I hate it when this is described as just "streetcar construction"! This gives the false impression that streetcar construction is as disruptive as Metro construction.
What is going on on H is a complete rebuild from storefront to storefront of all utilities, drainage, sidewalks, curbs, roadbed, lighting, etc. The streetcar is just an add-on.
It normally would only take less than a month a block if only tracks are being laid.
I would have been pissed if Chairman Gray had managed to cut funding after we have put up with all the construction. All the waiting would have had no reward! -Amy
Anyone know why DDOT has completely removed the H St/Benning Rd Streetcar project from their website? It used to be that you could get week by week updates with photos, details etc. Then the new website launched and all there was, was one picture and a bunch of non-sensical project descriptions. Now they have completely removed it altogether. Very strange.
Funny how the only business owners interviewed were a barber, a line cook, and a wig shop owner.
Couldn't the reduced pedestrian foot traffic be due to changing demographics?
I seriously doubt that patrons getting a footlong from Taylor or steamed mussels from Granville Moore's are the same as those who frequent DTLR or Danny's.
I don't expect Wells to say STFU to the existing retailers, though he needs to focus on encouraging new retail to move into vacant storefronts.
What was that woman doing walking on the unfinished tracks? Also, why was the reporter at Tommy's office? ABC seems to have stooped to FOX's level. Weak.
I have no problems walking on either side of the street. Perhaps the only inconvenient crosswalk is near 9th, but it doesn't stop me from walking.
I agree that parking is an issue, but I don't understand why someone not being able to find parking within 5 blocks of the barber is going to go drive back to Chillum to get a haircut.
not sure what demographic i fill, but the construction is giving me the blues as well. my face for radio may have prevented me from being interviewed. tonyt the pug
um, dave b, people of a wide range of demographics wear wigs and go to barbershops. i'm not quite sure what kind of business advice you're trying to give here. be more clear.
Every business owner on H has every reason to complain. This street project is very poorly managed, and the District has not delivered on any of its promises to minimize the negative impact of construction (a lesson supposedly learned from the all the businesses forced to close as a result of the P St., NW improvements).
DDOT had promised that there would be construction on only two blocks of one side of the street at a time, and that provisions would be made for alternate parking.
DDOT has failed to deliver. Construction now stretches at least 9 blocks--from 6th street to 15th street (more if you count the utility work on the south side from the 600 block on down). There is no parking on either side of H St. (NE) anywhere, and DDOT left no clues about where to park if you are visiting an H Street business. If you dare to take the bus, good luck. The bus stops keep moving and disappearing, and I've seen bus drivers totally pass bus stops because they've lost track of where the stops have moved to.
Patrons who drive and are committed enough to visit H and navigate all the street closures and traffic end up clogging the side streets (mainly 12th street, Linden, 13th, Wylie and G) looking for parking (and taking what little parking is there). That's your Family Dollar people as well as your XII, Sticky Rice and Dangerously Delicious Pies patrons. It is nearly impossible to park there after 6. So the construction is affecting business, and it also must be affecting the residents who live there and drive home.
It sucks for walkers, too. Has anyone tried walking from Liberty Tree to the Argo lately? With all the pedestrian detours, the walk is twice as long as it is normally. And it sucks with all the dirt and construction noise.
I totally sympathize with the people in the news segment. I don't think anyone's against the streetscape improvements. Just reign it in so it's not taking over the entire street during what would otherwise be the busiest time for these places, you know?
16 comments:
I hate it when this is described as just "streetcar construction"! This gives the false impression that streetcar construction is as disruptive as Metro construction.
What is going on on H is a complete rebuild from storefront to storefront of all utilities, drainage, sidewalks, curbs, roadbed, lighting, etc. The streetcar is just an add-on.
It normally would only take less than a month a block if only tracks are being laid.
I would have been pissed if Chairman Gray had managed to cut funding after we have put up with all the construction. All the waiting would have had no reward!
-Amy
Anyone know why DDOT has completely removed the H St/Benning Rd Streetcar project from their website? It used to be that you could get week by week updates with photos, details etc. Then the new website launched and all there was, was one picture and a bunch of non-sensical project descriptions. Now they have completely removed it altogether. Very strange.
You might be able to get a construction report on the anc6a.org web site. The las t one posted is 5/13/10-5/19/10
The new DDOT website was NOT an improvement, at least not yet (seems a work in progress). So much harder to find any information these days.
Funny how the only business owners interviewed were a barber, a line cook, and a wig shop owner.
Couldn't the reduced pedestrian foot traffic be due to changing demographics?
I seriously doubt that patrons getting a footlong from Taylor or steamed mussels from Granville Moore's are the same as those who frequent DTLR or Danny's.
I don't expect Wells to say STFU to the existing retailers, though he needs to focus on encouraging new retail to move into vacant storefronts.
What was that woman doing walking on the unfinished tracks? Also, why was the reporter at Tommy's office? ABC seems to have stooped to FOX's level. Weak.
I have no problems walking on either side of the street. Perhaps the only inconvenient crosswalk is near 9th, but it doesn't stop me from walking.
I agree that parking is an issue, but I don't understand why someone not being able to find parking within 5 blocks of the barber is going to go drive back to Chillum to get a haircut.
This interview was so one side,sad but true. The demographics have a lot to do with it.
5TH Street
I have nothing against wig and barber shops but the days when H street could support 3 of each on every block along H st are long gone.
not sure what demographic i fill, but the construction is giving me the blues as well. my face for radio may have prevented me from being interviewed.
tonyt
the pug
Hey, Philadelphia Water Ice lady, teach your employees how to make hot dogs and be open consistently. Numbnuts.
You know what, H&D's? Wait a couple years and then you can charge double for your fish.
Wig shop lady, I dont have any advice for you. You might be screwed. Same goes for Barbershop
Most other retailers should be OK, just order products to fit the demographics
um, dave b, people of a wide range of demographics wear wigs and go to barbershops. i'm not quite sure what kind of business advice you're trying to give here. be more clear.
how is it that wig shops and barber shops are able to survive on H st these days? Rent must be through the roof now that H st is a "hot spot"
Every business owner on H has every reason to complain. This street project is very poorly managed, and the District has not delivered on any of its promises to minimize the negative impact of construction (a lesson supposedly learned from the all the businesses forced to close as a result of the P St., NW improvements).
DDOT had promised that there would be construction on only two blocks of one side of the street at a time, and that provisions would be made for alternate parking.
DDOT has failed to deliver. Construction now stretches at least 9 blocks--from 6th street to 15th street (more if you count the utility work on the south side from the 600 block on down). There is no parking on either side of H St. (NE) anywhere, and DDOT left no clues about where to park if you are visiting an H Street business. If you dare to take the bus, good luck. The bus stops keep moving and disappearing, and I've seen bus drivers totally pass bus stops because they've lost track of where the stops have moved to.
Patrons who drive and are committed enough to visit H and navigate all the street closures and traffic end up clogging the side streets (mainly 12th street, Linden, 13th, Wylie and G) looking for parking (and taking what little parking is there). That's your Family Dollar people as well as your XII, Sticky Rice and Dangerously Delicious Pies patrons. It is nearly impossible to park there after 6. So the construction is affecting business, and it also must be affecting the residents who live there and drive home.
It sucks for walkers, too. Has anyone tried walking from Liberty Tree to the Argo lately? With all the pedestrian detours, the walk is twice as long as it is normally. And it sucks with all the dirt and construction noise.
I totally sympathize with the people in the news segment. I don't think anyone's against the streetscape improvements. Just reign it in so it's not taking over the entire street during what would otherwise be the busiest time for these places, you know?
Are they still blaming delays on the Snowpocolypse? What's next? Delays caused by DC humidity?
There's always plenty of parking along Maryland avenue which is between 1-3 blocks away from H st
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