The Second Annual Ward 7 Transportation Summit is a citizen-led and organized initiative bringing attention to the transportation needs and wants of the Ward.
This summit is a follow-up to a transportation summit convened last year around the theme "rediscover the bus."
Organized by Veronica O. Davis, an engineer and partner in sustainability consulting firm Nspiregreen, the transportation summits aim to give stakeholders an opportunity to have an open and honest dialogue with key government agencies and elected officials. Davis says, "Transportation is a key link in economic development and growth. Too often Ward 7 has been studied with limited action after the studies."
A common thread found in those studies is the Ward's limited connectivity--within the ward, within the East of the River community, and throughout the District. Some of the topics for discussion include, the WMATA W4 study, fully funding the East of the River Circulator, bus and rail safety, coordinating transportation demand management between Ward 7 and Ward 8 development projects, and getting more ward representation on transportation-related boards and commissions.
Davis continues, "One of the unique ways we plan to engage neighbors and key influencers is by hosting a tweet chat. In addition to word-of-mouth and flyering, social media has come to be such a vital communications link. Listserves, Facebook and Twitter are the modern-day conversation over the back fence."
This second summit is another thread in the conversation about advocating for the needs and wants of Ward 7 and its residents.
W7Transpo Summit Flyer Update
Showing posts with label economic development. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic development. Show all posts
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
IDEA PCS Hearing #ward7 #edureform
In late December DC's Public Charter School Board moved to revoke the Integrated Design Electronics Academy (IDEA) PCS charter due to academic deficiencies and for operating an adult education program outside of their charter. IDEA is one of the oldest charter schools in the District having opened in 1998. IDEA runs a middle school and a high school.
In the Washington Examiner the school's Executive Director Norman Johnson commented, the school "was approved to serve students who may have issues with the law or truancy, making the ratings unfair."
The PCSB's hearing about the matter is later today, Febuary 2, 6:00 p.m. at IDEA, 1027 45th St. NE. The school is on the U4 bus route and four blocks from the Orange Line's Deanwood Metro Station.
In the Washington Examiner the school's Executive Director Norman Johnson commented, the school "was approved to serve students who may have issues with the law or truancy, making the ratings unfair."
The PCSB's hearing about the matter is later today, Febuary 2, 6:00 p.m. at IDEA, 1027 45th St. NE. The school is on the U4 bus route and four blocks from the Orange Line's Deanwood Metro Station.
Art as Placemaking... #deanwooddc
In the realm of urbanism, placemaking has gained a significant foothold. Essentially, placemaking means enlivening neighborhoods. This can involve art, streetscape enhancements, like lighting and tree plantings, and farmers' markets. At the core of placemaking is community engagement and involvement.
When the Deanwood Community Center and Library was planned placemaking was an aspect neighbors wanted (even before the term became in vogue). The DC Commission on Arts and Humanities is finally moving on the effort through the DC Creates!Public Art Program. The program purchases, commissions, and installs artworks for public sites throughout the District.
Join neighbors this Saturday in planning this placemaking and community building activity. Artist Amber Robles-Gordon will present a public art piece for the Deanwood Recreation Center and Library.
When the Deanwood Community Center and Library was planned placemaking was an aspect neighbors wanted (even before the term became in vogue). The DC Commission on Arts and Humanities is finally moving on the effort through the DC Creates!Public Art Program. The program purchases, commissions, and installs artworks for public sites throughout the District.
Join neighbors this Saturday in planning this placemaking and community building activity. Artist Amber Robles-Gordon will present a public art piece for the Deanwood Recreation Center and Library.
Deanwood Community Public Art Presentation
Saturday, February 4, 2:00p
Deanwood Recreation Center Multi-Purpose Room
For more information
Mary Beth Brown 202-724-5613 or MaryBeth.Brown@dc.gov
Thursday, January 12, 2012
#unclelees Owners Plan to Attend ANC7C Public Meeting
According to ANC7C Chair Khaliq Elhillali, the owners of Uncle Lee's Seafood and Liquor, Eun Sun Kim and Peter Jung, have asked to be on the Commission's agenda on Thursday, January 12. This is quite a turn of events since the owners have rebuffed previous requests to attend meetings and to meet with residents and stakeholders.
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7C
Come with your questions, comments, and to meet the owners (and the landlord, Paul Ince). Your presence needs to be seen, heard, and felt.
If you don't come to another community meeting,
you need to be at this one!!
BRING A NEIGHBOR
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 7C
PUBLIC MEETING
THUR., JANUARY 12, 7:00 P.M.
SARGENT MEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (BASEMENT)
5108 NANNIE HELEN BURROUGHS AVE. NE
AGENDA INCLUDES UNCLE LEE'S OWNERS
(EUN SUN KIM & PETER JUNG)
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7C
4651 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave. NE Suite 2,WDC 20019
202-398-5100, anc7c@verizon.net
Come with your questions, comments, and to meet the owners (and the landlord, Paul Ince). Your presence needs to be seen, heard, and felt.
I'M COUNTING ON YOU!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Yeah, what she said! Life in the Village: Economic Development in #Ward7
My neighbor, Miss V, summed it up well at Life in the Village (Washington, DC): Economic Development in Ward 7. You can watch the hearing at the Council's website or through the Office of Cable Television.
Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown announces the scheduling of a Public Oversight Roundtable by the Committee of the Whole on Economic Development Programs/Projects in Ward 7. The public oversight roundtable is scheduled for January 11, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., Dorothy Height/Benning Library, 3935 Benning Road, NE. The purpose of the public oversight roundtable is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment on the proposed economic development programs/projects in Ward 7.
Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to testify at the public oversight roundtable are encouraged to sign up online by visiting our Council website at http://dccouncil.us. Individuals may also contact Priscilla McIver, Administrative Assistant to the Committee of the Whole, at (202) 724-8196, or via e-mail at pford@dccouncil.us and furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any. They should also bring 20 copies of their written testimony. Persons presenting testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard.
If you are unable to testify at the roundtable, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to: Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 508, Washington, D.C. 20004.
PUBLIC OVERSIGHT ROUNDTABLE BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS/PROJECTS IN WARD 7
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012, 6:30 P.M.
DOROTHY HEIGHT/BENNING LIBRARY
3935 BENNING ROAD, NE
Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to testify at the public oversight roundtable are encouraged to sign up online by visiting our Council website at http://dccouncil.us. Individuals may also contact Priscilla McIver, Administrative Assistant to the Committee of the Whole, at (202) 724-8196, or via e-mail at pford@dccouncil.us and furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any. They should also bring 20 copies of their written testimony. Persons presenting testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard.
If you are unable to testify at the roundtable, written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to: Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 508, Washington, D.C. 20004.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Board of Zoning Adjustment to hear #UncleLee's Case #civicactivism
Tomorrow, January 10, 9:30 a.m. the BZA will hear the Application of Eun Sun Kim case #18147 to extend business hours from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. There are seven items on the agenda and the meeting is a public meeting with no testimony. The members can choose to approve, deny, or postpone the case.
Watch the proceedings live if you cannot attend in person.
Application of Eun Sun Kim
Here is a history of the community's interaction with the business owners.
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-tha-what-when-will-unclelees-work.html
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2011/12/unclelees-part-ivthe-saga-continues.html
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2011/04/whatever-happened-with.html
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2010/12/liquor-store-alley-is-your-neighborhood.html
Watch the proceedings live if you cannot attend in person.
Application of Eun Sun Kim
| Case # : | 18147 |
| Case Name : | Application of Eun Sun Kim (dba Uncle Lee's Seafood) |
| Case Summary : | (Special Exceptions) Pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3104.1, for a special exception to allow a fast food establishment under section 733, in the C-2-A District at premises 1100 Eastern Avenue, N.E. (Square 5200, Lot 805). 441 4th St. NW Room 220 South (Red Line Judiciary Square Metro) |
| ANC : | 7C |
Here is a history of the community's interaction with the business owners.
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-tha-what-when-will-unclelees-work.html
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2011/12/unclelees-part-ivthe-saga-continues.html
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2011/04/whatever-happened-with.html
http://deanwooddenizen.blogspot.com/2010/12/liquor-store-alley-is-your-neighborhood.html
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
WHAT THA WHAT?! When will #unclelees work WITH #deanwooddc! Sheesh!
PLEASE CALL 911 to report open container violations/public drinking. Try your best to get physical and clothing descriptions of the individuals.
Additionally, register a complaint with the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration by completing an ABRA Complaint Form, emailing William Hager, or calling the issues in to the Enforcement Division at (202) 442-4423. You can make an anonymous report for the following complaints:
- Loitering
- Public drinking
- After hours operation
- Noise
- Overcrowding
- Parking/traffic issues
- Trash
- Sale to intoxicated persons
- Violent activity
- Sale to minors
- Other
Thursday, December 29, 2011
#UncleLee's Part IV...the saga continues #deanwooddc #ward7
Yes, it's me again. Back with another riveting edition of "Deanwood Plays Hardball with Liquor Stores."
You'll remember from previous episodes community members fought valiantly to STOP Uncle Lee's from getting a class A liquor license. The store would be the twelfth liquor store in the greater Deanwood neighborhood (Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7C). While that effort was not successful, we did get rid of the illegal vendor. We've also gotten much needed police and government attention at the Eastern-Sheriff-Division intersection. Since April, Commissioner Sylvia C. Brown, Commissioner for the area in which Uncle Lee's is located, has established relationships with the Prince George's County Police Department District III and with Maryland State Senator Joanne Benson (D-24) who represents the area across from Uncle Lee's. Brown has become a regular at the police's monthly Coffee Chats at Wegman's and Senator Benson's monthly Greater 202 Coalition breakfast.
The backdrop to the community's hardball civic activism was the District's fiscal year 2012 gap closing. One of the proposals to close the gap was a one percent increase on alcohol taxes, up to 10%. The trade-off was liquor stores could stay open until 12 midnight. In light of the extended hours and community members' vocal and persistent opposition to the liquor store, conventional wisdom would take that Uncle Lee's owner(s) would be on it's p's and q's--working with the police and the community to report and stop negative behavior, such as litter, loitering, and public drinking. The store, however, has not been very...let's say forward-thinking.
In late November, the storeowner representative, contacted Commissioner Brown offering "to make peace" because of intentions to file the Application for Minor Modification with the Board of Zoning; the store is requesting to extend its business hours to 12 midnight. According to the application, Uncle Lee's is now "very clean and safe."
Au contraire, mon frere...
Contact the Commission at 202-398-5100 or by email to confirm the hearing. All Hands on Deck to improve and promote our quality of life.
You'll remember from previous episodes community members fought valiantly to STOP Uncle Lee's from getting a class A liquor license. The store would be the twelfth liquor store in the greater Deanwood neighborhood (Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7C). While that effort was not successful, we did get rid of the illegal vendor. We've also gotten much needed police and government attention at the Eastern-Sheriff-Division intersection. Since April, Commissioner Sylvia C. Brown, Commissioner for the area in which Uncle Lee's is located, has established relationships with the Prince George's County Police Department District III and with Maryland State Senator Joanne Benson (D-24) who represents the area across from Uncle Lee's. Brown has become a regular at the police's monthly Coffee Chats at Wegman's and Senator Benson's monthly Greater 202 Coalition breakfast.
The backdrop to the community's hardball civic activism was the District's fiscal year 2012 gap closing. One of the proposals to close the gap was a one percent increase on alcohol taxes, up to 10%. The trade-off was liquor stores could stay open until 12 midnight. In light of the extended hours and community members' vocal and persistent opposition to the liquor store, conventional wisdom would take that Uncle Lee's owner(s) would be on it's p's and q's--working with the police and the community to report and stop negative behavior, such as litter, loitering, and public drinking. The store, however, has not been very...let's say forward-thinking.
In late November, the store
Au contraire, mon frere...
 |
| Beer cans, containers, and broken railing |
 |
| Leftover hard liquor singles |
According to MPD's Calls for Service Report there are over 50 calls for service to the store's address and that's starting the count from April 2011. Additionally, I wouldn't say these pictures give credence to the clean claims.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment is scheduled to hear the extended hours application on January 10, 2012. Fortunately, the 7C Commission voted to oppose the modification application. Community members will be represented in full force at this hearing. If you'd like to weigh-in opposing extended hours for Uncle Lee's email Board Secretary Clifford Moy or call him at (202) 727-0348.
Contact the Commission at 202-398-5100 or by email to confirm the hearing. All Hands on Deck to improve and promote our quality of life.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
TONIGHT: W4 WMATA COMMUNITY MEETING #eotr
Metro seeks input on W4 Route
Riders are encouraged to attend one of the following public meetings to provide your input on the services that are being evaluated:- Thursday, December 8: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Contee AME Zion Church, 903 Division Avenue NE.
- Tuesday, December 13: 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Petey Greene Center, 2907 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE.
If you cannot attend the sessions you can provide your input and feedback through WMATA's online survey.
Monday, December 5, 2011
WMATA Begins North-South EOTR Bus Line Study
Metro seeks input on W4 Route Service
In early spring neighbor Veronica Davis convened an east of the river transportation summit. At the summit, WMATA bus planner James Hamre shared the agency was considering changes to the W4 line that included,
- Improve frequency of weekday off-peak service from 33 minutes to 22 minutes
- Improve Saturday frequency of service from 31 minutes to 25 minutes
- Reduce crowding and waiting time
- Annual operating cost=$0.5 million
- No fleet change
WMATA wants to hear from stakeholders, like you, about these proposed enhancements. Are they spot-on? Does the agency need to go back to the drawing board? Does the agency need to add more enhancements? Some of the changes I'd like to see include moving from a schedule to a headway, putting fare boxes at stores (e.g., 7-11, Uncle Lee's or Jock's), and requiring Wal-Mart/A&R Development to pay for improvements.
Bring your kudos, criticisms, needs, and wants for better transit service for Deanwood and East of the River.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
GUEST POST: UNCLE LEE'S SEAFOOD
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
Thurs., November 3, 9:30 a.m. at County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Dr., Rm. 2190, Upper Marlborohttp://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
- adversely affect the health,safety or welfare of residents or workers in the area
- harmful to the use ordevelopment of adjacent properties or the general neighborhood
- substantially impair the integrity of any validly approved Master Plan or Functional Master Plan, or,the General Plan
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 |
- loitering is illegal in Maryland. call 911 to report loiterers at Jock's, 1005 Eastern Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Sylvia
Sylvia C. Brown
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 7C04
O: 202-398-5100
C: 202-841-4117
P.S. SHARE THIS NEWS WITH SOMEONE
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
LISTEN TO ME!!!
We've emailed, tweeted, reported to 311 and the Office of Neighborhood Engagement, cajoled, and prodded. What's happened? NOTHING!! The public space violation at 4908 Jay Street NE is STILL there & has now attracted illegal dumping. What does it take to get this cleaned up after nearly two months???
A stop work order issued on September 12 by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Instead of trusting that the DCRA inspector would inform the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the District Department of the Environment, there should be a check-off/prompt automatically within the stop work order process to initiate fines and a removal period. It is inefficient and redundant to require residents to hope there was verbal communication within the agencies or to generate a complaint.
City unresponsiveness breeds cynicism in and distrust of government in residents. City unresponsiveness breeds boldness in construction companies, litterers, and others to blatantly disrespect Deanwood and the city. I'm sick of it!
A stop work order issued on September 12 by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Instead of trusting that the DCRA inspector would inform the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the District Department of the Environment, there should be a check-off/prompt automatically within the stop work order process to initiate fines and a removal period. It is inefficient and redundant to require residents to hope there was verbal communication within the agencies or to generate a complaint.
City unresponsiveness breeds cynicism in and distrust of government in residents. City unresponsiveness breeds boldness in construction companies, litterers, and others to blatantly disrespect Deanwood and the city. I'm sick of it!
 |
| 4908 Jay St. NE |
Monday, October 24, 2011
JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Money, Money, Monaaay!!
ONE CITY, ONE HIRE
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Any issues or questions, please call 202-698-4781.
Department of Employment Services
4058 Minnesota Ave. NE Community Room | Minnesota Avenue Metro, A31/U2/U5/U6/U8/V7/V8/X1/X2/X3/X9
Shift Supervisor | Assistant Store Manager | Store Manager Positions Available
Step 1 - Apply On-Line: www.riteaid.com/careers/
Step 2: Register http://onecityonehire.org/prescreening/ and select EVENT TYPE “RITE AID”.
Shift Supervisor Positions Available
Step 1: Apply On-Line: http://info.cvscaremark.com/careers
Step 2: Register http://onecityonehire.org/prescreening/ and select EVENT TYPE “CVS”.
Step 2: Register http://onecityonehire.org/prescreening/ and select EVENT TYPE “CVS”.
Crew | Kitchen Prep | Apprentice | General Manager Positions Available
Step 1: Register http://onecityonehire.org/prescreening/ and select EVENT TYPE “Z Burger”.
Step 2: You’ll be contacted via email with your appointment time slot.
Courtesy Clerk |Seafood Clerk | Bakery Clerk | Night Stocker | Service Clerk/Deli | Floral Clerk | Food Clerk/CheckerStep 1: Apply: http://www.careersatsafeway.com/
Step 2: Register: http://onecityonehire.org/prescreening/ and select EVENT TYPE “SAFEWAY”.Thursday, October 13, 2011
Vision and placemaking...
Friend and fellow East of the River blogger Nikki Peele made an astute obeservation a few days ago--women in the community are leading (and blogging) the transformation of DC's neighborhoods. Think about it, there are JD Land, Life in the Village, Congress Heights on the Rise, and The Brightwoodian to name a few. Yet as I discovered thanks to a Real Estate Bisnow post "The Key to Cities" men are at the table "making" the plans.
A leading voice on placemaking Project for Public Spaces describes the concept as breaking "through [institutionalization] by showing [developers] planners, designers, and engineers how to move beyond their habit of looking at communities through the narrow lens of single-minded goals or rigid professional disciplines."
This finding is shockingly clear in the development landscape in Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7C (and north Ward 7). In testimony about extending the disposition agreements on three critical north Ward 7 parcels 7C04 Commissioner Sylvia C. Brown asked about the development teams' visions and efforts "to create a sense of place—enlivening streetscapes, engaging current community members, and getting future residents excited about the developments' and surrounding communities' potential." The question was discounted. (With only one woman among the development team members is there a correlation???)
New buildings don't magically make blight disappear. New buildings don't magically reduce crime. New buildings don't magically produce an improved quality of life.Vision does.
PROACTIVE vision does.
Proactive, progressive vision with a real commitment to the broader community's bottom line does.
DC Council Ward 7 Land Disposition Hearing... Commissioner Brown's testimony starts at 4:25. The exchange with Chairman Brown is at 11:37.
A leading voice on placemaking Project for Public Spaces describes the concept as breaking "through [institutionalization] by showing [developers] planners, designers, and engineers how to move beyond their habit of looking at communities through the narrow lens of single-minded goals or rigid professional disciplines."
This finding is shockingly clear in the development landscape in Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7C (and north Ward 7). In testimony about extending the disposition agreements on three critical north Ward 7 parcels 7C04 Commissioner Sylvia C. Brown asked about the development teams' visions and efforts "to create a sense of place—enlivening streetscapes, engaging current community members, and getting future residents excited about the developments' and surrounding communities' potential." The question was discounted. (With only one woman among the development team members is there a correlation???)
New buildings don't magically make blight disappear. New buildings don't magically reduce crime. New buildings don't magically produce an improved quality of life.
PROACTIVE vision does.
Proactive, progressive vision with a real commitment to the broader community's bottom line does.
DC Council Ward 7 Land Disposition Hearing... Commissioner Brown's testimony starts at 4:25. The exchange with Chairman Brown is at 11:37.
Friday, April 22, 2011
WHATEVER HAPPENED WITH...
UNCLE LEE'S SEAFOOD
On Wednesday, April 13 the protest hearing against the Class A Liquor License application of Uncle Lee's Seafood was held. It was an empowering and enlightening experience.
A brief recap:
- It was a bit of a rough start because Commissioner Sylvia Brown was late and the proceedings are conducted as a court case with opening statements, exhibits, etc.
- Ronnie Streff, Vice President, Capitol View Civic Association, and Commissioner Brown were dinged because they tagged teamed; Commissioner Brown ended being the primary questioner with Streff as second chair
- Commissioner Brown's line of questioning bringing up the application's discrepancies of ownership and running another business brought in reasonable doubt of the applicant's ability to follow the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration's peace, order, and quiet standards for the Alcohol Control Board
- The board chair reprimanded the applicant's attorney two-three times to the point of questioning whether he was an attorney and nearly dismissing the case; the attorney was answering questions for his client instead of allowing the client to speak for herself. Thankfully, Commissioner Brown's request for an impartial third party translator was granted otherwise there could've been shenanigans.
- The applicant called up a supportive "customer." Questioning revealed the customer actually worked for the applicant getting paid in food and drink
- The applicant presented a petition of supporters as an exhibit. The protestants objected because the petition didn't say it was for a liquor store, several signors were not from the immediate area, and several signors used, shall we say, aliases.
- The alcohol board has 90 days to issue its decision.
WHAT'S NEXT
1) BY MON., April 25, 5:00 P.M. SEND OR PHONE YOUR OPPOSITION TO "THE FISCAL YEAR 2012 PROPOSALS TO EXTEND LIQUOR STORE HOURS TO 12 MIDNIGHT & ALLOWING CLASS A LIQUOR STORES TO SELL ON SUNDAYS" TO
The Honorable Jim Graham
Chairman
District of Columbia Council on Human Services
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 117
Washington, DC 20004
P: 202-724-8181
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL: jim@grahamwone.com, agerst@dccouncil.us
The Honorable Yvette M. Alexander
Ward 7 Councilmember
Member, Committee on Human Services
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20004
P: 202-724-8068
VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL: yalexander@dccouncil.us, jrmeyers@dccouncil.us
2) Mark the 3rd Wed., 6:30p (sharp), Kelly Miller Middle School, 301 49th St. NE on your calendars for the monthly Patrol Service Area 602 meeting.
Wed., April 20- Wed., May 18
- Wed., June 15
- Wed., July 20
- Wed., Aug. 17
- Wed., Sept. 21
- Wed., Oct. 19
- Wed., Nov. 16
- Wed., Dec. 21
4) We need at least three people to join the economic development strategy team to implement the Deanwood Small Area Plan--Sheriff-Eastern node.
5) Other neighbors want to replicate what we did and strategize on future liquor license renewals. There'll be a planning meeting in early-mid June. To join the liquor license strategy team, please email me directly
STAY ON TOP OF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Deanwood's Urban Turf Profile
Deanwood: A Little Bit of Country Just Inside the District’s Borders
"It’s easy to get disoriented in Deanwood. Exit the Metro station and walk past the gleaming new recreation center, and the neighborhood quickly takes on a foreign tone. With its hills and one-story frame houses, it’s not a stretch to imagine you’re wandering around a rural community somewhere—one that isn’t particularly open to outsiders.
Located east of the Anacostia River and just inside the District’s northeast border, Deanwood has long been viewed as a community with a small-town atmosphere." Read the rest of the article.
Weigh in on this blog on whether Urban Turf got it right along with your vision of Deanwood's future.
Deanwood Duplexes in 5000 Block of Jay St
"It’s easy to get disoriented in Deanwood. Exit the Metro station and walk past the gleaming new recreation center, and the neighborhood quickly takes on a foreign tone. With its hills and one-story frame houses, it’s not a stretch to imagine you’re wandering around a rural community somewhere—one that isn’t particularly open to outsiders.
Located east of the Anacostia River and just inside the District’s northeast border, Deanwood has long been viewed as a community with a small-town atmosphere." Read the rest of the article.
Weigh in on this blog on whether Urban Turf got it right along with your vision of Deanwood's future.
Deanwood Duplexes in 5000 Block of Jay St
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The transition begins...Gray Ward 7 Town Hall
A common saying in politics is, "Winning a campaign is easy. The tough part is governing." Noone doubts D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray, the presumptive mayor, has the ability to govern. The doubt, or perhaps more appropriately the uncertainty, arises in how he will govern. This uncertainty is made more stark when coupled with our city's horrendous budget constraints.
For neighborhoods like Deanwood, which went heavy for Gray, the asks are long and deep. Dealing with basic quality-of-life needs like improved schools, public works services, and police presence are important. Just as important, though, is implementing a meaningful community economic development plan. For greater Deanwood neighborhoods our community economic development is wrapped in the multi-year Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings New Communities Initiative (LHRDNCI). The LHRDNCI hinges on a cross-section of government and private invesments, including human capital and infrastructure, to create mixed-income, sustainable development sites. Private developers have already downgraded some of their plans on account of the economic downturn. These developers must have a comfort level from government but also in my opinion they need a gut-check and must be strongly prodded by government to plan for the best and build the best in spite of the current economics.
Gray campaigned on a birth-24 education system that includes real-life employment skills. It is my contention that that campaign promise can be implemented and accomplished in greater Deanwood. Breaking up the silo mentality of the private sector is a step. However, a bigger and more treacherous step is corralling residents, both long-time and new arrivals, to forget perceived slights and defuse flashpoint rhetoric and come together to push for innovative community revitalization--dusting off the so, so, so many development plans for far northeast Ward 7 and get it done.
While the presumptive mayor's heart may be in Ward 7 he has to govern from 30,000'. The opportunity to make a campaign promise and slogan a model and reality is in greater Deanwood--if the presumptive mayor sets the tone and empowers (demands?) Ward 7 residents (in some cases guide to stage left) to organize effectively to communicate our message, our needs, and our wants ourselves.
"How will the presumptive mayor govern?" Significant returns on investment for the public and private sectors hang in the balance.
vgray ward7 townhall
The Ward 7 town hall is moved to Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Please allow for significant travel time (WMATA or car) due to the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets project construction.
For neighborhoods like Deanwood, which went heavy for Gray, the asks are long and deep. Dealing with basic quality-of-life needs like improved schools, public works services, and police presence are important. Just as important, though, is implementing a meaningful community economic development plan. For greater Deanwood neighborhoods our community economic development is wrapped in the multi-year Lincoln Heights/Richardson Dwellings New Communities Initiative (LHRDNCI). The LHRDNCI hinges on a cross-section of government and private invesments, including human capital and infrastructure, to create mixed-income, sustainable development sites. Private developers have already downgraded some of their plans on account of the economic downturn. These developers must have a comfort level from government but also in my opinion they need a gut-check and must be strongly prodded by government to plan for the best and build the best in spite of the current economics.
Gray campaigned on a birth-24 education system that includes real-life employment skills. It is my contention that that campaign promise can be implemented and accomplished in greater Deanwood. Breaking up the silo mentality of the private sector is a step. However, a bigger and more treacherous step is corralling residents, both long-time and new arrivals, to forget perceived slights and defuse flashpoint rhetoric and come together to push for innovative community revitalization--dusting off the so, so, so many development plans for far northeast Ward 7 and get it done.
While the presumptive mayor's heart may be in Ward 7 he has to govern from 30,000'. The opportunity to make a campaign promise and slogan a model and reality is in greater Deanwood--if the presumptive mayor sets the tone and empowers (demands?) Ward 7 residents (in some cases guide to stage left) to organize effectively to communicate our message, our needs, and our wants ourselves.
"How will the presumptive mayor govern?" Significant returns on investment for the public and private sectors hang in the balance.
vgray ward7 townhall
The Ward 7 town hall is moved to Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. Please allow for significant travel time (WMATA or car) due to the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets project construction.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Good lookin' out...
And Now Anacostia reports the demolition of the gas station at Good Hope Road and 13th St. SE. An eyesore if ever there was one. Maybe this demolition can help neighbors keep hope alive for an enlivened retail and office corridor since DDOT HQ won't be there.
- Mayor Fenty will give his State of the District Address at the Deanwood Community Center and Library (hopefully no changes). The DCCL is the manifestation of a decades old battle neighbors fought to see come to fruition. The opening is expected in June--just in time for summer swimming and lounging outdoors. UPDATE: Washington Post's write-up of the SODA
- A real "white linen tablecloth" restaurant is bursting open--Ray's the Steaks ribbon cutting is happening! Politicos and local Joes will click glasses and forks over quality foods. UPDATE: Check fellow Ward 7 blogger, Life in the Village's, coverage!
Monday, April 5, 2010
WMATA SERVICE CUTS IMPACT DEANWOOD: ALL HANDS ON DECK
Office of the Secretary
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
600 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
ATTN: Docket B10-2
public-hearing-testimony@wmata.com
F: 202-962-1133
www.wmata.com/survey.cfm
cc: mbrown@dccouncil.us, jim@grahamwone.com, yalexander@dccouncil.us, neil.albert@dc.gov
I oppose the WMATA proposal to close the Deanwood Metro Station, the ONLY station in Ward 7 and the District slated for closing. This shortsighted move will harm the neighborhood and the neighborhood's riders who rely on the station to get to jobs in downtown DC and in outer Maryland.
As WMATA searches for new revenue, I urge WMATA’s new joint development director Steve Goldin to move aggressively to implement the Deanwood Metro Station's transit-oriented development as proposed in the Deanwood Strategic Development Plan. Please contact Gizachew Andargeh, Ward 7 Neighborhood Planner in the District Office of Planning, at (202) 442-7600 or email gizachew.andargeh@dc.gov.
My neighbors and I stand ready to work with Mr. Goldin and the Board to move the Deanwood Metro Station's transit-oriented development forward. Thank you.
Signature
Address
(Ward/Neighborhood)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is my hope that this proposed closing will spur WMATA, Valerie Santos, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, and Harriet Tregoning, the Director of the Office of Planning, to move AGGRESSIVELY with the transit-oriented development proposed in the Deanwood Strategic Development Plan.
UPDATE: WASHINGTON CITY PAPER WROTE UP A QUICKIE ON THE "COST-SAVING" (hmmm) PROPOSAL. WMATA's board meeting on the proposals will be Thurs., April 22.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)