14th Street Corridor - Transportation & Streetscape Study

Public Meeting #1 - Summary

More than fifty people gathered together in the recently renovated Source (formerly Source Theater) on June 20, 2007, not for a show but for a public meeting to share their visions for the 14th Street corridor, of which the Source is an integral part.

The 14th Street Corridor, just north of downtown, has been experiencing tremendous growth and revitalizations. Walking along the corridor between Thomas Circle and Florida Avenue, you will see a flurry of bustling activities going on-- new mixed use/condominium buildings sprout up, storefronts are being renovated, and auto shops and showrooms in the previously known "Auto Row" have been converted into loft apartments. These new investments are significantly expanding the corridor's residential base, commercial activity, and retail space, contributing to the vibrancy of the community. However, some old concerns remain, and new challenges come up, including safety concerns, concerns about run-down buildings, and increasing conflicts among vehicular traffic, biking, walking, and transit.

The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) is sponsoring the 14th Street Transportation and Streetscape study to develop a shared vision for the corridor's future and as Chris Ziemann, the DDOT project manager for this study, indicated, to come up with both short-term and long-term recommendations to implement the shared vision and make the corridor a better place to live, work and play. DDOT has engaged a consulting firm, Michael Baker Jr., Inc (Baker), to help facilitate public involvement in this study and to examine a variety of options and their implications. Chris Ziemann welcomed everyone come to the first public meeting and invited everyone's input in the coming months. Following Chris Ziemann's introduction in the meeting, Vic Siaurusaitis, principal-in-charge for this project from Baker talked about the corridor's historical heritage and recent developments. Then, Feng Liu of Baker presented the existing conditions about the corridor's transportation, especially a variety of transportation assets and challenges. Streetscape, the other element of this study, was discussed by Bettina Irps of Baker. At the end of the presentation, visions and concepts were introduced, including the elements of transportation, streetscape, public art and environmental awareness. The meeting attendees were asked to provide three vision priorities and three challenges for the corridor. During the presentation, attendees asked a series of questions and provided comments and concerns. The meeting ended with lively breakout discussions among project team members and attendees.

This is the first of four public meetings planned for this study. The second public meeting is expected to be held in the fall. The third public meeting will be in late fall/winter, the fourth public meeting in the winter/early 2008, and the project is expected to complete by early 2008. For the project schedule and project-related information, please visit the project web site (www.14thStreetStudy.com).