#livablecities

[citylabportfolio]

After visiting some restaurants that have constructed outdoor space due to COVID-19, I revisited the areas impacted by the construction of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel by DC water. As I explored in Week 2 (Livable Cities), these tunnels are essential for eliminating flooding and reducing pollution in the local rivers. However, the construction is blocking commercial and residential space. The restaurant in the video, the Truxton Inn, has outdoor seating area - however, the area is hard to navigate and unappealing due to the construction and fencing. There is art on the fence which adds some beauty. 

[citylabportfolio]

Here is another construction site on the Northeast Boundary Tunnel. This site blocks sidewalks and some residential areas. 

[citylabportfolio]

I explored the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project construction sites in my neighborhood. This spot on Florida Ave blocks half the road, including one of the few bus stops in the area. While completion is expected to complete this month, this site has been up since late 2018. 

[citylabportfolio]

The main DC Water project in the Le Droit neighborhood is the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project. This is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project and completion of the tunnel will reduce the amount of sewage overflow in the Anacostia River by 98%.

[citylabportfolio]

DC Water Action Plan Reflection

After the flooding on September 10, 2020, DC Water released a 14 step improvement plan indicating the near and long term actions needed for the city’s water system to avoid future flooding incidents. Looking into this during the week a $2 trillion infrastructure plan was announced by the Biden administration is interesting timing. Our county’s and our city’s across America are having similar issues - of failing water systems, roads, and bridges. Perhaps the reason for this is the need for government investment and industry partners. Does infrastructure redevelopment rely on government involvement? Are they the only customer? Should they be? Are there other opportunities to invest in restoring infrastructure? How can we create them?  

The DC water action plan includes the following categories - improved customer service, leverage existing programs and infrastructure solutions, climate adaption, and leadership engagement. 

[citylabportfolio]

Flooding Livability Challenges

While DC water provides resources for residents and is working to solve the issue, hearing from the affected residents is the most reliable source. In the neighboring area, residents homes were flooded with raw sewage on Sep 10, 2020. Clean up is expensive and dangerous, especially in a pandemic. 

[citylabportfolio]

DC is working to fix the flooding issues by developing tunnels and cleaning the rivers. More information and community resources are available here: https://dcwater.com/storm-and-flooding-september-10-2020

[citylabportfolio]

Looking at the USA Flood Hazard Map, Le Droit Park (top right) is not in a flood hazard zone. I was surprised by this but looking into it more - the issue appears to be a man made problem as the flooding is due to back ups in the sewer system. It is interesting and misleading that these type of maps seem to only account for flooding of natural water sources.