We got the sad news last week that Tom Whitley, a former ANC 3F commissioner, died on June 18th. His Washington Post obituary describes him as an “energetic community advocate.” It’s an apt description.
Tom Whitley at the January 2013 ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the Brandywine Street sidewalk.
My memories of Tom include an ANC meeting where he butted heads with other commissioners about getting a sidewalk built on Brandywine Street between 30th Street and the Forest Hills Playground. He wanted an ANC resolution, and the other commissioners pointed out that he needed to go through a petition process with the neighbors first.
Tom had little patience for process when it was clear a sidewalk was needed to safely get pedestrians to and from the Forest Hills park and a bus stop on Connecticut Avenue.
“Why do we need a petition?” he asked. “Don’t pedestrians have rights? Isn’t this public space?”
In the end he got DDOT Pedestrian Coordinator George Branyan and me to go with him to 31st and Brandywine to talk with the neighbors. They spoke about their concerns, George deftly handled them, and the Brandywine sidewalk got built. We are indebted to Tom for pushing to get us this sidewalk.
Discover more from Forest Hills Connection | News and Life in Our DC Neighborhood
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
David Donaldson says
I knew Tom and worked with him on a number of projects in our community. He was a steady and trusting representative of his ANC community. I am saddened by his passing and recently our other ANC Commissioner, Karen Perry. Rest in Peace my friends.
John Macgregor says
I worked for years with Tom on various activities promoting clean energy, recycling, transportation and other aspects of community sustainability. He was always a valued source of information, ideas, and personal energy. If the District had a dozen more like him, there would be plenty of lively arguments, but we would move faster in the right direction on a host of things that would make our city more livable. I’m going to miss him.
Helen Urquhart says
I have known him as a good neighbor at 4600.
He was a good neighbor and great friend. He sometimes gave me advice whether I wanted it or not; he was usually correct.
Tom willbe missed by all who knew him.