Posts by Mitch Wander — Contributor
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Drivers may not notice them, but utility hazards are a big danger for bicyclists
After utility companies rip up the streets, they’re supposed to restore them. But the low-quality way they often restore pavement under bike lanes and cycletracks makes them very dangerous for cyclists. Keep reading…
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My family went from having two cars to hundreds. Here’s how.
From the time we got married, my wife and I were a two-car family. She used hers for work and to cart our kids around town. And while I started biking to my job in Arlington from our home in Glover Park three years ago, I needed mine for weekend Army Reserve work located in Adelphi, which is nowhere near a Metro or early morning weekend bus service. I thought I needed it, anyway. But… Keep reading…
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Residents, officials push utilities to fix damaged sidewalks
When utilty companies tear up sidewalks in the District, they often don’t put them back. The resulting bumps and holes make annoying or often hazardous obstacles for pedestrians. Residents and leaders in Glover Park have been pushing for fixes, and getting results. Local groups are trying to make their neighborhood better for pedestrians. Glover Park Village, a nonprofit… Keep reading…
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Have an empty street tree box? Ask for a new tree now
District residents have until June 15th to suggest locations that need trees for the upcoming 2012-2013 street tree planting season. DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) designates June 15th of each year as the final day for resident feedback on where to place trees during the roughly October through April annual planting season. UFA’s job revolves… Keep reading…
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Arlington confronts challenges of streetlight repairs
Keeping Arlington’s streetlights burning can be a daunting and complex challenge. But Arlington County is taking steps to simplify and improve a patchwork of streetlight infrastructure to shorten repair times and save energy. And their most significant repair efforts rely on you. Streetlights are a public service that we often take for granted. … Keep reading…
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With prodding, Pepco removes double utility poles
Pepco trucks recently invaded Glover Park to remove redundant utility poles that have been cluttering neighborhood streets for the past decade. Thanks to persistent community advocacy, these eyesores will soon disappear. Around 2001, Pepco replaced its existing utility poles in Glover Park with new taller ones, as part of an effort to improve electrical reliability and… Keep reading…
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It takes a village to become a bicycle commuter
After four months in my new, inside-the-beltway job, I’m firmly entrenched within the ranks of DC-area bicycle commuters. The local bicycling and transportation community deserves much of the credit for giving me the information, support and confidence to bike to work every day. With nearly 500 miles of riding to and from work under my belt to date, I’ve saved money,… Keep reading…
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Upkeep vital for multi-space meters
The District’s aggressive multi-space parking meter program has replaced thousands of antiquated single-space meters. The new multi-space equipment is a big improvement, but maintenance problems may hamper its usability. The multi-space meters have been a quick, economical, and customer-friendly way to improve both the city’s parking situation and its… Keep reading…
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Who will stand up for recreation center users?
DC’s Department of Parks and Recreation is getting a lot of attention from top city managers at the moment, but it’s all about a grass cutting contract and not about the real issue: DPR is severely underfunded to carry out its mission. DPR’s operating budget for 2012 cuts nearly $5 million (14.1%) and 69 full-time equivalent staff (12.0%) from DPR. That’s… Keep reading…
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Neighborhood-based prices could fix DC’s residential parking
The District’s one-size-fits-all approach to residential parking results in inefficient allocation of a scarce resource. Tailoring prices by neighborhood for the city’s residential parking permit (RPP) program could make the system more responsive to the unique needs of individual communities. When DC introduced its RPP system in the 1970s, it was designed… Keep reading…