WASHINGTON — An intersection in Northeast D.C. is getting a new name and makeover. Residents voted to rename Dave Thomas Circle to Mamie 'Peanut' Johnson in honor of the first woman to pitch in the Negro leagues and longtime D.C. resident.
“Our community is ready to start a new chapter at this intersection, and we are off to a strong start by naming it after such an iconic woman,” said Mayor Bowser. “Mamie ‘Peanut’ Johnson was a pioneer. Now, it is fitting that her name will represent these new spaces where residents and visitors can rest and play. I thank the Noma BID for engaging the public and going through a thoughtful process of renaming this intersection.”
On Friday, Mayor Bowser announced the new name for the public spaces currently under construction at the intersection of Florida Avenue and New York Avenue NE, formerly known as “Dave Thomas Circle.” Following a community input process led by the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID), the redesigned intersection will be renamed in honor of Mamie ‘Peanut’ Johnson. More than 4,300 residents cast their vote during the process to name the spaces being transformed by a District Department of Transportation (DDOT) initiative that officials say will also streamline the intersection to increase safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
With the final vote in, the next step in the process is the introduction of formal legislation before the DC Council to officially recognize the name for the new trio of public spaces.
“We appreciate the community’s continued engagement and input in both the renaming and redesign of this intersection,” says Interim DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum. “The transformation of this roadway continues on track, and when completed in December 2024, the result will be a much improved and safer experience for everyone who lives near and passes through this space.”
WATCH NEXT:
Many commuters consider it one of the most aggravating intersections in D.C. But as Evan Koslof reports, that intersection is getting a complete makeover.