Tommy Blog Meeting on Providence Park | Meeting on Providence Park |
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| Written by Linda O'Brien | |
| Thursday, 10 January 2008 | |
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For several months much speculation has swirled around the Architect of the Capitol’s (AOC) plans for Providence Park. The work scheduled for Spring 2008 is structural in nature and will involve major repairs to the concrete utility tunnel that runs along Second Street, SE. Some of the many tunnels that AOC has responsibility for maintaining are up to 100 years old and in serious need of repair. Contrary to what many may have heard about this repair work, the AOC tells us that asbestos is not implicated in any of the upcoming work although it has been an issue at some of the previous sites. This is an entirely different tunnel from the past where there was a good deal of asbestos in the insulation and special precautions had to be taken to abate. This job will consist of systematic, block by block, excavation of portions of Second Street from North Carolina Avenue to the north side of the intersection at C Street. The goal is essentially to remove and replace the tunnel roof and repair other damage. The work will be conducted from curb to curb so sidewalk use will not be disturbed. Pedestrian traffic will be affected only on one side of the intersections as the work moves its way up Second Street. Access to the front entrances of all residences should remain clear and available throughout the project, unless public safety dictates closure. According to the Army Corps of engineers:
Neighbors have also been concerned that Providence Park was intended by the AOC to be used as a staging area for the construction which would effectively cut-off its use and enjoyment for the residents. According to Eva Malecki of AOC, they are very sensitive to the needs of the community and have no plans to take over the park. They will however, likely use a small vacant lot at the northwest corner of the park, Lot 764, which is away from the play area and near the curb, for a construction trailer. The work is expected to begin in April 2008 and should be completed in 10 - 23 months depending on the sequencing. This is Phase 1 of what is currently a four-phase project eventually extending up to Constitution Ave. AOC will maintain regular project updates on their website which can be accessed using this link http://www.aoc.gov/aoc/press-room/index.cfm. AOC has had ongoing communication with the ANC and will host a meeting to discuss these issues and other community concerns including parking, trash collection, timelines and the specifics of its plans on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 6:30 pm at St. Peter’s Church basement, 313 Second Street, SE, Washington, DC. All are welcome. Readers have left 2 comments. (1) Untitled 2008-01-15 12:59:10 Thank you for this information. Will notes from the meeting be posted for those unable to attend? (2) Untitled 2008-01-16 16:37:11 What do they mean by vacant lot? There is no such thing as a "vacant lot" on the park. Why can't they put the construction trailer at the triangle in front of the Power Plant, which is two blocks away. The triangle is now vacant. Why destroy the park with their ugly trailer? If past practice is any guide, it will be there for 3 years -- rusting. Written by Guest User () |
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