Brightwood's most dangerous intersection - Piney Branch Road & Sheridan Street...

Hi Brightwood:

During Ward 4 Care Day in Brightwood, held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, I requested Councilmember (CM) Lewis George observe the dangerous intersection at the corner of Piney Branch Road and Sheridan Street. CM Lewis George was happy to do so and brought Kornelius Anderson, Ward 4 Community Engagement Specialist for the Department of Transportation (DDOT), with her. The three of us, along with Barbara Rogers of the CM's office, spent about 30 minutes walking across, around, and nearby the intersection observing the dangerous flow of traffic and the inability of pedestrians to cross Piney Branch Road safely.

CM Lewis George was familiar with this intersection and its danger for motorists and pedestrians. Mr. Anderson was also very friendly with the safety concerns at this intersection, as we have had many discussions about improving it since January. Multiple Traffic Safety Investigation requests for the intersection in the DDOT online system also exist. CM Lewis George and Mr. Anderson discussed numerous ways to improve the intersection to make Brightwood residents, pedestrians, and motorists safer. As soon as I receive them, I will share updates on the next steps of how and when Piney Branch & Sheridan will be made safer.

Additionally, while CM Lewis George and I were at the Piney Branch & Sheridan intersection, I pointed out the 1000 block of Sheridan, where the open-air drug market is, and numerous homeless and drug users continually hang out. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, they were not there when we were on the corner. I also shared with CM Lewis George that the owner of the BP Gas Station is not keeping his property clean, which degrades the community by not doing so.

Thank you to the neighbors who participated in the Brightwood Ward 4 Care Day, and many thanks to CM Lewis George and her staff for organizing Ward 4 Care Days! Lastly, thanks to the DC agencies who also participated in Care Day, especially DDOT, DC Water, DPW, NPS, and the Fort Stevens Recreationg Center staff.

My best,

Commissioner Kim Patterson

ANC 4A05, Brightwood Neighborhood

4A05@anc.dc.gov