Ward 5 Townhall Meeting on Legislation to Relocate Displaced Clubs - Wednesday, May 16th - UPDATED

**UPDATE**Yesterday the DC Council agreed to spend $3.6 million on road improvements to calm the neighbors. From The Examiner:

The D.C. Council on Tuesday agreed to spend millions of dollars to lessen the impact of a proposed cluster of relocated strip clubs in Northeast Washington.

....

But Ward 5 Council Member Harry Thomas, who vehemently opposes the measure, said Ivy City residents deserve some level of comfort if they are to be impacted by an influx of club patrons. The businesses, Thomas said, will have a major impact on infrastructure and could "create an unsafe environment."

Thomas asked for and received, as part of Tuesday’s fiscal 2008 budget debate, $3.6 million to improve the major corridors that surround Ivy City: Bladensburg Road, New York Avenue, West Virginia Avenue and Mount Olivet Road.

Also take a look at DCist's "Strip Club Jujitsu in Ivy City." Neither the articles, nor the earmarking of millions for Ivy City, hint at any "compensation" for the other neighborhoods that may be affected (see list below). Does anyone have a definitive list of proposed sites? Any word from Jim Abdo regarding Arbor Place, his forthcoming development (the second link is from 2005) on the NY Avenue/Bladensburg Road/Montana Avenue triangle?

What: Ward 5 Townhall Meeting sponsored by Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. on legislation to relocate displaced "adult-themed" establishments (my previous post is here)

When: Wednesday, May 16th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Bethesda Baptist Church, 1808 Capitol Avenue, NE

The proposed locations (from a Premier Community Development Corporation/PCDC press release):
· 2046 West Virginia Avenue, NE - Ivy City
· 2132 West Virginia Avenue, NE - Ivy City
· 2155 24th Place, NE - Langdon (sometimes thought of as Woodridge)
· V Street Warehouse (behind the Washington Times) - Gateway (sometimes thought of as Woodridge)

» View Bill B17-0109 here
» DC Politics Hour with Kojo and Jonetta on "the down-and-dirty political brawl over 'gentleman's clubs'"
» Post from Frozen Tropics with zoning maps and 49(!) comments and counting
» More debate on Frozen Tropics
» New Kid on the Eckington Block and what he believes is NIMBYism in Ward 5

Community Workshop #4 for the Brookland/CUA Small Area Metro Plan - Wednesday, May 16th

**UPDATE**I couldn't attend, but Ryan did. Overall, his report is positive, and it sounds like Brookland is on track - despite some naysayers - to getting sound, transit-oriented development.

What: The DC Office of Planning invites you to attend the fourth community workshop in a series for the Brookland/CUA Small Area Metro Plan where the public will review alternative design concepts and give feedback for the development of a preferred concept.

When: Wednesday, May 16th, 2007 - 6-6:30pm Open House, 6:30-9pm Workshop

Where: Noyes Elementary School, 2725 10th Street, NE (enter at Franklin Street auditorium door)

RSVP: 202.610.0005 or rsvp@jsallc.com

Questions and additional information: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Planner, at 202.442.7615 or deborah.crain@dc.gov. You can also visit http://planning.dc.gov, and click on "Neighborhood and Revitalization Plans."

» Consultant's reports and additional information are available here.

Thomas Requests $400,000 for Proposed Labor Site at Home Depot

From The Washington Times:

A D.C. Council member is requesting $400,000 in city funds to put a day-laborer center in a Northeast shopping center. But it is unclear whether city officials will check the immigration status of the mostly Hispanic job-seekers that congregate at the site.

About 200 workers, many of whom are Hispanic day laborers, wait for work each day outside the Home Depot store at 901 Rhode Island Ave. NE, said council member Harry Thomas Jr., Ward 5 Democrat.

Mr. Thomas proposed building the center after neighbors complained about loitering and public urination in the area.

....

Mr. Thomas said he hopes to place a temporary "multicultural and training-based center" on land owned by Home Depot in the shopping center by next month. The council member's long-term goal is to begin building a permanent center in the plaza by the end of the year.

Ron DeFeo, a spokesman for Home Depot, said discussions are ongoing and that the national chain has cooperated with other projects in the past to help solve similar problems. Often the day laborers gather to appeal to the contractors and homeowners who frequent the home-improvement store.

....

The permanent structure would sit on land owned by both Home Depot and the District and would hopefully be paid for with private funds, Mr. Thomas said.

The site would not be a "day-laborer" center but also would serve local residents seeking work, he said.

Three men were stabbed - two died - last year in a day-laborer scuffle. I would imagine the developers working on the Rhode Island Avenue/Brentwood Metro redesign will weigh in on this idea.

ANC-5C Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, May 15th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, May 15th, 2007, 7-9pm

Where: Catholic University's Pryzbyla Center (the Pryzbyla Center is located next to the Parking Garage off John McCormick Road, NE

Agenda Includes:
· Bloomingdale Community Involvement Project, Bertha Holliday
· Eckington Row Condominiums Proposal, Ron Hanks
· Grant Application: Edgewood Civic Association, Michael Henderson
· Capitol Commerce Center-North, Lewis Shrensky

SMD 5A-11 Monthly Meeting - Monday, May 14th

What: SMD 5A-11 meeting with Commissioner Janae Grant

When: Monday, May 14th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Friendship Public Charter School - Woodridge Campus, 2959 Carlton Avenue, NE

Agenda Includes: Emergency Management Agency/EMA - Emergency Preparedness; learn how to protect yourself in the event of an emergency

SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting - Sunday, May 13th

What: SMD 5A-09 meeting with Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, May 13th, 2007, 2-3:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Future Meetings:
Sunday, June 10th
Sunday, July 8th
No meeting in August
Sunday, September 9th
Sunday, October 14th
Sunday, November 11th
Sunday, December 9th

Historic Brookland Farmers' Market Reopens this Weekend for the 2007 Season

The Historic Brookland Farmer’s Market reopens this spring for the 2007 season in two locations. The Historic Brookland Farmer's Markets are sponsored by the Historic Brookland Main Street program of the Brookland Community Development Corporation.

The SUNDAY MIDDAY MARKET launches on Sunday May 13th, on Brookland's Main Street, the 12th Street NE commercial district. It is located on Newton Street NE, next to the CVS drug store. The hours are from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m, every Sunday through October 28th, 2007.

The TUESDAY TWILIGHT MARKET will remain at its location near the Brookland/CUA Metro Station for the convenience of commuters. It launches on Tuesday June 5th, and will be open each week from the hours of 4:00-7:00 p.m, every Tuesday through October 30th, 2007. The TUESDAY TWILIGHT MARKET is located on the grassy area on Otis Street NE, between 10th Street NE and the Brookland Metro station.

At the beginning of this farming season, the markets will feature:

. freshly picked strawberries
. freshly picked vegetables
. freshly baked artisan breads (Sunday only at this time)
. Amish cheese
. eggs from happy chickens
. preserves
. ginger-related products (Sunday only)
. a variety of bedding plants
. fresh roasted coffee (Sunday only)

Farmers who participate in these producers-only markets grow food using low pesticide and organic methods. All food is grown within 150 miles of Washington, DC.

These farmers participate in a number of food support programs including:

. The Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
. The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP)

Dogs are welcome at the Market, but must be kept away from the farmer's stalls. Please leave your dog with the Market Master while you shop for food.

Note to community organizations: The Main Street program would like to extend the invitation to Ward 5 organizations to exhibit at the Sunday Farmers Market, which provides your organization the opportunity to introduce your organization to the patrons of the Brookland commercial district. The intent is to feature a different organization each week. There is no cost for exhibiting. The Main Street program will provide a tent, but you would have to provide your own table and chair(s).

For more information, contact Richard Layman, Interim Program Manager
Historic Brookland Main Street Program
Brookland Community Development Corporation
Brookland Visitors Center
3420 9th Street NE ▪ Washington, DC 20017 ▪ phone 202-526-4848
BrooklandCDC@AOL.com ▪ www.HistoricBrookland.org

Shop in Brookland for Mother's Day Gifts, Dwellings Tea Party - Saturday, May 12th

Upcoming events from Dwellings (3509 12th Street, NE), including tomorrow's Tea Party:

Tea Party
Saturday, May 12th, 2007, from 11am to 7pm
Red tea? Green tea? White tea? Black Tea? Join us as we celebrate the vast spectrum of tea. Taste a variety of teas from The Republic of Tea & Tea Forte.

Learn about where different teas originate, their healthful benefits, and some great tea recipes. Receive tips on how to plan a tea party with panache!

Memorial Day Weekend Holiday Cook-In
Saturday, May 26th, 2007, from 11am to 7pm
Kick-off the cook-out season at our Memorial Day Weekend Holiday Cook-in! Enjoy tasty tapenades, zesty mustards, and grilling sauces by Wildly Delicious. Sample sweets from Dean & Deluca. Quench your thirst with a cup of Passion Fruit Papaya Iced Tea by The Republic of Tea. Receive great ideas on how to host the ultimate cook-out!

"Entertaining at Home" Demonstration
Saturday, June 9th, 2007, from 10am to 5pm
Whether planning a dinner party for 10 or hosting an unexpected guest, Dwellings will show you how easy it is to entertain at home. With our Wildly Delicious line of products, we'll demonstrate how to serve gourmet food in seconds, including oven roasted tomato bruschetta, chicken with blood orange & ginger teriyaki glaze, and cheese with cranberry & port compote.

We'll also mix up a variety of summer iced teas that your guests will be sure to love!

» Dwellings 2007 calendar of events
» Sign up here for updates
» Through the entire month of May, save 10% at select Brookland merchants with the ad below (click on it for larger size to print or clip it from the May issue of DC North)

Brookland in Print

Brookland is the featured neighborhood in the Real Estate section of today's Examiner. You can view the pdf of "Brookland: Washington's urban oasis" here (in the drop-down menus choose May 11th, 2007 and pages 64-65). Yours truly is briefly - and for the most part accurately - quoted, but, for the record, I had nothing to do with the incorrect spelling of Sureia.

- - -

On May 4th, 2007 Washington Business Journal reported on CUA's upcoming development south of Michigan Avenue near the Metro (subscription needed to view entire article):

The Catholic University of America has shortlisted four bidders to develop an 8-acre parcel into a mixed-use complex that would revitalize the area around the Brookland Metro station.

Abdo Development, EYA, Monument Realty and Trammell Crow have been shortlisted as potential developers.

My vote is for Abdo, but that's just my bias based on a presentation given by Jim Abdo this evening for my DC Neighborhood College class. He impressed me so much, I honestly had the urge to hug him.

"Wired to the Elements" Opening Reception at Roxanne's Artiques - Friday, May 11th

The unique colors and forms of nature come alive in "Wired to The Elements," a joint exhibition with area artists and Trinidad and Tobago nationals Garth Gardner and Floyd Roberts. Their work is on display Friday, May 11th through June 16th at Roxanne’s Artiques & Gallery, 3426 9th Street, NE. A reception for Gardner and Roberts will be held on Friday, May 11th, 2007, 6-8pm.

Gardner’s paintings, called "The Elements," are swirling bursts of color in complex patterns only seen in nature. Painted with acrylic on wood, "The work is not abstract; rather it captures the abstractions created by nature itself," says Gardner, who has a Ph.D. in Art Education.

Trained in fine arts, Gardner began creating art using the computer in the mid-1990s. His images have been exhibited at various museums and galleries nationally and internationally, including the Paterson Museum in New Jersey, the Atlantic Gallery in New York, and the Nanjing College of Art in China.

Internationally recognized Floyd Roberts moved to the United States at age 13. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts from the Corcoran School of Art in 1984. His pieces include sculpture in metal, wood, stone, clay and mixed media. Roberts’ work has been on display at numerous exhibitions including Glenview Mansion Art Gallery, Art Spin Gallery, and Strathmore Hall Art Center, all in Maryland.

Gallery hours: Thursday-Saturday, 12-7pm; Sunday, 1-6pm

City Pulls Contract with President Inn; WUSA9 Gets Points for Good Deed

From WUSA9:

The new director of the District’s Emergency Management Agency, Darrel Darnell says that he will no longer be sending displaced families to the President Inn.

Darnell’s decision Monday came after he viewed on the WUSA9.com our exclusive 9NEWS NOW report with a hidden camera that disclosed deplorable conditions inside the rooms where DC families and tourists to Washington had been placed.

The unsuspecting tourists began posting their comments on web pages that rated the hotels and motels in the Washington area.

After staying at the New York Avenue motel [1600 New York Avenue, NE], they complained of rats, bed bugs, soiled linen and carpets.

Our camera also showed cigarette burns and evidence that fires had been set and a bathroom door kicked in. There was human hair in the bed and bathroom.

One woman from Oregon claims she became ill with scabies after staying at the President Inn.

Monday, Darnell’s office confirmed the Inn has a contract to provide up to 25 beds on a temporary emergency basis to homeless families at a cost of up to $75,000 per year. The contract ends at the end of September.

In another move the city’s Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Office sent a team of inspectors to the President Inn Monday. They were looking for construction, fire, plumbing and electrical code violations.

DC Councilman Kwame Brown, after seeing our original report on 9NEWS NOW Sunday night at 11 p.m., said Monday "No family should be placed in conditions like that."

» Bruce Johnson's original report (5.7.07) and video....Ewwww. I can understand how tourists could be duped, but the DC government? Seriously?

“There’s always controversy associated with nude dancing”

Thanks to Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) for stating the obvious. Of course, we can add liquor licenses, church parking, high-density/mixed-use/affordable housing and development....well, damn near anything, really. Here's Councilmember Thomas' (D-Ward 5) official response:

For Immediate Release May 8, 2007
Contact: Victoria Leonard-Chambers
Phone: 202.727.8204 Email: vleonardchambers@dccouncil.us

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. Questions Legality of Bill to Relocate Businesses Displaced by Ballpark

Washington DC - Earlier today, the DC City Council's Committee on Public Works and the Environment voted in support of a bill to permit the one-time relocation of businesses displaced by the new baseball stadium, a move that sends the bill to the entire Council for approval. As currently written, the new bill will eliminates the 600-foot minimum distance between adult clubs, which would enable the clubs to cluster in one location.

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr., who represents an area in which the clubs are seeking to relocate, questions the authority of the legislation. "The bill may usurp the authority of the Zoning Commission," said Thomas. "The legislation sets a precedent for grouping similar types of business enterprises in a single location, which is not the best public policy."

The legislation overlooks the D.C. Office of Planning, which is conducting small area plans in locations adjacent to the site where the clubs are seeking to relocate. Housing and retail projects that are planned or underway along the New York Avenue corridor are also not accounted for. "We have a system in place for managing the locations of businesses and economic development that includes the public as a decision making partner. We should use that system, not bypass it," noted Thomas.

» More from NBC4 and Washington Blade

Artspace to Launch Artist Survey for Dance Place Arts and Housing Project - Public Meeting, Thursday, May 10th

This would be fabulous if it comes to fruition!

What: Dance Place has an opportunity to consider redeveloping its facility, along with adjacent property owners, into a multi-story complex by partnering with Artspace Projects, a national nonprofit developer of affordable space for the arts, and Epstein Financial Organization. The complex would house the Dance Place campus, low cost artist lofts, and market rate condominiums.

Artists from Washington and the surrounding area are encouraged to attend a public meeting at Dance Place that will formally launch an on-line survey of artists space needs in the Washington area. Refreshments will be provided. Without your input, and without your help in getting the word out about this survey, we can't make the project a reality.

When: Thursday, May 10th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm
6:30-7:00 Pre-meeting gathering; wine and cheese reception
7:00-8:00 Public meeting and Q & A
8:00-8:30 Creative exchange: networking and socializing

Where: Dance Place, 3225 8th Street, NE

Etc.: The survey, conducted by Artspace Projects of Minneapolis, a national nonprofit real estate developer for the arts, is an important step in a proposal to create a new mixed-use arts center in the Brookland neighborhood. Representatives from Artspace will be on hand to explain how the survey results will be used to shape the project concept and to answer questions from artists.

To sign up to be notified when the survey is live on-line, or to receive project email updates or to take the survey (beginning May 11th) go to: www.ArtspaceWashDC.org. If you have questions about the event, call Artspace and ask for Ezra: 612.333.9012 x0.

» More from Washington Business Journal (subscription only)
» Related: Mt. Rainier Artist Lofts, one key component in the Gateway Arts District along Route 1 (Rhode Island Avenue) in Maryland.

BAWA*'s "New Poetry in Brookland" Reading - Wednesday, May 9th

As part of the Brookland Area Writers & Artists' (BAWA*) Brookland Reading Series, Kim Roberts and Hiram Larew will read poetry from their new books. Roberts' The Kimnama and Larew's More Than Anything are published by Brookland-based VRZHU Press.

Please come and join in giving these two local poets a warm Brookland welcome Wednesday 9th, 2007, 7pm at the Brookland Visitors Center, 3420 9th Street, NE.

» VRZHU Press
» VRZHU Bullets of Love - Poetry & Arts Blog

More Details on Suspect Vehicle in Fatal Hit-and-Run

MPD has released surveillance and sample images of the suspect vehicle in the hit-and-run that killed 6-year-old Crysta Spencer.

Members of the department’s Major Crash Investigations Unit have obtained a surveillance camera tape that captures the suspect vehicle in this case going north on Sixth Street, NE, then turning east on Florida Avenue, NE, past Gallaudet University and then south on Eighth Street. WUSA-TV has agreed to make the tape available to other news agencies. Also, the suspect vehicle is now described as possibly being a dark green Chevrolet or GMC Suburban with rear double doors and unknown Maryland agricultural tags.

The Metropolitan Police Department is now offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for this fatal hit and run. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

Tibet Collection's Moving Sale - May 4th and 5th

Tibet Collection is moving to Massachusetts! While that stinks, I imagine this final sale will put a hefty dent in my allowance.

What: Tibet Collection's final warehouse clearance. Sterling jewelry, one-of-a-kind samples, clothing, note cards, chimes, garden items, gift boxes, incense, and more!

When: Friday and Saturday, May 4-5, 2007, 10am-5pm

Where: 5778 2nd Street, NE (look for the prayer flags)

Short Break

I'll be back later next week, though I may sneak a post in here or there. In the meantime, don't forget the upcoming Woodridge Civic Association Monthly Meeting (Tuesday, May 1st, 7pm) and the ANC-5B Monthly Meeting (Thursday, May 3rd, 7:30pm), both at the Washington Center for Aging Services, 2601 18th Street, NE.

Saint's Bourbon Street Live Music - April/May

Saint's Bourbon Street is one of the only sit-down restaurants in Woodridge. Located at 1812 Hamlin Street, NE (where Hamlin and Rhode Island Avenue meet across from the Woodridge Library and next to Woodridge Liquor), Saint's specializes in Cajun/Creole cuisine, and bourbon cocktails. Check out their mouth watering menu here, stop by for some of the live music (dates below), and make them your friend on MySpace.

Friday, April 27th: Harry Wilson Jazz Trio will be here at 9:00 pm. This performance is free!

Saturday, April 28th: Saint's will be closed all day due to all day private party. See you Sunday!

Friday, May 4th: Stacey Brooks and Band Synergy will perform at 9:00 pm. This blues band performance is free!

Saturday, May 19th: It's our one year anniversary! Come out and celebrate the completion of our first year! Harry Wilson will play live for free! The performance will start at 8:00 pm.

Sunday, May 20th: The Terry Marshall Quartet featuring DeCasto Brown on vocals will perform. There is a ten dollar cover charge applied by the band, and a two drink minimum applied by the restaurant. Come see this innovative live performance! A repeat performance will be played June 24th! All Sunday performances start at 4:00 pm.

Call 202.269.2150 for additional information.

Kingman Island Grand Opening - April 28th

What: Kingman and Heritage Islands Grand Opening

When: Saturday, April 28th, 2007, 10am-2pm

Where: Shuttle service to the island is available. Kingman Island can be accessed from the Stadium Armory Metro on the Blue and Green lines by walking long 21st Street, NE to RFK Stadium Parking Lot 6. Shuttle service from Stadium Armory to the Island will be provided free of charge at 9:25am, 9:35am, and 9:45am. If arriving via car, please park in RFK Stadium Parking Lot 6 and use the lot entrance located off Benning Road. Individuals with disabilities should use the Benning Road entrance of RFK Stadium to access the Island.

To RSVP and for Additional Information: Contact Melissa McKnight, AWC Grants and Partnerships Director at 202.406.4036 or melissa.mcknight@awcdc.com.

About the Event: The Anacostia Waterfront Corporation (AWC) is working with partner organizations, Living Classrooms National Capital Region and the Earth Conservation Corps, to provide public access to the Islands and develop and offer education and service opportunities that will reconnect the community with the Islands and the Anacostia River and promote the importance of restoring and protecting these natural resources. Other project partners include the Student Conservation Association, Anacostia Watershed Society, Washington Parks and People, and Discovery Creek Children’s Museum
of Washington.

About Kingman Island: Kingman Island is a 1-1/2 mile long, 45-acre parcel of land in Ward 7 located in the Anacostia River. The five-acre Heritage Island is located west of Kingman Island. Both islands were created artificially from dredge taken from the Anacostia River in the 1920s. AWC recently awarded grants to the Earth Conservation Corps (ECC) and Living Classrooms National Capital Region(LC-NCR) to assist with the development and management of Kingman and Heritage Islands and the planned Environmental Education Center, which will meet the U.S. Green Building Council's requirements for a platinum rating in its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

A number of public officials and community leaders have been invited to participate in the program portion of the Grand Opening, which will begin at 10am. A variety of educational and recreational activities are planned for adults and children, including island exploration, native animal education, discussions on habitat and the origin of Island and river pollutants, wetlands planting, tree education, a raptor show, art work from local students and face painting.

» Project overview from the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation
» Information on planned renovations from the DC Office of Planning, with a link to the Kingman Island Preferred Master Plan Concept pdf

Franklin Street Bridge Clean-Up - Saturday, April 28th

What: Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. is sponsoring a neighborhood clean-up under and around the Franklin Street bridge

When: Saturday, April 28th, 2007 at 10am

Where: Meet at the corner of 7th and Franklin Streets, NE

Etc.: Refreshments will be provided by local businesses. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Councilmember Thomas' office at 202.724.8028.

Additional Sponsors: DPW, DC Prep Charter School, DCPS, CSOSA, DC Bridge Maintenance, and Local businesses

Eckington/Edgewood Community Spring Clean-Up - Saturday, April 28th

Please join Eckington Civic Association, Emery Elementary School, City Year Young Heroes, Hands on DC, McKinley Technical High School, Edgewood Civic Association, North Capitol Main Street, XM Satellite Radio, and the DPW Helping Hands Program for the largest community improvement project we have ever held.

Where do we meet?
The event will start and finish at Emery Elementary School, 1720 First Street NE. Our day will run from 10am until 4pm with a break at 12:30 at Emery where lunch will be provided. We will break up into teams and head out into the community to work. Tools will be provided by City Year, DPW Helping Hands, and Hands On DC.

What will we be doing?
There are a wide range of project you may work on, painting murals, gardening and weeding in pocket parks, cleaning streets and alleys, painting inside Emery, painting parking lot lines, and creating a large tree box at the school. Our goal is to clean from North Capitol Street east to 4th Street NE and from Rhode Island Avenue NE south to Florida Ave NE. Collection points for the trash will be at First and R Streets NE, R Street and Eckington Place NE, and 4th and V Streets NE. We will be adding two more pick up sites between T Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE.

Why should I take part in this project?
We need your support to make this happen. 100 of our high school and middle school young people will be taking part in the clean up. Your time and effort will make you a true agent of change for a better DC!

SMD 5A-11 Neighborhood Walk - Saturday, April 28th

What: Join Commissioner Janae Grant on a community walk in SMD 5A-11

When: Saturday, April 28th, 2007 at 8am (rain date: May 19th, 2007)

Where: Meet outside 2900 Newton Street, NE and walk up Newton Street to Taft and back

Noth Capitol Main Street, Inc. Spring Open House - Friday, April 27th

Host: North Capitol Main Street, Inc. (NCMS) Board of Directors
When: Friday, April 27, 6:00pm
Location: Big Bear Cafe, 1700 R Street, NW (1st & R Streets)

Meet the NCMS, Inc. Board of Directors and volunteers at the first NCMS, Inc. Spring Open House!

· Enjoy wine & hors d' oeuvres with friends and neighbors
· Learn about NCMS, Inc. 2007 projects
· Get briefed on what the NoMa BID means for North Capitol Street
· Preview the much-anticipated Big Bear Cafe, a new and exciting amenity to the community

Homicide in the 1300 Block of Saratoga Avenue, NE

From MPD:

On Monday, April 23, 2007, at approximately 3:44 am, police were called to the 1300 block of Saratoga Avenue, NE, for the report of a shooting. Upon arrival police located 20-year-old Delonte Marshall, of the 1500 block of 45th Street, NE, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the neck. He was transported to the Washington Hospital Center’s MedStar Unit and admitted in serous condition.

On Monday, April 24, 2007, Delonte Marshall succumbed to his injury and was pronounced dead.

The case is under investigation by members of the department’s Violent Crimes Branch. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

The department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia.

WTF?! Another Child Struck by Hit-and-Run Driver in NE

From WUSA9:

A child was struck around 10 p.m. Tuesday night in Northeast.

DC Police say a 6-year-old was hit by a car in the 5000 block of Jay Street. Police are looking for the vehicle but no description of the car has been released yet.

The child has been transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A. You are a completely useless human being if you can plow down a child (or anyone for that matter) and then continue on your merry way. Once you upgrade from "hit" to "hit-and-run," manslaughter should no longer be an option on the table.

B. Why the hell was a 6-year-old out in the street, let alone at 10pm? Yes, I know kids will run where they want, when they want, but there are far too many small children crossing busy intersections and running into streets (busy or not - all it takes is one car) without any parental/adult supervision in sight. Please, please, PLEASE guardians, dust off the tight leash and use it - particularly with our little ones.

» More from WaPo on Crysta Marie Spencer
» My previous posts on the hit-and-run that killed Crysta here and here

Traffic Calming at the Site of Yesterday's Hit-and-Run

**UPDATE**MPD is now offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and coviction of the person(s) responsible for this fatal hit-and-run. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

If that's not convincing any witnesses to step forward, maybe this image will: the SUV hit Crysta so hard it knocked her out of her shoes, threw her into the air, and then ran her over.

From WUSA9:

New stop signs and speed bumps are slowing down traffic where a hit and run driver killed a 6-year-old girl Monday.

Crysta Marie Spencer was struck across from her family’s home in Northeast Washington. The little girl dashed into 6th Street near Orleans Place. She was trying to reach a church where she attended an after-school program.

Her mother was on the family’s front porch and saw the SUV coming. Relatives say she yelled for Crysta to stop but could not reach her in time.

Relatives, friends, and neighbors are placing toys and mementos on poles near the place where Crysta was killed.

They say she was a sweet child who helped take care of her 2 younger sisters. The first grader would have celebrated her 7th birthday on May 7th. Family members say they will still have a birthday party for her.

DC police are searching for the driver of a green SUV. It has tinted windows and possibly Maryland tags.

Crysta’s family members say speeding cars on their street had been a danger to pedestrians for years.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call police at 202.727.9099 or the department’s Crime Solvers Unit at 1.800.673.2777. All calls to Crime Solvers are confidential. If a caller provides information through Crime Solvers that leads to an arrest and indictment he/she will be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. This reward may increase tomorrow.

Join the Friends of the Woodridge Library in DC's Big Read

Their Eyes Were Watching God, the brilliant novel published in 1937 by Zora Neale Hurston, is the focus of THE BIG READ, a city-wide reading event in April and May created by the National Endowment for the Arts. Everyone in the city will be reading the same book at the same time!

DC's Big Read is part of the The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. DC's Big Read is presented by the Humanities Council of Washington, DC and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

The events below are at the Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (at the corner of 18th and Rhode Island Avenue, NE).

Now through May 19th, 2007
Book display, "Remembering Zora Neale Hurston"

Monday, April 30th, 2007, 6:30pm
Join us for a video presentation of the film "Their Eyes Were Watching God," produced by Oprah Winfrey, starring Halle Berry. The Friends of the Woodridge Library (FWL) will provide refreshments. The branch has copies of the book for check-out; FWL has provided a limited number of copies to give away if the recipient commits to attending and participating in the May 2nd discussion (details below).

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007, 6pm
With refreshments provided by FWL, DC performer, author and playwright Joy Jones will kick off discussion of the novel. Joy says, "I discovered Zora Neale Hurston in college and it was like discovering chocolate. The study of literature suddenly became delicious!"

Ms. Jones grew up in NE an avid reader and regular patron at Woodridge Library. She still visits DCPL for books many times a month. Her recent op-ed piece in the Washington Post, "Marriage is for White People," received national attention.

Reading groups and book clubs are especially urged to attend, to share information about the book, and also to tell how to form a good book club and make it work. The Literary Friends have prepared a book box filled with materials about Hurston that book groups can borrow.

» Details on DC Big Read events at MLK and branch libraries around the city [pdf]

ANC-5A Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, April 25th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Monthly Meeting

When: Wednesday, April 25th, 2007 at 7pm

Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

Agenda Includes:
· Special Guest: DMV Interim Director Lucinda Babers will discuss the new rules for drivers 74 and older
· Invited Guest: Councilmember Jim Graham or his representative will discuss the new DMV rules
· Special Event: A resolution honoring Ruth Goodwin and Joe Bowser
· Community Concerns, including Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School's (Stokes School) consideration of moving to an existing building on Oakview Terrace, NE, which is a cul de sac located off of Perry Street, between 12th and 13th Streets, NE.

7-Year-Old Girl Killed in NE Hit-and-Run

**UPDATE** Reports are now saying that Crysta Spencer was 6-years-old, and would have turned 7 on May 7th. She may not have been in the crosswalk, and her mother was watching from their stoop on Sixth Street. While this moment isn't the best for doling out responsibility, why wasn't Crysta's mother helping her cross the street?

MPD has issued a look-out for a green Ford Explorer or a green Toyota 4Runner with tinted windows, front-end damage, and unknown Maryland license plates. Notify MPD at 202.727.9099 if you have any information.

From NBC4:

A child has died after being struck by a vehicle in northeast D.C., authorities said.

Shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday, police went to the intersection of Sixth Street and Orleans Place and found a 7-year-old girl unconscious. Police said a vehicle struck the girl and fled the scene.

The girl suffered serious injuries and was taken to an area hospital. She later died.

Police said the girl was crossing Sixth Street to go to an after-school program when she was struck by a green vehicle, possibly an SUV, traveling north on Sixth. The vehicle may have had Maryland license plates.

» WaPo's article on the tragedy

Brookland Multi-Modal Transportation & Streetscape Study Final Community Meeting - Tuesday, April 24th

What: The Final Community Meeting for the Brookland Multi-Modal Transportation and Streetscape Study (not to be confused with the ongoing Brookland/CUA Metro Small Area Plan)

When: Tuesday, April 24th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Saint Anthony's Church cafeteria, 3400 12th Street NE (between Lawrence and Monroe Streets)

Etc.:
Study Goals and Objectives
· Enhance transit connectivity, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, accessibility, and efficiency.
· Reduce traffic congestion at key intersections.
· Reduce impact of truck traffic on residential neighborhoods.
· Lay the groundwork for future transportation investments.
· Reinforce a sense of place through creative and sustainable urban design, and create a safe, inviting, and interesting public realm that supports diversity of use and activities.

Check the project website to view and download the final report (March 2007, 166 page PDF).

For questions and special accommodations, please contact Sharlene Reed, Ward 5 Transportation Planner (Sharlene.Reed@dc.gov; 202.671.0493), or William Carlson (wcarlson@volkert.com; 703.642.8100).

Florida Avenue Market Study First Public Meeting - Tuesday, April 24th

From the flyer above:

The Office of Planning (OP) has initiated a study of the Florida Avenue Market and is engaging property and business owners within the Market, as well as residents, institutions and other stakeholders surrounding the Market. The purpose of the Study is to conduct an existing conditions analysis, an economic analysis of the wholesale and retail market functions, and an operational analysis. Additionally, the Study will provide demand projections for other potential uses on the site, resulting in various redevelopment/revitalization scenarios for consideration. The Study will also address sustainable development (green technology), urban design, transportation and historic preservation issues. Before any decisions are made regarding the future of this site, it is critical that the District and all affected parties have a full and balanced understanding of the opportunities, constraints and fiscal impacts of redevelopment, and that the public is significantly involved in considering these findings. The Florida Avenue Market is at a critical juncture of its history. Your participation in the coming months is critical for creating a successful and responsive plan!

First Public Meeting
Tuesday April 24th, 2007
Overview
3:30-5:30 pm - for Market stakeholders, vendors, etc., especially, but the content at the two meetings is the same.
6:00-8:00 pm - open to all

The Office of Planning invites property and business owners within the Florida Avenue Market and neighborhood residents and stakeholders around the Market area to help us create development recommendations for this site.

Our goal is to produce recommendations for:
• Urban Design/Public Realm
• Uses
• Parking
• Greening
• Historic Preservation.

2nd Public Meeting
Wednesday May 30th, 2007
Highlights of Possible Redevelopment Session
3:30-5:30 pm
6:00-8:00 pm

Both public meetings will be held at:

Gallaudet University
Foster Auditorium in the Student Academic Center
800 Florida Avenue (enter at 8th Street NE)

For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Deborah Crain, Ward 5 Neighborhood Planner, 202.442.7615 or deborah.crain@dc.gov; or Jeff Davis, Ward 6 Neighborhood Planner, 202.442.7704 or jeff.davis@dc.gov.

» Capital City/Florida Market posts at Frozen Tropics
» "The Bigness Complex, Urbanism and the Florida Market" from Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space
» Capital City Market (aka Florida Market) blog (also in the sidebar)
» Capital City Market interactive piece from Josh Williams
» FreeRide's wrap-up
» DCmud on the redevelopment plans
» Sang Oh Choi's vision for the Gateway Market & Residences, "The Gateway to the Next Great Place"

Ward 5 Dems Monthly Meeting - Monday, April 23rd

What: Ward 5 Democrats Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, April 23rd, 2007, 7pm

Where: Michigan Park Christian Church, 1600 Taylor Street, NE

Agenda Includes:
· DC Voting Rights and Self-Determination, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton invited
· DC Boards and Commissions Recommendations Report
· Appointment of Nominations Committee

Future Meetings:
Monday, May 28, 2007, 7pm
Michigan Park Christian Church
Agenda:
Announcement of Candidates Running for Office
Invited Speaker: Council Chairman Vincent Gray


Monday, June 25, 2007, 7pm
Michigan Park Christian Church
Agenda:
Election of Officers
Chair . Vice Chair . Treasurer . Recording Secretary . Corresponding Secretary

Councilmember Mendelson's Public Safety Town Hall Meeting - Monday, April 23rd

Councilmember Phil Mendelson (At-Large) recently announced that he is holding a Town Hall Meeting to address a wide spectrum of issues related to crime in the District of Columbia. The theme for the citywide session is "Make Public Safety a Community Affair." Members of the public are invited to join Mendelson and a number of officials who are slated to make brief presentations and answer questions on topics ranging from crime prevention to prosecution, and detention to rehabilitation.

The Town Hall will be held on Monday, April 23rd, 2007 at Ward Memorial A.M.E. Church from 6:30 until 8:30pm. Located at 241 42nd Street, NE, Ward Memorial is accessible via the Benning Road stop on Metrorail's Blue Line and is also accessible via the V7, U2, and W4 Metrobusses.

Confirmed guests at the Town Hall are: Chief of Police Cathy Lanier, DC Attorney General Linda Singer, US Attorney Jeffery Taylor, and Devon Brown, Director of the Department of Corrections. Also invited are representatives from the DC Superior Court, Public Defender Service, Pretrial Services Agency, Bureau of Prisons, and the Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA).

"I urge the residents of the District to join me at this Town Hall and take advantage of this opportunity to air their concerns and get straight answers to their questions on public safety-related issues," stated Mendelson. "Not often are all of the key players in one place at the same time, and no issue is too large or too small when it comes to making our neighborhoods safer places to live, work, play, and learn."

Currently serving in his third term as At-Large Councilmember, Phil Mendelson is also Chairman of the Council's Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. For more information, visit http://dccouncil.us/mendelson/index.html.

DDOT Announces Work Update on South Dakota Avenue Bridge, NE

From DDOT:

First Phase of Major Rehab Underway; Off Peak Lane Closures Upcoming

As part of previously announced work on the South Dakota Avenue Bridge in Northeast, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will close the inbound and outbound left lanes Monday, April 23 through Friday, April 27 between the hours of 9:30am and 3:30pm.

The South Dakota Avenue Bridge runs on South Dakota Avenue, NE, between Vista Street/Franklin Street on the north side and 30th Street on the south side (over the CSX railroad tracks).

The lane closures will take place in the bridge area only.

DDOT will maintain three lanes of traffic in each direction, Monday through Friday during the morning rush hour (6:30 am to 9:30 am) and the evening rush hour (3:30 pm to 6:30 pm) One lane of traffic flows in each direction all other times.

Project summary: The $7 million restoration of the South Dakota Avenue Bridge uses a combination of federal and local funds. The rehabilitation work includes reconstruction of abutments and the bridge deck, in addition to roadway and intersection improvements on both sides of the bridge.

Weather permitting the project is slated to be completed in March 2009. DDOT will continue to update the public on the progress of the project. Hours of work are Monday through Saturday from 7am to 6pm.

DDOT encourages motorists to use extreme caution when passing through the work zone.

For more information, please see District closures, street closures and traffic alerts.

Calvin Coleman, II Artist Reception at Adobe Design Center - Sunday, April 22nd

Visual artist Calvin Coleman, II will display his works and talk to guests at the Adobe Design Center, located at 606-C Rhode Island Avenue NE (near the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station, above Flash Glass), on Sunday, April 22th, 2007 from 2pm to 4:30pm. He has exhibited at the National Black Fine Art Show in New York City, galleries in Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, and throughout the Washington, DC area. In late 2006, he exhibited in Toulouse, France. His work is also featured in Unveiled, a book by R&B-jazz singer and photographer Will Downing.

Art will be available for purchase; refreshments will be served. This event is being hosted by the Arts and Letters committee of The Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. For more info, call 202.545.1913.

Community Computer Sale & Recycling - Saturday and Sunday

Community Computer Sale
Join us at our upcoming Community Computer Sale on Saturday, April 21st, 2007, 10-2pm at Kennedy Rec Center (1401 7th Street NW, 202.671.4794). Hosted by United Planning Organization Head Start Program and Per Scholas.

Computers will be available for $230 & $330!

Per Scholas is a non-profit organization with a rich 12-year history of offering affordable technology to low-income families and financially challenged schools and community-based organizations. We are headquartered in Bronx, NY with offices in Miami and Baltimore. For the past two years, Per Scholas has partnered with the Head Start Program in various cities to reach out to families without home computers and technology-deprived schools, day care centers and after school programs.

Beyond the New York City area, we have co-hosted outreach events in Baltimore, Miami, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Wilmington, & Washington, DC. This is our third time in DC. Learn more about our threefold technology programs at www.perscholas.org.

Please spread the word about this event. We do not require proof of income nor applications. Instead, we ask community organizations serving financially challenged populations to share the information with their staff and the families they serve. These computers also ideal for organizations setting up classrooms and tech labs. We highly recommend placing advance orders at 866.907.1758 - although walk-ins are welcome.

Should there be any questions, please contact me (Angela Tyler) at 410.230.1819.

Angela Tyler
Marketing Director/Consultant
Per Scholas - Affordable computers year-round!
410.230.1819 / 866.907.1758

- - -

Household Hazardous Waste, E-Cycling Collection
The DC Department of Public Works will hold its annual spring Household Hazardous Waste and E-Cycling collection event Saturday, April 21, 2007, 9am-3pm at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre parking lot at 16th and Kennedy Streets, NW. This drop-off service is free and open to all District residents.

DC residents can bring items including leftover cleaning and gardening chemicals, small quantities of gasoline, pesticides and poisons, mercury thermometers, varnish, solvents, spent batteries of all kinds, roofing tar, chemistry sets, automotive fluids, even asbestos floor tiles to the collection site for environmentally safe disposal.

Additionally, an electronics recycler will be onsite to take end-of-life consumer electronics including computers, computer monitors and other accessories, televisions, and office equipment. These machines will be broken down into their component parts (plastic, glass, toxic/heavy metals) and recycled or disposed of safely.

Items that will not be accepted during the Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Collection include ammunition, bulk trash, wooden TV consoles, propane tanks, microwave ovens, air conditioners and other appliances, as well as radioactive or medical wastes.

For more information on household hazardous waste, visit the DPW site.

- - -

Computer Recycling
Bring your old and unwanted computers and computer-related equipment to Freedom Plaza (13th and E Streets, NW) on Sunday, April 22nd, 2007, 11am-3pm, and the Environmental Protection Agency will recycle them for free in a manner that is safe for the environment.

Safely recycling and reusing computer equipment helps keep substances like lead and mercury from harming people or the environment.

Encourage your family, friends, schools, religious institutions, and other community organizations to do the same. We will take donations of computers, laptops, monitors, keyboards, scanners, mice, and other related computer equipment.

More information is available at www.epa.gov/oei/recycling.

MPD Youth Investigations Branch Open House - Saturday, April 21st

In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Youth Investigation Branch (YIB) will hold an Open House on Saturday, April 21st, 2007, 11am–5pm. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information contact:

Youth Investigations Branch
1700 Rhode Island Avenue, NE
(202) 576-6768 (phone)
(202) 576-6561 (fax)

The Metropolitan Police Department, Youth Investigations Branch (YIB), is responsible for the following:
· Investigating Child Abuse and Neglect
· Investigating Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation (including child pornography and child prostitution)
· Investigating Juvenile Missing Persons (under the age of 18 years) & Parental Kidnapping
· Investigating Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS)
· Juvenile Processing Center (process juvenile arrestees)
· Absconder Unit (locate youth in abscondence)
· Investigating Internet Crimes against Children Unit

For more information on YIB sevices and resources, visit this page of the MPD site.

Missing Person: James Johnson

From MPD:

The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person identified as James Johnson, who resides in Temple Hills, Maryland.

Following a doctor’s appointment, Mr. Johnson was last seen at about noon on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 in the 1000 block of North Capitol Street, NE boarding Metrobus Number 80. Metrobus Number 80 travels northbound on North Capitol Street, NE and covers the route from North Capitol Street, NE to the area of Fort Totten, NE.

James Johnson is 69 years old. He is described as a dark complexioned black male, 5'7" tall, weighing approximately 147 pounds, with brown eyes, a grey mustache, and is bald with grey hair on the sides of his head. Reportedly, he was last seen wearing a short blue jacket, champagne colored pants, and a greenish orange colored shirt with stripes of an unkown color. He may appear to be disoriented and is in need of medication.

Anyone who has information regarding Mr. Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to call police at 202.727.9099.

Brookland & Bloomingdale Neighborhood Clean-Ups, Trinidad Tree Planting - Saturday, April 21st

BLOOMINGDALE
The Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) will sponsor a Neighborhood Clean-Up this Saturday, April 21st from 9am to 12pm. A volunteer will distribute trash bags and loan cleaning equipment (rakes, shovels, brooms) from the pocket park at the intersection of First St, NW & Rhode Island Avenue, NW (in front of City Cleaners). Trash pick up locations will be marked by signs at the northeast corners of the unit blocks of:

Adams St. NW
V St. NW
and Thomas Streets, NW above Rhode Island Avenue and the northeast corners of the units blocks of
T St. NW
R St. NW,
and Florida Avenue, NW below Rhode Island Avenue NW.

BCA is seeking volunteers to help with its semi-annual Neighborhood Clean-up this Saturday, April 21st from 9am to 1pm. Timed to coincide with the national celebration of Earth Week, this Neighborhood Clean-up will spruce up our neighborhood in time for the coming good weather. Volunteers do one, two, or all of the followings tasks for their blocks:

· distribute Clean-Up flyers on their blocks,

· rally their neighbors to participate in the clean up

· assure that trash is placed in the correct location for DPW pick-up, and/or

· help schedule the pick up of household hazardous waste products from their blocks.

Any level of volunteer participation will be greatly appreciated. To lend a helping hand please email Cassandra at ACleanerPrettierBloomingdale@hotmail.com.

BCA will also assist by transporting the hazardous household waste to the Carter Barron of residents without automotive transportation. Please email Cassandra at ACleanerPrettierBloomingdale@hotmail.com to schedule a pick up from your home.


BROOKLAND
In conjunction with Catholic University of America students, we will be holding a street cleanup in conjunction with Earth Day, this Saturday from 10am to 12pm. We will join up with CUA students at the corner of Monroe and 12th streets. Gloves and bags will be provided.


TRINIDAD
Celebrate Earth Day by Planting Trees
Saturday, April 21st
9am - 1pm

Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center
1200 Morse Street, NE

We'll be planting around 15 trees at the recreation center on Saturday, so we'll need lots of volunteers.

Sponsored by Trinidad/Ivy City Garden Club in collaboration with Casey Trees.

Contact Trinidad/Ivy City Garden Club (202-398-4779) for more information.

Walking Town DC Spring 2007 - Saturday & Sunday

Saturday, April 21, 2007 - Sunday, April 22, 2007
Location: Across the City

Join Cultural Tourism DC for more than 60 free walking tours (and a few bike and boat tours) in 18 neighborhoods across Washington, DC. Check the overview schedule, email info@CulturalTourismDC.org or call 202-661-7581 for more information.

What you need to know:
· All tours are free.
· Reservations are not required, with the exception of the bike tours and a few others. Just show up!
· Consider taking Metrobus, Metrorail, or the Circulator. Most tours are readily available via public transportation.
· Tours are held rain or shine.
· Visit the City Guide at washingtonpost.com to check special features and post a review.
· Need more info or tips to plan your day? Click here!

Just a sampling of the tours that may be of interest to folks in NE:

SATURDAY, APRIL 21

Anacostia by Bike: The River and the Ridge
Saturday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Meet at the Harbor Police parking lot at the south end of Water Street, SW
Reservations required: 202-518-0524 or waba@waba.org
This 26-mile ride combines a tour of the Anacostia River Walk Trail with the spine of the Potomac Ridge. See Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, historic Anacostia, the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, and the Anacostia Community Museum. Participants should expect rough pavement, hills, and traffic, which will be heavy in spots. Helmets are mandatory. Bring water, food, and ID. Led by volunteer Jon Fleming and presented by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

Anacostia by Bike
Saturday 9 am – 12 noon
Meet at the entrance to the Washington Fish and Seafood Market Place, 1100 Maine Avenue, SW
Reservations required: 202-661-7581 or reply@CulturalTourismDC.org
Experience the Anacostia River by bicycle with Emeka Moneme, director of the District Department of Transportation. Ride the route of the future Anacostia River Walk Trail to see Anacostia Park and RFK Stadium. You’ll also learn about the many projects that will soon transform the Anacostia waterfront. Presented by the District Department of Transportation.

Explore Florida Market/Capital City Market
Saturday 9 – 11 am
Meet outside the north entrance of New York Avenue Metro station (exit to Florida Avenue)
The Florida Market is the city’s major wholesale food distribution center. Walkers will visit two Korean restaurants and vendors inside the DC Farmers Market building. The tour will also address development issues, such as increased demand for urban living. Led by Richard Layman and presented by Citizens Planning Coalition, Frozen Tropics weblog, and Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space weblog.

History of Brookland
Saturday 9 – 10:30 am
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE
Learn about the development of Brookland over the last 120 years. Hear about the contributions of famous Brooklanders such as Ralph Bunche and Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and discover neighborhood architectural styles. Led by volunteer residents and presented by Brookland Tour Committee.

History of Brookland
Saturday 10:30 am – 12 noon
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

African Americans at the Top of the Hill
Saturday 1 – 3 pm
Meet in front of Union Station next to the Freedom Bell
Visit notable African American sites such as the first Washington home of Frederick Douglass, the statue of Mary McLeod Bethune, and the Emancipation Monument. Tour highlights also include the Supreme Court where Justice Thurgood Marshall made landmark decisions and the capital rotunda where Rosa Parks was honored. Led by Noel Paige and presented by Urban Communications (UC) Tours.

History of Brookland
Saturday 1:30 – 3 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 3 – 4:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Saturday 4 – 5 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

SUNDAY, APRIL 22

Rediscovering Kingman and Heritage Islands
Sunday 10 – 11:30 am
Meet outside Stadium-Armory Metro station (north exit)
Kingman Island and the adjacent Heritage Island, located near RFK Stadium, are envisioned as a publicly accessible, 45-acre natural park that reconnects the neighborhood and all District residents with the natural wonders of the Anacostia River. Join Howard Ways, Anacostia Waterfront Corporation Ward Seven project director, as he tours the area and discusses plans for this space. Presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 12 noon – 1:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE


Exploring the Hill East Waterfront
Sunday 1 – 2 pm
Meet outside Stadium-Armory Metro station (north entrance)
Hill East Waterfront lies along the shores of the Anacostia River at the southeastern end of Capitol Hill. This community will be transformed into an urban multi-use district, connecting the surrounding neighborhood to the Anacostia Waterfront via tree-lined public streets, recreational trails, and accessible waterfront parklands. Led by Jeff Seltzer, Capital Projects Manager for AWC and presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 1:30 – 3 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

Heard It Through the Grapevine: A Tour of Marvin Gaye Park
Sunday 3 – 5 pm
Meet outside Capitol Heights Metro station
Plans for the restoration of 55-acre Marvin Gaye Park call for a green stream valley with recreational amenities that complement and enhance surrounding communities. The project also includes a rejuvenated streambed, a multi-purpose trail, upgrades to sewer and stormwater management, and improvements to the pedestrian bridges. Led by Washington Parks and People and presented by the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation.

History of Brookland
Sunday 3 – 4:30 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

History of Brookland
Sunday 4 – 5 pm
Meet inside St. Anthony’s School cafeteria, 3400 12th Street, NE

Wolfarth Galleries Presents "Double Vision: Naples & the Amalfi Coast" Opening Reception - Friday, April 20th

What: Meet the artists reception for William Papaleo and Michele Mari's "Double Vision: Naples and the Amalfi Coast" Paintings and Fine Photography - both artists are from the Amalfi Coast, and are flying here from Italy for the opening reception and present a clear vision of the Amalfi Coast and Naples in pastels, oils, and photography.

When: Friday, April 20th, 2007, 6-8pm

Where: Wolfarth Galleries, 3418 9th Street, NE

Additionally: Outdoor painting demonstration by William Papaleo, Saturday, April 21st at 9am. Papaleo will paint from life, in morning light, to demonstrate how his work uses color to reflect atmosphere and the changing effects in the light key of nature. The demo painting will be available for sale.

Basements & Attics After-Work Gathering - Thursday, April 19th

Basements and Attics, 3217 12th Street NE, would like to invite our neighbors and friends this Thursday, April 19th, 6-9pm for an "After-Work Gathering" to say thank you for supporting us these last few years. Complimentary wine, food, and other refreshments will be available for the entire family.

The last time I visited this fabulous store, I picked up a Kodak Brownie Starlet in its original box with all the paperwork inside! The home furnishings are a mix of traditional and eclectic - luckily for my hubby I was walking that day and couldn't pick up a set of dining room chairs on a whim. Take a look at some new arrivals here.

ANC-5C Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, April 17th

What: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, April 17th, 2007, 7-9pm

Where: Catholic University's Life Cycle Institute (Directions: From Michigan Avenue, NE turn North onto John McCormack Rd, then left to parking garage next to Flather Hall, then walk Southwest to Institute)

Agenda Includes:
· MPD-5D Public Safety Report
· Update on DDOT Beautification Grants - Sharlene Reed, Ward 5 DDOT Planner
· Report on National Marathon Run through ANC-5C
· Update on Bloomingdale Farmers Market plans
· Report on Traffic Calming Proposals Approved by ANC5C
· Status of ANC5C Community Grant Awards of 12/06

Pardon My Dust

For those of you visiting via an RSS feed or similar application, my apologies for any confusion. Old posts are showing up as though they are new because I've been updating labels. I can't promise it won't happen again, but I think I'm done for now.

Voting Rights March Countdown: 3 Days!

From DC Vote:

We are only three days away from making history! On Monday, April 16th, we will Demand the Vote for DC and I hope you will be a part of the movement - rain or shine.

Here are the essential details for the Voting Rights March:


2:30 PM - Gather at Freedom Plaza, 13th and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW (Metro Center)
3:00 PM - March down Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
4:00 PM - Rally at Capitol Reflecting Pool, 3rd and Independence Avenue, NW (Federal Center SW)
6:00 PM - Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton invites all marchers to a "Push the Senate Reception" in Room 50 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, Constitution Avenue and First Street, NE. The reception will be cosponsored by Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT).


If you cannot march with us at 2:30 PM at Freedom Plaza, consider taking a few hours off work and join us for the rally at the Reflecting Pool at 4:00 PM.

Speakers:

Civil Rights Icon and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA)
Secretary Jack Kemp
Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
Congressman Tom Davis (R-VA)
Congressman Chris Shays (R-CT)
Mayor Adrian Fenty
Chairman Vincent Gray
Civil Rights Leaders

For more information, visit VotingRightsMarch.org or call 202.263.4397. See you Monday!

Sincerely,

Ilir Zherka
Executive Director

Even if you believe - as I do - that the proposed legislation will not guarantee us the voice statehood would (and I'm afraid that, if passed, we won't get another shot at full representation for a long time), your voice is still needed in the march. We need to let Congress know that real citizens, who pay all-too-real taxes, are absurdly disenfranchised in the very city in which they work. And maybe folks across the U.S. who aren't aware of our lack of representation will take notice, as well.

SMD 5A-09 Monthly Meeting - Sunday, April 15th

What: SMD 5A-09 meeting with Commissioner Shirley Smith

When: Sunday, April 15th, 2007, 2-3:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE

Agenda: TBA

Future Meetings:
Sunday, May 13th
Sunday, June 10th
Sunday, July 8th
No meeting in August
Sunday, September 9th
Sunday, October 14th
Sunday, November 11th
Sunday, December 9th