Open Seat, Contested
Email: maria.perisic@gmail.com
Cell Phone: 202.368.8621
CPSG ANC 3A Questionnaire
1) WMATA has been working on a redesign of the area’s bus system, a project called Better Bus. In DC, the changes would affect bus riders in ANC 3A. Information about the project can be found here.
Question: Do you support the current proposal to redesign the WMATA bus system as it affects the residents of ANC 3A? (Yes / No)
If yes, explain what you think the benefits will be for the area.
If no, explain why and/or any alternative you would propose.
Answer: At this time I don’t have a yes or no answer regarding this matter. I am moderately satisfied with the way the bus system operates in the NW part of the city (for other distances I usually use a metro). Since, however, I believe that there is always room for improvement, I hope that WMATA’s redesign will ameliorate the service.
2a) Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser changed her mind and halted any further planning for protected bike lanes on Connecticut Ave.
Question: If presented with the opportunity to revive the planning for protected bike lanes on Connecticut Ave, would you support it? (Yes / No)
If yes, explain what you think the benefits will be for the area.
If no, explain why and/or any alternative you would propose.
Answer: I believe that at this time we don’t have so many bikers using Connecticut Ave. particularly during the rush hours. Therefore perhaps at this moment the priority may be the Better Bus project and afterwards, when the redesign is close to completion, planning for protected bike lanes may be readdressed.
2b) Where in ANC 3A would support adding protected bike lanes? Please add any additional comments on your views on the subject.
Answer: As indicated above, I would try to identify the need for protected bike lanes upon the completion of the Better Bus undertaking.
3) Earlier this year, Cleveland Park Smart Growth partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University grad student, Mac Hyde, on a planning study to consider how gentle density could be added to the single-family-only zoned residential areas around the Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, and Van Ness Metro stations. The recommendations from the study were to allow for multi-family residences while keeping the building sizes allowed for single-family zones houses.
Question: Realizing this proposal does not directly affect ANC 3A, but considering the broader goal raised by it, would you be open to changing zoning in single-family-only zones to allow for house-sized apartments, or conversion of single-family homes into multi-family? (Yes / No)
If yes, explain what you think the benefits will be for the area.
If no, explain why and/or any alternative you would propose.
Answer: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn about the above described study. I agree very much with what is said. Indeed gentle density is the right decision from an economic, environmental, and equity lens. We should have an opportunity to have a more “mixed” zone with affordable housing of different types for younger generations, first time home buyers, young and growing families etc. Such a mixture would also contribute to creation of more cafes, restaurants and similar. As well as other matters described in the abstract of the study.
4) Please tell us anything else about you and your decision to run for ANC that you would like the members of CPSG and the broader community to know about you.
Answer: I’ve been living in Washington DC for 30 years, out of it on Quebec Street for 22 years. I enjoy my neighborhood and believe that I understand the issues and problems that need attention. Professionally, I have master degrees in Civil Engineering and in Business Administration and have served for twenty years with the World Bank Group encompassing a number of urban and community development projects. As a parent, I served on the Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) for Jackson-Reed HS. Additionally, I was involved with the DCPS School Food Advisory Board providing input on the implementation of the Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP). I think that the communication between the people and government and other entities is important. I appreciate the role of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission and would like to contribute to its function and give back to my community.
Cleveland Park Smart Growth 