MBT

Meeting on the preliminary design of the Metropolitan Branch Trail from Brookland to Takoma Park on Saturday, March 21

By Prince Of Petworth

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From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B will hold a joint meeting on the preliminary design of the Metropolitan Branch Trail from Brookland to Takoma Park on Saturday, March 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the 4th District Police Headquarters, 6001 Georgia Avenue, NW.

Representatives from DDOT will present the trail alignment and solicit feedback from the general public.

The Metropolitan Branch Trail is an eight-mile, paved bicycle and pedestrian trail from Union Station in Ward 6 to Silver Spring, Md. The portion between Union Station and Brookland in Ward 5 is very popular averaging more than 500 users a day. Design is underway for the section that’s north of Brookland. This new section is proposed to run along the railroad tracks from Bates Road to the Ft. Totten Metro station, then along First Place, Riggs Road, First Street, all in Northeast, and Blair Road, NW.

More information is available at www.metbranchtrail.com.

Comments on the preliminary design, as well as requests for more information should be directed to Jim Sebastian at [email protected].

The event information is as follows:

What: Metropolitan Branch Trail Open House

When: Saturday, March 21, 2015
1 pm to 4 pm

Where: Metropolitan Police Department
6001 Georgia Avenue (at Peabody)”

Lost Dog Last Seen on the MBT by 9th St and Monroe St, NE; UPDATE – Found!

By Prince Of Petworth

Update:

“@PoPville Finnegan has been found! We were circling solid leads in Petworth and got a text that he was spotted back in Brookland. #findfinn”

“His name is Finnegan, and he just ran away at ~5:30PM Eastern time. He was last seen at 9th and Monroe St NE, in Washington, DC. He was running the Metro Branch Trail.

He’s a mix of rat terrier and cattle dog. Photos of him are attached. Any sightings or information will be extremely helpful.

About Finnegan:

* He’s likelier to come if you crouch down and beckon or whistle. Don’t run at him, and try to crouch and stay low if you get near him.
* He responds to “Finnegan”, “Finn”, and whistles.
* He is microchipped.
* He likes peanut butter, jerky, and other normal dog things.”

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Huge New Mural on the MBT Trail

By Prince Of Petworth

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Thanks to a reader for sending:

“This one is on the MBT trail in NE. It’s called “Crossroads”. It starts with a dimly lit scene with black and white shaded people standing around in a Chinese carry out. Then it shows a burst of color then and a bunch of brightly colored people on bicycles. Perhaps the artist is trying to say NE DC is at a crossroads? The mural is huge and takes up a whole wall.”

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Another Assault Reported on the Metropolitan Branch Trail Monday

By Prince Of Petworth

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A reader writes:

“I know you posted about the first attack, but another woman was attacked the same day!”

The report from WTOP:

“Chanel Marshall, 30, tells WTOP that she was walking from work to the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro Station about 5 p.m. when she was attacked from behind by a man who had followed her along the trail.”

Ed. Note: We’ve previously discussed safety issues and concerns on the MBT here.

From the Forum Part 2 – Safety on the MBT?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Safety on the MBT?

“I was looking for more information on the safety of the Metro Branch Trail. I work in Brookland and would love to run home on the trail as it goes straight to my house. However, I’ve read the previous PoP posts on violence and attacks on the MBT. Does anyone have any advice or updated information on whether the police patrol or not? I would hope to be on it in the early evening an hour or so before sunset.”

School Teacher Beaten and Robbed on the Metropolitan Branch Trail

By Prince Of Petworth

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Washington Post reports:

“A charter school teacher walking on the Metropolitan Branch Trail in Northeast Washington was beaten and robbed Thursday night by a large group of assailants, according to D.C. police.”

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From MPD:

“The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating multiple persons of interest in connection with a robbery force and violence which occurred in the 600 Block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE.

On Thursday, October 31, 2013, at approximately 9:15 pm, an adult male victim was walking in the area of the 600 Block of Rhode Island Avenue, NE when one of 10 persons gathered announced a robbery and the entire group assaulted him, took his property, and fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The persons of interest are described as black males between 18 to 22 years of age.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099.”

In June we spoke about a cyclist attacked on the MBT at that time MPD responded to concerns here.

Construction Starts on Rhode Island Ave Pedestrian Bridge

By Prince Of Petworth

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Rendering via DDOT

Thanks to a reader for sending word about the Rhode Island Ave Pedestrian Bridge:

“The Rhode Island Avenue Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge will link the Metropolitan Branch Trail and its connecting neighborhoods to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station and adjacent communities. It will create a safe passageway for community members who currently use the Rhode Island Avenue underpass, which is narrow and dark, or who cross the active railroad tracks increasing access to transit and recreation for thousands of residents.

The truss bridge is designed in the style of an old railroad bridge. Ramps on both sides will provide wheelchair and bicycle access while a stairway on the west side will provide a more direct route. The open design will allow for visibility as well as beautiful city views and 24-hour lighting will enhance safety. The bridge will connect into the open section of the Metro station, providing connectivity even when the station is closed. The design is the result of unprecedented cooperation among numerous stakeholders including DDOT, WMATA, CSX, utility companies and the community.”

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