Michigan Park Citizens Association
7 June 2016
Ross Auditorium, Providence Hospital
The following DRAFT minutes are subject to review and approval during the next regularly scheduled meeting of the association membership.
Outgoing President Paul Wood opened the meeting and led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance. Paul then introduced and yielded the floor to Incoming President David Conrad.
The May meeting minutes were accepted.
Garden Committee. David recapped the efforts of recent years in plantings and maintenance of the triangle park (12th Street, Shepherd Street, & Michigan Avenue NE) by neighbors. These efforts have been hampered by the lack of a water source within the triangle park. Lack of a water source remains a constraint. There currently exists a water meter installed by the city, but an estimated $3,000 is needed to install a water spigot. EYA, contractor for the Saint Joseph Seminary development, has offered to pay the cost. David posed the question whether this proposal should be part of an amenities package for the St Joseph’s Seminary development. David noted that the downside of seeking other funding sources is that another planting season may pass before the required funds are raised. David noted other funding sources include a generous donation of $500.00 from the Greater Brookland Garden Club and possibly another $500.00 grant from the ANC 5B05 (Commissioner John Feeley). Ms. Sherril Stultz suggested seeking funding from other groups, like 12th Street businesses, that do not have vested interest in the development. Ms. Gwendlyn Means noted other civic associations obtain funding from businesses. Consensus to continue seek additional funding sources.
Federation of Citizens Associations. MCPA Delegate, Ms. Elizabeth McGowan, noted that the DC Housing Authority’s definition of affordable housing is 30% or less of net income. Programs for affordable housing include the Federal government’s housing choice voucher program (Section 8) and DC’s inclusionary affordable housing (DC Zoning Commission). Affordable housing remains a priority of Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Saint Joseph’s Seminary. A new notice to those residing within 200’ of the proposed development was sent. It noted that the Planned Urban Development (PUD) plan will be filed within 45 days. Therefore, the PUD will be field 11 July or later. Leadership will plan for a summer meeting to address the proposal once known.
Howard University Divinity School. Howard University has hired the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to study options for the development of the Howard University Divinity School property. Toward that end, several members and officers of MCPA have been invited for interviews with ULI on June 21, 2016.
Meeting Venue. David asked members whether members found the current meeting place of Ross Auditorium in Providence Hospital convenient or wished to return to the auditorium at Bunker Hill Elementary. The consensus was that MPCA will continue to meet in Ross Auditorium as coordination with Providence Hospital was easier than with DCPS.
Christmas Party 2016. David posed the question whether the first Tuesday of December, our regularly membership meeting time, was too early to celebrate Christmas and perhaps the 2nd Tuesday of the month would be preferred. Discussion followed and members unanimously agreed to Tuesday, December 13, 2016.
September meeting. A September meeting is optional, but MPCA will plan for a meeting so the meeting room is available if needed, especially given the anticipated ongoing development in the neighborhood.
Call Boxes. Ms. Gwendyln Means noted that four (4) call boxes still existed in the neighborhood and could be used for neighborhood art. They are on 14th and Varnum, 13th and Upshur, 12th and Varnum and 10th Street.
The meeting was adjourned by 9pm.
