Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) Blog: May 2012

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

11th Street Bridge Update - May 15, 2012 - It's almost finished!!!

The 11^th Street Bridge Project will be completing and opening new ramps and bridges over the next 6 weeks. These changes will affect traffic patterns for both local and commuter traffic crossing the Anacostia River between Historic Anacostia and the Capitol Hill/Navy Yard area.

On or about May 18^th, the new outbound I-295 Southbound ramp opens at the intersection of 11^th & M Streets, SE (see attached exhibit). This ramp will replace the old outbound 11^th Street Bridge ramp which is east of the river which went to I-295 Southbound. The old outbound 11^th Street Bridge will only provide access to Historic Anacostia via MLK, Jr. Ave & Good Hope Road.

On or about May 23^rd, the new Local 11^th Street Bridge will open in an interim condition between Historic Anacostia and the Capitol Hill/Navy Yard area. This new bridge will accommodate both inbound and outbound local traffic (two inbound, one outbound). On the same day, the existing 13^th Street Ramp will be permanently closed (see attached exhibit). Traffic will be affected by this new opening, morning rush hour commuters should find alternate routes until the new DC 295 SB off-ramp is opened.

Both the new DC 295 Southbound off-ramp to I-695 Westbound (Inbound) to Westbound SE/SW Freeway and a new on-ramp from 11 Street to Westbound SE/SW Freeway will open in approximately 6 weeks, before July 4^th (see attached exhibit). The DC 295 SB off-ramp will greatly reduce morning rush hour congestion in Historic Anacostia and the new on-ramp from 11^th Street to Westbound SE/SW Freeway will re-establish the connection to the freeway for local traffic

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Winner of the PBCCA "Real Men Cooking" Competition

And the Winner Is...

Hiram Brewton!!!

Mr. Brewton won both the best dressed table presentation and the Best (Top) Chef, during the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association's inaugural Annual Real Men Cooking competition on April 28, 2012 at Anne Beers Elementary School.. His turkey selection was clearly outstanding and we applaud Mr. Brewton for his commitment and his creativity. Also, we would like to extend our warm regards to the other champions, who committed their time, skills and resources to the Association and to the Penn Branch Community. Enjoy your victory Mr. Brewton, because next year, you'll have to defend!

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.