Saturday, March 01, 2014

special Bloomingdale Civic Assn meeting on McMillan Community Benefits Agreement‏ -- Saturday, 03-08-2014



Hello Neighbors--
                        
The McMillan Advisory Group and ANC 5E have asked the Bloomingdale Civic Association to provide a prioritized list of recommendations of items that should be included in the McMillan Benefit Agreement.  These benefits are viewed as a means for mitigating some of the  negative community impacts resulting from the development of  the McMillan Sand Filtration site, which as presently proposed would involve more than 2 million square feet of commercial, retail and residential development as well as a community center and a 4 - 5 acre park., and bring at least 3500 people into our community on a daily basis. 
                        
ON MARCH 8 (time and place TBD) the Bloomingdale Civi c Association will hold a special meeting solely devoted to developing and prioritizing its recommendations for the Community Benefits Agreement .
       
Attached to this message is a preliminary listing of potential benefits for your consideration.  If you wish to add additional potential benefits, please contact bhollidaypsy@gmail.com by MARCH 4.  The resulting final listing will serve as the primary document for discussion and prioritization at the March 8 Special  Meeting. 
       
We need your input!!
     
Bertha Holliday
BCA 2nd Vice President

1 comment:

Bloomingdale Resident said...

Thanks, Bertha.

Lots to think about . My rough draft thoughts -

1- Restore the entire McMillan fountain and base to its original form and install in a prominent place in the park where it can be enjoyed by all.

2-Provide a large space, with a view, in either the medical building or mixed used building, that can be available for community meetings and events.

Some concerns about other suggestions -

1- Scholarship program - difficult to administer, in general, and limited theme-based availability would make it even more complicated. How about a service and fund to assist with applications and testing fees, testing prep, etc, that could help all ages and interests?

2- Affordable housing - an increase in units would be a city wide benefit and expense. While I support expansion, I don't see it as a "community benefit" - compensation for increased traffic in our neighborhood and loss of green space, etc.

3- Traffic amenities sound great, but again, seems like something that should be provided by DC, and not something neighborhood should have to "pay" for by using up CBA credit.

Hope lots of neighbors will give this some thought and attend the meeting.