Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) Blog: 11th Street Bridges development

Showing posts with label 11th Street Bridges development. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

National Capital Planning Commission recent decision regarding the 11th Street Bridge

As was mentioned in the Sept. 1, 2009 post, the National Capitol Planning Commission (NCPC) transferred jurisdiction of a vital plot of land for the development of the 11th Street Bridge/I395 (I695) connector. The following is a synopsis of the proceeding from NCPC's September 3, 2009 meeting.

"11th Street Bridge Replacement and Related Transfer of Jurisdiction of a Portion of Anacostia Park
(File Number 6951/6955)

The Commission reviewed the concept design submitted by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to replace the 40 year old 11th Street bridges that cross the Anacostia River. DDOT plans to construct two new bridges, one for freeway traffic and one for local traffic. In order to accommodate new ramp configurations, the Commission approved the transfer of land of approximately 1.5 acres of Reservation 343D (Anacostia Park) from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia.

The proposed bridge replacement project seeks to improve connections between I-695 (the Southeast/Southwest Freeway) and I-295 (the Anacostia Freeway). It would eliminate structural deficiencies and provide needed enhancements to the bridge and approach ramp structures. It is designed to reduce congestion, improve traffic mobility and traffic safety, and provide alternative emergency routes.

The local bridge would provide a 14’ wide shared-use path for walking, jogging, and bicycling and be built with tracks to permit a streetcar route in the future. The proposal includes components to accommodate overhead wires.

In addition to approving the land transfer, NCPC voiced support for the replacement of the existing bridges as well as for the city’s streetcar initiative. However, it noted concern about the use of an overhead wire system within the historic Washington City (L’Enfant City) and Georgetown because of its conflict with a federal law that maintains the unobstructed views to important landmarks along city streets and avenues that are integral to the capital’s unique character. The Commission action also reflected the District’s commitment to study the potential environmental impacts of the proposed city-wide streetcar system in an Environmental Impact Statement."

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

What's happening with the 11th Street Bridges and the Southeast/Southwest Freeway??

There seems to be various issues, and certainly discontent regarding the development of the 11th Street Bridges, including connectors to the Southeast/Southwest freeway with North and South bound DC 295 and Kenilworth Ave., Barney Circle development and the proposed 11th street Bridge Connector, community input (or lack there of), design-builder selection[s] (general contractor), funding, health issues, environmental impact, historical impact, and adjacent developments that will further impact communities on both sides of the Anacostia River.

In the immediate future, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) action items for its September 3, 2009 meeting, includes an item (File #6951/6955) that will transfer jurisdiction of a portion of Anacostia Park (1.5 acres) U.S. Reservation 343D from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia. To access the staff recommendation, please click on the following site: NCPC Staff Recommendation for a detail account of the 11th Street Replacement Project.

This blog will provide a running account of the progress of the projects and allow for dialogue to be posted in real time.

The Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association is very interested in the development of this project, as it will have an extraordinary impact on various elements relative to the growth of the Pennsylvania Ave.-east-of- the-river corridor.

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Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association: From the Beginning

The Penn-Branch Citizens / Civic Association was formed over 40 years ago by members in the community. The need for an association stemmed from specific neighborhood concerns such as water and sewer problems; the lack of sidewalks and curbs on some blocks; no posted traffic signs; and issues arising from the many District and Federal Parks that surround or are located within Penn-Branch.

The boundaries of the community served by the association extend from 38^th Street East to Branch Avenue West, and from Pennsylvania Avenue South to Pope Branch Park North. Within these boundaries are approximately 550 houses on tree lined streets covering rolling hills with easy access to the many wonderful features of the greater Washington metropolitan area. The Penn-Branch community is a touch of the suburbs in an urban setting providing the best of both worlds.

The Penn-Branch Citizens Association, as it was called until 1989, began through the formation of a number of committees, the responsibilities included working with the District and Federal Governments on varying problems. The most active committees over the years have been the Legislative and Public Works Committees, and the Neighborhood Security Patrol. Security Patrol members have contributed countless hours to assuring the security of the Penn-Branch residents. The work of the residents who have served on the PBC/CA’s many other committees have brought about many desirable improvements, and protected the community from unwanted change. The association maintains a pocket park at the corner of Carpenter and O streets, the gateway to Penn-Branch. A major project in recent year was the petitioning of the city to rebuild the crumbling O Street retaining wall. The association working with Dupont Park neighbors, defeated a proposal to erect a cellular monopole at the Penn-Branch shopping center that would have defeated our vistas. We host two major social events during the year, a Christmas Potluck and Carols on the second Tuesday in December (free – just bring a dish to serve at least four or more) and a Spring Dinner Dance, a proven fund-raiser and a reliable good time.

The Annual Membership drive runs from September to December. Through the year, the association welcomes the volunteer efforts of all Penn-Branch residents in carrying out its programs. While its leadership has changed hands many times over the years, the association continues as a stable, cohesive force owing to the time and services freely given by residents.

The PBC/CA is incorporated as a non-profit organization, and is a member of the D.C. Federation of Civic Associations. The By-laws of the association have changed from time-to-time; one significant change allows two votes per household if a two-member household exists.

In 1989, the membership voted unanimously to change the name from the Penn Branch Citizens Association to the Penn Branch Citizens/Civic Association to acknowledge a more diverse tradition of community organization.

The Penn-Branch Citizens / Civic Association, Inc. is “A Community Committed to Excellence” with the goal to create a safe and desirable community in which to live.

Officers- a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer- are elected to one-year terms. A nominating committee appointed by the president solicits a slate of candidates during April, which is presented to the membership and voted on at the May meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor. Newly elected officers are sworn in at the June meeting, and begin serving in September. The president appoints committee chairs. A grass-root network of block captains serves as conduit through which concerns and information are shared between the association and its members. The association also publishes a monthly newsletter.

Our success in accomplishing the association’s goals can only be achieved to the extent that all the neighbors in Penn-Branch participate to ensure that the community we chose to live in remains a community we want to live in.