To: friends-of-mcmillan-park
Cc: James Fournier
Subject: [HistoricWashington]
Good McMillan Park supporters!
Here's a brief update as to today:
First, supporters of McMillan Park rallied outside of the DC Superior Courthouse in defense of our historic site and giant water cistern.
See Tweets & Videos here >>
https://twitter.com/CaroleLewisDC/status/1208053561587830784
https://twitter.com/MPHGrace/status/1208025465472135170
https://twitter.com/CaroleLewisDC/status/1208052450978123776
WTOP News came out and covered it >>
https://wtop.com/dc/2019/12/neighbors-fight-to-block-demolition-of-historic-dc-park/
So did FOX5, although we don't see a published piece up yet.
Second, THE COURT HEARING
Judge Higashi of DC Superior Court heard arguments from four city attorneys and one Friends of McMillan Park attorney about stopping the demolition of the site.
Honorable Higashi said that she needs time to look over all the filings and arguments, but that the 2019 Court session ends today, and the 2020 session won't open again until January 6th, the day demolition was to begin.
With that the Judge asked if the Deputy Mayor's Office on Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) would ensure no demolition begins until she issues her ruling on the requested restraining order to stop demolition sometime after January 10, 2020. DMPED agreed.
Meanwhile, Park supporters are preparing filings in the associated Office of Administrative Hearings and BZA cases in the next several weeks, along with a Federal Complaint regarding the preservation covenants on site.
THIS MEANS WE WILL HAVE A DEMONSTRATION -- JANUARY 11 OR PERHAPS THE 13TH. More info to come soon!
Thank you for staying tuned.
Please sign the petition and contact your Councilmember to tell them to get involved now!
SaveMcMillan.org/petition
Thank you,
Chris Otten, Co-Facilitator DC for Reasonable Development
DC Grassroots Steering Committee Member
ANC Commissioner 2008-2010;
Homeless services advocate;
Public property watchdog;
Zoning and planning consultant
202-810-2768
PS: The McMillan Advisory Group is supposed to be helping get information out to the community, that is their role with as go between with the city and community. They haven't met in at least four months. The last meeting minutes are attached. Yet to be discussed in any meaningful way with those directly impacted are very real concerns about pedestrian safety, air quality, water quality, asbestos in the concrete, traffic management, etc. See meeting minutes attached. https://mcmillanadvisorygroup.wordpress.com/meeting-minutes/2019-2/
On Wed, Dec 18, 2019 at 3:15 PM d.c. forrd <dc4reality@gmail.com> wrote:
[please excuse double posts] [please share]
[press invited]
Good McMillan Supporters,
This Friday morning, we are asking the Court to STOP DEMOLITION of MCMILLAN PARK! Can you be there with us?
RALLY TO STOP THE DEMOLITION of McMillan Park.
FRIDAY, DECMEBER 20, Start time: 9AM
In front of DC Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue NW
RSVP on FB, or email:
SMAC.DC@gmail.com
or call: (202) 656-3012
https://tinyurl.com/mcmillanparkdecember20
===BE THERE IF AT ALL POSSIBLE, AND BRING ONE FRIEND===
DC's Mayor is conspiring to line the pockets of corporate developers who enable the racist land use strategies pushing low-income residents out of the city. McMillan Park represents an important part of our struggle for environmental heath and economic justice.
On Piscataway land, McMillan Park and Sand Filtration Plant was built at the turn of the 19th century to cure the city of water borne illnesses. It became an historic gathering place for residents to rest and recreate together. One of the first de-facto integrated spaces in DC, kite flying contests and community-driven baseball fields were just some of the ways community members created joy in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods. Adding to the historic value of this site are the still-functional sand filtration towers and 20-acre water cistern below that could produce locally sourced, chemical-free, clean water.
The Mayor's current plans would bring an additional 20,000 vehicular trips through a region of the city already disproportionately impacted by high asthma rates, especially on our vulnerabel children. As the climate changes and brings worsening air quality to cities across the world, Bowser would move us backwards by refusing to listen to community needs for health and wellness. savemcmillan.org/water
The city's plan has very little affordable units and would crush this space with more hi-rise high-density exclusive status-quo luxury 'development.' There is no metro nearby.
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION >>
savemcmillan.org/petition
The asks:
Halt the PUD of McMillan Park until a ward-level housing assessment can be conducted to evaluate existing supply
Conduct a health impact assessment of the current PUD
Identify genuinely affordable and inclusive housing solutions as contributed by current residents
Prepare legal fight to uplift the Federal protective covenants
Can't wait to see you there!
Mayor Bowser: Don't DEMO McMillan Park!
Rally 9am, Friday, Dec. 20
In front of DC Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue NW
RSVP on FB, or email:
SMAC.DC@gmail.com
or call: (202) 656-3012
FMI: https://tinyurl.com/mcmillanparkdecember20
In solidarity,
Chris Otten, Co-Facilitator DC for Reasonable Development
DC Grassroots Steering Committee Member
ANC Commissioner 2008-2010;
Homeless services advocate;
Public property watchdog;
Zoning and planning consultant
202-810-2768
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