ANC to DDOT: Bridges Won't Help the Hill
Capitol Hill needs credible plans for traffic reduction and immediate traffic calming measures, commissioners told the DC Department of Transportation Nov. 13. The statement came as part of a resolution on the 11th Street Bridges proposal, designed to improve the aging bridges and link the disjointed Anacostia and Southeast Freeways.

DDOT recently finalized the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the 11th Street Bridges preferred alternative: replacing two one-way, four-lane bridges with a pair of bi-directional bridges separating freeway (eight lanes) and local traffic (four lanes plus pedestrian and cycle access). Members of the study team – including DDOT's Kathleen Penney, deputy chief engineer for infrastructure projects, and Jim Bedner, a consultant with CH2M HILL Inc. – summarized the final EIS and fielded questions.

The preferred alternative, Penney said, would address “weave issues” – traffic congestion blocking access to other stretches of road. Separating freeway and local traffic would alleviate major problems for neighborhoods such as Hillcrest, she explained, and would help to “bridge the economic divide” between the two sides of the Anacostia, by making short trips easier in both directions.

Traffic volume forecasts compared “build” and “no build” scenarios for the year 2030. Bedner said both forecasts incorporated developments planned for south of the Southeast Freeway and at Hill East Waterfront and included improvements to South Capitol Street in the “existing and committed network.”

Several Hill East residents, including Alaine Perry of the Hill East Waterfront Action Network, supported the preferred alternative, noting increasing traffic pressures and the detrimental effect of drivers from outside the community racing through it, creating a de facto freeway on residential streets. In response, Commissioner Neil Glick noted that the project would reduce traffic on Hill East streets by less than 10 percent, leaving the neighborhood with daily traffic equal to half that of the freeway volume.

“This will not have a positive impact in Hill East,” Glick warned. “Why should we support this hugely expensive project – not scheduled for completion until 2030 – when the neighborhood can't get traffic calming measures – like a $100 stop sign – that could save lives now?”

Commissioner Campbell and others joined Glick in reminding DDOT of traffic deaths and regular accidents in the area.

Penney responded that “major investments,” like that for the 11th Street Bridges, “allow [DDOT] to do a better job on micro issues ... There is huge list of needs, but this investment means that we have learned so much more.” Still, she insisted, “I can't promise you DDOT will suddenly have all the resources to solve all the problems here.”

Christopher Herman, of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society, raised direct objections to DDOT's plans: He challenged DDOT's urgency about bridge deterioration, noted inconsistencies between the bridges EIS and DDOT's Capitol Hill Traffic Study, pointed out a discrepancy between DDOT's ($475 million) and the Area Council of Governments' ($650 million) cost projections, and faulted DDOT for failing to consider alternatives to the “preferred” local/freeway bridge solution.

Noting that CHRS had commissioned an analysis of the EIS, to be available Nov. 16, Commissioner Jarboe added the phrase, “based on information available today,” to his resolution supporting the 11th Street Bridges project.

Commissioners unanimously agreed to support the long-term DDOT project conditional on more immediate traffic reduction and calming actions in Hill East and other neighborhood “hot spots.”

Copies of the EIS are available in libraries and DDOT offices, as well as online, Penney said, and individuals can contact her at 202-671-4691. The official comment period closed on Nov. 20.

“Don't Fence Us In,” Commissioners Tell Wirefly
Keith Dowling, race director for the Greater Washington Sports Alliance (GWSA), described plans for the "Wirefly National Marathon," scheduled for Mar. 29. The plans, which would close East Capitol and other streets for five hours on a Saturday, were met with universal dismay.

Dowling stressed “neighborhood benefits,” including a “leave no trace” policy – which he said would leave streets in better shape than they were found – and a fitness challenge encouraging area youth to run or walk 26 miles between December and March. The program, conducted in collaboration with District Recreation Centers, will reward participants with a victory lap on race day.

Dowling also emphasized limitations in participation (8,000 runners vs. the Marine Corps' 30,000) and length (race-day maximum is just over six hours). In addition, he said a Saturday date was chosen to “minimize conflicts with community worship services.”

Although commissioners recalled a previous race which tied up traffic across the city on a Palm Sunday, objections to a Saturday race were raised: conflicts for the Seventh Day Adventist congregation near the race route, barriers to Eastern Market and other commercial areas of the Hill on a busy shopping day, and an effective blockade of northeast Capitol Hill.

“We appreciate your bringing us the plans this early,” Jarboe told race planners, “but you are not close to support right now.” Chairperson Julie Olsen asked commissioners of affected single member districts to meet with GWSA staff before the ANC considered a vote.

Planning and Zoning Actions Unanimous
Based on committee recommendation, the ANC unanimously supported front facade alterations for 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (HPA #08-034) as well as variances (floor area ratio, off-street parking) and a special exception (food delivery) for Papa John's pizzeria at 914 11th St. SE (BZA #17692).

Kevin Shearer, of L2M Architects, described changes to the Church of the Latter Day Saints' plans for 522 Seventh St. SE (HPA #07-267). Most prominent, he said, was an attempt to “make the building look like it was created over a period of years,” resulting in a three-part construction with a steeple centered on the middle portion. Commissioners unanimously supported the application, noting that parking variance and public space issues will arise separately.

In consideration of a rear addition at 1223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE (HPA #07-426), commissioners noted fire code and other concerns and cited the applicant's failure to communicate with all affected neighbors in its unanimous opposition.

Mike Patterson to Join Commission
Three candidates for the vacant 6B09 seat spoke briefly at the start of November's meeting. A fourth, Zachary Toczynski, had withdrawn.

Timothy Strecker, a 10-year resident of Hill East, cited crime, drugs and traffic as the top issues affecting 6B09. “I feel it's my duty to step up and represent you,” he said.

Phyllis Johnson, a DC native, noted her history of school- and youth-oriented activism and said she is “committed to bridging the gap” in Hill East, working together for clean and safe streets.

Michael O. Patterson, a seven-year resident of Hill East, mentioned his Army and local civic service and concluded, “I hope you guys will believe in me representing you.”

At the close of the special election, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells swore in Mike Patterson as the new commissioner. Patterson did not remain to take his seat, however.

An election for the 6B04 seat will be held at the December ANC meeting.

Roll Call
Chairperson Julie Olsen (6B03) presiding. David Garrison (6B01), Mary Wright (6B02), Ken Jarboe (6B05), Will Hill (6B06), Carol Green (6B07), Neil Glick (6B08), and Francis Campbell (6B10) present. 6B04 and 6B09 were vacant.