We are creating a new city in Potomac Yard. This can only be accomplished if the site is developed under the auspices of a comprehensive plan. We need the CDD, not changes to the underlying zoning rights. We encourage the pursuit of the low density option with an internal project serving road.

The overriding principles are:

The effect of the traffic impact of the whole Yard must be done and analysed for the whole Yard before anything is implemented.

Traffic must be considered for the whole yard as the effects are too great and large for a piecemeal approach to have any validity. The development should preclude cluster type development as the Slaters Village type. The single use zoning of cluster type developments results in poor access to outside amenities such as schools, recreation and commercial centers. Developers prefer this type of development because the infrastructure cost are significantly lower than in a traditional interconnected grid pattern. However, such dead end street patterns necessitate larger connectors which can be difficult for residents to get out to, but also serve as major thoroughfares. This results in an inordinate amount of outside traffic using the streets and the locals being boxed in. A more traditional grid pattern would offer locals more choices on how to get out and would also discourage the outside through traffic. The streets would of course have to be made pedestrian friendly in a fashion which discourages speeding.

Along the railroad corridor we encourage the placement of an attractive functional buffer.

One suggestion is the emphasizing of the canal heritage by placing and walkway with trees on either side as can be seen in European waterways. The walkway would be the symbolic equivalent to the canal and the trees would function as sound barriers.

An internal project serving road (Potomac Avenue)

This would be a 4 lane road one the east side of the property just west of the railroad corridor. Entrance and Exit to Potomac Avenue at North End at Crystal Drive. No connection at Monroe Avenue bridge. The road would run under the bridge, at the south end near Braddock Metro Station, Potomac Avenue would loop around and head north again . No exit/entrance onto Braddock Road from Potomac Avenue unless it is two lanes only (1 in and 1 out) used by public transportation vehicles only. There would be no need to build ramps anywhere in yard with this plan (a savings to developer). More land would be available for development without ramps dividing property (more revenue for developer)

Access to Potomac Avenue from U.S. 1

Constructing roads into the development at existing traffic signals on U.S. 1.

With the approval of the residents of Del Ray, buffers would be constructed so cars leaving Potomac Yard onto U.S. 1, would not be able to go directly across U.S. 1 into Del Ray residential streets, a left or right turn would be mandatory.

South End of the Yard Near Braddock Street Metro Station

Low density commercial development at south end of development close to Metro Small kiss & ride area.

Pedestrian walkway over tracks Public Transportation System Some type of non-rail transportation that would travel Potomac Avenue, possibly run from National Airport Metro Station to the Braddock Road Metro Station (the Yard Kiss and Ride)