Neighborhood Notes - Foxhall: December 1, 1999

On December 2^nd NCPC hears the case for and against modifying Canal Rd entrance into GU, an issue dividing neighbors east and west of the campus. Georgetown residents understandably wish less traffic upon their narrow streets in the afternoon, and Palisades/Foxhall residents are dubious about the viability of a left turn into GU from Canal Rd in the morning.

A compromise offered four years ago can still be tested during construction for GU's new dorm and parking garage: cut Canal Rd median to allow dump trucks to exit with a demand-controlled red light. This could provide opportunity to measure traffic data DPW sorely need to re-calibrate traffic lights in this entire corridor, while our communities work with GU to complete their 2000 campus plan update.

Should NCPC decide to approve this federal "demonstration" project, it should not do so without prior conditions: DPW first commit a timetable for computer-controlled synchronized lights, GU commit to responsible TV-cam driveway monitoring with a live internet signal. In addition there are design details important to Foxhall residents who live close enough to walk or bike into town - eliminate the narrow useless footpath on the canal side, use the extra two feet to widen the path on the University side. Combine it with DPW's idea to relocate median lights on a reconstructed canal wall top (get them away from drunk drivers). This also improves lighting on the towpath, and a narrower median can mean more space for that combined pedestrian/bicyclist path on the north side of Canal Rd.

Finally, the proposed third lane turning onto Whitehurst is simply too short - why not extend it all the way to GU? The canal is extra-wide here and can accommodate this, only a short section need overhang, like on Clara Barton parkway.

© Bob Andrew, Foxhall