Monthly Archives: October 2022

A Beacon of Hope Long Overdue

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

By Robert Oliver, resident in North Michigan Park

RRFB installation at 8th and South Dakota Avenue NE. Photo credit: Robert Oliver

A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is being installed at 8th Street and South Dakota Avenue NE. A partial installation began over the weekend, and it will be completed next weekend, October 8, 2022. 

A traffic light was requested more than four years ago to ensure the safety of a visually-impaired resident. This individual regularly takes the bus to shop for necessities. Over the years, crossing South Dakota Avenue has become more dangerous as drivers have often cursed this individual as he crossed the street. 

What began four years ago as a simple request quickly bogged down. This saga began with 311 Service Request 18-00271668 issued on May 28, 2018. A follow-up request, 20-00296711, was issued on August 26, 2020. Relief for the blind pedestrian was sought in both service requests.

Over the following months, DDOT was pursued to address the installation of a RRFB. DDOT responded on March 11, 2021, citing its study that the volume of pedestrian usage and crash data did not justify RRFB installation. However, DDOT did install pedestrian pylons. Also, pedestrian signs had been installed at 8th and South Dakota, including north and south of the interserction. Lastly, advance warning signs also had been installed.

At this point, an enterprising neighbor had had enough. Despite working with DDOT, the local ANC, and the North Michigan Park Civic Association, little had been accomplished. So, this neighbor collected one hundred signatures in support of a traffic signal for the blind resident. He even shot several videos in which first-hand accounts of how dangerous South Dakota Avenue had become was discussed. Click here to see one.

After this campaign and a fatal accident just a few blocks away on South Dakota Avenue and Ingraham Street NE, we now have the RRFB. 

I am glad that DDOT has approved the RRFB installation, but is should not take four years to address an obvious problem – that cameras alone cannot manage speeding along South Dakota Avenue. More needs to be done.

Zachary Ammerman ANC 5A09 Candidate Meet & Greet

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

From Zachary Ammerman, candidate for ANC single member district 5A09

Zach Ammerman, ANC candidate for brand-new Single Member District 5A09, will be hosting an informal meet and greet from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Resident Lounge at the Modern at Art Place (400 Galloway Street NE). Come say hello in an informal setting, learn about Zach’s priorities if elected, ask questions, and let him know about any issues or concerns you have about our neighborhood.

Light finger food and refreshments will be provided from DC’s vegan soul food restaurant NuVegan café.

WHAT? Informal meet and greet with your ANC Candidate, Zach Ammerman

WHEN? Thurs., Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 pm, This is an open-house style event: drop in at any time and for any length during the two hour period.

WHERE? Resident Lounge, Modern at Art Place, 400 Galloway Street NE. Dial 005 to enter building, then follow signs to lounge.

Registration is appreciated but not required: https://zachforanc5a09.com/2022/09/30/meet-your-anc-candidate-informal-meet-and-greet-oct-6-6-7-pm/ 

See you there!

Fort Totten Transfer Station Closure Extended

Posted by nextstoprp in Environment

From DC Department of Public Works. View details at https://dpw.dc.gov/service/fort-totten-transfer-station.

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) is making improvements at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Due to ongoing construction of the drop-off ramp, this location will not available for bulk and residential drop-off until June 1, 2023. 

DPW is extending residential services at the Benning Road Transfer Station located at 3200 Benning Road, NE, through May 31, 2023, Wednesday through Friday from 10 am until 2 pm. Residential drop-offs are an alternative to scheduled bulk pick-ups. 

DPW recommends that residents use 311 to schedule a bulk pick-up at a time convenient for them. Residents may schedule up to seven items per service request. Pick-ups are collected within 14 days of a scheduled service request.        

Household Hazardous Waste drop-off will continue Saturdays from 7 am until 2 pm.  Shredding will take place on the last Thursday of the month from 10 am – 2 pm, and the first Saturday of every month from 7 am until 2 pm. Household Hazardous Waste and E-Cycling services will also be offered at Benning Road on the Thursday preceding the first Saturday of the month.