Ann E. Chisholm and Michael McBride of Metro address an ANC meeting.

Following the controversial removal of the flowers planted by the “Phantom Planter” at the Dupont North station, Metro promised to work with the community to continue “beautifying” the embankment and surrounding area.

Two representatives from the agency revealed plans to do so last night at an ANC meeting in Dupont Circle. Not in attendance? Henry Docter, the man whose sprucing up effort was shut down by Metro.

Ann E. Chisholm, Metro’s officer of government relations, said there are plans underway to rehab the whole plaza. Work has already begun and should be completed in 60 days, Chisholm said.

Michael McBride, head of Metro’s Art in Transit program, said the daffodil bulbs planted by Docter attracted rodents. Instead, Pachysandra will be planted and repairs will be made to the pavers beginning in two weeks. McBride could not provide a completion date for the project.

After Metro became aware that Docter, a renegade planter, had planted bulbs in the station’s embankment, they sent him a cease-and-desist letter that threatened jail time. Docter said he was willing to sign a waiver to continue his work, but Metro ripped out the flowers anyway.

Even though Docter was not in attendance, others who came out wanted to know why Metro responded to his planting the way they did.

Both Metro representatives again emphasized that safety was the main concern with Docter’s planting. “Hands down, unquestionably, safety comes first,” McBride said.

“In hindsight, we probably should have come to the commissioners to talk about this,” Chisholm said. “We’re starting fresh.” She later conceded that “maybe a mistake was made.”

ANC Commissioner Kevin O’Connor said he was hoping Docter would come to the meeting, but was still happy to see that the embankment would get some attention. “Better late than never,” he added.

Current state of planters at Dupont North.