Media Release:
Monday, Nov. 1, 2021
Contact: Nick DelleDonne,
703 929 6656
CM Cheh to DDOT Dir Lott:
Don't Cut Corners on Community Engagement
Everett Lott, the acting director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), faced a tough confirmation last Tuesday, Oct. 26. While a few witnesses supported him, the clear majority were opposed to how he is cutting out the community that DDOT is supposed to serve, as he executes Mayor Bowser's command to “expedite and streamline” implementation. Councilmember Mary Cheh, who chairs the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, admonished Lott more than once: “You can’t cut corners. You can’t cut out the ANCs and community engagement.”
Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen called the 8-hour session one of the most “bruising” he'd experienced. At-large CM Elissa Silverman asked: “I don’t want to hear vague generalizations. How will you get us there? What will you do first and what second, specifically?” This grilling was echoed by Ward 7 CM Vincent Gray.
Residents and businesses from Dupont Circle raised objections to DDOT's implementation of the Bike Plan on 17th St. NW, calling it ‘dangerous by design.’ Ward 2 Councilmember CM Pinto, who had walked by their rally on 17th Street on Oct 1, asked Lott for continued cooperation.
ANC’s and members of the city-wide Coalition on DDOT Bike Plans were among the most critical. In addition to being ignored and bypassed, they pointed out that so-called ‘protected’ bike lanes were dangerous for pedestrians, especially seniors, toddlers and the handicapped. Dedicated cycle tracks remove needed parking and delivery options for businesses. The Coalition called on Lott for a TownHall on Bike Plans
The hearing record remains open until Nov.9. The committee will prepare a report, which will be the subject of committee mark-up before it sends the confirmation resolution to the full Council for a vote.
 |
Sender notified by Mailtrack |
11/01/21, 09:39:52 AM |
