ANC 3/4G-05 Updates and Events, 7/15/24
Hello Good Neighbors,
We have one more ANC summer meeting on July 22. I hope to see you there. Please read ahead for upcoming issues and events.
-The Maret Turf/Grass Field issue.
There are currently 4 different resolutions circulating amongst commissioners that in varying degrees support grass fields for the whole city, or Maret, or both. Follow our website for the meeting update and resoutions.
Transportation:
-WMATA Busses
Today is the last day to fill out your preferences for WMATA's new plan. Many are worried about the projected limited services. The survey is here and needs to be finished on July 15.
-Transportation Committee:
Today is the last chance to fill out the survey put together by the Safety subcommittee of the ANC 3/4G Transportation Committee. They want to identify targeted areas that are in need of safety enhancements, or if there are specific blocks, sidewalks, and intersections you see as needing safety improvements. Deadline is July 15, the survey is here.
Chevy Chase Civic Core:
The Office of Planning approved zoning for Connecticut Avenue and the Civic Core on July 11. This is OP's recent memo on the zoning. I remain concerned that the community center, library, and outdoor space will be minimized to include majority market rate housing. I am also concerned that retail is being welcomed at the site contrary to the community's desire for a strong public/civic space. I remain committed to the idea that if there is housing at this site it should be majority affordable, preferably all affordable, and for profit businesses should not be included in the development. The RFP deadline is in late August, after that we will be able to see exactly what is being proposed.
Councilmember Matt Frumin is the keynote speaker at a ticketed event this week sponsored by Biznow and the Chevy Chase Land Company. I've requested that he make public both his speech and the list of attendees at the event. There has been no response. If a group of people—in this case bankers and developers--are gathered to hear from a councilmember in their official capacity, with the future of your neighborhood at hand, you should not be required to pay to join the conversation. Councilmember Frumin has my support most of the time, but I think this is a mistake.
-The future of the ANC
I will step down at the end of my term. I've learned a lot and been able to meet fantastic neighbors I wouldn't ordinarily have met. The ANC is a function of Home Rule, DC's government, which is essential, important, and a unique way to connect people to their government. I will do my best to make sure whoever steps into the SMD-05 seat has all the support I can provide.
You may have noticed over the last year or so, and in the last week, that this ANC is not without its challenges. I believe at their core each commissioner wants to serve their community, but I stand by my comments in the listserv. Fresh perspectives are necessary. We need fair minded, open, transparent, and team oriented folks to run for each SMD seat. You as a voter deserve choices and a cooperative ANC that works together for your benefit.
This Tuesday at 5pm at Little Beast Chevy Chase Citizens Association will host an informational meeting about running for an ANC seat. Please encourage anyone you think would be a good candidate to attend and consider running.
Mark Rooney has decided to run for the ANC 3/4G-05 seat. I've had nothing but positive interactions with him and I wish him the best during the campaign. You can reach him at merooney@gmail.com.
Education:
Principal Prall spoke at the June 24 ANC meeting. She requested, for the school's benefit, that if you know your child plans to attend in the fall to please register early so that Lafayette has an accurate understanding of the students attending this coming year.
Representatives of Deputy Mayor of Education Paul Kihn and Chancellor of DCPS Lewis Ferebee, the leaders of DC schools appointed by the Mayor, declined a request to attend one of ANC 3/4G's summer meetings. They may make time in the Fall. They issued a written response to our WTU resolution addressing teachers that still don't have a contract, and our letter expressing concern over budget cuts resulting in fewer staff at schools with more kids.
-The WTU resolution can be found here.
-The ANC budget letter can be found here.
-Further context and background in previous newsletter can be found here.
-This week's response from DCPS is linked here.
I encourage everyone to review these, particularly parents of kids impacted at our schools. I hope that you and all of us at the ANC will continue to advocate for every school in the city.
Ivy City
The ANC sent the RASE letter of support for the Ivy City neighborhood and their struggle with air pollution. Thanks to Karrenthya Simmons and Libby Martin for drafting the letter from RASE. If you're interested in the issues of race and social justice they explore, consider attending a meeting.
DC Statehood:
Home Rule in DC continues to be attacked, but Congresswoman Norton points out these attacks are more frequent because we are getting close to DC Statehood. I agree and we must continue working for that goal.
John Lewis Day of Commemoration and Action
This is from the DC League of Women Voters:
July 17 is the 4th anniversary of the passing of John Lewis. Major organizations working in the democracy field, including LWVUS, are sponsoring a nationwide John Lewis Day of Commemoration and Action. A major event will be held in Washington, DC, on Black Lives Matter Plaza, from 5:30 - 8:30 pm, with significant speakers joining us; the event will also be live streamed. The theme is carrying on John Lewis's work by supporting four important bills: John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Freedom to Vote Act, Native Americans Voting Rights Act, and Washington DC Admission Act!
-Volunteers are needed: To register and engage voters, sign-up here. Even if you can't volunteer, please attend in person or virtually to support the right to vote!
Stay involved and follow along with Chevy Chase News and Notes, follow the ANC on Facebook, X(Twitter), and look for posts on the Chevy Chase Chatter Facebook page, as well as Nextdoor. Also be sure to subscribe to Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin's newsletter.
There are six more free shows at the legendary Fort Reno Concert series! Go check it out and have some fun.
(Photo courtesy of PopVille)
Thank you for your support, for being a great community, and if you need anything or have any feedback please reach out.
Peter Lynch
Commissioner, ANC 3/4G-05
(202) 495-0822