Michigan Park Citizens Association
7 February 2017
Providence Hospital
President David Conrad opened the meeting at 7:07 pm. Mr. Paul Wood led members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Conrad noted that January was a busy month with two special meeting, one about the proposed EYA development and the second about the development’s impact on neighborhood traffic.
Ms. Beulah Sutherland read the treasurer’s report into the minutes, and the minutes from January were approved with one correction.
Ms. Denise Blackson, Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC), presented as part of the District’s Energy Efficiency Outreach effort. OPC advocates for District residents with private utilities to include electric, natural gas and landline telephone services. OPC may also provide legal counsel for the same. Ms. Blackson displayed the types of commercially available light bulbs and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each.
President Conrad noted that the association had met January 12th during a special meeting to finalize our position regarding the proposed EYA development of the property surrounding Saint Joseph’s Seminary. The letter is posted on our association’s website. EYA had submitted a letter to the D.C. Board of Zoning and a public hearing will be scheduled. EYA later made changes in response to the comments from the zoning commission.
President Conrad further discussed a second special meeting January 24th to review traffic issues in the neighborhood. DDOT was present and we learned that DDOT has a role to review traffic proposals and, therefore, would recuse itself form commenting on designs and potential traffic calming measures. Potential traffic calming measures were discussed. Parking restrictions on both sides of Allison Street, 24 hours, also discussed. Neighbors must be polled to obtained restricted parking.
Mr. Robert Byrd representing Bazzuto discussed another potential development in University Heights at the top of Varnum Street. Providence Hospital owns the property, zoned at RA-1, and is considering its development. He noted that there are not yet any specific plans. Residents pointed out that the intersection of 12th and Varnum Streets, the only two-way traffic access to the street, is already considered a failed intersection by an EYA commissioned traffic study.
Mr. Lionel Gaines of the Mayor’s office introduced himself and noted that the lighting along 15th Street is one of several streets selected for testing of the new high Kelvin LED lighting and has been well received in SE neighborhoods. Mr. Ralph Bucksell noted that the primary concern of the SE residents is crime, but the American Medical Association (AMA) issued a report indicating that 4,000 Kelvin lighting has been found to be detrimental to people, animals, birds and trees.
Mr. Marita Riddick introduced herself as the new representative from Councilmember McDuffie.
