Sunday, March 31, 2013

busy McMillan week: VMP back before the HPRB; DC Water defends its raze permit before the Mayor's Agent




1) The first McMillan item is this Thursday, 04-04-2013.
 

From: DC Government
Sent: Friday, March 22, 2013 4:41 PM
Subject: HPRB Agenda and Consent Calendar March 28 and April 4 2013

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Greetings:
 
This document and others related to the March 28 and April 4, two-day HPRB Meeting and Public Hearings will be posted on our website accessible at the following:
 
 
or the abbreviated URL of::     http://tinyurl.com/czjsl4y  
 
PLEASE NOTE: The staff report for McMillan Reservoir Revised Master Plan, scheduled for Thursday, April 4, will be posted by Friday, March 29.



APRIL 4 AGENDA
 
SPINGARN HIGH SCHOOL
10.          9:00 – 11:00        Spingarn High School, 2500 Benning Road, NE, HPA #13-004, revised concept review for proposed streetcar car barn
 
EQUITABLE COOPERATIVE BUILDING/DOWNTOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT
 
11.          11:00 – 11:45      915 F Street NW, HPA #13-027, revised concept/five story rear addition
 
 
WOODLEY PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT
 
12.          11:45 – 12:15      2616 Garfield Street NW, HPA #13-216, rear stair addition and decks, rooftop stair enclosure and deck
 
 
12:15 – 1:00     LUNCH BREAK
 
 
U STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT
13.          1:00 – 1:45           2200 14th Street, NW, HPA #13-213, concept/new construction, six-story apartment building
 
SHAW HISTORIC DISTRICT
14.          1:45 – 2:30           1011-1015 M Street NW and 1201-1207 11th Street NW, HPA #13-154, concept/new construction, nine-story multi-unit residential building on vacant lot
 
 
2:30 – 2:45         BREAK
  
MCMILLAN PARK RESERVOIR
15.          2:45 – 5:00     Revised master plan and design guidelines
 
________
Bruce Yarnall
Historic Preservation Office/DC Office of Planning
1100 4th Street SW Suite E650
Washington, DC 20024
T (202) 442-8835
F (202) 442-7638
Visit the DC Office of Planning on Facebook and on Twitter @OPinDC
 
2)  The second McMillan item is this Friday, 04-05-2013.
 
From: DC Government
Sent: Monday, March 4, 2013 4:41 PM
Subject: Mayor`s Agent Hearing April 5, 2013
 
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/DCWASH-6e26f2 
 
MAYOR`S AGENT
FOR THE HISTORIC LANDMARK AND HISTORIC DISTRICT PROTECTION ACT
 
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
 
Public notice is hereby given that the Mayor`s Agent will hold a public hearing on an application affecting property subject to the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978. Interested parties may appear and testify on behalf of, or in opposition to, the application. The hearings will be held at the Office of Planning, 1100 4th Street, SW, Suite E650.
 
Hearing Date:    Friday, April 5, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.
Case Number:  H.P.A. 13-208
Address:             2501 1st Street, NW
Square/Lot:        Parcel 108/8; Square 3128, Lot 800
Type of Work:     Raze – demolition of two filtration cells
 
Affected Historic Property: McMillan Park Reservoir
Affected ANC:   1B
 
The Applicant`s claim is that issuance of the permit is necessary to construct a project of special merit.
 
The hearing will be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Procedure pursuant to the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act (Title 10A DCMR Chapter 4), which are on file with the D.C. Historic Preservation Office and posted on the Office website under ``Regulations.`` The office is located at the Office of Planning, 1100 4th Street, SW, Suite E650, Washington, D.C. 20024. For further information, contact the Historic Preservation Office, at (202) 442-8800.
 
Additional information regarding the Mayor`s Agent process is available on the HPO/OP website at the following abbreviated URL:
 
 
____________              
Bruce Yarnall
Historic Preservation Office/DC Office of Planning
1100 4th Street SW Suite E650
Washington, DC 20024
T (202) 442-8835
F (202) 442-7638
Visit the DC Office of Planning on Facebook and on Twitter @OPinDC

Saturday, March 30, 2013

some pics of the Howard University new dorm at 4th & W St NW (the big hole in the ground is yet to come)

Recall the announcement that Howard University would be constructing two new dormitories -- one at 4th & W Street NW -- an L-shaped building wrapped around the Washington Metropolitan High School?

Here is the link to the Washington City Paper story.

And here is the rendering of the finished building:




I strolled around the chainlink-fenced area and took some photos with the cell phone.

Here you go:





  
Okay, not very interesting right now.  I will take some pics as the project progresses.


Crispus Attucks Park: Bloomingdale Community Day prep meeting and new officers


See this message from newly elected CADC President Will Gomaa:



The Bloomingdale Community Day, Yard Sale, and Taste of Bloomingdale, taking place Saturday May 18, is fast approaching!  All interested in helping plan the Bloomingdale Community Day, or volunteering the day of, please attend a PLANNING MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY, April 3, at 7pm, at 2015 1st Street NW at 7pm.  If you would like to participate, but can`t attend the meeting, email Tynesia at tynesia27 @aol.com .

As Crispus Attucks Park gears up for the Community Day, Yard Sale, and Taste of Bloomingdale , CADC would like to announce our new officers for the 2013-2014 year.  Thank you to Patrick Blais and Gustavo Seinos, who are retiring after two years as CADC President and Treasurer!

President:            Will Gomaa
Vice President:   Molly Scott
Secretary:            Austin Pearl
Treasurer:            Michelle Carthen

~CADC Board

backflow preventer valve installed next to Big Bear Cafe

Here are the DCRA building permits for Bloomingdale and Truxton Circle for 03-27-2013 through 03-28-2013: 

PERMIT_SUBTYPE_NAME FULL_ADDRESS  DESC_OF_WORK
PLUMBING AND GAS 1700 2ND ST NW
PLUMBING AND GAS 43 U ST NW
ELECTRICAL 1822 1ST ST NW
PLUMBING AND GAS 1702 1ST ST NW
PLUMBING AND GAS 1702 1ST ST NW 1 BACKWATER VALVE
GARAGE 10 BRYANT ST NW REPAIR ROOF LEAK ON AN EXISTING DETACHED GARAGE.
EXPEDITED (HOME OCCUPATION) 69 S ST NW
ELECTRICAL 60 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=ZI8IGGJEILCD2B79CWZIZHOHEISVRQZ5

Friday, March 29, 2013

Bloomingdale flooding, McMillan development: "McDuffie secures funding for critical Ward 5 projects"

See this message from Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie.  Note that Bloomingdale flooding and McMillan development are explicitly mentioned.


McDuffie Secures Funding for Critical Ward 5 Projects and Fights to Improve the Quality of Life for District Residents

CM McDuffie Letterhead
For Immediate Release:
March 29, 2013

Contact:
Darrell Jackson
202.724.8028

McDuffie Secures Funding for Critical Ward 5 Projects and Fights to Improve the Quality of Life for District Residents
Washington, DC – Yesterday, Mayor Vincent Gray (D) presented to the Council of the District of Columbia his proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 budget.
Over the last several months, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie (D – Ward 5) outlined his Ward 5 and agency budget priorities with the Mayor and agency directors. The Mayor’s proposed $10.7 billion dollar budget addresses many of these requests, including funding for Ward 5 schools and libraries, increasing the city’s investment in affordable housing, promoting economic development, and enhancing job and educational opportunities.
“Mayor Gray presented a solid budget, one that is aimed at improving the quality of life for residents, incentivizing economic development, and increasing educational opportunities for our students,” said Councilmember McDuffie. “I am pleased to see many of the issues for which I advocated in the Mayor’s plan. A number of my legislative initiatives over the past year are reflected in the FY14 budget, including replacement Supercans for all residents throughout the city. I am also pleased to see $100 million for affordable housing, full funding for the new Brookland Middle School, and the modernization of Spingarn High School and Langdon Elementary School, as well as capital to improve Ward 5’s Great Streets. These are all critical investments in the future of Ward 5.”
Additionally, McDuffie supported and is pleased to see increased funding for the DC Board of Elections (BOE), the Office of Campaign Finance (OCF), and the DC Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA). These agencies play a critical role in McDuffie’s plan, as Chair of the Government Operations Committee, to restore integrity to the District’s electoral process.
“Elections and a transparent campaign finance system are vital elements of our democracy. BOE, OCF, and BEGA must be equipped with sufficient resources to accomplish their missions – this has been lacking in the past and has contributed to the problems we have faced as a city. Through the budget oversight process, I will ensure that BOE, OCF, and BEGA’s budgets enable them to uphold and enforce our laws,” said McDuffie.
Working with the Mayor, Councilmember McDuffie secured and preserved funding for the following:
  • Over $49 million, including receiving school realignment funds, for Ward 5 school construction and modernization;
  • $2 million to expand the “Supercans For Seniors Act 2013” to include all residents;
  • Up to $5 million to increase the Retail Priority Area program to include Ward 5 Great Streets, including a study for streetscape enhancements on Rhode Island Avenue, N.E.;
  • Funding for the Langdon Park Community Center, Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center, Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, and Noyes Recreation Center;
  • Over $1 million in operating funds to implement the Bloomingdale Flooding Task Force’s recommendations to combat systemic flooding issues;
  • Initial funding of $1.4 million for McMillan redevelopment and $47.8 Million over the next four years for construction;
  • $4.8 million to complete funding for the Woodridge Public Library;
  • $9.8 million for the much needed rightsizing and realignment plan of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC); and
  • $1.7 million in FY14 in UDC’s operating budget to enhance programming and activities for students.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council to refine the budget over the next 56 days,” stated McDuffie.
###

Ward 5 Report (dated 03-29-2013)


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


CM McDuffie Banner

The Ward 5 Report:

Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
March 29, 2013


Ward 5 Highlights:
DGS Meeting At Turkey Thicket
DGS Holds Meeting to Discuss Proposed Co-location of Turkey Thicket with the New Brookland Middle School
At the request of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5), the Department of General Services (DGS) held a meeting on March 23 to discuss its proposal of the co-location of the Turkey Thicket “Play DC Initiative” and the new Brookland Middle School.
“I informed DGS that it was vital that it engages the community and review all of the designs that are on the table, including the initial schematics of the two separate facilities. As a result of the feedback they received, DGS has taken the option of co-location off the table,” said McDuffie during the meeting. “I appreciate DGS’ willingness to listen to the community’s concerns and involve residents in the process. Now that the co-location plan is off the table, it is important that we move forward and work together on next steps.”
During the meeting DGS presented three stand-alone options for the new Brookland Middle School. Councilmember McDuffie encourages all residents to review each option and provide DGS with their concerns and comments. Click here to review copies of the handout from the meeting and to provide feedback. Additionally, copies of the presentation and fact sheets are available in Councilmember McDuffie’s office.
Councilmember McDuffie Celebrates the Grand Opening of the New Rhode Island Avenue NE DMV
Rhode Island DMV Grand Opening
The District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) will open its Rhode Island Service Center in Northeast on April 2. Located in Rhode Island Row at 2350 Washington Place, NE, Suite 112N, the Service Center will be open for business Tuesday – Saturday from 8:15am – 4pm. This week, Councilmember McDuffie attended the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Northeast location with Mayor Vincent Gray, Councilmember Mary Cheh (D – Ward 3), and Councilmember Anita Bonds (D – At-Large).
“I am excited that the DC DMV chose Ward 5 to open their new, state-of-the-art service center,” said Councilmember McDuffie. “After four years of waiting, I am happy that Ward 5 now has a DMV Service Center back in the community.”
Rhode Island DMV Grand Opening 2
The Rhode Island Service Center is nearby for metro riders from the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station. There is also metro, garage, and street parking in the surrounding area. With the opening of the Rhode Island Service Center, the Temporary C Street Service Center located at 301 C Street, NW will close. Adjudication Services, which is in the same building as the Temporary C Street Service Center, will remain open.
The Community Honors the Life of Mrs. Ruby Whitfield
The Community Honors the Life of Mrs. Ruby Whitfield
On March 26, Councilmember McDuffie attended a prayer vigil honoring the life of Mrs. Ruby Whitfield. Mrs. Whitfield was the victim of a fatal hit and run that took place last week near the New Samaritan Baptist Church. During the vigil, the Mayor announced that he will be working with the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) to implement traffic calming measures and placing a traffic light in this area.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Whitfield’s family, friends, neighbors and the parishioners of New Samaritan Baptist Church,” said Councilmember McDuffie during the vigil. “I will work with the Mayor and DDOT to ensure the proper steps are taken to make this portion of Florida Avenue much safer."
Councilmember Engages the Langston Carver Terrance Community
Councilmember Engages the Langston Carver Terrance Community
This week, Councilmember McDuffie attended ANC-5D04 in the Langston Carver Terrace community. During the meeting, the Councilmember greeted residents, outlined his agenda and heard community input on how his office could better serve the community.
Legislative Updates
On March 26, Councilmember McDuffie, as Chairperson of the Committee on Government Operations, convened a public oversight roundtable on the Board of Elections’ (BOE) preparations for the April 23 Special Election.
The public roundtable included testimony from BOE’s Executive Director Clifford Tatum, who discussed topics such as staffing, polling place worker training, technology improvements, facilities preparation, public outreach efforts, voter database management, and the estimated cost of the Special Election.

Announcements:
DSLBD Offers Grants to 12th Street NE Businesses
The District Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is launching a grant program to help businesses on 12th Street NE to pay for storefront improvements. DSLBD will contribute $5,000 in matching funds for improvements such as awnings, signs, entrance doors, windows, exterior painting, and exterior lighting.
The program, called the 12th Street Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) is funded by a $25,000 contribution from Abdo Development. Interested business owners must register online to access the grant application, which is due May 15 at 5 p.m. To register, interested applicants should visit http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com, then click “Sign up to be a SBRC Client” and enter “12th Street SIP” in the notes field of the registration form. For more information, contact Camille Nixon at 202-741-0821 orcamille.nixon@dc.gov.
DCOA Offers Ambassador Training Workshop
The D.C. Office on Aging (DCOA) will be holding a workshop for their Ambassador Training Program. The Ambassador Program is a FREE, interactive, member-based program designed to reach out to older adults and their caregivers to help them learn about available services and resources offered through DCOA.
The next workshop will be on April 17 from 10:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the D.C. Office on Aging, located at 500 K Street, NE. All workshops include an overview of Office on Aging programs and services, information on how to access resources, and guidance on your role as an advocate. To register and for more information, residents can call (202) 724-5622.

DDOT Accepting Applications for 2013 Transportation for Elderly and Persons with Disabilities Grant Program
The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites interested non-profit organizations to apply to their 2013 Transportation for Elderly Persons and Person with Disabilities (Section 5310 Program). The program provides financial assistance to not-for profit organizations, including local or neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations and religious or charitable organizations, for the purchasing of vehicles and wheelchair equipment to help them meet the transportation needs of the elderly persons and persons with disabilities when transportation service is unavailable to meet these needs.
Grant applications are due on May 10. DDOT will be hosting an information session for interested parties on Thursday, April 11 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the DDOT Offices located at 55 M Street, SE. Please RSVP to attend the information session by emailing cice.torruellas@dc.gov. For additional information about the program, please contact Circe Torruellas at 202-671-2847.
PUBLIC NOTICE: BOE Announces the Relocation of Precinct No. 70 and No. 77 for the April 23 Special Election
Please be advised that Precinct No. 70 will be relocated from Burroughs Elementary School, located at 1820 Monroe Street, NE, to the Perry Street Prep PCS at Taft, located at 1800 Perry Street, NE. The relocation is necessary because the current facility is not available for the Special Election.
Additionally, Precinct No. 77 will be relocated from Delta Towers Apartment, located at 1400 Florida Avenue, NE to the Joseph H. Cole Recreation Center, located at 1299 Neal Street, NE. This relocation was necessary because BOE has received numerous complaints about the inadequate space and long lines at Delta Towers.
BOE will notify all registered voters in the precincts of these changes. If you have any questions, please contact BOE at (202) 727-5704 or visit http://dcboee.us    

**Ward 5 Events:
Councilmember McDuffie, or a member of his staff, will attend the following events:
Monday, April 1 – The Ivy City Civic Association meeting will take place at the Bethesda Baptist Church, located at 1808 Capitol Ave NE beginning at 6:30 PM.
Monday, April 1 – The Bates Area Civic Association meeting will take place at the Mt. Sinai Church, located at 1615 3rd St NW beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 1 – The Eckington Civic Association meeting will take place at the Harry Thomas, Sr. Recreation Center, located at 1743 Lincoln Road, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
Monday, April 1 – The Lamond-Riggs Civic Association meeting will take place at the LaSalle-Backus Education Center, located at 501 Riggs Rd, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
Monday, April 1 – The Stronghold Civic Association meeting will take place at the All Nations Baptist Church, located at 2001 North Capitol Street, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
Tuesday, April 2 – The Woodridge Civic Association meeting will take place at the Washington Center for Aging, located at 2601 18th Street, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 2 – The Brentwood Civic Association meeting will take place at the Washington Center for Aging, located at 2601 18th Street, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
Tuesday, April 2 – The Michigan Park Citizens Association meeting will take place at the Bunker Hill Elementary School, located at 1400 Michigan Avenue, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 3 – The North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting will take place at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center, located at 1333 Emerson Street, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 8 – The Queens Chapel Civic Association meeting will take place at the Union Wesley AME Zion Church, located at 1860 Michigan Avenue, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9 – The Arboretum Neighborhood Association meeting will take place at the Arboretum Community Center, located at 2412 Rand Place, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9 – The Trinidad Neighborhood Association meeting will take place at the Trinidad Recreation Center, located at 1310 Childress Street, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9 – ANC 5D will hold its monthly meeting at the 5th District Police Station, located at 1805 Bladensburg Road, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
Wednesday, April 10 – ANC 5B01 and PSA 503 will hold its monthly meeting at the Hospital for Sick Children, located at 18th and Bunker Hill Road, NE beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 11 –The Woodridge South Central Community Association meeting will take place at the New Canaan Baptist Church, located at 2826 Bladensburg Rd, NE beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 15 –The Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting will take place at the St. George’s Episcopal Church, located at 160 U Street, NW beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 16 – The Ward 5 Council on Education meeting will take place at the Lamond-Riggs Library, located at 5401 South Dakota Ave, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, April 15 –The Brookland Civic Association meeting will take place at the Brooks Mansion, located at 901 Newton Street, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m. 
Tuesday, April 16 – ANC 5E will hold its monthly meeting at the Summit, located at 116 T Street, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 17 – ANC 5C will hold its monthly meeting at the 5th District Police Station, located at 1805 Bladensburg Road, NE beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 17 – ANC 5A will hold its monthly meeting at the Potomac Lighthouse PCS, located at 4401 8th Street, NE beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 28 –The Edgewood Civic Association holds its monthly meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. Location TBD 
  
** Councilmember McDuffie’s public schedule is subject to change.

neighbor seeking advice on Tenant Opportunity to Purchase act Offer of Sale procedure

See this request:
Does anyone happen to know anyone who has experience going through the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase act Offer of Sale procedure, or experience with the rules? I am looking for advice on this, and wondering if anyone who has successfully done this on a 2 unit house.  Please contact me at xmaxdemonx @ gmail.com.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale for 3/31/13


Due to the Easter Holiday, there are only two Open Houses in the neighborhood on Sunday.

But after you’ve eaten brunch or dinner come out and take a look.

Here’s the list of Open Houses and here's the same info in map format


**Agents, to have your open houses included in this post, please tag them by Friday at 10am.  If you have an open house scheduled in the neighborhood that does not appear on the list, please feel free to add in comments.