The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) said in a press release on November 18 that the city will have three pilot pedestrian-only zones.
The move came as part of D.C.’s “ongoing efforts to find innovative uses of public space.”
“The success of Open Streets and our annual Park(ing) Day celebration demonstrates that there’s an appetite for pedestrian-only zones across all eight wards of the District,” Jeff Marootian, Director of DDOT, was quoted as saying. “Initiatives like these are an opportunity for us to partner with the business community to achieve Mayor Bowser’s safety and sustainability goals.”
Cady’s Alley, which is near the intersection of 33rd Street NW and M Street NW, will be opened exclusively to pedestrians on weekends from 6:00 p.m. on Fridays through 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. It will last until the end of December.
For the project, DDOT partnered with the multinational real estate development company Eastbanc Inc.
In addition, two parklets at 1055 Thomas Jefferson Street NW and the 3200 block of O Street NW were created together with the Georgetown Business Improvement District. These will be available through September 2020.
Another new pocket park for pedestrians was created at the corner of 19th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
“These installations are part of DDOT’s ongoing effort to reimagine the curbside space and realize the District’s sustainability goals,” the statement said, adding that businesses and non-profits that are willing to team up with DDOT for innovative installations in public areas should contact anna.chamberlin@dc.gov.