Join Cultural Tourism DC's WalkingTown, DC to see why Washington, DC was recently named the most walkable city in the country by the Brookings Institute!

Walk in the shadow of the city's new ballpark, wind through the alleys of H Street, NE, and view green buildings to see how the city is changing.
 
Stroll the cobblestoned streets of Georgetown, Washington's historic "Black Broadway" on U Street, or the landmark Eastern Market to see how it still thrives.
 
Pick the tours you want to attend, and join the group at the specified meeting place and time! Some tours require advance reservations.

Check the schedule at www.WalkingTownDC.org or call 202-661-7581 for more information.

Another update on Lincoln Park construction from Frank Young with the National Park Service. You can check out previous updates here, here and here.

The project is progressing nicely.  The curbs that run parallel to 11th St. have been poured with only the brick walk that abuts the curb that needs to be put back in place.  The contractor has started excavation of the main walk leading into the park from 11th St. and expects to have it ready for the last pour of concrete for this coming Monday, if the weather cooperates.  This is the last section of work and represents substantial completion of the project with little left besides site cleanup, grading, seeding and maybe a few punch list items.  However, we would expect to have the construction fence removed shortly after the last pour.  We think we can use snow fence to isolate smaller areas where work may continue.

We, once again, would like to thank everyone for your patience and would appreciate your spreading the word to interested parties.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thanks,
Frank Young
Facility Manager
National Capital Parks-East

Ms. Eva Malecki, Communications Officer for the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) provided the following update to our office regarding the first phase of the work taking place around Providence Park:

As was discussed at the community meeting hosted by the Office of the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) on January 16, the repairs to the utility tunnel under Second Street will consist of two efforts.  The first phase of the work involves removing asbestos containing materials from the pipes inside the utility tunnel.  As we noted then, these materials will be abated prior to our starting the second phase, which involves excavating the street and repairing the utility tunnel.   

In January, the preliminary project planning for the asbestos abatement work was underway and the requirements for the project had not yet been identified.  The AOC has since identified the need to erect a temporary shed over a grate in the northwest corner of Folger Park near Second Street to ensure the safety of those working in the utility tunnel.  This temporary shed will be erected on or about April 14, 2008, and will be used for approximately eight weeks.

It is important to note that during this first phase of the project that, other than the temporary shed in Folger Park, we expect the work to have no impact on the neighborhood.  No asbestos abatement work will be performed in the shed.  It is strictly there to provide workers with controlled, secure access to/from the utility tunnel, and most importantly, provide them safety and shelter from the weather and from high temperatures inside the tunnels.  

In answer to anticipated questions, we are providing the following information about Phase 1 of the project.  Should you have additional questions, please contact me at (202) 228-1793 or by e-mail, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit http://www.aoc.gov/aoc/press-room/index.cfm.

Information about Phase 1 of the Second Street Utility Tunnel Repair Project and the Temporary Shed in Folger Park

Phase 1 of the Project involves removing asbestos containing materials from pipes located inside the utility tunnel and re-insulating existing utility piping with non-asbestos insulation materials.  This is in preparation for the structural repair work slated for later this summer.

Asbestos Abatement: Removal of insulation from pipes inside the utility tunnel will not constitute a hazard to the health of individuals in or outside the work area as it is performed and monitored under Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), AOC, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Office of Compliance, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ requirements.  The contractor performing asbestos removal will construct a sealed barrier around its work zone, establish negative air flow in the work area so all air is filtered by HEPA filters prior to leaving the work area, and bag and seal all waste that leaves the work area.  All work is monitored by a third-party, certified industrial hygienist in addition to inspections by government inspectors. 

All workers are trained in asbestos removal, wear appropriate personal protective equipment while removing asbestos, and are required to follow decontamination procedures including showering before leaving the work area. No asbestos containing material will be removed through the temporary shed.

Purpose of the Temporary Shed in Folger Park:  To provide controlled access for workers entering and leaving the utility tunnel work area. (No work is performed in the shed itself and no asbestos containing materials will be removed through the shed.)

The 16’ x 28’ temporary shed will provide a shelter from the weather as well as from the high temperatures of the work area.  Inside the shed will be a closed shower facility for workers’ use. Waste water will be contained and removed from the site. Some personal protective equipment and hand tools will be brought into the tunnels via the shed.

The shed will be located above the grate at the northwest corner of Folger Park near the intersection of D and Second Streets, S.E.  It may be enclosed by a temporary, chain link fence.  Outside lighting, similar to motion-detection fixtures that are found on neighborhood homes and garages, will provide security and illuminate the shed entrance.  These lights will face toward the park, away from residences.   The shed will be erected in Folger Park on or about April 14, 2008, and will be used for approximately eight weeks.

Work Hours:  Work will be conducted underground between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., and between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., with careful observance of the District’s noise ordinances.  Work will not be audible at or above street level.

Working two shifts will significantly cut the overall duration of the project.  More importantly, it minimizes the time that steam pipes are bare, thereby reducing temperatures in the tunnels.  This is important to reduce heat stress on workers.  Residents will observe little or no activity from the shed except when workers report for duty, take rest breaks, or when they leave.

Parking:  Contractors are prohibited from parking in the neighborhood.

Save the Date!

Councilmember Tommy Wells and State Board of Education Member Lisa Raymond invite you to a Ward 6 Education Forum: Developing an Agenda for Excellence in our Public Schools.

WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 2008, 10 am – 12:30 pm
WHERE: Miner Elementary, 601 15th Street, NE
Breakfast and babysitting will be provided free of charge.

Ward 6 is proud of its schools; yet, quality is inconsistent. Some children attend public schools throughout, from Pre-K to their high school graduation; but too many children continue in failing schools or their families choose an alternative to public school or even leave the ward when their children reach school-age.

Come participate in this Ward 6 Education Forum and let’s build an Agenda for Excellence together. Let us work together to ensure that every school and every classroom is excellent.

At the Forum, you will have the opportunity to engage in focused conversation around key topics such as:

- How do we serve our children best from ages 3 through grade 6?
- How can we strengthen our middle grades programs?
- What type of high school would serve the needs of Ward 6? One large high school? A traditional high school with a separate magnet program? Separate, smaller high schools in the same building? What types of magnet or other programs do we desire?
- How do we ensure that all Ward 6 families have the best possible choices for educating their children and that we support and encourage diversity in our schools?
- How do we give all of our families quality, walkable public school options? Do the current boundaries and feeder patterns make sense?

Download the flyer by clicking here and help spread the word. We hope to see you there! Please feel free to contact me, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 724-8072, or Lisa Raymond, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or 460-9874, to learn more or get involved.