October 2014 Minutes

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Membership Meeting
October 7, 2014
Howard University School of Divinity

 Association President Paul Wood called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with eight members present.  Minutes of the June meeting were approved unanimously.  Beulah Sutherland read the Treasurer’s Report.  There have been no transactions since June.

Fall Planting at Triangle Park

Paul announced the Association has received a $500 grant from the “Love Your Block DC” initiative from the Mayor’s Office of Volunteerism for the purpose of planting bulbs and shrubs in the triangle park at the corner of 12th St. and Michigan Avenue.  The money must be spent and receipts turned in by the end of October.  Paul and Ingrid have bought six azalea plants, and scores of daffodil, tulip, and hyacinth bulbs.  Some members suggested that the remaining grant money could be used to purchase dwarf laurel and viburnum.  The Fall Planting will take place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon on Columbus Day, Monday, October 13th.    Paul will provide light refreshments.  Notices will be posted on the Michigan Park and Brookland neighborhood listservs.

Change of Location for Meetings

The Association is scheduled to hold its regular meetings at the Howard University School of Divinity.  The School has very graciously decided not to charge the Association for the use of its room.  It requires only that there be no eating or drinking, and no political campaigning.  Ralph will find out if the association could host its annual Holiday Potluck at The Smith Public Trust, on 12th Street. The Smith Public Trust has a room which citizens’ groups may use for meetings and parties.  The Holiday Potluck will be held on December 2nd, the first Tuesday of the month.

Thanks to the work of Adrian and Councilman McDuffie, the Association would have been exempt from paying security while meeting at the Bunker Hill School.  Unfortunately, the custodians working hours have changed since last year, and the meetings would have to end by 8:00 PM.  This change in schedule would have required that meetings begin at 6:30 PM, which is too early for some members.

Capital Bike Share

Paul reported that since our June meeting with the Capital Bike Share representative, several new Bike Share stations have been planned, but none in Michigan Park.  Paul contacted an administrator at Providence Hospital about the Hospital’s interest in the program.  The administrator said that he would inquire among management.  Paul suggested that the Association make a formal request for Bike Share multiple stations.

Paul made a motion that the Association make a formal request for Bike Share stations in the vicinities of Providence Hospital and Brookland Middle School/Turkey Thicket.  The motion was unanimously approved.  Paul will draft the letter.  It was further suggested that members go to the Capital Bike Share website to request stations.  The website has an interactive map which registers the requests in each location.https://www.capitalbikeshare.com/stations

Paul reported that over the summer the Executive Committee made up a list outlining and clarifying the duties of each officer of the Association.  Paul distributed copies of the list.

Paul recommended that members sign up for the new Michigan Park neighborhood listserv, moderated by Jack Pfeiffer. michiganparkdc@yahoogroups.com

The San Antonio Bar and Grill has not yet received permission to have sidewalk seating in front of its restaurant.  In June, the Association sent a letter to the District Department of Transportation, Public Space Permit Office, recommending that it approve the restaurant’s request.

New Business

Ralph Bucksell spoke of the need for a grocery store in the new development at the Brookland Metro, part of which will be in Michigan Park.  The comment period for the development is still open.  Ralph will look into the possibility of getting a representative of the project to speak at the Association’s November meeting.

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