any "cord-cutters" in Bloomingdale? Any households that have replaced Comcast cable with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, YouTube -- using AppleTV or Roku?

See this request:
                                                            

Has anyone in Bloomingdale replaced their Comcast cable connection with AppleTV or Roku? How has the transition worked for you?

  

Bloomingdale Farmers Market: In a Pickle

From: Robin Shuster
Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2013 12:16 AM

Subject: In a Pickle

Hi Market Fans,

Sorry to hit you with an extra email.... but we JUST found out that our newest Producer will join us at market this weekend -- Number 1 Sons makes the best pickles I have tested since I moved to DC from NYC in 1976, wonderful Kimchi and great Kraut.  Just think what you can do with these for the picnics -- Grilled Cheese and kimchi, Kraut and sausagess, Pickles and burgers.  Go crazy.  Caitlin will give you a free sample of every single thing one of her barrel fermented pickles  .http://www.number1sons.com/#!about/c10fk

I had a great time visiting their workshop-- you will love the results of their intensive, handmade efforts.  (They had one farmer plant 4000 cucumber plants for them.)

Please stop by and taste.  Caitlin will insist on it .

Robin

Robert Brannum: A Grateful Nation Remembers

From: Robert Vinson Brannum <rbrannum@robertbrannum.com>

To: Robert Vinson Brannum <rbrannum@robertbrannum.com>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 4:54 PM
Subject: [ward5] A Grateful Nation Remembers

In honor of their service and sacrifice.

Robert Vinson Brannum

Chairman, Ward 5 Democratic Committee

any "cord-cutters" in Bloomingdale? Any households that have replaced Comcast cable with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime, YouTube -- using AppleTV or Roku?

See this request:

Has anyone in Bloomingdale replaced their Comcast cable connection with AppleTV or Roku?

 

Bloomingdale Farmers Market: Keswick Creamery returns this Sunday !

From: Robin Shuster
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 12:44 PM

Subject: Meltdown - Keswick

Hi BFM fans,

PS.  We nearly had a Memorial Day meltdown but Keswick Creamery returns to market Sunday with their spicy Dragonsbreath to top all our burgers and grilled Veg.  Dragonsbreath, Vermeer, Wallaby, Feta, Quark, Ricotta, Yogurt, Chocolate Pudding, Pimento to die for....Yes, they are back.

Come get it.  Rain, shine, WIND or sun.  We will all be there.

Robin

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 05/26/2013

If you have not yet seen the interior of 1800 North Capitol Street NW (pictured above), it's a treat to see the careful restoration of the hand crafted century-old woodwork throughout.  The property will be held open from 12-2pm on Sunday.  This is a 10 Square Team with Keller Williams Capital Properties listing, so neighbors are always welcome.  You can see more details in the link below.

The list of open houses scheduled for Sunday in and around Bloomingdale can be seen here.  A map of the same properties can be seen here.

*Agents, to have your open houses included in this weekly post, please have them tagged in MRIS by 10am on Friday.  If you don't see your open house in the links, feel free to add in the comments.  Also, if you would like your open to be featured with a picture for this post, please e-mail david at 10 square team dot com by 10am on Friday before the open.

Ward 5 Report (dated 05-24-2013)

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie <dcdocs@dc.gov>
Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 12:06 PM

Subject: The Ward 5 Report: Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

The Ward 5 Report:
Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
May 24, 2013

Ward 5 Highlights:

McDuffie Secures Major Funding for Critical Ward 5 Priorities

This week, the Council of the District of Columbia unanimously voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request Act and the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Support Act. Councilmember McDuffie oversaw the budget of the Committee on Government Operations and worked tirelessly to contribute to a balanced and fair budget as a member of the Committees on Human Services, Economic Development, Transportation and Environment, and Workforce and Community Affairs.

“Over the past several months, the Council has worked collaboratively to deliver a solid budget. We made investments that will improve the quality of life for residents, strengthen our social safety net, and promote economic growth throughout the city,” said Councilmember McDuffie.

Click here to read highlights of Councilmember McDuffie’s FY14 Budget Priorities.

Councilmember McDuffie Honors Phenomenal Youth from Around the District

 

This week, Councilmember McDuffie served as the keynote speaker at the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust’s “Phenomenal Youth 2013” program. In his speech, McDuffie shared his insights and hopes for the accomplished group of D.C. youth. The eight students were selected based on a variety of criteria including their ability to overcome adversity, grades, community service and personal essays submitted.

“It is you young people, you are the real reason we are here today,” said Councilmember McDuffie. “Your achievements in the realms of scholarship, leadership, and community service are being honored here tonight. An honor such as this is a wonderful way for the community to recognize and celebrate the choices, and sometimes the sacrifices, you have made.”

For additional information on the Thurmond Marshall Center visit www.thurgoodmarshallcenter.org.

Councilmember McDuffie Attends Breakfast Bites with FoRIA

 

This week, Councilmember McDuffie joined the Friends of Rhode Island Avenue (FoRIA) for their Breakfast Bites to learn more about their organization and to engage Rhode Island Avenue, NE business owners. FoRIA is an organization that seeks to embrace walkable urban neighborhoods in the communities of Woodridge, Brookland, Langdon and beyond. During the meeting, Councilmember McDuffie provided an update from his office and had an open dialogue with new and existing businesses along Rhode Island Avenue. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange relevant information and ideas and identify ways to expand opportunities for existing businesses along the corridor. For more information on the event and FoRIA, click here.

Councilmember McDuffie Drops by the Afterschool Program at Edgewood’s Beacon House

 

To acknowledge and celebrate the positive impact of afterschool programs on the lives of young people and the hard work of youth workers in the District, Councilmember McDuffie participated in the “Take Your Councilmember to Your Afterschool Program Month.” The program organized by the D.C. Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation seeks to raise awareness of the skills and talents of those who dedicate their lives to working with our youth and the benefits reaped by young people as a result of that commitment. Click here to learn about the benefits of afterschool programming in the District.

Councilmember McDuffie Addresses Traffic Concerns at Friendship Charter Public School in Woodridge

 

This week at Friendship Public Charter School, Woodridge Campus, Councilmember McDuffie and Principal Rictor Craig discussed traffic concerns and its impact on the students' safety. As a result of the minimal traffic signs, speed bumps, and crossing guards around the schools perimeter, a student was struck by a speeding car. Councilmember McDuffie and his office are working directly with the District Department of Transportation to implement new traffic signs, and additional crossing guards at the intersection of Central and Carlton Streets, NW.

Legislative Updates:

Committee on Government Operations Holds Hearing on Bill to Change the Primary Election Date

On May 29, Councilmember McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, will convene a public hearing on B20-0245, the “Board of Elections Petition Circulation Requirements Amendment Act of 2013” and B20-0265, the “District of Columbia Primary Date Alteration Amendment Act of 2013.” This public hearing will be held in Room 123 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW at 11:00 a.m.

The purpose of this hearing is to give the public the opportunity to comment on these measures. B20-0245, the “Board of Elections Petition Circulation Requirements Amendment Act of 2013,” would abolish the voter registration and residency requirements for circulators of petitions. B20-0265, the “District of Columbia Primary Date Alteration Amendment Act of 2013,” would alter the date of District of Columbia primary elections for the President of the United States, the Council of the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia Delegate to the House of Representatives.

Persons wishing to testify may contact Ronan Gulstone at (202) 478-2456 or email rgulstone@dccouncil.us. If you are unable to attend, but wish to provide comments, you may submit written testimony to the Office of Councilmember McDuffie (Room 506) or via email to Ronan Gulstone within ten days of the hearing.

Announcements:

Ward 5 Kicks off the 2013 Season at District’s Pools

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) officially opens the 2013 pool season for the pools, spray parks and other water-recreation facilities at the Harry Thomas, Sr. Pool. The Harry Thomas, Sr. Pool was voted by the Washington City Paper Staff as D.C.’s Best Pool in their 2013 WCP Best of the Best poll. DPR operates 19 outdoor pools, 11 spray parks and four children’s pools that open beginning on Saturday, May 25th, at 12 p.m. The District’s outdoor aquatic facilities will remain open the entire Memorial Day weekend and Monday, May 27^thfrom 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. District residents who can show accepted proof of residency can swim free of charge at all DPR pools. Non-District residents must pay a fee.

D.C. Agencies to Observe Memorial Day:

Department of Public Works (DPW)

DPW announced that services will be affected Monday, May 27th, when the District observes Memorial Day. Trash and recycling collections and street and alley cleaning will be suspended. Parking enforcement will be suspended, except in the Nationals Stadium neighborhood. All services will resume on Tuesday, May 28^th.

D.C. Public Library

The D.C. Pubic Library will be closed in observation of Memorial Day on Monday, May 27th. Normal hours will resume the following day.

D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

In observance of Memorial Day, all D.C. DMV locations will be closed on Saturday, May 25^th and Monday, May 27^th. All DMV service centers, adjudication services, and inspection stations will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 28^th. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead as the days before and after a holiday are usually busy.

13th Annual Public Private Partnership Conference

Join the Office of Partnerships and Grant Services’ (OPGS) and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement on Friday, June 7^th for the 13^th Annual Public Private Partnership Conference. This comprehensive day of learning and networking will connect residents with leaders from across the region and resources to move them towards greater sustainability.

Sessions will be held at The World Bank, Preston Auditorium, located at 1818 H Street, NW and will provide learning opportunities for all levels in financial management, social media, fundraising and partnerships. Join OPGS to network across the community and build relationships for funding, partnerships and more.  Click here for more information and to register.

**Ward 5 Events:

Councilmember McDuffie, or a member of his staff, will attend the following events:

Tuesday, May 28^th – The Trinidad Neighborhood Association meeting will take place at the Joe Cole Recreation Center, located at 1299 Neal Street, NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

** Councilmember McDuffie’s public schedule is subject to change.

---

For more information, please visit http://www.kenyanmcduffie.com  or contact our office at (202) 724-8028. Follow Councilmember McDuffie at twitter.com/CM_McDuffie and/or  facebook.com/KenyanRMcDuffie.

brick repointing at 2228 1st, 1807 2nd St NW

DCRA building permits for Bloomingdale and Truxton Circle for 05-21-2013 through 05-23-2013:
       

PERMIT_SUBTYPE_NAME	FULL_ADDRESS	DESC_OF_WORK
ALTERATION AND REPAIR	2228 1ST ST NW	BRICK REPOINTING    SET UP SCAFFOLDING
ALTERATION AND REPAIR	1807 2ND ST NW	BRICK REPOINTING    SET UP SCAFFOLDING
ALTERATION AND REPAIR	46 SEATON PL NW	SECOND 6 MONTH EXTENSION TO PERMIT B1107283, TO EXPIRE ON 12/02/2013.
ELEVATOR - NEW	101 N ST NW	TYPE OF ELEVATOR: ONE ( 1) ELECTRIC/ PASSENGER ELEVATOR (ELEVATOR #2)    COST OT INSTALLATION: $122,334.00
ELEVATOR - NEW	101 N ST NW	TYPE OF ELEVATOR: ONE ( 1) ELECTRIC/ PASSENGER ELEVATOR( ELEVATOR # 1)    COST OT INSTALLATION: $122,334.00
ELECTRICAL	8 ADAMS ST NW	THIS SUPPLEMENTAL PERMIT WAS ISSUED ONLINE. USE THE ONLINE PERMIT VIEW APPLICATION ON DCRA INTRANET TO VIEW THE DETAILS AND PRINT A COPY OF THE PERMIT. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING URL INTO AN INTERNET BROWSER. HTTPS://OSPI.DCRA.DC.GOV/OSPI/PRINTPERMIT.ASPX?PARAM=ZI8IGGJEILDY6XVSC7Y1H94M%2BDIYOE9B
ELECTRICAL	8 ADAMS ST NW	THIS SUPPLEMENTAL PERMIT WAS ISSUED ONLINE. USE THE ONLINE PERMIT VIEW APPLICATION ON DCRA INTRANET TO VIEW THE DETAILS AND PRINT A COPY OF THE PERMIT. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING URL INTO AN INTERNET BROWSER. HTTPS://OSPI.DCRA.DC.GOV/OSPI/PRINTPERMIT.ASPX?PARAM=ZI8IGGJEILCATDEIWQNDIXVIVZJ%2BQZFH
ELECTRICAL	2221 FLAGLER PL NW
ELECTRICAL	30 HANOVER PL NW
ELECTRICAL	16 O ST NW
ELECTRICAL	57 V ST NW	THIS SUPPLEMENTAL PERMIT WAS ISSUED ONLINE. USE THE ONLINE PERMIT VIEW APPLICATION ON DCRA INTRANET TO VIEW THE DETAILS AND PRINT A COPY OF THE PERMIT. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING URL INTO AN INTERNET BROWSER. HTTPS://OSPI.DCRA.DC.GOV/OSPI/PRINTPERMIT.ASPX?PARAM=ZI8IGGJEILDA%2BGCURVGGUNMXK394ZCRF
MECHANICAL	1819 NORTH CAPITOL ST NE	THIS SUPPLEMENTAL PERMIT WAS ISSUED ONLINE. USE THE ONLINE PERMIT VIEW APPLICATION ON DCRA INTRANET TO VIEW THE DETAILS AND PRINT A COPY OF THE PERMIT. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING URL INTO AN INTERNET BROWSER. HTTPS://OSPI.DCRA.DC.GOV/OSPI/PRINTPERMIT.ASPX?PARAM=ZI8IGGJEILD9SBR%2BTD2WCOO8R0FSM13C
ELECTRICAL	71 RANDOLPH PL NW	THIS SUPPLEMENTAL PERMIT WAS ISSUED ONLINE. USE THE ONLINE PERMIT VIEW APPLICATION ON DCRA INTRANET TO VIEW THE DETAILS AND PRINT A COPY OF THE PERMIT. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING URL INTO AN INTERNET BROWSER. HTTPS://OSPI.DCRA.DC.GOV/OSPI/PRINTPERMIT.ASPX?PARAM=ZI8IGGJEILDA%2BGCURVGGUKC4AVXLNUMB
BUILDING	223 S ST NW	REPLACEMENT IN KIND OF EXISTING FENCE ON PRIVATE PROPERTY. REPLACEMENT IN KIND, WHEN APPLIED TO ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES, MEANS REPLACEMENT WITH A FEATURE OF LIKE MATERIAL THAT REPLICATES THE EXISTING FEATURE IN PROPORTION, APPEARANCE, TEXTURE, DESIGN, DETAIL AND DIMENSIONS.

FroZenYo fans: Memorial weekend 25% discount (today thru Monday): 2301 Georgia Ave NW location only

See this message from Kevin McMahon:

Hi, We would like to introduce ourselves to our neighbors in the Bloomingdale Community. We provide a family friendly, fun atmosphere that happens to be delicious. We have 16 flavors and over 30 toppings to create your own masterpiece with. We are self serve so create to your hearts content. 
                                             
We would like to offer you 25% off just for visiting us this weekend anytime Friday thru Monday. We are located at 2301 Georgia ave NW directly across from Mcdonalds. Hope to see you here.    :)

get your Memorial Day fixings at the Bloomingdale Farmers Market !

From: Robin Shuster 

Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 5:45 PM
Subject: Get Your Memorial Day Fixings at BFM
                                      

Hi BFM Fans,

Stock up at the market for your Memorial Day feasts and picnics and barbecues, whether you are carnivorous or vegetarian. Sausages, burgers, chops, ribs, chickens, goat, turkeys, bacons from Painted Hand, Truck Patch and North Mt Pastures plus pies, rolls, apples, salads, greens, beans, ice cream, apples, strawberries-- we have you covered.

Of course we will have strawberries! Garner's warm fields grow a lot of Chandlers, Truck Patch's famous Earliglows will be there as well.  Reid will have strawberries next week we hope.

What's special this week?  Green Garlic, the immature thinnings of our producers' garlic fields. Depending on just how young they are, they can look like scallions or leeks or even young whole garlic with leaves attached.  If the outer leaf is a bit tough, strip it off and chop the soft leaves and young bulbs for pesto or seasoned butter or salad dressing or stir fries or green garlic salsa verde.   This salsa verde will go well with fish or shrimp or chicken or as a dip for bread.

ALSO NEW:  Have you noticed that Dolcezza has Push Pops as well as Half Pints at market now?  That doubles your choice for eating at market or taking home for the festivities or to match with one of Jenna's pies.  Pineapple Mint, Cucumber Mint Vodka, Strawberry Tequila, Valrhone Chocolate Amargo Salted Caramel, Roasted Strawberry are this week's flavors.

Like young alliums?  Look for Scallions and the (Leek- flavored) Elephant Garlic Scapes and Leeks and Spring Onions, too.  Saute them and make a simple pan sauce with them. Make some green garlic cream:  Or  if you are looking for a Vegetarian  main course: scallion pancakes:  that you can make with scallions or spring onions or even garlic greens.

Lots of Vegetables: The stands are packed with luscious salads, arugula, mesclun, purple romaine, mixed lettuces.  They are sweet and crisp and some are peppery --everythng you want in a salad.  Cooking greens abound as well: spinach, various kales and chards and mustards, bok choys, young Collards, and other Asian greens.  Sweet Salad Turnips with their greens, baby beets with theirs as well. October beans. Sugar Snap Peas, towers of radishes (eat the greens, too). Cut herbs for marinades:  think oregano and mint, for instance.

What to do with Asparagus for Memorial Day? Take a simple and flavorful salad of Shaved  RAW Asparagus with Mint: http://food52.com/recipes/11674-shaved-asparagus-and-mint-salad.   It is unlike any other asparagus dish or salad you know -- very fresh and light and delicious.  Or make an Asparagus Frittata -- it is meant to be eaten at room temperature.  http://glutenfreegirl.com/2010/05/roasted-asparagus-frittata/

Breads: Pano has promised to bring LOTS of rolls --Olive oil buns (the SAME ONES that wrap the famously decadent burgers at Central), hamburger rolls, breads for sausages and hot dogs plus all the new breakfast pastries that Damien has recreated from his old Bakery in Brittany.

PIES:  Jenna is all about strawberries and rhubarb this week in her sweet pies.  The rhubarb is sweet and tart, just fresh rhubarb sweetened with sugar and flaky crust.  She calls the strawberry-rhubarb one of the best flavor combinations in existence (tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries).  I think she has a point.  And if you want two savory options for those picnics: Blue Cheese and Caramelized Onion or Kale and Feta Quiche.

PLANT YOUR GARDEN  and patios and containers.  This is the traditional safe weekend to plant herbs and flowers and vegetables.  Many of us who dared to plant basil two weeks ago woke up to the great disappearing basil mystery.  (Answer: They don't like weather under 50 degrees... so just replant.) Each of the farmers has brought his or her favorite varieties of herbs and tomatoes and other vegetables  as well as annuals and perennial flowers-- I am stocking up on parsley and cilantro and chives and thymes.   And various basils.  I found Mexican Oregano last week at Reid. Yay. Truck Patch and Garner and Mountain View will also have starts for you but Reid really creates a pop-up Nursery.  The good thing is that you know all of these starts have been cultivated carefully.  Even if you do not have much space, you can have a little corner of garden dreams: http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/an-edible-corner-of-the-concrete-jungle/2013/05/21/32702078-bbc0-11e2-b537-ab47f0325f7c_story.html

We welcome and match with Bonus Bucks: SNAP/EBT, WiC, CVC, Senior FMNP, Produce Plus.  DASH is our gleaning partner.

See you Sunday, rain or shine.

Ted, Charlotte, Robin

next Bloomingdale Community Walk -- Tuesday, 05-28-2013

See this message and flier from Bloomingdale resident Jennifer McCann:

Please find attached the next Bloomingdale Community Walk, which will take place next week Tue, May 28 at 7:00 pm. Per usual, the Walk will start at Windows Cafe (NW corner of 1st ST and RI Ave NW).

Please share attached with neighbors...and consider providing a hard copy to those who do not have regular access to the internet.

Thanks!

-- Jennifer McCann
       

Bloomingdale Community Walk 2013 05 28 by Scott Roberts

stabbing last night -- Thursday, 05-23-2013 -- on the 200 block of W Street NW

From DC Alerts:

 05/23/13 22:07     STABBING

STABBING 2150 HOURS 200 BLOCK W STREET NW NO LOOKOUT GIVEN DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911 W/EVENT I20130248365

Sent on: 05/23 22:07

Mid City East Small Area Plan and Livability Study: OP and DDOT neighborhood meetings

From Ward 5 Planner Deborah Crain-Kemp:

From: Deborah <ward5planner@yahoo.com>

To: ward5@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 5:59 PM
Subject: [ward5] Mid City East Small Area Plan & Livability Study: OP and DDOT Neighborhood Mtgs.

Mid City East Small Area Plan and Livability Study: OP and DDOT Neighborhood Meetings

The Mid City East Initiative is a joint effort of the Office of Planning (OP) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to holistically plan for transportation, commercial revitalization, redevelopment, historic resources, sustainability and parks and open space.

SAVE THE DATE! 

JOIN OP FOR NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS!

Learn about neighborhood existing conditions and analysis. Help develop small area plan goals.

June 8, 10:30am-12:30pm

Meeting Focus: Sursum Corda (and surroundings)

Northwest One Neighborhood Library,

155 L Street NW

June 12, 6:30-8:30pm

Meeting Focus: Eckington, (portions of) Edgewood

The Summit at St. Martin's, 116 T Street NE

June 20, 6:30-8:30pm

Meeting Focus: Bloomingdale, LeDroit Park, (portions of) Stronghold

Saint Georges Episcopal Church, 160 U Street NW

June 24, 6:30-8:30pm

Meeting Focus: Bates/Truxton Circle, Hanover

Community Academy Public Charter School,

1400 1^st Street NW

DDOT MID CITY EAST LIVABILITY STUDY!

Concurrent with OP's small area planning effort, DDOT is developing strategies for the neighborhood streets of Mid City East to provide safe pedestrian and bicycle  access to transit and community amenities; reduce cut-through traffic and speeding on local neighborhood streets; and enhance landscaping to minimize stormwater runoff.

Design on the fly!

June 7 & 8

Look for the Mid City East ZipVan and participate in streetside planning and design. Stop by and tell us where you travel and how we can make your travels in the neighborhood happier, healthier, safer and more satisfying.

Follow our movements on Twitter @midcityeast

Friday, June 7, 2013

·         Early morning – North Capitol and N Street NE

·         Lunchtime – N Street NW b/t New Jersey and First St

·         Early Afternoon – T Street NE (McKinley/Langley)

·         Afternoon Rush Hour – Rhode Island & 5^th NE

Saturday, June 8, 2013

·         Early morning – R Street & Florida Ave. NW

·         Late morning – First and Rhode Island NW

·         Noontime – 2^nd &  V Street (Park at LeDroit)

·         Early afternoon – Met Branch Trail at R St. NE

For more information, visit the project website at www.midcityeast.com or contact:

Joyce Tsepas

Office of Planning

Small Area Plan Project Manager

joyce.tsepas@dc.gov

202-535-1556

Gabriela Vega

District Department of Transportation

Livability Study Project Manager

gabriela.vega@dc.gov

202-478-1458

today's Daniel Wolkoff McMillan message

To: Denise Tolliver Chief of Staff City Council Chairmember Mendelson

       dtolliver@dccouncil.us  202-724-8038

      Jessica Jacobs Council Chairman Mendelson legislative Assistant

       jjacobs@dccouoncil.us 202-724-8038

From: Daniel Goldon Wolkoff amglassart@yahoo.com 202-232-8391

Office of the City Council Chairmember, Ms. Tolliver,

                  

The issue of McMillan, is crucial, it's the center of  an entire section of DC, after  being ignored and taken for granted since 1986, now about to be "surplused" to private interests. How much attention has Council Chair Mendelson given to McMillan or has any other council member? He has been on the council since 1998 and think of the way this national treasure, in the center of DC, has been handled, mishandled really? How much do you know about this park, how much does any council staffer even know about McMillan? How many council staff have toured McMillan?

    

 How many staffers in this govt., have read our own Office of Planning, Office of Historic Preservation nomination,  to the National register of Historic  Places ?   

                      

Kim Williams at HPO did an incredible job writing, documenting this fascinating and beautifully designed park and city water filtration utility.

           

 Is this park going to be "surplused" and handed over with an "exclusive development agreement" by a city council that barely has any real knowleadge of the site, a council that has not evaluated any other options, like restoring an Olmsted Park? Who on the council and in the mayors office have properly educated themselves on the options for McMillan? And, how have they shared this information with the city taxpayers, seniors and young people, ANC etc.?  I know you and all the other city officals want to make decisions in coordination with an informed electorate and govern with informed consent, like in a democracy. The future of McMillan, such a crucial and large tract of public land must be decided democratically by ballot referendum, from an informed elctorate.

                                    

How many councilmembers, and staff have read or viewed the testimony at Former Chair Kwami Brown's Ward 5 Economic Development Roundtable and Councilmember Michael Brown's Committe on Economic Development hearings on McMillan? How many staffers and council members have read and watched the HPRB hearings since last July? Why has the mayor aborted the the HPRB proceedings? Is this an imformed government an informed consent from the electorate?

         

Please read my testimony to the HPRB hearings on historic preservation of the park and we will talk about this soon. Please read the HPO nomination to the The National Register of Historic Places. I am including my letter to Jessica Jacobs below and look forward to discussing this urgent city concern with you. Thanks so much, Daniel Goldon Wolkoff

         

Daniel Goldon Wolkoff

Adams Morgan Stained Glass

1231 Randolph Street, NE

Washington, DC 20017

Tel: 202-232-8391

www.adamsmorganstainedglass.com

"McDuffie Secures Major Funding for Critical Ward 5 Priorities"

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie <dcdocs@dc.gov>

Sent: Thursday, May 23, 2013 6:17 PM
Subject: McDuffie Secures Major Funding for Critical Ward 5 Priorities

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

For Immediate Release:
May 23, 2013

Contact:Darrell Jackson
202.724.8028
DJackson@DCCOUNCIL.US 

McDuffie Secures Major Funding for Critical Ward 5 Priorities
D.C. Council Passes FY 2014 Budget Proposal

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the Council of the District of Columbia unanimously voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Request Act and the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Support Act. Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie (D – Ward 5) oversaw the budget of the Committee on Government Operations, and worked tirelessly to contribute to a balanced and fair budget as a member of the Committees on Human Services, Economic Development, Transportation and Environment, and Workforce and Community Affairs.

“Over the past several months the Council has worked collaboratively to deliver a solid budget. We made investments that will improve the quality of life for residents, strengthen our social safety net, and promote economic growth throughout the city,” said Councilmember McDuffie.

Councilmember McDuffie received, and incorporated, input into his Ward 5 budget priorities from residents via phone calls, e-mails, letters, hearings, and Community Engagement meetings. “I am particularly pleased to report that as a result of my work with the Council, the FY14 budget reflects many of Ward 5’s priorities,” stated Councilmember McDuffie.

The second and final vote on the Budget Support Act will take place on June 18th.
                      

Highlights of Councilmember McDuffie’s FY14 Budget Priorities

Committee on Government Operations

As chair of the Committee on Government Operations, McDuffie oversaw a $590 million budget spread across eighteen agencies. Major components of McDuffie’s Government Operations budget include enhanced funding for the Board of Elections to acquire additional electronic poll books and voting machines, and increased funding for the newly created Board of Ethics. McDuffie also funded a long-overdue $40 million project to construct a proper District of Columbia archives to house important historical items dating back to eighteenth century (such as Frederick Douglass' last will). Additionally, based on recommendations from the Mayor Vincent Gray's (D) Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force, McDuffie also supported the allocation of over $2.5 million to build an Affordable Housing Data and Reporting System that will serve as a unified database of locally financed affordable housing units. Moreover, McDuffie and Councilmember Mary Cheh (D – Ward 3) worked together to support funding for the Department of General Services to expanded recycling programs at recreation centers, which will help reduce the problem of plastic bottles littering the city’s public recreation space.

McDuffie also delivered on a number of promises to the Ward 5 community.
                          

Quality of Life and Human Services

McDuffie championed a number of budget initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and supportive the human services budget for District residents.

• Councilmember McDuffie worked with the Mayor Vincent Gray (D), Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), and Cheh to fund his Supercans for Seniors proposal, and to expand the benefit to all city homeowners. Through this program $2 million has been allocated to the Department of Public Works to replace all Supercans and recycling carts without a cost to residents.
• The Councilmember transferred $300,000 to the Committee on Human Services for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for homeless families.
• McDuffie also supported a package of significant increases to critical social programs in the Human Services Committee budget, including funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to exempt vulnerable families from restrictive time limits; Permanent Supportive Housing to help chronically homeless families, individuals and elderly residents; a pilot program to provide Emergency Rental Assistance to singles; and tenant-based Local Rent Supplement vouchers.
• Along with Councilmember Cheh, McDuffie supported the transfer of funds to the Department of Environment to hire more air quality inspectors to address the needs of residents who live near industrial areas.
• Working with the Mayor, McDuffie facilitated the allocation of over $2.5 million in funds to address flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park through capital improvement projects, sandbag distribution, rain barrel and other stormwater retention incentives.
• Worked with the Committee on Transportation and Environment to fund additional Capital Bikeshare stations throughout the city and in Ward 5, and added legislative language requiring a study of expanding the Circulator into Ward 5.

Supporting Seniors and Students

“As a member of the Committee on Workforce and Community Affairs, I am extremely proud of the work we were able to do for seniors in the FY14 budget. Under Councilmember Marion Barry’s (D –Ward 8) leadership, the Council allocated nearly $24 million dollars to the Office on Aging – a 44 percent increase over FY13’s budget. The Council provided an additional $1.9 million to provide meals for 1300 home-bound seniors. Additionally, my committee transferred half a million dollars to the Department of Aging to support projects recommended by the Ward 5 Senior Advisory Council,” noted McDuffie.

In particular, McDuffie directed funding to sponsor the following programs for seniors:

• $165,000 to support the hiring of additional staff in Ward 5’s lead agency;
• $250,000 to the Office on Aging to support ward-based services for seniors; and
• $95,000 to the Washington Elderly Handicapped Transportation Service to expand transportation services for District seniors.

Another area of key interest for McDuffie is the Ward’s schools and libraries.

“I am very pleased to have worked with the Chairman and the Committee on Education to preserve funds for the FY14 modernization of Brookland Middle School and Spingarn High School, and to ensure that funds have been set aside to complete the FY14 renovation of Dunbar High School. I am also proud to announce that Langdon Elementary will now be modernized in FY14,” stated McDuffie. Fast-tracking Langdon’s modernization was a major priority for McDuffie as the school prepares to absorb additional students from the closing of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School.

Both of Ward 5’s libraries will also be renovated in the coming years; the full modernization of Woodridge Library is funded in 2014, and money is set aside in the 5 year financial plan for the renovation of Lamond Riggs Library beginning in FY15. “I am also delighted to have worked with my colleagues and the Mayor to fund a $10 million expansion of the city’s library hours on Sundays. My wife and I spend lots of time with our girls in Ward 5’s libraries; it will be a boon to all families to have library access on Sundays,” stated McDuffie.
                          

Small Business, Economic Development, and Neighborhood Corridor Revitalization

Councilmember McDuffie made significant in-roads in investing in the economic vitality of Ward 5.

“From major development projects, to corridor enhancements and new Main Streets programs, we were very successful in the FY14 budget in securing funds to make Ward 5 a more vibrant place to live, work, and open a business,” stated McDuffie.

McDuffie’s major economic development achievements in the FY14 budget include:

• Sustaining nearly $50 in funding for the McMillan Sand Filtration site redevelopment project in the financial plan over the next six years;
• $2 million in DDOT infrastructure funds to implement the Rhode Island Avenue, NE Small Area Plan, to be leveraged with additional federal highway funds, which will support streetscape design, improved sidewalks and pedestrian safety measures, tree planting and tree boxes, and other measures to make Rhode Island Avenue a more attractive corridor;
• $300,000 secured to support the expansion of the H Street Main Street to Bladensburg Road in Ward 5, and to create a new Rhode Island Avenue Main Street;
• New funds to support clean teams on 12^th Street in Brookland and Bladensburg Road in the Trinidad/Langston-Carver neighborhood.
• Funding to kick off a Brookland branding initiative along 12^th Street, NE in FY13;
• Retail Priority Area designation for Bladensburg Road, North Capitol Street, and Rhode Island Avenue; and
• $750,000 to fund the Workplace Fraud Amendment Act, which McDuffie moved through his committee when he was chair of the Committee on Jobs and Workforce Development. The law is designed stop the misclassification of workers in the construction industry, and creates penalties for employers who attempt to misclassify employees as independent contractors.

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For more information, please visit http://www.kenyanmcduffie.com  or   contact our office at (202) 724-8028. Follow Councilmember McDuffie at twitter.com/CM_McDuffie and/or facebook.com/KenyanRMcDuffie.