Resolution With Respect To The Takoma Metro Station Underpass

Adopted on February 22, 2010 In A Unanimous Show-Of-Hands Vote

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B asks that the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) provide its customers, nearby businesses, and the community with modest and necessary improvements at the underpass at Takoma Metro Station, including a thorough cleaning of the concrete throughout, the repair of the cracked and broken concrete, and up-to-date lighting throughout, in conjunction with its approval of the art from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

One of the oldest stations in the system, the Takoma Station has long been in need of basic improvements and regular maintenance.

WMATA is about to receive the gift of a $250,000 work of public art funded in part by D.C. taxpayers. The artist, Sam Gilliam, is internationally known and arguably D.C.'s most important artist. This installation will likely become a tourist destination, generating increased Metro ridership. It is not only respectful but good business as well, that this major work be displayed appropriately.

In addition, several new businesses within one block of the underpass have recently opened, investing many hundreds of thousands of dollars in the community. And the D.C. government grant for $50,000 on facade improvements for shops located within two blocks of the underpass is nearly completed.

WMATA should do its share as well.

We understand WMATA's serious financial problems. However, these requests are modest and in WMATA's interest too. We are concerned that despite months of requests, WMATA has not yet specifically agreed to do the work nor provided cost estimates.

We thank City Council Members David Catania, Muriel Bowser, and Michael Brown and WMATA Board Member Anthony Giancola for their help and support and ask that they continue to work to get the improvements done before the art is installed. We also ask for support from the rest of the D.C. City Council and from Mayor Adrian Fenty.

We ask that if WMATA declines to do the work that WMATA staff and the WMATA Board provide cost estimates and a written explanation of why the work cannot be performed.

Commissioners 4B01 Sara Green and 4B07 Judi Jones are authorized to speak on this resolution.