Opinion ID: 2658241
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Pedestrian Safety

Text: Petitioners challenge the Commission‟s conclusion that the East Campus development would not produce hazardous conditions for pedestrians. They argue that the Commission ignored evidence and failed to accord great weight to ANC 3D‟s concerns and recommendations. ANC 3D charged that the East Campus development, even with the addition of a mid-block pedestrian traffic signal on Nebraska Avenue, would increase congestion and exacerbate unsafe conditions around the Main Campus created by the already heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area. The ANC emphasized that pedestrians often cross the street against the light, decreasing the effectiveness of additional traffic signals. From other sources, though, including the Department of Transportation, the Commission heard experts opine that, while AU could not control pedestrian behavior, the proposed new signaled crossing and (continued…) characteristics of every building in the vicinity of Westover Place. We have no doubt that the Commission appreciated that the proposed East Campus development would not be identical to the other high density developments around Westover Place. That fact does not invalidate its conclusion. 35 other traffic control measures would influence it positively and thus “improve safety.” We do not think the Commission ignored any evidence or recommendations. The Commission heard ANC 3D‟s concern that there would be an increased safety risk, and it heard evidence pro and con about the effectiveness of safety measures, including the installation of a mid-block traffic light and crosswalk to reduce jaywalking. The Commission credited the University‟s evidence and the opinion of the Department of Transportation and, based on that evidence, concluded that AU‟s proposed measures would be sufficient to reduce risks to pedestrians such that there would be no likely objectionable conditions. We see nothing more the Commission needed to do to explain its conclusion or to address the ANC‟s concerns.