16th Street / Powell Park

[kcmill...@gmail.com]

Good Morning Neighbors,

It's taken awhile, but I finally have an updated timeline and potential schedule for the pending renovation of 16th Street / Powell Park.

It's been a minute (with a little pandemic in between) so let me remind everyone where we left off:

• (Pre-COVID))MARCH - DPR hosted a public meeting, presented proposed plans and opened to public comment. Included conversation on additional support services available for Park Space - community heard from representative for the DMH's Community Response Team (CRT) and their team's work in that park space specifically. They provide 24-hour services to those experiencing psychiatric emergencies, trauma, or show signs of mental health and substance use disorders. 

           To access these services, call or visit:  (888) 793-4357

• (Post-COVID) MARCH - DPR began working remotely but construction was still moving forward on some projects. Discussions with DPR & DGS about when to start the 16th Street Playground project and based on current projections with all of the delays we are experiencing, put an estimate that ground breaking might begin toward the end of May. The project will also take about 3-months. That being said, if we follow the current projection the playground would be offline all summer. 

           NB: Supply chains, permits, and construction taking longer b/c of COVID

• APRIL - (ALL DPR PARKS/PLAYGROUNDS CLOSED) DPR was working with the contractor to take advantage of the time schools and parks were closed to renovate the tennis and basketball courts. The courts were resurfaced and painted, and they were able to perform this work ahead of the playground (where permits and lead-time for the equipment will take longer). This was completed, and they look great (see attached photos)
• JUNE - Tennis court fencing should be complete today as well as the basketball court. The tennis courts should then be open to the public. These items were able to be performed as maintenance and did not require permits, which is why they moved ahead with them before the playground renovation. DPR is still finalizing the permits and we hope to obtain them soon.
• AUGUST - (DPR PARKS REOPEN) No report on status of permits but several maintenance requests filed for weeds, tree overgrowth, sinkhole, etc.

DPR, DGS, and several other office and agencies have been notified of the increased challenges in this space along with outstanding maintenance requests.

A reminder that this is a difficult for many across our neighborhood and city but has been especially difficult for our most vulnerable whose access to public resources have been limited along with sites and other services. This is a public space and CRT continues to service the park and surrounding area. They can be phoned 24/7 at: (888) 793-4357

DPR/DGS is still working on the permit process and may have to go through the Public Space Committee hearing (there is one next week). If the permit is approved this month, they would still be able to mobilize on site early next month. They are working with the contractor's expediter to obtain the permit. 

As soon as the permit is in hand and the contractor is ready to mobilize on the renovations, they will notify me.

Best,

Christine

[kcmill...@gmail.com]

A quick addition - I went to the DDOT hearing and here is what is scheduled for the agenda:

ANC 1A05 - 3211 PINE STREET NW - Permittee: Columbia ENTERPRISES - Owner: Columbia ENTERPRISES - Fixture: Bench(es), Bike Rack(s): DDOT Standard, Fence to 42" (Open Design), Hand Rail (36" high for ADA, 30"-42" high other), Planter Box behind Sidewalk to 42", Sign (w/footings)(Exception), Trash Receptacle(s) (Exception), Landscaping: Hedge to 36" tall, Tree Fence(s), Tree Planting, Tree Removal, Paving: Curb & Gutter(s) # 352983

Best,

Christine