New Sidewalks for Plum Street and Harmony Drive

Erica R. Hendry, August 3, 2011

Project created a "critical link needed in Vienna," Connolly says after Wednesday ceremony

Each summer, likely for as long as the Vienna Woods Swim and Tennis Club has existed, children would walk down the street wrapped in towels every day, traveling to and from the pool.

While the scene screamed quintessential summer, the scenario just wasn't safe, residents, parents and town officials said.

"Parents dropping their children off dodged between children in the street," Acting Public Works Director Dennis Johnson said.

On Wednesday morning, pedestrians traveling to the club finally found a safe path as local officials and residents celebrated the installation of a sidewalk along Plum Street and Harmony Drive S.W., the major arteries to the club.

"[The sidewalk] in front of 15 homes provides a direct walking route from the existing sidewalks on two collector streets (Tapawingo and Cottage Street) to a major destination, the Vienna Swim Club, our largest pool," Johnson said.

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), Mayor Jane Seeman, Town Manager Mercury Payton and Town Council members Laurie Cole, Howard Springsteen and Carey Sienicki joined residents and other town staff for the celebration.

Congressman Tom Davis "started the ball rolling" on the project, Johnson said. In February 2009, Connolly (D-11) wrote to Seeman saying the Federal FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act would provide $237,000 for sidewalks in the Town of Vienna, Johnson said.The funds came from the Federal Highway Administration's transportation, community and system preservation program.

The town held several public meetings about the sidewalk project since then, and sent a post card survey to adjacent property owners asking on which side of the street the sidewalk should go.

On Wednesday, that project became a reality as residents walked on the new sidewalks. The sod is also in place, though the project won't be fully complete until the fall, when the town plans to install 32 new trees, Johnson said.

It was a "critical link needed in Vienna," Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11) said on Twitter after leaving the ceremony.

http://vienna.patch.com/articles/new-sidewalks-for-plum-street-and-harmony-drive