Downtown Streetscape Project Approved for Stimulus Funding

For several months we have been working with the Downtown Business Improvement District (DBID) to gain support for a $9 million streetscape project that will bring improvements and upgrades throughout our neighborhood.

At our January meeting, DBID Streetscape director Lito Tongson met with us to outline the scope of the project that we were supporting. Commissioner Charley Docter brought support from ANC6C and we met with both Councilmembers Wells and Evans seeking their support for this project. We also sought support from Mayor Fenty. The early support of Jo-Ann Neuhaus of the Penn Quarter Neighborhood Association was invaluable in aiding the identification of areas that needed work.

This project was eligible for 80 percent funding from Federal Highway Funds. We learned early last week that our efforts brought results; the project was accepted for stimulus funding! I received the following note from DDOT Director Gabe Klein last week:

"I have good news, we were able to get the CBD Streetscape into our stimulus plan.  4th St. is also included, and it looks like the K St. streetscape will be in our regular FY09/10 plan."

We will see work beginning across our neighborhood this summer. The work will include new lighting and streetscape improvements for Chinatown Park located between 5th and 6th Streets and along Massachusetts Avenue as well as streetscape improvements across the downtown neighborhood.

Mark your calendar for our Tuesday, July 14 Meeting which will be at Calvary Baptist Church starting at 6:30PM and over by 8:00PM. We are developing a panel to discuss downtown family amenities - parks, playgrounds, and other elements that our children, grandchildren, and visitors desire. The invited participants are from the National Capital Planning Council, DC office of Economic Development and Planning, Downtown Business Improvement District, and the District Office of Planning. More details will be forthcoming.  Refreshments will be provided.

This meeting will also include PSA 101W officers and questions.