Saturday, December 01, 2012

Ward 5 Report

This report from the office of Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie come out yesterday, Friday, 11/30/2012.


he Ward 5 Report: 
The Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Ward 5
November 30, 2012
The Week in Review:
Costco Comes to Ward 5!
On November 30, the District opened its first Costco in Fort Lincoln, near the intersection of New York and South Dakota avenues NE.  Since its opening, Costco has seen many notable guests, including Vice President Joe Biden.
Councilmember McDuffie offered the following statement about the Costco opening:
“As the Chair of the Committee on Jobs and Workforce Development, placing District residents in meaningful employment is one of my top priorities.  Costco will bring over two hundred jobs to our community, and I applaud any company that provides adequate, family-wage employment for our citizens. Likewise, Costco will be an important visual anchor for our efforts to revitalize the New York Avenue corridor and will provide the residents of Ward 5 with quality amenities and services to our community. 
“Congratulations to the Fort Lincoln Community, Commissioner Bob King and the 5A Advisory Neighborhood Commission for helping to make this day happen.  Costco’s opening is indeed a day for celebration and the start of much more to come for our city and Ward 5.”
Click here to read more on the Costco opening in Fort Lincoln.

Ward 5 Based Development Team to Break Ground on Metropolitan Overlook Condominiums in Eckington
On November 27, the 2nd Street Community Partners held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Metropolitan Overlook Condominiums –located in the Eckington community. The project is the result of the collaborative efforts made by both local businesses and government.  The Councilmember feels that it is vital that we continue to see further development, like the Metropolitan Overlook Condominiums, in Ward 5 and throughout the District.  The condominiums –which were once the home to a 37-unit apartment building that stood vacant for more than two decades – will now become workforce and high quality affordable homes for current and future Ward 5 residents. Additionally, the new renovations will aide in the revitalization of the Eckington community for years to come.  

Councilmember McDuffie welcomes Trilogy Noma
Councilmember McDuffie welcomes the opening of the newly built extension of Trilogy Noma at 151 Q Street, NE.   The project includes 603 apartments, 1,250 SF of retail, as well as 570 parking spaces for the tenants.  The addition to the Eckington neighborhood is a signal of Ward 5’s continuing success in attracting new residents.

McDuffie Swears in the New Executive Board of the Bloomindale Civic Association
On November 19, Councilmember McDuffie swore in the newly elected executive board of the Bloomingdale Civic Association. The group, along with many residents of the Bloomingdale neighborhood, has been collaborating with the Councilmember and his office diligently to address the needs of those impacted by flooding.

Councilmember McDuffie participated in emergency PSA 502 Meeting at Chancellor Row
On November 19, Councilmember McDuffie participated in an emergency PSA 502 Meeting with residents of the Chancellor Row Development and Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Lieutenant Ronald Wright.  The meeting was held to address recent burglaries that have taken place in the community.  Councilmember McDuffie shared public safety measures that residents can take as a neighborhood and encouraged attendees at the meeting to collaborate with MPD on future walkthroughs.  Lieutenant Wright ended the meeting by sharing homeowner safety tips to consider with the upcoming holiday season, particularly for those who are planning to be away on vacation.  

Legislative Updates:

Hearing on Bill 19-1036, The Supercans For Seniors Act Of 2012
On December 6, the Committee on the Environment, Public Works, and Transportation, will hold a public hearing on B19-1036, the Supercans for Seniors Act of 2012, introduced by Councilmember McDuffie.  This bill would provide residents age 65 and older a free recycling cart and trash can at the time the senior relocates to or within the District.
The public hearing will begin at 1:00 p.m. in Room 120 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.  The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record.  Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing should contact Ms. Aukima Benjamin at 202-724-8062, or via e-mail at abenjamin@dccouncil.us.

Hearing on Bill 19-939, the District of Columbia Fire and Casualty Amendment Act of 2012
On December 12, the Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs will hold a public hearing on Bill 19-939, the “District of Columbia Fire and Casualty Amendment Act of 2012”. The bill, introduced by Councilmember McDuffie, is to amend the District of Columbia Fire and Casualty Act to require homeowners insurance companies to clearly state that homeowner’s insurance does not cover all risks and to list the additional optional coverage available to the homeowner; to require the homeowners insurance company to notify applicants that homeowner’s insurance does not cover losses from flood and to explain how flood insurance may be obtained.
The hearing will begin at 11:00 a.m. in room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building. 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
The Committee invites the public to testify or to submit written testimony, which will be made a part of the official record.  Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing should contact Ed Fisher,  at (202) 741-0898 or via e-mail at efisher@dccouncil.us and provide their name, address, telephone number, organizational affiliation and title (if any) by close of business on Tuesday, December 11, 2012.

Announcements:
Traffic Advisory: Temporary Lane Closures for the 5100-5300 blocks of North Capitol Street and the Unit Block of Riggs Road NE
In December, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin work on a construction project on the 5200 block of North Capitol Street and the unit block of Riggs Road, NE. The purpose of this project is to make the bus stops more accessible for individuals with disabilities.  This construction work is anticipated to be completed by late December 2012, weather and construction conditions permitting.
Construction work is scheduled to take place between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and may also take place from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  During the construction work hours there will be temporary lane closures in the 5100-5300 blocks of North Capitol Street and the Unit block of Riggs Road, NE.  DDOT will keep open at least one travel lane in each direction during work hours.  All lanes will be open during non-work hours.
Traffic control signs will be in place to guide travelers in the corridor around the new traffic pattern. Motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists are urged to stay alert and use caution when traveling by the work zone.

Free Vending Permits Workshops
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has scheduled a free vending workshop. If you are interested in learning how to obtain a Vendors permit, it is recommended that you attend this workshop.  DCRA’s Vending Division will assist current and future venders with navigating through the Vending processes.  During these workshops Vending subject matter experts will provide customers with all the requirements of obtaining a Vending license.  The Vending staff will also assist customers with the following topics: 
·         Inauguration 2013 Vending Rules and Processes
·         Road Way Vending (Food Only)
·         Vending Carts (Food versus Merchandise)
·         Vending Application Processes and Timelines
·         Vending Safe-Keeping Tips (Not Vending for a Period of Time)

The workshop will be held on   December  3 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs located at 1100 4th Street, SW, Room E-200 (2nd Floor). To register please go to:
http://bizdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferencePresignup.action?iD=34890 or contact Jacqueline Noisette (DCRA) at jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov or (202) 442-8170.
  
DOE Scholars Program Open for Applications
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Scholars Program introduces students or recent college graduates to DOE’s mission and operations. As a participant in the DOE Scholars Program, students will earn a competitive edge by familiarizing themselves with DOE functions while showcasing your education, talent and skills. For more information, please click:

Upcoming Ward 5 Events:
Saturday, December 1 – Councilmember McDuffie will join ANC Commissioners, MPD and DDOT for a walkthrough of the Woodridge and Michigan Park neighborhoods to discuss the need for traffic calming measures on S. Dakota Avenue, NE from 18th Street, NE to Perry Street.
Saturday, December 1 –The monthly Friends of Edgewood Rec Center Cleanup and BBQ is scheduled from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM at the Edgewood Recreation Center located 3rd and Evarts Street, NE.
Monday, December 3 – The Ivy City Civic Association meeting will take place at the Bethesda Baptist Church beginning at 6:30 PM.
Monday, December 3 – The Bates Area Civic Association will host their Holiday Reception at Mt. Sinai Church beginning at 7:00 PM.
Monday, December 3 – The Eckington Civic Association meeting will take place at the Harry Thomas, Sr. Recreation Center starting at 7:00 PM.
Monday, December 3 – The Lamond-Riggs Civic Association meeting will take place the LaSalle-Backus Education Center starting at 7:00 PM.
Monday, December 3 – The Ward 5 Democratic Committee will host its Holiday Meeting and Reception at the Michigan Park Christian Church starting at 7:00 PM.
Tuesday, December 4 – The Woodridge Civic Association meeting will take place at the Washington Center for Aging starting at 7:00 PM.
Tuesday, December 4 – The Michigan Park Citizens Association meeting will take place at Bunker Hill Elementary beginning at 7:15 PM.
Wednesday, December 5 - A Ward 5 Housing Town Hall will take place at the Woodridge Library from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Wednesday, December 5 – The North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting will be held at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center beginning at 7:00 PM.
Friday, December 7 – FoRIA will host a Holiday Reception, Gallery Show and Silent Auction at the Art Enables from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
For more information, please follow us at twitter.com/CM_McDuffiefacebook.com/KenyanRMcDuffie or contact our office at (202) 724-8028.


Darrell Jackson, Jr.
Communications Director
Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Ward 5
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20004
202.355.4257 (mobile)



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