Eastland Gardens Civic Association

Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

1.Call to Order

EGCA President Rochelle Frazier Gray called the meeting to order and EGCA Vice President Monica Johnson opened with a prayer.

2.Kenilworth-Parkside Rec Center Update

  • John Stokes and Cynthia McClinton said the project is on time and on budget, slated for completion in Spring 2017. They will provide another update in a quarter.
  • The steel frames for the gym are present, they have begun digging the hole for the pool and the pool house. Plumbing and electrical are done, walls are being put up next and then concrete for the pool will be poured. They are slating for the pool to open by Memorial Day.
  • Residents asked about the kinds of programs that would be provided. Initially, there were discussions about programs and the community helped with suggestions for teen and senior programs. The group will need to return to discuss again in more detail. People mentioned the facility at Ridge Road – no people, no programs. The team is beginning the planning now for the Kenilworth programs. They are working with DPR and contractors to lead the classes and their mission is to “provide the very best staff and programs.”
  • One of the issues a resident mentioned is that classes will be advertised and then cancelled when not enough people show up. John indicated they are working with their vendor and plan to be on-line in April/May of 2017. They will be pushing for a longer registration period and the new system should tell you about the number of open spots in the class, when the registration is closing, etc. He suggested viewing the registration numbers and urging neighbors to sign up if the numbers look low.
  • Residents asked if there could be a consistent starting time for the construction workers? Cynthia indicated they should be starting at 7:30, but residents indicated they have seen starting times of 6am. Residents were urged to alert Rochelle if this happens so they can address it.
  • Question: what is happening with the crosswalks in the area – are they being torn down? John Stokes indicated that they might be removed until the construction is completed.
  • Question: The pool cover is damaged and there is water there that brings mosquitos. Could the water be drained? John said draining the pool is only a temporary solution since you have to keep draining. He said that NPR and DPR would fill the pool in. Neighbors suggested using the dirt from the pool excavation.
  • Question: Can the fence in the park be moved? John Stokes will review – it might be a safety issue.
  • Question: Can the tree boxes be re-sodded? Answer – will be looked at.
  • John Stokes also indicated he is willing fund a bowling trip for 15 neighborhood kids in October.

3. President’s Report

  • Rochelle described the summer celebration where 11 seniors were honored. The event was a success and the committee and Mr. Dixon were thanked for their efforts.
  • There is a great article in East of the River about Erman Clay.
  • DDOT was going to come out, but there has been no progress on projects. They will come in October. Issues:
  • East Capitol Street bridge renovation – we want to be able to access RFK
  • 295 work – there are safety issues – the project will be 9 months long
  • Status of planning for the Kenilworth Ave redesign
  • New camera at Douglas and Kenilworth. Data was collected, it was removed, cars started speeding again and it was put back.
  • Rochelle spoke with Alberta Paul about re-striping areas of the neighborhood. Take photos and report areas that need re-striping to Rochelle
  • Big events on 9/24: DC Cross Country in Kenilworth and opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Several new neighbors were in attendance: Andrew Bochover and his wife Kate, Darlene McAway and Loretta.
  • 311 service requests were being closed when they weren’t completed. When you log these, get the confirmation numbers. EGCA will be glad to follow up.
  • Scholarships – Zion has offered to start with donations – we need people to help create a scholarship committee to make this happen
  • We are cleaning our listserve list – expect to receive emails asking if you want to remain on the list
  • Vacant houses – keep an eye out for issues and report if issues are seen
  • Kenilworth Courts development – there was a hearing on 9/8 at which Rochelle testified. Residents feel they are not been treated fairly and EGCA is opposing it – we did not provide a letter of support. The main issue – many new units, no plans for crime, traffic, no retail space. The ANC is having a special meeting on 9/27 on the issue at 4500 Quarles Avenue – Kenilworth Courts.

4.Community Concerns

  • There are reports of a number of cars in the neighborhood where people sit in their cars, or go head through an alley (near 1225 42nd Place) and then return to the car. One resident reported having 6 people on her roof the previous night. This same issue occurs in Kenilworth Park. Suspicious activity is seen on Nash Street daily.
  • Police indicated if we see this, call 911 and provide the vehicle tag # and a description. There is a “crime suppression unit” that is charged with following up on these reports. They will come over, possibly undercover, and observe to try to get more information.
  • The police present mentioned the “Safer Stronger DC” program where cameras are being installed. Residents can also purchase a camera for their homes and request reimbursement.
  • Note that there are only 2 police for Eastland Gardens and River Terrace.
  • Karen Williams of Ward 7 said that she is holding meetings with residents to try to organize around issues of crime and traffic.
  • There was a report from T. A. Takaya (T. N. Tate?)representing Anita Bonds, congresswoman at large. September 20 was the first day back in session and Ms. Bonds put toward 3 bills:
  • A bill to put a cap on rental late fees
  • A bill to eliminate the 2% increase for apartments under rent control
  • A bill to provide grants to income-eligible seniors and disabled through the “Safe at Home” act. People can apply for up to $10k to make their home safer and more accessible. This money can pay for things like lift chairs/stairs.
  • There is another project Ms. Bonds is working on to convert vacant properties into affordable housing. There are loans to redevelop vacant and blighted properties. The goal is to attract non-profits, developers and small companies. One civic association formed a corporation to fix some of the properties.
  • To reach Ms. Bonds – 202-724-8064, especially on issues related to DC housing.

5.Mary Okon

  • Mary, from the American Heart and Stroke Association will return to a future meeting with flyers.

6.ANC Reports

  • Siraaj Hasan
  • Siraaj reiterated that the neighborhood involvement had a big impact on the Kenilworth Court development project. While it would be a benefit to clean up and upgrade that area, “concentrated poverty” does not work. And what did this project mean for the residents – there was not a good relocation plan. A “mixed income community” is what is planned, but there was no traffic plan, even though they plan to move from 290 units to 530 units. In addition, we live in a food desert and there were no provisions for this.
  • The ANCs did not provide a letter of support at the zoning meeting – “we have to hold their feet to the fire”
  • Siraaj did report that the Safeway at Minnesota and Benning is the most profitable in the DMV. The CVS next door is the 4th most profitable. This is evidence we can provide to prospective retailers to move into our area.
  • There is an upcoming meeting to discuss this issue with the DC Housing Authority and the developers.
  • The playground issue is close to being resolved - DPR is now committed to renovating the park. Siraaj met with the new Director of National Parks East and the new equipment will now be installed. The equipment is purchased and sitting in a warehouse. This issue was a challenge because the Kenilworth area is mostly Federal land and some is contaminated, so that prohibits renovation. There are provisions what guide what you can and cannot do and often DPR and NPS fight over jurisdiction. For those who are interested, there are maps showing the areas of contamination.
  • Justin Lini
  • Justin reported that City Interests are putting another apartment building in Parkside
  • The Urban Land Institute is looking into future uses for the Pepco area
  • Justin wrote an article in Greater Greater Washington about community access through Pepco
  • There is a lane issue with bikes on Hayes – 2 bridges on Hayes Street that Justin is looking into
  • DDOT is doing a transportation study in FY17 and they plan to meet with the community. We need to look out for notices about this and get involved.
  • The speed camera at Foote and 295 was moved to the other side – look out for this
  • DDOT has not responded to any suggestions from City Interests and the Kenilworth Courts developments
  • NPS, the Department of the Environment and the Anacostia Trust plan to come here to discuss environmental sites and open spaces
  • FIOS is pushing people to move to their service – they are no longer servicing copper lines
  • Question: DC Wasa – the bridge was flooded under 295 and Burroughs/Kenilworth and they moved a generator. There were no details on this
  • Question: What was the reason for the long power outage? Justin learned that someone hit something which caused the problem.

7.Announcements

  • Rinaldo Washington works at Sanctuary Senior Village and there is an event on October 22 to take seniors to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. He is looking for volunteers to assist
  • The Eastland Gardens Flower Club is looking for donations to help pay for Christmas decorations.

8.Closing

  • Ms. Jenkins closed the meeting with the 91st psalm – the prayer of protection.

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