Fwd: Virginia Avenue Railroad Tunnel Update Nov 18, 2009

[Mike McEleney]

Thank you to everyone for the expanded interest in this update. Today's circulation is already more than twice the inaugural issue. Today's issue : Loose Lips in the City Paper, closed lips from Tommy Wells and big tips to Fenty from CSX.

 

First good news: today's Loose Lips Column ( the most read DC government newsletter) in the Washington City Paper quotes the Tom Sherwood Story. To quote:

 

"WRC-TV's Tom Sherwood looks at concerns from Capitol Hill residents—particularly owners of pricey Capitol Quarter townhomes—that CSX's three-year $160M Virginia Avenue tunnel construction project will make their lives miserable. One says 'We're just very fearing that we're going to be living through what they say is going to be a three-year issue. I think it's going to be more than that'."

 

In an article from the Hill is Home last week.

 

http://www.thehillishome.com/2009/11/csxs-train-project-moving-forward-virginia-avenue-to-be-closed-for-3-years/

 

Councilman Tommy Wells COS is quoted at length:

 

"According to Wells’ Chief of Staff Charles Allen, “[our] office has talked with CSX about ways in which the impact of the project could be minimized including adding trees as a noise buffer in Garfield Park and turning train horns inward. Councilmember Wells also expects CSX to fund community outreach projects in areas impacted, “such as helping fund a renovated skate park area and green space that connects Garfield and Canal Parks.”

“Despite the District having no oversight over CSX,” says Allen, “they approached Councilmember Wells several months ago about their National Gateway project. [Councilmember Well’s] first priority was to have them reach out to community groups and leaders to make sure no one is caught off guard. At his suggestion, CSX reached out to groups that likely will be directly impacted including: ANC 6B;CFriends of Garfield Park Association; Barracks Row; The Capitol Hill Restoration Society; Cap Riverfront BID; Capitol Hill BID;  Capitol Hill Community Foundation; Navy Yard; Marine Barracks; and others.”

I have bolded and underlined this quote. Tommy Wells, Ward 6 Rep, has had the opportunity to notify neighbors, DDOT and CSX of his opposition to this project for months and failed to do so.

Councilman Wells' Email address is TWe...@dccouncil.us. COS Allen's email is CAl...@dccouncil.us. I would consider asking them these questions

1. Why didn't he use his website/community outreach/newsletter to notify constituents of this months ago?

2. Why didn't he think neighbors would be concerned?

3. Why is he acting as if the project is already approved, when the federal funds have not been released and the NEPA process not begun?

Finally, CSX has made much of the cooperation they have received from DDOT. Meanwhile Mayor Fenty has received $2000 from CSX in the last 12 months. http://www.ocf.dc.gov/dsearch/searchresultcon.asp?mf1=&ml1=&ms1=&mc1=CSX&mo1=N&xa=&sa=&ea=&ca=N&sc=&mf3=&ml3=&ms3=&mc3=&mf4=&ml4=&ms4=&mo4=N&d1=0&m1=0&y1=0&d2=0&m2=0&y2=0&d3=0&m3=0&y3=0&mo5=N&sc5=&sr=6&ob1=agyname&ob2=&ob3=&type=pcc&searchtype=org

 Coincidence?

 

As always feel free to share and forward.