Happy New Year!

2007 marks a year of change for our city -- a new mayor, city council, and Comprehensive Plan. We are excited about the opportunities these changes present for our neighborhood. Stay tuned!

In this email:
1. Comprehensive Plan Adopted
2. New Office of Planning Director
3. Take DC's Pedestrian Survey by 1/26

1. New Comprehensive Plan Adopted

Great news! On December 19, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt the new Comprehensive Plan after three years of revisions and an extensive public involvement process.

Our voices made the difference -- the vote would not have happened without us and our many emails, phone calls, and meetings with councilmembers. Thank you to all who spoke out for the future of our neighborhood.

The Comprehensive Plan passed with the amendments we proposed, including language to:

• Change the Upper Wisconsin Avenue designation from low density commercial use to mixed use moderate density, and,
• Protect the potential for mixed-use redevelopment at Western Bus Garage so the bus barn can be modernized while bringing in new housing and local retail.

The language supporting Inclusionary Zoning also passed, which means that as new housing is built in our neighborhoods, there will be a richer variety of housing options including affordable units.

2. New Director for Office of Planning

We are excited with Mayor Fenty's appointment of a new director for the Office of Planning, Harriet Tregoning. Ms. Tregoning, a DC resident, has long been a national leader in the smart growth field and will bring sound policy expertise and experience to the Office of Planning.

Send a message to Ms. Tregoning and let her know what you'd like to see change (or not!) in our neighborhoods.

If you'd like to hear what she has to say, Ms. Tregoning will give a guest lecture on Thursday, February 1, at the National Building Museum. The lecture, "DC Builds: Density by Design," will cover the benefits of higher-density development and its feared impacts such as increased traffic and parking demand.

We'd like to also extend our appreciation to outgoing director Ellen McCarthy. Thank you for your service!

3. DC's Pedestrian Master Plan

DDOT wants to make our streets and neighborhoods safer and more walkable. As part of their update to the DC Pedestrian Master Plan, the city is asking for residents' feedback.

Please fill out the survey before January 26th by clicking on the link under "News and Updates." (Sorry, the website prevents us from providing a direct link to the survey.)

This is your chance to let the city know about dangerous intersections, missing sidewalks, and other factors influencing our city's walkability.

Public participation will continue through the update process, and a public workshop will be held in March.

Email Our New City Leaders

Please take a moment to send a message our new representatives. Be sure to tell them what you envision for the Upper Wisconsin Avenue corridor.

Mayor Adrian Fenty
City Council Chair Vincent Gray
Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh
All City Councilmembers
Office of Planning Director Harriet Tregoning

Thank You!

We reached our goal of raising $5,000 by December 31 in order to receive a matching grant. Thank you to all of our generous donors who invested in the future of Ward 3.

Of course, donations are always welcome and will go toward our 2007 efforts and programming. Your support will allow us to take Ward 3 Vision to the next level!