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Parking Management: Here’s Another Option for Those Not on an RPP Block

June 14, 2013
Enhanced parking sign limiting parking to area residents only.

Enhanced parking sign limiting parking to area residents only.

Here’s a detail about parking in the neighborhood that I recently discovered. When ANC 1A voted to support the Enhanced Residential Parking Program that was later implemented last year, it actually included an option that allows residents living within ANC 1A (and most likely ANCs 1B & 1C) who live on blocks that are not currently in the RPP program to register their addresses in the system. The result is that the next time one gets a registration sticker for their car it will have “Zone 1″ on it instead of “No RPP”.

While this will probably not impact many households, we do still have a few streets in the community that are not part of the RPP program. But for those living on those blocks, if they have a vehicle they now have the option to get a parking sticker that will allow them to park on Zone 1 blocks if/when their blocks have no parking spots. However, if they do live on a block that constantly fills up, it would still be worthwhile to consider petitioning to be included in the RPP program.

In any event, its nice to have options.

For more details, you can contact your ANC Commissioner. A list of 1A Commissioners with contact information can be found here.

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Anthracnose May Be Cause of Sycamore New Growth Wilting This Spring

June 6, 2013
Less than healthy sycamore tree near the intersection of Park Place and Quebec Place, NW.

Less than healthy sycamore tree near the intersection of Park Place and Quebec Place, NW.

This spring I noticed that many of our area Sycamore trees didn’t look all that healthy. When Casey Trees noted at the start of the week that we are still 1.2″ below our average rainfall even with our recent precipitation, I took the opportunity to ask them if our below average rainfall might be the cause of the sickly looking trees. After sending them some photos, Casey Trees opined that the cause was possibly Sycamore Anthracnose. If this is true, the trees’ leaves should grow back long term.

According to a Website that Casey Trees provided, Anthracnose is the common name given to a group of fungal pathogens which cause dark, usually sunken lesions. The sycamore anthracnose fungal organism attacks sycamore trees early in the spring causing a rapid wilt of newly emerging leaves.

Close up

Close up of Sycamore showing damage and wilting of newly emerging leaves.

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Sorting Out Georgia Avenue Parking

May 7, 2013
Before the Georgia Avenue Streetscape project, the area just south of Otis Place was a dedicated bus stop.

Before the Georgia Avenue Streetscape project, the area just south of Otis Place was a dedicated bus stop (oval). Today the bus stop is to the north (diamond).

As I was reviewing area parking back in February to determine where Zipcar could expand in the community, I noticed that there were some areas on Georgia Avenue that could support metered parking that had signage indicating that no parking was allowed. In some cases, signage was completely missing. One of those locations was on the southeast corner of Georgia and Otis Place, NW.

In looking into the situation deeper, I discovered that the southeast corner of Georgia and Otis has originally been a Metro bus stop. However, the recent streetscape project moved that bus stop to the northeast corner of the intersection when they rebuilt the crosswalks to the south. So, at the beginning of March I contacted DDOT to evaluate this location — along with a few others — to remove the bus stop restrictions at the former bus stop location and return the parking space to active usage.

Yesterday, I finally received confirmation from DDOT that at least one more space on the east side of Georgia Avenue (south of Otis) is appropriate. Furthermore, DDOT tells me that there are also 3-4 block faces of unmetered parking around this location that need to be reviewed and shop orders created.

While I have DDOT’s attention, does anyone know of any other Georgia Avenue parking issues that DDOT should investigate?

Categories: DDOT, parking
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Casey Trees 2013 Spring Tree Rebate Campaign

April 18, 2013

ParkView_CTPCampaign

(Guest post from Casey Trees)

Got Plantable Space?

The District has made some strides lately towards becoming a greener, healthier place to live. The Mayor’s recently released Sustainable DC Plan has set some goals, but we know how difficult it will be to attain these – without your help.

We’ve done our homework – we know that space is limited in Park View, but we’re not satisfied with the 23% canopy the neighborhood has. We’ve done some significant plantings in Wangari Gardens over the past few years and we know we can do more – and here are two ways how:

  • We can help you plant in Park View on your own. Our Tree Rebate program has helped an incredible amount of D.C. residents (including a special Ward 1 “homeowner”) add the right tree to the right yard, for the right price.
  • You help us identify plantable space in Park View. We can pour over maps and dissect LIDAR data, but no one knows your neighborhood like you, and we appreciate that. The next time you’re going for a run or heading home from work, consider one question: “Got Plantable Space?” If the answer is yes, then Casey Trees’ Community Tree Planting program is the next step.

We provide the trees, tools, and technical assistance for hundreds of plantings around the District in the fall and spring every year – all you have to do is submit an application. Let us know of a place with space for 10 or more trees in the larger Park View neighborhood and we’ll make it easy to make a difference.

No one knows your neighborhood like you. Help us give it a greener future. Contact friends (at) caseytrees (dot) org with questions or more information.

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Sidewalk, Bus Stop Improvements at Georgia and Park Road Completed

April 4, 2013

In reviewing the intersection of Georgia and Park Road, the new cross walk ramps, brick sidewalk, and north bound bus stop improvements appear to be done. The section of brick sidewalk that was replaced is north of Park Road on the east side of Georgia. Below are a few images of the improvements.

New bus stop pad located on north bound Georgia just south of Park Road.

New bus stop pad located on north bound Georgia just south of Park Road.

The brick sidewalk just north of Park Road has been replaced.

The brick sidewalk just north of Park Road has been replaced.

One of the several cross walk ramps installed at Georgia and Park Road.

One of the several cross walk ramps installed at Georgia and Park Road.

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Categories: DDOT, Restoration repair and maintenance, streetscape
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Pepco Providing 2,000 Free Trees to Maryland and DC Customers

April 2, 2013

treesHere’s an opportunity I want to make sure everyone is aware of … especially if you live on a street that has no street trees. If you have room in your yard and would like to plant a tree, or, know of a neighbor who would like a tree, you can now get a free tree from Pepco.

Last year, Pepco in partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation was able to offer 3,000 trees.

The full Pepco press release is below:

Washington, D.C. – In its third year as an Arbor Day Foundation partner, Pepco is providing 2,000 free trees to customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia through the Energy-Saving Trees program. Launched as a pilot initiative in 2011, the Energy-Saving Trees program conserves energy and reduces household electricity bills through strategic tree planting. Pepco customers can reserve their free trees today at

www.arborday.org/pepco.

Within seconds of accessing the website, an online tool helps Pepco customers find the most strategic location for planting and estimates the annual savings that will result from the tree. The Arbor Day Foundation calculates that the 2,000 trees are estimated to produce more than $380,000 in energy savings within 20 years. Customers can reserve up two trees per household and the program will continue until all 2,000 trees are reserved. In exchange for the free trees, customers are expected to care for the trees and plant them in the location provided by the online tool. The two-to-four-foot trees will be delivered directly to the customer at an ideal time for planting.

“The Energy-Saving Trees program saves money and the environment,” said Thomas H. Graham, president, Pepco Region. “More than $380,000 in energy savings within 20 years is a substantial benefit to our customers and the region.”

The Energy-Saving Trees online tool was created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Davey Institute, a division of the Davey Tree Expert Co., and uses peer-reviewed scientific research from the USDA Forest Service’s i-Tree Software to calculate estimated benefits.

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Zipcar Looking to Expand in Park View

February 15, 2013

ZipcarOne item that came up at this month’s ANC 1A meeting was a presentation by Scott Hall, General Manager of Zipcar in Washington, who spoke about Zipcar’s interest in expanding  service in the Park View area. Zipcar’s interest in the area is based on the increase in demand from customers. In looking at the Zipcar map of the area (below), I would have to agree that Park View is under-served. Providing more transportation options, especially car sharing, would be a huge asset.

Zipcar would like to locate two cars within a few blocks to the south of the Georgia Ave.-Petworth Metro station on the street. Ideally, these would be spaces that are currently metered so that no RPP parking is impacted. When asked if he had any locations in mind, Mr. Hall initially stated that they were looking in the area of Quebec Place and Georgia, but definitely would consider any location based on community feedback and needs. I made it clear that the intersection of Quebec and Georgia would not be a location supported by the community, but that other nearby locations could work.

So, here is your opportunity. Based on your experience and knowledge of streets, where would Zipcar work best? Also, are two cars enough for Park View residents? Should cars also be located to the south of the community? The more you share the better served we’ll be by Zipcar.

Map showing location of Zipcars currently in the area.

Map showing location of Zipcars currently in the area.

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Categories: parking, Streets and Trees
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Presidential Wives, Playgrounds, and Tree Planting Ceremonies

December 21, 2012
First Lady Grace Coolidge plants a tree at the Chevy Chase playground, February 28, 1929.

First Lady Grace Coolidge plants a tree at the Chevy Chase Playground, February 28, 1929.

I’ve started doing research on District playgrounds so there’s a good chance that I’ll have a few posts about them in the near future. But for now, I’ll start with a historical side note that I stumbled upon related to playgrounds, trees, and presidential wives. Apparently, from 1928 to 1934, the Women’s City Club was successful in inviting siting and former First Ladies to attend their prominent tree planting ceremony.

The first such tree planting occurred on May 1, 1928, at the Park View playground as part of the he District playground program that included 42 municipal playgrounds. At the Park View Playground, Mrs. William Howard Taft planted a red maple. According to the day’s program, during the exercises the school children danced around the tree  singing the planting song.

On February 28 of the following year, Mrs. Calvin Coolidge planted a tree at the Chevy Chase playgrounds as one of her last acts as First Lady. More than 1,000 persons witnessed the ceremony. Though this was the second such event at a District playground, it was described as an established custom by former First Ladies in their final days in the Capital before the inauguration of a new administration.

Mrs. Woodrow Wilson was honored in 1930 with a tree planting at the Virginia Avenue Playground and Mrs. Herbert Hoover planted a willow oak on October 22, 1931, at the Mitchell Park Playground.

After a two year break, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt planted the last such tree that I’ve been able to track down on October 28, 1934. This tree was planted at the McMillan Playground (1st and Bryant).

It’s possible that the tradition was interrupted by the Great Depression, or World War II, or that organizers had simply run out of presidential wives to honor. Whatever the reason, I like the idea and would be happy to see it come back.

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Why Aren’t All Streetlights Equal?

December 12, 2012
This streetlight on Quebec Place illustrates the District standard paint color.

This streetlight on Quebec Place illustrates the District standard paint color.

Maybe its just me, but when it comes to city infrastructure I tend to believe that the level of service shouldn’t matter on what part of the city you live. I’m currently focused on streetlights and find it interesting that the city has different standards for historic districts, great streets corridors, and then the rest of the city. This difference is both in style and color.

While I appreciate that there is an effort on the part of the city to beautify designated great streets and historic districts with design compatible lighting, honestly the entire city would benefit from a uniform lighting hierarchy where different styles of lighting were installed based on street classifications.

Streetlights, such as this cobra hood on Rock Creek Church Rd., are replaced with far more attractive alternatives on major great streets corridors.

Streetlights, such as this cobra hood on Rock Creek Church Rd., are replaced with far more attractive alternatives on great streets corridors.

At the very least, the city could adopt a uniform color. In speaking with DDOT I learned that gray is the standard street light color — unless the light happens to be in a historic district or great streets corridor. In that case, the lighting tends to be the gloss black.

On some streets, such at Quebec Place, the lighting is already stylistically compatible with the nearby housing and only needs to be finished in black to be compatible with the new ‘great streets’ streetlights installed on nearby Georgia Avenue. Painting these streetlights black would be a simple fix that could be implemented over time and enhance the city’s efforts to beautify our corridors and neighborhoods.

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Categories: streetlights, Streets and Trees
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Residental Parking — Some Ins and Outs

December 10, 2012
New enhanced parking sign limiting parking to area residents only

New enhanced parking sign limiting parking to area residents only

Ever since the implementation of the enhanced residential parking program in Ward 1, I’ve been fielding questions about streets that do not have parking restrictions and concerns that the enforcement times do not extend later in the evenings or to weekends. The simple answer to these questions is that the new enhanced program merely reserves one side of qualifying streets for Ward 1 residents. All other parking rules remain the same — including the options available to residents to both implement and extend the residential parking program to their block.

As the DDOT Web site states, the “Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program was established in the 1970’s to protect neighborhoods and ensure residents could find parking on their blocks. The RPP program limits on-street parking to participating residents living on designated blocks, and parking is limited to two hours during the hours of operation for those vehicles without the appropriate zone RPP sticker.” DDOT has a brochure that answers frequently asked questions located here.

For a block to be included in the RPP program, the residents of that block must petition to be included in the program. DDOT will not impose parking restrictions on any block that does not request it via a petition to be included in the program. 51% of the qualifying households must sign the petition. Every block that is eligible for the program must meet the minimum criteria of seventy percent (70%) of all legal parking spaces occupied during business hours, of which at least ten percent (10%) must be occupied by vehicles with out-of-state tags. Regular hours of enforcement are from 7:00 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Friday.

For a block to extend parking enforcement to evening and weekends, again it is up to the residents on each block to decided if this is right for them. Residents can also decide how late the enforcement should be and if the enforcement should extend to Saturdays. If 51% of the residents on a block want to extend parking enforcement beyond 8:30 pm on weekdays, once again they must fill out a petition to extend parking enforcement.

So, while the recently implemented enhanced parking gives an advantage to Ward 1 residents parking in the area, it will not automatically extend hours of enforcement of implement enforcement where it did not previously exist. Area residents retain control over those parking options.

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