There were a couple posts this week on Greater Greater Washington where the author compiled a list of his 20 least favorite streets in DC. Streets in Southwest that made the list include: Water Street (#19), 4th Street (#13), Delaware Avenue (#6), and Chappie James Boulevard at Bolling Air Force Base (#3). I agree with the author that Water Street serves as a redundant street that runs parallel to Maine Avenue and he suggests the street should be removed & replaced with buildings fronting Maine Avenue. Well...that's exactly what's going to happen as a part of the redevelopment of the Southwest Waterfront. Phase I, from 7th Street to 9th Street, is supposed to get underway by 2013. As far as 4th Street is concerned, I don't know why this street was on the list (and ranked higher than Water Street?). Most of 4th Street in the residential portion of Southwest has a great tree canopy and with the recent reopening of the street at Waterfront Station, it will have a more active street scape. Plus, 4th Street has bike lanes (the street north of I Street will get lane markings later this year). Delaware Avenue only runs for a few blocks in Southwest and dead-ends at a circle on H Street. Lansburg Park runs along Delaware, which needs some TLC. I've never been inside Bolling Air Force Base, so I can't comment on Chappie James Boulevard. Do you agree with his choices? Above is a photo of Wheat Row on 4th Street, the oldest surviving row homes in DC.
