.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Monday, April 5, 2010

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)

Please see the message below about the MBT! Many ways to enjoy the trail and to contribute to its success.

Hello Met Branch Trail Friends!

It’s been a long winter, and you’re probably ready to put on your walking shoes or hop on your bike. So if you’re looking for a new place to explore on the weekend or thinking about walking or biking to work, you should venture over to the Met Branch Trail and experience D.C.’s newest section of paved pathway! This month’s newsletter includes trail status updates and opportunities to get involved with trail events and activities.

Trail Status Updates:
New York Avenue NE to Franklin Street NE Construction - While the section from Franklin Street to the Rhode Island Avenue shopping center has been open for use since last fall, the trail connecting with New York Avenue is scheduled for completion in May.
Rhode Island Avenue Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge - Design for the bridge is almost complete. WMATA’s board approved their donation of an easement, and DDOT will be working to obtain additional easements and permits—so progress is being made!

Get Involved:
Trail Clean-up and Meeting - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Metropolitan Branch Trail Coalition will host an evening trail clean-up and meeting on Thursday, April 8. We will gather at the Edgewood Mural at 5:30 p.m. to clean a section of the trail and then continue on a walking tour of the pathway. Those who are unable to attend the clean-up can meet us at the Big Bear Café at 7 p.m. to learn more about the trail status, upcoming events on the trail, and opportunities to get involved. For more information, please contact Kelly Pack: kellyp@railstotrails.org.

Celebrate National Bike Month on the Met Branch Trail - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will host a series of “Commuter Convoys” in the month of May. Details to follow in next month’s newsletter.
Save the Date: Saturday, June 5 – Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association are planning a large community event on National Trails Day to celebrate the opening of the Met Branch Trail’s newest section in Northeast D.C. In the coming weeks, visit www.metbranchtrail.com for more information. Details to follow in next month’s newsletter.
Adopt the Trail – As sections of the trail open, we will all need to work together to keep it a beautiful and inviting place. DC Preparatory Academy’s “Prep Squad” has already adopted a section of the trail. Take a look at their efforts on DDOT’s facebook page. Let us know if you or your community group/workplace is interested in adopting a section of trail or flower box. Contact kellyp@railstotrails.org.

Interested in receiving these newsletters or sending to a friend? Sign-up here to be added to our list.

For more information about the Met Branch Trail, visit www.metbranchtrail.com.

Friday, April 2, 2010

REMINDER Edgewood Neighborhood Cleanup is TOMORROW!

Just wanted to send out a reminder that tomorrow is the Edgewood Neighborhood monthly cleanup. The group meets in front of the Edgewood Rec Center at the corner of 3rd and Evarts NE at 10:30 a.m. The cleanup is sponsored by the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center and occurs the first Saturday of every month same time and location. The group picks up trash around the neighborhood including the rec center.

If you cannot come try and cleanup around your block today or tomorrow morning so they can cover more areas!!!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Planting Trees in Eckington




This morning I volunteered with many others to join with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Casey Trees to plant trees in Washington, D.C.'s Eckington neighborhood immediately adjacent to the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). The group split into three groups and planted a total of 25 trees across the Eckington neighborhood - in individuals' yards, commercial spaces and up to the MBT. It was nice to see so many people out there helping and I was told this was the first of this kind of venture combining the different planting spaces. I was also told if we wanted to coordinate something in Edgewood we could as well. Is there anywhere that we need some more trees?