Michigan Park Citizens Association

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Membership Meeting
Howard University School of Divinity
March 3, 2015

President Paul Wood called the March meeting to order at 7:10pm with 12 attendees.The February 2015 minutes were approved with two corrections of name spellings. The treasurer’s report was read later in the meeting as the Treasurer’s arrival was delayed.

Paul introduced Casey Tree arborist Becky Schwartz to discuss residential tree planting services. Many neighbors associate Casey Trees solely with community tree planting events on public land. However, Casey Trees offers services to individual homeowners for residential tree planting as well.  At the request of Becky, neighbor Tom Lavash highlighted the association’s past involvement in community tree plantings, which have included five plantings totaling 125-130 trees in multiple locations throughout Michigan Park over the past five years.

Arborist Becky Schwartz described these various Casey Trees’ programs to include: the River Smart program for private land, the tree rebate program for private land, and the community tree planting program for both public and private land.  Under the River Smart program, a Casey Trees consultant will work with a homeowner to plant any number of shady trees on their residential property. The homeowner pays a $50 flat fee (the District Department of the Environment/DDOE covers the rest of the labor, purchasing, and planting costs).  The Tree Rebate Program offers rebates of up to $50 per tree for trees that reach a minimum of 15’ in height and width, and $100 for larger shade trees.  Invasive species do not qualify.

Of special interest to MPCA members is the Community Tree Planting Program in which Casey Trees will fund and coordinate planting for neighbors who join together to plant 10 or more trees, whether on private or public land.  For individual plantings on private property, please contact Casey Trees.  In planting projects with 10 or more trees, our neighbor Tom Lavash will be happy to coordinate that with neighbors, as it requires submittal of a formal application and site plan to Casey Trees for their review and approval.

The annual deadline for tree planting requests is May 1st, for the following Fall or Spring of the following year. Plantings are scheduled for the Spring (March to May) and Fall (October to December).

The Spring clean up of the triangle park at Michigan and 12th streets will be April 25 from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm.

The attached document highlights the Canopy Trees Planted (CTP) and River Smart Homes (RSH) projects in Michigan Park and University Heights by Casey Trees – Public_Plantable

Some good news about the water at the park:  MPCA member and architect David Conrad has been researching the requirements for installation of water access in the park.  David noted that there is a water meter in the park but there is some confusion at DC Water about who is responsible for the meter.  MPCA will have to obtain a permit from DCRA and DC Water to do any work.  David met with a DC Water senior engineer who reviewed our plan and was informed that the hydrant installation must include a back flow preventer to avoid contamination of the water supply.  David found a hydrant that has an integral back-flow preventer which eliminates the need for an additional pit and facilitates maintenance.  The list price for this hydrant is $500.00 – our budget for this project is $800.00.  David passed out drawings of the site and selected equipment for installation. These are huge steps forward and many thanks to David for his hard work and time commitment on this project.

Treasurer Beulah Sutherland submitted the February treasurer’s report.  She informed us that as of the end of February we had 15 households that had paid their 2015 dues. Beulah also reviewed the past five years of paid membership. She noted that the past practice of mailing self-addressed envelops for membership dues had kept paid membership significantly higher.

Jonathan Wood, a senior at the School Without Walls, presented the members with his proposed bill to improve the Planned Unit Development (PUD) development process. PUDs have been a recent topic of discussion at the association given the recent plans for the Brookline Metro PUD as well as other proposed 5th District projects in vicinity of Michigan Park at the McMillan Reservoir and Brookline Manor on Rhode Island Avenue. Jonathan developed this bill over the past year as his senior class project.  Jonathan’s proposed bill, the Neighborhood Review Act, is meant to ensure resident input into the PUD process.  Members made suggestions on how Jonathan can improve his research and the language of his bill to reflect the concerns of the developers and the community as a whole.  Overall a very impressive piece of work. Jonathan is scheduled to meet with Council Member McDuffie on Thursday, 5 March.

The election of officers comes up in May, and Paul called on the members to begin considering serving on the nominating committee.  The new slate of officers begins service in June 2015.

Due to the renovation of the Divinity School, the next meeting of the MPCA will be Tuesday, April 7 in Ross Auditorium at Providence Hospital.

The meeting concluded at 08:30 p.m.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Membership Meeting
Howard University School of Divinity
February 3, 2015

President Paul Wood called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. The December minutes were approved with one minor amendment. Beulah Sutherland gave the Treasurer’s report.
Paul introduced Association officers to the new attendees and gave a brief history of the MPCA. About six of the new attendees had received the postcard sent by Terri Sallay advertising the meeting.

Paul introduced James Cheeks, Chief Traffic Engineer of the Transportation Safety Engineering Branch of the DDOT Traffic Operations Administration, (james.cheeks@dc.gov) who in turn introduced the members of his team. The TOA collects, manages and analyzes transportation data such as vehicle crashes, pedestrian crashes and traffic counts and disseminates its findings to relevant parties in the agency. Paul asked Mr. Cheeks to address how the DDOT:

1) evaluates specific requests for traffic calming measures
2) addresses the reporting of a specific potential hazard
3) plans to manage the increasing number of bicycles for safe inclusion with vehicular traffic and pedestrians

Mr. Cheeks explained that requests for traffic calming can be made through the District-wide 311 city services number or 311 Online. TOA employee Connie Wheeler (connie.wheeler@dc.gov), who receives the service requests concerning traffic safety, said that if the caller leaves a name and telephone number with his message, she can contact the caller for more specific information about the problem and its location. TOA will send safety engineers to inspect the problem area and make recommendations to the appropriate agency. Similarly, a Traffic Calming Investigation may be requested by completing a detailed application on 301 Online: http://app.311.dc.gov/CWI/ServiceRequest.mvc/SRIntakeStep2/SPSTDAMA?guid=5c7fb0789e13418a868944ce33e5f4ed&srID

Mr. Cheeks advised that residents should gather and present as much information as possible to TOA. They should get the signatures and support of all neighbors and businesses affected by the problem and should seek the support of the ANC and neighborhood associations.

Mr. Cheeks and his team members also gave updates on:

Efforts to complete and connect bike lanes within the city. At present, bike lanes often end abruptly with no path designated for the cyclist to continue.

The new HAWK Pedestrian Signal (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) being installed in selected locations across the city. The HAWK is a signal-beacon designed to help pedestrians safely cross busy streets.

Intersection at South Dakota Avenue and 33rd Street, between Costco and Goodwill, which has a new traffic signal and is working well, though it may need “some tweaks.”
DDOT will revisit the intersection when Lowe’s Home Improvement opens.

Association members reported traffic and safety problems within the neighborhood, including:

1) Heavy trucks using Taylor Street between South Dakota and Michigan Avenues
2) Signal light at 20th Street and South Dakota Avenue gets “hung up,” letting 2 cars through after waiting many minutes
3) Intersection of Eastern Avenue and Bladensburg Road: Left turn signal too short, causing back-up on Eastern Avenue
4) Need for flashing yellow light at 14th Street and Michigan Avenue for the safety of students attending Bunker Hill School
5) Problem at intersection of Michigan Avenue, 10th Street, and Bunker Hill Road, where no light controls cars coming from Comcast – Suggestions to make Bunker Hill Road one way from Comcast – Ralph will write a service request for the intersection.
6) Speeding over uneven pavement on Upsher Street between 12th and 13th Streets.
7) Some streets too narrow for large SUVs – should be made one-way.
8) Open Service requests for:
Temporary asphalt curb on 4300 block of 18th Street
Tree roots buckling sidewalk at South Dakota Avenue and Taylor Street
9) Tom Lavash will send information on these service requests to TOA team member Wasim Raja wasim.raja@dc.gov

Marvin Owens, Pastor of Michigan Park Christian Church (at the corner of South Dakota Avenue and Taylor Street), announced that his congregation is looking for ways to partner with the MPCA. The church has developed a relationship with the HSC Pediatric Center, and given Christmas gifts to the children there. The church is particularly interested in focusing on the needs of young families and on education.

Paul spoke about the very impressive tour of the new Brookland School building, which is 100,000 square feet and uses green technology, such as its geo-thermal heating and cooling system.

Paul reminded members of the Casey Trees Riversmart Homes residential tree planting program. http://caseytrees.org/programs/planting/rsh/

Roxanne Carter reported that with a gift from the Christmas Fund, she took a mother with three young children Christmas shopping. They bought clothes, toys, and family games.
Ralph Bucksell reported that ANC member John Feeley wishes to coordinate with the MPCA regarding plans for the development at the Brookland Metro Station. Much of the land to be developed is in Michigan Park. Paul will also reach out to Mr. Feeley.

Paul announced that because of planned renovations to the Howard School of Divinity, the MPCA will hold only one more meeting there, on March 3rd, at the building. The April, May, and June meetings will be held at Providence Hospital.

The spring clean-up of the triangle park at 12th and Michigan Avenue is scheduled for April 25th.

Herald James Watkins suggested that MPCA explore the option of using PayPal for the payment of dues online. The proposal will be on the agenda for the March meeting.

Chanell Autrey, from Councilman Kenyan McDuffie’s office and life-time Michigan Park resident, introduced herself. She will serve as a liaison between MPCA and the Councilman’s office.

Paul adjourned the meeting at 8:30 pm.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Monthly Meeting and Holiday Potluck Dinner
The Gribbins’ Home
December 2, 2014

President Paul Wood called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Minutes from the November meeting were approved without objection. Paul will publish the minutes on the MPCA website. Treasurer Beulah Sutherland presented her report and noted that the bank is has begun charging $2.00 each month for a paper statement.

Paul reported that he has contacted several plumbers regarding the installation of a spigot at the triangle park at 12th and Michigan, but has not received an estimate from any of them. One of them did go to the park and inspect water source but never contacted Paul with an estimate. David Conrad volunteered to contact other plumbers.

In the first or second week of January, Terri Sallay will send out a postcard to 250-300 new families in Michigan Park, inviting them to attend the February meeting and giving the website address.

Ralph Bucksell announced that from now on all meetings will be held at the Howard University School of Divinity. We will meet in the chapel in February and March, but may meet in a different room the rest of the year.

Ralph reported that in addition to its Community Tree Planting Program, Casey Trees is also planting trees on residential properties. Through the RiverSmart Homes Shade Tree Program, homeowners can have shade trees planted on their property by Casey Trees for $50 per tree. If 10 or more neighbors order trees, the trees will be free. Tom volunteered to invite Casey Trees address members at the regularly scheduled March meeting.

Members voted unanimously to authorize $300 from the Christmas fund to be used for Christmas gifts for a needy family at the Bunker Hill school. Roxanne Carter will ask the principal to suggest a family.

Paul announced that the Brookland Middle School ribbon cutting will take place on Saturday, December 13, 2014 and will include guided tours for the public. The school will open in September 2015.

Ralph expressed concern about the dangerous intersection of Perry Street and Michigan Avenue, on the northeast side of the Charles Drew Bridge, where commuters come down the bridge at high speeds. Children use the intersection daily, going to and from school. Paul plans to invite a DOT representative to address MPCA concerning traffic management and safety planning for the neighborhood.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm, at which time the potluck dinner began.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Membership Meeting
November 11, 2014
Howard University School of Divinity

President Paul Wood called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm. The Treasurer being absent, no report was read. Minutes of the October meeting were approved unanimously.

Paul reported that the new plantings at the park at 12th Street and Michigan Avenue are thriving. Pictures are available on the website. Paul contacted a plumber who visited the site and examined the water source.

Brookland Metro development

Paul introduced Rosalyn Doggett, Senior Real Estate Advisor and Metro TOD (transit oriented development) specialist responsible for negotiating the lease agreement with developers of the Brookland Metro site. Ms. Doggett in turn introduced Jason Davis of MRP Realty and Bill Cummings of CAS Reigler who are working as a team on a preliminary proposal for two buildings on the “north parcel” which includes the current Kiss and Ride area and the land adjacent to the Charles Drew Bridge, but not the “Brookland Green.”

Under this proposal, the Kiss and Ride would remain in its current location, but under one of the buildings. The two buildings would be “moderate height” (about 70 feet) and together would include about 280 living units. The first floors would be composed of small retail spaces, with parking “below grade.” Metro would continue to own the land.

Ms. Doggett expects that Metro will reach a lease agreement with the developer early next year. Community meetings and other opportunity for public comment will occur during the summer. The development will require a PUD (Planned Unit Development) which also allows for community input before the Board of Zoning Adjustment.

In addition to matters of proposed uses, building massing, building height and preservation of the Brookland Green, attenders questioned CAS Reigler on the inclusion of affordable housing. The CAS Reigler representatives assured the MPCA that the terms of the lease agreement would have no impact on the mix of units to be included in the proposed development and would not preclude the inclusion of affordable housing or multiple bedroom units appropriate for family housing.

Newsletter

Paul thanked James Watkins for designing the flyers and Ralph Bucksell for distributing them to neighbors and members who do not use e-mail.

Due to the expense and work required to produce and distribute a paper newsletter, the Association’s ordinary means of communication will be through the MPCA website, the Michigan Park and Brookland listservs, and email. Every few months, paper flyers announcing meetings and important events will be distributed to those who do not use the internet.

New Business

Ralph announced that Councilmember McDuffie will be hosting a “Public Safety Forum” at Turkey Thicket on November 17th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The purpose of the forum is to address recent violence and crime in Ward 5. MPD 4th and 5th District Commanders will attend.

In the new year, Paul will invite representatives from DDOT to speak to the Association about plans for traffic management and safety issues in Michigan Park.

Paul encouraged members to contact the Capital Bikeshare program to request Bikeshare stations in Michigan Park. One can request a station by visiting the website https://www.capitalbikeshare.com/stations and clicking on “Suggest a Station Location.”

The Annual Christmas Potluck will be held at the Gribbin’s house at 3800 13th Street, NE on December 2nd. The potluck will follow a short meeting beginning at 7:00 pm.

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 12^th 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 13^th.    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 12^th 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 2^nd, 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.

Michigan Park Citizens Association
Membership Meeting
June 3, 2014
St. Joseph’s Seminary

Newly elected President Paul Wood brought the meeting to order at 7:10. Outgoing President Tom Lavash thanked members for their work over two years of his presidency and was thanked in return by the members. Treasurer Beulah Sutherland read the Treasurer’s report.

Park Partnership
Paul reported that he and Tom have submitted an application to the mayor’s office for a $500 “mini-grant” to purchase plantings for the two triangle parks on Michigan Avenue (at 12th Street and at 18th Street). The grants are offered under the “Love Your Block DC” program on the District website. The plants included azaleas, dwarf myrtles, hostas, and tulip bulbs. The plants will be divided between the two parks. Brent Sisco, DPR Landscape Architect, has been asked for his input concerning plans for the new plantings [Brent Sisco concurred with the selection in an email to Paul Wood the following day].

MPCA’s existing Friends of the Park agreement for the park on 12th Street is up for renewal this year. Motion by Kathleen Sutherland was made “to authorize discussion toward renewal of the current park partnership agreement.” The motion was passed unanimously.

Only 1 of the 3 water spigots at the 1800 block Michigan Avenue NE triangle park is working. The other two were run over by lawn mowers. DPR has requested a photo of the broken spigots to be replaced. Tom and Paul will get the picture to them this week.
Paul has been working with Kathleen Reinwaldt of DPR on the issue of installing a water spigot to the existing water line at the triangle park 1200 block Michigan Avenue NE. Ms. Reinwaldt will give MPCA written permission to install a spigot. MPCA will pay for the spigot and for its installation. A contractor must be found to install the spigot. Motion by Paul Wood “to reaffirm commitment to spend $800 on spigot purchase and installation.” The motion was passed unanimously.

Capital Bikeshare
In a response to a request from MPCA members, Kim Lucas, Manager of the Capital Bikeshare Program explained the program and the station selection criteria. MPCA members have requested the installation of Bikeshare stations near Providence Hospital and the HSC Pediatric Center. Criteria for station selection include:
– At least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day
– Proximity to Capital Bikeshare network (within ¼ mile of another station)
– Co-location with Metro, Metrobus, Art Bus stations
– Population density

There is no formal application process for installation of a bike station, but public requests such as that made by MPCA, are taken seriously. Ms. Lucas recommends that local citizens and civic associations and ANCs, send letters of support for the stations. Also, the MPCA should check in regularly to see where our request is in the process. Unfortunately, the company which has manufactured the Bikeshare stations went bankrupt. New owners of the company will resume manufacturing the stations, but all plans for new stations have been delayed. Ms. Lucas does not expect new stations to be opened within the next year. Paul suggests that we talk to representatives of Providence and HSC over the summer to determine their interest in the program.

San Antonio Bar & Grill
Jaime Vargas, owner of the San Antonio Bar & Grill, addressed the Association members, explaining his plan for sidewalk seating in front of the restaurant. Because the sidewalk at that location does not meet the District guidelines for sidewalk seating, he was advised by Catrina Felder, of the District’s Public Space Committee, to include with his application for a special exception letters of support from neighbors and community organizations. Mr. Vargas showed diagrams of his plan, which would include seating for 20 people at 10 tables within a decorative railing eight feet from the wall of the restaurant. The railing would extend the length of the restaurant and would be located no further from the wall than the current canopy poles in front of the door. Although he had letters of support from neighbors, the Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association, and the Greater Brookland Business Association, ANC 5B declined to support his request for an exception. Motion by Kathleen Sutherland: To support the special exception for sidewalk seating at the San Antonio Grill. Passed unanimously. Paul will draft a letter to the Board of Zoning on behalf of the Association.

Proposed D.C. Zoning Changes
At the President’s request, David Conrad explained the rewrite of the zoning code, which was written in 1958, when urban planning emphasized separation of uses and reliance on cars. Since then the code has been “encrusted” with more than 1,000 amendments and urban planners have come to emphasize mixed use development, walkability, bicycles, and public transportation. In addition to “cleaning up” and rationalizing the code, changes will also:
– Allow accessory dwelling units (separate apartments within homes)
– Allow for corner stores in residential areas
– Reduction in required parking density

In response to a question about the Industrial zoning (CM-1 and 2) along the railroad tracks, David elaborated. The only change proposed to the development standards is to add a requirement for a 25 ft. buffer between it and adjacent residential zones. There are also proposed changes to FAR language to limit the floor area allowed for non-industrial uses, and new restrictions on uses allowed I.e. nightclubs, emergency shelters, waste services etc. Some of these may be allowed but only by special exception so the community will have a voice in the review process.

Another question was asked about PUD changes. The PUD process is proposed to remain in place with some procedural changes.

DC Zoning References

7-11 Store
Members discussed the new 7-11 store to be built at 12th and Otis Streets. Carolyn Petti pointed out that there are big differences in the stores within the 7-11 chain and that the neighbors and neighborhood associations may be able to influence the quality of this particular store by weighing in at key points, such as when the store requests a special exception or a license to sell beer.

Meeting Location
Adrian Jordon announced that legislation introduced by Kenyon Mc Duffie and passed by the city council now gives community based groups use of school meeting facilities free of charge. The new policy takes effect in October. Paul will schedule MPCA meetings for the months of October through June at the Bunker Hill Education Campus. The Association’s next meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 2nd, at St. Joseph’s Seminary. On July 27th, the Executive Board will meet at Paul’s house, 4401 13th Place, NE at 3:00 pm.

Paul is working with Seth Oldmixon to set up email notifications to members when something new is posted on the website.

This meeting is the last for the summer. Next meeting is September 2, 2014.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.