Whoa! Twenty-three people have picked up petitions to run for ANC 5E commissioners in Nov 2012

Here is the latest list, as of this past Friday, August 3, 2012, from the DC Board of Elections and Ethics website:
 

ANC 5E SMD	Name	Address	Zip	Phone	Date of Pick Up	Date Filed	Email Address
5E 01	Charita M. Brent	3208 8th Street, NE	20007	387-3929	7/9/2012		charita.m.brent@gmail.com
5E 01	Debbie Smith-Steiner	2826 6th Street, NE	20017	269-1808	7/13/2012	8/3/2012	dlsmith112@msn.com
5E 01	William B. Boston	612 Franklin Street, NE	20017	415-2158	8/3/2012
5C 02	Linda D. Lee	635 Edgewood Street, NE #110	20017	526-0813	7/9/2012	7/26/2012	elcsmail@yahoo.com
5E 02	Dona Farris Jenkins	622 Evarts Street, NE	20017	329-3831	7/24/2012	7/30/2012	dfjemerald@aol.com
5E 03	Tim Clark	1901 2nd Street, NE #1	20002	277-6386	7/10/2012		timclarkdc@gmail.com
5E 04	Mary Lois Farmer-Allen	119 Rhode Island Avenue, NE	20002	635-1401	7/9/2012	7/30/2012	marylois52@aol.com
5E 04	Sylvia M. Pinkney	34 R Street, NE	20002	269-4180	7/9/2012	8/3/2012	sylvia.pinkney@yahoo.com
5E 05	Bradley Ashton Thomas	107 P Street, NW	20001	670-0151	7/9/2012		b-ashton-thomas@verizon.net
5E 05	Joyce Robinson-Paul	16 N Street. NW	20001	330-7955	7/20/2012	7/26/2012	jarpaul2@verizon.net
5E 05	David A Lewis	62 Q Street, NW #2	20001	228-3189	7/25/2012		david.aa.lewis@gmail.com
5E 06	Chad Hrdina	1716 4th Street, NW	20001	276-5343	7/18/2012		chad.hrdina@gmail.com
5E 06	W. Hugh Youngblood	70 R Street, NW	20001	240-925-1079	7/23/2012		anc5c03@gmail.com
5E 06	Teri Janine Quinn	1708 2nd Street, NW	20001	214-908-1913	7/27/2012		terijanine@gmail.com
5E 07	Wanda B. Foster	141 Randolph Place, NW	20001	332-2649	7/10/2012	7/20/2012
5E 07	Eric Jenkins	135 S Street, NW	20001	277-1906	7/9/2012	7/27/2012	ericjenkins.jdmba@gmail.com
5E 07	Betsy McDaniel	1727 1st Street, NW	20001	262-5307	8/2/2012		betsyforanc@gmail.com
5E 08	Mark Mueller	114 W Street, NW	20001	200-3191	7/12/2012		anc5c04@gmail.com
5E 09	C. Dianne Barnes	41 Adams Street, NW	20001	387-2497	7/9/2012	7/30/2012	dianne_brns@yahoo.com
5E 09	Barrie Daneker	26 Bryant Street, NW #2	20001	986-8781	7/12/2012		bdaneker@hotmail.com
5E 09	Kirby Vining	16 Franklin Street, NE	20002	234-0427	7/9/2012		nulliparaacnestis@gmail.com
5E 09	Ronald Brooks (Boone)	2603 North Capitol Street, NE	20002	527-4906	7/30/2012	8/2/2012	rmdbrooksrb@gmail.com
5E 10	Sally Hobaugh	213 Ascot Place, NE	20002	412-9618	8/3/2012		sally.hobaugh@gmail.com

Don Padou: Exploring the possibility of bringing legal action against DC Water regarding Bloomingdale & LeDroit Park flooding

See this 8/6/2012 message from Ward 5 resident Don Padou:

Hello-

 

I am a lawyer who lives in Ward 5. Several weeks ago I was approached and asked to explore the possibility of bringing legal action against DC Water (WASA) regarding the recent flooding in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park. There are several causes of action available for those who suffered flooding caused by water or sewage coming out of the system.

 

I am posting a message here to invite any resident who suffered flooding to contact me and discuss joining the anticipated lawsuit.

 

If you suffered flooding caused by backed-up pipes and are interested in being compensated by DC Water then please feel free to contact me at:

 

202 then 664 then 4395

Don.Padou @ yahoo.com

hey! want to win up to $50 to Rustic Tavern, Big Bear or Boundary Stone?

Still Time to Win Up To $50 to Rustic Tavern/Big Bear or Boundary Stone

By Popular Demand, Promo is Extended Until August 15

            

Bring your completed BINGO card to the Prize Drawing and Beach Party on:

Saturday, from 4-6

August 25

Florida Avenue Park

Florida Avenue and 1^st Street NW

         

Participating Businesses

                 

Jam Doung Jamaican Cuisine 1726 N. Capitol St NW

Bacio Pizzeria 81 Seaton Place

Rustik Neighborhood Tavern 84-86 T St NW

Windows Café and Market 101 Rhode Island Ave

Subway Restaurant 1540 N. Capitol St NW

Revive Carry-out and Catering 8 Florida Ave NW

Boundary Stone 116 Rhode Island Ave NW

Studio 85 Art & Apparel 53 Florida Ave NW

Fresh Cut Barber Shop & Unisex Salon 1518 N. Capitol St NW

Uncle Chip’s Cookies & Dessert 1514 N. Cap St NW

Full Yum Carryout 1501 N. Capitol St, NE

Big Bear Café 1700 1st St NW

Sunset Liquors, 1627 1st St NW

Green Paws 81 Seaton Pl NW

                     

This promotion is sponsored by the DC Department of Small & Local Business Development and North Capitol Main Street Inc.

Print your North Capitol Biz Bingo card here.

Open Houses in and around Bloomingdale scheduled for 08/05/2012

There are several open houses available to visit in the neighborhood today. You can see the same information in a map format with directions.

**Agents, to have your open houses in and around the neighborhood included in this weekly post, have them tagged in MRIS by the Friday before the scheduled open house.

Coalition for Smarter Growth organizes McMillan site tour – Saturday, 08-25-2012

One of yesterday's Greater Greater Washington blog posts mentions Bloomingdale`s McMillan Sand Filtration site:

 

In the real world: Montgomery BRT, Flower Theater, Lion Ride, Northeast rail, McMillan sand, and activism training

by David Alpert • August 3, 2012 12:07 pm

 

Here is the paragraph about McMillan:

 

Learn about McMillan: One of DC`s biggest development proposals, and controversies, involves the McMillan San Filtration Site by North Capitol and Michigan Avenue. The architect, developer, and ANC Commissioner and the Coalition for Smarter Growth will show you the site and the plans on Saturday, August 25, from 10 am to noon. Meet at First and Channing, NW, accessible by the H3/H4 and 80 buses. RSVP here .

 

So it looks like the Coalition for Smarter Growth is hosting a McMillan tour on Saturday, August 25^th with architect Matt Bell, developer Aakash Thakkar, ANC 5C04 Commissioner Mark Mueller and Cheryl Cort, Policy Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth. 

 

I recall that Cheryl Cort provided testimony at the recent DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) in * support * of the proposed development, so I don`t anticipate the pro-park people promoting this McMillan site tour too much.

                                                                                          

Also from the Coalition for Smarter Growth event announcement:  "This event is a part of Pro-DC. Pro-DC is a project of the Coalition for Smarter Growth and Greater Greater Washington to organize residents to support positive change in DC. Pro-DC advocates for an inclusive, growing city that offers transportation and housing choices for residents of all income levels, leading to a higher quality of life for everyone."

 

                

 

 

this afternoon: Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting with DC Water

 From Bloomingdale Civic Association President Teri Janine Quinn: 

The Bloomingdale Civic Association will host a public meeting with DC Water to address flooding problems in Bloomingdale. The meeting will be held on Saturday, August 4th from 2-5pm at St. George's Episcopal Church, 160 U Street, NW (at the corner of 2nd and U Streets, NW).

Bloomingdale artist, engaging minds - Sunday, 8-12-2012

See this message:
                                                 

seen in the neighborhood: trucks that search pipes for obstructions using video monitors

From a North Capitol Street NW resident:
                   

I just wanted to mention to Bloomie residents that might not have seen that I've seen on four different occasions and in four different locations trucks that search pipes for obstructions with video monitors. I was wondering, is this being paid for by WASA or by individual residents? Super curious to know if they've found any obstructions that might have contributed to flooding!

response by DC Water's Emmanuel Briggs to the Florida Avenue NW resident

From: Emanuel D. Briggs Emanuel.Briggs@dcwater.com
Cc: scott@scott-roberts.net; kmcduffie@dccouncil.us; tclark@dccouncil.us; tj quinn ; George S. Hawkins ; Alan R. Heymann ; Tamara Stevenson ; William Pickering
Sent: Thursday, August 2, 2012 10:14 PM
Subject: RE: Bloomingdale Flooding
                                                           
Greetings Florida Avenue NW resident:

                

The email sent on July 20 announcing the launch of the Bloomingdale specific web page was in no way intended to antagonize the present matter at hand, and I do apologize if that was seemingly communicated. What DC Water is trying to do is implement a multi-layered program of short-term measures until our Long Term Control Plan is fully realized by way of our completed Clean Rivers Project in 2025. An integral part of our action plan is community education– not simply on the history of flooding in the area, but also on tips that homeowners can follow in helping to protect their homes. We hear your concerns regarding cost, such as that for backflow preventers, and we will have more information to share on our rebate program in the coming weeks.

                 

Regarding catch basin cleanings, I can tell you that we have a normal schedule to clean each of the District’s 25,000 catch basins at least once a year. As part of the normal schedule, the catch basins in your area were cleaned during May-June 2012. In light of the flooding issues in your area, we have committed our resources toward more frequent inspection and/or cleaning of catch basins both before and after anticipated heavy storms. I can certainly check on the status of the two locations you’ve mentioned in your email below with our Command Center and get back to you (in fact, I will do this immediately after pressing “send” on this email message).

              

As for the packets, these contain the following items: A thoughtful letter from our General Manager, Mr. George Hawkins; Guide to Preventing Sewer Backups And Flooding; copy of our Bloomingdale Action Agenda; and survey post card. It was brought to our attention by Ms. Betsy McDaniel that the even-numbered side in your block was missed, and we have delivered packets to this location as of yesterday afternoon. Although I understand you will not be attending the meeting on Saturday, we will have extra copies of the packets for those who may still need them.

                                   

Finally, please understand that DC Water is working diligently to address this issue. At the same time, we understand that this will require a collaborative effort among other District and federal agencies, community representatives and responsive customers such as yourself. We are optimistic that the meeting on Saturday will be a positive information sharing session that will, as you have said, “leave [the community] feeling like things are actually being done that will have an immediate effect on flooding.”

                  

Thanks much for writing us, and please let me know if you have further questions. Also, I will get back to you regarding the catch basins as promised.

                                                                            

Emanuel D. Briggs |Manager, Community Outreach, External Affairs | District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority | emanuel.briggs@dcwater.com

5000 Overlook Avenue, SW | Washington, DC 20032 | (202) 787-2003 | (202) 341-7952 (cell) | (202) 787-4122 (fax)

CM McDuffie: Bloomingdale flooding update

See this 8/2/2012 message from Tim Clark of Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie`s office:

 

Councilmember McDuffie held a meeting today with the city administrator and other key agencies to discuss immediate steps to address the Bloomingdale floods.

 

A inter-agency task force is being developed to further explore immediate relief for effected residents and businesses. The councilmember has also asked Department of Transportation, Department of Environment, Department of Health, Department of Public Works and The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to attend Saturday`s community meeting.

 

Councilmember McDuffie encourages all residents to attend this meeting and continue to voice their concerns.

 

Tim Clark

Constituent Service Coordinator,

Kenyan McDuffie, Ward 5 Councilmember

 

World Missions summer camp closing program yesterday; now preparing for the 8-25-2012 Back to School Rally

See this Wednesday, 8-1-2012 message from World Missions` Dr. JoAnn Perkins:
                 

We had our closing program today, and our Summer camp ends on this  Friday.   Over 100 youth and 23 children participated in the program.   As indicated here, Certificates of Achievement were passed out to all of the youth for their successful completion of our Job Readiness/ Employment Program.  

                                                                    

We now prepare for our August 25th Back to School Rally and want to encourage neighbors to donate backpacks filled with school supplies for all ages.  Or if someone wants to make a tax deductible donation of $20.00, this amount will purchase a back pack and school supplies needed by children returning back to school.   We will start collecting back packs and school supplies next week.  Checks can be made payable to World Missions.

Florida Ave NW resident's Email to DC Water's Emmanuel Briggs

From: Florida Avenue NW resident:

To: Emanuel.Briggs@dcwater.com 

Cc: scott @ scott-roberts.net; kmcduffie@dccouncil.us; tclark@dccouncil.us; tj quinn gmail.com>

Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 12:24 PM

Subject: Bloomingdale Flooding

 

Dear Mr. Emanuel,

 

I am not able to attend the special meeting on August 4th because I will be out of town, but wanted to get my points down so that I can make sure they are addressed. First let me say that your tone in the email of July 20th is perplexing to say the least...do you REALLY think that sandbags handed out AFTER three consecutive storms i that caused flooding is something to shout for joy over? The message about the sandbags wasn`t even communicated ahead of time. I just happened to have a neighbor text me and ask me if I needed bags and he took me to get them. I have read the ``action plan`` and would like to point out that MOST of them require homeowners to shell out money...thousands of dollars for a problem that is squarely the City`s. Many of us do not have the disposable income to pay thousands of dollars for a backflow preventer and a ``raised barrier`` is also costly AND not physically possible on all homes. Providing consultants at no cost who will help with ideas of ways we can spend MORE money to make our homes flood proof is laughable.....if the city would prioritize Bloomingdale and FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW, then homeowners wouldn`t have to live in fear each time there is a storm and they wouldn`t have to take costly measures to try to keep water out of their homes. I am looking at no less than $10,000 in expenses related to the three floods and I have little faith in any sort of reimbursement from the city and its not covered by my homeowners insurance. I rent my basement unit which has caused me all sorts of problems, since I am responsible for a safe living environment for my tenants. Another point on your list of ``action items`` is to have homeowners get a sewage overflow rider....well just so you know many insurance companies are fully aware of the issues DC has with pipes and flooding and to my knowledge only TWO companies offer such a rider and it only goes up to $10,000. Unless the problem is fixed, you are looking at a LOT of people who will stand the risk of getting dropped from their insurance even if they are lucky enough to have the rider since they would have made three claims in less than a month just this year alone....please, do some due diligence before offering trite solutions to frustrated, cash strapped homeowners who are wading around in sewage overflow that goes up to their knees. I witnessed a manhole cover blow off in the crosswalk in front of my house because the water pressure below was so great....how will my backflow preventer work under such high pressure situations and what about my neighbors who may not be able to afford a backflow preventer and therefore don`t have one??? I have seen it suggested that the city pay for installation in all flood areas, but have not seen a response to that suggestion. Free installation of backflow preventers would be a much better bullet point on the ``action plan``.

 

I called to request that the catch basins at 2nd and Florida NW and Florida and R St. NW be cleared since that is where the flooding begins and was told I would receive a phone call back confirming when that had been done and have yet to receive that call....the stickers all say 2011 except for one where the bus stop is on 2nd and Florida NW.

 

You say that a packet was sent out to all homes....well I never received one and checked with my neighbors who also didn`t receive one, so you`ve missed some homes.

 

People are frustrated, scared every time it rains and not able to throw money at the problem that is not of their making. Please consider the above points prior to the meeting on Saturday and come with a REAL plan that can alleviate homeowners` fears and leave us feeling like things are actually being done that will have an immediate effect on flooding, not just rhetoric an placating words.

 

Sincerely,

seeking an architect? consider Greg Upwall

See this message from area resident Greg Upwall:

  

Studio Upwall, established in 2004, is a Washington DC based architectural practice with a commitment to providing environmentally responsible design practices. Based in the Bloomingdale neighborhood, the firm specializes in new construction and retrofits to existing buildings, and specializes in residential, multi-family and commercial design. We offer integrated architectural services from conceptual design through construction.

                                                           

With over 16 years of experience in the field, Greg Upwall is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-DC), a licensed architect in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and California, as well as a LEED Accredited Professional, and Certified Passive House Consultant. We have extensive experience working with remodeling of older structures. A list of current projects includes two full residential retrofits to row houses in Capitol Hill, an exterior remodel and rear addition (under design review) in Bloomingdale, and a partial renovation and remodel to a Thai restaurant on Florida Ave NW in Ledroit Park (also under design review). Feel free to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your project.

studio-Upwall

mob: 415.317.3272

http://www.upwallarchitects.com

CM Orange's Aug 2012 E-newsletter: "Bloomingdale's flooding issues requires a plan of action"

At-Large Councilmember Vincent Orange sent out his August 2012 E-newsletter this evening.
                                                
He mentions Bloomingdale flooding:

          
Bloomingdale's Flooding Issues Requires A Plan of Action
                                                                                                    
I'm aware and sensitive to the plight of our Bloomingdale community, amid the recent series of flooding that took place. A plan of action from the DC Water and the Department of Public Works (DPW) is required, along with an infrastructure overhaul to keep pace with the ever-increasing demands placed on the water systems in Ward 5. 
                                              
I look forward to working with Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie to resolve this issue once and for all. 

house broken into; car stolen

From a household on the 2200 block of Flagler Place NW:

I have read about other people in the Bloomingdale community who have had their cars broken into (particularly on July 31st). Our house, on the 2200 block of Flagler Place, was broken into between 12:30 am and 4:30 am on July 31st. Thieves came in through the window, stole a camera, and my car keys. Stole the car which was parked out front. Luckily, the police pulled the car over not too long thereafter and the thieves bailed out of the car. I was able to retrieve the vehicle which had minimal damage. My neighbor across the street also had her car stolen the same night/early morning, although she believed the keys had been left in the car by mistake. They stole her car but ditched it a few blocks away with the manual transmission totally shot (I guess they couldn`t drive stick shift). Anyway, this is just a reminder to people to make sure their windows are closed and locked at all times! We had the bars removed from our home recently due to a conflict with fire code but are moving to have them put back in some places. I was surprised the thieves were so daring as to enter our house with 3 residents sleeping inside. Please be safe everyone and keep your windows locked!

Hugh Youngblood: new ANC 5C position of neutrality regarding Big Bear Cafe's pursued zoning map amendment from R-4 to C-2-A

See this tweet from ANC 5C03 Commissioner Hugh Youngblood:

Hugh Youngblood‏ @ANC5C03

BZA update letter on @BigBearCafe proposed map amendment documents #ANC5C new position of neutrality. http://bit.ly/OodlNO #BloomingdaleDC