SMD 5A-09 & PSA 503 Joint Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, May 14

What: SMD 5A-09 & PSA 503 Joint Monthly Meeting

When: Wednesday, May 14 2008, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Hospital for Sick Children/HSC Pediatric Center, 1731 Bunker Hill Road NE

Agenda: Public safety and community concerns, including those addressed in the letter below, written by a neighbor on Otis Street NE:

Dear Neighbors-

In case you haven't heard, a big developer, Alliance Holdings LLC, purchased a tiny piece of land between our home and our neighbor (2212 Otis St NE, Square 4242, Lot 10). It is 25 feet wide, and according to zoning regulations the owner may NOT build as a matter of right.

We recently learned that Taiwo Demuren, presumably with Alliance Holdings LLC, has applied for significant variances from lot area, and lot width requirements, as well as from side yard requirements in order to build a single family dwelling.

In an effort to keep the lot, as it is, open green space, our next-door neighbor made numerous attempts to purchase the lot – but as you can imagine, it is difficult to outbid a developer with deep pockets.

We are very concerned about how this will change the character of our neighborhood. Many of us moved here for the space, and greenery. If these variances are granted, there are many other small lots in our neighborhood that would be able to be developed in a similar manner. Demuren's requested variances would establish a precedent to grant additional variances for these other lots to be more easily developed.

We also fear that since it is often more profitable to knock down an old home and rebuild multiple new homes within the same footprint, than it is to renovate the old home, that this decision could encourage more developers to purchase old homes on these lots, knock them down and build two or more houses in the same plot of land (We have seen this in N. Arlington, VA). Again, we believe that Demuren's requested variances will set a precedent and make the development described above much easier for the next builder.

Of an even greater concern is the beautiful and historic old oak tree that is located on the lot line between the undeveloped lot and our neighbor's home (2216 Otis St, NE). An arborist has certified that this is the SECOND OLDEST TREE IN THE ENTIRE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The tree measures approximately 180 inches in diameter and is estimated to be 300-400 years old. The arborist has also certified that because of the tree's extensive root system, the construction of a structure on the vacant lot will kill this ancient tree.

There are three meetings where attendance by the community members is important if you are interested in helping to stop the proposed development. The first is on May 14, 2008.

*The proposed use of this land is on the agenda for the ANC 5A09 & PSA 503Joint Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at 6:30 PM, at the Hospital for Sick Children located at 18th St and Bunker Hill Rd., NE. ANC 5A09 Commissioner Shirley Rivens-Smith will be there and would like to know what the citizens of ANC 5 think of this development.*

* *

*The second meeting is the ANC 5A meeting on May 28, 2008, when all of the ANC 5A commissioners will vote whether to deny or approve support of the developers zoning variances. This meeting will be held at the Taft Recreation Center, 18th and Perry St NE, at 7:00 PM.*

The final meeting will be at the zoning hearing, which will take place on July 8, 2008.

We would certainly appreciate any support, advice, and suggestions from our neighbors on this matter.

We are not against development – we just believe that the zoning regulations were established for a reason, and chose to move to this area because of the open space and the character and charm of our neighborhood. Although we do love our neighbors, and feel rather fortunate to know such nice folks on our block, if we wanted to be on top of them we would have stayed in a condominium. We also love the beautiful old trees and feel it would be a terrible shame for this gift of nature to be destroyed.

We understand there is an expectation of many more jobs and people moving to the area over the next few years, but as a realtor I can tell you there are plenty of vacant properties available for housing all over the city, and not enough buyers and renters to fill them.

Again – we feel this could set a terrible precedent that could significantly affect the character of the greater Brookland/Woodridge/Michigan Park neighborhood, and are *asking for your support*.

Please join us at the ANC 5A09 meeting to show your support.

Thank you!

Potomac River Watershed Clean Up Tomorrow - Rain or Shine

We predict rain, but don't let that stop you. You'd just get wet and dirty anyhow.

While on the them of the great outdoors, find some worn out clothes, you know, the ones you can't even try to get rid of at the yard sale, and join the Alice Ferguson Foundation 20th Annual Potomac River Watershed Clean-up.

There are a number of sites but if you want to stick close to home, try the L Street NE clean up (contact Merrit Drucker, NoMa Business Improvement District, 202-722-6716) or Anacostia Park (contact Allison Moller, Email, Southeast White House). Directions are included on the main site.

A Place to Play: Playground Initiative Grows in Brookland

We won't know for sure until the 2010 census, but it sure feels like there's been a baby-boom in Brookland/Michigan Park/Woodridge. A quick survey of local playgrounds turns up a number of dilapidated and sometimes vandalized play areas which don't do much to inspire parents to bring their children out. Healthy and accessible open space and play areas are no small asset for parents raising children in the city. Getting outside, getting exercise, and connecting with the community are only a few of the perks of well attended playgrounds.

A number of local neighbors have begun organizing to do something about the neighborhoods' lack and we invite you to get involved. You don't have to be a parent to care about playgrounds. It's a benefit to us all when children of all ages have safe and healthy places to play.

Three ways to get involved:

Dream a Little Dream: We are soliciting ideas for the ideal park and playground. We are looking to the neighbors to tell us what you want to see in a new playground. The group intends to target a particular site to put our efforts behind, so gathering together the vision of the neighborhood helps. What are your favorite parks and why? What is your child's/nephew's/grandchild's favorite activity? Send your comments to brooklandjess@earthlink.net by Thursday March 6th.

Make Some Noise for Noyes: The group quickly uncovered that the Noyes Park (map) is mired in budget politicking. Two years ago, the Department of Parks and Recreation completed a fantastic set of plans for development of the empty parcel bordered by 10th Street NE and Franklin Street NE. The park includes landscaped area and would be a benefit to all residents, not just families with children. Each year, during the usual round of cuts, this park is waylaid. The 2009 budget is presented in March and finalized in June, so this is our window of opportunity to lobby to keep this park in the budget!

It's valid to note that Ward 5's own Councilmember Tommy Thomas is the chair of the Committee on Libraries, Parks, and Recreation. Other councilmembers include Carol Schwartz, At-Large, David A. Catania, At-Large, Phil Mendelson, At-Large, and Yvette Alexander, Ward 7.

Here is a sample letter. Please tailor it to reflect your concerns.

I am writing to ask for a moment of your time to email our council
member and mayor to include the funding for Noyes Park (the field at
10th & Franklin) in the 2009 budget.

Detailed plans for this site were drawn up over a year ago. The 2009 budget is being finalized over the next couple of months so it is a good time to support the addition of a beautiful landscaped park and playground to the neighborhood.

Join us for a Cuppa: Join the Brookland Playground Group at the next open meeting, March 8, 11 am, at Cardinals Nest for coffee and planning, 3748 10th Street, NE. The group is new and we are eager to invite input from the neighborhood.

Photo by elfrenetico

NE DC Historical Society Meeting: DC's Climatic History and the Future - Sunday, October 14th

What: Join the NE DC Historical Society as they continue to explore the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come. This month's meeting will take place in the Kenilworth community. Chris Weiss, Director of the DC Environmental Network, will provide us with a "Briefing on the Activities of the Capital Climate Coalition."

When: Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 1-3 p.m. (please note earlier time!)

Where: Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 11th, 2007. The meeting will take place at the Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Place, SE. Speakers will include Diane Dale, president of the Anacostia Historical Society presenting on "The History of Black Anacostia" and Claire Douglass from the Chesapeake Climate Action Network speaking on "Global Warming and What You Can Do About It."

NE DC Historical Society meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

NE DC Historical Society Meeting: Community History & DDOT Archives - Sunday, September 9th

What: Join the NE DC Historical Society as they continue to explore the history of our Northeast Washington communities - past, present, and in years to come. This month's meeting will take place in the Michigan Park community. Bill Rice, Washington community historian, will share photos and other materials from the District of Columbia's Department of Transportation (DDOT) archives.

When: Sunday, September 9th, 2007, 1-3pm (please note earlier time!)

Where: HSC Pediatric Center (formerly known as the Hospital for Sick Children), 1731 Bunker Hill Rd NE

Etc.: For those unable to attend this meeting, don't miss next month's meeting to be held from 1-3pm on Sunday, October 14, 2007. NE DC Historical Society will be exploring the climatic history of DC and its water resources. The meeting will take place at the Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE. (Please note earlier meeting time.)

NE DC Historical Society meetings take place the second Sunday of every month. Contact queenstowndc@yahoo.com for further information.

KaBOOM! Prep & Build Days at Friendship Public Charter School - Volunteers Needed

The children of the Woodridge community need a safe, clean, and fun place to play and enjoy with their families!

What: KaBOOM! - Prep & Build Days/Playground Initiative

When: Prep day - Monday, July 30th, 2007, 8am-4pm (breakfast & lunch will be served); Build day - August 1st, 2007

Where: Friendship Public Charter School, 2959 Carlton Avenue, NE

Etc.: In order to provide this wonderful space for our children we will need your involvement! We are planning two fun-filled days as we create this new community-build playground. There will be food, music and activities as we put the playground together. Volunteers will help with all aspects of the playground planning, prep and build. For more information call or email Crystal Clark, Woodridge Principal, at 202.635.6500 or cclark@friendshipschools.org.

KaBOOM! believes that, together, we can achieve it by pursuing smaller common goals: a playground, skatepark or field complex, toward collective causes − the well being of children, (that results in achievable wins) a one day build, all through the small, yet courageous act of volunteering. This is how KaBOOM! activates powerful citizenship.

Fort Totten Park Tour - Sunday, June 10th

Join Washington Central Parks this Sunday, June 10th, 2007, for its third Walk Fort Totten Park! If you’ve missed the prior two, now’s your chance - before it gets too hot - to learn about the natural landscape, plants and geology of this wonderful gem in Washington’s Emerald Necklace. We will meet at 12:30pm in front of the Hitching Post Restaurant, across from the entrance to the Armed Forces Retirement Home/Old Soldiers’ Home, at the corner of Upshur Street NW and Rock Creek Church Road. No rain date.

- - -

Washington Central Parks is a community-based organization that is working to reopen and revitalize the historic parks and open space network of North-Central Washington. Three parks - Fort Totten, Old Soldiers' Home, and McMillan Park (reservoir and filtration field) – could be threaded together with pedestrian and bicycle trails to create a unified network of open space and parks that would serve neighborhoods from Brightwood to Bloomingdale, Columbia Heights, Pleasant Plains, Park View and Petworth to Catholic University and Brookland. You can visit us on the web at www.washingtoncentralparks.org. We are seeking the support and help of our
community in this important endeavor. PLEASE JOIN US TO REOPEN WASHINGTON CENTRAL PARKS – NOW! For more information, Contact Reyn Anderson.

» More information from the first tour here

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

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

Washington Central Parks Community Meeting - Thursday, March 22nd

What: Washington Central Parks Community Meeting (see this entry for more info on their recent Fort Totten Park tour)

When: Thursday, March 22nd, 2007, 7:30pm

Where: 801 Shepherd Street, NW (MPD's Northern Regional Operation Command Center/ROC)

Agenda:
· Learn more about the Washington Central Parks concept and where the project stands
· Hear about the status of development plans at the Armed Forces Retirement Home and McMillan Park
· Find out how to become involved in this exciting initiative


- - -

Washington Central Parks is a community-based organization that is working to reopen and revitalize the historic parks and open space network of North-Central Washington.

Three parks - Fort Totten, Old Soldiers’ Home, and McMillan Park (reservoir and filtration field) could be threaded together with pedestrian and bicycle trails to create a unified network of open space and parks that would serve neighborhoods from Brightwood to Bloomingdale, Columbia Heights, Pleasant Plains, Park View and Petworth to Catholic University and Brookland.

We are seeking the support and help of our community in this important endeavor. PLEASE JOIN US TO REOPEN WASHINGTON CENTRAL PARKS – NOW! For more information, contact Reyn Anderson.

Trinidad Recreation Center Grand Opening - Saturday, March 17th

What: Mayor Adrian Fenty and DC Parks and Recreation invite you to the Grand Opening of the Trinidad Recreation Center

When: Saturday, March 10th, 2007 at 10am

Where: Trinidad Recreation Center, 1380 Childress Street, NE

Etc.: The reopening follows an extensive, two-year, $6.8 million renovation. The new 21,000 square-foot state-of-the art facility features an indoor gymnasium, multi-purpose room, weight room, arcade/game room, enhanced landscaping, computer room and an arts and crafts room. The outdoor basketball court and tot-lot playground will be completed later in the spring 2007. The grand opening activities will include entertainment, demonstrations and a facility tour.

Fort Totten Park Tour - Sunday, March 11th

**UPDATE**
Petworth News has a post and a collection of photos from Sunday's tour.

Please join Washington Central Parks this Sunday, March 11 at 12:30pm (don't forget Daylight Savings this weekend!) to explore one of the emeralds in Washington’s green necklace – Fort Totten Park.

Mary Pat Rowan – landscape architect and expert on Washington’s natural landscape, plants and geology – will lead the way. Bring your children; your neighbors; a thermos and bagels; your pets; a camera; a ball and a blanket! We’ll meet at the Hitching Post, across from the entrance to the Armed Forces Retirement Home/Old Soldiers’ Home, at the corner of Upshur Street NW and Rock Creek Church Road.

- - -

Washington Central Parks is a community-based organization that is working to reopen and revitalize the historic parks and open space network of North-Central Washington.

Three parks - Fort Totten, Old Soldiers’ Home, and McMillan Park (reservoir and filtration field) could be threaded together with pedestrian and bicycle trails to create a unified network of open space and parks that would serve neighborhoods from Brightwood to Bloomingdale, Columbia Heights, Pleasant Plains, Park View and Petworth to Catholic University and Brookland.

We are seeking the support and help of our community in this important endeavor. PLEASE JOIN US TO REOPEN WASHINGTON CENTRAL PARKS – NOW!

Links from a neighbor on the Brookland listserv:
» Fort Totten Then
» Fort Totten Now
» Fort Totten on Wikipedia

McMillan Community Stakeholders Briefing Wednesday, June 28th

What: Neighborhood residents and the communities surrounding the McMillan Sand Filtration Site are invited to come hear about National Capital Revitalization Corporation's (NCRC) plans for the site

When: Wednesday, June 28th, 2006, 6:30-8:00pm

Where: Catholic University's Life Cycle Institute (enter from Harewood Road, first driveway after Hartke Theatre)

Contact: Tiffany Simms at 202.530.5750

I haven't been keeping up on this debate as much as I should, but there's been a bit of grumbling on the Brookland listserv about what should be done with site. The DC Preservation League continues to list McMillan as one of DC's most endangered places (page 4) and "...welcomes limited development on this site, and encourages NCRC to work with preservationists, the city's Office of Planning and Historic Preservation Office, and the interested community groups for a mixed use development that preserves the historic character of this site as well as open space for the community." Now that NCRC owns the site, I imagine community input is critical at this stage. If you are able to attend, please leave your observations/opinions in the comments.

Brookland House & Garden Tour 2006 Sunday, June 11th

from the GBGC website:

GREATER BROOKLAND GARDEN CLUB
SIXTH ANNUAL HOUSE & GARDEN TOURS
(click link to see the 2006 brochure)

More than a dozen homes, organizations and businesses with a wide variety of architectural styles, garden sizes and designs will be open to visitors. Homeowners and docents will be available at each property. All profits support Brookland pocket gardens and street tree plantings. Guided tour mini-bus leaves Brooks Mansion at 12:30 p.m. First come, first served!

DATE/TIME: 11 June 2006, Tours 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Events will be held rain or shine.

TICKETS: $12.00 pre-tour and $15.00 the day of the event, cover the cost of the tour and the reception. Tickets can be purchased at Petals, Ribbons & Beyond, at 3906 12th Street between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. From mid May through June 11. Also on sale at Keller Williams Realty, 2701 12th Street NE.

LOCATION: Properties throughout the Brookland neighborhood in NE DC.
Metro: Brookland/CUA (Red Line).

INFO: The Greater Brookland Garden Club: www.gbgc.org. Director: Jeff@gbgc.org


Comming Soon:

July 16th 3-6 p.m. at the home of Pasqual Smith

August 20th 3-6 p.m.at the home of Monica and Kim McDainels

September 17th 3-6 p.m. at the home of Jillie Fitzgerald

October 15th 2-5 p.m. at the home of Jo Moore

December 9th 8pm till... Christmas Party at Jeff and Alvin's

Want to host a garden party for 2007? Email Jeff, Jeff@gbgc.org.

Woodridge Community Gateway Beautification Saturday, April 29th

What: Clean-up and planting at the Woodridge gateway triangle parks

When: Saturday, April 29th, 2006 from 8am to 12pm

Where: Meet at the triangle park at 8am near Taft Recreation Center at the corner of 20th Street and South Dakota Avenue, NE

Etc.: Wear appropriate clothing and bring your gloves - everything else will be supplied

Brookland Community Garden Meeting Sunday, February 26th

What: Brookland Community Garden Meeting - Learn more about the garden and how you can get involved and experience the joy of community gardening.

When: Sunday, February 26th, 2006 at 2pm

Where: Cafe Sureia, 3629 12th Street, NE

About the Garden: The Brookland Community Garden is currently located at 7th and Monroe Streets, NE - a great, sunny location. Plots are 10' x 20' in size and the garden is ideal for vegetables that need a large growing area and/or for growing vegetables on a large scale. Water is available on-site. Our gardeners are committed to 100% organic practices.