Dear Ms. Floreen:

I am writing to you as the Senior Pastor of Montgomery Hills Baptist Church, located at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and Forest Glen Road. I also write to you as one with a keen interest in the construction of a Forest Glen/Georgia Avenue Metro entrance and tunnel.

Recent newspaper articles have noted that the Forest Glen-Georgia Avenue intersection is the "busiest" in Montgomery County. I believe it to be one of the least safe as well. In my nine years as Pastor of Montgomery Hills, I have witnessed a number of near-accidents- tragedies at this intersection. Many of my congregants have also spoken to me of their difficulties in making safe passage. In my own efforts to use mass transit as often as possible, I too have experienced the challenge of trying to cross Georgia Avenue in safety.

In addition, our church is now home to a private school, the Siena School. I have deep concerns for the safety of Siena's students when they need to use the Metro system for field trips or to otherwise deepen their educational experience by traveling down to Washington.

I believe that a Metro entrance and tunnel under Georgia Avenue is long past due. This is a project that would be of great benefit to the community, and to all who make use of the Metro system. And of course, ultimately it will save lives. I am writing to encourage your support for this project. It certainly has my support. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Joel S. Hawthorne
Senior Pastor
Montgomery Hills Baptist Church