Councilmember Tommy Wells joined Mayor Adrian M. Fenty Thursday morning for an announcement and groundbreaking of the H Street, NE streetscape construction. The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) is investing over $50 million in streetscape, safety, and transit improvements that will transform the corridor.

“For so long, the neighborhoods around the H Street, NE have held out for the promise of this city to turn its energy, its ideas, and its help to reinvigorate these businesses and residences on this corridor,” said Councilmember Tommy Wells. He added, "Today marks the start of an immense city investment in the future of this great street – over $76 million between the streetscape project, new streetcars, TIF financing incentives, neighborhood and business grants, and a new dedicated shuttle bus to this corridor.”

For the last several years, DDOT, ANC 6A, ANC 6C, and community and business leaders have spent thousands of hours planning economic development, transportation and public space improvements. Currently, H Street, NE is plagued by unsafe intersections, narrow sidewalks, poor lighting, poor landscaping, and an environment that invites chaos.

Wells stated, “These are exciting projects that will transform H Street – bringing vital new businesses and retail to the corridor, supporting our entrepreneurs and established businesses already serving residents, and creating a safer and more accessible street for neighbors and visitors alike.”

Wells added, “I am also very excited about the Mayor’s commitment to putting streetcars on H Street, NE. Bringing a trolley back to H Street puts a new transit option in the mix – connecting Union Station to communities east of the river – providing greater access to restaurants, shopping and other retail.”

Concerned about the short-term, disruptive impact that streetscape construction will have on small businesses on the corridor, Councilmember Wells will be hosting a forum for H Street businesses in mid-February to ensure these owners have a full understanding of the details of the work to be done and what assistance is available to help them while construction is outside their front door.

Additional funding information on the H Street, NE corridor:

-- $50 million – streetscape renovation and street car development for the H Street, NE corridor
-- $25 million – tax increment financing targeting mixed-use and retail development projects
-- $600,000 – neighborhood investment fund targeting community-based projects needing matching funds
-- $500,000 – reimbursable grants for façade and building improvements for property owners on H Street
-- $225,000 – dedicated, branded H Street shuttle bus to support small businesses linking passengers to Union Station and Benning Road Metro stations.