Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Streetcar Hearing Tomorrow

Hearing: Streetcar Project Comprehensive Plan Approval Resolution
When: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Where: Room 120 in the Wilson Building, 1350 Penn Ave NW
What: A public hearing on the DDOT Streetcar Plan. DDOT released its updated version on its overall Streetcar Plan for DC, including many specifics for the H Street and Benning Road line. The plan details DDOT's plans for the design, construction and operation of the system and covers topics such as operations, safety, fare collection, and funding. The hearing is to get feedback on DDOT’s plan.



Link to DDOT submitted plan.

Link to summary of hearing notice.

If you’re asking, ”Why is there another hearing on this?”… this is a product of the Council’s budget vote earlier this year. In that budget, funding was approved for the purchase of streetcars and other capital costs for continuing the implementation of streetcars in DC. However, a requirement was added that DDOT must submit a plan to Council for approval before some of the funds can be released. Councilmember Graham, the current chair of the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, has decided to hold a hearing on the plan to allow the Council to hear testimony on the proposals.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

there were reports this afternoon that there were some H Street people testifying tomorrow in opposition to the streetcars. Ok, that's their right, but isn't it a little late? The damned tracks have been laid. The cars were bought and are here in storage.
Who are they and what's their point?

Anonymous said...

I think its important for streetcar supporters to make it to this hearing if at all possible.

Anonymous said...

For those who can't attend, a simple email (by 5:00 pm today)will suffice as testimony. It takes 5 mins and is worth it!

The notice states: "Those who are unable to testify in person may submit written testimony for the official hearing record by sending it to Ms. Hawkins-Mason by email at ahawkinsmason@dccouncil.us no later than Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

Anonymous said...

What do I say in the e-mail? Just the reason I think they should have street cars?

Anonymous said...

@10:52
Yep, just explain why you're excited (or not) about the streetcars going in. In particular, this hearing is to discuss the most recent DDOT submission, which goes into further detail about how the H Street (and Anacostia) lines will operate.

The more positive responses, the better... because you know there are plenty of vocal opponents.

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:52, what address can we use for the support email?

Anonymous said...

ahawkinsmason@dccouncil.us

Anonymous said...

I just e-mailed her my support :-) Hope you guys are doing the same!

Anonymous said...

I emailed as well. Took all of 5 min. I hope others will do the same.

Tom A. said...

done. it's almost like having to testify about the importance of sidewalks. It's pretty much a no-brainer!

Anonymous said...

I was there briefly. I was pretty much exhausted. It was roughly 20 minutes late getting started and I was in the middle of my workday, so I left around 3, right after seeign Councilmember Barry lament that Ward 8 needed more rec centers with the money that was going into the H Street streetcar...I understand scarcity of funds, but I hope the Council doesn't become too balkanized as the budget gets tighter.