Michigan Park Citizens Association

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Regular Monthly Meeting
November 4, 2015
Providence Hospital

President Paul Wood opened the meeting at 7:15 pm.  October minutes were read and accepted.  The treasurer’s report was read by Treasurer Beulah Sutherland, no written copy was updated for this month.

Paul Wood had addressed the October meeting of the Queens Chapel Civic Association at the invitation of the civic association’s president, Tim Thomas.

Tim Thomas, president of the Queens Chapel Civic Association, addressed many of the issues held in common with Michigan Park.  Traffic along Michigan Avenue and South Dakota, as well as cut through traffic in the alleys, remains a concern. Tim noted that the volume of traffic in the alleys sometimes approximates the volume on the streets.  The neighbors conducted a neighborhood bulk cleanup coordinated with the city. The effort successfully spruced up some of the alleys and afforded neighbors an opportunity to rid themselves of unwanted bulk belongings. Tim noted disappointment with 4D response to residents and that leadership among the lieutenant’s changes frequently. One area of growing neighborhood concern was the establishment of half-way houses by DCRA.  The city is under no obligation to inform residents of the placement of a half-way home in the neighborhood, usually in a previously occupied residence. Additionally, due to DC privacy laws, information about the location and type of half-way homes is not publicly available. The result is that residents may not know of a new half-way home until problems occur.  One of the examples was a house for juveniles under court supervision.  President Thomas also spoke at length about Brookland Middle School, which Queens Chapel Civic Association has actively supported. The girls volleyball began with a group of students who had never played the sport and quickly coalesced into a strong competitor in the D.C. area. Unfortunately, there have been some problems among the students as well. These include shoplifting along 10^th Street NE, bullying and marijuana smoking.

Ralph Bucksell noted that marijuana use prevents students from learning.  Residents discussed how MPD police officers have been instructed not to arrest teenagers for public smoking of marijuana as the district attorney will not prosecute them for the offense.  Robert While from the Office of the Attorney General, who spoke next, opined that such instructions were unfortunate and may be a misinterpretation of the prosecutor’s messaging. Cases involving juveniles are often handled in a way to avoid a permanent police record which would affect the youth’s employment opportunities as an adult. Instead, juvenile offenders are often directed into Juvenile Division Programs which uses a data driven approach to prosecution. Juveniles who commit violent or repeat offenses, however, are prosecuted.

Mr. Robert White, who is from the Community Outreach of the Office of Attorney General (OAG), spoke the role of OAG in housing development.  AG Racine has considered the appropriate role for OAG to serve in the city’s housing development.  Since the OAG became independent from the Office of the Mayor and the election of the Attorney General, Karl A. Racine, two clients are served – the city and the public.  OAG may ensure that grant money for public land is used for a specifically designated purpose and that contracts are legally sufficient. Private development is much more difficult to intercede as the land is not a public asset and the agreement is between two private parties. Two of the recently discussed developments in Michigan Park, Howard University School of Divinity and Saint Joseph’s Seminary, are privately owned.  McMillan Reservoir is publicly owned and OAG has an interest in associated development contracting.

OAG also has an interest in half-way houses if it becomes a public nuisance. Mr. White stated that service calls help as the calls provide documentation of possible problems with the residents. If a house becomes a public nuisance, then OAG can act. OAG can, for instance, bring together all relevant agencies to address.

Ms. Anita Greene expressed concerns of neighbors on 1200 and 1300 Alison Street NE about traffic.  Ms. Greene reviewed a survey taken by neighbors of the traffic patterns. A discussion followed about traffic volume, parking, accidents and safety.  Ms. Greene asked for support for neighbors request for a DDOT traffic study. The resolution was brought to the floor and passed unanimously. A letter of support would be forwarded to Ms. Anita Greene from President Paul Wood.

Resolved: MPCA supports a DDOT traffic study of 1200 and 1300 blocks of Allison Street NE.

Mr. Ralph Bucksell reported that Douglas Development is paying for all traffic management changes recommended by the Edgewood-Brookland Feasibility Study.  Ralph was concerned about the effectiveness of some of the proposed changes since data cited in writing by DDOT is false. Ralph and some of the members of MPCA have measured selected street widths and and have found significant inconsistencies. DDOT officials may have relied upon erroneous data sources rather than taking updated measurements.

Ms. Lavinia Wohlfarth recommended use of an electronic device (SQUARE) to make it easier for members to pay annual dues and contribute to funds, including the Christmas fund and garden fund.  Treasurer Beulah Sutherland agreed to work with the Secretary to explore this option and implement, if approved by the assembly.

The December 1 meeting is the Christmas potluck. The meeting adjourned at 09:05 pm.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Regular Monthly Meeting
October 6, 2015
Providence Hospital

President Paul Wood opened the meeting at 7:15 pm.  September minutes were read and accepted; the treasurer’s report was read by Treasurer Beulah Sutherland.  Beulah noted that the association funds are insufficient to cover the costs associated with the purchase and installation of a water spigot and back fill preventer in the neighborhood park, 12^th/Shepherd/Michigan Avenue.

Garden Committee.  As the installations costs for a water spigot and backfill preventer are beyond means of MPCA, Chanelle Autrey, Constituent Services Coordinator of Councilmember McDuffie, was asked to investigate possible funding from the city.

Federation of Citizens Association.  Elizabeth McGowan reported that a new website has been established through the efforts of the new President, W. Earl Williams, dccitizensfederation.org.  The Federation has established a new membership category for individuals, advantageous to subject matter experts to join the Federation meetings. The annual individual fee is $25.00 per person.

Paul related that ANC Commissioner for 5A03 Adrian Jordan asked MPCA to apply for a $1,000 grant offered by his office for the benefit of Bunker Hill Elementary. Commissioner Jordan’s goal is to foster community support to the school.  MPCA has had a long history of supporting Bunker Hill Elementary.  Vice President Roxanne Carter visited with the principal, Ms. Kuchemba, and inquired about the school’s needs. A Parent Teachers Association (PTA) does not exist for Bunker Hill Elementary.  Members thought one option would be to involve the students in the park maintenance, a perennial effort for the association.

Paul noted the recent thefts in the neighborhood and suggested consideration by neighbors of the Block Captain program as described by Ms. Samantha Nolan, the Citywide Neighborhood Watch Trainer, a volunteer position. Neighbor Xavier Courouble found that 4^th District police were unaware of the Block Captain program. 4D police found reports of suspicious cars helpful. Photographs of such vehicles were particularly welcome. Vehicles used in criminal acts, to include break-ins, are often stolen.  Submitting tips and concerns to policy in writing is also helpful. The Mayor’s office particularly is responsive to twitter messages. Emails can also be sent when one does not wish to make publicly available their concern. 4D is not as considered as responsive as 5D.  Much of what is now PSA 405 did lie within 5^th District but was changed during the last PSA re-drawing of the PSA boundaries. Also, 4D may set higher priority on more crime troubled areas to the North. Officers from 4^th and 5^th Districts had regularly attended regular meetings of MPCA; however, to lessen the number of community meetings attended, the police now only present at the Citizens Advisory Councils.

Saint Joseph’s Seminary. Barbara Henderson reported that Saint Joseph Seminary will develop some of its land for private housing.  Barbara checked with the Bishop Ricard of the Seminary. The development will focus in the rear of the seminary building along Alison Street NE and possibly include up to forty townhouses. Members decided to request a meeting with officials of the Saint Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart to request information about the planned development. Ralph Bucksell, Xavier Courouble, Joshua Bell, and Paul Wood will collaborate on preparing specific questions in preparation for a possible meeting.

Livability Study. Ralph reported the plan proposes to remove parking in 1000 block of Taylor Street NE (the report states it as the 1100-1200 bock of Taylor but the work papers and map indicate that it is the 1000 block of Taylor Street).  At DOT’s community meetings, Ralph and other neighbors had provided a great deal of input regarding the traffic.  Taylor Street is divided down the middle by yellow traffic lane markings, which made it difficult to park during rush hours without getting your car hit by the large volume of trucks driving on the street.  If traffic was prohibited on one side of the street as in the 1200 block of Taylor Street, as it is on numerous other streets in the neighborhood; to include 13th, 14th, and Varnum; it would allow parking and disembarking without the threat of collision with pedestrians.

The removal of parking from Taylor Street would also inhibit parking for repairmen or deliverymen when coming to our homes.  It will also preclude delivery of supplies and groceries into our own homes.  The alleys are not wide and most residents must use their front doors for bringing in large items into our homes, as the back doors, gates, and steps are not suitable for deliveries.  Also, people who visit our homes will have limited parking, especially in the evenings, weekends and on holidays.  We have multiple streets in the immediate neighborhood that have restricted parking for Ward 5 residents.

The aim for the removal of parking in our block is to allow for bike traffic.  The 1000 block of Taylor does not have a large number of bikers who use the street as a commuting route.

The Michigan Park Citizens Association requested in writing the Bike Share program to make a bike station in the area of Providence Hospital.  The representative rejected our request, stating that there would not be adequate traffic to justify the placement of one at that location.

Ralph is gathering data on the street measurements and traffic to support any formal positions MPCA may take on DDOT’s proposals.

Traffic Calming Measures.  David Conrad and neighbors on Upshur Street between Michigan and 12th Street requested DDOT study traffic calming design options for the street.  The street is subject to cut-through traffic, often at speed. It also takes a high volume of cut-through traffic during rush hours.  Confirmation of the request was received in late September.  DDOT will begin by observing and measuring current conditions.

Councilmember McDuffie. Constituent Services for Councilmember McDuffie, Chanelle Autrey, reported that the sound barrier considered along Puerto Rico Avenue is not considered feasible. This barrier was conceived as a means to protect homes in University Heights from the noise of the passing trains. Much of the noise is generated by the heavy cargo trains, not the light metro passenger rail cars.

The meeting adjourned at 08:45 PM.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Regular Monthly Meeting
June 2, 2015
Providence Hospital

The following minutes were approved during the September 1, 2015 meeting of the MPCA.

President Paul Wood opened the meeting at 7:10 with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.  Treasurer Beulah Sutherland read the treasurer’s report. The May minutes were read and accepted with one correction.

Paul Wood noted that he had submitted the quarterly report to Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for the triangle park 12th/Michigan/Shepherd. He reported that an estimated fifteen hours of trash pick up by five people from January through March 2015. This report did not include the Spring Cleanup since that was in April.

David Conrad, who has taken the lead to obtain a water meter in the park, reported on our progress.  The Department of Costumer Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) required a back flow preventer to guard against contamination of the main water line and a permit.  We are now working toward obtaining three estimates for the work which would include the back flow preventer, a meter pit, and installation. An insurance statement is also required for the donation to DPR. Since this meeting is the last before the summer break, David requested that members approve an expenditure up to $1500.00 for the costs. If the final cost were to exceed $1500. the members would have to be consulted at the next meeting in the Fall.

Ms. Katherine Sutherland made the motion that the association obtain cost estimates from three separate plumbers for the described work and approve up to $1500. for the cost of the purchase and installation of the backflow preventer and water meter. The motion was seconded and approved.

Ms. Elizabeth McGowan reported her attendance at the D.C. Federation of Citizens Associations. Mr. James Pittman, Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia, spoke about the involvement OGA involvement in development projects. OGA will be taking a greater oversight role and many projects will require their approval. President Wood and Ms. McGowan extended an invitation to Mr. Pittman to describe more fully the role of OGA in development during our September meeting.

Laisha T. Doughtery, constituent services coordinator for Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, circulated the latest Ward 5 newsletter covering legislative and committee updates. In response to questions from President Wood, she said she would check on: 1) if money for the noise abatement wall scheduled to be built on Puerto Rico Avenue has funding in this year’s city budget 2) if a sidewalk cafe has been approved for the San Antonio Grill on 12th Street 3) if the funding for the Ward 5 clean teams included the 12th Street NE business corridor.

Select members of the North Michigan Park Civic Association attended the meeting and expressed similar concerns about development. Increased traffic along 12th and 13th Streets is of mutual concern. The advantages and importance of coordination between the two neighborhood associations was discussed. The two neighborhoods are adjacent to one another and the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC) areas of responsibility cross the neighborhoods.

VP Roxanne Carter suggested that the association man a table during the Hospital of Sick Children’s (HSC) June fair in Michigan Park. President Wood will confirm the event date and apply for a table. Roxanne and David Conrad volunteered to man the table for a few hours each. Paul will arrange a schedule for all who wish to sign up. Roxanne suggested we bring photos of past events, which Paul thought we could pull off our website. Members also discussed options to obtain a banner for the association.

The meeting adjourned at 08:45.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Monthly Membership Meeting
May 5, 2015
Providence Hospital

At 7:05 pm President Paul Wood opened the meeting and led members in the Pledge of Allegiance.  fourteen members and eight guests, who had come for the crime prevention presentation, were present. Minutes from the April meeting were approved with no objection.  Treasurer Beulah Sutherland reported no income or disbursements since the last meeting.

Park Partnership – Paul reported on the successful clean-up of the park at 12^th and Michigan.  Volunteers cleared trash and weeds from the park, cleaned up the bus stop, and transplanted the witch hazel near the bus stop.  Paul also reported that he will be sending in the application to the Casey Trees RiverSmart program for those who have requested shade trees to be planted for free on their private property.

NCC Parking Facility – Paul reported that DDOT will be performing a traffic study of the area affected by the planned parking facility (for the National Children’s Center) at 801 Bunker Hill Road, behind the Comcast building.  Paul sent a letter to Douglas Development (with copies to DDOT, Councilman McDuffie, and ANC Representative John Feeley) requesting that the study consider the impact on all traffic in the area of the facility, including:

a. Impact from the three hospital shifts that would rotate through the parking garage every 24 hours.
b. Impact of construction traffic on the neighborhood during the building of the parking garage.
c. Combined impact of Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, the new Brookland School, and shuttle buses at the Metro station.
d. The already dangerous intersection of Bunker Hill Road and 10^th Street
e. The impact of 24-hour lights on residents should also be considered.

Joan Thiel’s motion that the Association support Paul’s letter was approved unanimously.

The need for a traffic study of the intersection at Michigan Avenue, Taylor Street and 13 Street was also discussed. This intersection is difficult for both motorists and pedestrians alike. Paul noted that this intersection is encompassed by the Edgewood-Brookland Livability Study. This study extend eastward from Edgewood along Michigan Avenue and includes the streets South of Taylor Street to this intersection and then Eastward to Taylor Street. However, the livability study appears focused on East-West traffic.  Paul will ask that DDOT address the significant amount of North-South traffic along 12th and 13th Streets which also greatly impact the neighborhood.

Guest Speaker – Samantha Nolan, Citywide Neighborhood Watch Trainer   Ms. Nolan, a full-time volunteer for the MPD conducts training sessions all over the city in order to educate residents about the 80% of crime which is preventable.  Her presentation covered four basic areas of preventable crime in DC neighborhoods:  burglary, robbery and assault, vehicle theft and tampering, and sexual assault.  The presentation, which lasted an hour and a quarter, was detailed and useful.  To attend a training session, email Samantha Nolan: nolantutor@yahoo.com .  To learn more about Neighborhood Watch, go to http://mpdc.dc.gov/page/neighborhood-watch where you can also download the Department of Justice’s Neighborhood Watch Training Manual  [PDF] and Tips for Reducing and Preventing Crimes of Opportunity [PDF]

Election of Officers – Paul introduced the slate of candidates which, with the exception of the position of Secretary, was the same as the current office holders.  All the candidates were unanimously approved.  The position of Secretary is still open. Elected officers are:

President Paul Wood
First VP Roxanne Carter
2^nd VP Terri Sallay
Treasurer Beulah Sutherland
Secretary Vacant
Herald James Watkins
Membership Secretary Don Looney
Sergeant-at-Arms Barbara Henderson
At-Large Members David Conrad, Ralph Bucksell, Gwendolyn Means

The meeting was adjourned at 08:30.

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.