Lower Georgia Avenue Transportation and Streetscape Improvements Final Report December 2007Contents Page A.Executive Summary1 Introduction and Background12 B.Introduction13 C.Study Area17 D.History18 Project Purpose23 E.Public Participation24 F.Corridor Revitalization Visions and Guidelines27 Existing Conditions38 G.Land Use39 H.Existing Conditions Transportation42 I.Existing Conditions Public Realm56 Alternatives63 J.Transportation Alternatives64 Recommendations79 K.Preferred Alternative80 L.Short Term Recommendations116 M.Long Term Recommendations118 N.Implementation Plan121 O.Acknowledgements Appendices Appendix I Existing Conditions Report Appendix II Future Traffic Analysis Report Appendix III Steering Committee List Appendix IV Comments from Public Meetings Appendix V Public Meeting Summaries Appendix VI Specific Design Elements Appendix VII Associated News Articles Appendix VIII McDonalds Restaurant Exit Analysis printed June, 2009 Page 1 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|A. ExecutiveSummaryProject OverviewTheDistrictDepartmentofTransportation(DDOT)commissionedadetailedstudyofstrategictransportationimprovementsthatcouldimprovemultimodalmobilityintheGeorgiaAvenuacorridor,whileenhancingthepublicrealmwithaconsistentandattractivestreetscape.DDOTiscommittedtomakingmajortransportationinvestmentsandimprovementsalongthecorridor,includingimprovementstothestreetscapeandthepublicrealm.DDOTandotherDistrictagencieswishtoprioritizetransit,economicdevelopment,overallsafety,andinparticular,pedestrianandbicyclistneedsalongthecorridor.ActivecollaborationandinvolvementwiththecommunityhasbeencrucialfordevelopingaconsensusvisionforthemultimodaltransportationdesignandmanagementplanforGeorgiaAvenuepresentedinthisdocument.Major Study GoalsProvideamechanismtocreateacomprehensiveunderstandingofthecurrentandfuturetransportationsystem -Developanoverallstreetalignment -Determinethecurbdynamics -SupporttheneedsandgrowthofthelocalbusinessDevelopatransportationmanagementandright-of-wayplanthatsupportsexpandedeconomicdevelopmentandlocalmobility.Developtransportationoptionsthatareconducivetoanurbanuniversitycampusenvironment.Determine impacts of changes to Georgia Avenue on effciencies and multimodal performanceofotherroadsinthestudyareasystem.Determine effcient strategies (parallel streets, Georgia Avenue retail) to develop bus rapidtransitorstreetcarservicealongthecorridor.Developaplanthatsupportstheneedsanddesiresofthebusiness,residential,andinstitutionalcommunities.FigureA-1:ExistingConditionsonGeorgiaAvenuePage 2 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Developaplantoaddresspedestrianstreetcrossinghazardsatintersectionsandencouragegreaterpedestrianconvenienceandappeal.Examinemodesoftransportationsuchasbicycling,walking,andmasstransitandhowthese may impact lane confgurations, safety, and parking along the corridor.ProvideoptionsforresolvingnarrowsidewalksandtreespacesonGeorgiaAvenueandShermanAvenue.Developaplanthatwillserveastheguidefortheimplementationofstreetscape,transit,safety,andadjacentroadwayimprovements.Study AreaThis project examined a specifc portion of the entire Georgia Avenue Great Streets corridor: GeorgiaandShermanAvenuesfromFloridaAvenueNWtoNewHampshireAvenueNW.Understandingthatimprovementstothissegmentwillhaveimplicationsforcommunitiesalongthecorridorandthroughoutthecity,DDOTalsostudiedtheimpactsonadjacentcorridorsandcommunities.Project Boundaries (See fgure A-2)NewHampshireAvenueNWtothenorthFloridaAvenueNWtothesouthTheReservoir/4thStreetNWtotheeastShermanAvenueNWtothewestFigureA-2:LowerGeorgiaAvenueStudyAreaExecutiveSummaryPage 3 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Revitalization Vision for Lower Georgia AvenueAcontext-sensitivetransportationnetworkthatbalancesGeorgiaAvenueandShermanAvenueshouldmodifythecharacterofeachstreet.Thecriticalaspectsofthisrevitalizationvision for the study area are its multimodal quality and genuine refection and response to thechangingcontextofthearea.ThisstudyaspirestomakeGeorgiaandShermanAvenuesgreatplacesforwalking,commerce,andcasualinteractionwhileeffectivelyaccommadatingtraffc.TherichhistoryoftheGeorgiaAvenuecorridorhasbeenerasedfromthepublicrealm.Whilephysicallyimprovingmobilityinthecorridor,thevisionistoimplementimprovementsthatdrawonitsAfrican-Americanheritage.Inparticular,thehistoricHowardUniversityareashouldbecelebratedandevokedinthestreetscapealongGeorgiaAvenuebetweenFloridaAvenueandBarryPlace.Theentirecorridorcanandshouldbeaculturaldestination,withasteadyrhythmofdistinctiveplacesallthewaytoNewHampshireAvenue. These distinctions will be made through a consistent and dignifed palette of streetscapefeatures.Inaddition,theGeorgiaAvenueandFloridaAvenueintersectionisanopportunityforagatewayintothiscultural/historicdestination.To create a distinctive and dignifed corridor, the design opportunities for Georgia Avenue wereinformedbythefollowingconcepts:BalancedThetransportationstrategybalancestravelandtransportationopportunitiesonGeorgiaandShermanAvenues.DistinctiveBoth streets should have a special character that identifes them as distinctive and great places for walking, shopping, socializing, commerce, and moving traffc.

WalkableEachthoroughfareshouldbeinvitingandwalkablewhiledrawingontheareasAfrican-Americanheritage,particularlythehistoricHowardUniversity.FigureA-3:ExampleofthePossibleFutureVisionforanUrbanAreaPage 4 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Safe, Effcient OperationDesignchangesshouldbeimplementedtoimprovewalkability,fosterculturalandhistoricalidenty, create gateways, defne corridor entrances, and ensure the effcient and safe operation ofallmodesoftravel.Project FindingsTraffcDouble-parkedvehiclesalongthecorridorblockturns,impedepedestrians,andobstructbuses.Traffc signal phasing at Georgia Avenue and Park Road creates vehicle conficts.Lane widths between Barry Place and Florida Avenue result in ineffcient traffc operations.VehiclesturningleftatBryantStreetandFloridaAvenuecreatequeuingthatblocksthrough-movementvehicles.PedestriansWalkabilityvariesconsiderablyonbothGeorgiaandShermanAvenues,rangingfromgoodtoverypoor.Somesidewalkscannotbeeasilywidenedbecausebuildingsarebuiltuptothesidewalk.Many intersections have crosswalks but no traffc signals, and some have no crosswalks atall.BicyclesBicycles travel on Georgia Avenue with traffc.BicycletravelisheavyeasttowestcrossingtheGeorgiaAvenuecorridoratColumbiaRoadandHarvard,W,andVStreets.ExecutiveSummaryFigureA-4:ExistingPedestrianConditionsintheLowerGeorgiaAvenueAreaNeartheHowardUniversityBookstorePage 5 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExecutiveSummaryTransitThe70and71busescarryabout20,000riderseverydaythroughthecorridor.Thecross-townHroutescarrythousandsofresidentstoandfromwork.Rapidbusservicecouldreducetraveltimeby16percent.Busesareoftenblockedbydouble-parkedvehicles.Areductionoflanewidthsinthelowersectionofthecorridorhindersbustravel.Urban DesignGeorgiaAvenuefromFloridatoNewHampshireAvenuesisnotoneplace,butseverallargesegmentswithanumberofsmallerfocalpointswithineachsegment.BusinessesnorthofHarvardStreetappeartoserveneighborhoodneeds.BusinessessouthofHarvardStreetappeartoserveHowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospital.GeorgiaandShermanAvenuesrepresentdifferentstreettypesandseveraldifferentfunctions.Sidewalk pavement, lighting fxtures, and street furnishing are inconsistent along the corridor.The corridor contains no clear identifcation of its signifcance to African-American culture.

Recommended ImprovementsFigureA-5:GeorgiaAvenueTodayPage o LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Improvementsthatcouldbephasedinasfundingbecomesavailablewereconsidered.Short-term,lower-costimprovementswereprioritized.Basic improvementsMillandoverlaypavementRe-stripetravellanesandcrosswalksInstallstripingorpavementtreatmentatdesignatedparkinglanesStripe shared lane markings (sharrows) for cyclists, per the Manual of Uniform Traffc ControlDevices(MUTCD)recommendationsInstalltreeboxes/gratesImprovelandscapingInstallconsistentstreetfurniture(trashcans,benches,bicycleracks)Optimize traffc signal timingAddcountdownpedestriansignalsatsignalizedintersectionsIncreaseparkingenforcementalongGeorgiaAvenueAddon-streetparkingonnorthbound4thStreetneartheMacmillanReservoirtosubstituteforparkingremovalalongGeorgiaAvenueWorkwithHowardTownCenterandotherdevelopmentstoallowpublicparkingintheirdevelopmentsThesebasicimprovementswouldprovideconsistencyfordrivers,pedestrians,andcyclistsand should minimize conficts among them.These improvements would not result in an increaseinautomobilespeedsandthereforewouldnotsubjectpedestriansandbicycliststomoredangerousconditions,Moreextensiveimprovements,suchasbulbouts(extensionsofthesidewalkintotheroadway),willfurtherenhancethepublicrealmandhelpachievetheGreatStreetsnatureofthecorridor.Moreextensiveimprovementsmustincludeimprovedbusserviceforahighlytransit-dependentpopulation.Theselonger-termimprovementsanticipatethefutureGeorgiaAvenuewillhavebyprovidingresidentswithsafe,convenient,andcomfortablepedestrianFigureA-6:RecommendedRoadwaySectionforGeorgiaAvenuenearHowardUniversityExecutiveSummaryPage 7 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExecutiveSummaryaccesstoretailandentertainmentusesalongandadjacenttothecorridor.Achievementoftheseobjectives,however,doesrequireatrade-offwiththelossofsomeparkingspaces.Fortunately,withtheextensionofWandBryantStreets,lostparkingspacescanbeeasilyregained.Inaddition,newdevelopments,suchasHowardTownCenter,canmoreconvenientlysupplypublicparking.SimilarstrategieshaveprovensuccessfulinBethesda,Rosslyn,andBallston.Theperceivedvalueofparkingtoretailersmustbebalancedwithafuturepopulationwillingtowalktotheirshops.Georgia Avenue from Florida Avenue to W StreetAddgatewaytreatmentatGeorgiaAvenue-FloridaAvenueintersection(specialcrosswalkpaving,artwork/sculpture)Remove parking along both sides of the street to promote effcient traffc operationWidentravellanesforsafetravelofvehiclesReconfgure lanes at Georgia Avenue-Florida Avenue intersectionsRemove hedge on east sidewalk to eliminate confned feel for pedestriansImprovecrosswalkstripingatVStreetInstallpedestriansignageatFloridaAvenueandWStreetGeorgia Avenue from W Street to Barry PlaceRemove parking along both sides of street to promote effcient traffc operationWidentravellanesforsafetravelofvehiclesImprovecrosswalkstripingatWStreetAddspecialcrosswalkpavingatBryantStreetandBarryPlaceWidensidewalksatGeorgiaAvenuebetweenBryantStreetandBarryPlaceRelocatecurbcutsforMcDonaldsfromGeorgiaAvenuetoBarryPlaceRemoveexcessivetrashcansonGeorgiaAvenuebetweenBryantStreetandBarryPlaceInstallpedestriansignageatBryantStreetandBarryPlaceFigureA-7:RecommendedRoadwaySectionforGeorgiaAvenueNorthofColumbiaRoadPage 8 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Georgia Avenue from Barry Place to Euclid StreetAddcurbextensiontosupporttransitusageatHowardPlaceInstallspecialcrosswalkpavingatHowardPlaceImprovecrosswalkstripingatEuclidStreetRemoveparkinglanefromHowardPlacetoBarryPlaceAdddedicatedright-turnlanefromsouthboundGeorgiaAvenueontoBarryPlaceAddart(e.g.,mural,painting)onwallinfrontofEuclidStreetInstallpedestriansignageatHowardPlaceGeorgia Avenue from Euclid Street to Columbia RoadRemovepipebarriersbetweenEuclidStreetandColumbiaRoadCreategatewaytreatmentsatHarvardStreetandColumbiaRoadRemoveunnecessarystreetsignsImprovepavementinalleysGeorgia Avenue from Columbia Road to New Hampshire AvenueImprovecrosswalkstripingatIrvingStreetandParkRoadInstalllightedcrosswalksatLamontStreetandMortonStreetsInstallpedestriansignageatIrvingStreet,LamontStreet,andParkRoadRevise traffc signal phasing at Park Road to split-phase side street operationsSherman Avenue Corridor-Wide ImprovementsWidensidewalksalongcorridorInstallfour-footbicyclelanesalongcorridorReducenumberoftravellanesfromtwoineachdirectiontooneineachdirectionAddlandscapedmedianwithcut-outsfordedicatedleft-turnlanesExecutiveSummaryFigureA-8:RecommendedRoadwaySectionforShermanAvenuePage 9 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExecutiveSummarySherman Avenue from U Street to Florida AvenueAddpedestriancrosswalkatVStreetSherman Avenue from Florida Avenue to Euclid StreetConstructtwo-laneroundaboutatShermanAvenueandtheextendedBryantStreetAddpedestriansignageatBarryPlaceandEuclidStreetSherman Avenue from Euclid Street to New Hampshire AvenueConstructtwo-laneroundaboutatShermanAvenueandParkRoadAddpedestriansignageatIrvingStreetandParkRoadRecommended Streetscape ElementsIntersectionsDecorativestreetprintpatterncrosswalkwithAfricanmotifatkeyintersectionsBump-outsidewalkareastoimprovepedestriansafetySecondaryIntersections(allotherintersections) -Standardpaintedladdercrosswalk -Bump-outsidewalkareastoimprovepedestriansafety -Poured-in-placeconcretewheelchairrampsRoadway SurfacesSpecialroadwaysurfaceatHowardTownCenter(VStreettoBarryPlace)StandardblackasphaltforstandardroadwaysurfacesParkinglaneswithLIDtreatmentDedicatedbuslanewithred-coloredasphaltroadwaysurfaceandstampedtextureFigureA-9:StreetscapeImprovementsforGeorgiaAvenueatBryantStreetPage 10 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Sidewalk Surfaces ConcretesidewalksforGeorgiaAvenuecornerpaversStreet Trees and PlantingsContinuoustreepitswherepossibleOrnamentalfencefortreepitprotectionTreepitgroundcoverOrnamentaltreesandplantingsinplantingbedsatselectcornermini-parklocationsandatselectwidesidewalkareasStreet FurnitureTrashreceptaclesstandardDDOT;tobelocatedincurbzoneBenchesstandardDDOT;tobelocatedincurbzoneBicycleracksstandardU-shapebikerackstobelocatedincurbzoneorbumpoutzoneNewspapercorralsstackablecorrals;tobelocatedincurbzone.Streetlightsteardropstandardatintersections,doubleWashingtonglobesfromFloridaAvenuetoGreshamPlace,andsingleWashingtonglobefromGreshamPlacetoOtisPlace.Parkingmetersmulti-spacedevicesforon-streetparkingBussheltersFigureA-10:NewLinearEntranceatBannekerParkExecutiveSummaryPage 11 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExecutiveSummarySpecial Streetscape ElementsLinearstreetparkatBannekerPark,with24-footsidewalksetbackintoparkandretainingwallsthatdoubleasseatingCulturalheritageandinterpretiveelementsHistoricsignageWalkofFame:commemorativeplaqueslocatedfromFairmontStreettoBarryPlacePublicartopportunitiesAccentgatewayelementsatFloridaAvenue -Decorativebollardslocatedatcurbedge -BuildinglightingfromstreetlightpolesAccentgatewayselementsatkeyHowardUniversityentrancesDecorative fags and fag poles at Howard Place and Fairmont StreetFigureA-11:NewLookforShermanAvenuePage 12 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor| LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Introduction&Background8.lr|roduc||or|. Projec| 0oa|s||.Projec| T|re||re|||. Repor| 0rgar|za||orC.S|ud] Area0.l|s|or]|. l|s|or] o| ||e Corr|dor||.Corpre|ers|ve P|ar|||. Prev|ous S|ud|es Corp|e|ed |r S|ud] AreaPage 13 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|B. IntroductionGeorgiaAvenueNWisamultimodalcorridorstrivingtomeetmultipledemands:frequenttransit service, heavy pedestrian traffc, rush-hour commuters, local auto destinations, cross-commutingbicyclists,andrecurrentbusinessdeliveries.Alimitedright-of-wayinthelowerportionofthecorridorservesasabottlenecktovehicles.Pedestrianfacilitiesarenarrowand generally insuffcient for demand.Bicycle facilities are nonexistent despite demand. Currently, the effcient and reliable mobility of all travel modes is compromised. This in turn presentsachallengetofuturedevelopmentandeconomicexpansion.TheGeorgiaAvenuecommercialcorridorispartofagridsysteminwhichprimarilyresidentialstreetsprovideparallel routes.Efforts are now under way to reduce the impacts of auto traffc on these residentialcorridors.GeorgiaAvenueisalsointhemidstofchange.TheDeputyMayorforPlanningandEconomic Development and the Offce of Planning have designated Georgia Avenue formajorrezoningandredevelopmenttotransitiontheblightedcommunitytoamajordestinationforthecityanditsresidents.Aspartoftheredevelopmentefforts,DDOTcommissionedanin-depthexaminationofGeorgiaAvenuetoimprovecurrenttransportationconditionsandtofacilitateexpandedlocaleconomicdevelopmentandmobility.Sincethecurrenttransportationconditionsresultinunacceptablemobilityandmovement,anyadditionalimpactsonGeorgiaAvenuewouldbeequallyunacceptable.DDOTiscommittedtomakingmajortransportationinvestmentsandimprovementsalongthecorridor,includingimprovementstothestreetscapeandthepublicrealm,andtoprioritizetransit,economicdevelopment,overallsafety,and,inparticular,pedestrianandbicyclistneedsalongthecorridor.ThepurposeoftheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovementsStudyistodevelopaconsensusvisionforamultimodaltransportationdesignandmanagementplanthatissupportedandagreeduponbythecommunity.Theconceptdesignshould help create a vibrant, diversifed corridor and commercial neighborhood while improving the effciency of movement of all modes through this principal arterial as part of a cityandregionaltransportationsystem.ThisreportrepresentstheworktodateonthiseffortandpresentstherecommendedtransportationdesignandmanagementplanforarevitalizedLowerGeorgiaAvenue.FigureB-1:ExisitingConditionsintheLowerGeorgiaAvenueStudyAreaPage 14 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Major Study GoalsMajorstudygoalsfortheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovementsStudyarelistedbelow:Provideamechanismtocreateacomprehensiveunderstandingofthecurrentandfuturetransportationsystem -Developanoverallstreetalignment -Determinethecurbdynamics -SupporttheneedsandgrowthoflocalbusinessesDevelopatransportationmanagementandright-of-wayplanthatsupportsexpandedeconomicdevelopmentandlocalmobility.Developtransportationoptionsthatareconducivetoanurbanuniversitycampusenvironment.Determine impacts of changes to Georgia Avenue on effciencies and multimodal performanceofotherroadsinthestudyareasystem.Determine effcient strategies (parallel streets, Georgia Avenue retail, etc) to develop bus rapidtransitorstreetcarservicealongthecorridor.Developaplanthatsupportstheneedsanddesiresofthebusiness,residentialandinstitutionalcommunities.Developaplantoaddresspedestrianstreetcrossinghazardsatintersections,andencouragegreaterpedestrianconvenienceandappeal.Examine the impact of bicycling, walking, and mass transit on lane confgurations, safety,andparkingalongthecorridor.ProvideoptionsforresolvingnarrowsidewalksandtreespacesonGeorgiaAvenueandShermanAvenue.Developaplanthatwillserveastheguidefortheimplementationofstreetscape,transit,safety,andadjacentroadwayimprovements.IntroductionFigureB-2:IntersectionConditionsNeartheHowardUniversityHospitalPage 15 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|IntroductionGreat Streets Program TheGreatStreetsProgramissimilartomanyseminalplanningeffortsthathavehelpedmakeWashington, DC a world-class city. It is poised to redefne critical neighborhood streets asthecentersoftheircommunitiesandhelpexpandthecitysvitalitybydistributingnewbenefts equitably.Soon many of the neighborhood retail streets including the Great Streets programwillbeamongthecitysbestplacestolive,work,play,andinvest.Allinall,theseGreatStreetswillprovideanimpetusforbringingpopulationbacktoWashington,generatingcommerce,creatingjobs,expandingtheDistrictstaxbase,andimprovingthequalityoflifeforitsresidents.Thesecorridorsextendmorethan20milesandimpacthalftheDistrictsresidents in 50 different neighborhoods.The frst round of Great Streets corridors are targeted,inpart,becauseofthewell-organizedcommunityinfrastructureandnetworksinplace.AllGreatStreetscorridorshavelongbeenapriorityfortheirlocalneighborhoods.Neighborhoodstakeholdersadvocatedforimprovementtothesecorridorsthroughstrategicneighborhoodactionplans(SNAPs)andotherpriority-settinginitiatives.Active,organizedneighborhoodassociations,orcivicgroups,helpguideandparticipateinstreetscapeimprovements.ThecorridorstargetedbytheGreatStreetsprogramhavehistoricallylackedthelevelofinvestmentenjoyedbyotherprominentstreetsintheDistrict.Thetargetedcorridorsalsocorrespondtoareastargetedunderothercityprogramsandinitiatives,suchas:ReSTORE DC Main Streets, the Home Again initiative, public safety Hot Spots, and New Communities

GreatStreetsbringtogetheralltheseprograms.ThegoalsoftheGreatStreetsProgramareasfollows:ImprovethequalityoflifeinneighborhoodsalongGreatStreetscorridors,byimprovingpublicsafety,physicalappearance,andpersonalopportunitySupportlocaldemandforgoodsandservicesthrougheconomicdevelopmentExpand mobility choices and improve safety and effciency of all modes of travelAttractprivateinvestmentthroughthedemonstrationofapubliccommitmenttoGreatStreetscommunities1.2.3.4.FigureB-3:ExampleofGreatStreetsAmentiyAreaPage 1o LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor| LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Project TimelineThis study represents the frst phase in a three-phased approach to implement improvements fortheLowerGeorgiaAvenuecorridor.Phase1,schedualedfromFall2006toSummer2007isthemajorstudyeffortsandthedevelopmentofthetransportationmanagementplanandthepreferredconceptdesign.PhaseIIwillbethebeginningandcompletionofthedesignforLowerGeorgiaAvenueandwillextendfromFall2007toSpring2008.PhaseIIIrepresentstheconstructionofthemajorimprovementsfortheLowerGeorgiaAvenuecorridor,whichisanticipatedtobegininFall2008.Overall,DDOThascommittedmorethan$6millionforinvestmentsonGeorgiaAvenueandwantstoimplementimprovementsquickly. IntroductionFigureB-4:GeorgiaAvenuenearWonderPlazaPage 17 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Introduction C. StudyAreaTheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovementsStudyareaisborderedbyShermanAvenuetothewest,NewHampshireAvenuetothenorth,FloridaAvenuetothesouth,andtheMcMillanReservoir/4thStreettotheeast.Geographically,thestudyareaiswithinWard1andoverlapstheAdvisoryNeighborhoodCommissionarea(ANC),1AnorthofColumbiaRoad,andANC1BsouthofColumbiaRoad.NeighborhoodclustersincludeMountPleasant,ColumbiaHeights,ParkView,HowardUniversity,LeDroitPark,andCardozo/Shaw.ThestudyareaisaproximatelyonemilenorthofthedowntownandmonumentalcoreofWashingtonDC.Publicserviceswithinthestudyareaincludetworecreationcenters:BannekerCommunityCenteronGeorgiaAvenueandParkviewCommunityCenteronOtisPlace.Fire Station 4 on Sherman Avenue serves the study area along with a post offce on GeorgiaAvenue.SchoolsintheareaincludeBenjaminBannekerHighSchoolonEuclidStreetandBruceMonroeElementarySchoolonGeorgiaAvenue.HowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospitalarethemajoremployerswithinthestudyarea.ThestudentpopulationatHowardUniversityismorethan11,000.ThehospitalhasservedasthenationslargesthospitalservingtheAfrican-Americancommunityformorethan140years.Boththeuniversityandthehospitalattractalargevolumeofpedestrians.ThecorridorisservedbyboththeWashingtonMetropolitanAreaTransitAuthoritys(WMATA)MetrobusandMetrorailservice.MetrobusroutesprovideserviceonGeorgiaAvenue,ShermanAvenue,NewHampshireAvenue,IrvingStreet,andColumbiaRoad.TheGeorgiaAvenue-PetworthMetrorailStationlocatedatNewHampshireandGeorgiaAvenuesproviderailserviceontheGreenandYellowlines.TheShaw-HowardUniversityMetroStationjustsouthofthestudyareaalsoprovidesaccesstotheGreenandYellowlines.ThestudyareaisshowninFigureC-1.FigureC-1:AerialViewofStudyAreaPage 18 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|D. HistoryHistory of Georgia AvenueMid-20thcenturydisinvestmentandneglecthavetakentheirtollonthecorridor.Commercialestablishments,whichoncethrivedonthepatronageoftheresidencesandinstitutionsaroundthem,declinedascompetitionfromsuburbanretailgrew,localresidentialpopulationsdeclined,andAmericantravelbehaviorturnedmoretowardtheconvenienceoftheprivateautomobileandawayfromthetraditionalmodesofwalking,biking,andtransit.TheGeorgiaAvenuestreetcarlinewasreplacedbybusserviceinthe1930s,andbythe1960sthestreethadbecomeamajorautomobilethoroughfare,orientedmoretowardshuttlingcommutersbetweenMarylandanddowntownWashington,DCthansupportingandstrengtheningthelocalneighborhoodsandretailestablishments.Long-standingcommunitiesarerepresentedalongthecorridor,asaremorerecentCaribbean,Latino,andAfricanimmigrantcommunities.Thisvarietyisuniqueinthecity.Howard University, the frst university open to African-Americans in the south, is located intheheartofthestudyarea.TheuniversitycontinuestobeanimportantsourceforAfrican-Americanhistoryandculture.Metrorailserviceswereimplementedinphasesalongthecorridor,beginningwiththeopeningoftheShawandUStreetStationsin1991andthePetworthMetroStationin1999.Transitconnectivity,however,remainsinadequatenorthofthePetworthStationandimprovedintermodalconnectivitybetweenrailandbusisneeded.Oneimportantnewtransitelementinthecorridor,designedtoenhancethespeedoftripsbothalongandthroughthecorridor,istheMetroExtraenhancedbusservice,whichbeganinspring2007.Howard UniversityHowardUniversity,ahistoricalblackuniversityisaCarnegieDoctoral/ResearchUniversityinWashington,DC,establishedin1867bycongressionalorder.NotablealumniincludeNobelLaureateToniMorrison,SupremeCourtJusticeThurgoodMarshall(HowardUniversityLawSchool),OssieDavis,DebbieAllen,RobertaFlack,ClaudeBrown,ShakaHislop,StokeleyCarmichael,RichardSmallwood,andPhyliciaRashad.FigureD-1:HistoricPhotosofGeorgiaAvenueG REA TSTREETSFRA M EW O RK P L A N 7th Street _Georgia Avenue NW10Existing ContextThe7thStreet/GeorgiaAvenueNWcorridorgrew incrementallyovertime.Spurredbystreetcar infrastructure,institutionalanchorssuchasHoward UniversityandresidentialdevelopmentslikeLedroit Park,Takoma,BrightwoodandShepherdParkthe corridor began robust growth in the early 19th Century. The corridor was the primarycommercial, social and cultural resource for the medium density communities that surrounded it. Mid 20th Century disinvestment and neglect have taken theirtollontheCorridor.Commercialestablishments, which thrived on the patronage of the residences and institutions around them, declined as competition from suburbanretailgrew,localresidentialpopulations declined,andAmericantravelbehaviorturnedmore andmoretowardtheconvenienceoftheprivate automobileandawayfromthetraditionalmodesof walking, biking and transit.Thestreetcarlinewasreplacedbybusserviceinthe 1930s,andbythe1960s,thestreethadbecomea majorautomobilethoroughfareorientedmoretoward shuttling commuters between Maryland and downtown Washington DC than supporting and strengthening the local neighborhoods and retail establishments.UnlikeConnecticutAvenuewhichhasaverystrong rhythmofretailnodesalternatingwithresidential communities, the Georgia Avenue and 7th Street corridor has very few discernable nodes that concentrate retail andcommunityactivityandprovidefocusedplaces andanobviousprogressionfromoneneighborhood toanother.Corridorlandusesarepoorlyorganized anddifferentiatedtocreatedistinctcenters.Newer retail establishments are designed more for easy auto accessthanlocalpedestrianservice.Thecontinuous repetitionofusesresultsinanundistinguished characterthatdoesnotappropriatelyrepresentthe HISTORY A ND CONTEXTrichhistory,distinctresidentialcommunities,and unique institutional assets of the corridor.MetroRailservicescommencedinphasesonthe corridorwiththeopeningoftheShawandUStreet stationsin1991andthePetworthMetroStationin 1999. Transit connectivity, however, remains inadequate north of the Petworth station and is in need of improved inter-modal connectivity between Metro Rail and Bus.Thepredominanceofunder-performing,repetitive retailfacilitiesandparkinglotsalongthestreet, inconjunctionwithitsindistinctstreetscape,has ledtoamonotonouscharacter,whichgiveslittleby wayofidentitytothevariousneighborhoodsthat fallalongitspath.WhiletheCorridordoesstillhave stronginstitutionalanchors,itisnotthepre-eminent commercial and cultural resource it once was. Figure A:Figure B:Figure C: Georgia Avenue/Park Road NWFigure D: Georgia Avenue, North of Missouri AvenueA B C DG REA TSTREETSFRA M EW O RK P L A N 7th Street _Georgia Avenue NW10Existing ContextThe7thStreet/GeorgiaAvenueNWcorridorgrew incrementallyovertime.Spurredbystreetcar infrastructure,institutionalanchorssuchasHoward UniversityandresidentialdevelopmentslikeLedroit Park,Takoma,BrightwoodandShepherdParkthe corridor began robust growth in the early 19th Century.The corridor was the primarycommercial, social and cultural resource for the medium density communities that surrounded it.Mid 20th Century disinvestment and neglect have taken theirtollontheCorridor.Commercialestablishments,which thrived on the patronage of the residences and institutions around them, declined as competition from suburbanretailgrew,localresidentialpopulations declined,andAmericantravelbehaviorturnedmore andmoretowardtheconvenienceoftheprivate automobileandawayfromthetraditionalmodesof walking, biking and transit.Thestreetcarlinewasreplacedbybusserviceinthe 1930s,andbythe1960s,thestreethadbecomea majorautomobilethoroughfareorientedmoretoward shuttling commuters between Maryland and downtown Washington DC than supporting and strengthening the local neighborhoods and retail establishments.UnlikeConnecticutAvenuewhichhasaverystrong rhythmofretailnodesalternatingwithresidential communities, the Georgia Avenue and 7th Street corridor has very few discernable nodes that concentrate retail andcommunityactivityandprovidefocusedplaces andanobviousprogressionfromoneneighborhood toanother.Corridorlandusesarepoorlyorganized anddifferentiatedtocreatedistinctcenters.Newer retail establishments are designed more for easy auto accessthanlocalpedestrianservice.Thecontinuous repetitionofusesresultsinanundistinguished characterthatdoesnotappropriatelyrepresentthe HISTORY A ND CONTEXTrichhistory,distinctresidentialcommunities,and unique institutional assets of the corridor.MetroRailservicescommencedinphasesonthe corridorwiththeopeningoftheShawandUStreet stationsin1991andthePetworthMetroStationin 1999. Transit connectivity, however, remains inadequate north of the Petworth station and is in need of improved inter-modal connectivity between Metro Rail and Bus.Thepredominanceofunder-performing,repetitive retailfacilitiesandparkinglotsalongthestreet,inconjunctionwithitsindistinctstreetscape,has ledtoamonotonouscharacter,whichgiveslittleby wayofidentitytothevariousneighborhoodsthat fallalongitspath.WhiletheCorridordoesstillhave stronginstitutionalanchors,itisnotthepre-eminent commercial and cultural resource it once was.Figure A:Figure B:Figure C: Georgia Avenue/Park Road NWFigure D: Georgia Avenue, North of Missouri AvenueA B C DPage 19 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|HowardUniversitygrantsmorePh.DstoAfrican-AmericansthananyotheruniversityintheUnitedStates.MuchofHowardsearlyfundingcamefromendowment,privatebenefaction,andtuition.AnannualcongressionalappropriationadministeredbytheSecretaryoftheInterioralsofundedtheschool.Today,itisamemberschooloftheThurgoodMarshallScholarshipFund.Fromitsoutset,theuniversitywasnonsectarianandopentopeopleofbothsexesandallraces.Howardhasgraduateschoolsoflaw,medicine,dentistry,anddivinity,inadditiontoitsundergraduateprogram.Theenrollmentin2003wasapproximately11,000,including7,000undergraduates.TheuniversitysfootballhomecomingactivitiesserveasoneofthepremierannualeventsinWashington.HowardUniversityhasplayedanimportantroleinAmericanhistoryandthecivilrightsmovementonanumberofoccasions.AlainLocke,ChairoftheDepartmentofPhilosophy and the frst African-American Rhodes Scholar, authored The New Negro, which helped usher in the Harlem Renaissance.Ralph Bunche, the frst Nobel Peace PrizewinnerofAfricandescent,servedaschairoftheDepartmentofPoliticalScience.StokelyCarmichael,(alsoknownasKwameToure),astudentintheDepartmentofPhilosophy,coinedthetermBlackPowerandworkedinAlabama,asavotingrightsactivist.HistorianRayfordLoganservedaschairoftheDepartmentofHistory,E.FranklinFrazierservedaschairoftheDepartmentofSociology,andSterlingAllenBrownservedaschairoftheDepartmentofEnglish.Afterbeingrefusedadmissiontothethenwhites-onlyUniversityofMarylandSchoolofLaw,ThurgoodMarshall,ayoungLincolnUniversitygraduate,enrolledatHowardUniversitySchoolofLawinstead.TherehestudiedunderCharlesHamiltonHouston,aHarvardLawSchoolgraduateandleadingcivilrightslawyerwhoatthetimewasdeanofHowardslawschool.HoustontookMarshallunderhiswing,andthetwoforgedafriendshipthatwouldlastfortheremainderofHoustonslifeandforeverchangeAmerica.HowardUniversitywasthesitewhereMarshallandhisteamoflegalscholarsfromaroundthenationpreparedtoarguethelandmarkBrownv.BoardofEducationcase.FigureD-2:FoundersLibraryontheCampusofHowardUniversityisanIconicBuildingthathasBeenDeclaredaNationalHistoricLandmarkPage 20 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|T|e 0C Corpre|ers|ve P|arRole of the Comprehensive PlanTheDCComprehensivePlanprovidesaframeworkforthegrowthandrevitalizationofthecity.ItincludesdetailedmapsandpoliciesforthephysicaldevelopmentoftheDistrictofColumbiaandaddressessocialandeconomicissuesthataffectandarelinkedtothedevelopmentofthecityanditscitizens.Theplanallowsthecommunitytopredictandunderstandthecourseoffuturepublicactions,aswellasshapeprivate-sectorinvestmentandactivities.ItallowstheDistricttoensurethatitsresourcesareusedwiselyandeffciently and that public investment is focused in areas where it is needed most.The ComprehensivePlanprovidesguidanceonthechoicesnecessarytomaketheDistrictabettercity.ItshouldbenotedthatnosinglepersonororganizationisinapositiontomakedecisionsthatencompasstheComprehensivePlan.Manyresidents,governmentalagencies,businesses,institutions,andleadershavehelpedshapetheplan.TheComprehensivePlanisthecriticallong-termplanningdocumentthatunderpinstheLowerGeorgiaAvenueStudyanalysis.Sincethelastupdatein2006smaller,morefocusedplanningeffortshaveexpandedupontheComprehensivePlan,givingitmoretexture.TheLowerGeorgiaAvenueStudyisinformedbytheplanslargeandsmalleffortsandseekstodesignimprovementstoachievethegeneraldesiresoftheplan.HistoryMMMMMMMMC r es t w o o dN or t hH ow ar dU niv er s i t yL e D ro itP a r kP a r kV iewM ou n tP le a s a ntL a n ierH eig h t sA d a m sM or g a nK a lo ra m aH eig h t sW o o d leyP a r ka n dkE c k ing t onB r1 6 t hS t re e tH eig h t sBl oomi ngdal eE d g ew oo dU niv er s iH eig h t sN or t hM ic h i g a nP a r kQ u e en sC ha p e lB r ig ht w o o dP a r kP e t w or t hC r es t w o o dStrongholdP le a s a ntP la insodl and-manst oneer r aceP le a s a ntH il lF o r tT o t t e nF o re s tH il lsC ar d o z o /S h a wC olu m b iaH eig h t sFort TottenBrookland-CUAGeorgia Ave-PetworthColumbiaHeightsCleveland Parkn Ness-UDCRhodeIsland Ave-BrentwoodU Street/African-Amer CivilWar Memorial/CardozoWoodley Park-Zoo/Adams MorganP UERTORI COAVENEWATERSIDEDR7THSTNE30T HSTNWWOODLEYPLNWMCGILL TER N WRD RD NWBRENTWOODRDNEPINEY BRANCHPKWYNWS ARSHEPHERD ST NWS HER MANAVENWUPTON ST NWCOLORADOAVENWWARDERSTNW2N DSTNWAVENW5THSTN WGRANTRDNWMCMILLAN DR NWBATESRDNE9THSTNW1 0 T HS TN ED RN W11THSTNE8THSTNE28TH STNWT ST NEBELMONT RD NW4THST NEHOWARD PL NW6T HPLNE1STPLNEKENCLERMO NTD RN E27THBARRY PL NWV ST NEPARK RDNWQUINCYSTNWCLIFTON ST NWTAYLOR ST NWRI D G ERDNWR O C KMICHIGAN AVE NWRN WWYOMI NG AVE NWNWRO S SDRNWR E EDS TN EFARADAY P L NEKENYON ST NWV ST NWDELAFIELD PL NW1 2 T HP LN EWEBSTER ST NWSTNERANDOLPHCALVERT ST NW12THSTN EGIRARDBL A GDENTERNWW ST NWWEBSTER ST NE2NDSTNEV ST NEW STNEEVARTS ST NEBRYANT ST NW1STSV ST NWLINCOLNRDNEVARNUM ST NEMORTON ST NW2N DS TN WEUCLID ST NWADAMS ST NWHARVARD ST NWSTNWHAWAIIAVENE BLAGDEN AVE NWOAK S T NW1 S TS TUPSHUR ST NGALLATIN STO NT AR IORDNWT HS TN W7T HSTNEDECATUR ST NEEVARTS ST NE9 THSTNEWEBSTER ST NW2NDSTNENEWTONSTNW3R DS TN W10T HSTNW9T HS TN EKENNEDY ST NW3 R DVERMONTAVENWILLINOISAVENWU ST NEROCKCREEKCHURCHRDNWKLINGLERD NW MONROE ST NW6THSTNWQUINCYBEACHDRNW15THSTNWALLISON ST NWIRVING STNEALLISON ST NWVARNUM ST NWI NGLESIDE TER NWEDGEWOODSTNEEMERSON ST NW17T HSTNW5THSTNESTNWILLINOI SAVENW4 T HS TNW1STSTNWKENNEDY ST NWARKANSASAVENW17T HSTNWFULLER ST NWFLORIDAABRYANT ST NEMICHIGANAVENEMOUNTPLEASA NTSTNWSTNWNEWHAMPSHIREAVENWOTIS PL NWB ROADBRAN CHRDNWN ST NWHOLMEADPLNWFLORIDAAVENWOGDENST NWEUCLID ST NWJOHNMCCORMACKRDNE19THSTNWNWNEWHAMPSHIREAVENWSWANN ST NWLINNEANA V ENWKILBOURNE PL NWVARNUM ST NWQUEBEC ST NWNORTHCAPITOLINGRAHAM ST NW8THSTN E9THSTNENWKANSASAVENWARGYLTERNWCOLUMBIA RD NWIOWA AVE NWGALLOWAY STNE HAMILTON ST NEFARRAGUT STNEDECATUR ST NWNORTHC A P I T O LS T1 3 T HS TN EKANSASAVEH OBART ST NWWOODLEY RD NWGALLATIN ST NWFARRAGUT ST NWTAYLOR ST NWSOUTHDAKOTABUCHANAN ST NWTODD PL NELAMONT ST NWHAMLINHAREWOODRDNE2NDSTNW20THSTNWV ST NWPARKR DN WT ST NEFRANKLIN ST1STSTNET ST NWVARNUM ST NRDNEJEFFERSON ST NWCRITTENDEN ST NE5 T HS TN W19T HSTNW1 3 THSTNW1 0 T HS TN EQUINCY ST NWEMERSON S8THSTNEHAMILTON ST NWSHEPHERD ST NWHARVA RD ST NW14T HS A R G E N TR DNEKALORAMARDNWNWHOBART PL NW4 T HS TN W4T HSTNE16T HSTU ST NWPERRY PL NWPA R KP LN WALLISON S9 T HS TN W7T HSTNESPRINGRDNWADAMSMILLRDNWDECATUR ST NWMERIDIAN PL NWSUMMI TPLNE1 2 T HS TN ETAYLOR STCRITTENDEN ST NWRANDOLPH ST NWW ST NW8 T HS TUPSHUR ST NW!(0 750 1,500 2,250FeetGovernment of theDistrict of ColumbiaAnthony A. Williams, MayorOffice of Planning~December 20, 2006Comprehensive PlanGeneralizedPolicyThis map was created for planningpurposes from a variety of sources.It is neither a survey nor a legal document.Information provided by other agenciesshould be verified with them where appropriate.13698 725 41110Map 4Neighborhood Conservation AreasOther Map ElementsFederal LandsCentral WashingtonParks - Federal and District-ownedInstitutional UsesCommercial/ Mixed Use AreasMain Street Mixed Use CorridorsNeighborhood Commercial CentersCentral Employment AreaLand Use Change AreasNeighborhood Enhancement AreasMulti-Neighborhood CentersRegional Centers!( Enhanced/New Neighborhood CentersEnhanced/NewMulti-Neighborhood Centers !(Land Use Change Areas (Federal)Water BodiesOPID0011052Armed ForcesRetirement HomeWestArmed ForcesRetirement HomeEastFortTottenMetroBrooklanMetroMcMillan SandFiltration SiteHoward UniversityTown CenterRhode IslandAvenue MetroFigureD-4:ComprehensivePlanPoliciesforGeorgiaAvenuePage 21 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Prev|ous S|ud|es Corp|e|ed |r ||e S|ud] Area TheprimarymissionoftheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovementsprojectistosynthesizethepastplanningworkinthecorridorintoacoherehentdesign.TheteamreviewedpaststudieslistedinFigureD-4andextractedthe general objective and specifc transportation-related fndings. Overall,planningdocumentssuchastheGreatStreetsFramework,theDUKEplanandtheSNAPplansemphasizeusingtransportationinfrastructureenhancementstodemonstratepublicsupportandattentiontothearea,inordertodrawneweconomicinvestment. The Rapid Bus Study details specifc locations where bulb-outs can improve passengerboarding,andsignaltiming/prioritizationcanimprovetraveltimes.Italsosuggestsdedicatedtransitlanesforimprovedservice.GeorgiaAvenueisgoingthroughatransformation.Thecommunityalongthisdistinctivestreethasparticipatedinextensivepublicmeetingsandhascommunicateditsvisionandobjectives in various studies. In order to focus on design principals, the specifc design recommendations in each study were identifed and considered as the team developed designs for transportation and streetscape alternatives. These improvements are the frst stepinGeorgiaAvenuerealizingitspotentialtobeaGreatStreet.HistoryFigureD-4:CoveroftheDUKEReport,oneofthePreviousStudiesReviewedforthisReportPage 22 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|TableD-1:PreviousStudiesintheStudyAreaStudy General Key Finding Key Findings Related to Georgia Avenue StudyGreat Streets Framework PlanStreetscape recommendations, transit recom-mendations, traffc recommendationsBase study of the Lower Georgia Avenue StudySuggests ROW specifcations (based on 4 different sections of the corridor)Pedestrian facility improvements identifed Bicycle route proposed Rapid Bus Lines suggested for the study area (suggests headway times also)Planting and tree strips suggested in different areas of the corridorFree standing and intersection art proposed Sherman Avenue Strip MapSpecifc streetscape and transportation fnd-ingsProvides ROW specifcations for the corridorCurb dynamics and curb extensions suggested Sidewalk widening New bus shelter location recommendationsAdditional parking lanes recommendationsLeft turn lane addition recommendations within corridorGreen space, landscape, and low shrubs suggested Stop signs and do not enter signs suggested within the study areaBicycle Master Plan Facilities recommendationsDesignated bicycle lanes given (4th Street, Columbia Road, Harvard Street, U Street, V Street, W Street, and T Street)Bicycle Plan Route within study area identifed; Streets include: Lamont Avenue, Kenyon Street, and New Hampshire AvenueDUKE Draft Development Framework for a Cultural Destination DistrictParking, public realm, transit-oriented develop-ment, pedestrian, and bicycle related actionsRoad extension proposed within study area (W Street and Bryant Street from Georgia Avenue to Florida Avenue)Creation of an African-American Cultural Destination suggestedCoordination of transportation improvements with rapid transit for the corridor suggestedNew Hampshire AvenueLocal Traffc StudySpecifc streetscape, ROW fndingsReduction of the road width of Georgia and New Hampshire Avenues by installing medians suggestedSidewalk, bulb out, Share the Road signs, and high visibility crosswalk installations suggested for the study area Elimination of parking suggested in areas within the study areaElimination of left turns suggested in intersections within study areaTree and hedge replacement suggested Rapid Bus StudyBus streetscape fndingsCurb dynamic fndingsCurb extensions suggested Passenger amenity areas suggestedGeorgia Avenue/Petworth Transit Area RevitalizationSpecifc traffc, parking, transit, key intersec-tions, pedestrian, bicycle, and public realm fndingsSpeed reductions and traffc calming measures suggested Sidewalk widening, pedestrian improvement and signal installation Addition of bicycle racks suggested for areas in the study areaElimination of bus bay along the west side of Georgia Avenue suggestedUptown Destination DistrictParking, transit, transit-oriented development, pedestrian, bicycle, and public realm actionsCreation of a walkable district suggested Suggestion of designing of public places for programmable activities suggested for study areaHoward University Master PlanTraffc/Parking ModifcationsParking management and pricing strategies suggested Parking assignment percentage for Howard University suggested (10 percent of total parking supply)Modifcation of on-campus vehicle circulation patterns Inclusion of left, right and thru lanes suggested for Sherman Avenue at Euclid Avenue suggestedExterior lighting improvements on Georgia Avenue and on campusTransit Alternatives Report Transit improvement fndings Need for more time effcient transit identifed for the study area U Street Transportation and StreetscapeParking modifcation fndings, traffc and streetscape modifcations/recommendationsParking removal and parking additions suggested within the study areaGreen space and landscape improvements identifed thru the corridorHistoryPage 23 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ProjectProcessL.Puo||c Par||c|pa||or|. Process||.Puo||c Vee||rgsF.Corr|dor Rev||a||za||or \|s|or ard 0u|de||res|. 0rea| S|ree|s P|ar||.Corr|dor \|s|or P|ar HistoryPage 24 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Puo||c Par||c|pa||or Process AcomprehensiveeffortwasmadetoengagelocalbusinessesandtheresidentialcommunityintheLowerGeorgiaAvenueTransportationandStreetscapeImprovementsStudybetweenJune2006andMay2007.Usingacommunity-basedplanningapproach,extensiveoutreachwasconductedwithstakeholderstoencourageparticipationandinvitetheiropinions,concerns,andideas.ThepublicinformationcomponentwasinteractiveandoverseenbyaSteeringCommitteeconsistingofacross-sectionofcommunity,civic,andbusinessleaders.Sevenmeetingswereheld,andmeetingsummarieswerepreparedanddistributedbroadlyviadirectmail,online,andatpubliclibrarydisplays.Considerableeffortwasmadetoensurethatcommunicationswereclear,transparent,andinclusive.Thefollowingoutreachwasconductedtoengagethecommunity:Door-to-doordistributionofmeetingnoticesandface-to-facecontactwitheverybusinessalongtheLowerGeorgiaAvenuecorridorwasmadepriortoeachofthethreecommunitymeetings.Three thousand fiers were hand-delivered to residents between 4th Streetand ShermanAvenueandbetweenFloridaAvenueandNewHampshireAvenuepriortoeachofthethreecommunitymeetings.PresentationsweremadeatANC1ACommunityMeetings.PresentationsweremadeatANC1Acommunitymeetings.TelephoneoutreachwasconductedtomembersoftheSteeringCommitteeandkeyindividualstobuildattendanceateachSteeringCommitteeandcommunitymeeting.Thosecontactedincludedthefollowing:AdvisoryNeighborhoodCommissionersforANC1AandANC1BKeycivicandcommunityorganizationsrepresentingnon-EnglishspeakingresidentsEducational, cultural, faith, and nonproft organizationsGeorgiaAvenuebusinessleadersSmallbusinessownersandlocaldevelopersA.B.C.D.FigureE-1:CitizensAttendingaLowerGeorgiaAvenueCommunityMeetingE.PublicParticipationPage 25 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Pre-eventpublicitywasgeneratedthroughmediaadvisoriesandfollow-upmediaoutreach,whichincludedthefollowingmediaoutlets:TheWashingtonPost NewsChannel8WJLA-TV7ABC WUSA-TV9CBSWOL-AMSatelliteOne XMRadioWTOPRadio WHURWMMJWTTG-TV5FOXABCRadioRadioOne ClearChannel WMALRadioWPFWWRC-TV4NBCCurrentNewspapers ElTiempoLatinoElPregonero LaNacion HispanicLink HillRag TheIntowner WashingtonAfro-American KoreanTimes AsianFortuneCapitalCommunityNewsTheCommonDenominator TheWashingtonBusinessJournal WashingtonInformerCapitolSpotlightMedia relations were coordinated with Councilmember Jim Grahams offce, DDOT Director Emeka Monemes offce, and DDOTs Public Information Offcer, Erik Linden.Pre-eventnoticesappearedinTheWashingtonPostsDistrictWeekly,theNorthwestCurrent,andtheWashingtonInformer.Publicserviceannouncements(PSAs)weremadeonChannels4and16andWPFW.Channel16providedday-of-eventandpost-eventmediacoverageandairedeachcommunity meeting and workshop for fve days.Aphotographicrecordwasmadeofeachcommunitymeetingandworkshop.CopiesofeachSteeringCommitteeandcommunitymeetingsummarywereavailableatthePetworthandMartinLutherKingJr.LibrariesandonDDOTswebsite.E.F.G.H.I.FigureE-2:CitizensParticipateattheDesignWorkshopinwhichResidentswereGivenaChancetoConsiderChangesintheCorridorPage 2o LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor| LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Puo||c Vee||rgsThecomprehensivecommunityengagementforthestudyresultedinbroadawarenessandcommunityparticipation.SeveralcommunityleadersapplaudedDDOTforengaginglocalbusinessesandresidentstoparticipateintheearlydesignprocess.Thefollowingpublicmeetingswereheld:October10,2006 30peopleattendedtheinitialSteeringCommitteemeeting.November14,2006 70peopleparticipatedintheCommunityWorkshop.December6,2006 20peopleattendedtheSteeringCommitteemeeting.January27,2007100peopleparticipatedintheCommunityDesignWorkshop.May22,200760peopleparticipatedintheCommunityOpenHouseand DesignPresentation.Commentsandconcernsofbusinessownerswhowereunabletoattendthesemeetingswereobtainedduringdoor-to-dooroutreach.SomeownersexpressedconcernsthattheirbusinesseswouldbeadverselyaffectedbytheredevelopmentofGeorgiaAvenueduringconstructionandbyareductioninavailableon-streetparking.Thestudyaddressedtheseconcerns during its fnal design and proposal for off-street, garage parking.FigureE-3:DDOTDirectorEmekaMonemeInteractswithResidentsataCommunityMeetingPublicParticipationPage 27 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|PublicParticipation0rea| S|ree|s P|ar TheGreatStreetsFrameworkPlandevelopedtransportationrecommendationsforeachcorridor, defned in three modal parts: pedestrian/bicycle, transit, and vehicular. These recommendationswereusedasthefoundationfortheconceptdesign.Right-of-Way (ROW) ConfgurationTheillustrationsforSectionsAthroughDshowtheoptionsfortheright-of-wayconfgurations created by the Great Streets Framework Plan.Sections A and B illustrate twotravellanessouthbound(towardthedowntownWashingtonDCarea),andasinglelanenorthbound(towardtheSilverSpring,Maryland,area).OptionsCandDeachshowtwotravellanesinboththenorthboundandsouthbounddirections,withnotransitlanedesignation.ForSectionA,oneofthesouthboundtravellanesisdesignatedasasharedtransitlane,andtheotherwouldbeasingletravellane.Theonlytravellaneinthenorthbounddirectionforthissectionisasharedtransitlane.SectionBdiffersfromSectionAintheamountofright-of-wayallocatedforstreetscape(12feetoneachsideofthestreet).Theright-of-wayis50feetforbothSectionsAandB.Allsectionsincludean8-foot-wideparkinglaneineachdirection.ROWOption1RapidBusImprovementsSection A and B, the improvements create an asymmetrical confguration with travel lanesROWOption2StreetcarImprovementsCurbsidetransitstopswouldrequirethestreetcartomaneuverintoatravellanefromthesharedtransitlane.Pedestrian facilitiesTheGreatStreetsPlanrecommendsthatbulboutsbeconstructedatintersectionsadjacenttobusstopsanddedicatedparkinglanes.Inaddition,highvisibilitycrosswalkimprovementsweresuggestedforareasalongthecorridor.ForSectionBonly,thesidewalkwouldbewidenedtwofeetoneachside.F.CorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesFigureF-2:SectionBofProposedGreatStreetsCrossSectionFigureF-1:SectionAofProposedGreatStreetsCrossSectionPage 28 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|FigureF-3:SectionCofProposedGreatStreetsCrossSectionFigureF-4:SectionDofProposedGreatStreetsCrossSectionBike facilitiesSuggestedbicycleusesforthecorridorincludethefollowing:Facilitatebicycleuseatthesouthernendofthecorridorbyasignedbicyclerouteon6thStreetfromKStreettoUStreet.Theroutewouldcontinueon4thand5thStreetsbetweenTStreetandColumbiaRoad.Atthenorthernendofthecorridor,13thStreetwouldserveasasignedbicycleroutefromHarvardStreettoPineyBranchRoad.ExistingbicyclelanesonPineyBranchRoadarerecommendedtobeextendedto13thStreetintheBicycleMasterPlan.HarvardStreetandColumbiaRoadprovidedirectionalconnectivitybetweenthetworoutes.Vehicle/Parking facilitiesSignalcoordinationandtransitsignalprioritizationshouldbereviewedandimprovementsimplemented as necessary to provide an effcient and effective corridor for all modes of traffc.For all sections, left-turn pockets should be striped at intersections where no bulb-outsareplanned.Right-of-WayOption1RapidBusParkinglaneswouldbeprovidedalongtheentirelengthofthecorridor,andtheprovisionforoff-streetparkingatretaillocationswouldencouragepedestrianuseoftheareaoncetheirvehiclehasbeenparked.Travelingsouthboundintodowntown,twotravellaneswouldbemaintainedtheentirelengthofthecorridor.SectionsAandBwouldhaveonetravellanefromdowntown,transitioningtotwotravellanesinSectionsCandD.Right-of-WayOption2StreetcarParkinglaneswouldbeprovidedalongtheentirelengthofthecorridor,withtheexceptionofSectionC,whereparkingwouldberestrictedduringpeakperiods.Off-peaktravellaneswouldberestrictedtoasinglelaneineachdirection,asshowninSectionC.CorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesPage 29 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Corr|dor \|s|or Greatstreetsrarelyhappenbyaccident;greatstreetsrequirevision,knowledge,andimplementationtomakethemhappen.ThevisionstatedintheGreatStreetsFrameworkPlanfor7thStreet,GeorgiaAvenueisasfollows:ProvidingadirectconnectionfromDowntownSilverSpringandDowntownWashington,DC,GeorgiaAvenueisaveryurbancorridor.MajorEducational,InstitutionalandCulturaldestinationslinetheCorridor.HighqualityenhancedtransitshuttlespatronstotheDistinctandvariedretailandemploymentcentersseparatedbyexpandedresidentialneighborhoods.Inspirationfordesignisdrawnfromtherichculturaldiversity.Thevisionalsoincludescreatingacontext-sensitivetransportationnetworkwithGeorgiaandShermanAvenuesservingasfocuscorridorswhereimprovementswouldbemadetomakeeachstreetagreatplaceforwalking,commerce,casualinteraction,andtransportation.Inaddition,thevisionincludesmakingGeorgiaAvenueawalkable,invitingmultimodalcorridorthatdrawsonitsAfrican-Americanheritage,particularlythehistoricHowardUniversity,tocreateaculturaldestinationalongGeorgiaAvenuebetweenFloridaAvenueandBarryPlace.ThevisionincludestransitionstodistinctiveplacesnorthalongGeorgiaAvenuetoNewHampshireAvenuethattakeadvantageoftheGeorgiaAvenue/FloridaAvenueintersectiontocreateagatewayintothisculturalandhistoricaldestination.

Distinctive and dignifed themes and objectives for design opportunities for Georgia Avenueareasfollows:WalkabilityCultural/historicaldestinationGatewayEffcient operation of all modes Figure F-5: A Confuence of Several Attractive Design ElementsCorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesPage 30 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|0es|gr 0u|de||res ard L|erer|sWalkability ThegoalistopromotewalkabilitybyprovidingacomfortableandsafepedestrianexperiencealongGeorgiaandShermanAvenues.Thebeststreetsarepleasantforpedestrians.Theycontaindestinationsforthosewalkingandprioritizetheirneedssuchthatvehiclesareslowedtoallowsaferandmorecomfortablepedestriancrossings.Distinctive and complementary design elements:ImprovedcrossingsAlternativepavingmaterials,includingpermeableunitpaversStripingSignageWidesidewalksLandscapingBarriersremoved(pipingremoved)Treegrates/fences/boxesreplacedorrepairedBenchesGoodmaintenanceAlternative Paving MaterialsAlternative pavement materials provide opportunities for spatial defnition and the recognitionofspecialareas.Theyshouldbethoughtfullyselectedandarrangedsoastoachievethefollowing:Fulfll functional, safety, and durability requirements:Pavement materials should be ofhighquality,durable,andlowmaintenance.Thefurnishingzoneinretailareasshouldbeofpermeableunitpaverswhenpossible.FigureF-6:ExamplesofImprovedPedestrianCrossingsCorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesPage 31 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Supportandexpressthedesigntheme:Thedesign,color,andmaterialsofvisiblepavement should fulfll its supporting role as an important visual element of the overall designtheme.Numerousdesignsarepossible.Emphasizespecialareas:Specialpavingishighlyeffectiveatdelineatingspatialrelationshipsandcallingattentiontofocalareas.Specifc RecommendationsPedestriandesignelementsforthisprojecthavebeencategorizedintothefollowingthreeareas:GatewayimprovementsTransit-orientedimprovementstoimprove,ease,andenhancethewalk/transittransition.Crossingsshouldbesafeorshortened.Overallpedestrianactivitydesignelementsshouldenhancepedestrianactivityinthearea.Table F-1: Intersections where Opportunities Exist for Pedestrian EnhancementsGatewayTransit-OrientedEnhancedpedestrianactivityGeorgiaAvenueatFloridaAvenue * *GeorgiaAvenueatWStreet *GeorgiaAvenueatBarryPlace/BryantStreet*GeorgiaAvenueatIrvingStreet * *GeorgiaAvenueatLamontStreet * *GeorgiaAvenueatParkRoad * *GeorgiaAvenueatHowardPlace * *CorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesFigureF-7:ExamplesofAlternativePavingMaterialsPage 32 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Plannedpedestrianimprovementsatthefollowingkeyintersectionsshouldbereviewedtoensureappropriatepedestrianenhancementsaremade:ShermanAvenueandBarryPlaceShermanAvenueandEuclidStreetShermanAvenueandIrvingStreetShermanAvenueandParkRoadOpportunity Segments along Georgia Avenue for Pedestrian EnhancementsFloridaAvenuetoWStreetThis section of sidewalk is six feet wide, which typically is suffcient for pedestrian activity.However, a hedge adjacent to the sidewalk creates a confned feel for pedestrians.This section would beneft from pedestrian treatments, organized street furniture,andmorespaceforpedestrianactivity.ThissegmentshouldemphasizetheculturaldestinationandguidepedestrianstoHowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospital,aswellasotherimportantdestinations.WStreettoBarryPlaceCurrently this segment confnes pedestrians and has high volumes of traffc (all transportation modes).Organized street furniture and improved pedestrian fow are needed.ThesegmentshouldemphasizetheculturaldestinationandguidepedestrianstoHowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospitalasdistinctandimportantdestinations.BarryPlacetoEuclidStreetThissegmentpresentsexistingobstaclesformultimodaltransportation,includingahighchain-linkfenceonthewestsideofGeorgiaAvenueandawallontheeastside.ThelandscapingandplantingshouldcreatevarietyandevokeHowardUniversity.Streetscapedesignelementsshouldberescaledtocreateapedestrianpaththroughartandlandscape.Theheritageanddistinctivedesignelementsmentionedaboveshouldbecontinued,buttheyshouldtransitiontodesignelementsappropriateforresidentialandsmallbusinessesalongthissegment.FigureF-8:StreetFurnitureandDistinctivePlantingsCorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesPage 33 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|EuclidStreettoColumbiaRoadThissegmentcontainsseveralcurbcutsfordriveways.Inaddition,theexistingpedestrianenvironmenthasvaryingsidewalkwidthsandcontainsbarriers(piperailings).Smallbusinessesandretailarelocatedinthissegment.Thepedestrianrealmneedstobeimprovedbyremovingthepiperailings,unnecessarystreetsignsandsidewalkobstacles,enhancingpedestriancrossings,andpotentiallynarrowinglanewidthstoextendthesidewalkandshortenpedestriancrossings.AlleysshouldbeimprovedsodeliveriescanbemovedoffofGeorgiaAvenue.ColumbiaRoadtoNewHampshireAvenueThissegmentshouldcontinuethedistinctivethemeofthecorridorbutvarythedesignelements to refect the design of New Hampshire Avenue and be consistent with the priorities and intersection design expressed in the New Hampshire Avenue traffc study.Cultural/Historical Destinations The streetscape should refect, serve, and enhance the cultural and historical destination. DistinctiveandComplementaryDesignElements:ArchitecturalcontinuityDetaileddesignandqualityconstructionCulturalheritageplaquesandsignsStreetfurnitureAlternatepavingmaterialsPlantings and landscaping provide outstanding opportunities for spatial defnition andthepositiveexpressionoflandscapecharacterPublicartBikerackdesignthatevokestheAfrican-AmericanculturalthemeofthecorridorPedestrian-onlywalkway/plazastreetTransitsheltersandfacilitieswithculturalandhistoricaldesignGreenspaceCorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesFigureF-9:ExamplesofWideSidewalkswithLandscapingPage 34 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Cultural/HistoricalDestinationOpportunityAreas:AnopportunityexistsattheSherman/Florida/Bryantintersectiontocreateacomplementarygatewaywithapublicart/performancespace/smallparkspace.Eventswouldnotbeprogrammed;ratherthiswouldbeaspacewherethecommunitycangatherforoutdoormusic,artsandcraftsexhibits,andgames.Anopportunityexistsforapedestrian-onlywalkwayorplazastreet,whichwouldserveasapromenadeforpedestriansalongthepotentialextensionsofBryantandWStreets.Opportunityareasshouldbefocusedatthefollowinglocations(seeFigureF-12):Sherman/Florida/BryantAvenuesareaSegmentfromFloridaAvenuetoBarryStreetSegmentfromBarryStreettoEuclidStreetFiguresF-13andF-14representtheDUKEplansvisionforGeorgiaAvenuefromFloridaAvenuetoRhodeIslandAvenue.TheDUKEPlanseekstoguidefuturedevelopmentstrategicallybycapitalizinguponthehistoriccontextofGeorgiaAvenuetorestorethisareaintoacontemporaryuptownneighborhoodwith18-hourdestinations.TheDUKEPlanhelpedtocreateavisionforpartofLowerGeorgiaAvenue,andisconsistentwithDDOTsvisionforLowerGeorgiaAvenue.A.B.C.FigureF-11:CulturalHeritagePlaque FigureF-10:DistinctiveLightingElementsCorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesFigureF-12:OpportunityAreaoftheLowerGeorgiaAvenueCorridorABCPage 35 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|CorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesGatewaysAgatewayisademarcationprovidingavisualcuetotravelersthattheyareenteringanarea,district,orneighborhood.Gatewaysarecontextsensitiveandvarywidely.Theycanbeindicatedbysimplesignsorspeciallandscapetreatmentsaswellaselaborateandformalmarkers,suchasanobelisk,archway,orsculpture.Theycanalsobeestablishedexperientiallythroughthesequentialplacementofseveralrelatedelements.TheintersectionofGeorgiaandFloridaAvenuesprovidesanopportunityforagateway.DistinctiveandComplementaryGatewayDesignElements:Formal/dramaticdemarcation(suchasasculpture,arch,obelisk,orotherpublicartform) that establishes the cultural/historical theme of the corridor and signifes the entranceofanewplaceDistinctivepavingfortheentireintersectionofGeorgiaandFloridaAvenues,includingtheintersectionsinterior(box)Cultural/specialmarking(suchasmusicnotes)onpedestriancrossingsatintersectionStreetfurniturethemeatintersectionChanginganddistinctivesignagethroughoutthecorridorTransitstopsincorporatingculturalthemesthroughoutthecorridorPlantingshungonlightpolestomarkentryFigureF-14:StreetscapeRenderingfromtheDUKEPlanFigureF-13:StreetscapeRenderingfromtheDUKEPlanFigureF-15:AnExampleofGatewayDesignPage 3o LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|FigureF-16:VariousBicycleRackDesignsEffcient Operation of All ModesMultimodaloperationsshouldsupportthecorridorasavibrantculturalandhistoricaldestinationaswellasawalkableplace.Transitandemergencyvehiclesmustbeabletooperate effciently. DistinctiveandComplementaryDesignElements:Modify lane confgurations and geometry to accommodate all modes of transportationCoordinatepotentialgeometrychangeswithtransitsignalprioritization,dependingon analysis and modifcationEnsure effcient operations and design for transit (including express bus) and emergencyvehiclesConsolidatedrivewaysandeliminatecurbcutswherepossibleSide streets:add bike-detected loops to give bikes suffcient time at crossingsMaximizeon-streetparallelparkingandidentifyopportunitiesfordiagonalparkingcutouts,wherepossibleIdentifyopportunitiesforpedestrianrefugeisland(s),whereappropriateIntersectionAlternativesandOperationsAnalysis:RoundaboutatFloridaandShermanAvenuesNoleftturnfromGeorgiaAvenuetoFloridaAvenueDedicatedleftlaneonGeorgiaAvenuetoBryantPlacePedestrian signal timings review for suffciency and adjustment at key pedestrian crossingsPedestrianSignalTimingprovidingpedestriantwosecondheadstartatkeypedestriancrossingsCorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesPage 37 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|CorridorRevitalizationVision&GuidelinesCorridorAlternativesandModelingScenarios:RemoveparkingbetweenFloridaAvenueandBryantAvenueProvideTransit-onlylaneProvideTransitandturning-onlylanesReviewHowardTownCentermodelandassumptionsAnalyzeorigin-destinationhigh-quality,high-capacitycorridormaysupportdevelopment goals of the place versus regional traffc passing through the corridorFigureF-17:ExamplesofTransit-OnlyLanesinPracticePage 38 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExistingConditions0.Lard use|. L|s||rg Lard use ard 0eve|oprer|||.Proposed Lard use ard 0eve|oprer|l.L|s||rg Cord|||ors Trarspor|a||or|. 0escr|p||or o| ||e Corr|dor||.0verv|eW o| S|ud] lr|ersec||orsiii. Traffc Conditions|v. Par||rg Cord|||orsv.Trars|| Fac|||||esv|. Pedes|r|ar ard 8|c]c|e Fac|||||esv||.Sa|e|]l.L|s||rg Cord|||ors Puo||c Rea|r|. S|deWa||s||.L|g|||rg|||. S|ree| Furr|s||rgs|v. l|s|or] ard Cu||ure Page 39 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|L|s||rg Lard use ard 0eve|oprer|TravelingnorthalongGeorgianeartheintersectionofFloridaAvenue,landuseisprimarilyinstitutionalaroundHowardUniversity,HowardUniversityHospital,andBannekerHighSchool.AclusterofretailbusinessesarelocatedatBarryPlace,includingafast-foodrestaurantdrive-through,andBryantStreet,includinganumberofsmallretailshops,acoffeeshop,andauniversitybookstore.FromthevicinityofEuclidStreettravelingnorth,thewestsideofGeorgiaAvenuecomprisessmallretailestablishments,includingtake-outrestaurants,ahealthfoodstore,avideorental,barbershops,automotiverepair,andconveniencestores.TheeastsideofGeorgiaAvenuecontainsuniversitybuildingsuntilapproximatelyHobartStreetwheresmallretailbusinessesarelocated.Proposed Lard use ard 0eve|oprer|

Overlay ZoningThe Offce of Planning proposed that the zoning commission add anewcommercialoverlayzonefortheGeorgiaAvenue/PetworthMetroStationarea.ThiszoningoverlayforGeorgiaAvenueispartofastrategytoattractinvestment,createjobs,andenhancethecorridorsimage.FigureG-1:ExistingLandUseintheLowerGeorgiaAvenuecorridorG. LandUsePage 40 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ThefollowingobjectivesoftheoverlaydistrictwereoutlinedinamemorandumfromtheOffce of Planning to the Zoning Commission (November 2006):ImplementthegoalsoftheGreatStreetsFrameworkEncourageadditionalresidentialusesEncourageimprovedcommercialusesProvidecommondesignstandardsProposed DevelopmentSeveralnewdevelopmentsareslatedforconstructionalongGeorgiaAvenue,whichwouldtransformthecorridorintoaseriesofneighborhoodcoreswithvibrantanddiverseretailcentersandhigherqualitymultifamilyresidentialdevelopments.ExamplesofthesedevelopmentsincludetheGeorgiaAvenue/PetworthMetrorailstationarea,theColumbia/Harvardintersections,andHowardTownCenter.Mixed-usedevelopmentisbeingconstructedneartheGeorgiaAvenue/PetworthMetrorailstationareawith148condominiumsand17,000squarefeetofretail.Amixofhigh-densityresidentialdevelopmentandlocalretailservicesisproposedneartheColumbia/Harvardintersections.Howard University will develop a signifcant portion of its land into a residential, offce, and retail center to be called Howard Town Center, which will include morethan300apartments,72,000squarefeetofretailincludingahigh-endgrocerystore,and500publicparkingspaces.Developmentsproposedorunder-constructionareshowninFiguresG-5andG-6.Figure G-2: Planned Overlay Zoning Districtfor Lower Georgia AvenueLandUseFigureG-3:GeorgiaAvenue/PetworthMetrorailstationDevelopmentFigureG-4:HowardTownCenterDevelopmentPage 41 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|LandUseFigureG-5:NorthernPortionofStudyArea4136GeorgiaAvenueTheResidencesatGeorgiaAvenue-4100GeorgiaAvenueNW4000BlockWest-GeorgiaAvenueNW3910-3912GeorgiaAvenueNW3800BlockWest-GeorgiaAvenueNW(SafewaySite)3800BlockEast-GeorgiaAvenueNWPetworthMetro-3700BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW3600BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW3600BlockGeorgiaAvenueNW3500BlockEast-GeorgiaAvenueNW3400BlockEast-GeorgiaAvenueNWLamontLoftsPhaseII-3300BlockGeorgiaAvenueNWLamontLoftsPhaseI-701LamontStreetNW1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.13.FigureG-6:SouthernPortionofStudyAreaHowardTownCenterPhaseI-2100BlockGeorgiaAvenueNWAtlanticPlumbingPropertiesTheFloridia-9thStreet&AvenueNWTheRhapsody-2120VermontAvenueNWAtlanticPlumbingPropertiesHowardTownCenterPhaseI-2100BlockGeorgiaAvenueNWHousingFinanceAgencySiteAtlanticPlumbingPropertiesWMATA-Shaw-HowardUniversityParcelsWMATA-Shaw-HowardUniversityParcels1900Block8thStreetNWWMATA-Shaw-HowardUniversityParcelsDunbarTheatreApartmentsNCRCParcelClevelandElementarySchoolHowardUniversity-TemporaryOffcesBroadcastCenterOneHowardTheatre-629TStreetNWWonderBreadBuildingNCRCParcelUnitedHouseofPrayer-AdjacentLandNCRCParcelNCRCParcelWathaT.DanielShawNeighborhoodLibrary14.15.16.17.18.19.20.21.22.23.24.25.26.27.28.29.30.31.32.33.34.35.36.37.Page 42 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|0escr|p||or o| ||e Corr|dorOverview of Major Streets in the Study AreaGeorgiaAvenueGeorgiaAvenue(US29),runsnorth-southandcontinuesintoMarylandwhereitbecomesMD 97.Georgia Avenue is classifed as a primary arterial and is part of the National HighwaySystem.ItconnectsWashingtonDCtoI-495andisoneofthe19primaryemergencyevacuation/eventroutes(Eroutes)intheDistrict,aswellasasnowemergencyroute.The 2002 average annual weekday traffc (AAWT) on Georgia Avenue was 21,400 vehicles.Thepostedspeedlimitis30milesperhour(mph)withinthestudyarea.GeorgiaAvenuehastwotravellanesineachdirectionwithparallelparkingalongthecurb.Themajorlanduseiscommercialwithsomeresidential.FloridaAvenueAtthesouthernboundaryofthestudyarea,FloridaAvenueisaprincipalarterial.ThewesternterminusofFloridaAvenueisatPStreetand23rdStreet.TheeasternterminusisatHStreet,NEandMarylandAvenueNE.Inthestudyarea,FloridaAvenuecarriesthreewestboundlanesandtwoeastboundlanesbetweenShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenue.The2002AAWTwas27,500vehicles.NewHampshireAvenueNewHampshireAvenueisaminorarterialthatbeginsattheKennedyCenterandextendsnortheastintoMarylandwhereitbecomesMD650.Inthestudyarea,NewHampshireAvenuecarriestwolanesineachdirectionwithparallelon-streetparking.Thepostedspeedlimitis30mphwithinthestudyarea.ShermanAvenueShermanAvenuerunsnorth-southfromitsnorthernterminusatNewHampshireAvenuetoitssouthernendatFloridaAvenue.Itisafour-laneroadwaywithon-streetparallelparking.Duetoutilitywork,southboundShermanAvenueiscurrentlyreducedtoonelanebetweenH.ExistingConditions-TransportationFigureH-1:GeorgiaAvenueNearNewHampshireAvenuePage 43 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|KenyonStreetandIrvingStreetandbetweenGirardStreetandFairmontStreet.Parkingalongthestreetwithintheaboveportionsisrestrictedbetween7:00a.m.and6:00p.m.fordifferentdays.Thepostedspeedlimitis25mph.The2002AAWTonShermanAvenuewas16,000vehicles.ColumbiaRoadColumbiaRoadisone-waywestboundwithtwotravellanesfromParkRoadtoConnecticutAvenue.On-streetparkingisallowedonbothsidesofthestreet.The2002AAWTwas4,500vehicles.Curbparkingonthesouthsideofthestreetisrestrictedtoresidentswitha Zone 1 permit.Parking for others is limited to two hours between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.,MondaythroughFriday.Onthenorthsideofthestreet,parkingisrestrictedbetweenthehoursof7:00a.m.and4:00p.m.,MondaythroughFriday.ThemajorlandusealongColumbiaRoadisresidential.HarvardStreetHarvardStreetisone-wayeastboundfrom16thStreetto5thStreet.The2002AAWTwas5,000 vehicles.Parking on both sides of the street is permitted for residences with a Zone 1permit.Forallothers,parkingisrestrictedtotwohoursbetween7:00a.m.and8:30p.m.,MondaythroughFridayonthenorthsideofthestreet,andbetween9:30a.m.and4:00p.m.,MondaythroughFridayonthesouthsideofthestreet.IrvingStreetIrvingStreetisone-wayeastboundfromAdamsMillRoadtoParkRoad.EastofParkRoad,this street carries two-way traffc.The 2002 AAWT was 7,000 vehicles.Between Sherman AvenueNWandGeorgiaAvenueNWparkingispermittedonthenorthsideofthestreet.However, the majority of this section is restricted to Zone 1 permit holders.Parking for all othersislimitedtotwohoursbetween7:00a.m.and8:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.Ashortsegment(30feet)onthenorthsideofthestreetattheeastendisrestrictedtothree-hourparkingbetween7:00a.m.and6:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.Onthesouthsideofthestreet,parkingisrestrictedbetween7:00a.m.and6:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.KenyonStreetKenyonStreetisone-waywestboundfromParkRoadto14thStreet.The2002AAWTwasFigureH-2:GeorgiaAvenueFacingNorthPage 44 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|5,100 vehicles.On the south side of the street, parking is restricted to Zone 1 permit holders. Parkingforallothersislimitedtotwohoursbetween7:00a.m.and8:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.Onthenorthside,parkingisrestrictedbetween7:00a.m.and9:30a.m.and4:00p.m.to6:30p.m.MondaythroughFriday.CollectorRoadsTheremainingstreetswithinthestudyareaarecollectorroadsandareasfollows:OtisPlace,NewtonPlace,MortonStreet,LamontStreet,HobartPlace,GreshamPlace,GirardStreet,FairmontStreet,EuclidStreet,BarryPlace,VStreet,8thStreet,and9thStreet.0verv|eW o| ||e S|ud] lr|ersec||orsTraffc (vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle) data were collected at the following 13 intersections:GeorgiaAvenueatNewHampshireAvenueGeorgiaAvenueatParkRoadGeorgiaAvenueatIrvingStreetGeorgiaAvenueatHarvardStreetGeorgiaAvenueatBarryPlaceGeorgiaAvenueatBryantStreetGeorgiaAvenueatWStreetGeorgiaAvenueatFloridaAvenueNewHampshireAvenueatSpringRoadNewHampshireAvenueatMonroeStreet/ParkRoad/ShermanAvenueShermanAvenueatKenyonStreetShermanAvenueatColumbiaRoadFloridaAvenueatVermontAvenueGeorgia Avenue at New Hampshire Avenueisasix-legintersection.TheadditionaltwolegsoftheintersectionareformedbyRockCreekChurchRoad.TheRockCreekChurchExistingConditions-TransportationFigureH-3:FloridaAvenueFacingWestFigureH-4:NewHampshireAvenueFacingNortheastPage 45 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExistingConditions-TransportationRoadlegsareone-way,leavingtheintersectioninopposingdirections.Theintersectionissignal-controlledwithtwo-phasemovements:GeorgiaAvenuefollowedbyNewHampshireAvenue.Pedestriancrossingsaremarkedonallapproaches.BothNewHampshireAvenueand Georgia Avenue are four-lane roadways.A painted median separates traffc on New HampshireAvenue.TheGeorgiaAvenue-PetworthMetrorailstationandadjacentbusstopsgeneratepedestrianvolumeatthisintersection.Georgia Avenue at Park Roadisanoffsetintersection.Theintersectioniscontrolledby a traffc signal with two-phase movements.Pedestrian crosswalks are marked on all approacheswithpedestriansignalindications.Georgia Avenue at Irving Streetisathree-phasesignal-controlledintersectionwithaleadingleft-turnphasesouthbound.IrvingStreetisone-wayeastbound.Pedestrianindicationsandmarkedcrosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.Theeastboundapproachof Irving Street contains rumble strips to slow traffc. Georgia Avenue at Harvard StreetisaskewedintersectionwiththeeastapproachofHarvardStreetintersectingGeorgiaAvenueata30-degreeangle.HarvardStreetisone-wayeastbound with two lanes.The intersection is controlled by a two-phase traffc signal with pedestrianindicationsandmarkedcrosswalks.Georgia Avenue at Barry Place is a T intersection controlled by a three-phase traffc signal.Anorthboundleft-turnarrowfollowstheGeorgiaAvenuethroughmovement.BarryPlacehasaone-laneapproacheastbound.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarkedcrosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.Theintersectionisoneofthehighestpedestrianvolumeintersectionsinthestudyarea.Georgia Avenue at Bryant Street isaTintersectioncontrolledbyatwo-phasesignal.BryantStreetisone-wayeastbound.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarkedcrosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.Georgia Avenue at W Street isaTintersectioncontrolledbyatwo-phasesignal.WStreetisone-waywestbound.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarkedcrosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.FigureH-5:ShermanAvenueFacingNorthPage 4o LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Georgia Avenue at Florida Avenueiscontrolledbyathree-phasesignalwithaprotectedsouthboundleft-turnphase.Pedestriansignalindicationsandmarkedcrosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.Thisintersectionhasthehighestpedestrianandbicyclevolumesinthestudyarea.Twobusstopsarelocatedonthesouthwestandnortheastcornersoftheintersection.TwoadditionalbusstopsareoneachsideofFloridaAvenue.New Hampshire Avenue at Spring Road / Princeton Placecurrentlyisastop-controlledintersection,althoughithasbeensignal-controlledinthepast.NewHampshireAvenueoperatesfreely,andtheSpringRoadapproachiscontrolledbyastopsign.NovehiclesapproachtheintersectionviaPrincetonPlacebecauseitisone-wayeastboundleavingtheintersection.New Hampshire Avenue at Sherman Avenue / Monroe Street / Park Road is a fve-leg intersection controlled by a two-phase signal.The ffth leg, Park Road, carries one-way traffc westbound out of the intersection.Pedestrian signal indications and marked crosswalksareprovidedforallcrossings.Sherman Avenue at Kenyon Street isafour-legintersectionwithKenyonStreetlimitedto one-way westbound traffc.A two-phase signal controls intersection movements.No pedestriansignalindicationisprovided,butmarkedcrosswalksarelocatedatallcrossings.Sherman Avenue at Columbia Roadisasignal-controlledintersectionwithtwo-phasemovement.ColumbiaRoadisone-waywestbound.Pedestrianphasesareprovidedforallcrossings.Florida Avenue at Vermont AvenueisaTintersectioncontrolledbyatwo-phasesignal.LeftturnsareprohibitedfromnorthboundFloridaAvenueontoVermontAvenue.Nopedestriansignalindicationisprovidedforthisintersection.CrosswalksaremarkedacrossVermontAvenueandFloridaAvenueonthenorthsideoftheintersection.ExistingConditions-TransportationFigureH-6:ShermanAvenueatMonroeStreetandParkRoadPage 47 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExistingConditions-TransportationTraffc ConditionsData Collection and AnalysisTurning-movementcountswerecollectedformid-daypeak,PMpeak,andSaturday(SAT)periods at 13 intersections.Seven-day automatic vehicle speed and classifcation counts wererecordedatfourlocations.Aparkinginventoryandparking-demandsurveywereconducted,alongwithalimitedorigin-destinationstudy.CrashdatawasobtainedfromDDOT.Turning Movement VolumesManualturningmovementcountswereconductedonTuesday,Wednesday,orThursdayfrom11:00a.m.to2:00p.m.forthemiddaycountsand3:30p.m.to6:30p.m.forthePMpeakcounts.Saturdaycountswereconductedonnon-holidaySaturdaysfrom10:00a.m.to2:00p.m.Thecountsincludedvehicle,pedestrian,andbicyclemovements.Turning-movementdata were also obtained from a previous New Hampshire Avenuetraffc study, whichdid notincludepedestrianorbicyclevolumes.Themid-day,PM,andSaturdaypeakhourvolumesareshowninFiguresH-8throughH-10.Theturning-movementvolumedataindicatethatthePMpeakvolumesarehigherthanmid-daypeakvolumesforallofthestudyintersections.TheintersectionofGeorgiaAvenueatBarryPlace,locatednearHowardUniversity,hasthehighestSaturdayvehiclevolume.AreasadjacenttoHowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospital,aswellastheintersectionofGeorgiaAvenueatFloridaAvenue,havethehighestpedestrianactivityinthestudyarea.ThehighestbicyclevolumeisattheintersectionofGeorgiaAvenueandFloridaAvenueduringthePMpeakandSATpeakperiods.FigureH-7:ShermanAvenueNearFloridaAvenuePage 48 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExistingConditions-TransportationFigureH-8:Mid-dayPeak-HourIntersectionVolumesFigureH-10:SaturdayPeak-HourIntersectionVolumesFigureH-9:PMPeak-HourIntersectionVolumesPage 49 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExistingConditions-TransportationParkingParking InventoryOn-streetparkingwasinventoriedforallarterialandcollectorroadsinthestudyarea.Thenumberofparkingspaces,andanyparkingrestrictionswerenotedforeachroadway.Theparkinginventorywasusedtoevaluatethetotalparkingcapacityontheroads.Throughoutthestudyarea,on-streetparkingisrestrictedinsomewayforallofthestudiedroadways.Themostcommontypesofparkingrestrictionsinvolvetime-regulatedparkinginresidentialzonesandmeteredparking.On-streetparkingisalsoprohibitedduringdesignatedstreet-cleaningperiods.Inaddition,on-streetparkinginsomelocationsisprohibitedentirely.Metered parking is regulated by meters that limit parking to one, two, three, or fve hours.Residential zone parking is designated as Zone 1, Zone 4, or overlapped (Zones 1 and 4).Forthisstudy,allmeteredparkingspaceswerecounted.Parkingspacesrestrictedbydistanceorzone(e.g.,time-regulatedparking),werecalculatedbyconvertingthedistancebetweenparkingrestrictionsignstothenumberofvehiclesthatcouldparkwithinthisdistanceusinganassumptionof25feetpervehicle.Parking DemandParkingdemandreferstotheamountofparkingusedataparticulartime,place,andprice.It is a critical factor in evaluating parking effciency.The parking demand data collected forthisstudyfocusedonon-streetparkingalongShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenue.Todeterminetheweekdaydailyparkingdemand,theoccupancyoftheavailableparkingspacesalongShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenueinsidethestudyareawerecountedanddocumentedeachhourbetween6:30a.m.and6:30p.m.onWednesday,December15,2006.Parking demand also refects parking adequacy, which indicates whether suffcient parking existsataparticulartimeandlocation.Theratioderivedfromdemandversuscapacityshowstherelationshipbetweenparkingneedandsupply.Parkingcapacityisderivedfromtheavailableparkingspacescountedintheinventory.Aratiogreaterthanoneindicatesthatparkingdemandinaparticularlocationandataparticulartimeexceedsparkingcapacity.FigureH-11:ParkingonGeorgiaAvenuePage 50 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Transit FacilitiesAnumberofpublictransportationmodesservethestudyarea:Metrobusroutes70/71,66,68,and79travelnorth-south.MetrobusroutesH1,H2,H3,H4,H8,andX3traveleast-west.Metrorailhasastopateachendofthestudyarea. -Inthenorth,theGeorgiaAvenuePetworthStationisneartheintersectionof GeorgiaAvenueandNewHampshireAvenue. -Inthesouth,theAfrican-AmericanCivilWarMemorial/CardozoStationisatU Streetand11thStreet.Bus The70/71routes(theGeorgiaAvenueand7thStreetLine)servesGeorgiaAvenueinbothdirections.TheSilverSpringStationisatthenorthernendofthislineadjacenttotheDC/Marylandborder.ThesouthernendofthelineisatBuzzardPoint,whichisnorthoftheAnacostiaRiver.The70/71routestopsatthreelocationsinsidethestudyarea:GeorgiaAvenueatNewHampshireAvenue,GeorgiaAvenueatIrvingStreet,andGeorgiaAvenueatFloridaAvenue.The66,68routes(thePetworth11thStreetLine)beginsinthenorthattheGeorgiaAvenuePetworthStationattheintersectionofGeorgiaAvenueatQuincyStreet.ItssouthernterminusisatFederalTriangleStation,whichisnear10th/12thStreetatConstitutionAvenue.Inthestudyarea,onlyroute68servesShermanAvenue.Theroute66isnotinthestudyarea.Thisrouterunsalong11thStreet,whichisparalleltoShermanAvenue.Routes66and68divergeattheintersectionofNewHampshireAvenueatMonroeStreetandconvergeattheintersectionof11thStreetatVermontAvenue.Theroute68beginsattheGeorgiaAvenuePetworthStationandmakesonestopatShermanAvenueatIrvingStreet.ItsnextstopisatVermontAvenueatUStreet,whichisjustoutsideandsouthwestofthestudyarea.FigureH-12:WMATABusandRailRoutesintheStudyAreaExistingConditions-TransportationPage 51 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ThenewMetroExtraBRTservice(79line)operatesalongGeorgiaAvenuewithaheadwayof10minutesduringPMpeakhours.The70/71linetakesapproximatelyonehourtotravelthrough54busstopsalongthecorridorfromArchivestoSilverSpring.Thetraveltimeofthe79lineisdecreasedtoapproximately45minutesthrough15busstops.Metrorail FacilitiesTheMetrorailGreenLinerunningbetweentheGreenbeltandBranchAvenueStationshasthreestopsnearthestudyarea.TheUStreet/African-AmericanCivilWarMemorial/CardozoStationisatthesouthernendofthestudyarea.TheColumbiaHeightsStationisat14thStreetandIrvingStreetonthewestsideofthestudyarea.TheGeorgiaAvenuePetworthStationisatGeorgiaAvenueandNewHampshireAvenueatthenorthendofthestudyarea.Bicycle FacilitiesBicyclistsinthestudyareamustcurrentlysharelaneswithmotorvehiclesorrideonthesidewalk,exceptintheeasternedgeofthestudyareaon4thStreetandWarderStreetwherebikelaneshavebeeninstalled.Itcanbedangerousforbicycliststosharelaneswithmotorvehicles,especiallywhenbicyclistsaretravelingbetweenmovingandparkedvehicles.Mixingbicyclesandpedestriansonalimitedsidewalkareacanalsobedangerous.ThebicycleroutemapshowingcurrentbicyclefacilitiesinthestudyareaisfoundintheDistrictofColumbiaBicycleMasterPlan.AnenlargedmapisshowninFigureH-13.SignedbicycleroutesareonNewHampshireAvenue,LamontStreet,KenyonStreet,ColumbiaRoad,andHarvardStreet.Asignedbicyclerouteistypicallydesignatedalongmorelightlytraveledresidentialorsecondaryroadsthatmayfollowthesamegeneralcorridorasmoreheavilytraveledarterialhighways.Theroutesareindicatedbysignsthatmay or may not have a specifc route number.FigureH-17showsthatthepercentageofpeoplewhoprefertocommutebybicycleishigherinthecentralpartofthestudyareathaninotherpartsofthestudyarea.Themid-day,PM,andSaturdaypeakhourbicyclevolumesbyintersectionareshowninFigureH-13:BicycleRoutesintheVicinityoftheStudyAreaExistingConditions-TransportationPage 52 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExistingConditions-TransportationFigureH-14:Mid-dayPeak-HourBicycleVolumesFigureH-16:SaturdayPeak-HourBicycleVolumesFigureH-15:PMPeak-HourBicycleVolumesPage 53 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|ExistingConditions-TransportationFiguresH-14throughH-16.Pedestrian FacilitiesMosteast-weststreetsinthestudyareaareresidential.ShermanAvenueisprimarilyresidentialwithsporadiccommercialsites.GeorgiaAvenuehasahighnumberofpedestriansbecauseitcontainsprimarilycommercialandacademicusesmixedwithsomeresidentialareas.Thewidthofasidewalkisaprimeindicatorofitspedestriancapacityandpedestrianfriendliness.Themid-day,PM,andSaturdaypeakhourpedestrianvolumesbyintersectionareshowninFiguresH-18throughH-20.Accident SummaryToassessthesafetyconditionsinthestudyarea,accidentsummaryreportsfor20032005wereobtainedforintersectionsalongShermanAvenueandGeorgiaAvenue.Theaccidentsummaryreportslistedaccidentsbycollisiontype(s),andthetimeoftheoccurrence.Thedataindicatedthat2004hadmoreaccidentsthaneither2003or2005forbothofthetwocorridors.Thetotalnumberofinjuriesonbothcorridorsshowedanincreaseeachyearfrom2003to2005.FigureH-17:PercentageofWorkerswhoCommutebyBicycletoJobsintheStudyAreaPage 54 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|FigureH-18:Mid-dayPeak-HourPedestrianVolumesFigureH-20:SaturdayPeak-HourPedestrianVolumesFigureH-19:PMPeak-HourPedestrianVolumesExistingConditions-TransportationPage 55 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|FigureH-21:CrashDatafromDDOTAccidentSummaryReport*FigureH-22:PedestrianAccidentData(2002-2004)fromDDOT*Crashdatamissingforthefollowingintersections:GeorgiaAvenueandFloridaAvenue;ShermanAvenueandGreshamPlace;ShermanAvenueandHobartPlace;ShermanAvenueandMortonStreet.ExistingConditions-TransportationPage 5o LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|Streetscape and Urban DesignSidewalksSidewalkconditionsvarygreatlyfromgoodtoverypoor.SidewalkwidthsonGeorgiaAvenuerangefromfourtosixfeet,dependingonlocation.FromFloridaAvenuetoWStreet, the sidewalk is typically suffcient for pedestrian activity. However, a hedge exists adjacent to the sidewalk creating a confned feel for pedestrians. From W Street to Barry Place, there are tight sidewalks widths in front of Wonder Plaza, thus resulting in ineffcient pedestrian fows.North of Barry Place, although the sidewalks are wide in this area, there is ahighchain-linkfenceonthewestsideofGeorgiaAvenueandawalloneastsideofGeorgiaAvenuelimitingthepedestrianexperience.FromEuclidStreettoColumbiaRoad,sidewalkwidthsvaryandseveralcurbcutsfordrivewaysexistthatdisruptpedestrianmovement.Also,thereissteelpipinglocatedontheeastsidewalksthatcreatesabarrierforcrossingpedestriansandparkingpatrons.NorthofColumbiaRoad,thesidewalksarewide.OnShermanAvenue,sidewalkwidthsaregenerallynarrow,rangingfromaslittleastwofeettosixfeet.Thesesidewalksarelocatedrightnexttoresidentialfrontyardsandlowretainingwalls.Thereisusuallynotenoughroomtowalkonsidewalksespeciallynearstreetlightpoles, traffc poles, and traffc cabinets. Utilities placed in the sidewalk make it impossible to navigatethisareainawheelchair.CurbandguttermaterialsvarythroughoutGeorgiaandShermanAvenues.Mostcurbsareconstructedwithconcreteorgranitecurbsandbrickgutters.However,insomelocations,boththecurbandgutterareconstructedofconcrete.Urban DesignThereisnotaconsistenturbandesignalongGeorgiaAvenue.GeorgiaAvenuefromFloridatoNewHampshireAvenuesisnotoneplace,butseverallargesegmentswithanumberofsmallerfocalpointslocatedwithineachsegment.BusinesseslocatednorthofHarvardStreetappeartoservemostlyneighborhoodneeds,whilethebusinesseslocatedsouthofHarvardStreetappeartoserveHowardUniversityandHowardUniversityHospital.I.ExistingConditions-PublicRealmFiguresI-1&I-2:SidewalkConditionsonGeorgiaAvenueFigureI-4:DeterioratedBrickSidewalkonGeorgiaAvenueFigureI-3:DeterioratedConcreteSidewalkonGeorgiaAvenuePage 57 LoWer 0eorg|a Averue Trarspor|a||or ard S|ree|scape lrproverer| S|ud] F|ra| Repor|GeorgiaandShermanAvenuesrepresentdifferentstreettypesandservedifferentfunctions.OnGeorgiaAvenue,thelandusevariesfromeducationaltoresidentialtosmallbusinesses.Eachsmallbusinesshasitsowndistinctivecharacteristics.Mostresideinolderstructureswhichshowstheirage.Theresidentialsectionvariesfromsmallrowhousestosmallandmoderately-sizedapartments.OnShermanAvenue,thefunctionismostlyresidential,howeverbecauseofthestreetscurrentfunctionasacommutercut-through;theresidentialfeeloftheShermanAvenuecommunityissometimeslost.TherearenoidentifyinggatewayfeaturesateitherFloridaorNewHampshireAvenuestointroducethedriver,pedestrian,bicyclist,ortransitusertothedistinctiveandhistoricnatureofGeorgiaAvenue.Thesidewalkcontinuityisinterruptedbyanumberofnewspaperboxes,telephonepolesandsignage.Thiscluttercreatesvisibilityproblemsfordriversandpedestriansinadditiontotakingupusefulsidewalkspace.RoadwayTheright-of-way(ROW)forGeorgiaAvenueis90feet,butmostoftheROWinmostlocationsisbeingencroacheduponbybuildings.GeorgiaAvenuefromNewHampshireAvenuetoColumbiaRoadhasaroadwaywidthcurb-to-curbof60feet.SouthofColumbiaRoad,thiswidthreducestoa55-footwidthattheBarryPlaceintersection.SouthofBarryPlace,thewidthofGeorgiaAvenuereducesfrom55feetto48feetattheFloridaAvenueintersection.Thischangeinroadwaywidthcontributestothenarrowingoftravellanes on Georgia Avenue, leading to ineffective traffc operation.It also contributes to an inconsistencyinurbandesignforthecorridor.ShermanAvenuehasaROWof100feet,andaroadwaywidthof60feetfromFloridaAvenuetoParkRoad.A