DC Planning Director Harriet Tregoning on Smartly Bridging the Anacostia River

The Planning Report published a recent interview with Harriet Tregoning, Director of the Washington DC Office of Planning, on the District's plans to connect both sides of the Anacostia River through a revitalized and pedestrian-oriented 11th Street Bridge. Tregoning's efforts reflect a recent focus on making use of formerly unused federal land to reinvest in the communities using the principles of Smart Growth. Currently the Anacostia River is known for its pollution, and most District residents would not consider it a potential urban amenity.

Tregoning goes on to describe her focus on Smart Growth in DC, a city where 96 percent of residents live within a quarter of a mile of transit. In this light, the 11th Street pedestrian bridge will serve as a public space for events and recreation as well as a path across the river. She notes, "One of the things we're even looking at is potentially running a streetcar on that part of the bridge. It would be both a destination but also a very pleasant and enhanced conduit to help people get across the river."

Thanks to Kevin Madden