Politics & Government

Local Officials Break Ground on O and P Streets Rehabilitation

Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmember Jack Evans and ANC officials hailed the beginning of construction on the much-anticipated project.

Today, officials marked the ceremonial start of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Georgetown's historic O and P Streets. What was hailed as a project long in the making, the restoration of the existing streetcar tracks and repairs to the streets and infrastructure is one of the "last major projects" in Georgetown, said Councilmember Jack Evans.

Officials noted the project has been in the works for over 20 year and in earnest since 2003. District Department of Transportation Interim Director, Terry Bellamy, describes O and P Streets as some of the oldest in the District. Mayor Gray said the project was, not a labor of love, but definitely "a labor" on the part of the community and one that was "badly needed."

Commissioner Ed Solomon joked "not in my lifetime" did he think the project would come to fruition. Over the next 18 months, Solomon will be working with Commissioner Jeff Jones and a community relations committee to address any concerns raised by neighbors and other key stakeholders during construction.

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Work will begin Monday, Feb. 28 at 36th and P Streets. To maintain at least one lane of traffic flow, construction will focus on one side of one block at a a time. C.K. Dhananjayan of The Temple Group, the construction managers for the project, said his team will monitor the vibrations caused by construction to ensure the safety of historic foundations of nearby homes.

Residents with concerns or question can use the new website set up for the project www.fixingOandPstreets.com Neighbors can also talk to a project manager on the construction site or direct concerns to ANC commissioners. Solomon said the goal is to address any concerns within 24 hours.

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