The rumors about the closing of the widely-used Providence Park were put to rest at a public meeting held at St Peter’s Church on January 16th. Providence Park, which is owned by the US Congress, having been purchased in the 1960s as the site for a proposed page school, will not be used as a staging area for the repair of utility tunnels on Second St. as many feared when they heard of eh impending construction.

Providence Park is used on a daily basis for a multitude of activities from dog walking and sunbathing, to the recreational use by students from both St Peters’ School and the Capitol Day School. Soccer on the Hill as well as Hill softball leagues and adult soccer groups use the park for practice and games.

According to Paul McMahon, Project Executive for the Utility Tunnel Improvement Program only five percent of the park will be needed for the placement of two construction trailers which will be placed in the northwest corner of the park. One or two trees may be casualties.

With approximately 40 residents in attendance, the Architect of the Capitol’s office laid out its plans for the mandated repair of steam and water tunnels that lie beneath Second St. SE between North Carolina Ave. and Independence Ave. SE.  

McMahon and Robert Carter from the Army Corps of Engineers, made a brief presentation and described the utility tunnels, 15 x 15 ft in dimension , as being “50 to 100 years old” and in need of repair because of “functional obsolescence.” The timeline of disruption is expected to be anywhere from 18 to 21 months.

McMahon attempted to assuage residents concerns by describing the RFP and the letting of the contract as having a clause that would claim liquidated damages if the project is not finished on time.  

McMahon also addressed asbestos issues and indicated the AOC foresees no significant problems as tests of the air in the tunnel have been conducted and no dangerous levels were reported. McMahon added that this project will produce repairs that will last 75 years while a less disruptive project would only last 15-20 years

The meeting raised as many questions as there were answers. Residents expressed concerns about traffic and parking, pedestrian use of the closed streets, and rat abatement which seemed to catch Robert Carter of the Army Corps of Engineers by surprise, even though he said that he had seven years experience working in DC on such projects. Additionally there were concerns raised for the safety of the many children in the surrounding neighborhood and park who would be affected.

Finally, there was uncertainty expressed by the representatives of AOC as to how the AOC would treat damage to homes that are adjacent to the project. A number of residents who experienced property damage when the project was focused on North Carolina Ave. expressed frustration with how these were resolved with other residents recalling great damage to houses on D St. when the Metro was built.

Other issues discussed were the spillover of construction workers from both the utility project construction and those involved in the many construction projects including the new stadium on the other side of the SW Freeway. Complicating the parking situation is the unresolved parking for the new ball park.

AOC spokeswoman Eva Malecki pointed out that the meeting was part of a process and was primarily called to announce the scope of the work as well as to begin learning how to proceed and communicate with the community. Malecki did make clear that the US Congress owns the property and that it may decide whatever it wishes in this matter.

This project parallels the major disruption that is expected in this sub-neighborhood of the Hill that borders the new stadium and all the congestion and parking issues that it will bring. “It’s a double whammy” says Marsha Lea who lives on North Carolina Ave.

More than one resident expressed concern that they will not be and have not been kept abreast of planning for the tunnel upgrade and excavation. Malecki promised that the AOC would have frequent updates on its website. As of January 18, there were a number of FAQs on the website (www.aoc.gov, then Press Room). As far as future meetings, Malecki added: “We plan to host a meeting in the later spring once we have worked with the traffic control engineers on concerns that were raised at the meeting. When we get more details.”

Ward 6 Council member Tommy Wells as well as ANC Commissioner David Garrison (6B01) were in attendance. Wells promised regular updates on his web site (www.Tommywells.org) as information developed.

Commissioner Garrison felt the meeting was a success, pointing out that the original issue was the saving of Providence Park, adding as a comment on the construction: “On the face of it there is no reason the AOC and the Army Corps of Engineers will not do a good job.”