Monday, October 31, 2011

tonight! Parker Flats annual free Halloween Haunted House



PARKER FLATS ANNUAL FREE HALLOWEEN HAUNTED HOUSE

The Parker Flats Condo Association is pleased to announce that we are holding our annual Haunted House for kids of all ages on October 31 at 2035 2nd St. NW at the corner of 2nd and Elm Street NW.



The doors open and the screaming begins promptly at 6:30pm and the event will die off with the last bodies being admitted at 9:00pm sharp!!!



Last year over 300 people came through and were never heard from again…this year we are hoping for even MORE bodies to feed upon. Our theme this year is pure “insanity” and you do not want to miss out! There is no cost to come and enjoy and we will have scary elevator rides, escaped mental patients, chainsaw murderers, free electroshock treatments, ghouls, apples with razor blades in them, psych ward doctors, and torture of all shapes and sizes…oh yeah we have free candy/refreshments too!



Of course all are welcome regardless of where you live so please feel free to spread the word to anyone and everyone. Again this event it totally FREE for anyone who want to come and have the daylights scared out of them!!!

So spread the word and come on out to enjoy this terrific event which has now become a neighborhood tradition. We truly are dying to see you all!!!

Coldest Regards,

The Parker Flats Condo Owners
2035 2nd St. NW

For more info or to make a donation to this event please email parkerflatsliving@gmail.com .

(Donations are appreciated but not necessary and can be made via cash, check, Visa, MC, Discover, and spare body parts of course!!!)

Hugh Youngblood's letter of interest to the EPA on the McMillan Sand Filtration site received



More Hugh Youngblood here:

From: Hugh Youngblood
To: Hall.Abby@epamail.epa.gov
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 10:48 AM
Subject: Re: EPA SGIA Letter of Interest Submission -- McMillan Reservoir Park

Good Morning Abby,

Thank you for providing confirmation of receipt of our LOI submission.

I'll certainly be in touch with follow-up questions. To start, are you aware of any other resources that we should explore for support on this grand project?

We look forward to working with you and your colleagues at EPA.

Hugh


On Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 10:23 AM, wrote:

Hi Hugh,

I have successfully received the letter of interest for McMillan reservoir. Thank you for your interest in the SGIA program. I should be in touch by early January with news on our final selections.

In the meantime, please feel free to be in touch if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Abby
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abby Hall
Office of Sustainable Communities
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Phone: (202) 566-2086
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth
http://www.twitter.com/EPAsmartgrowth


From: Hugh Youngblood
To: Abby Hall/DC/USEPA/US@EPA
Date: 10/28/2011 09:09 PM

Subject: EPA SGIA Letter of Interest Submission -- McMillan Reservoir Park

Dear Ms. Hall,

Per the EPA SGIA RFLI, the McMillan community project team is pleased to deliver the attached Letter of Interest, as supplemented by the related information below.

1. Project Contact -- Hugh Youngblood; Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, Single Member District 5C03; 240.925.1079; anc5c03@gmail.com; 70 R Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001
2. Description of Smart Growth Challenge -- Community Resilience to Disasters and Climate Change, Community Energy Planning, Land Use Strategies for Economic Development
3. Role of EPA-led Team -- Please refer to attached LOI
4. Potential Impact of this Project -- Please refer to attached LOI
5. Political and Public Support -- Please refer to attached LOI

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Hugh

--
Hugh Youngblood
Chief Executive
+1 202 596 9241
hugh@youngbloodcapitalgroup.com
Youngblood Capital Group, LLC
[attachment "McMillan EPA SGIA LOI_Final_28Oct2011_with Appendices.pdf" deleted by Abby Hall/DC/USEPA/US]

Sunday, October 30, 2011

here is Hugh Youngblood's Letter of Interest submission for the McMillan Reservoir Park






In the Hugh Youngblood post from yesterday, he references his EPA SGIA Letter of Interest submission for the McMillan Reservoir Park.





You can see Hugh's letter below:





Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 10/30/2011

Thankfully, we have survived the October snow of yesterday and the weather has returned to the previous sunny, crisp weather which is great if you are heading out to some open houses today. You can see the same information in a map format. To see details on each of the listings, scroll over the push pins on the map.

I have three listings coming up next week in the neighborhood, ranging in price from the low $400's to the mid-$600's, so stay tuned!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Hugh Youngblood: EPA SGIA letter of interest submission for the McMillan Reservoir Park

See this email from ANC 5C03 Commissioner Hugh Youngblood.

I didn`t know what SGIA represented, so I googled ``SGIA EPA`` and got ``smart growth implementation assistance``, so I guess that`s what this is.

From: Hugh Youngblood
To: ``hall.abby@epa.gov ``
Subject: EPA SGIA Letter of Interest Submission -- McMillan Reservoir Park

Dear Ms. Hall,

Per the EPA SGIA RFLI, the McMillan community project team is pleased to deliver the attached Letter of Interest, as supplemented by the related information below.

1. Project Contact -- Hugh Youngblood; Advisory Neighborhood
Commissioner, Single Member District 5C03; 240.925.1079;
anc5c03 @ gmail.com; 70 R Street NW, Washington, DC, 20001
2. Description of Smart Growth Challenge -- Community Resilience to Disasters and Climate Change, Community Energy Planning, Land Use Strategies for Economic Development
3. Role of EPA-led Team -- Please refer to attached LOI
4. Potential Impact of this Project -- Please refer to attached LOI
5. Political and Public Support -- Please refer to attached LOI

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Here is the link to the Letter of Interest document:
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bzau3aNkylA7N2MzZjYxYjktZDY5MC00ZTJiLWEyN2MtZWUzZWMwYmU5YWUw

Thank you,

Hugh

--
Hugh Youngblood
Chief Executive
+1 202 596 9241
Hugh@youngbloodcapitalgroup.com
Youngblood Capital Group, LLC

Huffington Post article on today's McMillan Sand Filtration site tour

ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti passes along this Huffinton Post article on today's McMillan Sand Filtration site tour:

McMillan Sand Filtration Plant Walking Tour (PHOTOS)
First Posted: 10/28/11 03:32 PM ET Updated: 10/28/11 03:32 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/28/mcmillan-sand-filtration-_n_1064061.html

WASHINGTON -- On Saturday, Friends of McMillan Park will be hosting a free Halloween walking tour of the McMillan Sand Filtration Site, the former water filtration plant and park designed in part by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.

The day will include a mix of structured tours and free time for visitors to wander around the regulator houses, sand bins, underground cells and grassy areas of the historically significant 25-acre property adjacent to the Bloomingdale neighborhood and Washington Hospital Center complex.

Saturday`s visitors will also get updates -- and are free to give input -- on the site`s controversial development plans, says ANC 5C04 Commissioner John T. Salatti, who is vice president of the Bloomingdale Civic Association and will be leading some of the tours.

``This tour is meant to get people excited about world-class development, and is meant to give them the feeling that they can influence the process,`` Salatti told The Huffington Post in an email. ```The tour is a catalyst for putting the people`s interests on par with those who stand to make large profits. The tour is a catalyst for local residents to say to the developers and their elected allies that we will not accept pedestrian plans that leave the neighborhoods holding the bag when it comes to meager park space, flooding problems, traffic nightmares, suburban-style development and loss of historic resources.``

The McMillan Sand Filtration Site will be open for tours from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday. The tour is free, kids and dogs are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. Visitors should enter the part at the 2600 block of 1st Street. NW across from the entrance to the U.S. Army Corps facility at the McMillan Reservoir.

here are the neighborhood events originally scheduled for today, Saturday, 10-29-2011, that are now rescheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, 10-30-2011

a) See this Friday afternoon message from Marc Morgan, President, LeDroit Park Civic Association:

Dear Friends,

Due to tomorrow weather forecast, we are moving the LeDroit OktoberFest and Common Good City Farm fall harvest to SUNDAY, Oct. 30 (11am to 5pm) at the Park at LeDroit.

The LeDroit Park Civic Association
in conjunction with
Common Good City Farm

is hosting a community

OktoberFest
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2011
11am to 5pm

at
The Park at LeDroit
Elm St at 3rd St NW

A community day filled with live music, entertainment, food, fun and games for the whole family
Free and open to the public

Please plan to attend the LeDroit OktoberFest on SUNDAY, Oct. 30


This event is supported by: Howard University, Wells Fargo Bank, Busboys and Poets, Zipcar,
& Nellie's Sports Bar.

For more information, contact Marc Morgan at morgan@morganfordc.com

Common Good City Farm: http://www.commongoodcityfarm.org/
LeDroit Park Civic Association: http://ledroitparkdc.org/
To Volunteer or for Vendor information - email: morgan@morganfordc.com
--
Marc D. Morgan
President, LeDroit Park Civic Association
www.ledroitparkdc.org
202 then 642 - 3914



b) And read this message also sent out late Friday, 10-28-2011:


Due to the weather, we have rescheduled for Sunday, October 30. Hope to see you!!

---------- Forwarded message ----------

Join the Bloomingdale LeDroit Dog Park Association for "Halloween CuteFest: Puppies on Parade" being held on Saturday, October 30, starting at 3:30.

Bring your costumed pooch and join us for cider, cookies and conversation. And, of course, dog treats! Then get your furry friend's photo taken by our volunteer photographer. Don't have a pooch? Bring your kids - they'll love seeing the dressed up doggies. Join us around 4:30 for a short parade around the park and the neighborhood. Hope to see you there!

Location: Park at LeDroit dog park, near 3rd and Elm Sts. NW

This event is part of the LeDroit Park Oktoberfest celebration being held in the park on Saturday, 10/29 from 11-5.

For more information, visit www.bldpa.org .

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Q: "What are Bloomingdale`s Halloween traditions?"






A neighborhood parent has asked to have these neighorhood Halloween questions posted:


  • What are Bloomingdale`s Halloween traditions?

  • Do the kids Trick or Treat on Monday? From when to when?


  • How many kids can you expect?


  • If the weather is nice, are people out on their stoops, or do kids have to go to the door?


  • Or do kids take off and go to another neighborhood?

fall party and fundraiser at Crispus Attucks Park -- Friday, 10-28-2011



See this message from Bloomingdale resident Molly Scott:

Happy Fall Bloomingdale!

Imagine a cool Fall evening, kids playing football in a park, folks relaxing on benches, and strolling a stepping stone path through a glorious fall garden...

This happens right here in Bloomingdale!

It finally feels like Fall out there and the Crispus Attucks Development Corporation wants to invite everyone to celebrate the season! Come join the CADC at Crispus Attucks Park for a Fall Party and Fundraiser!

Friday October 28th
6:00 - 8:00 pm
behind 77 U St. NW - alongside the park!
*consuming alcoholic beverages is not permitted in CAP, so we will have an area set up in the back yard of #77 U Street*

For a tax deductible donation of $20 to Crispus Attucks Park we'll provide yummy seasonal drinks like spiced cider, mulled wine, seasonal beers and juice and soda for the kids. Tasty snacks for everyone and "treats" for kids and dogs too! Maybe even a neighborhood football game??

Your donation will go directly to continuing maintenance of the park, keeping it green and beautiful for the coming year. Crispus Attucks Park is a privately owned park and thus receives no money from the DC government- everything we're able to accomplish is a direct result of the support we get from the community. We know the neighborhood loves the park, because neighbors tell us what a great resource it is, how much they love walking through the park, or how much their kids love to play there- so come show YOUR support!

Please come out and join us to celebrate the park and our wonderful Bloomingdale neighborhood!


Please RSVP to scott . molly @ gmail . com by Thursday, 10/27/2011.
--The CADC Board

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Obamaween Street Party on the unit block of Girard Street NE – Monday, 10/31/2011







Party in the Stronghold!














See this from ANC 5C07 Commissioner James Fournier:

All are invited this Monday, October 31st to an Obamaween street party on the unit block of Girard Street N.E. - just off of North Capitol Street and directly across the street from the McMillan sand filtration site - for an evening of games, food, prizes, costume contests and crafts for kids. See the attached .jpeg for details.






If you would like to contribute or volunteer for the event, contact Gabrielle E. Martinez, Obama For America- DC, New Media Coordinator at w-202 then 714-5695, c-410 then 212-6801, or gabriellemartinez1@gmail.com.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale Community Safety Walk – Wednesday, 10-26-2011



See this message from Bloomingdale resident Jennifer McCann:

COMMUNITY SAFETY WALK
Join your neighbors from LeDroit Park & Bloomingdale

WHEN: Wednesday, October 26th @ 7:00 PM

WHO: You! ... and your children, dogs, friends, etc. All are welcome to come, regardless of where you live. Please consider bringing a flashlight to light up the neighborhood! Officers from the 3rd and 5th Districts of the Metropolitan Police Department will join us.

START: Anna J. Cooper Circle (3rd & T Streets, NW)

Sponsored by: Bloomingdale & LeDroit Park Civic Associations, ANC Commissioners Salatti (5C04), Youngblood (5C03), and Fournier (5C07)

www.LeDroitParkDC.org
www.BloomingdaleDC.org

Monday, October 24, 2011

"Halloween Cutefest: Puppies on Parade"

Join the Bloomingdale LeDroit Dog Park Association (BLDPA) for:

"Halloween Cutefest: Puppies on Parade"

on Saturday, Oct. 29, starting around 3:30.


Stop by for some cider, cookies, dog treats and conversation AND get your costumed pooch photographed by our volunteer photographer. Then join us for a brief parade around the Park at LeDroit and the neighborhood. (Parade will start around 4:30) Bring your costumed kids as well!!! For more information, email bldpadogs@gmail.com .

This event is part of the LeDroit Park Oktoberfest celebration being held on Saturday from 11-5. Vendors, entertainment, food trucks and more. Stop by!

Dog Licenses: DCDOH is bringing the licenses to YOU! Stop by their booth at Oktoberfest and get your DC dog license (all dogs over 4 months old must have a DC dog License.) Just bring your proof of vaccinations and spay/neuter.


For more information on dog licensing, visit: http://hrla.doh.dc.gov/hrla/cwp/view,A,1384,Q,572085.asp

Big Bear Cafe dinner menus, Oct. 24 - 28, 2011



Here is this week's dinner menu.

Today is officially "Food Day" which is a part of a nationwide campaign to push for healthy, affordable, accessible food. This month we will be hosting a range of events surrounding Food Day, starting today, where at 4pm KCDC will be showing a short film that focuses on bringing attention to the wide range of food-related issues in the United States, from local food access to animal welfare to public health and community nutrition.

We also have something of a dinner theater this Friday, 10/29 with DC Improv Comedy.

Hope you all can make it.

Dinner Menu, Oct. 24th to Oct. 28th

Monday, Marketfresh - October 24th.
I. Lentil stew with white Russian kale and a poached egg, shaved parmigiano. $10
II. Broccoli, butternut, & ricotta frittata. Roots down (!) slaw. $12
Red wine caramel apple pie!
-
Twosday, Tuesday.
I. Turkey and vegetable stew with carnival squash and mustard greens. $10
II. Sweet potato & gruyere croquettes. Hearty greens salad with apples and toasted walnuts, honey mustard vinaigrette. $12
-
Threesday, Wednesday, Woeless.

For the CSPI:
i. Bitter greens salad with fennel and orange.
ii. Pollo alla Cacciatora. Cime di rapa (slow braised broccoli rabe with garlic chips), rustic Italian bread and a selection of Cowgirl Creamery cheeses.
iii. Baked apples with walnuts, raisins and maple glaze, dollop of sweet and sour lazy cream.
For all!
Earthy vegetable and grain stew: purple top turnips, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, collard greens, brown rice & toasted cashews.
-
Foursday, Thursday.

I. Red wine braised beef roast. Polenta, escarole with whole garlic.
II. Pepper and mozzarella frittata. Green leaves salad with sherry vinaigrette

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 10/23/2011

This list of open houses for Sunday can be seen here. The same information is presented in a map format here. To see details about each property, scroll over the push pins on the map.

Friday, October 21, 2011

New Business: Studio 85

There is a new art and apparel business opening up in Bloomingdale on the unit block of Florida Avenue NW


Studio 85
53 Florida Avenue NW



What we Sell
Exclusive Studio85 Nail Gloss (available for online purchase)In Store- S85 Nail Gloss, Apparel, Accessories, Candles, Odds & Ends(In store clients get a complimentary cup of orange juice every morning to start their day,)


Store Hours
Mon-Sat 10-7p
Sun - Closed (unless there is a special event)

Special Events
Thurs. Open Mics 7:30-10p

Nearest Metro
By Train-Redline @ New York Ave-Florida Ave Station-Galludet U
By Bus-Hop the 90, 92, 93, & X3   and it'll drop you of less than half a block away from us coming from either direction.


follow them on Twitter

They will be having their grand opening on Friday October 28th from 7-10 PM.

LeDroit Park/Bloomingdale joint community safety walk -- Wednesday, 10-26-2011

See this message from Bloomingdale resident Jennifer McCann:

COMMUNITY SAFETY WALK
Join your neighbors from LeDroit Park & Bloomingdale


WHEN: Wednesday, October 26th @ 7:00 PM

WHO: You! ... and your children, dogs, friends, etc. All are welcome to come, regardless of where you live. Please consider bringing a flashlight to light up the neighborhood! Officers from the 3rd and 5th Districts of the Metropolitan Police Department will join us.

START: Anna J. Cooper Circle (3rd & T Streets, NW)

Sponsored by: Bloomingdale & LeDroit Park Civic Associations, ANC Commissioners Salatti (5C04), Youngblood (5C03), and Fournier (5C07)

www.LeDroitParkDC.org
www.BloomingdaleDC.org

Thursday, October 20, 2011

ABRA approves Capitol Food Mart Class B license - with some restrictions




See this message from Bloomingdale resident Brendan L. Smith:

The ABC board finally released its decision today on the Capitol Food Mart alcohol license (1634 North Capitol Street NW) that was opposed by a large group of neighbors. I was the group representative at the protest hearing in July over concerns about public safety, loitering, trash, public urination, and other social problems relating to the overconcentration of stores selling alcohol in the area.

The ABC board acknowledged some of our concerns but approved the Class B beer-and-wine license anyway. However, the store is banned from selling single bottles and cans of beer or malt liquor, and the store owner promised to not devote more than 15 percent of the store`s floor space to alcohol sales. I hope those concessions will limit some of the negative impacts.

Somehow the board didn`t find there was an overconcentration of alcohol outlets, but the decision just mentions other Class B convenience stores, not the huge number of liquor stores already in the neighborhood. Thank you to everyone who took part in the protest! I think we can call it a success even if it wasn`t an outright victory.




....And see this brief message from Teri Janine Quinn, President of the Bloomingdale Civic Association:





Here is` the Capitol Food Mart order from ABRA granting a liquor license but prohibiting single sales. The order has been uploaded to the Bloomingdale Civic Association website http://www.bloomingdalecivic.org / .

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

McMillan Advisory Group (MAG) meeting – Thursday, 10-20-2011



See this message passed along by ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:

Hello Community MAG members,

Just a friendly reminder of our next MAG meeting on Thursday, October 20th, 7pm, at St. George`s Episcopal Church, 2nd & U Streets NW.

The Agenda will be devoted entirely to a review and discussion of the draft PUD application. Invited guests are VMP and Jeff Miller (DMPED`s Real Estate Office). I have also asked them to provide the listed information requested by the members.

Although this is a meeting for the community (voting) MAG members, all residents are welcome to attend.

Look forward to seeing you!

Gwen Southerland
Chair

=====
Requested Information from the city per our last meeting:

COMMUNITY BENEFITS PACKAGE
We need specificity in providing more information on the Community

Benefits Package (CBP) that was *not* included in the PUD Application, dated

July 25, 2011. It is my understanding that the CBP was submitted to the city and VMP by MAG approximately two years ago. I have also been advised that the CBP is required by DC law to be included in the PUD Application to the Zoning Commission (ZC). It would be extremely helpful if VMP could address this issue, in particular its exclusion from the PUD.

HARD COPIES
It would be very helpful if your office or VMP could provide 15 hard copies of the draft PUD Application for the voting community members of MAG.

GROCERS
Can you please provide more information on the plan for the grocery store? Mr. Jackson informed us at the last MAG meeting, that the grocery store is to be developed in Phase Two of the proposed plan. Needless to say, this was distressing information since the majority of the community would welcome a grocery store. Please provide a list of grocers that the VMP and/or the city has engaged, and the outcome(s).

MARKET STUDIES
The members have also asked for any and all market analysis and demographic studies conducted by VMP or the city.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

homicide on Lincoln Road NE last night, Monday, 10-17-2011

Homicide on Lincoln Road NE Last Night, Monday, 10/17/2011

a) From: ``Solberg, Andrew (MPD)``
To: ```MPD-5D@yahoogroups.com```
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 6:25 AM
Subject: [MPD-5D] Homicide on Lincoln Road

Monday night, October 17, at about 8:15 pm, Fifth District officers on patrol responded to the 1600 block of Lincoln Road, NE for the sound of gunshots.

When they arrived they found a 22 year old man who had been shot. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident we ask that you call 727-9099.

Andy Solberg
Commander, 5D


b) Man Dies In Northeast DC Shooting
10:23 PM, Oct 17, 2011
http://www.wusa9.com/news/article/171248/158/Man-Dies-In-Northeast-DC-Shooting

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting in the 1600 block of Lincoln Road in Northeast Washington D.C.

A police spokesperson said the shooting happened about 8:08 p.m. Monday.

A man was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead.
There are no arrests in the shooting yet.

ANC 5C meeting tonight, 10-18-2011

See this message from ANC 5C Chair Ronnie Edwards:

Dear Friends/Neighbors:

Attached for your review is the meeting Notice for ANC 5C upcoming October 18, 2011 Meeting. The meeting will be held at Bennett Career Institute, 700 Monroe Street NE.

We have an action packed agenda with several pressing issues, including an update on Redistricting by the Coucilmember`s office and/or Redistricting Taskforce; the pros and cons of iGaiming and an update on ANC 5Cs protest/mediatiation involving the Engine Company 12`s ABRA application. We will also be reviewing our current Grants Procedures to see if improvements are needed.

Please help with immediate distribution and posting throughout the 5C area. Thanks for your assistance and we look forward to seeing you on the 18th.

Ronnie Edwards, 5C11, Chairman
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C
(202) 413-2715


Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 5C
PO Box 26183 . Washington, DC 20001 . www.ANC5C.COM

Tuesday, October 18, 2011
7:00pm -9:00pm

Bennett Career Institute
700 Monroe Street NE

Notice/Preliminary Agenda
Monthly Public Meeting


At the appropriate time, all attendees will be given the opportunity to participate in the meeting, offer suggestions and make recommendations for consideration. Unless otherwise noted, floor time is limited to 60 seconds. During deliberations, Commissioners are limited to 5-minute presentations and 90 seconds for comment. Please limit your comments accordingly. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

**************************************
Part I: Opening
Call to Order…………………..………………………………….…..Commissioner Edwards, Chairman
Roll Call/Quorum.…………………………………………………….
Adoption of Agenda
Review/Approval of Minutes.………………………………………..

 July 19, 2011 Regular Meeting
 August 4, 2011 Emergency Meeting
 September 20, 2011 Regular Meeting
 October 4, 2011 (Special Meeting)

Chairman`s Report – Summary of Meeting with Mayor
Police/Crime Report

Part II: Business Administration
Financial Report.………..…………………………..……….Commissioner Salatti, Financial Secretary
Review/Update RE: 4th Qtr Financial Report Documents..……Commissioner Ransom, Treasurer
Report & Pay Bills………………………..…………………..………Commissioner Ransom, Treasurer

Part III: Community Concerns, Updates and Resolutions
1. Community Concerns……………………………….……..………………………..
2. Parade Plans for Howard University Homecoming 2011
3. Internet Gaming (iGaming) ``Pros & Cons, Congressional Status; Economical Projections``
4. Update Re: Redistricting…….…….
 Update Re: Ward/ANC Districts
 Consideration of Bates Area Civic Association (BACA) Request for ANC Support for naming BACA as the Community Representative for First Street and Florida Avenue Park Renovation Project
5. Update/Consideration of Progress - Engine Company No. 12 ABRA Application/Mediation
6. Upcoming ABRA Renewal Licenses in 5C Area
7. Committee Reports/Updates…………………….
 Grants Committee Updates/Progress Reports
o Review of Grants Procedures
 Legislation Committee Updates
8. Meeting/Adjournment…………....………………………………………….…………………

Meetings: 3rd Tuesday each month
*Executive Meeting, November 1, 2011
*PUBLIC MEETING, November 15, 2011, (7:00 PM)
Alpha House (Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, 2405 First Street NW
*********
Visit our web site: www.anc5c.org

Sunday, October 16, 2011

attention, dog owners: raising awareness of leptospirosis

See this email thread from Bloomingdale residents:


a) From: Paul
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2011 8:51 AM
Subject: In Memory of Luna

Dear family & friends:

Our beloved Luna passed away this morning at an animal hospital in Fairfax, VA. She was brought there yesterday fighting for her life - The doctors believe that she most likely had a virus called Leptospirosis, which will be confirmed within a week from blood tests.

We are inconsolable with the loss of our little princess - She was the daughter of our first Jack Russell Terrier, Pippo, and the little girl in our family.

We would like to raise awareness of ``Leptospirosis`` - apparently, there is an epidemic according to the Veterinarian and the Animal Hospital. Please notify any dog owners that you may know to research this virus and take the highest precautions. Luna first showed symptoms late Sunday night, she was lethargic and had vomitted. It seemed as though Luna had a general stomach virus, which we have experienced before with both of our dogs and thought it would just pass.

To all DC residents - this is a major epidemic, specifically, here according to the Veterinarian due to the rat problem that we have. Leptospirosis is transmitted to dogs primarily through rat/possum/raccoon urine (that could be found in a puddle, stream, pond, etc) as well as from contact with rats and other infected dogs and infected dog urine. It is highly contagious between dogs and transmittable to humans.

There is a vaccine for Leptospirosis (speak to your veterinarian), however, like with most viruses with multiple strains - it can be of limited help (there are 7 different strains).

Note to cat owners - This does not affect cats.

We need to finally resolve the rat issue in DC immediately!

We would like to thank everyone for their support, the doctors and nurses at City Paws and South Paws and our dear friends Mat, Melissa and Ragnhild for their tremendous support and love these last few days.

Again, please forward this information to any dog owners you may know. This is a very serious virus that is lethal to dogs and humans as well.

We have attached a photo in Luna`s memory - she is on the left (with red collar) with her dad Pippo.

-Paul & Zach


b) From a resident of R Street NW:

Thanks to Paul and Zack who took the time from their grief over their dog that died of the leptospirosis virus to inform us of this serious problem. I called my vet who said that my dog had been vaccinated when she got her distemper shot, but my daughter checked with her vet, and her dog had not been. She will be today. This is especially important considering our rat problem. Just this week, my alley cats killed two rats out back.


c) From a 1st Street NW resident:

Bad news- I chatted with a neighbor whose dog is very sick – they think it may be the same thing -- the leptospirosis virus -- that Zach and Paul suspect killed their dog. Don`t like to share someone`s info, but think you should post something. Even if this virus is still unconfirmed, dog owners should be aware that there is a potential problem in the area.

And I don`t think either one of these dogs were out much - Zach and Paul`s dogs seemed to stay in the house with quick little trips to the back yard, and I have never seen the other owner walking their dog - I didn`t even know they had a dog for a long time - think the dog does not get along well with other dogs.

Hate to be an alarmist, but a lot of people might not notice a dog`s lack of appetite or some vomiting until it is too late..


d) See this 10/16/2011 message from a resident on the unit block of Randolph Place NW.

It appears that my dog also contracted leptospirosis. He may have to be put down. To everyone who has dogs -- please watch out, get them vaccinated, and avoid having your animals outside, coming into contact with or licking areas that may have been exposed to rats or other rodents that carry the disease.

To our ANC commissioners: Please take this seriously, as well, and inform the proper D.C. authorities about this outbreak (animal control; Department of Health; CDC type authorities; etc.). It is a very very serious, personally and emotionally tragic, and financially costly scourge in our neighborhood, caused medically by rats. The rat epidemic needs to be stemmed and our D.C. taxpayer resources must be spent on doing so. This is quite more important than many other things D.C. is doing with our tax dollars.


(Note -- Lepto may also spread to humans!).

Class B liquor license renewals -- on the agenda of the Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting -- Monday, 10-17-2011

From Bloomingdale Civic Association President Teri Janine Quinn:

The next meeting of the Bloomingdale Civic Association will be held at St. George`s Episcopal Church, 2nd & U Street NW, at 7 pm.

Here is the meeting agenda:


•Election of Bloomingdale Civic Association Nominating Committee
•Election of BCA Friends of Florida Avenue Park Representative
•Renewal of Class B Liquor Licenses in Bloomingdale
•Update on Ward 5 Redistricting
•BCA Dues
•Committee Reports

See you there!

found Schwinn bicycle on Bryant St NW

From a resident on the unit block of Bryant Steet NW:

Found a Schwinn cruiser style bicycle on Bryant St NW on thursday. If this is yours, and can identify it, please email Eric at oldnjaded at gmail.com.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 10/16/2011

Here is the list of open houses scheduled in Bloomingdale today. The same information can be seen in a map format. To see details about the properties, scroll over the push pins on the map.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Count Down: 1 Day - for the Bloomingdale House Tour, Art Show and Reception

See this message from Bertha Holliday, Bloomingdale Civic Association House Tour Committe Chair:

COUNT DOWN: 1 DAY


SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011
2011 BLOOMINGDALE HOUSE TOUR, ART SHOW & RECEPTION

(Rain Date: Sunday, Oct.16, 2011)

New House Tour/Art Show Activity!
PAUL WILLIAMS Of KELSEY & ASSOCS, INC.
Is Providing A $1000 Thoroughly Researched HOUSE HISTORY For Raffle.
Raffle Tickets ($5) can be purchased day of tour at ``Check-In`` & Art Show. You do NOT need to be present at drawing to win this spectacular prize!

The Media Blitz Is On!
· House Tour Banners and Yard Signs Are Out
· See HUFFINGTON POST Article & Slide Show
“All the turrets and tree-lined streets you can handle…”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/13/2011-bloomingdale-house-tour_n_1007271.html
· See CURBED DC http://dc.curbed.com/ · See ACTIVE RAIN
``Washington DC is a large city, and all that comes with it. However, there are very strong communities & neighborhoods, essentially, little villages. Bloomingdale is one of those….``
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2554894/bloomingdale-dc-house-tour-this-w-e

· See EVERYBLOCK WASHINGTON DC http://dc.everyblock.com/locations/neighborhoods/bloomingdale/?start=10/13/2011#service-requests-201110132135

Thanks To MYRA DANDRIDGE for great media promotion!

KUDOS also to Bloomingdale businesses that donated or discounted their goods, services & facilities to help make the House Tour activities possible:

Bloomingdale Wine & Spirits
Gloria Marconi Illustration & Design
Minuteman Press
Rustik Tavern
Zach Sherif, Curator & Artisan
Von Der Pool Gourmet
Wiebenson and Dorman Architects (410 GoodBuddY Gallery)
Paul Williams (Kelsey & Associates, Inc.)

The House Tour Committee is FIRED UP & READY TO GO !!

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY & SAVE 5 BUCKS
Tickets available at:
Big Bear Café (1ST & R St., NW)
Cookie’s Corner Deli (2nd & Elm Sts., NW)
Windows Café & Market (1st and Rhode Island, NW)
http://housetour.bloomingdaledc.com
Adults: $20 in advance & $25 day of tour
Children: $10

Thursday, October 13, 2011

seeking referrals for general contractors

See this request:

A W ST NW resident would like recommendations for reliable general contractors with whom they can consult on some leak issues:


"We need help diagnosing some leak issues that might include problems with roofing, masonry (tuck pointing), dry wall and/or plumbing. Therefore, we'd like referrals for a reliable, local, general contractor with whom we can consult to obtain a diagnosis of the problems and get recommendations for repair work (possibly even doing the work themselves). Please send any recommendations to drlavoie then gmail dot com."

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Washington Post: "Bloomingdale plans house tour, art show"

Hey! This Saturday's Bloomingdale House Tour made the Washington Post.

Bloomingdale plans house tour, art show
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-news-in-brief/2011/10/04/gIQAjzNHfL_story.html


The Bloomingdale Civic Association is hosting a house tour from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and an art show Saturday and Sunday. Proceeds will support college scholarships to Bloomingdale youths, community beautification and historic preservation efforts.

The tour will include Victorian, traditional and contemporary homes. Check-in is at First Street and Rhode Island Avenue NW. The community extends from Florida to Michigan avenues and from Third Street NW to North Capitol Street.

The art show, from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at GooDBuddY Gallery, 410 Florida Ave. NW, will feature 14 Bloomingdale artists.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day. For information, go to housetour.bloomingdaledc.com

experience Bloomingdale`s spirit, energy & diversity at this Saturday's Bloomingdale House Tour, Art Show and Reception

See this message from Bloomingdale Civic Association House Tour Committee Chair Bertha Holliday:

COUNT DOWN: 3 DAYS

GUERILLA AND ESTABLISHMENT
Is Not That A Great Description
For The Spirit, Energy & Diversity Of Bloomingdale?


Experience And Celebrate That Spirit at the
FRESH, FIERCE & FABULOUS
2011 BLOOMINGDALE HOUSE TOUR, ART SHOW & RECEPTION

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15


· 9 Homes Each With A Unique Interior Style
· Rest Stop At Bloomingdale’s Urban Green Jewel (Crispus Attucks Park)
· Art Show Featuring 15 Bloomingdale Artists
· Reception For Meeting, Greeting & Having Fun

This is an Event NOT to be Missed!
Tour: 1 – 5 p.m. (Check- in at 1st & T NW – Rustik Tavern)
Private Art Show for Tour Patrons ONLY: 2 – 6:30 p.m.
(410 Florida, NW – 410 GooDBuddY Gallery)

Tickets Available At:
Big Bear Café, Cookie’s Corner Deli, Windows Café & Market
http://housetour.bloomingdaledc.com
Adults: $20 in advance & $25 day of tour
Children: $10

Big Bear Cafe dinner menus for tonight, tomorrow night




See this message from Big Bear Cafe's Stu Davenport:

Below is Clementina's dinner menu for the next couple of days at the Big Bear Cafe.
You can see more of what is available at our website at bigbearcafe-dc.com .

Thanks!

Dinner Menu October 12th, 13th

Wednesday, Oct. 12th
I. Pul' n' Vin': Chicken and wine stew with long grain rice. Bitter greens salad with fennel and orange, balsamic vinaigrette. $14
II. Potato and mushroom croquettes with butter and wine-braised Hakurei turnips and sauteed tat soi. $12

Thursday, Oct. 13th
I. Pan fried cod in white wine sauce with potatoes, sauteed kale with yellow eye beans. $12
II. Butternut squash soup, you don't even know. Salad of Napa cabbage, spinach, and apples with white balsamic vinaigrette. $10

Dessert: caramel buttercreamdream cake.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

growlers still available at DC Brau



Looking for growlers? They are still available at Ward 5's DC Brau.

See the Washington City Paper Young & Hungry post below:

There’s A Tear In My Beer: No More Growlers at D’Vines and De Vinos
Posted by Tammy Tuck on Oct. 11, 2011 at 8:00 am
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/youngandhungry/2011/10/11/theres-a-tear-in-my-beer-no-more-growlers-at-dvines-and-de-vinos/

new business: Lotus Uprising - ``A musical yoga supper club``



See this message from Bloomingdale resident Erin:

I`m a bloomingdale resident with my own business, LOTUS UPRISING! (lotusuprising.com ). We throw a monthly yoga-vegan food-musical mashup party, and our October event is a JAZZ BRUNCH this Sunday at 10:30 AM over at 11th and U Sts, NW.

We`ll have a sweaty yoga class taught by Colin Brightfield of Down Dog Yoga, a fabulously vegan meal cooked by me, Erin McCarthy, and gorgeous design and direction by Jamie Gahlon -- all with live jazz music!

Here`s the menu...



  • homemade tortilla chips with chipotle salsa

  • spiced coconut seasonal greens n beans

  • fall squash puree

  • smoky sweet potato chickpea corn trifecta

  • garlicky avocado-cilantro ``crema``

  • sweet-sour-spicy mexican slaw with grilled pineapple

  • slow cooked refried beans

  • farro mexicano

  • mexican chocolate tart
hope some fellow bloomingdalians can join us! email musicfairie @ gmail.com for group and neighborhood rates!

peace love and yoga,
Erin

Monday, October 10, 2011

Bloomingdale resident Brandon Skall & DC Brau in 10-4-2011 WaPo Lifestyle article



You are familiar with Ward 5's DC Brau (http://www.dcbrau.com/) brewery located at 3178-B Bladensburg Road NE, correct?

One of its co-founders is Bloomingdale resident Brandon Skall.

Did you perhaps see the 10-04-2011 Washington Post article on DC Brau, which includes assorted quotes by Brandon?

Here you go:

DC Brau: A duo`s vision sparks local brewing revival
By Daniel Fromson, Published: October 4
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/dc-brau-a-duos-vision-sparks-local-brewing-revival/2011/09/27/gIQAvSRcLL_story.html

Bloomingdale resident and tapestrist Don Burns

Bloomingdale resident and tapestrist Don Burns has his tapestries on display at the Dumbarton Concert Gallery.

See this text from his announcement postcard:

Tapestries by Don Burns

Dumbarton Concert Gallery
3133 Dumbarton Street NW
Washington DC 20007
Located in historic Dumbarton Church
Between N & O Streets NW

Opening Reception
Saturday, October 14, 2011, 6 pm - 8 pm
October 16 - 21 by appointment
Call 202 - 667 - 8529

The Concert
Schubert, Schumann, and Wolf
Hugo Wolf Quartett at 8 pm
Tickets at www.dumbartonconcerts.org

Sunday, October 09, 2011

countdown: 6 days -- Bloomingdale House Tour, Art Show and Reception

see this announcement from Bertha Holliday, Bloomingdale Civic Association House Tour Committee coordinator:



COUNT DOWN: 6 DAYS

At This Very Moment …

9 Bloomingdale Homeowners
&
More Than 15 Bloomingdale Artists

Are Eagerly Preparing For Your Attendance
!


BUY TICKETS FOR THE
Saturday, October 15, 2011
BLOOMINGDALE HOUSE TOUR,
ART SHOW & RECEPTION

It will be FRESH…..
It will be FIERCE…
It will be FABULOUS…
(and it also WILL BE FUN!)

Tickets Available at
http://housetour.bloomingdaledc.com

Big Bear Café
Cookies Corner Deli
Windows Café

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 10/08/2011

With the lovely Fall weather, it's sure to be a busy weekend for open houses. You can see them mapped out here. To see details for each property, scroll over the push pins on the map.

Friday, October 07, 2011

Ward 5 redistricting: southern end of Bloomingdale to be lopped off into a different Ward 5 commission...? Hello --- anyone care?





Former Bloomingdale resident Geoff Hatchard placed this post at Greater Greater Washington blog on Thursday night`s ANC 5C redistricting meeting. I have copied in his post below. I am too lazy to copy in all three proposed Ward 5 redistricting maps. I have only copied in the map that won the most task force votes last night. Click on the GGW link below to see all of Geoff's maps.


So what will Councilmember Thomas and the DC Office of Planning do now? Stay tuned.



Thanks to Geoff for his GGW post. And thanks to everyone who volunteered their time in the Ward 5 redistricting effort.

Ward 5 task force chooses more ANCs
by Geoff Hatchard • October 7, 2011 12:18 pm
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/post/12339/ward-5-task-force-chooses-more-ancs

Last night, the Ward 5 Redistricting Task Force met for the last time and voted to change the makeup of the ward`s ANCs from one with 3 large ANCs of 12 commissioners each, to one with 6 smaller ANCs with 5-8 commissioners in each.

Click to enlarge.

The task force met for the first time in early August. I was a member. From the beginning, we were informed that we would be approaching redistricting with a fresh slate. There would be no reference to existing commission lines, and the process would be data-driven.

Task force members were split into six teams, which were assigned different geographical parts of the ward. The team I was on was given the area stretching from Fort Lincoln south through the Arboretum to Carver Langston. Our job was to add up census blocks to create proto-single member districts (SMDs) of approximately 2,000 people, with a margin of error of 5% either way (1,900 to 2,100 people).

These proto-SMDs (of which there were 40) were then turned in to the chair of the task force, who, with members of the executive committee, put the six teams` findings together into one large map. We analyzed this at a meeting last month, and the task force voted to give the executive committee the responsibility to come back to the task force with three options: maps with three, four, and five ANCs.

These options were presented to the task force last night. Significant changes had been made since the 40 proto-SMDs had been turned in to the commission chair. We were notified that there were errors in the data and that lines had to be redrawn for accuracy`s sake. This meant that there would be 38, not 40, SMDs in Ward 5. Many of these new lines were drawn to closely follow the current SMD boundaries.

The three options are below. Click on each to see a larger and interactive version including the populations of each individual proposed SMD.

Option 1 had 5 ANCs. 3 task force members voted for this option.

Option 2 had 6 ANCs. 10 task force members voted for this option.

Option 3 had 3 ANCs. 3 task force members voted for this option.

As you can see, there are errors in the way the SMDs were described verbally, which led to areas of both overlap and gaps that were not included in any SMD. These include the area along the railroad tracks between the neighborhoods of Gateway and Langdon, the Park Place and Cloisters apartments and condominiums at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and North Capitol Street, the Washington Hospital Center campus, two blocks just south of Catholic University`s campus, a couple blocks on the eastern edge of Trinidad, a block on the western edge of Carver-Langston, the Brentwood Rail Yard, and the entire eastern edge of the ward from the proposed Dakota Crossing development in Fort Lincoln to the Langston Golf Course along the Anacostia River.

It was difficult, if not impossible, to note these problems during the meeting, due to the fact that there was only one hastily drawn map at the front of the room that was difficult to read. Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.`s office and the Office of Planning will have to collaborate to make fixes to these problems before the language can be submitted for a vote before the DC Council.

It`s worth noting that 3 SMDs, as drawn here, fall significantly below the minimum recommended threshold for population size. The 2 SMDs in Fort Lincoln have populations of 1,265 and 1,467. The SMD that encompasses the neighborhood of Stronghold and the northernmost block of Bloomingdale (as well as the McMillan Sand Filtration site) has a population of 1,399. Perhaps it was the intent of the executive committee to include Park Place and the Cloisters in this SMD, but that wasn`t evident from the proposed legal language.

When asked why these three SMDs had such low populations, the chair informed us that the population limits were guidelines, not strict rules, and they had received guidance from the Office of Planning that precedent existed to allow this deviation.

Comments

Yeay! Let`s make more dysfunctional ANCs! Is there a purpose to this?
by Jasper on Oct 7, 2011 1:25 pm

come on... there must be some Bloomingdale residents who want to volunteer to serve on the Bloomingdale Civic Assn Elections Nominating Committee ?

See this message from Teri Janine Quinn, President, Bloomingdale Civic Association:


BLOOMINGDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION ELECTION NOMINATING COMMITTEE

It is time to prepare for the Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) elections! The BCA is seeking volunteers to serve on the BCA Election Nominating Committee.


The Committee will compile and submit to the BCA a slate nominees for the BCA's elected positions.


If you are interested in serving on the nominating Committee, please contact me (terijanine@gmail.com or 214 then 908 then 1913) or another executive board member as soon as possible.

Thursday, October 06, 2011

soliciting Bloomingdale Civic Association Nominating Committee volunteers and Friends of the Florida Avenue Park representative

See this message from Teri Janine Quinn, President, Bloomingdale Civic Association:

BLOOMINGDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION ELECTION NOMINATING COMMITTEE

It is time to prepare for the Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) elections! The BCA is seeking volunteers to serve on the BCA Election Nominating Committee. The Committee will compile and submit to the BCA a slate nominees for the BCA's elected positions. If you are interested in serving on the nominating Committee, please contact me (terijanine @ gmail.com or 214 then 908 then 1913) or another executive board member as soon as possible.

FRIENDS OF FLORIDA AVENUE PARK

You may have noticed that the work on the Florida Avenue Park is progressing quite nicely. The BCA received a request for the Bates Area Civic Association seeking a representative from the BCA to help form the Friends of the Florida Avenue Park (FFAP) group. The representative will serve on the Initial Board of the FFAP for six months. The Initial Board will define the mission, goals, activities, schedule, rules, and structure of the FFAP. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are interested in being the BCA representative on the FFAP.

Best,


Teri Janine Quinn
President, Bloomingdale Civic Association

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Bloomingdale resident Steuart Mertens in the news





Bloomingdale resident and Taste of DC organizer Steuart Martens is in two articles of today`s Washington Examiner.

THE 3-MINUTE INTERVIEW: Steuart Martens
By: Examiner Staff Writer 10/04/11 8:05 PM
The Washington Examiner Follow Us @dcexaminer
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/people/2011/10/3-minute-interview-steuart-martens

Protesters, Taste of DC to share Pa. Ave.
By: Liz Farmer 10/04/11 8:05 PM
Examiner Staff Writer Follow Her @LizFarmerDC
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/2011/10/protesters-taste-dc-share-pa-ave

So who's going to Taste of DC?


And did you know that Steuart has his own company? It is called Tradewinds Specialty Imports http://tradewindsspecialty.com/ .

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Clementina Russo's dinner menus for this week at Big Bear Cafe






See this message from Big Bear`s Clementina Russo:

Monday - 10/03/2011

I. Pork shoulder braised in apple cider with apples, red onions and potatoes. Turnips and turnip greens braised in butter and white wine. $13
II. Peasant's Purse: sauteed Swiss chard with an egg over easy and crumbled feta, served with rustic Italian bread. $11

Tuesday - 10/04/2011
I. Lamb chops in red wine jus. Marinated kale salad. $14
II. Fried eggplant and sweet pepper stew atop Israeli couscous, dollop of black pepper ricotta. $12

HoboHumpdayWednesday - 10/05/2011
I. Soup! Winter squash soup with savoy cabbage and Borlotti beans. $12
II. Salad! Curly and Belgian endive, with shallots, toasted walnuts, poached egg, mustard vinaigrette. $10
Rustic Italian bread and Cowgirl Creamery cheese for both menus.

Thursday, with a Bang - 10/06/2011
I. Seared blue marlin steaks with olive oil and lemon juice, sauteed kale. $12
II. Pasta agghiu ogghiu. Leafy green salad with lemon dressing. $10

tonight's ANC 5C meeting: agenda includes Full Yum's liquor license application

From ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti: "Here`s the latest agenda for next Tuesday`s ANC meeting."

Government of the District of Columbia
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 5C
PO Box 26183 . Washington, DC 20001 . www.ANC5C.COM

Tuesday, October 4, 2011
7:00pm -9:00pm
Community Academy Public Charter School
1400 1st Street NW

SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING
October 4, 2011

Revised Notice & Agenda

On September 26, 2011 ANC provided notice that ANC 5C would hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 to discuss the following items will be discussed:

Proposed 2012 Budget
o Including Initial Review of draft 2012 Budget; updated Grants Reports & 4th Quarter submission goals

ABRA Application
o Full Yum Carryout Corporation, T/A Full Yum Carryout has applied for a Class ``A`` Liquor License to operate ``a full service Liquor Store`` as its current location, 1501 North Capitol Street NE.

REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY REVIEW & CONSIDERSATION

In addition to the above, ANC 5C has been requested to consider on an emergency basis a Request for ANC 5C support for the Hanover Civic Association Application to become Friends of the New York Avenue Playground.

tonight: Bloomingdale Safety Walk

See this announcement from Bloomingdale resident Jennifer McCann:

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners
John Salatti, Hugh Youngblood, and James Fournier
Invite you to take part in a
Bloomingdale Public Safety Walk


Who: You! ...and your children, dogs, friends, etc.
All are welcome to come, regardless of where you live. This is about making a strong presence in the community, showing that Bloomingdale will not tolerate crime in our neighborhood.

When: Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Northwest corner of 1st and Rhode Island NW
(Meet in front of Windows Café. Dress comfortably and bring a flashlight!)

Help Bloomingdale continue to grow into a safer neighborhood!

"someone was walking across the roofs of houses on the unit block of Bryant St NW at 3 am"

See this message from 3:34 AM from a resident on the unit block of Bryant Street NW:


Tonight around 3am someone was walking across the roofs of houses on the unit block of Bryant St NW. I called the police and they immediately dispatched a few cars to the area, but I am not sure if anyone was apprehended. This should serve as a reminder to folks on the list to make sure that they keep the top floor windows and doors of their houses locked
.

Monday, October 03, 2011

sorry -- no liquor license, dog feces or neighborhood retail posts today !













Sorry that the last post on the future of two neighborhood Howard University dormitory buildings does not mention anything about new or existing neighborhood retail establishments - or about liquor licenses - or about dog feces.

I promise to try to do better!

Sunday, October 02, 2011

concerning the future vacanies of HU's Carver and Slowe Halls



Read Eric Fidler`s Left for LeDroit post below on the Howard University Campus Plan.

Note that the LeDroit Park Civic Association voted to support the university's campus plan -- and then voted unanimouslly to amend its support for the HU campus plan to prohibit longer-than-one-year vacancies of Slowe & Carver Hall dormitories, once the dorms are emptied out.

Eric notes that "the civic association will submit this language to the Zoning Commission and urge the commission to attach it to the legally enforceable order that ratifies the campus plan."

So let`s see if the Zoning Commission proceeds with LPCA's amendment.


Bloomingdale residents might have particular interest in Carver Hall, since it borders the neighborhood at 2nd & Elm Street NW.

Civic association conditions zoning support on vacancy
By Eric Fidler
September 29, 2011
http://leftforledroit.com/2011/09/civic-association-conditions-zoning-support-on-vacancy

At Tuesday night`s meeting of the LeDroit Park Civic Association, the association voted 11-2 to support the Howard University Campus Plan (
http://community.howard.edu/). Since several issues in the plan remain unresolved and unspecified, your author voted against supporting it.

Among many concerns are the several vacant properties that Howard University owns in the area. Though Howard has made a commendable effort to refurbish and sell many of these properties in LeDroit Park over the past decade, we are worried that the university, after it moves students out of Slowe and Carver Halls might leave these two dormitories vacant for several years.

The university has been very adept at finding excuses for keeping several of its properties vacant in decades past.

For current vagueness in the plan, university officials say they haven`t determined a use yet or that they haven`t found the financing or that everything is the economy`s fault.

That may be true, but vacant buildings attract trouble. They become safe-havens for criminals, vagrants, and rodents. Some vacant properties become truly blighted with windows covered up with plywood or metal covers. This blight drags down property values and lowers the quality of life.

For most private property owners, vacant properties (class 3) face a steep 5% annual property tax and blighted buildings (class 4) face a 10% annual property tax. These punitive tax rates (
http://otr.cfo.dc.gov/otr/cwp/view,A,1330,Q,609710.asp) are meant to urge owners of vacant and blighted properties to return their properties to good order and productive use.

As a university, however, Howard pays no taxes on its land, so a punitive 5% or 10% tax on $0 is still $0 . As such, the neighborhood needs a legal mechanism to ensure the university does not vacate Slowe and Carver Halls and then blame the economy as they board up the buildings for several years.

Whether the university keeps the buildings as student dorms or converts them to faculty housing is fine either way, but vacancy and blight threatens the progress the neighborhood has made over the past decade.

To prevent this, your author moved ``To amend our support [for the campus plan] to prohibit vacancy of Slowe and Carver Halls for more than one year.``

The motion was property seconded and passed unanimously.

The civic association will submit this language to the Zoning Commission and urge the commission to attach it to the legally enforceable order that ratifies the campus plan. This will ensure that these two large dormitories do not sit vacant for an unreasonable length of time over the next decade.

Howard University`s campus plan is an ambitious and mostly good plan, but it`s important that point out its shortcomings and to ensure the university does not get away with undue burdens on neighborhoods and the District.

Exemption from property taxes is a privilege, not a right, and residents are wise to ensure this exemption is not abused to the detriment of the public interest.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 10/02/2011

There are several open houses scheduled today. Here is the same information found in a map format with directions. To see details about each property, scroll over the push pins on the map.

In case you missed it a few weeks ago, I will be holding 2200 1st St NW open from 1-4pm. This grand corner home was designed by the noted architect B. Stanley Simmons. It's a treat to see. More information can be seen in the links above.

Saturday, October 01, 2011

a response to Eric Fidler`s "Historic fountains rot away in a local national park"

See this message from a Bloomingdale resident:

I think it is time we took up the fight to undo the damage of the suburban commuter freeway running through our neighborhoods - I submitted the below in response to Eric Fidler's article ``Historic fountains rot away in a local national park`` (http://leftforledroit.com/2011/09/historic-fountains-rot-away-in-a-local-national-park )...

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Oh what a steep price so many American cities and urban dwellers have paid for the benefit of commuters and suburbia!

So many of our DC communities, and in particular Bloomingdale, Eckington and Truxton Circle, were sacrificed in the 1940`s and 1950`s so that suburbanites could enter and leave the city quickly and efficiently without regard to the impact on the local inhabitants, businesses and the neighborhood`s historic and aesthetic value.

By removing Truxton Circle and ultimately constructing the North Capitol Street ``Freeway``, our neighborhoods were separated by a highway chasm of loud, polluting, speeding cars and trucks. This infrastructure was never going to benefit the local residents and businesses, yet the city leaders at the time permitted this gross injustice on one of its own neighborhoods, likely using those very resident`s tax dollars to permanently scar their neighborhoods, destroying their value and facilitating their decline.

So much controversy has been made regarding the DC Streetcar overhead wires, which can hardly ever impede any vistas (witness any number of ancient and historic European cities). Yet the North Capitol Street ``Freeway``, with its overpasses/bridges, fences, walls and guardrails is still permitted to this day without even any thought, much less protest - even though the once glorious vistas of the Capitol Dome from any location on North Capitol Street in Bloomingdale and Eckington have been permanently obstructed and ruined!

It is time our neighborhoods, our communities rallied to push our leaders - Civic Associations, ANC members, city government officials - to undo this injustice and correct the wrongs that have been inflicted on the historic fabric of Bloomingdale, Eckington and Truxton Circle!

The North Capitol Street ``Freeway`` and other commuter entrances into the District should no longer be ``FREE``!

How about the city impose a toll on commuters entering the city and those funds be allocated to covering up the chasms with decks??? From the ``bridge`` intersection of North Capitol Street and Rhode Island Ave to the ``bridge`` intersection of North Capitol Street and New York Avenue - the heavy volume commuter and commercial traffic should be completely submerged and covered by a deck - perhaps with a green-way/community park on top?

The Bloomingdale, Eckington and Truxton Circle communities must lead the fight to restore what was once a grand boulevard and a charming circle!

Bloomingdale Resident.