Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) Blog

Metropolitan Police Department / Citizens Advisory Council Celebration of Black History Month.

2012-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

The Community is invited to the annual Black History Month celebration of the MPD Seventh District Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). At the meeting/celebration, presentations will be made by Jennifer Greene, DC Unified Communications Center; Chief Kenneth Ellerbe, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Service; Nancy Ware, Director, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; and LaJuan Stevens, General Services Administration. In addition, the Tabernacle Crusade Choir will render a few selections and a special guest will bring greetings. The event will be held at Faith Tabernacle of Prayer, 2465 Alabama Avenue SE on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 7:00pm. Please see the attached flier to share with neighbors and friends. If you have any questions, please contact

Contact:

Lendia Sue Johnson, Community Outreach Coordinator, Seventh District, Metropolitan Police Department, 2455 Alabama Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20020, phone: 202-698-1454, 202-439-5475 or lendia.johnson@dc.gov

2011-12-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project Update

December 27, 2011

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that all major roadwork on the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project, Pennsylvania Avenue, SE between 27^th Street, SE and Alabama Avenue, SE is on schedule to be completed by the end of December 2011. Pennsylvania Avenue, SE in this area will be open to two lanes of traffic in each direction and the traffic signalization will be in full operation by December 31, 2011; weather permitting.

The last portion of roadway, between Alabama Avenue, SE and Southern Avenue, SE, the final surface asphalt, landscaping and “punch list” items will wrap up in Spring 2012. The project encountered delays due to additional replacement of aging utilities and unanticipated soil conditions that pushed back the completion to Spring 2012. While this stretch remains under construction one traffic lane per each direction will be kept open. Upon completion of the final segment of roadway, the new lanes will be opened to allow traffic to flow two lanes in each direction the entire length of the project and the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project will be complete.

Please note that work hours are 7 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. Please consider alternate routes and proceed with caution as you travel through the construction work area.

Suggested alternate routes include:

· Suitland Road to Alabama Avenue, SE to Good Hope Road, SE

· Massachusetts Avenue, SE to Minnesota Avenue, SE

Keep in mind:

· Variable Message Boards are set up throughout the impact area to alert motorists of any upcoming traffic changes.

· Sidewalks are open and temporary crosswalks will be set up at intersections.

· Drivers and pedestrians are urged to stay alert and use caution when traveling by the work zone.

· Plan ahead to minimize delays and use alternate routes to avoid the area.

Questions regarding this project may be directed to: DDOT Project Manager - Robert Chrusciel at 202-497-8107.

Ward 7 ANC Redistricting Task Force submits ANC SMD boundary recommendations to City Council

2011-11-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

The Ward 7 Advisory Neighborhood Commission Redistricting Task Force, in a letter to DC Councilperson and the Council's Redistricting Subcommittee Co-Chairperson, Michael Brown dated October 11, 2011, submitted it's recommendations for the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC)[1] and Single Member District (SMD) boundaries as required by law. Click here for the Task Force's cover letter, ANC and SMD definitions. These proposed districts, once enacted, will remain in place for 10 years, or until after the next census.

As a follow-up to the submitted recommendations, the DC Council’s Subcommittee on Redistricting will be holding a hearing on B19-528, the “Advisory Neighborhood Commission Boundaries Act of 2011” on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 10:00 am in the Council Chambers. If you are interested in testifying at the hearing, please contact Carol Sadler at (202) 724-8198 or csadler@dccouncil.us and provide your name and organizational affiliation, by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011. Witnesses should bring 20 copies of their written testimony to the hearing.

Please see Commissioner Robert Richards' testimony regarding B19-528 - Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Boundaries Act of 2011 before the Subcommittee on Redistricting of the District of Columbia City Council, chaired by Councilman Michael A. Brown to the right.

[1] The 37 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) in the District of Columbia are subdivisions of the City Council Wards. Representatives from ANCs are elected to advise the District government on issues relating to zoning, social service programs, health, police protection, sanitation, and recreation.

ALERT!!! Carjacking on the corner of Nash Street and Pope St

2011-11-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

At approximately 8:00 am on Thursday morning, November 10, our neighbor, Robin Morrison was carjacked by two young men, one with a hood and the other driving a red car, possibly a Honda. Mrs. Morrison was not severely hurt, however, they were able to take her car, a black Lexus 350 GS. The police were called and they responded within minutes.

Our community has apparently been targeted and perpetrators have become brazen with their total lack concern about being apprehended. We need to be doubly vigilant in the future regarding folks entering and perusing our neighborhood. Clearly, we have a beautiful neighborhood and it is rapidly becoming a favored location because of our history of low crime. However, let's start to write down some of the license plates of cars driving slowly in our neighborhood and pay closer attention to the description of the drivers. This incident follows up on the recent robbery on the 3300 block of Highwood, SE, in October of this year.

Traffic Alert!!! Pennsylvania Ave., SE and Branch Ave. Intersection to Close over November 4th thru November 7th Weekend

2011-11-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Traffic Alert!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Luan Tran 202.671.4649

November 1, 2011

TRAFFIC ALERT

Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project

Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Branch Avenue SE Intersection to Close for Safe Construction of New Roadway

DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) in association with the Great Streets Pennsylvania Avenue Project will close the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE at Branch Avenue SE to rebuild the roadway starting on Friday, November 4, 2011 at 9:30am; weather permitting.

This closure will begin Friday, November 4^th at 9:30am and will continue through

Monday, November 7^th at 5:00am at which time the roadway will be re-opened.

Project Closure Limits:

The eastbound and westbound lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue SE will remain open at the intersection to through-traffic; however, vehicles will be prohibited from turning left onto Branch Avenue SE from Pennsylvania Avenue SE. Vehicles traveling northbound and southbound on Branch Avenue SE toward Pennsylvania Avenue SE will be prohibited from turning left onto Pennsylvania Avenue SE. There will be no through-traffic onto the opposite side of Branch Avenue SE at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue SE; vehicles must turn right onto Pennsylvania Avenue SE.

This action will allow DDOT to completely rebuild this small portion of roadway while maintaining traffic. Variable Message Board (VMS) will be set up throughout the impact area to alert motorists of the upcoming closures. Sidewalks will remain open and temporary crosswalks will be set up at intersections.

Suggested alternate routes include:

· Suitland Road to Alabama Avenue SE to Good Hope Road SE

· Massachusetts Avenue SE to Minnesota Avenue SE

DDOT thanks you for their patience as we move forward bringing an enhanced Great Streets network that will serve the greater community. All motorists are asked to stay alert as they travel through or near this work zone area. Please plan ahead to minimize delays and use alternate routes to avoid the area. For more information please contact DDOT Project Engineer Luan Tran 202.904.3911.

Bulb Plantings for Spring Blooms

2011-10-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and it’s time to start thinking about what, if you haven’t already, will bloom in spring. This is a great time to prepare your garden beds, select your crocus, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, camassia, snowdrops, iris, paperwhite narcissus and amaryllis for beautiful blooms in the spring. While we're on the topic of planting bulbs, don't forget that you can add a splash of lively color to your home by planting bulbs indoors. The most popular candidates for this are paperwhite narcissus, perhaps because all they need is water and sunlight - no dirt is required.

When you're choosing the bulbs, think too about color and size of the blooms; there should be photos of the flowers next to the bin of bulbs For the most part, smaller bulbs produce flowers that bloom earlier in the spring, and the flowers are small, like snow-on-the-mountain or crocus. The larger bulbs, such as tulips, bloom later and produce larger blooms. Make sure the bulbs are firm, clean, and free of mold.

For more information, go to http://www.doityourself.com/stry/fallbulbplanting, for more information regarding bulbs and indoor plantings.

DC Office of the People's Counsel sponsors D.C. Utility Quality of Services and Reliability Town Hall Meetings

2011-10-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

D.C. Utility Quality of Servics and Reliability Town Hall Meetings - Verizon, Washington Gas and PEPCO

OPC wants you to share your experiences about Customer Service billing Disputes Outrages, Equipment Problems, Repairs and more...

Anyone wishing to speak at the meetings should contact: Chris Sellers at 202-727-3071 or at csellers@opc-dc.gov.

Locations:

Saturday, October 22, 2011
Anacostia Branch Library
1800 Good Hope Road, SE
Washington, D.C. 20020
10.00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Chevy Chase Community Center
5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 pm

Increase in Burglaries Reported in Hillcrest, Penn Branch and Naylor Gardens (PSA 606)

2011-10-21T09:20:00.000-07:00

From: "Hodge, Mark (MPD)" <mark.hodge@dc.gov>
Date: October 18, 2011 5:29:07 PM EDT
To: "'MPD-6D@yahoogroups.com'" <MPD-6D@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [MPD-6D] Burglaries
Reply-To: MPD-6D@yahoogroups.com

Hello community,

PSA 606, has experienced an increase in Burglaries primarily in the Hill crest and Naylor Gardens communities.

Suspects have targeted homes that have window air condition units and have gained entry into them by pushing the air conditions units in.

Suspects have also gained entry into homes through unsecured bottom level windows.

The Sixth District Detectives office and patrol officers are investigating these Burglaries
and are aggressively pursuing all leads.

The suspects are Juveniles working in tantrum and are casing the community during school hours.

Sixth Districts truancy and patrol units are in the area, and are monitoring and aggressively patrolling the affected communities.

I ask for assistance in abating these crimes, by ensuring that all windows and doors to your homes are secure, placing bars or a screen around your air condition units that is located on the first level of your home, and by notifying officers deployed in your community of any suspicious activity and persons and of information relative to these offenses.

Thank you and remain safe.

DDOT to Permanently Close the 13th Street Bridge during March 2012

2011-10-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will permanently close the 13th Street SE ramp to the inbound 11th Street Bridge on or about March 1, 2012. Closing the ramp will accelerate construction of new ramps from southbound DC 295 to the new inbound 11th Street Bridge and from the new outbound 11th Street Bridge to southbound DC 295.

Hospitality Meeting Oct 7, 2011 - Volunteers needed

2011-10-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hospitality Meeting - The Channel Inn

Oct. 7, 2011

11:30 am to 12:45 pm.

Chairperson: Toni Reeves

Chairperson Reeves, Sylvia Preston and Carolyn Ray devoted a couple of hours doing the business of the Association at the annual committee planning session on October 7, 2011. They were able to enjoy the beautiful weather, consume a sumptuous meal at the Channel Inn, and set plans for the activities of the Association. Their commitment embodies the essence of the Association, and the Association should be very proud of these three dynamic women.

By the way, they need your help. With 9 meetings between now and the end of the fiscal year, they need volunteers to step up to assist with Hospitality related activities. They surmised that if one were to volunteer 2 ½ hours for the year, the Hospitality committee would need 8 volunteers. Just think about it, 2 ½ hours could insure the vitality of the Association. So, call Toni Reeves and volunteer your 2 ½ hours.

Finally, look forward to some exciting ideas coming from the committee. Thank you, Toni, Sylvia and Carolyn!

The Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PCBBA) Election Announcement for Parliamentarian and Corresponding Secretary

2011-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

The PBCCA will hold elections during the November 8, 2011 general membership meeting to be held at the Pennsylvania Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Avenue. SE. Washington, DC. Laura Richards, the ad hoc Nominating Committee Chairperson, will make the official announcement at the October 11, 2011 general meeting. The elections will fill the last two remaining statutory slots on the Executive Board. Anyone interested in running for either slot should contact Ms. Richards at lmmrichards@gmail.com or call her at 202-418-5126. This is an exciting time for the Association and we look forward to your participation.

PBCCA President's Message

2011-09-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

Sept 2011

Years ago, when my wife, Marcia, and I started looking to move from our Rosedale neighborhood home, I stumbled on the Penn Branch neighborhood. We were enamored by the shear beauty of the wide, tree-lined, streets; the expansiveness and utility of the parks; the natural security of the cul-de-sac like character of the community; and its location in proximity to the city, Capitol Hill and National Airport. I was born and raised in Oakland, California and for me the similarity between our present home and the home I was raised in California was comforting. So, we bit, and it was a great decision to buy.

So, by extension, the logical next step is to protect the decisions of all of the folks who made similar decisions either 60 years ago or 60 minutes ago regarding investments in this idyllic community. So, what do I mean when I say, protect our investment? For Marcia and I it’s expressed in the context of our home and its upkeep; the maintenance of the roads and other infrastructure that surround our home, including the bucolic parks that dominated our enclave; our response to the potential imposition of policies that due to scarcity, weigh extraordinarily heavy on this community versus other neighborhoods; and the lack of both public and commercial services that require our neighbors to venture to other neighborhoods, wards, cities, and/or states to spend our hard earned dollars. It means that there is a premium charged, a quiet tax that is required each time we want to go to the store to get some eggs.

So, over the next 9 or 10 months at least, and potentially over the next three years, in this column, I will lift up numerous issues of importance to this community through my eyes. Hopefully, my treatment of issues in this space will spur debate that will ultimately form the basis for a range of solutions to many of the problems that this community faces.

By the way, are you aware of who represents Penn Branch on the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions[1] (ANC), our natural duly elected working partners at the neighborhood level? The answer is Robert Richards. The other answer is Phil Hammond. Now, in all due respect to Mr. Hammond, Mr. Richards lives in Penn Branch and that’s important. Mr. Hammond doesn’t. So, the question I pose is, why can’t or why doesn’t the Penn Branch neighborhood have one representative. Many of you know that we’re in the middle of redrawing the boundaries of the ANC’s in the aftermath of the census and decennial realignment (that occurs every ten years). And, as many of you know, the process is full of politics. But, we have an opportunity to address the issue of single representation for our contiguous neighborhood. Again, it only occurs every ten years! So, in an attempt to respond to the aforementioned question, I drafted a proposed ANC district with a Penn Branch focus. I dutifully submitted it to be addressed in advance of the next Ward 7 task force committee meeting that was scheduled for September 22, 2011. The Committee didn’t address it. So, the questions I pose is, why shouldn’t Penn Branch have one representative and what are the interests of those who oppose such a notion? Please let me know your thoughts.

And finally, I have a few thoughts regarding the recently past Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association elections and the need to regroup and move forward. We are all neighbors seeking in our own ways to lift up our beautiful community. We may not agree on how to address the issues that confront us, but we are in agreement that ultimately the people of the community are the last arbiters. They are the ones whose interest we serve. And, yes we volunteer for this punishment! However, those of us in leadership have a fiduciary responsibility to each neighbor, and by extension, each mill, cent, or dollar that we as neighbors invest in the Association activities.

So, the rough and tumble nature of the election is past. I am urging that we come together as a neighborhood, to pool our meager resources for the betterment of our constituents. I am counting on our leadership team, inclusive of the past members and present members, to come together to make the decisions that will promote the Penn Branch neighborhood.

James J. Ferguson

[1] The Advisory Neighborhood Commissions consider a wide range of policies and programs affecting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor licenses, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation and trash collection, and the District's annual budget.

In each of these areas, the intent of the ANC legislation is to ensure input from an advisory board that is made up of the residents of the neighborhoods that are directly affected by government action. The ANCs are the body of government with the closest official ties to the people in a neighborhood.

The ANCs present their positions and recommendations on issues to various District government agencies, the Executive Branch, and the Council. They also present testimony to independent agencies, boards, and commissions, usually under the rules of procedure specific to those entities. By law, the ANCs may also present their positions to Federal agencies.

Traffic Alert - Pennsylvania Ave. Great Street Project

2011-09-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

TRAFFIC ALERT

PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE GREAT STREETS PROJECT MOVES AHEAD

TRAFFIC PATTERN SHIFTS – LANE CLOSURES

Beginning September 26, 2011, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announces a change in traffic patterns on Pennsylvania Avenue SE between Branch Avenue SE and Southern Avenue SE in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Avenue Great Streets Project. Traffic pattern changes are required to complete the major roadwork involved by the end of 2011.

DDOT has reviewed the current scope and phasing of work and determined the portion of the project, currently under construction between Branch Avenue SE and Southern Avenue SE, can be consolidated with a completion date of December 2011 for all major roadwork. All final surface asphalt, landscaping and “punch list” items will wrap up early spring 2012.

On Monday, September 26, 2011, traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue SE between Branch Avenue SE and 38^th Street SE will flow with one lane in each direction until October 2011. The portion of the project from 38^th Street to Southern Avenue SE shall be reduced to one lane in each direction from October 2011 to December 2011. Once the segments are rebuilt, the new lanes will be opened to allow traffic to flow two lanes in each direction.

Please note that work hours will be 7:00am to 7:00pm, 6 days a week although the limits of construction work zones will be expanded. We ask that you use alternate routes and proceed with caution as you travel through the construction work area.

Suggested alternate routes include:

· Suitland Road to Alabama Avenue SE to Good Hope Road SE

· Massachusetts Avenue SE to Minnesota Ave SE

Keep in mind:

· Variable Message Boards (VMS) will be set up throughout the impact area to alert motorists of any upcoming traffic changes.

· Sidewalks will be kept open and temporary crosswalks will be set up at intersections.

· Drivers and pedestrians are urged to stay alert and use caution when traveling by the work zone.

· Plan ahead to minimize delays and use alternate routes to avoid the area.

As always, we truly appreciate the community’s patience and support on this streetscape project. If you have any questions please contact DDOT Project Engineer Luan Tran at 202.671.4649.

PBCCA Biennial Executive Board Elections held on September 13, 2011

2011-09-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

The Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association held its biennial elections during its monthly meeting on September 13, 2011.

Nomination Chairwoman, Laura Richards presided:
• All current dues paying members were eligible to vote.
• Previously nominated candidates were as follows:

o President:

Gilbert Bussey (Incumbent)
James Ferguson

o Vice President:

Robin Murphy

o Secretary

Marcia Jones Ferguson

o Treasurer:

Alberta Paul (Incumbent)

New nominations were requested from the floor.

For Vice President:

James Ferguson - he declined the nomination

Mrs. Richard announced the election results. The Executive Board for the 2011 - 2012 term of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association are as follows:

o President:

Mr. James Ferguson

o Vice President:

Ms. Robin Murphy (unopposed)

o Secretary

Ms. Marcia Jones Ferguson (unopposed)

o Treasurer:

Dr. Rosemary Crockett

Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association Monthly Meeting - April 12, 2011 - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

2011-03-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

The monthly meeting of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) will convene at 7:00 p.m. on April 12, 2011 at the Pennsylvania Baptist Church, located at 3000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Washington, DC. The meeting will last for two hours, until 9:00 p.m. and it will be held in the basement gathering hall in the back of the church.

Penn Branch Citizens' Civic Association meeting tonight

2010-09-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-06-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-23T06:35:00.000-07:00


	*TRAFFIC ADVISORY-UPDATE* Off-Peak Travel Hour Lane Closures Possible from March 22 to April 2 On 11^th 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 11^th Street Bridge Project requiring off-peak-hour lane closures on the 11^th 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 11^th Street Bridge. · The left lane of the inbound 11^th 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 12^th and 11^th Street. · The right lane eastbound on O Street SE between 11^th and 12^th 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

2010-03-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-03-01T06:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-25T14:10:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-15T23:11:00.000-08:00

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)

2010-01-14T10:31:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-01-12T07:20:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

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

11th Street Bridge Project to Begin

2009-12-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

NOTICE:
11th Street Bridge Project Construction to Begin

On or about Tuesday, December 29, 2009, contractors will begin 11th Street Bridge Project construction activities, which may be noticeable to area residents and businesses but ultimately result in a number of important benefits.

Initial work will include pile driving in the Anacostia River to construct foundations for three new bridges - one for local and two for freeway traffic. Barrier placement, off-roadway clearing, and drainage work is also to begin adjacent to both directions of DC 295, later resulting in shoulder encroachments and minor lane shifts. Eventually, land-side pile driving on both sides of the river will be required to construct new connecting ramps and improve the highway. To minimize impacts, noise and vibration levels will be monitored at all times.

The new bridges will be constructed between the existing bridges, which are projected to serve almost 180,000 vehicles per day by 2030, allowing contractors to maintain all existing travel movements and 12-foot travel lanes except during approved work in off-peak travel hours.

In addition, contractors will practice good neighbor construction by establishing designated haul routes, having most materials delivered via the river or highway, controlling dust, and requiring that workers not park on neighborhood streets.

Scheduled for completion in mid-2013, the $300 million project will:

Improve mobility by providing separate freeway and local traffic connections to both directions of DC 295, the Southeast-Southwest Expressway, and local streets on both sides of the Anacostia River;

Provide a shared path for pedestrians and bicycles, as well as rails to allow future streetcar connections;

Replace the existing functionally deficient and structurally obsolete bridges;

Provide an additional alternate evacuation route from our Nation's capital, and;

Include new trail connections, improved drainage, and other environmental investments.

The 11th Street Bridge Project and District Department of Transportation regret any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding during construction.

For more information, please call Public Information Manager Bryon Johnston
at 202-484-2330, Ext. 137 or email
ddotpublicaffairs@dc.gov.

Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Great Streets Project start on December 28th.

2009-12-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

***DDOT TRAFFIC ADVISORY***

Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Great Streets Project

To Begin Monday, December 28, 2009

Temporary Lane Closures Scheduled

(Washington, D.C.) - The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is scheduled to begin infrastructure and roadway construction work on the Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Great Streets Project on Monday, December 28, 2009, weather permitting.

The Pennsylvania Avenue, SE Great Streets project covers 2 miles of construction from 200 ft. west of 27th Street to Southern Avenue and will include the installment of a median, streetscape, utility upgrades, new curb, gutter, pavement and landscaping.

During the first five months of the project (weather permitting), the pre-phase work will not require permanent lane closures, however, motorists are advised that temporary closures will be in place.

Once the initial pre-phase is completed, the remaining construction will be conducted in four full phases with permanent lanes closures in effect (not scheduled to begin until May 2010).

During the pre-phase, work will require single lane closures at specified locations from 27^th Street to Southern Avenue both in-bound and outbound on Pennsylvania Avenue.

Work Hours during the pre-phase will be from 9:30am – 3pm Monday through Saturday.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty along with District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein and representatives from the Federal Highway Administration recently kicked-off the project taking the opportunity to thank other city agencies, regional partners and especially the community and neighbors who have been a part of the planning of the project from the beginning.

The project is designed to create a safe place where residents, visitors and regional travelers can travel over, across, to and through the corridor on foot, bus or car with ease and comfort while developing a street that is kind to the natural and human environment with majestic trees, enhanced park spaces, and reduction of the environmental impact of the corridor.

Details of the project and pending phases can be seen on the project website atwww.ddot.dc.gov/pennave. The location of the project construction office is 2410 Minnesota Avenue SE. The office staff can be reached at (202) 641-6739 and walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday 1 to 4 pm.

Seasons Greeting!

2009-12-23T09:51:00.000-08:00

After the season past of tumult and challenge, this Holiday Season should be a time for and of mirth, murth, love, compassion, and family. Cheers to all and Happy Holidays!!!

Penn Branch Citizen Civic Association

A New Years Eve Celebration

2009-12-13T11:02:00.001-08:00

You are cordially invited to join

The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church

for a night to remember!

Featuring the Jazz sounds of R&R (Howard E. Riley, Jr. and Terrence Richburg) and Christian Comedian Tommy Taylor Jr.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Watch Night Service at 10:30pm in Sanctuary

New Years Eve Celebration

Immediately following service in Chapel

(Approximately 12:10am, Jan 1, 2010)

The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church

3000 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20020

Reverend Dr. Kendrick E. Curry

Senior Pastor

— $25.00 Adults (19 & up); $10.00 Youth (13 -18); Children 12 and under free—

Call 202-581-1500 for tickets and additional information or call Alberta Paul at 202-575-2920

2009-12-11T10:42:00.000-08:00

Council of the District of Columbia

Committee of the Whole

Notice of Public Roundtable

John A. Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20004

Chairman Vincent Grey

ANNOUNCES A PUBLIC ROUNDTABLE

BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON

PR 18-585, “BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA REGINALD M. FELTON CONFIRMATION RESOLUTION OF 2009;”

PR 18-587, “BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA KENDRICK E. CURRY CONFIRMATION RESOLUTION OF 2009;”

PR 18-622, “BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ELAINE CRIDER CONFIRMATION RESOLUTION OF 2009;” and

PR 18-623, “BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF

COLUMBIA CEDRIC BOBO CONFIRMATION RESOLUTION OF 2009”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2009, 11:00 A.M.

JOHN A. WILSON BUILDING, ROOM 500

1350 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW

Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray announces the scheduling of a public roundtable by the Committee of the Whole on PR 18-585, the “Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia Reginald M. Felton Confirmation Resolution of 2009;” PR 18-587, the “Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia Kendrick E. Curry Confirmation Resolution of 2009;” PR 18-622, the “Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia Elaine Crider Confirmation Resolution of 2009;” and PR 18-623, the “Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia Cedric Bobo Confirmation Resolution of 2009.” The public roundtable is scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2009, at 11:00 a.m., in Room 500 of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The purpose of the roundtable is to provide the public with an opportunity to comment upon the Mayor’s nomination of Reginald M. Felton; Kendrick E. Curry; Elaine Crider; and Cedric Bobo for appointment as a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of the District of Columbia.

Persons who wish to testify are requested to contact Aretha Latta, Administrative Assistant to the Committee of the Whole, by telephone at (202) 724-8196 or by e-mail at alatta@dccouncil.us, and furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers and organizational affiliation, if any, by the close of business on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Witnesses should bring 20 copies of their written testimony to the roundtable or submit one advance copy of their written testimony by Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Persons presenting oral testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard. Written statements are encouraged and will be made a part of the official record in their entirety. All statements should be submitted to the Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, John A. Wilson Building, Suite 410, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20004.

DDOT Planting More Than 3,000 New Trees

2009-12-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Media Contact: John Lisle at 202-671-2004

Citywide Tree Planting Season Now Underway

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has begun planting more than 3,000 new street trees to help meet Mayor Adrian M. Fenty’s Green DC Agenda goal of expanding the tree canopy and establishing the District as one of the world’s pre-eminent green cities.
From reducing crime and domestic violence to improving economies and recuperation rates of hospital patients, research has proven that trees provide critical benefits to cities far beyond aesthetics, air quality, and water runoff.
From December to May, DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) will plant the new trees across all eight wards of the city. Planting locations are based on requests that were made by residents to the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center before July 15, 2009.
“One of the most effective ways a resident can improve the social, ecological, and economic value of a neighborhood is to help ensure new trees thrive,” said John Thomas, DDOT’s Chief Forester. “In the first two years, these new trees need attention to get established. We ask residents to share that responsibility, and in the end we will all benefit from a beautiful tree canopy across the city.”
Residents are already responsible for maintaining property to the curb. Those who go a step further and sign a partnership agreement to water, mulch, and monitor the health of specific trees in the first two years after planting, will receive free watering bags and instructions from UFA.
The tentative planting schedule will begin with Ward 7, then Ward 8, 5, 6, 2, 1, 3, and 4. The planting schedule for specific neighborhoods will be posted on the UFA website this week, but is subject to change due to equipment, weather, emergencies, and other extenuating circumstances.
In addition, UFA will plant 100 elm trees in a partnership with Casey Trees and team up with the organization Trees for Georgetown to plant 40 new trees in that historic neighborhood.
The mission of the Urban Forestry Administration is to establish a full population of street trees within the District and to ensure that those street trees are maintained in a healthy and safe condition. UFA has 16 certified arborists on staff who are responsible for issuing permits, enforcing regulations, and caring for approximately 140,000 trees throughout the city.
####

John Lisle | Public Information Officer | District Department of Transportation | Office of the Director | 2000 14th Street, NW, Fifth Floor, Washington, DC 20009 | 202-671-2004/direct | 202-486-5838/cell | 202-671-0650/ fax | John.Lisle@dc.gov, e-mail | www.ddot.dc.gov

Christmas Ice Show at Fort Dupont Ice Arena

2009-12-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

The Fort Dupont Ice Arena is hosting its annual Christmas Ice Show on Sunday, December 13 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. The theme is “Motown Memories Holiday Ice Show”. The show will be held at the Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Place, SE, WDC 20019. The show is free but a $5 donation per person is suggested. For more information contact: Emily Mayer, Skating Director, 202-584-5007.

Meeting Annoucement: National Museum of American History and Culture building plans for the National Maul

2009-12-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

You Are Invited

to the

Tier II Environmental Impact Statement
Public Scoping Meeting

to discuss the proposed
National Museum of African American

History and Culture Building

Thursday, December 10, 2009
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Smithsonian Castle
Castle Commons
1000 Jefferson Drive S.W.

Washington, DC 20560

The Smithsonian Institution and the National Capital Planning Commission will host a combined public and agency scoping meeting on the proposed construction of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The new museum will be built on the National Mall on a five-acre site at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.
The meeting will solicit public comments for consideration in the Tier II Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will assess potential effects of constructing and operating the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Since the Tier I EIS was completed in summer 2008, an architectural team has been selected for the museum and pre-design studies, including a geotechnical report, have been completed. The Tier II EIS will study the effects of more refined concept alternatives that the architectural team will develop using the building parameters and design principles that came out of the Tier I EIS. The meeting also will cover the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 process. Discussion topics will include land use and visitation, cultural resources, transportation, and natural resources. Representatives of the selected architectural team of Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup will be at the meeting.

Comments also can be submitted as follows:

By e-mail: NMAAHC.EIS.Comments@aecom.com
By mail: EDAW/AECOM
Attn: NMAAHC EIS Comments
601 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

DDOT Director to Host Online Chat This Friday

2009-11-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

First Live Discussion will Focus on Agency’s Overall Vision

(Washington, DC) -- District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein will take questions from an online audience during a live chat this Friday, November 20, 2009, at 12:30 pm. Director Klein will discuss DDOT’s overall vision and plans to improve the District’s transportation system.

Residents can join or follow the discussion at ddot.dc.gov/livechat. They may also submit questions in advance by email to ddotpublicaffairs@dc.gov. As many questions as possible will be answered during the hour-long session.

Event Details:
What: Live Chat with DDOT Director Gabe Klein
When: Friday, November 20, 2009, 12:30-1:30 pm
Where: ddot.dc.gov/livechat

This will be the first in a series of monthly online chats with Director Klein and DDOT staff. Subsequent discussions will focus on more specific topics including customer service, parking, snow removal, streetcars, trees, road and bridge construction, public space and bike and pedestrian initiatives.

The live chats will add another dimension to DDOT’s outreach efforts which have already expanded this year to include more interactive communications with District residents. In addition to the DDOT website, ddot.dc.gov, the department has a facebook page and a twitter account, www.twitter.com/DDOTDC, to provide “know before you go” updates about traffic, construction projects, events and other transportation news. You can also “tweet” service requests to DDOT.

OPC OPPOSES PEPCO’S $51.7 MILLION RATE INCREASE BID, CALLS FOR DECREASE IN PEPCO’S CURRENT RATES BY $10.4 MILLION

2009-11-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED TO VOICE YOUR CONCERNS

Dear Consumers,

The D.C. Office of the People’s Counsel, your ratepayer advocate, is alerting you to Public Hearings

scheduled before the D.C. Public Service Commission in Formal Case No. 1076. OPC is seeking your

input on PEPCO’s request for a $51.7 million increase in its electric distribution rates. OPC is calling for a

$10.4 million decrease in PEPCO’s current rates.

OPC is challenging components of PEPCO’s request for a rate increase because the Company has not

provided adequate justification to support its proposed increase.

OPC believes this case raises critical issues utility consumers face now and will face in the future.

For example,

1) PEPCO seeks to shift certain business risks from Company shareholders to consumers with
no guarantee that service quality will be improved.
2) PEPCO has failed to adhere to its statutory mandate to provide District consumers safe,
adequate and reliable electric service.
3) PEPCO has not detailed how consumers/ratepayers will be prepared and educated for a
wave of future technologies, such as smart meters and the Smart Grid, or how the costs of
these new technologies will be allocated.

OPC believes it is important for consumers to understand that this rate increase request is part of a

continuing march toward higher electric bills. Residential rates over a five year period have increased by 98 %. For example, in 2004, a residential consumer paid $49.00 for 750kWh per month. Today, the same consumer will pay $97.00 per month even before PEPCO’s requested rates are increased. If PEPCO’s request is approved in its entirety, consumers will pay an additional $6.43 each month.

These are your dollars and your service. It is imperative that you attend at least one of the community hearings and raise your issues and voice your concerns on the public record.

To participate in the hearings, you should sign up in advance by contacting the Commission Secretary at 202‐626‐5150 by the close of business, at least 3 days before each hearing and ask to be placed on the public witness list.

Persons with special needs are encouraged to call the Public Service Commission in advance to assist with any arrangements to facilitate your participation.

If for any reason you are unable to attend the hearings you may submit your written testimony to be included on the public record to Ms. Dorothy Wideman, Director, Office of the Commission Secretary, DC Public Service Commission, 1333 H St. NW Washington DC, 20010. You may also send your testimony by email to dwideman@psc.dc.org.

The three community hearings will convene at the following locations on the dates specified below:

Chevy Chase Community Center

5601 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 12 Noon

DC Public Service Commission

1333 H Street NW

Hearing Room 7th Floor East Tower

Friday, November 20, 2009 10:00am

Hillcrest Recreation Center

3100 Denver Street, SE

Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 6:30 pm

Sex Offender Registry for the Government of the District of Columbia

2009-11-17T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Sex Offender Registry of the Government of the District of Columbia is a detailed database of sex offenders within each quadrant, PSA, and/or district delineated by first and last name of the offender. All information provided is for public viewing with the DC Department of Corrections. Click here for vital information.

Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association VP to participate on 11st Street Bridge Project Community Communications Committee

2009-11-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Mr. James Ferguson, Vice President of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA) has been invited by the District of Columbia Department of Transportation's (DDOT) Infrastructure Project Management Administration to be a member of the 11th Street Bridge Project Community Communications Committee. The purpose of the committee is to act as a liaison to the community for the District Department of Transportation and the 11th Street Bridge Project Team by:

Informing the Project team about specific issues and concerns residents, commuters and other important stakeholders have related to construction activities; and

Notifying the Project team about the effectiveness of its communications strategies in sustaining a proactive and accurate flow of information throughout the project.

At a cost of $300 million, the 11th Street Bridge Project is the largest effort of its type ever undertaken by DDOT.

For more information, contact Mr. Ferguson at 202-572-0844 or jjferguson@stanfordalumni.org

14th Energy Expo - 2009: Moving Towards an Energy Efficient DC -Energy Efficiency Audits and Energy Grant Programs

2009-11-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in:
1) How to get a Free Home Energy Audit
2) How to apply for Energy Grant Programs
3) How to take full advantage of Economic Stimulus Programs

Then, please plan to attend the Office of the People's Counsel and DC Department of the Environment's
14th Energy Expo - 2009: Moving Towards an Energy Efficient DC

THIS SATURDAY, November 14, 2009
10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Rooms 146 A, B, &C
801 Mount Vernon Place, N.W.

For more information, to RSVP, or to request disability or interpreter services, please contact OPC at 202.727.3071 or at ccceo@opc-dc.gov.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
--
___________________________________________

Office of the People's Counsel
for the District of Columbia
1133 15th Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202.727.3071
Fax: 202.727.1014
Website: www.opc-dc.gov

2009-10-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Alert!! Alert!!

There have been a series of car break-ins over the last couple of days in the Penn Branch Community. Commander Contee of the DC Metropolitan Police released the following advisory:

"In response to these offenses MPD will be increasing patrols in the Penn Branch community. Anyone with information should call 1-888-919-CRIME or text to 50411. Please lookout for any persons displaying suspicious behavior (standing around in the rain etc…) or individuals that may be casing the neighborhood (same car circling the block).

Thanks for your efforts to combat these crimes. I will keep you updated with any new developments.'

PBCCA Encourages Citizens to attend the Office of the People's Counsel Meeting - to discuss PEPCO rates hikes

2009-10-08T14:31:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to attend one (1) of the three (3) OPC Key Community Leaders Briefings regarding the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)’s request for the authority to increase existing distribution service rates and charges for electric service in the District of Columbia by $51.7 million.

OPC has schedule three (3) Key Community Briefings taking place on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., and Monday, October 19, 2009, at 12:00 p.m. at Office of the People’s Counsel, 1133 15^th Street, NW Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005.

Please RSVP by close of business Tuesday, October 13, 2009, by contacting Cheryl Morse at (202) 727-3071 or via e-mailing cmorse@opc-dc.gov or Linda Jefferson at ljefferson@opc-dc.gov.

Your participation in these briefings is critical in preparing for the upcoming Public Service Commission sponsored community hearings. Attached you find the Consumer Alert from the “Office”, regarding PEPCO Formal Case No. 1076 Rate Increase Request for $51.7 million and OPC Consumer Advisory. If you are unable to attend, please send a designee from your organization.

Click here for flyer

Penn Branch Shopping Center: Who has a vision for it?

2009-10-05T13:12:00.000-07:00

On September 30, 2009, the principal owners of the Penn Branch Shopping Center (PBSC), Stylianos Christofides, David Stern of ICG Properties, LLC,, and the architect and broker that represent ICG Properties, Lee Quill and Tom Papadopoulos, presented their vision for the PBSC during a community meeting within the Center, in the former HEW Federal Credit Union site. While seating was set up for 60 people in the small converted office, an overflow crowd of community residents came to hear the plans for a major multi-phase redevelopment for the Center, including the first phase which will revitalize the street level façade that faces Pennsylvania Ave., SE. Residents also came to ask pointed questions and express their frustrations with what has been up to this writing, decades of underdevelopment and beneign neglect at that site.

Over the years, the Penn Branch Shopping Center has deteriorated into a eyesore, with an unsightly façade, incongruent signage, poor parking patterns, and with uninvitingly broken elevators and escalators that force patrons to walk around the facility to gain access to various municipal offices situated in the back lower section. The owners have described the front parking lot, on their webpage as “pavement that feels like it was laid over tree stumps.”[1] Also, it lacks many of the services, including restaurants that many folks within minutes of the Center would like to see.

So, when the owners offered prepared notes about the up coming redevelopment, they were confronted by a moderately aggressive crowd, with a chorus of questions that in some cases exposed frustrations born from many years of promises that were either unmet or limited. One can only assume or imagine what would have happened if the three city council members (Chairman Vincent Gray, Economic Development Chairman Kwame Brown, and Ward 7 Councilwoman Yvette Alexander) from East of the River had not been in attendance.

So, what would you like to see added to the lineup of businesses at PBSC? You may not know that:

“Penn Branch rarely has a retail vacancy and developers at ICG say they can see why. Pennsylvania Avenue carries 30,000 cars past the shopping center per day and nearby Branch Avenue another 18,000. The location is smack amongst some of the most upper-scale D.C. neighborhoods east of the river, with average incomes within the nearest mile over $60,000. And with plans to redevelop nearby Skyland Shopping Center stuck in legal tangles, Penn Branch could serve as a needed dam against the hundreds of millions of dollars in retail sales the city loses over the state line to Prince George’s County every year.” Also: “Rated one of Washingtonian magazine's ‘Best Places to Live,’ Hillcrest is an attractive urban neighborhood with an average household income of more than $75,000 in the area within a quarter-mile radius of the center. Current tenants include Wachovia Bank, CVS Pharmacy, and several District of Columbia government agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles.”

So, with its great potential, anchor businesses nailed down with long term commitments (CVS is planning an enlargement of its footprint), 48,000 cars moving through the confluence of Pennsylvania and Branch Avenues everyday, why are they having trouble attracting prime vendors, besides Ledo Pizza and Dunkin Donuts? What is the basis for their choices? Are they predisposed and/or committed to vendors and business that really don’t fit our community or will ultimately degrade our community? And who is Tom Papadopoulos?

We really do need to stop and consider why we now travel out of our community to spend dollars that should circulate in our community. Thus, in that vein, ICG and their crew should honestly consider what we believe will be important additions to the shopping center. Because if we have businesses that are close in, with services and products that we would otherwise have to go elsewhere to purchase, by car, bus or Metro, then dollars would remain in our communities, and by extension, in the pockets of the developers. By the way, have you been to Best Buns in Shirlington, Virginia next to the fabulous Carlyle Grand Restaurant or how about the meat, poultry, and fruit vendors in Eastern Market?

[1] http://www.icgproperties.com - Penn Branch Property

It's Fall Tree Planting Season: Casey Trees to hold 22 events

2009-10-05T05:01:00.000-07:00

Casey Trees' fall tree planting season is less than two weeks away, and we are excited about the prospects: 22 events, including six at DC schools. To prepare for the first planting, we are holding a Tree Planting class on Wednesday, October 7, and Thursday, October 8. The field training is Saturday, October 10, at Catholic University, where CUA and Casey Trees will be planting more than two dozen trees.

As you may have heard, Casey Trees has set a goal to increase the tree canopy of the District of Columbia from 35% to 40% by 2035. This will involve planting more than 200,000 trees.

If you have not taken the Tree Planting class or know somebody who would like to take it, please visit our website, www.caseytrees.org, and click on Programs and Classes.

In addition, Casey Trees is registering volunteers for many of the fall plantings via the website.

Thank you for your support. We can't reach our goals without you.

Carol Herwig | Volunteer Coordinator | Casey Trees

1123 11th Street NW | Washington DC 20001 | p 202 349 1907 | f 202 833 4092

www.caseytrees.org

Exclusive Poll: 51% Disapprove of Fenty's Job Performance

2009-09-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

posted 5:08 pm Fri September 25, 2009 - WASHINGTON

From ABC 7 News - http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0909/662700.html

A majority of D.C. residents disapprove of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's job performance and even more believe he cares more about advancing his career than about the city's needs, according to an exclusive SurveyUSA poll commissioned by WJLA-TV.

SurveyUSA asked 500 D.C. residents several questions about Mayor Fenty re-election prospects one year before the District's Democratic primary.

The poll found 51 percent disapprove of the job he is doing, while 40 percent approve. Broken down by race, 69 percent of black voters disapproved of Fenty, compared with 23 percent who approved. That's almost the exact opposite for whites: 66 percent approved and 24 percent disapproved. Latino voters were split. Black voters account for more than half of the D.C. electorate. Whites make up about one-third.

Among Democrats, Fenty had a 54-percent disapproval rating. Throughout the survey, Democrats judged Fenty more harshly than Republicans or independents, who make up a very small percentage of District voters.

Fenty declined to comment on the poll's findings Friday.

"I've been around this city all my life, I've been around politics for a third of that time," Fenty told ABC 7's Suzanne Kennedy. "I just tend not to focus on polls."

Fifty-four percent of respondents said their opinion of Fenty has gotten worse since he took office in 2007. Only 11 percent had an improved opinion of him. About one-third -- 32 percent -- of respondents had no change in their opinions.

In perhaps the most damaging area of the poll, 58 percent thought Fenty more focused on advancing his career than on the community's needs. Twenty-seven percent found him more focused on the community; 14 percent were unsure. The career-minded label was most pronounced among African American voters, 69 percent, and Latinos, 57 percent. White voters were split.

As for two of the biggest issues in the District, crime and schools, the poll finds 72 percent believe crime has decreased (30%) or stayed the same (42%) in the past five years. Twenty-four percent thought crime had gotten worse.

School reform has been a focus of the Mayor, who took control of city schools and installed Michelle Rhee as chancellor after winning the 2006 mayoral race. Despite reform efforts, city residents give the school system a D+ grade point average (1.8). Only 3 percent of respondents rated the system an A; 15 percent said B, 37 percent C, 22 percent D, and 19 percent F.

A majority of District residents, 51 percent, believe the mayor and city work together "somewhat well". Four percent said very well. Thirty-nine percent thought Fenty and the Council did not get along.

Only two candidates have stepped forward to challenge Fenty: Leo Alexander, a former TV reporter and current independent insurance sales executive, and former accountant Sulaimon Brown, who has held behind the scenes political jobs.

The poll has a plus or minus 4.5 percent margin of error, except for the question about Fenty's focus, which had a 4.4 percent margin of error.

Where's the love?

2009-09-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

In an article by Washington City Paper writer Mike DeBonis, under the heading of "Political Potpourri", posted on September 23, 2009, Mr. Debonis describes thusly a confrontation between Ward 7 Councilwoman Yvette Alexander and Ron Moten, cofounder of the Peaceoholics during a recent city hall protest:

"Ever since Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) shouted “You lie!” at President Obama earlier this month, folks across the land have been decrying the lack of civility and respect in Washington’s political quarters.

That includes the John A. Wilson Building, apparently. Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette M. Alexander tells LL that she was not extended her due courtesy recently.

The occasion was a city hall protest last week, where Peaceoholics co-founder Ron Moten brought dozens of supporters to protest the slashing of council earmarks—of which his group has been a prime beneficiary.

Outside the Wilson Building, Alexander says Moten & Co. got in her face about the cuts to the fiscal 2010 budget. Alexander says she had a retort: “I said, ‘What are you arguing for? You’ve never had a shortage of any funding.’” She added: “Your well has run dry.”

To that, Moten did not react well: “You’re trash!” Alexander recalls being told at least three times with Moten’s finger in her face.

In an interview, Moten admits to comparing his councilmember to refuse: “She was acting like a piece of trash,” the Ward 7 resident says. “She wasn’t acting like a councilmember.”

In Moten’s telling, it’s Alexander who needs to improve her manners: “She was talking to the people like nobodies. ‘I don’t like people who drop out of school. I don’t like people who stand on corners.’” In fact, he says, “I’m debating whether or not I’m going to press charges against her for grabbing my finger.”

One can only imagine, that had the protesters that approached Councilwoman Alexander been restrained and civil, the occasion of the Councilwoman's interact with the protesters would not have reached the attention of Mr. DeBonis or any of the readers of his writing or this blog. We do not expect our elected officials to have to endure ad hominem attacks or for that matter, the threat of physical abuse. Also, the altercation could not have been in the best interests of the Peaceoholics, because the Councilwoman could/will certainly have the last say.

Do you remember the $787 Billion Recovery Plan and the great controversy it created in early February of this year?

2009-09-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

Well, you can now access information online detailing all the pertinent details about its true impact and get quarterly updates. The following is a description of the Act's purpose:

"On February 13, 2009, Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Four days later, the President signed the legislation into law. The Recovery Act’s three main goals are to:

Create and save jobs
Spur economic activity and invest in long-term economic growth
Foster unprecedented levels of accountability and transparency in government spending

This $787 billion Recovery plan includes federal tax cuts and incentives, an expansion of unemployment benefits, and other spending on social entitlement programs. In addition, federal agencies are using Recovery funds to award contracts, grants, and loans around the country.

The Recovery Act’s longer-term economic investment goals include:

Initiating a process to computerize health records to reduce medical errors and save on health care costs
Investing in the domestic renewable energy industry
Weatherizing 75 percent of federal buildings and more than one million homes
Increasing college affordability for seven million students by funding the shortfall in Pell Grants, raising the maximum grant level by $500, and providing a higher education tax cut to nearly four million students
Cutting taxes for 129 million working households by providing an $800 Making Work Pay tax credit
Expanding the Child Tax Credit

The Recovery Act was intended to jumpstart the economy but many of the projects funded by Recovery money, especially those involving infrastructure improvements, are expected to contribute to economic growth for many years."

The Act promised transparency. Thus, you can access vital information about the Act and its recipients at http://www.recovery.gov.

The 2009 Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) Weekend of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

2009-09-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

If you notice people milling around various venues at and around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this week, be advised, the 2009 Annual Legislative Conference will be in full swing. The ALC Conference will officially start on Wednesday, September 23rd with the opening press conference, and culminates on Saturday, September 26th with the Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner.

"Thousands of elected officials, business and industry leaders, celebrities, media, emerging leaders and everyday Americans descend upon the ALC and its dozens of policy forums, general sessions, massive exhibit showcase, job fair, book signings and vast networking opportunities.

The Congressional Black Caucus – comprised of the African-American members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate – headline ALC every year.

The conference brings together diverse organizations and individuals to collectively discuss common issues and concerns. Its program includes more than 70 workshops, seminars and information forums on relevant topics that capture and portray the concerns of African Americans. Participants discuss the challenges facing underserved populations, including health care, economic success and failures, global and domestic security as well as highlight successes and provide critical information that will help to build strong communities, organizations and individual families. The conference also features the successful Emerging Leaders Empowerment Series, which is gaining widespread attention as it speaks to our future successors. In addition, the exhibit hall offers demonstrations and social events to complement the substantive content of the conference.

The Annual Legislative Conference is one of the most important gatherings of African American leaders. They really need and want all constituents to seize this opportunity to speak freely and often about their concerns, to network and build relationships, and to gather as much information as possible to take home and share within their communities."

Check out the full schedule of events by clicking on the following url: http://www.cbcfinc.org/alc-09.html

Marcia Jones Ferguson elected Secretary of Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association (PBCCA)

2009-09-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Marcia Jones Ferguson, an attorney in private practice in the District of Columbia, was elected and sworn in as Secretary of the PBCCA at the September 8th Association meeting. Mrs. Ferguson, who has lived in Penn Branch since 1996, assumed her responsibilities immediately after being installed. Her term is for two years.

The Secretary is an officer of the Association, along with President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian. The officers constitute the Executive Committee of the Association, along with the chairs of the standing committees and previous Association presidents.

We welcome the addition of Mrs. Ferguson, whose responsibilities include recording and reporting all activities of the Association.

Outstanding turnout at Penn Branch Memorial Park on Saturday, September 19th Cleanup

2009-09-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

The Penn Branch Memorial Gateway Park, at the corner of Carpenter and O street, is beautiful again, thanks to the leadership of Ms. Alberta Paul and the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association's Public Works committee. Many Penn Branch citizens, perhaps motivated by civic pride and the spirit of those who perished during the 9/11 tragedy, gathered to clear the park of weeds, debris, and to prune flowers and plants in anticipation of winter. Also, they were able to meet and greet new neighbors and partake of refreshments and good spirits. Job well done!

$2.8 million in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to create green jobs in the District and improve the health of

2009-09-18T21:29:00.000-07:00

DDOT Green Jobs Programs

Awarded Federal Stimulus Funding

Projects Could Create Close to 400 Full and Part-time Jobs

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration (UFA) has been awarded nearly $2.8 million in federal funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to create green jobs in the District and improve the health of the city’s urban tree canopy.

“This is what the stimulus money was intended to do – to put people to work,” said DDOT Director Gabe Klein, “and in this case there’s a significant environmental as well as an economic benefit for the District.”

DDOT, in partnership with Washington Parks & People, will receive $2.692 million to create the DC Green Corps. The DC Green Corps will provide a city-wide gateway to 50 different green career tracks in urban and community forestry, forest-based ecosystems and watershed restoration. Washington Parks & People is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and enhancing public parks, and the DC Green Corps will be based at the new Marvin Gaye Community Greening Center in the Watts Branch sub-watershed of the Anacostia River.

This is one of two significant grant awards for DDOT from the United States Forest Service. DDOT, along with the District Department of the Environment, was also awarded $90,000 for the Mayor’s Green Summer Job Corps, a program that offers approximately 100 District teenagers the opportunity for real green-collar work experience. Working on UFA’s tree teams, the youth will be engaged in data collection and maintenance (mulching, watering, and pruning) of public-space trees.

The DC Green Corps and Mayor’s Green Summer Job Corps are among 78 forest health protection projects to receive ARRA funding from the Forest Service. DDOT has also received ARRA funding for a number of other green initiatives through DDOE. For more detail on all of the District’s ARRA projects, visit the District’s stimulus web site at recovery.dc.gov.

The mission of DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration is to establish a full population of street trees within the District and to ensure that those street trees are maintained in a healthy and safe condition. UFA has 16 certified arborists on staff that care for approximately 140,000 trees throughout the city.

11th Street Bridge Information/articles

2009-09-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

Article: "Fenty Administration Moves forward with Work on 9th and 11th Street Bridge Projects"

(click here for article) http://www.realestaterama.com/2009/04/27/fenty-administration-moves-forward-with-work-on-9th-and-11th-streets-bridge-projects-bridge-projects-ID05190.html

Article: "11th Street Bridges, What & Why"

(click here for article) http://www.theanacostiawaterfront.com/11thstreet.jsp

Article: "Skanska wins $182M Design-Build Bridge Contract in DC" (click here for article)

http://www.realestatechannel.com/us-markets/commercial-real-estate-1/skanska-usa-civil-washington-dc-infrastructure-facchina-construction-co-alex-finkelstein-1111.php

Announcement: Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association Monthly Meeting - October 13, 2009

2009-09-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

The monthly meeting of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Assn. (PBCCA) will be held on October 13, 2009 at the Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Washington DC. The meeting will last for two hours, between the hours of 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. All are invited, and refreshments will be served. Please encourage members of the community to attend this vital forum.

Department of Planning Proposed Zoning Changes and City's Aging Infrastructure exposed by Cooper Cafritz Fire

2009-09-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

The following is an excellent article that discusses the DC Office of Planning's rewrite of Title 11, the zoning regulations which would be the basis for increasing building density in the District of Columbia. Also the fire at the home of philanthropist Peggy Cooper Cafritz exposed a potentially disasterous and immediate problem: underperforming hydrants. The article (from DC Watch) is as follows:

Proposed Zoning Changes and the City's Aging Infrastructure

Alma Gates, ahg71139@aol.com

Over the past year, the Office of Planning has held a series of public meetings on the rewrite of Title 11, the zoning regulations, and, as a complementary exercise, it is in the process of amending the Comprehensive Plan. Few city residents have participated in the rewrite, and most are unaware that the anticipated outcome of the new zoning regulations will be increased density throughout the city. The Comprehensive Plan amendments, many of which were submitted by city agency staffs, are meant to provide the justification for the zoning changes. Growing a city brings a new set of responsibilities and concerns for those who must ensure public welfare and safety. For example, there have been numerous recent media reports about the fire at the home of Peggy Cooper Cafritz. The Post, the Northwest Current, and the Examiner cited a lack of water pressure due to the age and inadequacy of the infrastructure as a contributing factor in the difficulty experienced by firefighters who attempted to extinguish the blaze on Chain Bridge Road. Responders to the Cafritz fire, like those at the Eastern Market, Georgetown Library, and Adams Mill apartment building, experienced immediate underperforming hydrants, indicating the problem of low water pressure is citywide.

The city hired a former Shreveport, Louisiana, fire chief to prepare a report on the fire and related water problems following the 2007 Adams Mill apartment fire. One of the report's major conclusions found, “The condition of the water system infrastructure is highly questionable due to its age and condition, as due to deferred maintenance and inspection. Major portions of the underground infrastructure will have to be replaced to upgrade the system. Correction of these problems will require millions of dollars and at least two decades of continual effort.” The Cafritz fire leaves no doubt that the city has failed to implement the report's recommendations; and it is a clear indication of the serious vulnerability that currently exists in the city. WASA notes there are 1,300 miles of water mains in the District that have a median age of 74 years, and 14 percent of them are more than one hundred years old. Those who lived in Washington through Marion Barry's tenure as Mayor know little attention was paid to infrastructure; and subsequent mayors have done little to address or improve the aging underpinnings of the city. This reality led Robert McCartney, Metro columnist to note, “Rebuilding infrastructure is a top priority. The Red Line crash in June, and problems battling the fire at the Cafritz home July 31 because of a 75-year-old water main, highlighted some deficiencies in the region.”

Metro is at capacity, water mains are insufficient, and PEPCO is scrambling to make power delivery more reliable. Yet the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and the Office of Planning (OP) continue to encourage new development without addressing the exiting strain on what lies beneath the city's streets and in its overhead power lines. “The tragic crash on Metro's Red Line was a wake-up call that our region's transportation infrastructure is aging and in need of repair,” said Jim Moran (D-VA) in a July 23 press release. It is time to seriously consider the unsafe, deficient, and unreliable foundation upon which new development will be built as the DMPED and OP move forward their agendas for growing the city through a revised Comprehensive Plan and new zoning regulations. Couple that with the fact that, while current setback regulations were established to provide light, air, and fire protection, proposed setbacks will be significantly reduced under the new zoning regulations; and, the Zoning Commission and Board of Zoning Adjustment do not consider infrastructure reliability in hearings. The reality of what happens when homes are closer together or many more residents simultaneously turn on their water taps, as might be the case at the proposed Athena site on MacArthur Boulevard or the recently approved Giant development on Wisconsin Avenue, is not addressed in terms of infrastructure capacity.

A serious problem exists in Washington, DC, that will not be solved by new zoning regulations or amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Today, the city council held a hearing to determine what went wrong at the Cafritz fire, although the cause is already well documented. It was an opportunity — a missed opportunity —for WASA and the Fire Department to stop pointing fingers at each other and begin pointing to the necessity for the DMPED and OP to furnish a strategy to improve the city's aging and inadequate infrastructure before placing additional strains on a failing system. This is the least government can do for its taxpaying citizens.

SAVE THE DATE: Penn Branch Annual Dinner Dance - June 5, 2010 at the Navy Yard

2009-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Folks, we are off and running with preparations for the Annual Penn Branch Dinner Dance. It will be held again at the Navy Yard on June 5, 2010. We encourage everyone to participate by volunteering for various aspects of the preparation. If you are interested in volunteering, leave a message at pbccadc@gmail.com. All messages will be convey to the Penn Branch Civic Association (PBCCA) Dinner Dance Committee, under the excellent leadership of Mrs. Eloise Prince, for a response.

Nuisance properties at 3822 & 3824 Carpenter Street, SE to be abated by DCRA

2009-09-16T06:14:00.000-07:00

Through the efforts of the PBCCA Public Works Committee, working with the DC Department of Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), two abandoned homes on Carpenter Street are scheduled to have numerous maintenance issues abated this week. The properties located at 3822 & 3824 Carpenter Street, respectively, will have trash and overgrowth removed and other issues, within DCRA's jurisdiction addressed. However, because there are issues outside of DCRA's jurisdiction, DCRA will have to refer them to "sister" agencies to "expeditiously handle the remaining issues." Stay tuned. Outstanding effort on the part of the Public Works Committee under Ms. Alberta Paul's leadership!

National Capital Planning Commission recent decision regarding the 11th Street Bridge

2009-09-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

As was mentioned in the Sept. 1, 2009 post, the National Capitol Planning Commission (NCPC) transferred jurisdiction of a vital plot of land for the development of the 11th Street Bridge/I395 (I695) connector. The following is a synopsis of the proceeding from NCPC's September 3, 2009 meeting.

"11th Street Bridge Replacement and Related Transfer of Jurisdiction of a Portion of Anacostia Park
(File Number 6951/6955)

The Commission reviewed the concept design submitted by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to replace the 40 year old 11th Street bridges that cross the Anacostia River. DDOT plans to construct two new bridges, one for freeway traffic and one for local traffic. In order to accommodate new ramp configurations, the Commission approved the transfer of land of approximately 1.5 acres of Reservation 343D (Anacostia Park) from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia.

The proposed bridge replacement project seeks to improve connections between I-695 (the Southeast/Southwest Freeway) and I-295 (the Anacostia Freeway). It would eliminate structural deficiencies and provide needed enhancements to the bridge and approach ramp structures. It is designed to reduce congestion, improve traffic mobility and traffic safety, and provide alternative emergency routes.

The local bridge would provide a 14’ wide shared-use path for walking, jogging, and bicycling and be built with tracks to permit a streetcar route in the future. The proposal includes components to accommodate overhead wires.

In addition to approving the land transfer, NCPC voiced support for the replacement of the existing bridges as well as for the city’s streetcar initiative. However, it noted concern about the use of an overhead wire system within the historic Washington City (L’Enfant City) and Georgetown because of its conflict with a federal law that maintains the unobstructed views to important landmarks along city streets and avenues that are integral to the capital’s unique character. The Commission action also reflected the District’s commitment to study the potential environmental impacts of the proposed city-wide streetcar system in an Environmental Impact Statement."

Fall Clean-up at Penn Branch Gateway Memorial Park, Saturday, September 19, 2009, 8:00 am - 12 Noon

2009-09-15T10:20:00.002-07:00

SPREAD THE WORD

PLEASE COME OUT AND HELP YOUR COMMUNITY

PENN BRANCH CITIZENS-CIVIC ASSOCIATION, INC.

P.O. BOX 6730

WASHINGTON, DC 20020

FALL CLEAN-UP FOR OUR PENN BRANCH COMMUNITY GATEWAY MEMORIAL PARK WILL BE SATURDAY, September 19, 2009

8:00am - 12 NOON

Bring your rakes, gloves, lawn mowers, brooms, dust pans and let's make our Gateway Park the beautiful entryway we all know it can be . The Association through its public works committee challenges each of us to join in to help clean-up our community gateway.

There is something for everyone to do; trim the hedges, prune the roses, clear the path of all weeds, wash down our memorial bench, greet neighbors, donate refreshments, serve refreshments and much much more ….

AGAIN, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO DO. IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT, THEN A SMALL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION TO THE ASSOCIATION THAT CAN BE USED TO BUY PLANTINGS FOR MANY AREAS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY AND TO AID IN BEAUTIFICATION AND THE MITIGATION OF EROSION WOULD BE APPRECIATED. COME

READY TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY WIDE EFFORT.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU CONTACT MR LEONARD WASHINGTON AT 202-575-7711 OR Gilbert Bussey, President 202-584-6165

ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

LETS ALL TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

SEE YOU SATURDAY

September 19, 2009

8:00AM - NOON

Plumbers and Gasfitters Apprenticeship Training Announcement

2009-09-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

This is a great opportunity for folks to get good training in a solid trade with great upside! The Washington, DC Plumbers & Gasfitters Local No. 5, Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee announces an apprenticeship program for the Washington DC area. You can access the information for application at www.ua.org, www.causegmw.org or www.local5plumbers.org to view their 6-minute apprentice information video. The apprenticeship pays $17.70 per hour while you learn!!!

Penn Branch Shopping Center Redevelopment Meeting Community Announcement

2009-09-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

ICG Properties, LLC, the entity that owns the Penn Branch Shopping Center will host a meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at 3220 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20020. The specific suite for the meeting has yet to be determined.

IGC is hosting the meeting to update the community on its redevelopment plans for the Penn Branch Shopping Center. Everyone is encouraged to attend this vital meeting in advance of actual development of the site.

What's happening with the 11th Street Bridges and the Southeast/Southwest Freeway??

2009-09-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

There seems to be various issues, and certainly discontent regarding the development of the 11th Street Bridges, including connectors to the Southeast/Southwest freeway with North and South bound DC 295 and Kenilworth Ave., Barney Circle development and the proposed 11th street Bridge Connector, community input (or lack there of), design-builder selection[s] (general contractor), funding, health issues, environmental impact, historical impact, and adjacent developments that will further impact communities on both sides of the Anacostia River.

In the immediate future, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) action items for its September 3, 2009 meeting, includes an item (File #6951/6955) that will transfer jurisdiction of a portion of Anacostia Park (1.5 acres) U.S. Reservation 343D from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia. To access the staff recommendation, please click on the following site: NCPC Staff Recommendation for a detail account of the 11th Street Replacement Project.

This blog will provide a running account of the progress of the projects and allow for dialogue to be posted in real time.

The Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association is very interested in the development of this project, as it will have an extraordinary impact on various elements relative to the growth of the Pennsylvania Ave.-east-of- the-river corridor.