CSG News: Wins, events, and tragedy

Wins for CSG & Climate, Fights for TOD and Safer Streets

Dear {{FirstName or 'Friend'}}, In a world where so much seems out of our control, we know that if we work together we can win positive change at the local level. Please read on and see how you can help.

Regional

CSG wins ULI Changemaker award! (video testimonial) We are honored to have been selected for the Urban Land Institute 2022 Changemaker Award. Congratulations as well to former DC Mayor Anthony Williams for winning the Trailblazer award and Caroline Kenney of Urban Atlantic the Groundbreaker Award. Thank you to all of our supporters, without which our work wouldn’t be possible.

A huge win for regional climate action (thank elected officials) We won a historic victory at the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board’s June 15th meeting. TPB voted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks by 50% by 2030 (relative to 2005 levels) and pursue a set of climate strategies. These will formally guide the early update to the long-range transportation plan over the next two years.

Intern with CSG this fall! (learn more & apply) Do you want to use your knack for communications, fundraising, and events to support CSG’s outreach? CSG is hiring a Communications & Fundraising Intern for Fall 2022. Interns are paid $15/hour.

Gas tax suspensions cost us all (read our release) We understand the impact of high gas prices, but experts agree that any short term savings from suspending state or federal gas taxes are small and captured by oil companies. Meanwhile, we lose funding for transit and fixing roads. High gas prices highlight one of the costs of our sprawling, auto-dependent development.

D.C.

Support a more inclusive, sustainable Ward 3 (deadline: July 5, take action) The hearing for the Chevy Chase Small Area Plan is scheduled for July 5 – send your letter in support for the plan today! The plan advances citywide goals of affordable housing and racial equity with new housing, especially affordable housing, while preserving the main street character of Connecticut Avenue.

Wisconsin Avenue walking tours (more information) Join the DC Office of Planning as they kick things off with the Wisconsin Avenue Development Framework planning process! OP is conducting two walking tours, one starting in Tenleytown and Friendship Heights with stops along the corridor. Let’s keep engaged to make Ward 3 more inclusive and walkable!

Tenleytown: July 13 at 5pm (register) Friendship Heights: July 16 at 10am (register)

Maryland

A successful walking tour of Capitol Heights Metro area (MD & DC) (event materials) We had a great turnout at our RISE Prince George’s walking tour on June 17. We discussed plans for mixed-use development at the Capitol Heights Metro station in Prince George’s and DC, highlighting the potential for new homes and businesses that can foster walkability. The tour also looked at the need to tame wide arterials like Central Ave./East Capitol Street, and Southern Ave.

Poll finds that Thrive is popular! (more information) A new poll shows that Thrive 2050, Montgomery County’s general plan update, has majority support from likely Democratic voters in the county, with the strongest support from Black and African American residents, people under 45, and renters. A total of 55% of survey respondents were in support, with only 21% opposed.

Designing streets for transit-oriented communities (watch the recording) Earlier this month, we had a discussion with transportation engineer Randy Dittberner on how to design roads to meet community goals like safer walking and biking and transit-oriented development, especially in Prince George’s County.

Bike and Roll Safety Day at The Capital Market (July 10 at noon, more information) CSG & RISE Prince George’s are co-hosting a community bike and roll safety day at the Capital Market at Creative Suitland. The day will feature a pop-up bike trail, free helmet giveaways, bike tune-ups, the farmers market and, if possible, a 5-10 mile bike ride along Silver-Hill Road and throughout the Suitland neighborhood.

Event: Montgomery for All Happy Hour in Bethesda (July 14 at 6pm) Join us for our happy hour at the Bethesda Streetery on Norfolk Avenue, between St. Elmo Avenue and Cordell Avenue! Choose from many restaurants, pick up your food and drinks, and then grab a seat at the streetery. Our event will feature remarks from Greater Bethesda blogger and Montgomery for All member Ron Basumallik.

Event: All About Thrive: Diverse Neighborhoods (July 27 at 7pm, register) Join us to discuss Montgomery County’s Thrive 2050 General Plan update and learn about policies and investments that allow neighborhoods to grow while supporting racial and economic diversity. Panelists: Dr. Tracy Hadden Loh, Brookings Institution; Dr. Ben Kraft, Montgomery Planning; and LaToya Thomas, Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers.

Virginia

Safe Streets for Bailey’s Crossroads (report, take action) Residents living in Bailey’s Crossroads feel unsafe walking and biking along Route 7, according to a walkability survey conducted by CSG and immigrant advocacy organization CASA. We’re calling on VDOT to implement shortterm fixes (reducing speed, more crossing options, and better crosswalks and lighting) as well as a holistic redesign of Route 7. Check out the DCist story.

Tragedy on Blake Lane (email Supervisor Palchik) On June 7th, a teenager speeding along Blake Lane hit a vehicle and careened into three teenagers walking on a sidewalk, killing two. The overly wide road contributed to the deaths, but in a town hall convened by Supervisor Palchik, transportation engineers focused on enforcement, favoring car speed over people’s safety. Email Supervisor Palchik to thank her and ask for her help to get safer road designs for everyone.

Check out the draft Huntington Metro plan (draft plan) A Fairfax County task force is helping the county staff and WMATA create an updated plan for this Yellow Line endstation. We’re looking to see that it includes a public plaza above a bus station, safe pedestrian connections, and affordable housing. Track Fairfax’s current plan amendments.

Thanks for all you do,

Stewart Schwartz Executive Director Coalition for Smarter Growth

Images from Ted Eytan, Urban Land Institute, Ted Eytan, CSG, Ted Eytan, DC Office of Planning, Bekah Richards, Cheryl Cort, Montgomery Office of Planning, County Executive Alsobrooks, Chadisia Stadler, Jane Lyons, Jada Thomas, Sonya Breehey, Google Maps, Elvert Barnes

Support a thriving D.C. region today by donating!

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