Blog Archives
Environmental Assessment Hearing Schedule for Benning Road Improvements
Please note the information below. The District Department of Transportation is looking at alternative approaches to extending the DC Streetcar line east of the Benning Road Metro Station. This hearing is part of that process.
Environmental Assessment Hearing Scheduled for Benning Road Improvements
(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites the community to a public hearing Thursday, May 19, 2016, to review the findings of an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Benning Road and Bridges Transportation Improvements.
Following the successful launch of the H/Benning Line of the DC Streetcar on February 27, 2016, this EA considers alternative approaches to extending the existing line east of the Benning Road Metrorail Station. The study area encompasses Benning Road, NE, from Oklahoma Avenue to the Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road Metrorail Stations, and evaluates the environmental and cultural effects of the proposed improvements.
The study was conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), and will be released by DDOT and the Federal Highway Administration on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.
Public comments will be accepted from May 4, 2016 until 5 pm June 2, 2016. Following the public comment period, the report will be finalized.
WHAT: Benning Road Transportation Improvements Environmental Assessment
WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 2016
6 pm – 8 pm
WHERE: Department of Employment Services (DOES) Building
4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE
TRANSIT: Metrorail: Minnesota Avenue Station (Orange Line)
Metrobus: Visit wmata.com
The reports are available online for public review on the project website http://www.benningproject.com/project-resources/.
Comments should be submitted to Malia Salaam by email at info@benningproject.com or by mail at District Department of Transportation, 55 M Street, SE, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20003.
The document will be available at the following locations for public review between May 4, 2016 and June 2, 2016:
Benning (Dorothy I. Height) Neighborhood Library
3935 Benning Road, NE
Washington, DC 20019
Deanwood Library
1350 49th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20019
District Department of Transportation
Progressive Transportation Services Administration
55 M Street, SE, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20003
Getting to the Meetings
Be sure to check out http://www.goDCgo.com to learn about transportation options for getting to the workshop.
Can’t Make a Meeting?
Materials from this meeting will be made available on the DDOT website at the meeting’s conclusion.
Do you need assistance to participate?
If you need special accommodations or language assistance services (translation or interpretation), please contact Malia Salaam at (202) 563-5003 or info@benningproject.com 5 days in advance of the meeting.
###
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its projects, programs, activities, and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other related statutes.
In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code sec. 2-1401.01 et seq. (Act), the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in a violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.
Remember that Florida Ave Multimodal Transportation Study?
Three years ago, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) started a multimodal transportation study of Florida Avenue, focusing on the stretch from North Capitol to H Street/Benning Road. 
The study was to “evaluate safety, streetscape, and operational enhancements to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists while ensuring all users have safe access within and through this important corridor”. Ultimately outcomes would recommend ways to improve safety and balance transportation needs of all users (pedestrians, bikers, and vehicle drivers) of this corridor.
Community Outreach Advisors that participated in the report included, among many others, the former ANC 5D06 Commissioner, a former Trinidad resident and TNA board member, staff of Gallaudet University, and a representative of New Samaritan Baptist Church.
A website for the study was established to provide information to the public and houses reports from the initial meetings through the release of the final report. This includes meetings as far back as June 2013 with residents of Delta Towers. The final report, completed in February 2015, was released by DDOT on February 26, 2016. The report is available on the website and is in two .pdf files (Part 1 and Part 2). There are short-term recommendations that focus on the “virtual circle” where New York and Florida Avenues intersect.
The report, released a year after completion, will need to be reviewed for full context and understanding but the recommendations listed on pages 110-111 are included below:
“Some smaller scale changes to the study area can likely be implemented much sooner than changes to the roadway configuration. These include:
- Changes to off-peak parking restrictions east of West Virginia Avenue to match the recommendation in Alternative 4 that parking only be restricted in the peak direction during each peak period.
- Continued short-term refinement of the ongoing changes to 6th Street NE north of Florida Avenue. During the development of this report, this section of 6th Street was restriped to include a two-way cycle track on the east side of the roadway (consistent with Alternative 3) and curb extensions with flower pots at the Neal Place pedestrian crossing.
- Possible bike lanes on West Virginia Avenue, contingent upon parking occupancy availability as determined through a parking study.
- Pavement marking, signal timing changes, and signing modifications at the Virtual Circle.
- Cutting back the curb at First Street NE/ Florida Avenue to allow eastbound buses to again travel through the Virtual Circle and onto Florida Avenue
- Further dialogue with the COA will also help highlight locations for more fine-grained interventions such as collaboration with National Park Service regarding the use and maintenance of the small triangular parks under NPS ownership, and matters of access and driveways.
As some of these short-term recommendations come to fruition, DDOT will be working with design firms to develop a full design of Florida Avenue NE between 2nd Street NE and Holbrook Street. Pending funding availability, reconstruction of Florida Avenue could occur in 2021, or sooner, pending project readiness and funding availability. The District Department of Transportation expects and encourages ongoing dialogue about Florida Avenue and surrounding streets beyond this planning study. Project milestones and known next steps will continue to be shared with the Community Outreach Advisors group and regular check-ins with ANCs.”
For background on this project you can also read previous posts about public meetings on the TNA blog (links are: June 5, 2013, October 7, 2013, March 27, 2014).
We hope that you can take time to review the document and continue discussions on how to make our streets and sidewalks safe for all Trinidad residents. We will also be reading through the document in the coming days but did want to share that is was finally made available to the public for our review.
DDOT Seeks Input on Safer Streets
DC Department of Transportation has more ways for you to get engaged in it’s Vision Zero initiative. TNA shared the interactive map where residents can pinpoint safety concerns. Now a series of public meetings has been announced. Here is DDOT’s press releases, issued on July 14th:
DDOT to Host 10 Awareness Events for Vision Zero
Agency seeking public input to help in safety push
(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced today that it is holding 10 public events spanning all eight wards to kick-off public engagement for Vision Zero, an initiative to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries to users of the District’s transportation system by 2024.
DDOT plans to achieve that goal through a more effective use of data, education, enforcement, and engineering. Beginning with these awareness events, DDOT will solicit public input via the agency’s own crowdsourcing map on transportation-related safety hazards spotted around the city.
Vision Zero is a part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Mayor’s Challenge for Safer Streets, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation safety by showcasing effective local actions, empowering local leaders to take actions, and promoting partnerships to advance pedestrian and bicycle safety.
“We are making improvements across the city to increase the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, and we are using community feedback to inform our progress,” said Mayor Bowser. “As part of our commitment to Vision Zero, we look forward to hearing from District residents and visitors about locations that need our attention.”
Below are the dates, times, and locations where you can participate in the Vision Zero Awareness Events:
| Date | Ward | Locations | Time |
| 7/15/2015 | 6 | Eighth and H Streets, NE | 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm |
| 7/16/2015 | 3 | Cleveland Park Metro Station, NW | 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 7/18/2015 | 1 | 14th Street and Irving Street, NW | 11:00 pm – 1:30 pm |
| 7/21/2015 | 4 | Takoma Metro Station, NW | 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 7/23/2015 | 8 | Anacostia Metro Station, SE | 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm |
| 7/25/2015 | 2 | M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, NW | 11:00 pm – 1:30 pm |
| 7/27/2015 | 2 | Seventh and H Streets, NW | 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm |
| 7/29/2015 | 7 | Minnesota Avenue Metro Station, NE | 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 7/30/2015 | 5 | Rhode Island Ave Metro Station, NE | 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm |
| 8/1/2015 | 6 | Eastern Market Metro Station, SE | 11:00 am – 2:30 pm |
Getting to the Awareness Events
Be sure to check out www.goDCgo.com to learn about transportation options for getting to the workshops.
Can’t Make an Awareness Event?
To find out more about Vision Zero visit www.DCVisionZero.com. You can access the Vision Zero Safety Map by visiting http://visionzero.ddot.dc.gov/VisionZero/.
Do you need assistance to participate?
If you need special accommodations, please contact Cesar Barreto at 202-671-2829 or Cesar.Barreto@dc.gov 72 hours in advance of the meeting. If you need language assistance services (translation or interpretation), please contact Karen Randolph at 202-671-2620 or Karen.Randolp@dc.gov 72 hours in advance of the meeting. These services will be provided free of charge.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its projects, programs, activities, and services on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act and other related statutes.
DDOT’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment. Follow us on Twitter for transportation-related updates and more; like us on Facebook and visit the website at www.ddot.dc.gov. VisitgoDCgo.com for more information on transportation options in the District.
###
Traffic Concerns for Vision Zero
Are there areas where you feel unsafe crossing streets in and out of Trinidad by foot, bike, or car?
The DC Department of Transportation is working towards Vision Zero. Their objective is that “by the year 2024, Washington, DC will reach zero fatalities and serious injuries to travelers of our transportation system, through more effective use of data, education, enforcement, and engineering.”
The DC Department of Transportation has a map where residents can click on sites trouble spots for pedestrians, bicycle riders, or drivers. You can register where you have safety concerns on the interactive map. If an intersection is already marked on the map, you can click to open the text box and provide additional comments.
The Mayor’s Office is responding to a call for safer streets with Vision Zero. This initiative is in response to the US Department of Transportation’s Mayor’s Challenge for Safer People and Safer Streets, which aims to improve pedestrian and bicycle transportation safety by showcasing effective local actions, empowering local leaders to take action, and promoting partnerships to advance pedestrian and bicycle safety.
To learn more about Vision Zero, you can visit the DDOT website.
Florida Ave. NE Transportation Study: Public workshop October 17
Second Public Meeting
When: Thursday, October 17, 7:00-9:00pm
Where: Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NE – Jordan Student Academic Center (JSAC), Sprint Multipurpose Room (campus map)
Purpose of the Study
The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) has initiated a multimodal safety and planning study of Florida Avenue, NE. Focusing on the Florida Avenue corridor from New York Avenue to H Street/Benning Road (open a larger study area map here), the study will evaluate safety, streetscape, and operational enhancements to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists while ensuring all users have safe access within and through this important corridor.
A critical link in the District’s roadway network and part of a bourgeoning area of the city, Florida Avenue, NE is a complex corridor with multiple land uses, varying roadway conditions, and important transit connections. The corridor serves as the main street for the Gallaudet University campus and residents of Wards 5 and 6, as well as an increasingly popular regional destination following the development of Union Market and the NoMa business district. This study seeks to effectively balance the transportation needs of all users of the corridor.
Get Involved
DDOT is committed to ensuring that Florida Avenue, NE is a safe transportation corridor and wants to engage with those who live, work and recreate in the area. The study process will include three public meetings at key stages in the planning process, and all interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend. In addition, the public is encouraged to submit ideas and input regarding transportation improvements along Florida Avenue, using the online mapping and comment features on this web site. In addition, a Community Outreach Advisors group will be providing guidance to the DDOT team throughout the planning process.
Initial concepts and alternatives, as well as public meeting materials, will be posted on the study web site as the study progresses.
Additionally information will be posted at www.floridaavesafety.org.
TNA monthly community meeting: Tuesday, June 25
Please join us on June 25 at Trinidad Rec Center!
**UPDATED flyer below – additional guests include Tree House Lounge and Holy Name Catholic Church.**
This month representatives from EDENS (the folks behind the new Union Market) will present details of the proposed Gateway Market & Residences project, which will be located at the corner of 4th St. and Florida Ave. NE. We’ll also have updates from MPD-5D and neighborhood ANCs. As always, we’d love to hear your community announcements! After this meeting, we’ll be on summer break for July and August and will meet again on September 24.
A few additional updates to share:
- DDOT has initiated a multimodal safety and planning study of Florida Ave. NE. The first community meeting was this past Wednesday at Gallaudet University, and the next public meeting will take place in September. In all, DDOT plans to have three public meetings for the study. Please sign up for updates on the study’s site, and be sure to add your comments to the interactive map.
- This past Monday, June 17, Councilmember Muriel Bowser, Chairperson of the Committee on Economic Development and Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Chairperson of the Committee on Government Operations held a joint public roundtable on the surplus and lease of the Webb School property to KIPP DC. You can read TNA’s testimony here, and more about KIPP DC’s Webb Campus here.
- Thank you to all the neighbors who helped make this year’s TNA Garden Tour a smashing success! Check out some photos from the day on Frozen Tropics.
Florida Ave. NE Transportation Study: Public meeting June 19
First Public Meeting
When: Wednesday, June 19, 7:00-9:00pm
Where: Gallaudet University, 800 Florida Ave. NE – Chapel Hall (campus map)
Purpose of the Study
The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) has initiated a multimodal safety and planning study of Florida Avenue, NE. Focusing on the Florida Avenue corridor from New York Avenue to H Street/Benning Road (open a larger study area map here), the study will evaluate safety, streetscape, and operational enhancements to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists while ensuring all users have safe access within and through this important corridor.
A critical link in the District’s roadway network and part of a bourgeoning area of the city, Florida Avenue, NE is a complex corridor with multiple land uses, varying roadway conditions, and important transit connections. The corridor serves as the main street for the Gallaudet University campus and residents of Wards 5 and 6, as well as an increasingly popular regional destination following the development of Union Market and the NoMa business district. This study seeks to effectively balance the transportation needs of all users of the corridor.
Get Involved
DDOT is committed to ensuring that Florida Avenue, NE is a safe transportation corridor and wants to engage with those who live, work and recreate in the area. The study process will include three public meetings at key stages in the planning process, and all interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend. In addition, the public is encouraged to submit ideas and input regarding transportation improvements along Florida Avenue, using the online mapping and comment features on this web site. In addition, a Community Outreach Advisors group will be providing guidance to the DDOT team throughout the planning process.
Initial concepts and alternatives, as well as public meeting materials, will be posted on the study web site as the study progresses.
Additionally information will be posted at http://www.floridaavesafety.org.
moveDC community meeting: Tuesday, March 26
Join TNA at the Wards 5 and 6 moveDC Community Workshop!
In lieu of our monthly community meeting, TNA is encouraging neighbors to attend the upcoming Ward 5/6 moveDC Community Workshop on Tuesday, March 26. The meeting is 6-8:00 pm at Ludlow-Talyor Elementary School, 659 G Street NE.
There will be a brief presentation at 6:30pm to explain the purpose of moveDC, recap the moveDC Idea Exchange, and explain the activities for the evening. For the remainder of the meeting there will be interactive exhibits where you will be able to share your thoughts on neighborhood and citywide transportation issues. We look forward to seeing you there!
TNA community meeting: Tuesday, July 24
Please join us on July 24th at the Joe Cole Recreation Center!
Councilmember McDuffie’s office and DGS will discuss the recent fire at Webb E.S. and inform the community of the next steps with regard to the damage and the disposition process.
Mike Goodno from DDOT will share a bike lane proposal for West Virginia Avenue NE [pdf] The major change required to install the bicycle lanes per this draft plan would be the removal of the parking lane on the Gallaudet University side of the road. Removing this parking lane would create the necessary 10’ of roadway width to install a 5’ bicycle lane on each side of the road.
Trinidad Neighborhood Association 