ANC 3/4G-05 Updates, 7/15

The last ANC meeting of the summer is on Monday, July 24th. We take a break from meetings in August and resume in September. 

The most consequential issue before the ANC is the redevelopment of the library and community center. I delayed a resolution last meeting, but will bring it before the ANC on the 24th. 

It will seek the following:

-Clarity on the goals for the library, community center, outdoor space, and housing from the city's perspective.

-To urge the city to receive the ANC community survey, to be completed by October, before advancing the zoning process. 

-To urge the city to explore acquiring the Wells Fargo site. 

Why?

-The community should understand the current goals for the site if city agencies--the Office of Planning & the Department of Planning and Economic Development--currently have them. If they do not have specific goals, then now would be a good time to understand where the community stands to help inform those goals, and subsequently the zoning. I've often been told that those questions and community feedback will be dealt with in the Our RFP process. We may only have 2-3 meetings in the Our RFP process. Nothing is guaranteed. To the extent that there may be current goals or vision, we should know that now. If the Wells Fargo site were added to this project, I believe, much of the tension around space would be alleviated. It is a long shot, but one worth attempting. 

If you are a neighbor that lives on Northampton Street or McKinley, on the blocks just off of Connecticut Ave, please reach out for an upcoming informational meeting about the civic core site. 

In other area updates, DDOT has cancelled their speed table program on McKinley. This is the explanation from DDOT

The 3400-3500 Blocks of McKinley Street NW was recently re-evaluated and there is a concern regarding heavy vehicle volume. Unfortunately, it turns out the heavy vehicle volume of this stretch of McKinley is roughly 9% and the threshold for collector streets has to be less than 5% for vertical traffic calming measures to be warranted. With this new information, we will be unable to install speed tables after all.

However, please let the community know our engineers are working on assessing other feasible alternatives to address traffic calming. This is still currently under review and further updates will be made available when possible.

Thanks to a neighbor who reached out to us, Commissioner Nash and I are working on road safety issues on Broad Branch Rd. south of Military leading into Rock Creek Park. We will advance two resolutions at the upcoming meeting. 

If you have any issue big or small, please connect with us by email, phone, or conversation—whatever works best. You never know how the ANC may be able to help. 

GOP members of Congress continue to interfere in Washington's local politics. Without DC Statehood, we can expect this to continue. Your rights, your representative democracy, is being trampled on. Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton's released this recent press release. Take a look, and get fired up. 

Hands Off DC is a group holding members of Congress accountable and rallying around DC Statehood. I encourage you to check them out and get involved. 

If you want to learn more about DC Statehood, on July 26th, at 6pm, ANXO Brewery on Kennedy Street and I will be hosting a viewing of The Last Battlefront—a documentary about DC Statehood and our voting rights. Please email me if you would like to attend. 

It's depressing not having a voice in Congress. Cheer yourself up at the legendary Fort Reno summer concerts. Here is the schedule and website. 

Be sure to followJerry Malitz's Community Newsletter.This ishis latest.

Local group Goods for Good also has a recent newsletter that can be found here. 

Please Follow District Bridges as well, this is their latest update, and a couple interesting highlights below:

PLEASE FILL OUT THE CHEVY CHASE DC DAY SURVEY! Chevy Chase Community Association has requested the Main Street's involvement with their annual community festival this year and we need your input! How would you like to be involved? Sponsor a face painter? Offer discount? Live music? The options are endless! Fill out this survey or get in touch with Anna Claire to discuss how to utilize this exciting weekend in the neighborhood to promote your business. Saturday, September 23rd from 1-4pm.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY WITH HUGE COMMUNITY REACH! District Bridges is partnering with Soofa Signs to bring an innovative wayfinding and communication method to five DC neighborhoods. This wire-free, 100% sustainable sign will offer on-demand pedestrian data to us and our sponsors, while increasing access to vital community information. Look into investing into this project and promote your business throughout DC. More details here.

Finally, the DC State Fair is around the corner. 

The DC State Fair is a free annual event to celebrate the District's homegrown agricultural, artistic, and culinary talents. This year's fair will be on Sunday September 10 at Franklin Park. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and deep-fried foods—the DC State Fair honors what makes the District unique.

The DC State Fair recently opened up registration for contests, which include everything from best apple pie to funkiest looking vegetable. If you are interested in registering for a contest, please read more about the rules and how to register in the contest guide here: https://dcstatefair.org/contests. Contests are free to participate in. 

I hope you have a great summer. Thanks for the opportunity to serve this great community. Onward to 51!