Housing
Housing is a fundamental human right, and if we approach density increases thoughtfully, we can create more affordable housing while fostering a vibrant community that benefits everyone in the neighborhood and city.
When increasing housing density, it's crucial to align new developments with the neighborhood's needs. For instance, are we focusing on housing for students and young professionals, or are we aiming to accommodate young families? Additionally, it's important to enhance infrastructure to support increased density. This includes adding bike lanes, expanding bus routes, and ensuring access to essential services like grocery stores, schools, daycare centers, and public recreational areas.
Every neighborhood has its unique character, and Brookland is no exception. We must hold developers accountable for creating affordable housing that complements Brookland's distinctive charm by actively engaging with residents and incorporating their feedback, rather than resorting to generic, cookie-cutter designs.
When increasing housing density, it's crucial to align new developments with the neighborhood's needs. For instance, are we focusing on housing for students and young professionals, or are we aiming to accommodate young families? Additionally, it's important to enhance infrastructure to support increased density. This includes adding bike lanes, expanding bus routes, and ensuring access to essential services like grocery stores, schools, daycare centers, and public recreational areas.
Every neighborhood has its unique character, and Brookland is no exception. We must hold developers accountable for creating affordable housing that complements Brookland's distinctive charm by actively engaging with residents and incorporating their feedback, rather than resorting to generic, cookie-cutter designs.
Safe Streets for All
Pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers all deserve to feel safe on the streets. Currently, too many pedestrians risk their safety crossing the street at crosswalks; too many cyclists are afraid to commute by bike; and too many cars are getting into unnecessary crashes.
Walk with confidence: Too often, pedestrians hesitate at crosswalks, uncertain if approaching traffic will stop. This creates a dangerous dance between cars and pedestrians, with both unsure of what the other will do. The reality is simple-pedestrians have the right of way and shouldn't need courage to cross safely. As your Commissioner, I would support measures such as installing blinking signs and removing curbside parking near problematic intersections to improve visibility.
Safer Biking: Biking needs to be safe and convenient. The quickest routes often involve major roads, such as Rhode Island Avenue for trips downtown or South Dakota Avenue for travel along the DC-MD border. However, these roads can be intimidating for cyclists. Incorporating protected bike lanes and implementing road diets can help reduce speeding, traffic, and improve safety for both cyclists and drivers.
If elected, I would:
Walk with confidence: Too often, pedestrians hesitate at crosswalks, uncertain if approaching traffic will stop. This creates a dangerous dance between cars and pedestrians, with both unsure of what the other will do. The reality is simple-pedestrians have the right of way and shouldn't need courage to cross safely. As your Commissioner, I would support measures such as installing blinking signs and removing curbside parking near problematic intersections to improve visibility.
Safer Biking: Biking needs to be safe and convenient. The quickest routes often involve major roads, such as Rhode Island Avenue for trips downtown or South Dakota Avenue for travel along the DC-MD border. However, these roads can be intimidating for cyclists. Incorporating protected bike lanes and implementing road diets can help reduce speeding, traffic, and improve safety for both cyclists and drivers.
If elected, I would:
- Listen to Neighbors: Gather input from residents to understand their concerns and suggestions regarding street safety.
- Seek Evidence: Identify areas where redesigns are necessary by reviewing data and analyzing traffic patterns.
- Collaborate with Commissioners: Work together with other commissioners to translate community feedback into actionable plans.
- Engage with the City Council and Agencies: Partner with the city council and relevant agencies to implement positive changes in road safety and ensure these initiatives are effectively carried out.
Transparency & Information Accessibility
We all deserve to be informed about what’s happening in our neighborhood and whether our elected officials are addressing our questions and concerns. As your Commissioner, I will ensure that my colleagues and I remain accountable to the highest standards of transparency and responsiveness.
To ensure that I hear from as many constituents as possible, I will utilize a variety of communication methods. This includes newsletters, website updates, traditional flyers, word of mouth, and door-knocking. It's essential to connect with and hear from those who may not use social media, email, or attend ANC meetings. Here's the plan:
To ensure that I hear from as many constituents as possible, I will utilize a variety of communication methods. This includes newsletters, website updates, traditional flyers, word of mouth, and door-knocking. It's essential to connect with and hear from those who may not use social media, email, or attend ANC meetings. Here's the plan:
- My campaign will aim to reach all 700+ addresses and 1,500+ residents in ANC 5B03 through online communication and door-to-door canvassing. We'll also record each resident's preferred method of communication during this process.
- If elected, I would:
- Use these preferences to deliver periodic updates via both online and physical newsletters.
- Hold regular "office hours" for residents who prefer in-person communication.
- Establish a group of community members who can serve as points of contact for our less tech-savvy and less mobile neighbors.
Support the Campaign
This is our community and we are in this together!
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