Penn Branch Citizens' Civic Association meeting tonight

The Penn Branch Citizens' Civic Association monthly meeting will be held tonight, September 8, 2010, promptly at 7:00 pm. The meeting will end at or prior to 9:00 pm. The meeting location is the Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church, located at 3000 Pennsylvania Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. The meeting room entry is in the basement on the back of the building.

Discussions regarding the budgeting process for FY 2011, including tradition programs and services and new activity ideas submitted by Robin Murphy, "to Bridge the Penn Branch Community" will be highlighted.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

11th Street Bridge Project Update/Alert

Temporary Shuttle Service
Between Anacostia High School and Anacostia Pool/Fitness Center

Please, do not walk across DC295 / I-295 at any time. Doing so is very dangerous and illegal!!

Temporary shuttle service is being provided between Anacostia High School and the Anacostia Pool / Fitness Center by the District Department of Transportation this summer while the pedestrian bridge is rebuilt.

Shuttle service will start and end at Anacostia High School, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 8:15 p.m. The shuttle will make a complete loop every 30 minutes.

Anacostia High School Pick Up/Drop Off – Monday through Friday

A.M.

8:30

9:00

9:30

10:00

10:30

-

11:30

-

P.M.

12:00

12:30

1:00

1:30

2:00

2:30

3:00

3:30

Last shuttle drop off is at 3:30 p.m. with no additional service until the next morning.

Anacostia Pool/Fitness Center Pick Up/Drop Off – Monday through Friday

A.M.

8:45

9:15

9:45

10:15

10:45

-

11:45

-

P.M.

12:15

12:45

1:15

1:45

2:15

2:45

3:15

-

Last shuttle pick up is at 3:15 p.m. with no additional service until the next morning.

11th Street Bridge Project - Traffic Advisory Update March 22 to April 2 2010

***TRAFFIC ADVISORY-UPDATE*** Off-Peak Travel Hour Lane Closures Possible from March 22 to April 2 On 11th Street Bridge, Adjacent Portions of DC 295/I-295 and Local Streets One lane may be closed on up to two block portions of M, N, O and S Street SE and Good Hope Road WASHINGTON, DC – Weekdays from Monday, March 22 to Friday, April 2, contractors for the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) will conduct a variety of work for the 11th Street Bridge Project requiring off-peak-hour lane closures on the 11th Street Bridge, DC 295/I-295 and adjacent portions of some local streets where parking will be temporarily restricted. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday closures include: · One lane of the outbound 11th Street Bridge. · The left lane of the inbound 11th Street Bridge. · One lane and the shoulder in each direction of DC295/I-295 between Pennsylvania Avenue and Howard Road. · The right lane westbound on M and N Street SE between 12th and 11th Street. · The right lane eastbound on O Street SE between 11th and 12th Street with parking restricted. · The right lane westbound/northbound on Good Hope Road between the 295 overpass and Anacostia Drive. From 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday: · One lane and the shoulder in each direction of DC295/I-295 between Pennsylvania Avenue and Howard Road will be closed. During the closures, contractors will conduct drainage inspection and cleaning, barrier installation, line striping, equipment relocation, sign work and various other construction activities. Closures may be subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen conditions. For more information about the 11th Street Bridge Project, please contact Public Information Manager Bryon Johnston at 202-484-2330, ext. 137 or visit www. theanacostiawaterfront.com/11thstreet.jsp. #### Bryon Johnston Public Information Manager 11th Street Bridge Project 202-484-2330, ext. 137 410-924-2850

Skyland Town Center Development Update and meeting announcement

Attention Penn-Branch Neighbors!!!

The Skyland Town Center Development is coming!!

400 housing units

300,000 sq. ft. of retail space

Community benefits from the developer could include--

· Job training

· Student financial aid

· Support for the Francis Gregory Library

· Support for neighborhood schools

We need your support and your voice to get a fair deal for our community. Please come and engage the developer, the Rappaport Companies.

When: ANC 7B Meeting

7 p.m. Thursday, March 18, 2010

Ryland Epworth Church

3200 S Street SE (near Branch & PA aves.)

This project goes back to the Zoning Commission on April 21, 2010. The hearing begins at 6:30 p.m. at 441 4^th St., NW. Please plan to attend .

For more information, call ANC Commissioner Robert Richards, 7B07, 583-3524, or Gilbert Bussey begin_of_the_skype_highlighting end_of_the_skype_highlighting, President, Penn-Branch Citizens/Civic Association, 584-6165.

2011 Property Assessments in Penn Branch: How do they compare with the rest of the DC?

Most folks in Penn Branch just received their 2011 Property Tax Assessments and if you're like most of us, you had to have been shocked, in most cases, by major decreases in assessed values for our homes. We all understand that the assessed value is based on fair market value. You hear about home values in the area declining by double digits. However, when you see valuation decreases in the range of 20% to 25% in one year, that should trigger a red flag!

It also begs the question, how do Penn Branch assessments compare to assessments in other parts of town? If one were to review the assessments in other neighborhoods, would one see the steep declines, in say, Berkley, American University Park, Cleveland Park or Forest Hills? Probably not. Why? Also, why does the value of the "land" component of the assessment decrease? How would the assessor know to decrease the "home improvement" component of the assessment, especially when no one has actually inspected the premises? And, finally, why would the assessed tax, after all of the aforementioned declines, increase?

Surely, someone can answer these questions. Otherwise, there is a 900 lb. gorilla in the room.

Post Storm Snow Removal Alert - February 7,2010

DDOT List

For Immediate Release

February 7, 2010

Media Contact: Mafara Hobson, EOM 202-727-2807

Karyn Le Blanc, DDOT 202-497-4572

Linda Grant, DPW 202-671-2375

District Crews Ready for All-Out Approach to Clear City Streets

With Storm System Gone Crews Move into All Areas

Motorists and Pedestrians Asked to Remain Off Streets

While Crews Work to Remove Snow

(Washington, D.C.) – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, along with DDOT Director Gabe Klein, and DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. spent time with District crews this morning to thank them for their efforts thus far in combating snow accumulations, some up to 26 inches, resulting from the massive storm that moved through the region this weekend.

“The crews are headed into their fifth shift this morning and have a lot of work ahead of them over the next few days, said Mayor Fenty. “I want to thank them for all their efforts so far and let everyone know they have the city’s appreciation and support behind them as they continue to clear and remove the snow.”

The Mayor and Directors also provided updates for snow removal plans now that the massive snow storm has moved out of the DC area. The storm dumped nearly 26 inches of snow in the District and crews are out in full force.

Nearly 270 pieces of equipment will continue to work in 12-hour shifts plowing, salting, and treating District roadways. DDOT and DPW have had 750 employees working throughout the storm and those crews will continue as removal efforts are underway.

“We had to focus all our efforts on maintaining the major roadways and highways,” said DPW Director Howland. “Keeping those main routes passable allowed emergency response teams and our own crews access to the city during the height of the storm. Having those streets passable will now provide the access we need to get to the residential streets.”

There are a number of key concerns and messages the District crews will need to contend with and the Mayor and Directors are asking residents and business owners to do their parts as well.

“Residents and property owners need to clear their sidewalks so pedestrians can get off the main roadways while our crews are out plowing streets,” said DDOT Director Klein. “It is unsafe for people to be walking in the streets while over 250 trucks move about the city. We really need people to step up and assist in clearing public walkways.”

Property owners have 8 hours after the end of a storm to clear sidewalks. Residents are reminded to please assist elderly and disabled neighbors. Also, take time when clearing sidewalks and take breaks when needed.

District officials also asked people to continue to stay off the roads in order to let crews full access to the roadways.

· Residents should call the Mayor’s Call Center at 311 for non life-threatening situations and service requests and allow crews ample time to clear city streets once the storm has finished before requesting a plow on residential streets.

· Following the storm, immediately clear snow around fire hydrants and catch basins.

· Clear around drains on private property to allow proper drainage of water.

· When shoveling snow do not shovel the snow into the sidewalk or street. Put snow in the tree boxes or back on properties.

Eleventh Street Bridge Project - Traffic Advisory - Off Peak Day and Nighttime Lane Closures Scheduled on DC 295/I-295

Off-Peak Day and Nighttime Lane Closures Scheduled on DC 295/I-295 From Jan. 25 through Feb. 12 as Part of 11th Street Bridge Project

As part of the 11^th Street Bridge Project, from Monday, Jan. 25 through Friday, Feb. 12, the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) will close one lane in each direction of DC 295/I-295 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and again from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. the next morning between Pennsylvania Avenue and Howard Road.

During these lane closures, contractors will prepare to demolish a pedestrian bridge that crosses above the highway to allow construction of ramps related to the new 11^th Street Bridges. A new pedestrian bridge is to be built and open to pedestrians in the same location by Memorial Day Weekend 2010.

For more information about this work or the 11th Street Bridge Project, please contact Public Information Manager Bryon Johnston at 202-484-2330, ext. 137 or visit www. theanacostiawaterfront.com/11thstreet.jsp

4th Annual MLK Jr's Day of National Service Clean Up Event - PBCCA in collaborating with the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance

The PBCCA, in association with the Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance (PBPRA), including the Sierra Club of the Washington DC area, will hold the 4th Annual MLK Jr's Day of National Service CLEAN UP EVENT in the Pope Branch Park.

The PBPRA is an alliance comprised of the following organization and entities:

● Groundwork Anacostia River
● Earth Conservation Corps
● Wholeness for Humanity
● Sierra Club
● Ward 8 Environmental Council
● River East Emerging Leaders
● Greater DC Cares
● Advisory Neighborhood Commission 7A
● DC Office of the Clean City
● DC Department of the Environment
● DC Department of Transportation DC Department of Parks and Recreation
● DC Department of Public Works

It invites you to its assemblage at Fairlawn Avenue & M Street, SE, on January 18, 2010, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

For additional information and to register as an individual or as a group, please contact Irv Sheffey; Sierra Club / Pope Branch Park Restoration Alliance
(202) 299-6503 ● irv.sheffey@sierraclub.org.

For more information, go to the Pope Branch Stream and Watershed Restoration website/blog at http://popebranch.blogspot.com/2009/12/4th-annual-mlk-jrs-day-of-national.html for more information.

Zoning Commission - Decision for the 2300 Pennsylvania Avenue development (future site of the Yes, Organics Market)

Please see the attached report of the District of Columbia Zoning Commission's January 31, 2008 Consolidated Planned Unit Development - 2300 Pennsylvania Avenue, LLC. The new development is partially finished, with the Yes, Organics Market still to be completed. The development is modeled after the the Potomac Avenue/Jenkins Row development just across from the Potomac Metro. To read more click here.

The Avenue: Revitalization of Pennsylvania Avenue / Great Streets Initiative Monthly Update

The Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) will continue to monitor the progress of the revitalization of the Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Corridor. The $30 million Great Streets initiative/project began on December 29, 2009 and will concentration on the East of the River section of Pennsylvania Avenue, which begins 200 ft. east of the Sousa Bridge and continues to Southern Avenue, SE. Look forward to the phased development (4 phases) of the corridor, with final completion scheduled during the summer of 2012. For more information click here.

PBCCA Monthly Meeting - November 10, 2009 Minutes as approved on 1/12/10

The approved minutes from the November 10, 2009 monthly meeting of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association is attached at the following location: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/22074780/Penn-Branch-Citizens-Association-Approved-Meeting-Minutes-November-10-2009

SAVE THE DATE! PBCCA BLOCK CAPTAINS' MEETING WITH THE PBCCA EXECUTIVE BOARD

SAVE THE DATE!

PENN BRANCH CITIZENS CIVIC ASSOCIATION

BLOCK CAPTAINS' MEETING
with the PBCCA Executive Board

Monday, February 1, 2010

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Francis Gregory Library
3660 Alabama Avenue, SE
Lower Level

A summary from the November 14, 2009 meeting and a summary of ideas for community engagement activities from our neighbor Robin Murphy are available on the PBCCA blog at http://www.pennbranchcitizens.blogspot.com, from Marcia Jones Ferguson, at marciajoneslawoffice@yahoo.com, (202) 581-2460 or click here for a copy. Please bring these documents to the 2/1/10 meeting. Thanks.



RSVP to Gilbert Bussey, President
(202) 584-6165

Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association Month Meeting Annoucement for January 12, 2010

Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 6730
Washington, DC 20020

AGENDA

JANUARY 12, 2010
7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM Sharp
* For the convenience of the speakers, PBCCA business will be delayed to the end of the meeting

7:00 pm Call to Order: Gilbert Bussey, President, PBCCA
Moment of Silence / Introduction of the Guest Speaker, Ms. Nina Brown

7:05 pm Stoke Prevention Presentation - Nina Brown, R.N., Project ASPIRE

7:25 pm Police Report by PSA Representative, Officer Hayley

7:30 pm Introduction of the Honorable Kwame Brown, Councilman At Large, Chairman of the
Economic Development Committee - DC City Council by James Ferguson,
PBCCA.

7:35 pm Economic Development in Ward 7 and adjoining districts - Honorable Kwame Brown
Questions and Answers

8:00 pm Presentation by the Honorable Yvette Alexander, DC Councilmember, Ward 7

8:15 pm Reading, Correction and Approval of the November 2009 Month meeting
Marcia Jones Ferguson, Recording Secretary

8:20 pm President's Report - Gilbert Bussey, President
- Nominating for New Recording Secretary
- No Committee Reports
- Report on 11/14/09 Black Captain's meeting/follow-up meeting
scheduled for 2/1/10, Lower level, Francis Gregory Library, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

8:30 - 8:50 pm
Annoucements / Adjourment

9:00 pm VACATE

NEXT MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2010

11th Street Community Communications Committee Meeting Minutes Available.

The 11th Street Bridge Project Community Communications Committee (11CCC) met on November 16th and December 14th of 2009. The initial meeting was an orientation designed to introduce protocols (a protocol is a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence) for the future conduct during meeting of the 11CCC. The most recent meeting, which occurred in December, was the first full, mandatory meeting for the 11CCC membership. Click here for November orientation meeting notes and Click here for December meeting notes. Your representative on the committee is James Ferguson. You can reach Mr. Ferguson at 202-572-0844 or jjferguson@stanfordalumni.org.

11th Street Bridge Project Advisory - DC 295/I-295 Lane Closures

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Infrastructure Project Management Administration

***UPDATE***

***TRAFFIC ADVISORY***

11^th Street, SE and DC 295/I-295 Lane Closures

Scheduled to Start Wednesday, Jan. 6,

The District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) will perform work requiring daily lane closures on 11^th Street, S.E., and DC 295/I-295 as part of the 11^th Street Bridge Project.

Weather permitting, daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. between Wednesday, Jan. 6 and Friday, Jan. 22, contractors will close the left lane on eastbound 11^th Street SE, from the Anacostia River to the intersection of Good Hope Road/MLK. In addition, the right lane southbound on DC 295/I-295 will also be closed between Pennsylvania Avenue and Howard Road.

Shoulder closures may also be placed after 9:30 a.m., Monday through Friday and removed by 3:30 p.m. the same day during these dates.

During these closures, contractors will be placing construction access points, concrete barrier, attenuators, and other traffic controls related to the start of 11^th Street Bridge Project construction.

Additional road work and lane closures will continue at other locations of the project beyond this timeframe, with updated traffic advisories issued in advance of the new work locations.

For more information about the 11^th Street Bridge Replacement project, please contact Barton Clark at 202-671-4696.

####

Bryon Johnston

Public Information Manager

11th Street Bridge Project

202-484-2330, ext. 137

410-924-2850