Happy Thanksgiving

The calendar seems to speed up after Halloween. That rush should guide us to take time to cherish, think about, and give thanks. It's a word of advice I am taking to heart.

Courtesy Wordpress.com

Whataya want from me?

That's not just the title for American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert's debut hit.  It's also a question many candidates will be asking DC residents over the next five and a half months. 

In Ward 7, a few groups have formed to lay out criteria and hear from candidates (and yes the incumbent is a candidate).  The Ward 7 Concerned Citizens Coalition has distributed its criteria and expectations.  We'll see how the people and the candidates respond.

Thank Heaven for 7-11

Back in 2009 the 7-Eleven corporation announced its plans for "aggressive expansion."  "Among 7-Eleven’s growth markets are: New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Washington, D.C.; Tidewater, Va.; and Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Myers, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, the San Francisco Bay area, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Alberta and British Columbia, Canada."

ANC7D-01 Commissioner Lisa White sent the following email about today's Ward 7 opening.  The store is opening in the former PreventionWorks office and is Ward 7's second 7-Eleven.  The other is located at 950 Eastern Ave. NE.

On Sat, Oct 29, 2011 at 8:21 AM, L White wrote:
The 7-Eleven at 2501 Benning Road is scheduled to open on Monday, October 31, 2011 @ 6:00am.

The Opening Celebration will take place on Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 10:00am-2:00pm; there will be Free Food Samples, 11cent Slurpees and Big Gulps, Prizes and Raffles. Also live entertainment with DJ Elon “Double E” and Apple Dumplin the Clown!

The Store Manager and District Manager of this 7-Eleven has committed to being Good Neighbors to the Kingman Park Community!

Have a great weekend,

Lisa White, ANC7D01

GUEST POST: UNCLE LEE'S SEAFOOD

You may have heard about or seen the "renovations" at Uncle Lee's.  The store was granted its class A liquor license.  This means we have three liquor stores added to the Eastern-Sheriff-Division (ESD) landscape and our 13th in the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7C community.

This is, needless to say, disappointing.  I will not sugarcoat with platitudes or blame.  We can always say they shoulda, we coulda.  It's more important now, I believe, that we have our moment. 

While you're having your moment, though, think back on our broader goals--building relationships and moving toward an improved quality of life.  We CAN put some achievement notches on our belt.

1) illegal shoe vendor was forced to register his business

2) there is no vending at all on the lot (THE BLOCK IS HOT, YALL!)
3) MPD 6D has daily patrols in ESD and parks on the 1100 Eastern Ave lot
4) community members know they are not alone; there are many who want better because we deserve better
5) there is increased attention from the Prince George's County Police Department
6) cleaned up the U4 bus stop
7) think of your three or four other successes.  (feel free to share!)

WHAT'S NEXT

1) Jocks Liquors' Zoning Hearing 

Thurs., November 3, 9:30 a.m. at County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Dr., Rm. 2190, Upper Marlboro

http://www.scribd.com/doc/70395377/Jock-s-Zoning-hearing-Fact-Sheet" style="margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block; text-decoration: underline;">Jock's Zoning hearing Fact Sheet

A. Become a person of record by contacting Tom Lockard or 301-952-3530.
B. Testify (or send letter of opposition) at the Jock’s Zoning Hearing, Thursday,November 3, 9:00 a.m. at 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Rm. 2190 Upper Marlboro, MD

1. adversely affect the health,safety or welfare of residents or workers in the area
2. harmful to the use ordevelopment of adjacent properties or the general neighborhood
3. substantially impair the integrity of any validly approved Master Plan or Functional Master Plan, or,the General Plan

2) Increase 311 and 911 calls for service
As we learned at the April alcohol hearing, government doesn't "see."  Government "hears."  Government hears data, i.e., calls for service. 

Car driven by illegal sign posters

1. loitering is illegal in Maryland.  call 911 to report loiterers at Jock's, 1005 Eastern Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD
2. loitering isn't illegal in DC.  call 911 to report open container violations.  MPD has found that patdowns have resulted in drug and outstanding warrants arrests.
3. illegal sign posting is out of control along Eastern Avenue and most certainly in the ESD intersection.  call 311 (DC's service) to report the DC postings, RECORD THE SERVICE REQUEST #, follow up in 10 business days.
4. Maryland is cracking down on illegal sign posters AND the companies.  Take a cell picture, email it, and email the location to the Department of Environmental Resources (email the location even if there's no picture).
5. Be on the look out for a blue VW hatchback driven by two Latino males, 5'6-5'8, 22-27 y.o. parking at 7-11 or Uncle Lee's.  One wears all black, slight build, and usually drives.  The other has stocky build and wears a baseball cap.  I've spoken to them so they know they are being watched.  When you see them call 911 and report for defacing property.

3) What's on YOUR mind?  What should be next?

Sylvia

Sylvia C. Brown
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 7C04
O: 202-398-5100
C: 202-841-4117 

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