May 16, 2018

Ali Agahi
Project Manager
District Department of Transportation
55 M Street SE, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20003

RE: Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck-Over Project

Dear Ali Agahi:

Casey Trees is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit with a mission “to restore, enhance, and protect the tree canopy of the nation’s capital.” To fulfill this mission, we plant trees; monitor the city’s tree canopy; and work with city officials, developers, and residents to prioritize trees. We are committed to helping the District reach its 40 percent tree canopy goal by 2032. Therefore, we appreciate the opportunity to share our vision for a revitalized Connecticut Avenue NW between Dupont Circle and California Street NW. We look forward to working with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to prioritize trees along this stretch of Connecticut Avenue NW.

We applaud DDOT for creating a streetscape plan with 48 new street trees which will contribute to our city’s tree canopy goal. These trees will help the District manage stormwater, reduce cooling costs, clean air, buffer against noise, and improve mental wellbeing. We are also excited to see plans to create a new public park over the Connecticut Avenue underpass, and recognize this as a rare opportunity to establish new green space in the District.

In the Concept 1 – An Oasis design for the new park, 45% of the park is dedicated to green space, while Concept 2 – A Promenade and Concept 3 – A Piazza provide green space in 27% and 0% of the park, respectively (Figure 1). We recommend DDOT adopt Concept 1 – An Oasis, which provides sufficient soil space to plant canopy trees and create a lush, green attraction that will benefit nearby residents, visitors, and commuters; help the city reach its environmental goals; and support a more connected citywide ecosystem.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Casey Trees would be happy to work with you to provide further tree-related analyses for the Connecticut Avenue Streetscape and Deck-Over Project. If you have any questions about these recommendations, please feel free to contact me at ktaddei@caseytrees.org.

Sincerely,
Kristin Taddei
Planning Advocate

Figure 1. In the Concept 1 – An Oasis design for the new park, 45% of the park is dedicated to green space, while
Concept 2 – A Promenade and Concept 3 – A Piazza provide green space in 27% and 0% of the park, respectively.

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