Letter to DDOT

Karrenthya Simmons ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSIONER 3/4G Single Member District (SMD) 05

Dear Theodore Van Houten,

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed safety improvements at Oliver Street and Northampton Street as part of the Connecticut Avenue Multimodal Safety Project. Safety for all road users must be a top priority along the Connecticut Avenue corridor. These intersections are used daily by people walking, biking, and driving, including children, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges. The proposed changes at Oliver and Northampton Streets will improve visibility and make crossings safer. Enhancements such as improved crosswalks, daylighting, curb extensions, and better sightlines will help drivers more easily see people walking and biking and reducing the potential for collisions. I also strongly support prohibiting the left turn from southbound Connecticut Avenue onto eastbound Northampton Street. This change will reduce cut-through and commuter traffic on residential streets, encouraging drivers to stay on Connecticut Avenue as the primary route into the District. In turn, it will calm traffic and improve safety on neighborhood blocks. These updates align with the District’s Vision Zero commitment and reflect community support, as shown by the joint resolution from ANC 3/4G and ANC 3F, which emphasizes safer intersections, improved walkability, and traffic calming. I urge DDOT to move forward with these improvements to make the neighborhood safer and more livable. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Karrenthya Simmons Commissioner, ANC 3/4G SMD 05