Michigan Park Citizens Association
Regular Monthly Meeting
April 7, 2015
Providence Hospital
President Paul Wood called the meeting to order at 7:02, and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the March meeting were approved with no corrections. Beulah Sutherland read the Treasurer’s report. She explained that the bank had been charging $2 per month for a paper statement because the Association was listed as a business. Now that the bank knows that the MPCA is a non-profit organization, we will no longer be charged.
Paul announced that supplies are being readied for the park clean-up and maintenance of the triangle park at 12th and Shepherd Streets on April 25th, 9:00-12:00 noon. DPR will supply bags and mulch. Members are asked to bring tools and gloves. Light refreshments will be provided. Paul expects only one heavy job, the moving of the witch hazel which is too close to the holly. Paul will try to send an E-vite so that people can sign up to help.
Paul announced that David Conrad has made progress working with the city so that the Association can install a spigot at the park. Because the installation will be considered the Association’s donation to the city, we will not be responsible for the water bill. Paul has asked that the MPCA park partnership be extended from a one-year agreement to a three-year agreement.
On Thursday April 9, from 6 to 8 pm, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a public meeting in Ward 5 to kick off the Brookland-Edgewood Livability Study. The study seeks to improve residents’ quality of life by identifying concrete actions to improve safety and increase transportation connectivity and accessibility. At this meeting, DDOT will be sharing the scope and goals of the study, and seeking feedback from community stakeholders. The study area’s boundaries are Michigan Avenue and South Dakota Avenue to the north; 18th Street, NE, to the east; Rhode Island Avenue to the south; and Lincoln Road and Franklin Street to the west.
Ralph Bucksell reported that DDOT project manager, Kelly Peterson, has presented an overview of the study at the March 25th ANC 5B meeting. At that meeting, Ralph told Ms. Peterson that the study area includes part of Michigan Park and that the MPCA ought to be invited to provide input.
Ralph also reported that Mr. Corey Griffith of Douglas Development Corp. will attend John Feeley’s SMD 5B05 meeting on Monday, April 13th, at which he will present information and answer questions about the parking garage planned by Douglas Development Corp. to serve the employees of the Children’s National Medical Center. Adjacent to the Comcast building, the lot is accessed through Bunker Hill Road, also known as Michigan Avenue Extension. Construction on the project is expected to take 18 months, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm each day.
Paul reported on a MPD 4D meeting in which Neighborhood Watch was explained. MPD is trying to expand the Neighborhood watch program, and provided a “wealth of information” at the meeting. Paul plans to invite the presenter from that meeting to address the MPCA at its May meeting.
Paul will also invite representatives from Providence Hospital to give a presentation on aging issues. Paul also was contacted by Dr. Elmer Huerta, MD, part of a research team studying cancer rates in Ward 5 funded by Avon Foundation Safety Outreach Program and conducted by the Washington Cancer Institute at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Huerta would like to brief neighbors of their some of their findings and steps for prevention. Members expressed interest to hear the presentation and Dr. Huerta will be invited to attend.
Paul reported that he had attended a DC Federation of Civic Associations meeting, and discovered that many neighborhood associations belong to both federations, “Citizens” and “Civic”. Paul suggested that the MPCA consider becoming a member of the Federation of Civic Associations as well as the Federation of Citizens Associations in order to better coordinate with neighboring associations and to maintain Michigan Park’s status in Ward 5. Some expressed concern about the Federation’s annual dues. Beulah Sutherland moved that the MPCA join the Federation of Civic Associations and pay dues up to the amount of $75 per year. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Paul asked that someone take the lead to attend Federation meetings.
New officers should be elected at the May meeting. Barbara Henderson moved that the current slate of officers be nominated for the new session. The secretary asked if anyone else would be open to taking over the position of secretary. Roxanne Carter moved that Barbara form a nominating committee and speak to individuals about their openness to becoming officers. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Ralph Bucksell reported that a serviceberry planted by MPCA on Shepherd Street had been hit by a car and suggested that Casey trees might be open to replacing it. He reminded members of the Casey Trees program through which residents may receive trees free if 10 or more trees are ordered at one time. Several members expressed interest. Paul will put in an application by the May 1st deadline.
Paul noted that the Association’s 100th anniversary will be in 2017, and suggested that we start planning now for a celebration/event, perhaps at the park.
Paul has sent thank you letters to Howard University and St. Joseph’s Seminary thanking them for the use of their facilities during the past year.
Roxanne Carter asked whether there had been any action taken by DDOT following requests for street signage. None was reported.
Florence Webb of the Retirement Housing Foundation explained their proposal to build 99 units of senior housing at 4900 10th Street, NE. Paul will invite them to make a presentation at a future meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
