Winter 2021-2022 Newsletter
Serving the greater Cleveland Park, Woodley Park and Van Ness neighborhoods.
Welcome to the Uptown Urbanist, the newsletter of Cleveland Park Smart Growth. This issue covers topics we know most area residents will be interested in: Streetscape, a new planning process to build more housing, a speaker series on housing that kicks off next month, the approval of bike lanes for Connecticut Ave and more. Links to each article can be found below. From all of us at Cleveland Park Smart Growth, best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!
Feature Story: Streetscape Project Starting Soon
After years of planning and waiting, the Connecticut Ave Streetscape project is finally beginning. The pedestrian-friendly results should be worth the upcoming hassle of the Big Dig along our commercial area. (read more)
Housing Webinar Series
CPSG is kicking off 2022 with a webinar series exploring the history, challenges and solutions to more accessible and affordable housing in Cleveland Park. The first event will be on Thursday, January 20th. (read more)
A Planning Process of Our Own
With amendments to Comprehensive Plan now law, a development and design planning process is coming this spring to Cleveland and Woodley Park. The goal is to create some predictability around development projects and how they can be compatible with the historic district while still maximizing new housing for a range of incomes. (read more)
Bike Lanes Selected for Connecticut Ave Redesign
After a two-year engagement process and support from four area ANCs, including 22 out of 24 commissioners, the Mayor selected “Concept C” and the preferred build option which will end the reversible lanes and add protected bike lanes on Connecticut Ave from Calvert St to Legation St. (read more)
Meet ANC 3C Vice-Chair Janell Pagats
An interview with Janell Pagats, the ANC Commissioner for district 3C03 (Woodley Park across from the Zoo) and ANC 3C’s Vice-Chair. (read more)
A Peek Inside City Ridge
Wegmans will be opening at City Ridge in early summer. Take a look at the new development on Wisconsin Ave. (read more)
Action at the Uptown
Support for a full liquor license at the Uptown Theater was given at the October meeting of ANC 3C with the help of Commissioner Siddiqui. Shortly thereafter crews were at work renovating the interior of the movie house, including removing the seats. Landmark Theaters is expected to reopen the Uptown in 2022! Subscribe to our listserv to get the latest news when it happens.
Main Street Update
Th CP Farmers Market has wrapped up for the year and was joined by a very successful Holiday Market. CPMS had a number of Cleveland Park branded merchandise for sale, including this cool “Uptown AF” mug, now available on their website.
Businesses are anxiously awaiting the start of the Streetscape project and the expected disruption to the streets and sidewalks over the next 18 months. CPMS is planning signage and strategies for businesses to navigate customers to their doors during the construction.
CPMS has formed the following committees: Economic Vitality, Events, Beautification, and Marketing and promotions. Anyone interested can get involved – just get in touch with Cassandra Hetherington, the CPMS manager: CPMS@districtbridges.org
Congratulations to the winners of the Holiday Lights competition! “Best Overall in Show” Cleveland Park Valet; “Most Cleveland Park” All Fired Up; “Most Creative Use of Lights” Siam House; “Best Window Display” Transcendence-Perfection-Bliss of the Beyond; “Best Use of Merchandise” Femme Fatale; “Best Corporate Display” Orange Theory.
Litter Pick-up & Pints
On Sunday December 19th we kicked off our first “Litter Pick-up & Pints.” Folks gathered at the Library to get a trash bag and gloves, and then fanned out to pick up litter along the commercial strip. Bags and bags of trash were collected and few pints were had at Nanny’s afterward. We hope to do this once a month, so be on the look out for the next one.
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Cleveland Park Smart Growth is the advocacy group for urbanists in our area. If you live in Cleveland Park, Woodley Park or Van Ness and support policies that:
- advance more housing for a range of incomes
- prioritize pedestrians, biking and transit
- champion urban vitality, and
- strike a balance between preserving our past and growing our future
… this is the group for you!
Cleveland Park Smart Growth 