November 03, 1999
Mayor Williams Breaks Ground for M Street, SE Streetscape Improvements
Project Represents Local and Federal Partnership for Neighborhood Revitalization
(Washington, D.C.) Mayor Anthony Williams joined U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, members of the D.C. Council, District Government officials, Department of the Navy officials, and representatives from the National Capital Planning Commission at a groundbreaking ceremony at Potomac Park on 9th and M Streets. The groundbreaking marked the start of construction for the highly anticipated M Street, SE Streetscape Improvement Project.
The Streetscape Improvements Project will include street construction, sidewalk and curb repairs, tree plantings, additional lighting, street furniture, signage and landscaping. These improvements will enhance the neighborhood, encourage retail development and public ridership. Refurbishment of the South Capitol/M Street community is an important "First Initiative" effort of the National Capital Planning Commission's Legacy Plan.
"The Streetscape Improvement Project is one of many revitalization initiatives that will partner the District Government with Federal Agencies including NCPC, the Navy, GSA, and local organizations over the next few years," said the Mayor. "We are involving local residents and business in the design process. This will spur the rebirth of M Street as an important commercial artery within the District."
The Department of Public Works, the National Capital Planning Commission, Navy and GSA have jointly designed and developed various plans to revitalize Southeast Washington to take advantage of the new employees and businesses which are arriving as part of the expansion of the Washington Navy Yard. The initial funding for the project design was a block grant from the District's Department of Community Development. Public works has identified approximately $7.7 million in funding from the Federal Highway Administration for the enhancements.
"We have committed a considerable amount of money to this project because we are serious about revitalizing our neighborhoods, said Vanessa Dale Burns, Director of the Department of Public Works. "The M Street, SE Corridor is just the beginning of many more projects to come that will give a facelift to our neighborhoods and make citizens proud to say this is where I live."
Other improvement projects include the Metro station at New Jersey Avenue, Potomac Avenue and entrances to the Navy Yard and the Southeast Federal Center
