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ANC 3F April 20 agenda: Connecticut Ave. bike lanes; Grants for public art additions and invasive species removal

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ANC 3F spent some time at its March 16th going over a draft resolution on DDOT’s study of Connecticut Avenue and the potential impacts of removing the reversible rush-hour lanes and adding bike lanes. The commissioners are to vote on the resolution at their next meeting, on Tuesday, April 20th.

The resolution states support for the concept that includes bike lanes. It also calls for the permanent removal of the reversible lanes, and that DDOT implement other recommended safety improvements as soon as possible.

First, though, the commissioners will consider grant requests from Rock Creek Conservancy and Van Ness Main Street. Rock Creek Conservancy is seeking funds for its ongoing efforts to remove invasive plants from the segment of Melvin Hazen Park west of Connecticut Avenue. And Van Ness Main Street is requesting money for public art on Connecticut Avenue. (Forest Hills Connection is a program of Van Ness Main Street).

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Here’s the agenda and the Zoom link:

Public Meeting Agenda
April 20, 2021, 7:00 PM
Virtual Meeting via Zoom

https://zoom.us/j/93710420949?pwd=MFpweFBFRVR1dGdzbGEyUytkekNkQT09
Meeting ID: 937 1042 0949
Passcode: f107JL
Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) Passcode: 434258

Call to Order/Roll Call/Approval of Agenda

Consent Agenda
1. March 16, 2021 Meeting Minutes
2. Q2FY21 Financial Report (January 1, 2021 – March 31, 2021)

Regular Agenda – Commissioner Updates and Treasurer’s Report

Regular Agenda – Action Items

1. Consideration of a $3,000 grant request from the Rock Creek Conservancy (RCC) for removal of invasive species in the Melvin Hazen park west of Connecticut Ave. The ANC 3F grant would help cover costs and leverage other funding and volunteer sources.
2. Consideration of a $23,500 grant request from the Van Ness Main Street (VNMS) for public art along Connecticut Avenue. The ANC 3F grant would help cover costs and leverage other funding sources.
3. Consideration and discussion on the draft resolution – DDOT Connecticut Avenue NW Reversible Lane Operations and Safety Study – prepared by the Streets & Sidewalks Committee.

Regular Agenda – Information Items/Announcements
1. Committee Reports (Parks and Watershed, Streets and Sidewalks, Housing and Neighborhoods, Grants)
2. District of Columbia – Department of Transportation (DDOT) Ward 3 Representative presentation

Regular Agenda – Community Forum
Other Business
Adjournment

Comments

  1. I oppose the resolution on the Connecticut Avenue NW reversible lane operations and safety study.

  3. I do not agree with the DC plan to remove the reversible lane operation nor with the bicycle lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW. I do not agree either with the speed limit to 25mph on Connecticut.
    The way it is, it is already at saturtion during the commute hours !!! Where would the traffic go to otherwise ? there are no other route to escape north on this axis !!!

  4. I am opposed to this resolution. I worry that bus service will be compromised, including the elimination of certain bus stops. I also think these bike lanes are dangerous for everyone.

  5. I am concerned that bike lanes will greatly reduce parking along Connecticut Ave which will adversely affect the businesses that we rely upon. The advantages of this change do not, in my opinion, outweigh the disadvantages. PLEASE reconsider.

  6. The traffic abatement on 36th Street seems to have meaningfully diminished the speed and quantity of through traffic there.

  7. I strongly oppose the upcoming resolution on reversible lane operations on Connecticut Avenue .

  8. I would not eliminate all parking on Connecticut Avenue as it will diminish activity at local stores and restaurants, particularly among older residents. Perhaps one bike lane would be adequate.
    Thank you,

  9. I think that the idea of bike lanes on busy Connecticut Ave. is an extremely bad idea. It will make it very difficult to safely make a right-hand turn at many intersections since there is rarely enough space for a car to safely move to the right when a bike lane is becoming a right-turn lane. More areas for the multitude of delivery vehicles is a more pressing need on the avenue.

  10. It seems that the previous comments are excerpted from a form letter that someone suggested be used. I’m not clear at all these commenters even have read the resolution.

    It is disappointing to see local residents ignore the fact that 40 pedestrians and 10 cyclist have been hit by car drivers over the past 5 years. Last week, a cyclist was killed because there was not safe bike infrastructure where he was riding. It almost appears that the right to park is more important than resident’s lives.

    It also ignores that most of the parking is to be preserved in the business districts AND that parking during rush hour, that does not exist now, will be permitted. This will be a boon to those businesses as commuters, who previously sped through our neighborhood, now will have a space to park to frequent those businesses.

    Let’s vote for saving lives.

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