Kris Hammond

ANC 5C Meeting Tonight

2008-12-16T08:12:00.002-05:00

Tonight is my final meeting as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner. Since this is the December meeting, it will be short and end with a community social event.

The following are some highlights:

Tuesday, December 16, 2008
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.Trinity University, Main Hall
Michigan Ave at Franklin St, NE

Feature Presentation 7:20 – 8:00 pm
DC Department of Transportation: Traffic Planning Related to Various Development Projects in ANC5
CGabriela Vega and Alan Fye, Planning and Policy Office
Gloria Bosse-Kouabo, Traffic Calming Division

Community Update Meeting Concerning St. Martin's Apartments

2008-10-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

This evening I attended the community informational meeting hosted by the St. Martin's Steering Committee and ANC Commissioner Mary Lois Farmer-Allen (5C06) at McKinley Technology High School. Construction will begin this month on the St. Martin's Apartments, which will provide 178 units of workforce and low-income housing at 116 T Street NE.

Approximately 25 people were in attendance at the beginning of the meeting. Father Michael Kelley of St. Martin's Catholic Church made some brief comments, thanked the community for its input, and asked for prayers for the safety of the construction workers. Commissioner Farmer-Allen made a few comments, then developer Neal Drobenare introduced some new people who will be involved with the construction.

Drobenare announced that there will be a 2-year construction period from ground-breaking to final completion of 178 units and 176 underground parking spaces.

The heaviest period of truck traffic will occur during the first 6-week period of the project; after that time, traffic will be greatly reduced. Construction will begin every day (5 days per week) at 7 a.m. The truck traffic will be split between those trucks driving north from the construction site towards Rhode Island Avenue and those trucks that will travel south along 2nd Street N.E., then down Eckington Place N.E. R Street residents have expressed numerous concerns about heavy traffic in the past, and with a question I confirmed that no trucks will be traveling down the 100 or unit blocks of R Street N.E.

For two months, one block of Todd Place will be designated a no-parking zone. With this notification, one resident posed some pointed questions about parking. This was surprising because I recognized this resident as being one of the strongest supporters of the project among those who lived close to the site prior to regulatory approval.

Another individual charged that it appeared as though the construction workers were being favored over the residents. A complicating factor over which St. Martin's had no control was the absence of a representative from the D.C. Department of Transportation who was supposed to be present. Drobenare pointed out that although some parking would be temporarily lost, other zones that are currently designated as "no parking" would be freed for use.

At one point, Drobenare said that the plan had been put together with the advice of all the area civic associations. At that moment, a woman stood up and walked briskly from the room, apparently angry. Other residents indicated either during the meeting or afterwards that Drobenare's manner was offensive. Personally, I don't think that Drobenare said anything out of line, but given that I am lawyer (as he is), perhaps I didn't sense what some residents did.

Because the DDOT representive was not available, many uncertainties remain. One thing for sure, however, is that Hyde School will need to find a replacement for the 40 off-street parking spots it will lose during construction.

Drobenare stressed that residents with concerns during construction should come to St. Martin's first before posting a comment on a listserv or the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. The main contact will be Michael Blaylock (superintendent@st-martins-apts.com) and the construction manager will be Jim Brown (301-423-6000). The relevant contact information will also be posted on-site.

One resident asked whether the project was sufficiently capitalized to endure the current economic chaos in the credit markets. Drobenare assured the audience that there would be no problems with funding the project.

Votes Cast at Last Night's ANC Meeting

2008-09-17T01:09:00.000-04:00

I'd like to offer a rationale for some of my votes at last night's 3.5 hour ANC 5C meeting (it was an exceedingly long meeting, but constituent Ted McGinn was present the entire time). My colleagues didn't seem to understand and were amused that I was often the only "no" or "abstain" vote.

A quick aside: Terrance Judge of the Metropolitian Basketball League gave ANC 5C an appreciation plaque as a thank you for the Commission's grant that assisted the MBL with its basketball tournament. I don't ever recall an appreciative gesture to the ANC like that before, thanks Terrance.

The first Commission vote was on the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Request for St. Paul’s Housing Development. Commissioner Silas Grant urged that the Commission voted down approval for the project because he and several community members had concerns with the amenities package proposed by St. Paul's, in part because it was supposedly inadequate. I have a problem with the amenities package concept (also known as legal bribery or extortion in some circles).

Normally I would vote with deference to the Commissioner with a particular interest in a project, and likewise I would vote begrudingly in favor of an amenities package where the developer and residents agreed. Here they disagreed and the entitlement mentality reared its head.

The developer offered 25 affordable housing units in an environment in which we are facing a housing crisis with ever-dropping housing prices, and shelled out hundreds of thousands of dollars for various community projects and benefits. Detractors wanted millions.

The project construction will bring jobs earmarked for D.C. residents to our area. The people who move in will expand our tax base. We're fortunate that the developer is still moving forward with the project given the economic crisis currently gripping the country. Lehman Brothers went bankrupt this week.

I was the only Commissioner to vote against Silas's proposal.

Then Ted McGinn sought a vote on his WiFi Network Proposal (ANC single member district 5c03) and several commissioners thought it would be a conflict of interest to proceed at this time because Ted is running for my seat on the Commission. So the Commission voted to defer a vote until... Ted is actually a commissioner and might actually have a conflict of interest. All they did was deprive SMD 5C-02 of a vote on the project. I voted to abstain because I have endorsed Ted for the office.

And what is the project Ted is chairing? Its predominant purpose is to bring the internet to the poor and connect them to the wider community. Ted gains no economic benefit, only bragging rights. And he's not a commissioner... yet.

The evening didn't slow down. Next came an emergency vote request by KIPP Public Charter School concerning its proposal for Cook Elementary School. This matter has been around for a couple of months, but this item went on the agenda only days ago. I tried to get Paul Ruppert on the agenda out of fairness, because he has a competing proposal.

The presentation didn't go very well for KIPP, I think they had technical difficulties. Commissioners properly zoned in on the fact that the community had not had a chance to weigh in on the proposed use (I for one had little notice that ANC 5C would become involved in the matter). The Commission voted sensibly to defer a vote until residents have had a chance to hear the proposals of all. I found this to be the best possible resolution, because both of the leading proposals are high-quality and informed residents should make this judgment call.

At this time, I went over to talk to Alex of KIPP and Paul to let them know that I valued both of their projects, and that we should work out a time for presentations to residents. By the time I made my way back to my seat, another vote was already being taken on the PUD Extension for the 4th and Rhode Island NE Project. Having heard virtually none of the brief presentation, I voted to abstain and my colleagues were amused. But how could I cast a completely uninformed vote?

Some of the most contentious moments were left for last. Chairwoman Bonds was moving towards closing the meeting when a resident asked to address a community concern. Bonds noted that the community concerns portion of the meeting had been at the beginning but gave this T Street N.W. resident the opportunity to speak. And she then spoke perhaps more eloquently than anyone else that evening.

The resident was very concerned about an upstart business's application for a tavern license. Parking, noise, trash, extended operation hours, and higher crime were the stated concerns. Fair enough, but the residents would-be brief comments turned into a resolution for ANC 5C to back a challenge to the liquor license. The resolution obviously had not been on the agenda and the tavern owner had been given no notice of the impromptu resolution affecting his rights. I voted no on the challenge due to due process concerns.

Residents can and will challenge this liquor license and seek concessions. We ought to respect our businesses (there are too few) enough to give their owners the opportunity to present the other side. The resolution passed, but I believe that other commissioners were on board with me on this one.

Finally, our treasurer gave the latest estimated figures on ANC 5C's net worth: $15,572 in checking and $147,416 in savings. I hope we can trust Industrial Bank to stay afloat.

Big Bear Celebrates Its First Year Anniversary

2008-09-14T21:45:00.004-04:00

There was beer, there was roast pig, and eventually there was wild dancing.

It all took place tonight at our very own Big Bear Cafe, celebrating its one-year anniversary of existence in Bloomingdale.

After achieving a zoning change in the near future, the next stop for Stu and Lana: a liquor license.

Agenda for this Tuesday's Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

2008-09-13T17:02:00.006-04:00

Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Catholic University Pryzbyla Center
off McCormick Road, NE (behind the Columbus School of Law)
7:05 – 9:00 p.m.

Part I: Community Concerns and Reports ------ 7:05 p.m.

1) Call to Order …………………………………………….… Commissioner Bonds
2) Roll Call …………………………………………………... Commissioner Daneker
3) Approval of the July 2008 Meeting Minutes ….………… Commissioner Salatti
4) Acknowledgement of Community and Guests ………….. Commissioners Day and Holloway
5) Treasurer’s Report ………………………….….……….… Commissioner DeFoe
6) PSA and MPD5CAC Update …………………..…………… Robert Brannum, 5D-CAC President
7) Community Comments .………….…………. Moderated by Commissioners Grant and Daneker
8) Remarks from the Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.
9) Comments by Alice Thompson, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services

Part II: Outstanding Business ------- 7:30 p.m.
Commission Vote on PUD Request for St. Paul’s Housing Development (5C09)

Progress Reports on Outstanding Grants ……………………… Commissioner Day
Project Reports, Vote on WiFi Network Proposal (5c03) and New Proposals for Consideration

Part III: New Business ------- 8:00 p.m.
Emergency Vote Request: KIPP Public Charter School Proposed for Cook School Site (5C02)

Emergency Vote Request: PUD Extension for 4th and Rhode Island NE Project (5C08)

ANC 5C Single-Member District Projects and Meeting Announcements --
Metropolitan Bike Trail Construction (5C03)
Youth Mentoring (5C05 and 5C09)
Operation Crackdown (5C05)
Traffic Studies (5C04 and 5C11)
Residential Property Emergency Identification Project (5C01)

Resolutions: Commemorative, Administrative, Programs and Issues

Part V: Committee of the Whole Executive Session -------- 8:50 p.m.

1) Pay Bills ………………………………………………………….. Commissioners Day and DeFoe
2) Items for October 2008 Meeting Agenda ……………………………………………
Abdo Project CUA South Campus Project (5C10)
Update on Construction of City Charter School at former Armstrong Trades School (5C02)
Update on McMillian Project Planning (5C07)

Meeting Adjourns ……….. 9:00 p.m.

Announcement Concerning Another Term

2008-08-23T10:29:00.002-04:00

Dear Neighbors,

I write to inform you that I will not be seeking re-election this November to the position of Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner.

The decision to announce a run for office comes with the implicit promise to the voters that the candidate will strive to complete the full term to which he or she is elected. I could not in good faith make this promise because I am looking to transition to a new job within the year, either as a prosecutor or a counsel at a private firm. The new job, possibly requiring geographical relocation, would likely require a level of time and attention that would be incompatible with ANC duties.

Fortunately, there is a person who I am confident will keep the momentum going in the right direction by serving as your next ANC. That person is Ted McGinn. He understands that our area needs economic development that reflects our neighborhood’s character. He interacts well with people of all backgrounds and incomes. He is a clear communicator who is also incredibly well-informed. Ted’s track record of service to this community is impeccable. I have asked Ted to run for the office of Commissioner, and he has agreed to take on this latest challenge.

It has been an honor to serve as a Commissioner in the District of Columbia.

Best,

Kris Hammond
Commissioner, 5c-02

Walk-through with DC Police Department this Thursday

2008-08-04T23:33:00.004-04:00

If you aren't on a neighborhood listserv and/or didn't receive one of the 500 flyers dropped this past weekend... I am holding a community walk-through with the D.C. police department this Thursday August 7 at 7 p.m. We'll meet at the corner of P Street N.W. and North Capitol Street N.W.

The purpose will be to raise awareness, promote community spirit, fight crime, and pinpoint problem properties, trash issues, and city maintenance matters. The plan is for half of us to walk north and half to walk south with foot beat police officers and D.C. government representatives.

The walk-through I hosted on May 30th was very successful. However, only one person living south of Florida Avenue showed up, so I want to focus this time on the area south of Florida.

Special thanks to the following individuals who each dropped at least 100 flyers each: Allison Gallaway, Gretchen Franke, and Ted McGinn.

A Visit to a Gun Store

2008-07-22T02:00:00.001-04:00

A recent Washington Post article states the current situation with respect to gun ownership in the District of Columbia:

With few exceptions, it is not yet possible for a Washingtonian to legally obtain a handgun because there are no licensed dealers in the city (although officials expect there will be eventually). Federal law bars a dealer in one state from selling a pistol to a resident of another state unless the gun is shipped to a dealer in the buyer's home jurisdiction, where the purchaser can take delivery.

Last night, in anticipation of eventually acquiring a firearm, I ventured with a friend of mine to a gun store in Virginia. The closest one we could find with a good selection was Gilbert Small Arms in Lorton, Virginia. Jack gave an hour of his time to walk us through the mechanics of guns and gun safety.

Constitutionally-speaking, the most troubling portion of the recently-amended D.C. law is the requirement that a resident maintain a gun lock on the gun until the moment that he or she has notice of an "imminent threat." One must hear window glass break or someone coming up the hallway steps before one is permitted to fumble in the dark looking for the gun lock key and bullets to load the gun. Loading bullets in the dark is not easy. The new law does not respect self-defense rights. A recommendation that individuals voluntarily lock their firearms would make more sense.

We discussed with Jack what to do about a household with children in the home. During that discussion, it occurred to me that a revolver (permitted by D.C. Council) does not have a safety latch, one need only load the gun and pull the trigger. Using the semi-automatic (banned by D.C. Council) requires one to pull a "slide" back, not an easy thing for a youngster to do. In addition, semi-automatics have a safety latch.

And... could a gun go off accidentally? Jack explained in great detail why a gun can be thrown across the room, land on the floor, and never go off. It's all about the position of the firing pin.

Can a revolver (permitted by the D.C. Council) shoot bullets just as fast as a semi-automatic pistol (banned by the D.C. Council)? Answer: yes. The only difference is that a semi-automatic operates on a magazine and holds more bullets.

Personally, I prefer a revolver, at least at the outset, because it is easier to operate and requires less maintenance. But, at Gilbert at least, sales of semi-automatics outnumber sales of revolvers at least three-to-one. Clearly many people are comfortable with semi-automatics and prefer to use them.

Finally, there are some federal regulations with which to contend. Buying a firearm out of state requires the out-of-state seller to ship the gun to an in-state dealer overnight, at a cost of $45. Call it a tax or whatever, it certainly raises the price of a gun. While that may be fine with the City Council, are not the poor entitled to exercise their constitutional rights as well?

Attempting to retain as much as the old law as possible is a waste of public money when done in a half-hazard unconstitutional manner that will attract litigation. The Council should carefully consider what laws and regulations will truly respect the citizens and their rights to self defense, while at the same time keeping guns out of the hands of people who should never possess them.

North Capitol Main Street Seeks DC Main Street Status

2008-07-22T00:23:00.005-04:00

July 21, 2008

Phyllis R. Love, Assistant Director
Office of Commercial Revitalization
Department of Small and Local Business Development
441-4th Street, NW, Suite 970N
Washington , DC 20001

Dear Ms. Love:

I urge you to act favorably on the application of North Capitol Main Street, Inc. (NCMS) to be designated as an official DC Main Street in accordance with the DC Main Streets Program. My ANC single member district includes North Capitol Street between New York Avenue and T Street.

I have met with several current and prospective business owners over the past two years. The potential of the area is evident, but, due to years of neglect, North Capitol Street continues to reside in an economic purgatory. However, residents are ready to “buy local” and support small businesses. What is needed is a focused, organizing force to offset the current economic turbulence.

Having had numerous interactions and discussions with NCMS in the past, I am well-positioned to inform you that its leaders are intelligent, forward-thinking, and very capable of advancing the objectives of the DC Main Streets Program. Please feel free to contact me at (202) 302-7343 if you have any questions concerning the views of residents in my district.

Sincerely,

Kris Hammond
Commissioner

Eckington Civic Association Summer Clean-up

2008-07-21T23:40:00.009-04:00

This past Saturday morning, I again joined fellow neighbors in the Eckington community with the bi-annual Eckington Civic Association trash clean-up (my entry on the previous clean-up can be viewed here).

The event kicked off at 9 a.m. with Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee. The organizer Charlene McCullers told everyone to just put in an hour and then call it a day due to the heat.

I teamed up with R Street resident Justin Darrow to cover North Capitol Street N.E. and parts of Lincoln Road, T Street, and Seaton Place.

Due to North Capitol Main Street's efforts, there are new iron treeboxes on North Capitol Street... but the tree boxes were full of trash and weeds. The tree box pictured here is an example of one we cleaned out. I think that keeping the tree boxes well-maintained will set the tone for the rest of the street. North Capitol Street is particularly hard to keep clean due to all of the transient traffic that passes through every day.

Although some people a ban on single sales of alcohol would decrease trash, I think that benefit has been overstated. During the brief clean up, I picked up one beer can, one vodka bottle, and one brandy bottle. But, as in the past, the little plastic "barrels" that hold children's sugar water took first place, I picked up four of those and countless single-serving potato chip bags.

Community Celebrates New York Avenue Basketball Court

2008-06-21T13:45:00.005-04:00

Playing catch-up today with the neighborhood news....

Two weeks ago today, I joined community leaders, Ward Five Councilman Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy L. Lanier for New York Avenue Basketball Court Ribbon Cutting and the Metro Basketball League's season opener. All who spoke recognized the contribution of Pulte Homes, who funded the construction of the basketball court. Terrence Judge, President of the Metropolitan Basketball League and Joyce Robinson Paul of Hanover Area Civic Association also spoke.

During my two minutes at the mike, I elaborated on the virtues that the game of basketball: it teaches teamwork, it reinforces the benefits of hard work (winning) while at the same time imposing penalties for violating the rules-- which is to say, it teaches some of life's lessons. As you can see from the photo taken by Bloomingdale resident Sara Kaufman, those present listened intently... well, at least Chief Lanier (far right) appeared to do so.

Ban on Single Sales of Alcohol Proposed

2008-05-21T23:13:00.008-04:00

A proposed ban on single sales of alcoholic beverages is the latest legislative buzz eminating from the City Council. Are such bans truly effective when combating the underlying problems of littering and public drinking, or should we work harder to enforce existing laws? It sounds like an easy solution, but does it discriminate against the poor?

I've been knocking on doors and asking. Feel free to share your opinions here (if you want your opinions to influence me as a Commissioner, please sign your post with your street block). Does anyone know where banning single sales has worked in some other jurisdiction? A Google search yielded few hits beyond the D.C. proposal.

Please see this message on from Robert V. Brannum:

Ward 5 Roundtable Discussion Announcement

On Tuesday, 27 May 2008, at 7 p.m., DC City Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr. will be holding a roundtable discussion on the sale of single containers of alcoholic beverages in Ward 5. Legislation has been introduced for Wards 4, 7, and 8 to prohibit the sale of an individual container of the package if the capacity of the individual container is 70 ounces or less, as well as prohibit the division of manufacturer’s package of more than one container of beer, malt, liquor, or ale. The meeting will be held at the Isle of Patmos Baptist Church, 12th Street and Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The contact number and e-mail address for Councilman Thomas is 724-8028 and http://us.f634.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=hthomas@dccouncil.us.

Robert

Robert Vinson Brannum
Chairman, 5th District Citizens' Advisory Council, Inc.
202-256-8452
202-328-7611 fax

Art at the Bear Marks Another NCMS Success

2008-05-18T23:38:00.010-04:00

Last Saturday's North Capitol Main Street's (NCMS) 5th Annual Fundraiser dubbed "Art at the Bear," held at Big Bear Cafe was a "rousing success."

A quick note concerning people who were acknowledged at the event . . .

NCMS Business of the Year is Big Bear Café, accepted by Lana Labermeir, proprietor.

NCMS Volunteer of the Year is Sara Kaufman.

Vicky Leonard-Chambers received a Special Appreciation Award for past service to the organization.

By the way, that's Pat Mitchell, NCMS President, bestowing those awards.

Agenda for May 20 ANC 5C Meeting

2008-05-18T23:13:00.004-04:00

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C

MONTHLY MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

All Nations Baptist Church
North Capitol St. and Rhode Island Ave., NE
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Part I: Community Concerns and Progress Reports ------ 7:05 p.m.

1) Call to Order ………………… Commissioner Bonds
2) Roll Call …………………………Commissioner Salatti
3) Approval of the April 2008 Meeting Minutes

4) Acknowledgement of Community Leaders and Guests

5) Treasurer’s Report ……………………Commissioner DeFoe
6) MPD Update …………………………… PSA 501 Officers
7) Community Concerns ……………………………………… Moderated by Commissioner Wright
8) Remarks from the Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.
9) Comments by Alice Thompson, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services

Part II: Outstanding Business ------- 7:35 p.m.

Update on Grant Applications ……………………………… Commissioner Day
For action: Metropolitan League Grant Application (Summary Presentation)
Progress Report/Updates: Harriet Tubman Memorial, Bloomingdale Community Mediation,
Kick-boxing Tournament
Update on Celebration Honoring Area Youth Athletics …… Commissioners Grant and Salatti

Part III: New Business ------- 8:00 p.m.

· Update on Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) Activities,
Alice Harper, 5D Community Relations Specialist
· Update on Catholic University Campus Plan ……… Craig Parker, University Counsel
· Progress Report on Community Issues …………….
…Single Member District Meeting Highlights ……… Commissioner Holloway (5C12)
· Proposed Zoning Changes for 1700 First St, NW …. Commissioner Davenport
· Update on Soldier’s Home Development …………… Commissioner DeFoe
Note: Questions and Comments by Commissioners followed by Community Comments

Part IV: Committee of the Whole Executive Session -------- 8:45 p.m.
1) Pay Bills ………………………………………………………….. Commissioners Day and DeFoe
2) Items for June 2008 Meeting Agenda
Meeting Adjourned .……………………………………….. 8:55 p.m.

City Year Corps Serves Emery Elementary School

2008-05-05T00:14:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, Ted McGinn once again led the City Year Corps and parent volunteers (86 strong) to rejuvenate Emery Elementary School (1720 First Street NE). Some volunteers (not this one!) started work at 8:30 a.m. I assisted with installing a green watering system in one of the garden beds.

The work done for the community by City Year is greatly appreciated, so I'm taking a moment to highlight an e-mail Ted recently sent me and several other community leaders. He is promoting the idea of making JF Cook Elementary School (now slated to close) available for the use of City Year. The e-mail follows, it is definitely worth careful consideration.

Hi Everyone,

City Year needs to move out of their current location by Nov 08. As some of you may know City Year's first headquarters was in Ward 5 at Q and Eckington Place Ne. At that time they had only 32 Crops members and no Young Heroes program. Since 2000 City Year has grown and was forced to seek a larger space to handle that growth outside of our Ward. So what has City Year done for DC.Since 2000, City Year Washington, DC corps members have:
- Made a difference in the lives of 42,569 children
- Served more than 550,000 hours in the Washington, DC community
- Led 6,689 volunteers in service

Click here to learn more about the history of City Year.Since 2000 City Year has held 12 service days at Emery, 4 that included community wide clean-ups and work on the Harry Thomas Rec. Center. They run the Young Heroes program for 3 years at Emery, working with 6th,7th and 8th grade students.City Year is looking for a new headquarters that has enough room to handle its growth. Next year they will have 85 Crops members and over 100 Young Heroes.

City Year's new Executive Director Jeff Franco is interested in looking at JF Cook Elementary School at 40 P street NW as a possible location. He is looking for a site near Metro bus and rail because that is how City Year moves. City Year is ready to meet with the ANC, Civic Associations, CM Thomas and DCPS to determine if this would be a good move for all the stakeholders. City Year has looked at Gage-Eckington, and because of its dependence Metro that location might not meet their needs as well as Cook. This is only the first round of contact about this possibility, feel free to contact Jeff Franco at JFranco@cityyear.org

we all work together ted mcginn

Testimony Concerning the Metropolitan Police Department’s Safe Homes Initiative

2008-04-08T23:46:00.006-04:00

As noted in a recent post, MPD Police Chief Cathy Lanier had proposed that police officers knock on doors and ask permission at every house in certain target areas-- Eckington being one --to search for illegal guns and drugs. There was a hearing before the City Council on Monday, and I was planning to testify.

However, news reports on April 4 indicated that the police program has been dramatically scaled back, to a "request only" system, no doubt due to the dramatic opposition from residents everywhere. So I submitted my hearing testimony by e-mail and attended the Bates Area Civic Association meeting instead. The topic of crime dominated that meeting, but no one called for police searches of residences... they called for (nearly yelled for, actually) "police presence."

My submitted testimony follows.

Council of the District of Columbia
Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary

Testimony Concerning the Metroplitan Police Department’s Safe Homes Initiative

by Kris Hammond
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, 5C-02
ANC 5C Liaison to MPD

Monday, April 7, 2008, at 5:00 p.m.
5th Floor Council Chambers, John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20004

Chairman Mendelson and members of the Committee, my name is Kris Hammond. I am an advisory neighborhood commissioner in the District. Half of my single member district lies within the Eckington neighborhood, which is one of the areas targeted by the program that is the subject of this hearing. I also serve as the ANC 5C liaison to the Metropolitan Police Department. Please note that my views do not necessarily reflect the views of either my employer or all of the residents who reside within my district.

Thank you for holding this public oversight roundtable on the Metropolitan Police Department’s (“MPD”) Safe Homes Initiative. I first found out about this initiative in the newspaper The Examiner, but I should have been informed directly by the police department about a proposed program targeting my neighborhood. Even if I had not frequently attended Public Service Area (PSA) meetings over the past year, as I have, my opinion and my neighbors’ should have been solicited before a major new initiative such as this was announced.

As originally proposed, the program involved police officers knocking on doors and asking permission at every house to search for illegal guns and drugs. And if drugs or illegal guns are found, they will be seized but the household members will not be prosecuted—unless the items seized lead to the development of more serious crimes. The latest version of the program, in which residents call the police and request the searches, will likely be ineffectual, but it is considerably less harmful.

Residents are overwhelming against the program as initially proposed no matter where they stand within the political spectrum. Even though the original program will not be implemented, it has already been destructive to relations between police and citizens. Knocking on doors and talking with people is exactly what the police should be doing. But given the news reports of this program, many citizens will now be on guard. They will not trust the police to be acting in their best interest. A lack of trust between citizens and police severely hampers the ability of the police to fight crime. Information provided by residents to police is key to solving crimes, but people generally only divulge information to people they trust.

The Safe Homes Initiative as originally proposed would have been a waste of scarce police resources. Citizens do not want officers knocking on doors and asking for meaningless consent searches. Citizens want officers on the street walking the beat. They want officers to engage with pedestrians. They want officers to respond promptly to calls for service. They do not want police to show up at their door and treat them as if they are felons in need of absolution.

The Safe Homes Initiative as originally proposed is bad for police morale and debases an important police technique. I suspect that rank-and-file police officers would not have enjoyed implementing the safe home initiative. Consent searches, when used sparingly, are an important police tool. There are times when the police suspect illegal activity but do not have sufficient information to obtain a warrant. If a resident waives his or her Fourth Amendment rights, the search will hold up in court. Used sparingly, consent searches can save lives. But if the request is used in a ham-fisted manner, it will condition people to just say no all the time.

I leave you with these closing thoughts: First, the Safe Homes Initiative seems a bit out of place considering that the District of Columbia may soon be forced to permit private ownership of handguns. Three weeks ago, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments concerning whether, for the past thirty years, the District of Columbia has unconstitutionally deprived its citizens of the right to bear a firearm in defense of one’s self or one’s loved ones.

Given the reasonable probability that the Court will rule against the current law, I encourage the Council to consider now what constitutionally-permitted laws and regulations it might implement to ensure that only law-abiding citizens possess firearms and that these residents receive proper safety training. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, the Council may benefit from consultation with the National Rifle Association, which has been conducting safety programs for citizens for many years.

Second, overall, the police are doing an excellent job and their performance and interaction with citizens has improved over the past year. We need to continue strategizing ways to improve attendance by the public at PSA meetings, or consider alternative methods.

Although we have closed the gap somewhat through better citizen-police interaction on the streets and listservs, much remains to be done. Improving citizen-police communication and interaction will do much more for public safety than crime cameras, consent searches of homes, or vehicle “safety check” stops.

Owner of Big Ben Pledges to Improve Community

2008-04-02T00:16:00.001-04:00

On the day of my meeting held for constituents this past Sunday at Colonel Brooks' Tavern, controversy surrounded Big Ben liquor store, located at the corner of North Capitol Street N.W. and New York Avenue. A gentleman who bought a house in 2006 right next to the liquor store and then joined in protesting the establishment's license within months of that purchase was again castigating the business on the Truxton Circle website.

I received an e-mail from Bloomingdale resident Sara Kaufman:

A potential thought for the Big Ben [liquor store] discussion... beautification of an area helps replace some of the ugly (crime and grime). And the care of an area can help the "locals" take responsibility for that area.

I had asked North Capitol Main Street (NCMS) about ordering another of (what used to be) our signature colorful pots with more roses for in front of the store . . .

As I'm sure you've already heard me report: when NCMS put the pots at the "Bus Stop Park" at Florida and North Cap three years ago - it helped some with some of the problems there.. And its a good way to interact with the "locals." . . . My line is "I'm just a volunteer and I'm always looking for other volunteers to help me" when hey ask to help or for money. I always get someone to help and they are happy to do so, and pick up on days/weeks/months that I'm not there. Now they stop to talk to me when I see them . . .

NCMS talked some with Mr. Singh at Big Ben on a NMCS walk about last year. He was very receptive to care of something like that around his store. . . . Maybe the ANC would provide funds for pots and flowers?

The meeting was sparsely attended, but Mr. Singh was there, the second time he has attended one of my meetings. Showing up counts for a lot in my book. Well, Mr. Singh was more than willing to maintain flower pots, he volunteered to provide the funds to purchase the beautification.

He was also interested when I told him that North Capitol Main Street has a design committee that could help him with developing a more attractive interior. We discussed the possibility of adapting his business model to the changing neighborhood. He mentioned that he has made contributions to local community efforts. And we heard about some of the obstacles he faced, such as the time his store was robbed at gun point and he lost $10,000.

People often assume the worst about a business (particularly liquor stores) without engaging the business owner and giving him or her a good-faith opportunity to make a positive contribution to the community. I'm seeking to change that inclination.

(Photo credit: http://pedestriantype.blogspot.com)

MPD Police Seek to Perform Consent Searches of Residences

2008-03-26T00:19:00.009-04:00

News reports yesterday in the Washington Times and The Examiner state that police officers are planning to go door-to-door seeking permission to search homes for weapons and drugs in Southeast, Columbia Heights, and our neighborhood, Eckington. The Washington Post first reported this development on March 13.

I've left messages for our local police to find out what is in store for Eckington, perhaps they are not in the loop either. There are many serious concerns posed by this scheme, but two concerns obviate the issue of gun control.

First, this initative is bad for police-citizen relations. Officers should be knocking on doors, but the reason should be to introduce themselves and offer helpful anti-crime hints. Police have said on numerous occasions that it is critical that they receive information from citizens about crimes, that is how crimes are solved. Knocking on doors and asking citizens to waive their Fourth Amendment rights does not promote a positive relationship leading to the exchange of information.

Second, anyone who is not single-and-living-alone should take a moment to assess his or her personal situation. The general rule under the Fourth Amendment (consult your favorite attorney for how the law specifically applies in the District) is that anyone who has rights to the same living space you do (roommates, spouse/partner, older children, landlords, and girlfriends/boyfriends) can permit police officers to search your home. The general rule is that you would have no right to contest that search later in Court because consent is a waiver of constitutional rights.

Now is the time to sit down with your spouse, roommate or partner and talk about what should happen if the police knock on the door. It would also be a good opportunity to develop a general crisis plan (see the Be Ready D.C. program for more details) if you haven't done so already. And if the police do knock, do take a moment to thank him or her for the efforts made to fight crime in the District.

Luciana Cafe Now Open, Customers Needed

2008-03-06T01:06:00.002-05:00

As I reported in a post on January 11, Luciana Cafe is the latest addition to our neighborhood restaurant. The restaurant opened a few days ago, so check it out.

And while you are chatting with Reinaldo and Frank (shown in the photo here), let them know you are hoping for a sit-down restaurant. If enough people indicate interest, they will move in that direction. As it is, the protective glass is not fully up and a face-to-face conversation can be had with the new owners.

Restaurant hours are seven days a week, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Dunbar High School Deserves Maintenance

2008-03-06T00:39:00.004-05:00

Caution: This entry contains graphic bathroom photos (no foot-tapping though).

Tonight I briefly spoke to the Dunbar High School Parent Teacher Student Association (Dunbar PTSA). Dunbar is located within the boundaries of my district. I told the audience that we faced walls where we didn't want them (barriers between the community and the school) even as we lacked walls where we needed them (within the school itself).

Most classrooms at Dunbar have no walls separating classes, it is a failed 1970s education experiment. I half-joked that the PTSA should act fast to obtain walls or build a new school building before some historical preservationist group sought to preserve the school as an architectual wonder. A woman spoke up and said they are ready for the preservationists.

The PTSA is currently circulating a petition, which I signed. In addition to the need for walls was a need for renovation of the bathrooms. They are not being picky about this....

I visited the restroom on the way out and found one commode out of service, no toilet paper, no soap, a disabled paper towel dispenser, and graffiti--the triple crown of bathroom disorder (okay, given that I listed five, pick your favorite three).

Ward Five Economic Development Summit

2008-02-23T17:01:00.005-05:00

(Photo of the Basilica at Catholic University by Dan Malouff.)

I attended the Ward Five Economic Development Summit earlier today. It was hosted by Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr. and held at Catholic University . Stop Blog and Roll has the agenda posted here.

I was particularly interested in the panel titled "Stimulating Neighborhood Economic Development." (SNED) It was a lot more important, I think, than the "Mini Workshop on Negotiating Community Benefits Packages." Both were billed at one hour each, but the SNED panel started a half an hour late.

The SNED panel spoke for a half an hour, then came time for questions from the audience. The second question was the last, or rather it became the second-to-last after a small protest from the third questioner. Moderator Deborah Crain demonstrated an uncanny ability to get the schedule on track: just end the session. We should hire her for ANC meetings (we are always running over).

I was interested to hear from panelist Ana Harvey, Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, that her organization has been working with Verizon to provide DSL services to small businesses. Noting that the lease is often a business owner's most onerous cost of doing business, Harvey said that the Hispanic Chamber has also been helping businesses renegotiate their leases.

If I had had an opportunity to ask a question of the SNED panel, it would have related to the severe economic downturn that appears to be coming our way (or is here already). As I discussed with a member of the community this past week, one home sale in Bloomingdale had been listed for $524,000, but it sold for only $399,000. As noted in a news article this week, "The [Federal Reserve] stoked anxieties over US prospects with a prediction that America is set to be blighted this year by a combination of anaemic growth, higher inflation and rising unemployment." So what's the economic plan for Ward Five to combat this challenge?

Another Street Sign Death

2008-02-13T00:39:00.001-05:00

Some street signs fade away. Others experience tragic deaths. Our community deserves prompt repair and replacement of damaged, deterioriating, or "totalled" signs.

Well, the D.C. Department of Transportation has sometimes fallen short. Signs have laid on the ground for six months at a time before being picked up.

So here is another opportunity. The sign in the photo above can be found at the corner of 1st Street N.E. and Quince Place [update: it disappeared the morning after this post]. This is another opportunity to see how well the automated on-line service center (dc.gov) works this time.

When I submitted the request, the system told me: "We were unable to verify the location Quincy Place NE AND 1st Street NE, WASHINGTON, DC." The service request number is 1712458.

Are there DDOT sign success stories? Sort of.

This stop sign, which appears to be a temporary sign that replaced a sign that was destroyed, ended up on the ground about a week after police had tied yellow "Do Not Cross" tape to it in support of a local event. The police never took the yellow tape away, and the sign fell down not long afterwards.

I filled out a request online and the followed up with DDOT's Sharelene Reed. She soon informed me that the request had been fulfilled, and that the case number was now closed.

So what was the catch? Whoever fixed the sign didn't bother to remove the police tape. A neighbor burst out laughing when he saw the sight. Ever get the feeling that someone doesn't care to make the neighborhood better, they just want to get the job done and go? Maybe it's more than just a feeling.

DC Votes for Presidential Nominees

2008-02-12T23:06:00.005-05:00

Yesterday morning, Barack Obama supporters waved signs at the intersection of New York Avenue and Florida Avenue. Given the enthusiasm of passing cars, perhaps Obama taking 75% of the vote today was not completely surprising. John McCain secured a solid victory on the other side of the aisle. Congratulations to both gentlemen.

More on the Mandatory Paid Leave Bill and the Government-financed Nationals Stadium

2008-02-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

My recent post on the The Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act of 2007 took a spin on the Eckington Yahoo! listserv. Former ANC Commissioner Kathy Henderson (who lives about a mile east of North Capitol Street) responds:

Private employees should have paid annual and sick leave. Arguments against such modest benefits are unfair to our citizens and belong in the same category as arguments against raising the minimum wage. There is no such thing as employees that do not get sick; said employees may not take time off because they cannot afford to miss any time from work. I am with Stacie; I would rather see sick employees stay home and convalesce rather that coming to work and possibly infecting others because they cannot miss a paycheck.

Are you familiar with the legend of the boiling frog? In the 1800s, a science experiment found that if a frog was placed in cold water, and the water temperature was increased in very small increments, that the frog would boil to death before jumping out. The legend reminds us that we ought to beware of incremental changes that creep up on us slowly.

Small and moderate-sized businesses are the frog here. They aren't going to stage a big walk-out to protest mandatory paid leave. The cost in time and lost business to mount an opposition effort isn't in the cards. And after all, they will look heartless, and that's bad for business. And so this new regulation will be passed, and it will be added to the large mountain already present. Small businesses will soldier on.... until they finally decide it's time to leave town.

The District is burnishing its reputation as a jurisdiction hostile to business prosperity. Government by nature is always on the prowl to do something, to solve problems even when they aren't the pressing ones. That's how many politicians get elected: spend more money on this, impose another regulation on that.

As a result, our freedom is incrementally diminished in exchange for promises to solve all the latest issues. It's easy to impose mandates on businesses-- sure, let them figure out how to make the latest government edict work with the financial balance sheets (which lead to yet another consideration: what about time consumed by maintaining paperwork to comply with the law)?

Finally, the timing of this "compassion" is poor: most believe that we are in a recession or about to head into one. This is not the time to create hurdles to job creation. The bottom line: Shouldn't we concentrate on attracting businesses to North Capitol Street? There aren't many area businesses available to impose this regulation on in the first place.

In response to another posting, I cited the publicly-financed Nationals baseball stadium as an example of corporate welfare. Henderson again:

Regarding the baseball stadium, only businesses earning five million dollars or more in annual revenue were assessed the special tax to pay for the stadium. Most of these businesses are K Street law firms, which the majority of DC citizens do not patronize. Yes, DC is paying for the infrastructure improvements, which come from Federal Highway Administration funds and very few if any local dollars. Contrary to what some believe, citizens are not paying for the baseball stadium. Corporate welfare does not seem like a fitting term for the stadium funding since many business eagerly purchased their sky boxes in the first stages of the project. Don't forget the annual revenue the city will receive from the stadium lease agreement.

Finally, some will continue to debate the merits of the stadium project up to and beyond opening day next month and the argument that it cost too much has merit. However, this major development project clearly revitalizes what was a blighted industrial eyesore of an area. The projected tax revenue from the new development, including housing, retail and other leased space will offset project costs over time. We should be focusing our ire on the Office of Tax and Revenue former employees that stole money we will never see again.

I am not an expert on the stadium financing, but I have been reading about studies showing that the purported public benefit gained from stadium-financing deals like this rarely materializes.

I couldn't find any information indicating that Federal Highway Administration funds are being used to finance the stadium-- that would be a porkbarrel project. I imagine that any such funds are being used to support changes to area roads to facilitate traffic in the area of the stadium. Does anyone out there know?

So Kathy has clarified that taxpayer income tax money is not being used for the stadium, but corporate tax money is (and the corporations will pass the costs on some way, the money doesn't come out of thin air). Again, this appears to boil down to another case of robbing Peter (the 1% taxed corporations) to pay Paul (the Nationals). Sure, corporation Peter is getting fleeced this time, but "his" time will come, at the taxpayers' expense. Maybe those corporations purchased the skyboxes in part for the benefits of a fancy venue for throwing parties or fundraisers for federal and local politicians.

Councilman Marion Barry Embraces Mayor Fenty's Education Agenda

2008-02-03T02:28:00.000-05:00

A lucid column today from Marc Fisher of the Washington Post on D.C.'s current third rail of politics:

When D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee proposed shutting down 23 of Washington's most egregiously underenrolled schools, knee-jerk politicians predictably behaved like those unscrupulous drivers who shout about whiplash after somebody glances their fender.

Ward 8 Council member Marion Barry, still the reigning champion of winning time on the TV news, issued one outraged statement after another, showed up at every protest and, as late as Thursday, was on the tube railing against Rhee: "The chancellor's just being bullheaded. Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!"

Less than 24 hours later, a different Barry shook the mayor's hand and stepped before the cameras at a news conference announcing the final list of schools to be closed. "This is a historic day," the Mayor for Life said with a big smile. "Mayor Fenty took the bold action of making education number one." The closings -- the very same closings Barry had spent the previous two months slamming at every turn -- were suddenly an essential, empowering act of excellence.

So there you have it. One day Councilman Barry is leading a crowd in an anti-Mayor Fenty/Chancellor Michelle Rhee chant (as seen in the video above), the next week he is by their side in full support of their school reform plans.

The Examiner's Harry Jaffe lays it on thick:

[Four-term former mayor] Marion Barry bears the ultimate responsibility for the disgraceful state of many D.C. public schools. It has taken decades of neglect to bring a once-proud school system to its knees. Barry is the architect of that neglect.

Parents are rightly concerned about dramatic reform, and they ought to be involved in the process. People ought to apply rigorous scrutiny to the Fenty-Rhee plan. But in the end, rather than make impassioned arguments in a manner that would promoted resolution, it appeared to many that several activists sought to promote division and speculate on Fenty's unseemly hidden motives. The activists seemed to relish the fight, actually changing Rhee's mind was secondary.

Mayor Fenty was elected with a mandate to take control of the public school system. He and the chancellor ought to be given the opportunity to succeed, because ultimately they should be held responsible for the outcome.

Another Regulatory Feather Weighing Down Business in the District

2008-02-02T22:45:00.001-05:00

The Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act of 2007, which will be voted upon by the D.C. Council this week, is another case of government being nice to someone at the expense of someone else, and taking all the credit. Proudly following in the steps of San Francisco as the second major city to impose this law, the District is on the cutting edge of creating difficulties for business.

The law would force businesses in the District to pay employees for time off take for medical leave or similar purposes (e.g., if a family member is sick or to attend a school-related activity that their child is involved in). The employee would be able to be paid for up to three-to-seven days of leave per year, depending on the size of the business.

Requiring businesses to pay for this leave (many already do) will make labor more expensive, and the businesses will adjust by creating fewer jobs, cutting other benefits (medical), or raising prices. Of course, a business owner could cut his/her profits, or head across the border to Virginia where it is far safer, the restaurants are permitted to permit smoking if the free market permits it, the property taxes are lower, and the income taxes are far lower.

In addition to the costs, which appears modest to the outsider, there are the logistic issues. As Barbara Lang, President of the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, reads this bill, the law would permit employees to take leave without prior or current notice to the employer. So a cook could fail to show up two days in a row, with no prior notice... and the employer is only permitted to demand "certification" if the employee misses three days. Expect your restaurant meal to more often arrive slower after the passage of this bill!

Knowing human nature, once the paid leave days accrue-- and the employee is only permitted to take a maximum number each year, despite rollover -- we should expect the number of leave days taken to substantially increase. This policy would incentivize the taking of leave, which in turn will create further higher costs and lost productivity. Quite simply, some people will "call in sick" and take their paid vacation.

Finally, the law will be skewed against small business, despite the smaller number of leave days required of them. Small businesses do not have the political connections to draw the corporate welfare that the District government showers upon the select few. Small businesses operate on smaller profit margins and cannot spread costs among a large chain of stores. If you want North Capitol Street to be dominated by the likes of Big Bear Cafe rather than Starbucks, then oppose this bill.

This paid leave law sounds like a good idea. It sounds family-friendly. But it is another regulatory feather that threatens to break the back of small and medium-size business in the District. If the Council believes this is law such a great idea, why shouldn't businesses simply be able to send the D.C. government the bill?

Reflections on the Ward Five Leadership Meeting

2008-01-30T00:13:00.000-05:00

I held two meetings with constituents earlier this month, on January 16 and 19. These were two opportunities for people to come and shape the agenda for the coming year-- more on that soon.

But first I am passing on my notes from the meeting held by Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr. this past Saturday morning at Woodridge Library, which was directed at "Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners Presidents and Leaders of Ward 5 Community Organizations."

The meeting had the flavor of brainstorm and community meetup. A more structured meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 at Catholic University. The first 45 minutes after the 10:30 a.m. start time were filled with people announcing who they were and where they lived and worked. Thomas demonstrated his knowledge of people's biography by informing the audience when individuals modestly stated "My name is x and I'm a Ward Five resident."

My notes in abridged form:

11:15 a.m. Harry Thomas (HT) believes his side of the D.C. Public school-closing controversy is not being reported properly. There has been possible retaliation
against school employees who spoke out.

HT: his primary concern is youth violence, killing each other, he's open to ideas. Also, he would like to see the proliferation of "friends of" groups with respect to recreation centers and libraries.

Ms. Snead: spoke about her concerns about shoot-outs, the problems of recreation centers, youth, and crime. There is a former program targeted at young women ages 11-18.
HT: Regarding shootings: we have to change the culture.

Robert Brannum: regarding the issue of youth and gangs, "we have adult gangs." "We use listservs and e-mails to do the same thing [as the youth gangs].... Don't go around casting aspirsions. We can't use listservs to put out hate and denigrate people. We need to stop it." (His comments referred to "anonymous" statements on listservs, but I have not seen any anonymous statements.) Many in the audience applauded in response to these comments.

HT: Exactly right, starts with the family structure. HT referred to the anonymous flyer distributed in Ward Five that made accusations against him. Kids are dying for guidance, they don't know who to turn to, they need mentors.
Commissioner Barrie Danecker: mentioned that Bloomingdale Civic Association had received funding for conflict resolution.
Verna: her comments focused on the Brentwood Road liquor store. People are using the alley as a public toilet. She wants to initiate a petition to stop the single sales of cigarettes and beer.
Gent: "Organized labor is here to help." One of the best ways to stabilize a community is to make sure people have jobs. How much with a possible Redskins stadium cost when we need funding for lifeskills training for youth.
Martha: Department of Justice has outreach programs, will even take kids to church.
HT: talking again about funding for projects.
Ms. Fisher (her husband and young daughter suffered random gun violence at Edgewood Terrace last year but all thankfully survived): doesn't want some people to return to the neighborhood after they have been released from prison.
HT: We need a summit where everyone brings 10 kids. The kids who come to events on their own initative aren't the ones who need the most help.
Representative from the Center for Minority Studies: Ward Five has the highest number of people with HIV.
Commissioner Silas Grant: It would be good to establish the top 10 issues and form committees. Regarding youth: the issues are not solved by creating more and more programs.
HT: He is not interested in creating another series of meetings, he has 37 standing meetings to attend every month. HT noted that when he is CC'd on e-mail, the government employee works faster-- but it shouldn't be that way.
At 12:20 p.m., my time budgeted for the meeting ran out (the meeting had been scheduled until noon).

So what stands out from this meeting of the top community leaders from Ward Five?

- Given that the public schools have control over children for the bulk of the day every weekday during the school year, why haven't they changed the youth culture? Why aren't the schools giving lifeskills training?

- There was virtually no mention of the important rule that churches should play in the community, nor did I notice many if any religious leaders present.

- There was virtually no mention of the need, and what steps should be taken, to attract small businesses to Ward Five, nor any recognition that 2008 could be a very difficult year for the nation, economically. We need to figure out how Ward Five businesses can provide the donuts served at the meeting rather than Shoppers Food Warehouse (which has great donuts, but no stores in D.C.).

- I continue to be skeptical of single-beer-sales bans. Emperically, as one who has participated in several community cleanups, beer cans make up a very small percentage of litter. Single-serving potato chip bags and Coca Cola present a greater threat. If public drinking is the problem, then enforce the public-drinking laws.

- Overall, kudos to Harry Thomas for holding the meeting. It was productive with the generation of ideas and very well-attended (at least 40 attended by my count). It's always the next step that is the hardest, but perhaps that will happen on February 23 at Catholic University.

Luciana Cafe to Open on North Capitol Street. No, really.

2008-01-11T02:40:00.000-05:00

Residents will recall that, last March, we were expecting a sit-down restaurant called J. Bell's to open within 30 days at the corner of P Street N.W. and North Capitol Street (1500 North Capitol Street N.W.). The would-be owner made a presentation to more than 20 residents at my single-member-district meeting, and then he followed up with a presentation before the ANC 5C seven days later.

That was the last the community heard of the matter, the property remained untouched... until a few days ago. Alert residents informed the community that "coming soon" signs were on the property. With some trepidation, I investigated. Would the community simply be greeted by another takeout restaurant whose employees bide their time behind protective glass (that's better than a vacant building, but the demand is for something else).

I have spoken with the co-operator of Luciana Cafe, Reinaldo Escuder. He and Ramio Claros are planning to open the restaurant... soon. Reinaldo says that the protective glass will be coming down (although probably not by opening day). He wants it to be a sit-down restaurant. A liquor license is not in the immediate gameplan. Here's a key: Reinaldo has 20+ years of experience operating a restaurant.

The distinct feeling I get after talking with Reinaldo is that he is going to feel out the community and see whether we are ready to support a restaurant. If so, Reinaldo will expand into the phase he calls "a big, big thing."

Across the street, on the south side of P Street N.W. (1430 N. Capitol Street N.W.), is another Douglas Jamal property. I spoke with someone over there who has informed me that Jamal intends to renovate that commercial property soon. The fence surrounds the property due to an incident involving a car.

Still further two doors south, another property is under renovation-- a new story is being developed.

Mirrors Nightclub on the Agenda for Tuesday's ANC 5C Meeting

2008-01-11T02:35:00.000-05:00

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C will address the application by Mirrors Night Club (22 New York Ave, NE) at the monthly meeting:

Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Catholic University, Pryzbyla Center
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Directions: North of METRO stop on Michigan Ave,

make left onto McCormack Rd NE, then left (just pass the Columbia Law School)

Part I: Election of Officers -------------- 7:05 p.m.
1) Call to Order ……………… Commissioner Bonds
2) Roll Call ………………………Commissioner Grant
3) Acknowledgement of Community Leaders and Guests . Commissioners
4) Approval of the December 2007 Meeting Minutes ….… Commissioner Grant
5) Election of 2008 Officers

Part II: Community Concerns and Progress Reports --------- 7:25 p.m.
1) Remarks by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.
2) Community Concerns and Comments

3) Public Safety Update by PSA 501 MPD Officers ………. Commissioner Hammond
4) Comments by Alice Thompson, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services
5) Report on Grant Applications ……………Commissioner Day
6) Report on 2008 Meeting Calendar ………Commissioner Salatti

Part III: Featured Presentation
8:00 p.m.
ABC Expansion Application by Mirrors Night Club, 22 New York Ave, NE

Licensee Barcommand, LLC requests expanded operating hours for sales, service and on-site consumption of alcoholic beverages
Objectors are entitled to be heard by petitioning or requesting to appear before ABC Board by February 25, 2008

Questions and Comments by Commissioners and Community Comments

Update on the Old Firehouse Restaurant Development

2008-01-11T02:05:00.000-05:00

The following is a message from Konrad Schlater in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development concerning the firehouse located at 1626 N. Capitol Street N.W. (see also this background article from July 2005).

From: Schlater, Konrad (EOM)
Sent: Wed 1/9/2008 7:29 PM
Subject: RE: Old Fire Station Update

All:

We had hoped to close on the sale of the fire station to NextGen Development by the end of the 2007. Unfortunately, due to lack of performance by the developer under our sale contract we did not proceed to closing on the sale as planned.

The developer has been spending a lot of time, money, and effort to push this project forward. However, the developer has failed to execute an agreement and lease with a restaurant operator - a necessary pre-condition for our sale of the building. As you may know, the original proposed operator, Mike Benson, moved back to North Carolina and abandoned the project a little over a year ago leaving the developer without a restaurant operator. Over the past two months, NextGen has been in serious negotiations with Twyla Garrett of IME Services, an LSDBE firm headquartered on North Capitol Street, to act as the restaurant operator. Ms. Garrett is just now preparing to open a restaurant with a very similar restaurant concept in Cleveland, Ohio. I have spoken with IME Services and they are very serious about this project.

Due to NextGen's failure to meet their commitments to the District under the sales contract, we have notified them that they are in default of our contract. The developer has 30 days to cure its default under the agreement. If the developer is not prepared to close on the sale, the District will have the option to terminate the agreement, restructure the terms, or find an alternative solution. It is our sincere hope that we can proceed to closing on the sale with the developer shortly. Brian Brown of NextGen Development has already completed designs for the project, obtained permits for the exterior work on the building, and lined up the necessary financing - and we are tantalizingly close to starting construction work on the firehouse. A deal between NextGen Development and IME Services represents the best hope for a prompt and successful development of the firehouse.

I can assure you that the Deputy Mayor's office along with Councilmember Thomas and his staff have been giving this project close attention and we will not take our eye off the ultimate goal, which is removing the blight of the abandoned building and replacing it with high quality neighborhood-serving retail.

I'd be happy to provide ANC5C with an update any time. Please give me a call if you have any questions about this email or the project generally.

Thanks,

Konrad Schlater
Special Assistant
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development

Welcome to 2008

2008-01-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

Apologies for the "radio silence," but I am back with my first post since November. Welcome to 2008.

2007 featured a lot of meetings (I expect that 2008 will feature many more-- I've already logged four hours this week). I attended the two-to-three-hour monthly meetings of the Commission, multiple monthly crime-related meetings, monthly civic association meetings, and my monthly meetings with constituents. Then there are the miscellaneous activities, including meetings led by government agencies, Mayor Fenty or interest groups. I also met with school officials, business owners, and local social service organizations.

2007 was the year of meetings. I will seek to make 2008 the year of action. 2007 was about obtaining a better understanding of the neighborhood. 2008 will be about accomplishing change in the neighborhood. Let's make it happen, working together.

A Visit to the New Neighborhood Wine Bar

2007-11-26T22:46:00.000-05:00

Calling 11th Street N.W. part of the neighborhood is a stretch, but it is noteworthy that there is now a wine bar within walking distance of NCap.

Vinoteca (1940 11st St. N.W., near U Street) opened earlier this month. I was alerted to its existence this past Saturday by an unhappy customer who posted comments on the U Street listserv. I wasted no time to experience the restaurant for myself, and the visit was wholly positive.

Upon entering, I was quickly greeted by the server Katrina and her smile. Vinoteca's wine-by-the-glass list is more extensive than most of the other wine bars in the city. Although the prices are a bit above average in terms of comparable value, several wines can be found for $6-$9 a glass. A "taste" (a 2.5 ounce pour) is also an available option, the key sign that you have found a true wine bar.

I've found that I haven't been a big fan of French wines lately, so my first venture fell short. However, the Syrah la Voilette, Jean Luc Colombo (2005; $3.50 taste/$7 glass) is an economical option for the less demanding customer.

Vine Vale Shiraz, Tempus Two (Australia, 2005; $6 taste/$12 glass) is worth trying, with a nice bouquet, although it seemed a little heavy on the alcohol content.

The Old Vine Cuvee Zinfandel, Four Vines (California 2005; $4 taste/$8 glass) featured aggressive forward fruit with good structure, and it was absolutely delicious.

My final wine turned out to be the winner. Try the Barnard Griffin Merlot (Washington State 2004; $6.5 taste/$13 glass/$52 bottle) while you still can. Wine Spectator rated it 89 for good reason, and Vinoteca is probably one of the last places you can find this wine because the vintage has sold out at Wine.com. Speaking of which, the restaurant had run out of two of the wines I requested, so I missed those opportunities.

What else is there to say about Vinoteca? Great atmosphere and decor, good background music, and (for me at least) very good service. I only wish it was located on NCap.

What I Am Most Thankful For

2007-11-23T12:16:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, just before the annual Thanksgiving meal, I was asked about what I was most thankful for. "My neighbors" I responded.

I am thankful for that core group of neighbors, the one percent of residents who attend most of the meetings and neighborhood cleanups time and time again. People like Charlene McCullers, Stacie Birenbach, Joyce Robinson Paul, Joel Dubenitz, and Ted McGinn.

Ted McGinn is in his own class, an incredible leader, volunteer, and knowledge database.

Scott Roberts continues to tirelessly provide important news about the neighborhood from professional journals to neighborhood eyewitness accounts.

Darren Snell has run a tight ship with Eckington Civic Association.

People probably don't know that Beth Toland did petitioning to get speed humps on Quincy Place N.E. Please thank neighbor Hoyt King, if you ever meet him, for his leadership in the fight against crime.

Steven Rynecki has an eye for planning for the long-term future of Eckington. Agree with him on historical preservation designation or not, his emphasis on forward-thinking is important.

Pat Mitchell and North Capitol Main Street have worked diligently to bring us a commercially-viable business district.

Tom Usselman rarely has been recognized for his work with the police over the past year to advance the safety of citizens.

I'm thankful for my fellow ANC 5C commissioners, who have worked hard behind the scenes.

Chair Anita Bonds took on a thankless job, and it is quite an effort to assemble the agenda every month.

Commissioner Stu Davenport and his wife Lana have given the community a shot of adrenaline with Big Bear Cafe and the Bloomingdale Farmers' Market.

Commissioner John Salatti has done more things on behalf of the neighborhood this year than I can count.

The residents of the unit block of Hanover Place N.W. have really stepped up this year.

Althought not neighbors, I would also like to recognize the hard work of Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. (together with Bloomingdale resident Vicky Leonard-Chambers), Alice Thompson, and the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.

There are many more neighbors in 5C-02 and nearby who should be recognized... these are the people I have had the most contact with over the past year. Help me out by posting comments.

Search Continues for Second Resident Opposing Bloomingdale Farmers' Market

2007-11-23T11:57:00.000-05:00

The Bloomingdale Farmers' Market recently finished its extremely successful run this year. In anticipation of coming back next year, a few weeks ago Market guru Ted McGinn claimed that the market would be returning this year. This statement incited a strong statement of opposition from a neighbor living on the 100 block of R Street N.W., who complained of the lack of parking and said that McGinn should not presume that the market will return next year.

The exceedingly strong support of the market in response to this resident's complaint underscores the importance of the market to this community's revitalization, both economically and psychologically. Many residents have pointed out that either (a) there isn't a parking problem or (b) any parking issues are far outweighed by the benefit to the community.

But Scott Roberts (who provided the message from the original complaintant) has offered an interesting comment from a resident on the unit block of R Street N.W., who argues for benefits to the disaffected resident:

I am not a social economist, but it seems to me (call it convention wisdom subject to being disproved) that the weekly inconvenience of closing off a very small block in the neighborhood adds to the value of the neighborhood, and actually helps maintain the presence of the Big Bear Cafe at your corner. Consider the alternative that existed before the Big Bear Cafe -- a corner liquor store/convenience store with a caged cashier. I used to find beer cans and Wild Turkey bottles in my tree box or gutter from time to time; I have not seen a single one at all this year.

I have no problem with your leading the search for alternate locations; but I think you are benefiting a substantial amount from having the Big Bear Cafe and the Farmer's Market at your doorstep. Please reconsider biting the hand that may very well be feeding your property value. An authentic economic analysis might help us to understand the impact of the market on the neighborhood, including the 100 block of R St NW.

We could use more economic analysis of social issues in our neighborhood. This anonymous comment is a good start.

November 5C-02 Meeting Advances O Street-Hanover Place Partnership

2007-11-10T18:13:00.000-05:00

This past Thursday, I held my monthly single-member-district meeting at St. Martin's Church jointly with the NW PSA 501 meeting. Eleven residents from my district attended, which is about twice the normal number of people at my meetings.

The meeting began with a presentation by representatives from Meridian North Capitol, which seeks to build a 29-unit high-end condo complex at the corner of Hanover Place N.W. and North Capitol Street (investor Howard University Professor Charles Murphy also attended). The developer need community support for the closure of an alley off Hanover (the alley is currently not wide enough to accommodate cars).

No residents expressed concern about the alley closure. Instead, although the project calls for the building of an underground parking garage, several residents voiced strong concerns about what impact the development would have on congestion and parking. Residents already find it difficult to find parking on Hanover. I asked the representatives to what degree they could accommodate these concerns, and they stressed that planning was in the early stages. ANC 5C will vote on the alley closure at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 20.

At 7:40 p.m., the PSA 501 portion of the meeting began. By this point, the meeting had grown to 18 people, plus police officers. The new PSA 501 captain, Capt. Edward Delgado began, and Lt. White and Lt. Wright made presentations. Residents were extremely involved in a discussion.

It is particularly important that the crime situation on O Street N.W. (given a recent homicide one evening right in front of SOME) and the continuing youth issues on Hanover Place be addressed, so at one point I steered the discussion in that direction. Mayor Adrian Fenty's representative, Clinton LeSueur, took the floor and proposed a strategy similar to the one that had been proposed elsewhere in the neighborhood: take action to raise the bar by identifying all nuisance properties, name the troublemakers, fix broken streetlights, and board up abandoned properties. Residents will be responding to Clinton's survey within the week, and I anticipate the these issues will be handled quickly.

I also spoke with MPD's Fayette Vaughn-Lee about reviving the District's Neighborhood Watch program, which seems to have languished despite its grand re-opening a year ago.

(Today's blogging location: Big Bear Cafe. 14 patrons were present at the time Big Bear closed around 6 p.m. tonight.)

Art Gallery Reportedly Coming to Seaton Place

2007-11-04T15:33:00.000-05:00

While participating in the Eckington Civic Association (ECA) cleanup on Saturday morning, I noticed that the building located at the corner of Seaton Place N.E. and Lincoln Road (26 Seaton Place N.E.) is being improved. It was approximately one year ago that I took a photo of the building while participating in another ECA cleanup. My post at the time appears here (incidentally, the amount of liquor containers found is way down compared to last year's cleanup).

I chatted with Steve, who just moved into a residence on Seaton. He says he spoke with someone in charge of the renovation, who said that an art gallery is planned for the space. So it's a rumor, but a good one. Either way, the improvement to this formerly-blighted structure is welcome.

Today's blogging location: Big Bear Cafe.

Eckington Civic Association Fall Cleanup

2007-11-03T16:35:00.001-04:00

Beginning at 9 a.m. this morning, I joined members of the Eckington Civic Association, in concert with NoMa Business Improvement District staff (more info on NOMA BID here), to pick up trash in our community. NoMa director of operations Merrit Drucker attended, and joined us for the post-cleanup cookout.

Because cleanup organizer and cookout chef Charlene McCullers (pictured here with her son Ashton) did not receive any requests from the community that particular areas be cleaned, cleanup selection essentially depended on where the residents lived. I cleaned up on Lincoln Road, North Capitol Street N.E., the unit blocks of S Street N.E. and Seaton Place N.E., and two blocks of T Street N.E. The unit block of T residents should be proud, because hardly any trash could be found on their block. On the other hand, the 100 block of T bears the burden of the local schools.

I then joined Ed Hodge with his efforts to clean streets in east Eckington (he is pictured here with Merrit Drucker). Ed spoke out at a recent ANC meeting in order to hold ANC 5C to a higher standard (ANC 5C has been having issues with its website). But Ed is more than just talk, he is putting his words into action by running to fill the vacant ANC 5C-05 seat (the special election is set for December).

I have only known Ed Hodge for a short while, but he has impressed me with his vision for the community and his integrity. So I was disappointed to learn that someone who lives outside our neighborhood challenged Ed's petition signatures in an effort to knock him off the ballot. It turns out that the challenger is Lenwood Johnson, an advisory neighborhood commissioner from Ward One (1A-10).

Lenwood Johnson is... well, for one thing he has close ties to the notorious Sinclair Skinner . He also, according to Richard Layman's blog, has written that Councilman Jim Graham is "a world-class mother******" (but without the asterisks). Was Johnson acting on his own when he challenged the petitions? I'd like to give Ed's opponent the benefit of the doubt.

Regardless of any connection, the community almost missed the opportunity to have a real choice in the election. (The district lost at least two candidates when all of the candidates were knocked off the first time around due to a election technicality).

Today's blogging location: Big Bear Cafe.

North Capitol Main Street Wine Tasting

2007-10-31T00:08:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos I took at the October 19th NCMS event.

The event was fantastic for bringing the community together (although my understanding is that NCMS did not have control over what wines were made available for selection).

Bloomingdale Liquors has interesting wines on its shelves, ones unavailable at Giant for example, that should be the subject of a future tasting.

Tom Usselman conducted the beer tasting (you can see him sneaking a taste in the background of one of these photos)-- that selection was delicious.

Is This Running a Red Light or Revenue Raising?

2007-10-30T23:12:00.000-04:00

On September 29, at the intersection of 1st and Rhode Island Avenue N.W., my car crept into the crosswalk at 14 MPH. The automated red light camera recorded me as a red light runner, and MPD sent me a $75 ticket, due by November 15. Should I pay the ticket or challenge it?

Recap of the Past Week

2007-10-21T22:19:00.000-04:00

This is my first entry in 12 days, but whenever there is a lag in posts (12 days is long time in the blogging world) know that I am stilling going to the meetings and trying to advance our neighborhood's objectives.

This past week was busy. Last Saturday, I attended the Octoberfest at Florida Avenue Park (1st and Florida N.W.) at the behest of Alice Thompson, Ward 5 Outreach & Services Specialist. Many police officers and other ANC 5C commissioners attended... and Chair Anita Bonds volunteered to help serve food.

On Monday, I attended the D.C. police PSA 501 meeting, held in conjunction with the Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting.

On Tuesday, the ANC 5C meeting at St. George's church lasted more than three hours. That meeting presented some difficulties and highlighted areas where ANC 5C can improve... a subject to tackle in a separate entry.

On Thursday, I attended the 2007 Fifth District Citizens' Advisory Council Awards Dinner at the The Washington Navy Yard, which recognized police officers and citizens who have served our community with distinction. Some notable honorees who have served Eckington/Truxton Circle include Officer Brian Glover as PSA Officer of the Year, Supervisor of the Year Sgt. Charles Woodard, special award receipients (outgoing) Commander Jennifer Greene and Commander Melvin Scott. James Berry received the Frank E. Braxton, Sr. Award.

Then on Friday, I joined residents at North Capitol Main Street's Fall Wine Tasting at Bloomingdale Liquors (1st and Rhode Island Avenue NW). Folks who know me know that I had all sorts of thoughts for future wine tastings. (Photos posted when I receive them from Pat Mitchell.)

Finally, on Saturday three community leaders joined me in meeting with Melissa of the Borf Brigade at Big Bear Cafe. More to report on that soon.

North Capitol Street Business Cooridor Advancing

2007-10-09T23:43:00.000-04:00

As a result of a discussion after tonight's Eckington Civic Association meeting, I have information that potential business development is advancing on North Capitol Street in a major way. Residents should expect an announcement in the near future concerning a number of marketable store fronts. I believe this is the most significant development for "N. Cap" (you saw that shorthand here first) in years, but I have been asked to keep the details mum. Stay tuned.

I also spoke with Brian Brown, the force behind EC-12, the projected renovation of the retired DC firehouse into a restaurant on North Capitol Street N.W. Brian told me that the exterior permits have been secured and that residents may begin to notice exterior improvements as early as January, depending on the weather. This news is most encouraging.

Sebring Sans Wheel

2007-10-09T21:58:00.000-04:00

This morning I approached my car on the unit block of S Street N.W. in order to move it and comply with D.C. streetsweeper parking regulations. However, this jesture proved to be an impossible task because my car only had three wheels.

This evening I called 311 to file the police report and Officer Black showed up at my door within the half hour. Fortunately, the officer told me that this is the first stolen wheel that he has recorded, so residents need not fear a wheel theft epidemic (albeit I plan to obtain wheel locks).

Area Residents Fighting Back Against Criminals

2007-10-04T00:18:00.000-04:00

Ward Five has experienced a substantial increase in crime lately, particularly shootings, and a lot of that crime is taking place in our neighborhood. But citizens are gathering together to fight crime with a determination that I have never seen before. I attended four crime-focused meetings in the past month.

On September 7, Bloomingdale residents responded to a double-shooting of two woman who were shot while walking a dog (the dog was killed in the incident) by holding a meeting. I wish I could share with you the name of the individual who organized this meeting, but given that the meeting was confidential, I won't. It wasn't a commissioner or politician, it was a long-time resident. Bloomingdale residents didn't approach the meeting with questions of the police or politicians, but rather with very specific demands. The deadlines for meeting these demands were very short and the phrasing of the demands was (understandably) terse, but then-Commander Jennifer Greene responded very well. Meeting the demands was a matter of when, not whether.

On September 11, the experiment of a joint PSA 501-civic association meeting proceeded for the first time. I believe it was a success-- instead of virtually no citizen attendance (other than myself, Tom Usselman, and the police), 17 people attended the meeting hosted by Eckington Civic Association. Lt. White reported the rash of shootings, adding that there were 41 burglaries in PSA 501 in July. The police arrested four burglars, two of whom were out of jail pending sentencing. The police and residents discussed community strategy as well as the reasons behind the reoccuring crime (many of the criminals are back on the street three days after their arrest).

On September 22 (10 a.m. on a Saturday), seven residents attended my monthly constituent meeting at Sursum Corda Library. That meeting, which was attended by Sgt. Woodard and two other officers, focused almost entirely on crime issues faced by residents on Hanover Place N.W. Sgt. Woodard made the interesting comment that there are hardly any armed robberies of citzens, which stood in marked contrast to the tensions expressed over the Eckington listserv about safety in the New York Avenue area.

Finally, on September 25, the Bloomingdale residents held a follow-up meeting with police and government officials to verify progress. At least 40 people attended this meeting, including Mayor Adrian Fenty, Councilman Harry Thomas, Chief of Police Cathy Lanier, Capt. Scott, Lt. Wright, Lt. White, other officers, and four Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. Again, the meeting details are secret, but problem property owners providing havens for drug activity should expect contact with police and community leaders in the near future about what they must do about tenants. The only demand that gave me pause was a proposal to place speed humps on R Street N.W. It seemed that the speed hump demand would be implemented without wider community input (beyond petitions on the immediate block), even though R Street acts as a signficant rush hour artery.

Clearly, if the current level of citizen vigilance is maintained, the criminals will move on. The question is how to sustain the intensity.

Meetings with Local Principals Produce Results

2007-09-23T23:45:00.000-04:00

I recently met with the principals of Dunbar High School and Emery Elementary School, both of which are located within 5C-02.

Dunbar principal Dr. Harriet Kargbo and I reached a concensus: the school and the community must work together for the mutual benefit of both. The quality of local schools impacts housing values and kids who aren't in school during classroom hours are not only truant but often end up getting into trouble, such as vandalism.

On the other hand, tutors from the community are needed (please contact me if you are interested in volunteering). Dunbar is being judged solely on the performance of its 10th graders, the only ones taking standardized tests designed to measure achievement by the entire school. SAT scores are lagging behind the national average, which affects college prospects and scholarship opportunities, regardless of what students have actually learned.

A 5c-02 resident is concerned that the recreational facility at Dunbar was closed to the community years ago, leaving the area without an outlet for children. Dr. Kargbo informed me that the facility exclusion was necessary in order to host the school's mandatory JROTC program (children may opt out at the behest of parents). She told me that JROTC is not necessarily about the military, but more about character and leadership.

I told Dr. Kargbo that JROTC was a great program, which probably very few people in the community were aware of, which led me to my next point-- Dunbar needs a website so that both the community and parents can be properly informed. Dr. Kargbo agreed, and a website is in the works. Currently, if one visits http://www.sportscombine.com/ and types in Dunbar, sports information is available but that's it.

Dunbar's most pressing need is something that many of us take for granted in our work life: walls. Dunbar High School is the only high school in D.C. that still has a building with the 1977 experiment of no classroom walls, only partitions. Imagine trying to listen to your teacher lecture on history while another teacher queries students on the other side of a partition about math problems. Dr. Kargbo led on a tour of the facility-- it is a nightmare for students with attention deficit disorder (who incidentally do have the opportunity to transfer to another school, but there is red tape). Dunbar is slated to get walls in 2009.

I also met with Emery Elementary School principal Ronald Taylor within the context of the "audit" of D.C. public schools currently being implemented by the D.C. organization D.C. Voice. The details of the meeting are confidential, but the gist is that Emery's needs are largely being met. Much of Emery's current favorable conditions are a result of Taylor's persistence and Emery's proximity to the DCPS central office.

Haitian Invasion at Bloomingdale Farmers' Market

2007-09-09T16:01:00.000-04:00

Earlier today, the Bloomingdale Farmers' Market hosted a free community barbecue-- dubbed the "The Haitian Invasion" --that commemorated the efforts of all who helped launch the farmers market this past June.

The Haitian orchestral symphony and choir Les Petits Chanteurs serenaded the crowd; its members herald from Port Au Prince's Holy Trinity School of Music.

Commissioners Stu Davenport and John Salatti (shown here with the Rev. Vincent P. Harris of St. George's Episcopal Church) spearheaded organization and fundraising for the event, and Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. and at-large Councilmember Kwame Brown also provided financial support in addition to contributions from throughout the community.

Numerous volunteers led by Ted McGinn also processed the free-range roast pig and distributed the delicious sandwiches to the crowd.

Joe, Susan and Brooke Lilivois visited from Virginia to hang out and see some old neighborhood friends.

These photos tell the story. Two years ago, it would have been hard to conceive of an event like this taking place in our neighborhood. Change is not automatic, it takes hard work from several individuals collaborating towards a common goal.

Deputy Mayor Affirms NCMS Beautification Grant for North Capitol Street

2007-09-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

Great news for our neighborhood: The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development recently sent a letter to all ANC 5C commissioners informing us that the Deputy Mayor "proposes to award a grant under the Neighborhood Investment Fund's Neighborhood Grants Program to . . . North Capitol Main Street [NCMS, Inc.]."

The grant provides $15,000 for tree box beautification and maintenance from the 1300 to 1700 blocks of North Capitol Street. My letter of support, which explains the benefits of this grant, appears here. The 30-day comment period runs from August 22.

Congratulations to NCMS, Vicky Leonard-Chambers, Pat Mitchell, and everyone involved with securing this grant.

Dunbar High School Needs Community Support

2007-09-03T18:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's Washington Post article about Dunbar High School, "Rose-Colored Views of an All-Black School," caught my eye not because of its focus on (the lack of) racial integration, but rather for its passing revelation of Dunbar's achievement numbers.

At Dunbar High, according to the article, "[j]ust 29 percent scored as proficient or better in reading; in math, the figure was 27 percent." According to this site, Dunbar's ACT scores averaged 14.2 in 2005. That score does not compare favorably with the average nationwide score of 20 (on a scale of 36) (source here).

Meanwhile, at least two weeks ago, I called Dunbar High School and no one answered, so I left a message. I stated my name, and reminded the listener that I was an ANC commissioner and that the Dunbar was located within my district. I requested a call back on the question of whether Dunbar had a chess club. If not, I was interested in starting one, I said.

I received no call back, which was unfortunately not surprising. Dunbar seems to operate within its own orbit, the community in another. Meanwhile, I am wondering how I even have time to launch a chess club. It's merely an idea that I hope will be given a try, the rationale being that not everyone can (or desires to) be a football star. I believe that young people tend to experience improved overall health (and higher grades) when they participate in organized after-school activities.

No doubt Dunbar has may extracurricular activities, but there is no school website, so it's all speculation about whether there is an unserved niche. I wonder how can a parent make an informed decision between Dunbar and a charter school, when there is no website informing parents of Dunbar's well-regarded pre-engineering program. I suppose it all begins with returning phone calls.

Hanover Place Residents Take Charge

2007-08-20T00:25:00.000-04:00

(My posting ability over the past week was halted due to computer issues, so please excuse the delay in this entry.)

Perhaps the most interesting and productive community meeting yet during my tenure as Commissioner took place last Saturday morning at Big Bear Cafe.

The residents of the unit block of Hanover Place N.W. (map), under the leadership of Fisseha Mekonnen, organized this meeting due to concerns about out-of-control children and crime generally. An amazing number of residents (12) from a single block attended the meeting, with great diversity in background. (Typically, my single-member-district meetings, which are open to the entire district, generally only a few people.)

The issues concerning children range from property damage to creating noise disturbances after midnight. The group consensus was that both the "carrot" and "stick" approaches to the issue of unruly children should be used.

First, the carrot. One problem is that the children causing issues in the neighborhood have nothing to do and no where to go. Local churches will be recruited to provide activities to children between the hours of 10 p.m and midnight on the weekends. And one resident, Kamina, pointed out that developing a friendly foundation (begin by saying "hi") will help pave the way to a more constructive response when concerns are raised.

On the other hand, no resident should have to endure a noise disturbance at 4 a.m. A collaborative effort will be employed to bring these issues to the attention of the police. The addresses of "problem" properties were listed. Much of the problem rests with parent(s) who are unwilling or unable to control their children. I informed the residents that although a mechanism exists within D.C. law whereby parents can be held responsible for the continued lawbreaking committed by their children, that law is not being enforced.

New Meeting Structure Proposed for Community Police Department Meetings

2007-08-09T23:42:00.000-04:00

Tonight's D.C. Metropolitan Police Department PSA 501 Northwest meeting yielded four attendees: myself, Tom Usselman (on behalf of the Citizens Advisory Council), Lieutenant Anthony White, and Officer Woodard. Let it also be known that Scott Roberts stopped by after the meeting had concluded. The number of participants was not unusual, so I suggested that substantial change is needed to better utilize the time of the ANC commissioners and MPD.

Those present developed a plan that I believe will greatly increase the effectiveness of PSA meetings and more efficiently utilize the officers' time.

The plan is as follows: PSA 501 will hold its monthly meetings in conjunction with one (and only one) civic association meeting each month, on a rotating basis. One month, the meeting will be held at Bates Civic Association, the next month at Eckington Civic Association, and the next month at Bloomingdale Civic Association. (If Hanover Civic Association begins holding regular meetings, it too should be included in the rotation.)

Individuals seeking to address crime issues should attend whichever civic association is "at bat," and leaders from each civic association are encouraged to attend every meeting. Naturally, the MPD portion of the civic association meeting should probably begin the meeting. MPD is ready to start this schedule right away, beginning with the month of September.

Not only will this more efficiently use MPD time and resources, but I imagine that increased interaction between community leaders will result from this arrangement.

Finally, at the meeting, we also discussed the possibility of MPD conducting self defense classes for residents. Lt. White said that he would look into the D.C.'s registration procedures for pepper spray.

(Photo credit here.)

MPD National Night Out

2007-08-08T01:40:00.000-04:00

Last night, I attended the National Night Out event sponsored by the Metropolitan Police Department at the Harry S. Thomas Recreation Center. It was a great opportunity to interact with police officers, despite the blaring Smooth Jazz 105.9 (just kidding, I prefer Miles Davis or John Coltrane). These National Night Out events took place at locations throughout the city.

I had a great conversation with Sgt. Nicole Webster (picture above, click to enlarge), from the Internal Affairs Division. It is often rumored that officers are regularly pulled off the street due to frivolous police abuse claims filed by criminals, but Sgt. Webster said that police officers are given desk duty only in cases where there is reasonable cause to believe that abuse might have occurred.

Although the officers were great, event planning is always a challenge: Councilman Thomas made an appearance, but no other familiar 5c-02 residents attended the event, aside from Citizen Advisory Council member Tom Usselman, Michael Henderson, and new resident Crystal Chavez (pictured here with Officer Wytch (left) and Officer Miles). Overall, it was a productive event that could have been even more productive with the advance involvement of community leaders.

New Chancellor Aims to Change Culture of DC Public School System

2007-08-02T23:42:00.000-04:00

Michelle Rhee, the new Chancellor of the always-troubled D.C. Public School System shared her solutions for DCPS at the Ward Five Education Town Hall Meeting held earlier this evening at McKinley Technology High School and hosted by Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr. A Washington Post article offers a detailed analysis of the situation: "The system is among the highest-spending and worst-performing in the nation."

Rhee should be held to a very high standard, for at least the reason that her $275,000 salary (article) must be justified. After hearing Rhee's speech and her responses to questions, I am cautiously optimistic that finally some progress will be made. Her theme: "We need a wholesale culture shift in this District." Amen.

Rhee vowed to instill a system of accountability, beginning with the DCPS Central Office, and is convinced that the answers can be found at some location other than 825 North Capitol Street N.E. Rhee said that what she has found so far at the Central Office is "beyond disturbing." She walked around the building asking employees "What do you do," and several could not describe what duties their jobs entailed. Calls from students and parents are being "treated as a nuisance" when in fact "these are our customers." The Central Office culture has resulted in principals calling 14 times for toilets to be fixed, rather than having time to serve the students and teachers.

When 5C-02 resident Ted McGinn, who served as a panelist, asked a question about the per-pupil funding mechanism and whether Rhee would work to increase funding, her response exhibited strong fiscal responsibility instincts. She spoke of a "need to streamline the Central Office so we can push more money down" to the schools. She added that "before I ask the Council for any money, I need to make sure that every single tax dollar is well utilized." That analysis is being done by consultants. In the meantime, there is a restriction on the hiring of any Central Office employees.

Why did it take so long for the District of Columbia to take this approach? It is long overdue. As a Commissioner with many schools packed in his single member district (more than the other 11 ANC 5C districts put together), I am encouraged that Rhee appears determined to change the course of DCPS. Time will tell whether rhetoric translates into results.

* * *

Prior to the forum, Mayor Adrian Fenty, Councilman Thomas, and scores of residents gathered to acknowledge the development of the new sports field at McKinley Tech. I had the opportunity to meet the new principal, David Pinder, and later chatted with the former principal Dan Gohl, who has been a true asset to the community. Commissioners John Salatti and Alison Defoe attended, and the ever-resourceful Michael Henderson recorded the scene (click photo to enlarge).

(Rhee photo credit: Preston Keres/Washington Post; Commissioners photo credit: Michael Henderson / Edgewood Civic Association).

CityPaper Article Highlights Need for Extension of North Capitol Pedestrian Fence

2007-08-02T21:50:00.000-04:00

An article in this week's edition the Washington City Paper concerning Quincy Lewis Gatling ill-fated hike across North Capitol Street highlights the need for the meridian fence to be extended further north on North Capitol Street. The article takes note of the episode I recounted a few days ago on this blog. Although the reporter notes that some folks will even hurdle the iron fence, I do believe that extending the fence is a wise use of government funds.

Folk and Punk Rock Compliment Art at Bobby Fisher Building in Bloomingdale-Eckington

2007-07-31T00:50:00.000-04:00

At around 9:30 p.m. last night I happened to be walking by the the Bobby Fisher Memorial Building (1644 N. Capitol Street N.W.) and noticed that the place was abuzz. Another underground anarchist art exhibit? Turns out it was a pre-opening event.

According to John, painting this exhibit shown here, there will be an art exhibit this Wednesday from 8 p.m. to midnight, plus several bands will be performing. If last night's pre-event is any indication, stopping by Wednesday will be worthwhile.

As I walked in, Matty Pop Chart was finishing up his last two songs, which gave off Paul Simon vibes, although I am told his music is primarily classified as indie pop.

Around 10:15 p.m., the Max Levine Ensemble (website here and Wikipedia entry here) took the stage (okay, so there wasn't really a stage and in fact lead vocalist David C. asked everyone to come forward as close as they felt comfortable).

This pop punk group rocked with incredible energy, their website recordings do not reflect what occurred last night given that the band will be releasing a new album in October. The crowd was alive with movement, and it was clear that several people in the audience knew the lyrics to the band's songs. The Ensemble plans to return to the Bobby Fisher building in September.

This venue began with a rough start this past May by hosting a glorification of graffiti exhibit in our graffiti-stricken neighborhood. I am hopeful about the potential for this venue to maintain its edge without feeding the Borf fad.

Some North Capitol Pedestrians Believe Convenience Outweighs Risk of Death

2007-07-29T21:04:00.001-04:00

As many neighbors are aware, on July 15, Quincy Lewis Gatling was struck and killed by a vehicle on the 1800 block of North Capitol Street after climbing over the railing to cross the street. Pedestrians may use crosswalks one block north or south of this location, but S Street and Seaton Place are not intended to be passable.

Yesterday, I saw a man preparing to walk between the railing and around the wrought iron fence in the median along North Capitol Street just feet away from where Gatling was killed (click on photo for larger view). I called out for him to wait, and ran up to him. "Are you aware that two weeks ago, a man was killed doing just what you are about to do?" I asked him. "Yes, I know," he replied. He then vaulted over the railing and proceeded across the street.

As is too often the case, it takes a death in order for everyone to focus on safety issues, but as this incident yesterday indicates, some people won't necessarily change their routines.

I think that installation of the iron fence was an excellent idea from the D.C. Department of Transportation, for both safety and appearance reasons. The fence must be extended two blocks further north, because then it will be too inconvenient for neighborhood daredevils to cross.

NCMS Applying for Grant to Improve Appearance of North Capitol Business Cooridor

2007-07-26T10:15:00.000-04:00

The following is the text of my letter to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, in support of North Capitol Main Street, Inc.'s bid for a NIF Target Area Project Grant (TAPG):

I urge you to act favorably on the grant application of North Capitol Main Street, Inc. (NCMS). The grant is designed to implement physical improvements to our neighborhood business district through the installation of fencing around treeboxes and the planting of trees. My ANC single member district includes North Capitol Street between New York Avenue and T Street.

I have met with several current and prospective business owners this year. The potential of the area is evident, but, due to years of physical neglect, North Capitol Street continues to reside in an economic purgatory. Improving the streetscape would remove a substantial psychological hurdle faced by prospective business owners. Residents are ready to “buy local” and support small businesses, as evidenced by the success of Big Bear Café at 1st and R Street N.W.

Approval of the NCMS grant application could transform our area from one that has long “had potential” to a vibrant economic community that has arrived. Please feel free to contact me at (202) 302-7343 if you have any questions concerning the views of residents in my district.

Chung Fundraiser a Success

2007-07-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

I attended last night's fundraiser for the Chung family, which raised more the $64,000 towards the attorney's fees incurred by the defendants in the case Pearson v. Chung.
The presence of the security guard (to protect the famous pants) added a bit of circus to the atmosphere, but, on the other hand, one can't be too careful these days.

The judge's order dismissing the plaintiff's lawsuit can be found on the superior court's website. It's a document that every member of the D.C. Council should read. The spirit of the law has been twisted to the point where one too-clever lawyer can bankrupt a business over a pair of pants. The situation demands a legislative response.

The most striking moment from last night came when Chung attorney Christopher Manning said he'd like to give the Chungs an opportunity to say a few words. After each member of the family was introduced, each person had only one thing to say as he or she slightly bowed her or her head: "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you . . ." There were no eloquent victory speeches, but simple words of heartfelt gratitude-- such a rare display in this city of lawyers and politicians.

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Fundraiser to be Held this Tuesday for Ward Five Dry Cleaning Business Hit by $54 Million Pants Lawsuit

2007-07-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

By now, most people have heard about the now-famous $54 million dollar lawsuit filed by a D.C. administrative law judge against a dry cleaning business in Ward Five for allegedly losing his pants. The case (legal analysis here and latest news here) made international headlines and has become a symbol of the dangers of clever lawyers manipulating laws intended to protect consumers in order to advance a personal vendetta with no restraint or remorse. The plaintiff continues to appeal his loss of the case.

This Tuesday, July 24th, from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m., the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform and the American Tort Reform Association will host a fundraiser for the Chungs to help pay their $82,000 in legal fees. The event (you can register here) will beld at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 1615 H Street N.W. I encourage all supports of Ward Five businesses to attend this event if they can afford to do so.

District Appeals Second Amendment Case to Supreme Court

2007-07-17T09:51:00.000-04:00

This morning's Washington Post reports that the District has decided to appeal the recent U.S. Court of Appeals decision that the city's prohibition against residents keeping handguns in their homes violates the Constitution.

I find this issue particularly interesting because my senior thesis in college concerned the constitutionality of gun control. At the time, it was clear that any Second Amendment case would be dead on arrival in federal court because so many courts of appeal had ruled that way (after a very short analysis). But since that time, abundant scholarship laid the groundwork for recognizing that a right to bear a firearm is an individual right separate from an organized militia. Then, in 2001, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals released a long scholarly opinion finding that an individual right exists.

Although Mayor Fenty has the impression that District residents uniformly support the ban on handguns in the home, the anecdotal information I have is that some residents do support an individual's right to a handgun. After asking for any crime issues that residents wished to raise, I asked an open-ended question concerning the gun ban to every resident at the door I reached in 3 hours (13 people). Five people supported the right, while eight support the District's ban. The supporters of gun rights were three black males, one white male, and one black woman, and supporters of the gun ban were just as diverse. However, supporters of the gun ban tended to be more passionate about their viewpoint.

Councilman Phil Mendelson to Speak at Tomorrow's ANC Meeting

2007-07-16T09:13:00.000-04:00

At-large Councilman Phil Mendelson is scheduled to speak at the monthly Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C meeting tomorrow. He is the chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee, so I expect that much of his presentation will concern crime issues. In preparation, I walked in the neighborhoood for a few hours yesterday knocking on doors and asking residents about crime issues.

Please note that ANC 5C does not meet in August. Here is the time and location of tomorrow's meeting:

Tuesday, July 17, 2007
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Edgewood Senior Building
Crawford Hall, 9th floor
635 Edgewood Terrace, NE

DC Economic Refugees Welcome on North Capitol Street

2007-07-10T09:01:00.000-04:00

Early this morning I met with Joe Vamboi, the erstwhile owner of Joe's Steak & Egg Restaurant on 9th Street N.W.

Joe is an economic refugee, a symptom of an overbearing and compassionless District of Columbia government. Everywhere Joe looks-- the Mayor's office, Councilman Jim Graham, Ward One advisory neighborhood commissioners, and assorted community leaders --they all pat themselves on the back for having forced Joe to "voluntarily" close his restaurant.

Councilman Graham in particular exerted extreme pressure upon Joe’s Steak & Egg Restaurant due to a June 28 fatal shooting on the premises. You can read an in-depth articles here and here. Graham called for the DCRA to revoke Joe's business license and asked the D.C. attorney general to investigate the business.

Councilman Graham and others in the community seem to believe that businesses exist at the pleasure of government and that no evidence of wrongdoing is needed to close a restaurant on account of violent crimes committed against its customers. Rather than meeting with the business owner and trying to find solutions, Graham decided to slander the business as a "crime magnet" and demand that every regulatory tool of government be used to wipe this small business off the face of the earth.

Joe hired security to cover his store over the weekends, but he couldn't afford full time security. When I asked Councilman Graham what he expected Joe to have done, he wrote that the owner should have hired fulltime security, but at the same time Graham acknowledged that it was unaffordable. Sounds like a version of "If you can't afford to take the heat, get out of the kitchen."

The North Capitol Street corridor between New York Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue welcomes business owners with an entrepreneurial spirit. While starting a new business in Eckington-Bloomingdale is not an easy task, residents will welcome responsible business owners with open arms—and will open a dialogue if concerns arise. North Capitol Main Street, Inc. provides businesses with assistance on a wide range of matters ranging from developing capital to improving the business interior and facade.

I want business owners everywhere to know that neighbors here are committed to working with businesses to make them better, rather than grinding them under a regulatory heel. Simple respect and decency require nothing less.

Some Modest Anti-Crime Proposals

2007-07-08T21:29:00.000-04:00

Last month, I attended four community meetings that were either held exclusively about crime or delved into the subject deeply.

► ANC 5C Chair Anita Bonds held a special anti-crime meeting on June 5th that brought together various leaders who operate within the criminal justice system. My hat is off to her for having the vision and energy to bring all of these individuals together.

► The June 12th Eckington Civic Association meeting featured a strong police presence and discussion. I got to know Sgt. Tyshena Wallace better as she took questions and requests from residents, and she went the extra mile by writing down the names of numerous officers serving Eckington.

► I attended the June 14th Le Droit Park safety committee meeting, which was held in conjunction with numerous PSA 501 personnel and dozens of residents.

► Finally, Officer Black attended my single-member district meeting on June 18th. Only a handful of residents showed up, but they had many requests for Officer Black to write down.

The Le Droit Park meeting in particular was well-attended in part due to the latest brazen robbery on Windows Cafe (located at 1st and Rhode Island Avenue N.W.) and the serial muggings of Le Droit residents within the past month. The police interaction at these meetings has been exceptional, as has their protection of Windows, which is a symbol of progress in this neighborhood. The repeated robberies of Windows owner Hunegnaw Abeje and his wife are severe blows to the neighborhood's morale and economic vitality.

Nevertheless, I didn't get a clear sense at any of these meetings about effective ways for residents and business owners to fight back. I suggest that we consider the following three ideas that do not require any change in District law, but may provide an effective deterrent in many circumstances:

1. Pepper Spray-- Residents have the right to carry pepper spray provided that it is properly registered. If a mugger does not have a gun (and many do not), this method is extremely effective. The attacker could be incapacitated for a sufficient amount of time for the police to respond to a 911 call. Pepper spray would have been effective in the Le Droit Park muggings, where the assailants reportedly did not possess weapons.

2. Community-sponsored Self-Defense Classes-- I am looking for a sponsor to offer reduced-cost or free self-defense classes to residents. I took classes myself soon after moving into the neighborhood, and successfully employed verbal defense technique on one occasion. Classes can range from verbal self defense to defense against knives and guns (when you don't have a weapon).

3. Shotgun Possession by Business Owners -- District law generally prohibits the possession of all handguns and any functional shotguns and rifles. However, the nonfunctionality requirement does not apply to firearms kept at one's place of business. Yet many business owners are not exercising their rights to operate a shotgun or rifle. Criminals often believe, correctly, that they can rob a business with impunity because there will be no armed resistance.

This is a matter best left to the discretion and comfort level of the business owner, but general knowledge that a particular business owner has firepower behind the counter gives the criminal a strong incentive to avoid robbing that business. Whether customers will feel uncomfortable with the knowledge that a gun is on the premises is again a business call.

If a store owner does believe a shotgun fits with his/her business plan, the firearm must be registered with the police department. I strongly encourage such individuals to be fully acquainted with gun safety principles and to discuss use-of-force guidelines with D.C. police.

These proposals are only a beginning (I often hear concerns about loitering... more on that later). But more than proposals, we need people actively doing positive, proactive things in the community. Earlier today, I received an e-mail from Ted McGinn, who writes:

I will be speaking to a group of 50 gang members from all over the city this week at Emery on race and class issues within their communities that have resulted in them committing crimes. I will be talking to them about how they can learn more about the past heritage of their family through a DNA mapping project at Howard University that has a database of DNA from all over Africa and can test them to find out where they came from. Part of the problem is a lack of grounding of our young men, a sense of pride in their roots as a foundation to build on. . . . This group is part of the City funded summer jobs program.

Self-defense techniques are tools of protection, but they only treat the symptoms. The activities by devoted people like Ted are needed for crime prevention and cure.

District of Columbia Cracking Down on Illegal Fireworks

2007-07-04T15:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth of July from our Nation's Capital, where half a million residents of this country continue to live without effective representation in Congress. But I digress.

Once again, the neighborhood listservs are lit up with the annual discussions of the pros and cons of firework activity this time of year. Some residents are upset with the noise disturbances while others call the neighborhood fireworks "the best in the city, far better than the display on the mall." I am fairly tolerant of fireworks given all of the other matters competing for attention, but I did feel compelled to call 911 yesterday when two cannon-like explosions erupted with a force loud enough to set off car alarms.

Today's Washington Post reports that a task force has successfully shut down an illegal fireworks distributor, netting 55 boxes of fireworks worth more than $50,000. Ten people were arrested.

What fireworks are legal? According to Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin, sparklers less than 20 inches long, fountains and cones are okay. But "anything that explodes, cracks, moves, shoots projectiles or sprays sparks higher than one foot is illegal." That summary sounds like 95% of fireworks that will be set off tonight. Rubin suggested that the District might want to ban all fireworks.

For whatever reason, the laws simply have not been an effective deterrent on July 4th. I recall driving up North Capitol Street two years ago and seeing illegal firework activity on every block. Providing security on the Mall, directing traffic, and maintaining order likely compete for police resources.

Two days ago, I was walking on S Street N.W. when I was approached by a girl, approximately 14 years old. "Do you believe in fireworks" she asked. "I believe they exist," I replied. "Do you want to buy some?" she asked, referring to types banned in D.C. We should figure out how to guide that entrepreneurial spirit in our young people towards positive ends.

For what it is worth, the following is information from the article stating how residents can report firework activity:

The task force will continue working in the District today and will have 30 police recruits patrolling neighborhoods. The group encourages people to report illegal fireworks activity by calling the fire department's tip line at 202-321-2653. Callers are guaranteed anonymity.

DCRA Pledges to Inspect and Catalog All Vacant Buildings by Ocober 31

2007-07-04T14:06:00.000-04:00

Vacant properties are never good for a neighborhood. Often, they are not properly maintained, are a visual blight, and provide a venue for drugs and other illicit activity. In order to deter property vacancies, D.C. law requires that such property owners register their properties, which are subject to a far higher tax rate.

However, as D.C. residents have discovered in recent weeks, the District has not effectively enforced the registration of properties and the higher tax rate. Some properties even receive the homestead deduction, which is available only to owners who live on site.

An article in today's Washington Times reports that one advisory neighborhood commissioner in Ward 6 discovered that only 15 percent of vacant houses in his neighborhood are paying the higher tax rate.

According to the article, Linda K. Argo, the acting director of the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), has pledged that DCRA officials "will inspect all vacant buildings in the District by Oct. 31 to create a comprehensive and transparent database." I welcome any residents in our neighborhood who wish to join me in gathering a list of vacant properties to assist the DCRA with its cataloging efforts.

Bloomingdale Civic Association Leadership Summit Missing Leaders

2007-07-03T15:28:00.000-04:00

I attended the Bloomingdale Leadership Summit this past Saturday at 10 a.m., a component of the $12,000 grant awardeded by the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C last year.

For reference, here is the announcement again: You are cordially invited to join your neighbors and others at a Community and Leadership Summit on June 30th at the Harry Thomas, Sr. Recreation Center. The purpose of this session will be to find out how to strengthen and maintain a sense of community in transitioning neighborhoods. We will be advised by experts in the field and then break into small group sessions where individuals will have an opportunity to put forth their vision of the future of our neighborhood.

First of all, hats off to the leaders of BCA for putting together this novel and interesting program. However, the program needs to be tweaked in order to be a complete success.

I looked around and did not recognize anyone other than Commissioner John Salatti, Edgewood Civic Assocation's Rashidi Christian, and three of BCA's leaders (Commissioner Defoe did drop by later). I assume that Commissioner Davenport was working hard at Big Bear Cafe. I did not see anyone from Eckington Civic Association, Hanover/Truxton Circle, or North Capitol Main Street Inc. Love 'em or not, the leaders of those organizations are critical to any discussion about how to improve our neighborhood. Based on the Evite, some of these leaders were in fact invited, but some were not.

Participants at this forum likewise brought up race relations. Overall, most residents relate with each other reasonably well, although there is always room for more open minds and hearts. However, Commissioner Salatti and I were the only white people in the room, so any discussion of race would be truncated.

I recommend that Bloomingdale Civic Association reach out to Eckington Civic Association and Hanover Civic Association about a co-sponsorship of all future events. Dual billing will stimulate interest and bridge the gaps in our neighborhood.

A quick recap-- Mary Morris Hyde, PhD, noted some factors that indicate a sense of community of community building:

- Do people believe that they can leave a flower pot out on the front porch without it be stolen?
- What is the quality of street level interactions between residents?
- When a neighbor witnesses a code violation, does he/she call 311 or bring up the issue with the neighbor first?
- The identifiable leadership aspect: what percentage of people agree on who the leaders in the neighborhood are?
- The number of social events and activities that focus mainly on socializing, and the percentage of residents participating in those events.
- Institutional breadth and compentency in the neighborhood

Will Warehouse Be Next Door?

2007-06-27T00:59:00.000-04:00

From DCist and reprinted by the Truxton Circle Dispatch:

The curtain over the Warehouse Arts Complex that we've watched being pulled down by enormous tax hikes and aggressive developers around the new Convention Center is, sadly, finally scheduled to fall, at least in part. City Desk reports today that the Warehouse Next Door, site of off-the-wall, sometimes experimental music events, as well as the Bar & Cafe will close for good on July 30.

This is unfortunate news, but there may be a silver lining for our neighborhood. I'm pleased to report that I met with Warehouse owner Paul Ruppert this past Saturday, in conjunction with key residents, another commissioner, and representatives from North Capitol Main Street, Inc. The purpose of the meeting was to brief him on the available building stock in Bloomingdale and Eckington, and obtain a sense of his business needs.

Paul and his partner (his mother) are a very creative duo. I'll hold off on specifics, but one interesting thing that Paul said is that he would fit the business or project to the space. Some projects would be for-profit, while others would seek the lease of a building for a nominal amount for non-profit art exhibits. Paul envisions opening up opportunities throughout the city, and we hope he will find at least one place to land in Eckington or Bloomingdale.

Reflections on the June ANC 5C Meeting

2007-06-25T23:19:00.000-04:00

It has been one week since the last meeting of the full Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C, but there hasn't been the usual buzz on the listservs, so I will provide some highlights that may be of interest to residents of 5C-02.

► Someone informed ANC 5C that now-former Commissioner Aaron Knights (5C-02) has resigned, this time for good. His district is located directly east of mine. Aaron is an attorney, and I can relate to the time pressures faced by those in our profession. You might see me disappear from time to time as well, but I don't quite have the time demands faced by attorneys in private practice.

►Dunbar High School hosted the meeting, and I requested that Principal Harriet Kargbo be placed on the agenda.

Through five minutes of questions and thoughtful responses from Principal Kargbo, the following information was revealed:

1. Residents have been asking about recreational opportunities at Dunbar, such as why the track is not open to the public. Kargbo: the swimming pool is open to the community, in fact it is run by the Park department. Hours of operation are from 4 - 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The school broke new ground on a playing field set to be completed in August. The track has been condemned and the school hopes to fix it. However, even when the track is fixed, there is a desire to keep the gates locked due to concern about homeless people on the property.

2. The rumor that Dunbar will build a new building has no basis, at least as far as Principal Kargbo is aware.

► This meeting, like many other ANC meetings (one might say like all community meetings) went too long. There was no matter on the agenda that required our vote (except for the proposed budget, which we tabled for good reason), but the meeting still lasted for two hours and forty-five minutes. Ted McGinn and maybe one other individual from the community was actually present at our adjournment.

Our meetings have operated as a sounding board for the community, and there is a role for that at the monthly meeting. But ANC meetings should primarily be an opportunity to transact business. I love free speech, but I think there are more efficient methods. I propose the following rule: the meeting shall end at 9 p.m.

► Commissioner Phillips proposed that the Commission send a letter expressing disfavor of Pepco's proposed rate increases. I abstained, on the basis that (a) my constituents had not expressed an opinion either way, indicating that this was not a critical issue for them, and (b) we had not given a Pepco representative the opportunity to present Pepco's side. I believe that ANC 5C should strive to be a deliberative body and seek out all sides of an issue. If we do that, our opinions will be treated with greater respect.

Big Bear and the Bloomingdale Farmers Market

2007-06-13T23:30:00.000-04:00

Joining the hoards of people currently plugging Big Bear Cafe, I added the following to my 500+ monthly flyers being distributed in the neighborhood: Indoor/Outdoor seating, excellent coffee and food, free internet access-- open at 6:30 a.m. -- 1^st & R Street N.W. More info at: http://bigbearcafe-dc.com

I also added to the flyer this graphic announcing the Bloomingdale Farmers' Market, which begins this Sunday (I cribbed the graphic file from Sean Hennessey's blog).

I'm hoping that the flyers will help spread the word about these two great additions to the neighborhood beyond the Internet-connected-class of folks. Change is in the air.

Community Meetings Next Week

2007-06-13T23:19:00.001-04:00

There is always one week every month where every night features another community meeting. A bit exhausting for residents, so Eckington Civic Association decided to move their meeting to this past Tuesday. But North Capitol Main Street held a committee meeting tonight and the D.C. MPD will be meeting with residents tomorrow night (a joint venture between PSA 501 and Le Droit Park). So that's three meetings this week.

Here's the forecast for next week:

MONDAY

Commissioner Kris Hammond will be available for community concerns on Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m., at McKinley Technology High School (151 T Street N.E., Room 158)

Thanks to McKinley principal Dan Gohl for his service to the community. Dan is being promoted within the D.C. public school system.

TUESDAY

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

7 - 9 p.m.

at a NEW LOCATION this month only:

Dunbar Senior High School

(Auditorium, New Jersey Avenue at O Street, NW)

Special Presentations:

Dr. Harriet Kargbo, Principal of Dunbar High School

Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr.

D.C. Metropolitan Police Department

For full agenda: www.anc5c.org

WEDNESDAY

D.C. Metro Police Dept., PSA 501 N.E.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Beacon House, 601 Edgewood Street NE.

Contact: Michael Henderson 202-529-0571

THURSDAY

North Capitol Main Street, Inc. is hosting a community business forum on June 21 at 7 p.m. at McKinley Technology High School. The forum is designed to building a better understanding between residents and local businesses.

You get to take Friday off.

Nationally-recognized Author to Speak at June 21 North Capitol Street Business Forum

2007-06-01T02:32:00.000-04:00

North Capitol Main Street, Inc. (NCMS) is hosting a community forum on June 21 at 7 p.m. at McKinley Tech High School. The forum is designed to building a better understanding between residents and local businesses.

The tentative theme for the meeting is "Be Vocal, Buy Local." NCMS will announce the results from its survey of both local businesses and residents. The goal is for local businesses to better understand what residents want the businesses to provide. Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. is scheduled to moderate the meeting.

Michael Shuman, an attorney and economist, and author of the book The Small-Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition will be the featured speaker. He has written for the New York Times, Washington Post, Nation, Weekly Standard, Foreign Policy, and Parade. Shuman has also appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including the Lehrer News Hour and NPR's "Talk of the Nation."

Official description of his most recent book is as follows:

Defenders of globalization, free markets, and free trade insist there's no alternative to mega-stores like Wal-Mart -- Michael Shuman begs to differ. In "The Small-Mart Revolution, Shuman makes a compelling case for his alternative business model, one in which communities reap the benefits of "going local" in four key spending categories: goods, services, energy, and finance. He argues that despite the endless media coverage of multinational conglomerates, local businesses give more to charity, adapt more easily to rising labor and environmental standards, and produce more wealth for a community. They also spend more locally, thereby increasing community income and creating wealth and jobs. "The Small-Mart Revolution presents a visionary yet practical roadmap for everyone concerned with mitigating the worst of globalization.

This has all the makings of an unforgettable event, and I hope to see everyone there who cares about the economic vitality of the community.

Shots Fired on Seaton Place NW

2007-05-30T03:49:00.000-04:00

I heard approximately 6 shots being fired around 12:25 a.m. this morning in the vicinity of the unit block of Seaton Place N.W., across the street from my house. Police response was very prompt. An ambulance arrived on the scene shortly after three police cars. I will inquire tomorrow about details.

If there is a silver lining here, it is that I met some neighbors tonight who were also observing the scene across the street.

You may recall this account of gunfire on that very block the morning of October 7, 2006.

I suppose that this is as good a time as any to reveal that the Sursum Corda Library, where my latest single member district meeting took place, received a bullet the evening before, on May 18th. The police came by during the meeting to take the library attendant's report.

New Video Store Opening on North Capitol Street

2007-05-24T02:37:00.000-04:00

Meet Mehalon Lowe, our neighborhood's newest hero. He is opening Video North Capitol next to Full Yum, near the intersection of Florida Avenue and North Capitol Street.

He is a hero because when our crew canvassing North Capitol tonight suggested that he consider not putting up plexiglass, he readily agreed to give it a try. His courage is an inspiration to us all, and he joins businesses Big Bear Cafe (1700 1st Street N.W.), Jam Doung (1726 North Capitol Street N.W.) and Windows Cafe (101 Rhode Island Avenue N.W.) in advancing the glass-free approach that fosters positive interaction between businesses and residents.

The video store will focus on the Blockbuster crowd-- action, drama, comedy --rather than those interested in "adult" media. With pricing at between $3 and $4, his rates will be competitive with Blockbusters' $4.75 storefront pricing, and his location will be an amenity. Mehalon will have a lot of VHS format on hand, which reflects the demographics of the area and also allows him to carry older movies.

Mehalon has four children and has experience running a video store in Adams Morgan. The tentative opening date of Video North Capitol is mid-to-late June.

Replace Graffiti with Art

2007-05-24T02:08:00.000-04:00

Tonight, Ted McGinn, Caro Alcuaz, and I walked up and down North Capitol Street cataloging graffiti by pen, paper, and digital camera.

There is a ton of graffiti, much of it small and not immediately obvious. None of this graffiti approaches the skill demonstrated by artists affiliated with the Borf Brigade, who we are in the process of contacting in order to tap their talents. We also picked out some potential locations for large murals, and artists will be needed to design and execute the murals.

After we catalog the art, we will work with the D.C. government to eliminate graffiti on public property and secure consent forms from property owners.

In the photo above, you will see old posters from ANSWER that announced an anti-war protest in March. Now the posters located throughout the city are deteriorating and an eyesore. I will bring this environmental degradation to the attention of progressive ANSWER.

Borf Exhibition is a Bore

2007-05-22T02:15:00.000-04:00

This past Friday, a resident informed the community via the Eckington listserv that she had found a postcard, similar to the one pictured above, lying on the ground. The postcard announced that an art exhibition (titled The Consolation of Ruin) would take place over the weekend to celebrate the legacy of "Borf," the work of a juvenile delinquent named John Tsombikos from Great Falls, Virginia, whose artistic graffiti vandalized at least 100 D.C. locations until he was apprehended in 2005. (Washington Post story here.) A visit to the website listed on the postcard revealed that the exhibition would be located in our neighborhood.

Some residents responded to this information that they were "happy there's to be more art in the neighborhood too, as well as more creative youth culture. " Others countered to the tune of "Defacing people’s property isn’t art." I decided to visit the opening night this past Friday myself.

I've posted some pictures of the exhibit on this space (click on photos for a larger view). More than half the exhibit is not graffiti, but hangings, executions, smashed furniture, and a Borf shrine. It is all rather nihilistic and depressing.

I don't believe that the exhibition attenders (approximately 95% of whom were white incidentally, at an exhibit located in a 95% black neighborhood), were there to feel compassion for the residents of D.C., who wake up every morning to the graffiti that has rained down upon their neighborhoods. (More on the current graffiti situation here.)

My conclusion: It's protected free speech, one can argue that it's pretty good art, but it was not a class act to hold the exhibition in our neighborhood. We already have occasional moments of anarchy in our neighborhood, we don't need anarchist art. We need art that uplifts the spirit. For example, why not create art reflecting moments when people of all races and economic backgrounds work together to improve our communities? "Borf" (and his imitators such as "Magic") is about the graffiti artist himself. It's egocentric and it's boring.

The exhibition is located at 1644 North Capitol Street N.W., right next to Savemore supermarket. A resident pointed out to me tonight after the Eckington Civic Association meeting that the Savemore has new graffiti that appeared after the exhibition opened (pictured here to the left). It is ironic; perhaps a local tag artist drew inspiration from the exhibition. I spoke with the owner tonight and he confirmed that the graffiti is new. One resident tonight has a message for all Virginia graffiti artists: "Why don't you go tag McLean?"

For additional photos of the exhibit, this blog has some high quality pics.

Single Member District Meeting Tomorrow

2007-05-18T12:42:00.000-04:00

Feel free to post miscellaneous comments concerning the neighborhood here.

Don't forget: I will be holding my monthly meeting with 5C02 residents tomorrow, Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Sursum Corda Community Library (135 New York Avenue, N.W.)

NCMS Open House at Big Bear Cafe

2007-05-18T11:26:00.001-04:00

Here are some late-breaking photos from the North Capitol Main Street economic development group reception at the Big Bear Cafe held on April 27th.

A large number of neighbors enjoyed food, wine, and cappuccinos. Anticipation surrounding the official opening of Big Bear continues to build.

Photos: Eckington Civic Association members Charlene McCullers and Joel Dubenitz are pictured to the right (click on the photo to get a good look at the kid peeking at the camera behind them). Assisting with the event are NCMS board members Tom Usselman and Karen Alston, pictured to the left.

Commissioner Stuart Davenport (5C-03), who owns Big Bear, stood up and made some comments, including another announcement about the upcoming Farmer's Market. Those present demonstrated their appreciation of his efforts with a big round of applause.

Rush Hour Accident this Morning

2007-05-18T11:08:00.001-04:00

This was the scene around 7:30 a.m. this morning at the corner of North Capitol Street N.E. and S Street N.E. According to the police, the driver was not watching the road and then he had to swerve in order to avoid hitting another car. The vehicle made contact with the divider and flipped on its side. The driver was not injured in the accident, but clean-up blocked off the service road for at least an hour.

Neighborhood Meetings this Month

2007-05-12T17:15:00.000-04:00

ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 5C
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Catholic University – Pryzbyla Center (NEW location this month)

Map: http://welcome.cua.edu/cuamap.pdf

For full agenda: www.anc5c.org

Bloomingdale Community Involvement Project .. Bertha Holliday
Eckington Row Condominiums Proposal ………. Ron Hanks
Grant Application: Edgewood Civic Association ……. Michael Henderson
(Potential Agenda Item) Proposed market at 85 R Street N.W. -- Shahla Blackmon

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr.

will host a

WARD 5 TOWN HALL MEETING

Legislation to Relocate Displaced Adult-Themed
Establishments to Ward Five

Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Bethesda Baptist Church 1808 Capitol Avenue N.E.
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Monthly Police Department PSA Meeting with Residents
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Harry Thomas Recreation Center — 1743 Lincoln Road, NE

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

5C-02 Meeting with

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Kris Hammond

Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 11 a.m.

Sursum Corda Community Library

135 New York Avenue, N.W.

Welcome to the New Blog

2007-05-03T10:41:00.000-04:00

Today I am (finally) launching a new blog dedicated to the constituents of ANC district 5C-02.

I will be moving post-election posts from the campaign blog to this one for a sense of continuity.

DDOT/Sharlene Reed to Make Streetscape Beautification Presentation at April ANC Meeting

2007-04-10T12:24:00.000-04:00

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5C Monthly Meeting

(Full Commission)
Tuesday, April 17, 2007

7 - 9 p.m.
at a NEW LOCATION:

Catholic University- Life Cycle Institute

Directions: driving on Michigan Avenue N.E., turn North onto John McCormack Rd, then left to the parking garage next to Flather Hall, then walk southwest to the Institute.

For full agenda: www.anc5c.org

Guest Presenter: Sharlene Reed, D.C. Dept. of Transportation (DDOT)

DDOT is working to finalize grants that will bring streetscape improvements including banners, wrong iron tree boxes, and plants to our neighborhood. Ms. Reed will present the grant proposals and gather final citizen input for the Eckington and Hanover/Truxton Circle grants. See http://www.dcstreetscapeenhancements.orgThe current Eckington proposal is for hanging plant baskets and banners only. Hanover will also receive tree boxes and other improvements.

Additional highlights: Capt. Melvin Scott, 5D MPD, will give a Public Safety Report and residents will be given an opportunity to express community concerns.

Additional Community Meetings
Single Member District Meeting (5C-02)
Commissioner Kris Hammond will be available for community concerns at
6:30 p.m.
Monday, April 16, 2007
McKinley Technology High School
151 T Street N.E. 7 - 9 p.m.
. . . followed by the Eckington Civic Association monthly meeting at the same location.

D.C. Metro Police Dept., PSA 501
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Harry Thomas Recreation Center
1743 Lincoln Road, NE

Future PSA 501 meetings: May 16th, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM

Single Member District Meeting this Tuesday

2007-03-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

I hope to migrate to a new blog soon. In the meantime, I will hold my next meeting with residents of 5C-02:

Tuesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m.
M. M. Washington Career High School
(27 O Street N.W.)
in Room 100

Agenda:

1. Implementing the recommendations of the Eckington Place Traffic Calming Study prepared for the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Transportation Policy and Planning Administration more than two years ago and a discussion of damage to residences on R Street N.E. due to truck traffic.

2. DDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are working with our neighborhood to develop grants (approximately $50,000 each) that will bring streetscape improvements including banners, wrong iron tree boxes, and plants. Planning for both Eckington and Hanover/Truxton Circle grants is in the final stages. See http://www.dcstreetscapeenhancements.org for more information.

3. Julius Bell will discuss his plans to open J. Bell's, a “sit-down” restaurant located at the corner of P Street N.W. and North Capitol Street (1500 North Capitol Street N.W.). Mr. Bell is seeking a liquor license and approval from the 5C Advisory Neighborhood Commission.Feel free to raise any other concerns you may have about the neighborhood.

Additional Community Meetings

ANC 5C Monthly Meeting (Full Commission)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
McKinley Technology High School
151 T Street N.E.7 – 9 p.m.
For agenda go to http://www.anc5c.org/

D.C. Metro Police Department, PSA 501
Wednesday March 21st, 2007 -- 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Harry Thomas Recreation Center
1743 Lincoln Road, NE
Guest speaker: The Honorable Russel F. Canan,
Judge, Criminal Division, D.C. Superior Court

Future PSA 501 meetings:
April 18th, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
May 16th, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM