Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) Blog: February 2010

Sunday, February 7, 2010

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.

Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association: From the Beginning

The Penn-Branch Citizens / Civic Association was formed over 40 years ago by members in the community. The need for an association stemmed from specific neighborhood concerns such as water and sewer problems; the lack of sidewalks and curbs on some blocks; no posted traffic signs; and issues arising from the many District and Federal Parks that surround or are located within Penn-Branch.

The boundaries of the community served by the association extend from 38^th Street East to Branch Avenue West, and from Pennsylvania Avenue South to Pope Branch Park North. Within these boundaries are approximately 550 houses on tree lined streets covering rolling hills with easy access to the many wonderful features of the greater Washington metropolitan area. The Penn-Branch community is a touch of the suburbs in an urban setting providing the best of both worlds.

The Penn-Branch Citizens Association, as it was called until 1989, began through the formation of a number of committees, the responsibilities included working with the District and Federal Governments on varying problems. The most active committees over the years have been the Legislative and Public Works Committees, and the Neighborhood Security Patrol. Security Patrol members have contributed countless hours to assuring the security of the Penn-Branch residents. The work of the residents who have served on the PBC/CA’s many other committees have brought about many desirable improvements, and protected the community from unwanted change. The association maintains a pocket park at the corner of Carpenter and O streets, the gateway to Penn-Branch. A major project in recent year was the petitioning of the city to rebuild the crumbling O Street retaining wall. The association working with Dupont Park neighbors, defeated a proposal to erect a cellular monopole at the Penn-Branch shopping center that would have defeated our vistas. We host two major social events during the year, a Christmas Potluck and Carols on the second Tuesday in December (free – just bring a dish to serve at least four or more) and a Spring Dinner Dance, a proven fund-raiser and a reliable good time.

The Annual Membership drive runs from September to December. Through the year, the association welcomes the volunteer efforts of all Penn-Branch residents in carrying out its programs. While its leadership has changed hands many times over the years, the association continues as a stable, cohesive force owing to the time and services freely given by residents.

The PBC/CA is incorporated as a non-profit organization, and is a member of the D.C. Federation of Civic Associations. The By-laws of the association have changed from time-to-time; one significant change allows two votes per household if a two-member household exists.

In 1989, the membership voted unanimously to change the name from the Penn Branch Citizens Association to the Penn Branch Citizens/Civic Association to acknowledge a more diverse tradition of community organization.

The Penn-Branch Citizens / Civic Association, Inc. is “A Community Committed to Excellence” with the goal to create a safe and desirable community in which to live.

Officers- a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer- are elected to one-year terms. A nominating committee appointed by the president solicits a slate of candidates during April, which is presented to the membership and voted on at the May meeting. Nominations may be made from the floor. Newly elected officers are sworn in at the June meeting, and begin serving in September. The president appoints committee chairs. A grass-root network of block captains serves as conduit through which concerns and information are shared between the association and its members. The association also publishes a monthly newsletter.

Our success in accomplishing the association’s goals can only be achieved to the extent that all the neighbors in Penn-Branch participate to ensure that the community we chose to live in remains a community we want to live in.