TYLER LOPEZ

FOR ANC 5E05 - BLOOMINGDALE

What I Stand For

SAFER STREETS AND SIDEWALKS

Community before commuters. As a new dad, it's especially important to me to be able to get our kid across the neighborhood without worrying that we will be struck by a reckless driver. It is time for the city and DDOT to invest in meaningful traffic and pedestrian safety improvements in Bloomingdale. 

In 5E05, that means calming measures on First Street NW, North Capitol Street NW, and Second Street NW. I'll go a step further address needs across all of Bloomingdale - working with neighbors, ANCs, MPD, and DDOT to implement enforcement mechanisms that keep our families safe from dangerous drivers. 

INTEGRATING THE RESERVOIR DISTRICT WITH BLOOMINGDALE

Our amazing new park is just the start of this incredible opportunity for Bloomingdale. The Reservoir District is currently part of ANC 5E05, which gives added importance to the winner of this race. ANC votes play an huge role in approving zoning requests, including the amazing new development in the Reservoir District. You can count on me to work with city authorities and developers to quickly and efficiently make decisions that put our community's needs first: amenities, parking, traffic congestion, transit connections, public safety and zoning all factor into key decisions being made in and around this site. 

SMARTER TRANSIT SOLUTIONS

I attended neighborhood meetings regarding a proposed bus route down First Street. I met with and listened to 5E05 neighbors. I spoke up for my neighbors and directly asked Councilmember Parker to support an alternate route along with assurances that existing transit infrastructure in the neighborhood will be improved with pedestrian safety in mind.  

Good news: WMATA listened to our concerns, and Councilmember Parker indicated a First Street route is no longer in the cards. WMATA will propose running the route down 3rd/4th street in LeDroit Park instead. 

As ANC, I'll continue to advocate for smart transit solutions that neighbors support. 

Why I'm Running

When we first witnessed a violent car crash in front of our home on North Capitol Street, our neighbors told us they'd implored the city to do something about inaccessible sidewalks, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and dangerous drivers—most of whom were from Maryland or Virginia—for years. 

The crashes didn't stop (one car even ricocheted into our home), so I made it my mission to fix our little portion of Bloomingdale. It wasn't easy, but after months of emails to DDOT, the Council, and others, I was able to have the city commit to installing new reflective signage, flexiposts, and repainting lanes to help guide drivers safely down the corridor.

I accomplished this entirely on my own, without help from my ANC at the time, who never responded to my emails or calls. 

Talking to residents all across the neighborhood, I heard similar stories. Reckless drivers nearly missing loved ones trying to cross First Street. Stolen vehicles on Second Street. Wheelchair users and parents with strollers attempting to navigate impassable sidewalks. And an unacceptable lack of meaningful response from the city. 

I'm determined to change that. As your ANC, I will channel our community's passion and energy into concrete action by the city to make our streets and sidewalks safer. That means actually addressing reckless driving and hazardous road design on First Street, Second Street, and North Capitol Street.  It means putting our community above commuters. It means finding ways to ease congestion from the new Reservoir District. It means listening to residents and conveying their concerns the Council, DDOT, and WMATA. 

When my husband and I spotted an opportunity to move to Bloomingdale in 2020, we jumped at the chance—it's a neighborhood we've always loved and a community which already included so many friends. 

My husband and I want to raise our son in a Bloomingdale that's safe for everyone. And I'm committed to putting my time and energy into demanding solutions from the Council and the Mayor's Office. Our community deserves a voice that will advocate loudly and persistently for our interests. It would be my honor to serve as that voice.

I'd love to hear more from each of you in 5E05 and answer any questions you may have. And, with your votes, I will be proud to represent you. 

Please say hi if you see me out and about with my family! And if you don't have the time feel free to reach out at TylerLopezForANC@gmail.com.

Let's do this, Bloomingdale!