The last bit of construction related to the new narrow sidewalk on the 2800 block of Davenport Street is now complete – a beautiful brick retaining wall at 2801 Davenport.
According to Paul Hoffman of the District Department of Transportation, the wall cost $56,794 to install. Asked about the choice of brick, Mr. Hoffman said the material was consistent with brick steps leading to the home, and of another retaining wall just to the north on the same side of the street.
Neighbors for a long period had vigorously requested this sidewalk, including the owner of this residence. Dennis Blumer had made a very strong case to Councilmember Cheh and ANC Commissioner Mary Beth Ray about the need for a sidewalk on this stretch of Davenport.
The only problem is that the parking spaces carved out by the retaining wall do not appear able to contain the two cars parked there. The wheels of the cars encroach upon the very narrow area left for the sidewalk.
“Fitting the safety trail on Davenport Street between Linnean Avenue and Broad Branch was a challenge that balanced safety, available public space, tree preservation and costs,” DDOT’s Hoffman said. “We expected some compromises along the way at entrances and trust that residents will use caution when using the facility.”
What does the homeowner think? “I really have nothing to say about the work that is negative,” said Mr. Blumer in an e-mail. “I was very impressed with the DC folks who worked on our block. Nice, helpful folks, and I think my neighbors would agree.”
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Paul says
Did the homeowner reimburse the District the $57,000 cost of the wall? Would be appropriate since there seems to be only one party benefiting from the work.
Marlene S. says
Without knowing for sure, I can speculate that the District has an easement on that area so that it construct and maintain the sidewalk.
Ken Kensington says
This does seem odd – it isn’t hard to park on Davenport so was this money spent so these two cars can stay in essentially the same space? If that is the case this was a gross miss-use of city funds and the cars should have just been forced to park elsewhere on the street – it would not kill the owner to park them across the street and walk a bit further but that money would have been better spent elsewhere.
And looking at the photo it appears the problem is two cars are squeezed into a space only big enough for one and again the same solution remains – the cars owner(s) need to park one of the cars elsewhere and not block the sidewalk with their vehicle.
Perhaps I am missing something and the author can fill in the missing details?
Travis Price says
All in all the simple quiet nature of the new asphalt sidewalk , controlled drainage, and the rust brown steel fence keeps the subdued natural image of Davenport just that, subdued. Of course stone over brick would have been a good move,, but all in all when vines and greenery come back it will simply blend. The workers were top notch for such a tough cliff wall.. Thank God we didn’t get loads of bright stripes, signs and the worst incursion. speed humps! The speed humps are the most polluting and loud noise makers ever made. They even rival the ubiquitous leaf blowers.
Remember, more cars parked etc. also slows traffic and makes it more cautious. That’s a good thing. Davenport looks super improved and I watch daily now as people stroll, bike , and commute with more care and ease.