Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6C met on Nov 12, 2025 via Webex. The following were on the virtual dais: Jeremiah Foxwell (6C01), Karen Wirt (6C02, chair); Jay Adelstein (6C03, treasurer); Mark Eckenwiler (6C04, vice-chair); Daniela McInerney (6C05); Andrew Hayes (6C06, secretary) and Tony Goodman (6C07).
District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Civic Design Researcher Rachel Clad briefed the commission on the agency’s Metropolitan Bike Trail (MBT) Speed and Safety Study (www.trails.ddot.dc.gov/pages/8e1acf6e1a3744edac5e7567765fea2e).
The combination of electric vehicles and mechanical bikes is increasing the risk of injury on the MBT, Clad said. DDOT is addressing this by making design changes to decrease speeds at high density points on the trail.
Clad first appeared before the ANC in June to describe Phase I of the project. In July DDOT conducted engagement sessions with trail users on speed and safety. Speeding micro mobility drivers and congestion at merging points that could lead to accidents, users informed the agency.
Now, in Phase II of the study, DDOT has installed speed signs at high congestion connection points such as Althea Tanner Park and Rhode Island. The signs provide feedback to trail users. For instance, it projects a happy face or the words, “Stay safe, thanks” if the person passing is traveling at speeds of 15 mph or less. If the user is going faster, the sign displays a sad face or the words, “Go slower,” said Clad.
The signs, which also collect data on vehicles to see if the messages impact speeds, will remain in place till December, Clad said. After that team members will return to solicit MBT users for more feedback.
DDOT is not collecting data on individuals, said Clad. All data is anonymous and collected via radar. There will be no enforcement and no tickets and there is no permanent speed enforcement on the trail, she added.
Collected over the previous two weeks, preliminary data indicates 5,000 people a day use the MBT. June 2025 data indicated 2,700 daily users. The highest speeds are during morning commutes, especially Mondays to Wednesdays. Vehicles can reach up to 45 mph, which Claud characterized as “bananas.” 21% of users go faster than 15 mph. 5% exceed 20 mph, she said.
The commission held no vote on the matter.
Trash in Public Space
ANC 6C Transportation Public Space (TPS) Committee Chair Michael Upright presented a public space permit application to DDOT from the Telephone Company Condominium Association. The association wants to put a trash transfer receptacle in the alley behind the building on the 600 block of Constitution Avenue NE.
When the building was converted to condos, the trash room was located in the basement, Upright said. However, numerous vendors refuse service, causing unreliable trash pickup. The design calls for covered trash receptacles in the 29-foot back alley, he said. There has been no objection from nearby residents. The commission voted to support the application.
Other Matters
The commission should write to the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requesting the implementation of digital driver licenses, TPS Chair Upright suggested. The DC Council passed a law in 2021 supporting Digital IDs. However, only the digital car registration aspect of that bill was funded, Upright reported based on a discussion with Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen.
Upright’s letter asks Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District DMV to implement the law. It also requests the DC Council to make any legislative tweaks necessary to get it in motion. Commissioners unanimously supported the letter.
The commission supported a Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) application for a special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to a home at 617 Massachusetts Ave. NE.
A developer requested support for a Board of Zoning (BZA) application for a zoning variance to permit office space use at 1106 Third St. NE. The property is zoned for by-right industrial uses and office use. The office use requires a 25-foot setback from abutting buildings, which is impractical given the row house lots. The commission supported the application, due to the developer’s plans for affordable units.
Commissioners discussed construction at the Aria on L at 300 L St. NE. A fourth-floor balcony on that building collapsed in July 2023. Crews have been replacing the existing full balconies with Juliet balconettes. However, they began work before a permit was issued, said Commissioner Goodman. The District Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued eight Stop Work Orders, Goodman said. Neighbors are frustrated at the lack of penalty for continuing to work without permit, as well as bulky construction materials blocking public space. Goodman vowed to pursue the matter with DDOT and DOB. The ANC took no vote on the matter.
ANC 6C generally meets via Webex on the second Wednesday of every month with the exception of August. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec 10. See the full calendar of meetings and instructions to join at anc6c.org.
