December 2012 Minutes

Posted on December 3, 2012 by Michigan Park Citizens Association

President Tom Lavash opened the meeting at 7:20 pm; 16 members attended.

Treasurer’s Report

At the meeting’s conclusion, Treasurer Beulah Sutherland provided an abbreviated Treasurer’s Report, noting that MPCA did not receive or spend any funds between August and October.

She noted that there is $0 in the Christmas Fund, and $7.33 in nominal contributions have been received for the Capital Area Food Bank. We will need to seek additional donations before the holidays, or reallocate funds from the General Fund, to ensure that we are able to sponsor a family from Bunker Hill School again this holiday season.

Ward 5 Councilmember Representative: Mr. Corey Griffin

The Chief of Staff to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Mr. Corey Arnez Griffin, made an unannounced visit; given other community meetings on his schedule later that evening, he was provided an opportunity to open our November meeting with a summary of current initiatives.

WMATA Bus Barn

Mr. Griffin discussed the recent proposal by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) to construct a large bus parking/storage and maintenance/mechanics training facility (a “bus barn”) on approximately 19 acres of land alongside North Capitol Street on the grounds of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (the “Soldiers Home”).

As illustrated in the preliminary concept plan below, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), which owns the Soldiers Home, is seeking another real estate partner to build a mixed-use development on the site. (A previous attempt resulted in the selection of Charlotte, NC-based Crescent Resources in 2007; their approved plan included 1.4 million sq. ft. of office space, retail, a 125-room hotel and 2,500 residential units. However, the 2008-09 downturn led to Crescent’s withdrawal from the project).

Proposed WMATA Development Site

The GSA is again seeking a development partner as a means of ensuring a reliable, long-term revenue stream to finance operations and maintenance of the Soldiers Home facilites.

The WMATA proposal would relocate the functions of two existing bus barns elsewhere in the city: from 14th Street NW in Petworth and from Western Avenue in Upper NW/Friendship Heights. There is significant pressure to redevelop these facilities, particularly the one located on Western Avenue, which would generate additional revenue for WMATA. If WMATA is allowed to build this facility on North Capitol Street, it would mean that two large bus maintenance and operations facilities would be located in Ward 5 (the other on Bladensburg Road NE).

Mr. Griffin noted that Ward 5 is already home to 75% of the city’s industrial uses. Given the preponderance of these, and other, noxious uses in Ward 5 (strip clubs, medical marijuana cultivation and distribution facilities, etc.), Councilmember McDuffie is adamantly opposed to the WMATA proposal. He has received support in opposition from both At-Large Councilmember Orange (a resident of Michigan Park) as well as At-Large Councilmember-elect David Grosso (a resident of Brookland). In addition, ANC 5B has passed a unanimous resolution in opposition to the proposal, and Councilmember McDuffie has asked that ANCs 5A and 5C also oppose the WMATA proposal.

Tom Lavash asked Mr. Griffin how MPCA could assist. Mr. Griffin responded that a letter in opposition would be appreciated. A motion was made, and passed unanimously, for the Michigan Park Citizens Association to oppose the WMATA facility. Tom Lavash will craft MPCA’s letter in opposition upon receipt of the Resolution.

RESOLUTION:

IN OPPOSITION TO THE LOCATION OF WMATA BUSES AT THE ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME

WHEREAS, the Armed Forces Retirement Home (the “Old Soldiers’ Home”) in Ward 5 was established in 1851 as an “asylum for old and disabled veterans”;

WHEREAS, the Old Soldiers’ Home is the site of four buildings listed as National Historic Landmarks; WHEREAS, two of the buildings at the Old Soldiers’ Home served as the summer White House for U.S. presidents Chester Arthur, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Buchanan, and Abraham Lincoln;

WHEREAS, the Old Soldiers’ Home is on a verdant 272 acre campus of manicured landscaping;

WHEREAS, the Old Soldiers’ Home continues to serve as a retirement community for veterans of the armed forces;

WHEREAS, the administrator of the Old Soldiers’ Home is proposing to redevelop 77 acres of the campus;

WHEREAS, the administrator of the Old Soldiers’ Home is considering a proposal from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to relocate a bus parking facility, the Northern Bus Garage from 14th Street, NW, to a 16.5 acre parcel on the Old Soldiers’ Home campus;

WHEREAS, the administrator of the Old Soldiers’ Home is also considering a proposal from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to build a mechanics’ training facility on a 2.5 acre parcel on the Old Soldiers’ Home campus;

WHEREAS, Ward 5 is already the location of a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority bus parking facility on Bladensburg Road, NE.

NOW THEREFORE, it is resolved that Advisory Neighborhood Commission ___, stands in opposition to: 1) the redevelopment of any portion of the Old Soldiers’ Home as a parking or training facility for Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority vehicles; 2) the redevelopment of any portion of the Old Soldiers’ Home for industrial or light‐ industrial purposes, such as heavy equipment parking and storage; and 3) the redevelopment of any portion of the Old Soldiers’ Home for purposes that do not enhance and serve the local community.

And, further, we hereby urge the following action: 1) the administrator of the Old Soldiers’ Home to redevelop portions of the campus in a manner that is consistent with the integrity of the Old Soldiers’ Home and the surrounding neighborhood so as to enhance and serve the local community; 2) the administrator of the Old Soldiers’ Home to reject any proposal from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to construct a parking and training facility on its property; and 3) the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to find an alternative site, outside Ward 5, to host its Northern Bus Garage vehicles.

This Resolution was considered by ANC ___ at a duly noticed Advisory Neighborhood Commission ___ meeting in the presence of a quorum of Commissioners on November ___, 2012. The vote on the Resolution was _______________, and the Resolution was ________________.

Signed by ___________________________, Secretary, ANC ___ on November ____, 2012.

Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012

The Councilmember has introduced legislation known as the Retail Incentive Amendment Act of 2012. This bill, B19-0990, would designate Ward 5’s two “Great Streets”, North Capitol Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE, as “retail priority areas.” The City Council’s Committee on Economic Development & Housing recently held a public hearing on the act, which would provide funding for infrastructure improvements over an eight-year period. Mr. Griffin indicated that Mayor Gray will support the legislation.

Presuming that city funding is allocated, infrastructure improvements would be completed along North Capitol Street between New York and Rhode Island Avenues. Designated blocks on Rhode Island include 4th Street NE to Eastern Avenue NE.

While MPCA has not yet taken a position on this legislation, MPCA President Tom Lavash notes that this legislation would help to revitalize the Rhode Island and North Capitol corridors, which would have the overall positive effect of enhancing property values and marketability in nearby neighborhoods such as Brookland and Michigan Park.

Ward 5 Industrial Land Transformation Task Force Act of 2012

As noted previously, Ward 5 contains 75% of the city’s industrial land uses. As a result of numerous issues affecting this land use (e.g., uneven market demand, physical and functional obsolescence, significant economic pressures to redevelop, etc.), the City Council’s Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation & Planning hosted its first public hearing on November 15th on this legislation. According to the Councilmember’s office, the bill would establish the Ward 5 Industrial Land Transformation Task Force to develop a strategic plan for the modernization and adaptive reuse of industrial land throughout Ward 5. The Task Force, which would be convened and facilitated by Harriet Tregoning, the Director of the Office of Planning, would be required to submit a report to the Mayor and City Council by July 1, 2013.

Other Ward 5 Issues

The design of the proposed trolley barn for the H Street trolley line has been released for a site adjacent to Spingarn High School. A number of Ward 5 neighborhood groups are opposed to the facility being built in this location, and Mr. Griffin stated that the Kingman Park Civic Association has filed for historic preservation designation of the school.

Mr. Griffin noted that Councilmember McDuffie is working with the Ivy City neighborhood to oppose the construction of a “motor coach” parking lot at the historic Crummell School. As a result of the proposed construction of $7 billion in long-term “air rights” development behind Union Station (i.e., on a raised platform over the railroad tracks), tourist/visitor motor coaches that use the garage behind Union Station must be relocated. Mayor Gray’s office has negotiated a five-year lease with the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (the owners of Union Station) to locate this parking facility in Ivy City. Residents of the neighborhood are staunchly opposed, and have sued the city. A hearing was scheduled for November 19th.

Mr. Griffin also noted that the Councilmember is seeking to reinstate the temporary moratorium on both strip clubs and medical marijuana cultivation and distribution facilities in Ward 5. He also pointed out that temporary lighting has been installed along the path leading from the

Fort Totten Metro station, which necessitated working with Congresswoman Norton’s office, the National Park Service, WMATA, MPD and the U.S. Park Police.

Ward 5 School Board Member: Mr. Mark Jones

Both Mr. Griffin and Mr. Mark Jones, the Ward 5 School Board Member, addressed MPCA on the issue of school closings as proposed by DCPS and how they impact Ward 5 specifically. Overall, their perspective suggests that Ward 5 will fare relatively well as compared to other areas of the city, as only two schools are slated for closure. These include:

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School (in Fort Lincoln), which is severely under-enrolled. School Chancellor Henderson has assured Mr. Jones that this facility will remain in DCPS inventory, as the population in the Fort Lincoln neighborhood surrounding the school is growing, with the development of new townhouses.
Spingarn High School would be closed for modernization and re-opened in 2015 as a “transportation & technical training” facility.

Mr. Jones noted the reality that the city/DCPS cannot afford to keep schools open that are severely under-enrolled. Upon questioning from MPCA members, he noted that DCPS is expected to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to demolish the vacant and deteriorating Brookland Elementary School adjacent to Turkey Thicket Recreation Center and construct a new middle school on the site. Mr. Jones indicated that he would like the new facility to be an International Baccalaureate (IB) middle school.

MPCA Website: Mr. Seth Oldmixon

As noted in the October 2012 MPCA Newsletter, we have secured a domain name of www.michiganparkdc.org, Thanks to the significant efforts of MPCA member Seth Oldmixon (who moved to Michigan Park two years ago from Austin, TX) as well as contributions from several other residents, our website is now up and running!! This is a significant accomplishment for MPCA.

Seth spent time walking members through our new website, noting that it is a great way to market Michigan Park to prospective new residents and businesses; enhance avenues of communication; and allow members to voice opinions and seek assistance on a range of issues. The website has been designed to easily add content. Seth has paid for three years of hosting the domain name.

At the moment, the website’s homepage includes: MPCA’s monthly meeting schedule; the monthly newsletters (as well as archived newsletters); e-mail sign-ups; and, a MPCA boundary map. Members discussed adding other content, such as:

Photo Gallery of Michigan Park–as a means of illustrating/showcasing our neighborhood’s housing stock and wide variety of architectural styles; and neighborhood events, such as our Casey Trees tree planting projects and park clean-ups

Sponsor Search Advertising—with various real estate agencies (such as The Menkiti Group, Long & Foster, etc.) as well as existing and new businesses located in the area. This would be a way to introduce Michigan Park to people who aren’t familiar with our neighborhood.

Members discussed how best to maximize the value of our new website and ensure our understanding of how it works. We agreed that a “Technology Committee” comprised of three or so individuals be created to work with Seth on introductory training and to identify additional features and content to be added to the website.

Miscellaneous Notes & Announcements

Next MPCA Meeting Agenda:

To Be Announced

THINGS TO REMEMBER

  • Please make a donation toward the Michigan Park Garden Fund. The association is responsible for the upkeep of 2 Butterfly Gardens and one public space.
  • The Michigan Park Citizens Association is also collecting monetary donations in order to provide Christmas gifts for a child or children at the Brookland Bunkerhill Educational Campus. If you are interested in making a donation please contact the Treasurer, Beulah Sutherland.
  • Also please remember to invite someone to the Tuesday night Christmas Potluck. All are welcome.
  • REMEMBER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL WHICH IS DUE BY JANUARY 31ST FOR THE YEAR 2013.

    HAVE A SAFE AND VERY HAPPY HOLIDAY, EVERYONE!!! 

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2012-2013 Meeting Schedule

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Michigan Park Citizens Association

SAVE THE DATES: MPCA Meetings Begin at 7:15PM

  • Tuesday, November 13, 2012
  • Tuesday, December 4, 2012 (Holiday Pot Luck Party)
  • Tuesday, January 8, 2013 (Please note: This meeting will be held at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center on Michigan Avenue NE)
  • Tuesday, February 5, 2013
  • Tuesday, March 5, 2013
  • Tuesday, April 2, 2013
  • Tuesday, May 7, 2013
  • Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Unless otherwise noted, Michigan Park Citizens’ Association meetings are held at Bunker Hill School: 1401 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017.

For directions, please use the map below:


View Larger Map

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October 2012 Minutes

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Michigan Park Citizens Association

Incoming President Tom Lavash opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Twelve members attended.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Beulah Sutherland read the Treasurer’s Report, which was submitted for audit.

Beulah read a letter of thanks from the Capital Area Food Bank (located in Ward 5) for a donation from MPCA of $89.60. Beulah noted that for many years members have brought pennies and other spare change to our monthly meetings. In September, Beulah sent them a check for the total of the accumulated coins.

There is a nominal deficit in the Christmas Fund of ($2.44). We will need to seek additional donations before the holidays to ensure that we are able to sponsor a family from Bunker Hill School again this holiday season.

DCPS Application for School Use
Ralph Bucksell told members about the difficulties this past summer to secure a room at Bunker Hill School for MPCA’s monthly meetings. He was originally told that the Association would have to pay a $762 fee to cover the costs associated with DCPS security at our meetings. In the end, the fee was waived. In the meantime, Ralph had received approval from the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center to hold meetings there. Members discussed the possibility of using the Rec Center for at least one of our meetings this year. Because the first Tuesday of November is Election Day, next month’s meeting will be held on the second Tuesday, November 13th, at Bunker Hill School.

MPCA Website Status
Members discussed the complications and significant delays associated with creating the MPCA website. If one of our members cannot set up the site, should we retain the services of a website designer or someone with expertise in creating websites? If so, should we budget for upkeep of the site? Should we seek help from local students (such as the Communications Dept. at CUA) or non- profit organizations (such as Byte Back)? Has the annual fee for the domain name been paid this year? We have secured a domain name of www.michiganparkdc.org, which members would like to maintain. Tom Lavash will research the options, including finding out who Brookland Civic Association and/or other citizens and civic associations have used to create their websites.

Membership Status
Newly-elected Financial Secretary Don Looney described his plans to update membership lists, contact lapsed members, and recruit new members. He and Ralph Bucksell have designed new membership forms for both residents and business sponsors, which will be included with the next newsletter. Members discussed the possibility of using voter registration lists from the Board of

Elections & Ethics for Precincts 66 & 67, which include Michigan Park, for a bulk mailing to Michigan Park residents. Members also discussed ways to make meetings more accessible, such as occasional Saturday meetings and streaming or recording meetings. Ralph urged members to talk to their neighbors about joining the MPCA.

Representative from At-Large Councilmember Orange’s Office
Ms. CeLillianne Green, Legislative Council to DC Councilmember Vincent Orange, updated members on the Councilmember’s recent work and requested suggestions for issues that the Councilman should address in the future. She noted other staff in the Councilmember’s office include: Ms. Estelle Lloyd, Chief of Staff, and Mr. Mark Long, Director of Community Relations.

Ms. Green described the Councilmember’s recent introduction of legislation to fund a citywide arts initiative that would require new development to fund public art based on a 0.5% contribution of the construction costs of any new project. Tom Lavash is familiar with numerous cities across the United States that have implemented similar initiatives with great success.

Ms. Green also noted that they are working with Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie to resolve the significant flooding problems in the Bloomingdale neighborhood, which has been flooded at least four times this past summer due to heavy rain. One of the interim solutions includes the distribution of “back-flow preventers”, which prevent raw sewage from “back-flowing” during heavy rain. This problem is a result of a system known as “Combined Sewer Overflow” (CSO), which combines run-off from storm sewers and sewage; this was a common practice of sewer construction in many aging Northeastern cities such as DC during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Unfortunately, DC Water’s long-

term plan to build below-ground storage vaults to resolve this problem is not anticipated to be complete before 2025.

Members told Ms. Green about continuous speeding and red light running on Taylor, South Dakota, and Michigan Avenues, and explained that none of the recommendations of a 2007 DDOT transportation and urban design study of the South Dakota Avenue corridor have been implemented. Members also asked that Councilmember Orange support efforts to bring a quality middle school to Ward 5.

Other Issues
Ralph Bucksell asked for volunteers to help lay weed fabric in the flower beds at the Shepherd Street park. Ralph has arranged for 10 cubic yards of mulch to be delivered from the City of Takoma Park, but has not yet figured out how it can be deposited into the park, as Takoma Park will only deliver to an alley in DC.

At Tom Lavash’s request, members suggested other agenda items and potential speakers for future meetings:

  • School Issues: middle school in Ward 5; middle school at Taft; (Gwen Means and Roxanne Carter will team up on school issues)
  • Other uses possible uses for Brookland Elementary School
  • Securing a library in Brookland (this could be a cooperative effort with Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association)
  • Traffic and transportation concerns; implementing recommendations of DDOT’s South Dakota Avenue study (Tom Lavash will work on this)
  • Speakers: Mr. Mark Jones, Ward 5 School Board representative; Principal of Bunker Hill School; DDOT Ward 5 Transportation Planner and Mr. Terry Bellamy, Director

Tom Lavash announced that he did another “drive-through” of parts of Michigan Park (18th & 19th/Bunker Hill Road/Upshur & Varnum Streets) with Ward 5 Arborist Mr. Ranjit Babra, to identify sites for new trees. During their tour, they identified locations for 40 new trees. These locations have been entered into DDOT’s GIS system, and are scheduled to be planted by March 2013. He also noted that DDOT is planting 400 new trees throughout Ward 5 this fall (and 200 more trees will be planted by DDOT throughout the ward in spring 2013.

The meeting adjourned at 8:55 pm.

W. Thomas (Tom) Lavash, President; Ralph Bucksell, 1st Vice President; Roxanne Carter, 2nd Vice President; Beulah Sutherland, Treasurer; Don Looney, Financial Secretary; James Watkins, Herald; Gwendolyn Means, Sergeant-at-Arms; Barbara Henderson, Elizabeth McGowen, & Lavinia Wolfarth, Members-at-Large

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June 2012 Minutes

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Michigan Park Citizens Association

Outgoing President Paul Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and read the June 2012 Treasurer’s Report, which was submitted for audit. The minutes of the May meeting were approved without amendment. There were three speakers:

Timothy Thomas, ANC 5A-08
Commissioner Tim Thomas invited Michigan Park residents to the monthly meeting of ANC 5A, scheduled for June 27th at the HSC Pediatric Center on Bunker Hill Road NE. Guest speakers to include: Councilmember Michael Brown, and Mr. Wilson, a DCPS representative, who will discuss the renovation of Bunker Hill School, which is scheduled to commence on June 16th with completion by mid-August.

The Phase 1 renovation of Bunker Hill School will include: new furniture; new and upgraded electrical; exterior doors; and central AC in specific sections of the building. Improvements scheduled for Phase 2 will include a new parking lot and playground; HVAC; and a new cafeteria.

Ralph Bucksell noted that he had spoken with the principal about the traffic congestion that occurs during drop-off/pick-up, including a recommendation that the buses be relocated to Taylor Street as a means of reducing congestion on 14th Street NE. Commissioner Thomas responded that there has been discussion about converting 14th Street NE into one-way in the morning and afternoon. He recognized the challenges of neighborhood parking. He also noted that the contracts for both the Principal and the Assistant Principal were not renewed by DCPS.

Mark Jones, Ward 5 School Board Representative
Mr. Jones reiterated that staffing at Bunker Hill School will be changing, and confirmed that the contracts for the Principal and Assistant Principal as well as several teachers were not renewed. He noted that the LSRT and Bunker Hill School PTA would be working with the DCPS Chancellor to identify a new Principal for this coming school year. In response to a question about why their contracts were not renewed, Mr. Jones responded that it was due to performance.

When the Bunker Hill School was combined with Brookland Elementary School in 2008, test scores declined. Mr. Jones attributed the declines to the “loss of the best parents” as well as the increase in out-of-boundary students. The scheduled return of Brookland students—which was scheduled to coincide with renovation/ redevelopment of that campus—has obviously not occurred.

In response to a question about the long-term plan for Bunker Hill School—which was designated historic this year by the District—Mr. Jones discussed the middle school initiative planned by DCPS for Ward 5. This initiative includes three middle schools: in a renovated Annex to McKinley Tech; one to be located at the Brown Education Campus on Maryland Avenue and 21st St. NE; and the third to be located in a new building to replace the Brookland Elementary School on Michigan Avenue.

Mr. Jones believes that competition within DCPS is healthy, and he supports the charter schools citywide. He noted, however, that DCPS needs to “level the playing field” by supporting renovated and new DCPS facilities citywide.

Mr. Jones also noted that the School Board will be voting to change graduation requirements, including the addition of a senior thesis; raising the drop-out age from 16 to 19; and, identifying minimum grade-point averages for student athletes.

Ms. Green, a representative of At-Large Councilmember Orange’s office, noted that the Councilmember has introduced legislation to provide an income-tax exemption for DCPS teachers who are residents of DC. The legislation has been assigned to the Finance Committee for review.

Ralph Bucksell raised the issue of ongoing problems associated with students of the Luke Seymour Academy located on Monroe Street NE in Brookland. Some discussion ensued about that facility, its students and staff turnover.

When asked how MPCA might assist, Mr. Jones requested that MPCA draft a letter to DCPS to address the deteriorating conditions and functional/physical obsolescence of the Brookland Elementary School campus. Mr. Jones stated that he would find out if the letter is to be addressed to DCPS or Real Estate Services. The letter will be prepared by the new officers of MPCA.

Josh Burch/Michigan Park Resident & DC Statehood Committee Rep
Mr. Burch, a resident of 13th Street NE in Michigan Park, is active in the DC Statehood Committee. He discussed the group’s ongoing activities, and noted that the committee and the Brookland Civic Association are sponsoring a community picnic, with children’s activities, on June 23rd.

The group is researching the overall fiscal impacts associated with the District becoming the 51st state. It is not fully known whether the District can afford to become a state, as the latest study was prepared by Alice Rivlin, an economist with the Brookings Institution, in 2007. She has given numerous testimony on the potential fiscal impacts, including the financial advantages created by the imposition of a commuter tax (which is prohibited by Congress), which was estimated to generate $2.26 billion per year (2007 $s).

One of the drawbacks to statehood was the 1997 decision by Congress that returned control of the city’s courts and prison systems as well as 70% of Medicaid payments to the Federal government. If DC were to become a state, this would result in the District absorbing those systems and concomitant costs—at an estimated cost of $1 billion per year. Moreover, it is not know whether Congress would keep—or return—control of several other programs, such as the city’s Tuition Assistance Program that allows DC students to attend state colleges anywhere in the U.S. at in-state tuition rates.

Mr. Burch shared his group’s ongoing efforts, which includes outreach to churches and faith-based community groups as well as lobbying before Congress. To-date, the group has spoken with staff in 30 Congressional offices.

Mr. Burch shared the analysis prepared by Mr. Natwar Ghandi, the District’s CFO, who has stated that revenues generated by a commuter tax of $2.26 billion per year would allow the District to lower its overall income tax rates, therefore generating additional population growth and net new revenues in the form of income and sales taxes from those new residents.

The DC Statehood Committee’s proposed Statehood Bill creates a “National Capital Service Area” that would encompass the Federal core/enclave around the National Mall, White House and monuments. The remainder of the city would become the State of New Columbia.

Additional information can be obtained from the group’s website: www.the51st.org

Other Business
General discussion ensued about the goals/objectives and projects for MPCA over the next year, including the formation of committees organized around specific projects. Project ideas include: continued park improvements; tree planting; park naming rights; and transportation-related, to include traffic calming/speed controls and infrastructure (new sidewalks, etc.).

The status of construction of MPCA’s website was also discussed, including finding another source to assist the Association in creating a website.

Based on recommendations of the Nominations Committee, MPCA’s new officers for the coming year include:

W. Thomas (Tom) Lavash, President
Ralph Bucksell, 1st Vice-President
Roxanne Carter, 2nd Vice-President
Beulah Sutherland, Treasurer
James Watkins, Herald
Don Looney, Financial Secretary

The post of Secretary has not yet been filled.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm. The next scheduled monthly meeting of the Michigan Park Citizens Association will take place on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at 7:15 pm, at Bunker Hill School.

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May 2012 Minutes

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Michigan Park Citizens Association

At 7:15 PM President Paul Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Paul introduced the officers, members, and visitors.  Fourteen Twelve members were present.

Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the April meeting as written in the Newsletter were approved without amendment.

Treasurer’s Report:  Treasurer Beulah Sutherland read the Treasurer’s Report, which was submitted for audit.  Beulah read a note of thanks from Edna Manuel.  Ms. Manuel expressed her gratitude for the financial assistance given by the Association when her house caught fire and her intention to repay the gift over time.  She enclosed a check.

Announcements and Presentations:

1)  Paul reported that he, David Conrad, Roxanne Carter, Hayden Wetzel, and ANC Commissioner Tim Thomas attended the April 26 meeting of the Historic Preservation Review Board and testified in favor of Historic Status for the Bunker Hill School building.  The Board unanimously approved the application, citing the universal support of the neighborhood associations, school board, and ANC.  Historic status will apply only to the exterior of the original building and will not preclude any of the planned renovations or additions.

2)  It is reported that the Bunker Hill School will again become an elementary school; the Brookland School, either renovated or rebuilt, will become a middle school.  Members discussed whether the Association should “weigh in” on the Brookland middle school issue.

3)  Josh Burch of the BNCA DC Statehood Committee spoke about his committee’s efforts to organize a grassroots movement for DC Statehood.  The committee has held a “teach-in” and a Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.  Visiting the offices of 25 House Members, they secured 5 new cosponsors for H.R. 265, the New Columbia Admissions Act.  The Act would reduce the size of the District of Columbia to include only the principle federal monuments, the White House, Capitol, Supreme Court, federal executive, legislative, and judicial office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and the Capitol building, and certain military property.  The remainder of what is now the Federal District would become the state of New Columbia.  Mr. Burch encouraged members to lobby members of Congress, urging them to cosponsor the bill.  Mr. Burch invites MPCA members to contact him with any questions, to join the Statehood Committee, and to educate others about this statehood effort.

4)  Lavinia Wohlfart read the slate of candidates nominated for MPCA offices, as printed in the April minutes.  All candidates were approved unanimously.  They are:

President – Tom Lavash

1st Vice President – Ralph Bucksell

2nd Vice President – Roxanne Carter

Herald – James Watkins

Treasurer – Beulah Sutherland

Sergeant-at-Arms – Barbara Henderson

At-Large Executive Board Members – Frances McCannon, Anne Gribbin, Paul Wood, and Luz Maria Prieto

 Paul thanked the members of the Election Committee (Lavinia Wohlfarth, Joan Thiel, and Gwendolyn Means) for their work. The new officers will take up their duties at the June 5th meeting.

5)  Paul read the motion proposed by Gwendolyn Means at the April meeting.  Motion:  Amend the by-laws to add the office of Financial Secretary to assist the Treasurer.  The motion was approved unanimously.   Paul will add the amendment to the Constitution and provide Tom Lavash with a clean copy with appropriate signatures.

6)  The Nomination Committee nominated Don Looney for the new office of Financial Secretary.  Approved unanimously.

7)  Paul reported that he had not yet been able to schedule the Director of DDOT Terry Bellamy to come to an Association meeting.

8)  Tom Lavash reported that a portable speed camera was installed in the 4200 block of South Dakota Avenue a few days after the meeting with Lisa Sutter.

9)  Paul spoke to Jesse Saucedo about the use of funds generated by speed cameras, asking that Chairman Brown include full funding of the photo enforcement program in the budget.  Mr. Saucedo told Paul that he will look into it.

10)  Members agreed that there was not enough time to notify the community of the proposed potluck picnic at the park at 12th, Shepherd, and Michigan.  Therefore, the potluck will be rescheduled for the fall, and members will meet at the park from 9:00 to 11:00 am on May 5th to weed the flower beds.

11)  Paul encouraged members to look for grant sources to help with projects for the parks and signs.  Tom pointed out that the ANC gives $1000 grants for neighborhood projects.  Phil Blair will send Tom more information about the application process.  Tom will speak to ANC Commissioners John Feeley and Tim Thomas.

12)  Vinnie Wolfarth announced that Seth Oldmixon will present the first round of the MPCA website at the June meeting.  The website will begin as something very simple and be developed over time.  Members agreed that the website should allow online registration.

13)  Vinnie suggested that the Association define the duties of the Herald.  Paul suggested that we discuss the duties of the Herald and other officers over the summer and make a decision in the fall about whether and how the duties should be defined.  Members agreed that some jobs, such as Herald, may require the assistance of other members, and that the formation of separate committees may be a good idea.

14)  Members discussed ways in which Association funds can be kept separate from Friends of the Park funds.  Paul pointed out that the FOP agreement must be renewed every three years, and that a change in the agreement language might be possible at the next renewal, in 2013.

15)  Candidate for City Council Rae Zapata introduced herself and outlined her agenda:  quality education, job training, economic development, elder care, and family-centered services.

The Meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM.

Paul Wood, President; David Conrad, 1st Vice President; Roxanne Carter, 2nd Vice President; Beulah Sutherland, Treasurer; Anne Gribbon, Secretary; Ralph Bucksell, Herald; Gwendolyn Means, Sergeant-at-Arms; Barbara Henderson, Tom Lavash, Elizabeth McGowen, & Lavinia Wolfarth, Members-at-Large

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April 2012 Minutes

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Michigan Park Citizens Association

At 7:15 pm President Paul Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. About 22 people were present.

Meeting Minutes:  The minutes of the March meeting were approved without amendment and entered into the record.

Treasurer’s Report:   Treasurer Beulah Sutherland read the Treasurer’s Report which submitted for the record.

Meeting Announcements and Presentations:

1) ANC Commissioner Timothy Thomas and Paul Wood explained that MPCA’s application for historic status for the Bunker Hill School building, which was submitted four years ago, is scheduled for a hearing with the Board of Zoning on April 26th (9:00 am, 441 4th St., NW 220 South).  Because of the length of time which has passed since the MPCA submitted its application, Mr. Thomas asked that the Association reiterate its support for the historic designation.  Both the North Michigan Park and Queen’s Chapel associations, recently approached by Mr. Thomas, have approved supporting historic designation of the school building.  Historic designation would affect only the exterior of the building; it would not affect renovation of the interior.  MOTION by Gwendolyn Means: That the Association send a letter of support for the historic designation of the Bunker Hill School building.  Approved unanimously.  Commissioner Thomas commended the Association, and especially Roxanne Carter, for the foresight in beginning the process four years ago.

2) Commissioner Thomas also gave an update on the triangle park at 18th, Michigan, and Bunker Hill Road, which is located within his SMD.  Water in the park has been turned off since a pipe froze and burst during the winter. Also, a mower knocked over one of the spigots, which now needs to be repaired.  Mr. Thomas expects water to be turned on again soon.  Mr. Thomas believes that there is money left over from the $250,000 grant for renovation of the park.  Paul will invite Brent Sisco, manager of the project, to come to the May meeting.  Tom Lavash pointed out that during the March 31st tree planting several people spent three hours weeding the flower beds in the park, cleaning up about half of them.

3) Guest speaker Lisa Sutter (lisa.sutter@dc.gov 202-492-1150), program manager for the MPD photo enforcement program, gave a presentation on the history, success, and future of photo traffic enforcement in DC.  Ms. Sutter was hired 3½ years ago to improve the photo enforcement program and expand it in new directions.

Since 1999, when the first red light cameras were used in the District, and 2001, when the first speed cameras were used, violations of both kinds have decreased by 60-90%.  Traffic fatalities have decreased by 50%.  The photo enforcement program is run by the MPD; vendors get a flat fee per camera for data collection and service.  Locations are chosen based upon crash data, fatalities, and complaints.

MPD is now in the process of expanding the photo enforcement program and purchasing seven new kinds of enforcement equipment for:

  • Intersection speed enforcement (“speed on green”), which captures the speed of cars going through intersections. The units are movable and will be attached to power poles or existing red light cameras in the District. Site selection will prioritize intersections with known speeding issues and where there have been crashes, injuries and fatalities associated with speeding
  • Portable speed units. Site selection will prioritize sites with known speeding issues and where there have been crashes, injuries and fatalities associated with speeding
  • Stop sign enforcement. Stop sign running accounts for 40%  of fatalities and serious injuries nationwide. Enforcement includes failing to come to a full stop and failure to yield right of way to pedestrians.
  • Grid lock enforcement. DC ranks third in very large urban area congestion, wasting over $2B in commuting and pollution costs. The units use video detection to determine if a vehicle has failed to clear the intersection and is blocking cross traffic or pedestrians.
  • Pedestrian safety (detects failure to stop for pedestrian at crosswalk). DC’s per capita pedestrian fatality rate is 2.33/100K residents, the third worst in the country. The units use video to detect vehicles approaching a monitored crosswalk when a person has entered the crosswalk
  • Oversized trucks. Site selection will take into account known routes where trucks drive off the designated truck routes and neighborhood requests. The units use video to detect overheight or over-length vehicles. If the unit detects that the vehicle is too tall or too long, it will store the associated images and video for manual review.
  • Overweight trucks. The units are manned with portable scales and will be deployed outside of construction sites. If the unit detects that the vehicle is overweight for its size and permitted tag weight, it will store the associated images and video for manual review

Under a five year contract with the District, the vendors will teach MPD employees to collect data and service the equipment, adding 20-30 new jobs.

Although the funding for this expansion was approved in the 2010 budget, the contract took a long time to be finalized.  In 2012, because the Mayor has directed that all revenues go to the general fund, rather than the special revenue fund as in previous years, funding is reduced and uncertain.  As a result, mobile car enforcement has been reduced from 21 to 12 cars per shift. Ms. Sutter will send Paul Wood further information about the funding problems. Paul will pass this information to the membership for the purpose of deciding whether to write a letter of support for full funding of the program.

On April 11th, a portable speed unit will installed in the 4200 block (northbound) of South Dakota Avenue.  Ms. Sutter requested that residents call or Email her directly to request a camera at a particular site.  Members discussed other ways to enforce speed limits, including more signs, speed tables, and clearly marked crosswalks.  Paul will invite Terry Bellamy, Director of DDOT, to the May meeting.

Other interesting facts from Ms. Sutter:

  • Half of all traffic fatalities are pedestrians.
  • A pedestrian hit by a car going 20 mph has a 5% chance of being killed. A pedestrian hit by a car going 40 mph has an 80% chance of being killed.
  • Seventy-five percent of violators are out-of-state residents.
  • Fines for violations caught by cameras are the same as those caught by officers and about the same as those of other nearby jurisdictions.
  • The District has longer yellow lights than most other jurisdictions.  Federal regulations require one second per 10 mph speed limit.  In the District the minimum is four seconds per 10 mph.

4)    Paul explained the tax exempt sponsorship arrangement proposed by the Community Foundation.  Because the MPCA is a small organization and with limited financial needs, the Community Foundation will not need to sponsor the Association as a whole, but only individual grants.  When the Association identifies a funding opportunity, it will contact the Community Foundation.  The Foundation will help the Association meet the requirements of the proposed grant.  If the application is successful, the funds will go to the Foundation which will disperse them to the Association as appropriate.  For this service, the Foundation will keep 1% of the money.  Paul explained that this is an extraordinarily generous arrangement on the part of the Community Foundation, as most sponsors keep a far higher percentage.  MOTION by Roxanne Carter: The MPCA agrees to the 501(c)3 sponsorship arrangement proposed by the Community Foundation.  Approved unanimously.

5)    Paul announced the names of those nominated by the Election Committee.  Also, Roxanne nominated James Watkins for the office of Herald.  Those nominated are:

President – Tom Lavash

1st Vice President – Ralph Bucksell

2nd Vice President – Roxanne Carter

Herald – James Watkins

Treasurer – Beulah Sutherland

Sergeant-at-Arms – Barbara Henderson

At-Large Executive Board Members – Frances McCannon, Anne Gribbin, Paul Wood, and Luz Maria Prieto

 No one has been nominated for the office of Secretary.  The Election Committee recommended the nomination of Don Looney as Financial Secretary to help alleviate the many administrative tasks associated with finances to include tracking membership, updating mailing lists from the membership roster and mailing reminders.  An amendment to the MPCA Constitution is required to create the new office of Financial Secretary.  MOTION by Gwendolyn Means: Amend the by-laws to add the office of Financial Secretary to assist the Treasurer.  (Members approved the motion; but because amendments “must be submitted by the meeting prior to the one at which they are to be acted upon,” an official vote cannot take place until the May meeting.)

 

Ralph pointed out that our Friends of the Park agreement specifies that funds raised for the park will revert to the District should we lose our FOP status.  Ralph asked how the Association will ensure that FOP funds are kept separate from other funds and whether the Constitution addresses the issue of designated funds.  Ralph proposed that the Association set an annual budget, allocating funds for the park.  Paul will bring the FOP agreement to the May meeting to so that members may study its exact wording.

A weeding party and pot luck picnic will be scheduled for the park at Michigan Avenue, 12th and Shepherd Streets.  Lavinia Wolfarth will provide a tent and tables.  No date has been set.

Two candidates for Ward 5 Councilmember, Shelly Gardner and Andrew Hubbard, gave brief presentations about their candidacy.

Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Future speakers and topics

Scheduled April 2012 Agenda Items:

1. Historic Designation Bunker Hill School

2. DOT Representative

3. Spring Planting review and planning

4. 501c(3) Status Update

  1. Election of New Executive Committee
  2. Voting on Changes to MPCA Constitution

 

Paul Wood, President; David Conrad, 1st Vice President; Roxanne Carter, 2nd Vice President; Beulah Sutherland, Treasurer; Anne Gribbon, Secretary; Ralph Bucksell, Herald; Gwendolyn Means, Sergeant-at-Arms; Barbara Henderson, Tom Lavash, Elizabeth McGowen, & Lavinia Wolfarth, Members at Large

 

 

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March 2012 Meeting Minutes

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Michigan Park Citizens Association

At 7:20 pm President Paul Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ten members and three guests were present.

Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the February meeting were approved without amendment and entered into the record.

Treasurer’s Report:   Treasurer Beulah Sutherland being absent, the Treasurer’s Report was not submitted.

Meeting Announcements and Presentations:

1)     Paul reminded members of the upcoming election of new members.  Lavinia Wolfarth and Joan Thiel volunteered to form a nominating committee.  They will find a third person for the committee.

2)    Liz Ball, of Casey Trees,

a) distributed the spring tree planting schedule (March 3rd to May 5th) and reminded members to register for the MPCA sponsored March 31st tree planting, which will take place at the triangle park at 18th and Michigan Avenue, across from the HSC Pediatric Center.  Casey Trees hopes to have about 35 volunteers to plant the 17 donated trees.  Volunteers may register online at http://ct.convio.net/calendar .   On the morning of the 31st, coffee and bagels will be provided by Casey Trees, followed by brief instructions and planting at 9:00.  Lunch will be provided by MPCA [Note: 13 Trees, not 17 as originally reported, will be planted in the park on the 31st.  Two Crape Myrtles were eliminated and the two elms intended for the tree boxes on the Bunker Hill Road will be part of Casey Trees Winter Elm planting project.]

3)    Members discussed what the MPCA will provide for lunch after the tree planting.  Tom said that word has spread about the delicious lunch prepared by Dan Moller after last year’s planting   Supplies for the lunch cost about $12 per person.  MOTION by Joan Thiel:  The MPCA shall take $400 out of our budget to pay for ingredients for the lunch, and ask members to chip in $20 or whatever they can.  Approved unanimously.  It was also suggested that a donation can or envelope be made available on the day of the planting to help defray the cost of the lunch.

4)    Members discussed what to do about the weeds in both the 18th Street and the 12th Street parks.  As Friends of the Park at 12th street, we shall arrange a day for weeding.  The DC-Dakar Sister City group is Friends of the Park at 18th.  Ralph will be talking to someone in that group in the coming week.  He will ask if they would like MPCA to help with the weeds.

5)    Members explained to Liz Ball problem with water access at the 12th and Michigan Ave. park.  Paul will send her an email explaining the history and current status of our attempt to get water for the park.  Liz will follow up with Casey Trees and her contacts in the District government.

3)   Paul has submitted to the Community Foundation through Sarah Oldmixon the MPCA application for 501(c)3 sponsorship.    A board will review applications in April.  Anticipating approval, MPCA should start thinking about projects for which we can apply for grants.  Initially, our projects will primarily deal with parks.  Lavinia Wolfarth pointed out that we can apply for a grant from the ANCs without 501(c)3 status.

4)   Paul asked that someone take on the project of researching the options and prices for MICHIGAN PARK signs to be placed on Michigan Avenue.  Lavinia said that the Brookland signs, which were made by a resident of Brookland who has moved, cost $2,500 (12th & Michigan) and $1,500 (10th & Michigan).  Most neighborhood signs cost about $1,000 each.   Tom Lavash volunteered to research the signs.  Anne Gribbin brought up the question of names for the unnamed parks in Michigan Park.  Anne will take the lead on that issue.

5)   Jesse Saucedo, Legislative Assistant to Chairman Kwame Brown, distributed the public hearing schedule for the 2013 budget.  Mayor Gray will submit the FY 2013 proposed budget on March 23rd.  Oversight hearings on each of the District agencies will take place from March 28th until the end of April.  Mr. Saucedo urged residents to attend hearings, request to testify, or submit written testimony.    These hearings give residents the opportunity to offer criticisms and recommendations about the District agencies and departments.

Mr. Saucedo said that Chairman Brown’s priorities are education (Omnibus Education Bill introduced that morning) and economic development.  He will Email press materials to Paul.   Ralph told Mr. Saucedo that the District ought to raise the age at which kids can drop out of school because,  “We already have a job training program; it’s called school.”

Tom Lavash explained that a the recommendations of a 2007 DDOT transportation and urban design study for improvements to South Dakota Ave have never been implemented.  Mr. Saucedo recommended that the Association ask DDOT Director Terry Bellamy to speak to members, as he has other neighborhood associations.  MOTION by Tom:  The Association will invite Director Bellamy to address the membership at a regular scheduled monthly meeting.  Approved unanimously.

Future speakers and topics

RiverSmart (DDOE program to promote landscape enhancements to reduce stormwater run-off); Live Well DC (DOH health initiative); Explanation of new tax assessments; Home saving program;

Donna Pressley, principal of Brookland Education Campus at Bunker Hill

Future Projects

Potluck and membership drive at 12th Street park; signage for trees at 12th Street park; Skype membership meetings

Ralph expressed concern over lack of thank you notes from recipients of Christmas gifts and savings bonds.  Roxanne will speak to social worker and/or school.

Tom said that he recently toured his neighborhood with DC arborist Ranjit Babra in order to identify appropriate sites for new trees.  Within one week, DDOT planted 16 new trees in the selected locations.  Also, Mr. Babra supervised the careful trimming of trees along several blocks of South Dakota Ave.  The Association will send a letter of appreciation to Mr. Babra, cc’d to John Thomas.

Scheduled March 2012 Agenda Items:

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

1. Historic Designation Bunker Hill School

2. Lisa Sutter, Program Manager, Metro Police Dept, Homeland Security Bureau

3. Spring Planting review and planning

4. 501c(3) Status

5. Report of the Election Committee

Paul Wood, President; David Conrad, 1st Vice President; Roxanne Carter, 2nd Vice President; Beulah Sutherland, Treasurer; Anne Gribbon, Secretary; Ralph Bucksell, Herald; Gwendolyn Means, Sergeant-at-Arms; Barbara Henderson, Tom Lavash, Elizabeth McGowen, & Lavinia Wolfarth, Members-at-Large

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