February 15, 2000
Mayor Announces Beginning of Repairs to the "O" Street Wall
(Washington, D.C.) After years of delay, repairs to the decaying wall at "O" Street and Branch Avenue, SE have finally begun. These repairs are the result of months of consultation and cooperation between the Mayor's office and area civic associations.
The original block-long retaining wall, built more than 25 years ago by the Army Corps of Engineers, was used to shore up housing on neighborhood streets. Rain and severe flooding over the years created a large crack in the wall, threatening more than 20 homes in the area.
"During the campaign, I promised to make the necessary repairs to the wall as quickly as possible," said Mayor Williams. "Today, we are making a down payment on that promise. We are proving that this government can be a reliable partner for the community. The residents of this well-kept area east of the River deserve no less from their government."
The repairs will take six months to complete. No residents will have to be relocated during the process.
"I would like to thank the Penn Branch Civic Association and other members of the community who worked with us to make this happen. I also thank the residents of Highwood Drive, 'O' Street, and Carpenter Street for their patience and cooperation," said the Mayor.
