feedback solicited on "No Standing Anytime" parking ticket issued on Seaton Pl NW

See this message from a resident on the unit block of Seaton Place NW:

I want to raise a concern. I recently received a parking ticket although my car was legally parked (I have photos). While talking to a friend, I learned she too had received several parking tickets when she was legally parked. I plan to contest my ticket, but was curious if others had experienced a similar problem. This appears to me to be a systemic abuse of authority that can`t continue. If anyone has advice on how best to address this issue, I`d greatly appreciate it.

Here is more detail:

The reason was P269, No Standing Anytime. The comments say ``sign clearly visible front``. I was parked in front of a no parking sign indicating no parking behind the sign. I was parked on a zone parking street, but I have a current zone sticker.

resident encourages Bloomingdale retail businesses to peform patron surveys - "How did you get here today?"

From a resident on the unit block of R Street NW:

I find the results of the Bloomingdale Farmers` Market survey in yesterday's Bloomingdale Email – that 84% of Bloomingdale Farmers` Market attendees surveyed walked and 9% biked -- very surprising. Do we know when other neighborhood establishments (churches, markets, liquor stores, etc.) will be performing the same survey among their patrons? It seems surprising there is talk about parking issues focused solely on the Farmers` market on Sundays - it would be nice to get to the bottom of this issue so the local residents can go to the ANC with specific statistics in order to come up with the appropriate solution to any parking issues there may be.

DDOT painting parking lines on Flagler & U Streets NW: what is your opinion?

See this 11/19/2010 message from Bloomingdale resident Christian Seitz:

I awoke Thursday morning and was startled to see the rough outlines (in spray paint) of parking box delineations along the 100 block of U Street, much like those that exist now on 1st Street. There was absolutely no notice from DDOT about this change to our streetscape. I have received info that all of U & Flagler Streets in Bloomingdale will be receiving these new parking delineations. The parking lines are new to these streets and a part of the overly-long WASA improvement project.

If you live on these streets (and want them or do not want them) or care about the aesthetic or safety of Bloomingdale, please email me by Monday at 6 PM and let me know: Your name(s), address, and if you are FOR or AGAINST these new parking lines. Email: cmseitz17@hotmail.com . I will pass this info along to John Salatti and DDOT for their consideration.

Below is a list of the PROS and CONS. Thank you.

Arguments Against Lines:

1) There is no chronic speeding or traffic problem requiring lines. U & Flagler Streets are not heavily traveled streets even during rush hour. 1st Street received these because it has a much higher traffic volume and a problem with speeding cars. Cars speeding on U & Flagler are limited and consistant but not at all pervasive and chronic. There is even less of a need on Flagler which is one-way. This is a problem requiring occasional police enforement for reckless commuters from MD and far reaches of the District, and not a permanent, visually extreme, streetscape-altering solution. If traffic worsens in the future, then lines are one among many possible solutions that should be discussed by neighbors.

2) Lines may draw more traffic. The highly visible lines may actually draw traffic off of 1st St and down U over to 2nd St in order to attempt to avoid the typical backup at the light at Rode Island Ave.

3) Lines may tarnish our streets’ quiet residential feel and lower property value. U & Flagler Streets (unlike 1st Street) are quieter side streets and not heavy commuter streets. They are more residential in nature. Often neighbors are crossing from between parked cars to visit one in other. Children ride bikes on the street. Once in, it is doubtful that these will ever go away. Do we want to detract from the peaceful feeling? The lines would add to the already vast amount of roadway indicators, signage etc., creating just one more layer of visual clutter. Furthermore, the lines will dilute that residential feeling that makes our neighborhood appealing to prospective buyers thus lowering property value.

4) Lines would alter Bloomingdale’s unifying visual aesthetic to accommodate outside commuters. The lines would create inconsistency in the visual aesthetic that defines and unifies our neighborhood. Since only 1st and Bryant Streets have these, this would add to those odd few, and I do not think we want to do this to all streets in Bloomingdale. Can you think of any other neighborhood in DC that has these on consistently on side streets? Should we alter the look of our neighborhood to pacify reckless commuters from other regions or should they adapt to our needs?
5) U & Flagler are not commuter streets. The exceptions to this 1st and Bryant Streets are commuter “through” streets. 1st is used by MD and DC commuters for access to Michigan, Rhode Island, Florida, and New York Aves. Bryant is a through route to/from North Capital, George Ave, 1st and 4th Streets, and the Howard U. Campus, thus, there these lines are justified to abate speeding and define lanes.

Arguments For Lines:

1) Lines help to slow traffic by visually thinning the street. These lines help to slow traffic because of drivers belief that there is less room to maneuver. [However, where this has been effective, there have also been yellow lane lines. We definitely do not want the addition of lane lines. In addition, as previously mentioned, traffic and speeding is not a pervasive and chronic problem].

2) Lines help to make more easily visual what is legal and illegal parking. Given the confusing nature of the plethora of the Districts parking signs that seem to be ever-changing, lines will help to make more easily visible where it is legal and illegal to park. [However, given the inconsistency in signage, it is likely that this will just add another layer of confusion and it is not a solution to a shortage of parking.]

3) Lines increased safety will help our neighborhood by protecting residents. The decreased speed resulting from these lines will help our neighborhood by increasing the safety or residents. [However, because there will be no lane lines in the center of the roadway, I have doubts about their ability to lower speed and worry about increased traffic because of their higher visibility. Furthermore, speeding is not a chronic problem requiring so permanent a solution.]

? is it time to start a new thread about Big Bear Cafe ?

Okay, here is a comment about Big Bear Cafe from a resident of S Street NW:

As a long time resident of Bloomingdale, I long for the days when Big Bear Market sold beer through a bullet proof carry out window at all hours of the night and loud intoxicated patrons with alcoholic beverages in paper bags loitered in the street for all to see and hear. They were a fine example for our children.

Come on. Let's get real. Do you honestly think the reincarnated Big Bear is going to
go back to the good old days? I think not. Sigh, this neighborhood is loosing its edge.

As for the parking issue, I request reserved parking on Sundays. It's difficult to find parking with all the churches in the neighborhood. As for me, I walk to church.