Mendelson to Hold Zoning Hearings

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson is holding a public roundtable on the  Zoning Commission's pending revision of the District’s Zoning Regulations.  The proposed new regulations can substantially reshape the city, including our neighborhoods. The hearing will be held at 1 pm on  Friday, October 5, 2012 at in Room 412 of the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW.

Those who wish to testify should call the Committee of the Whole at (202) 724-8196, or email Crispus Gordon, Legislative Assistant at cgordon@dccouncil.us by close of business Wednesday, October 3, 2012.  Witnesses should limit their testimony to four minutes.

If you are unable to testify at the hearing, written statements may be submitted for the record to the Committee of the Whole, Council of the District of Columbia, Suite 506, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004.  The record closes at 5:00P p.m. Friday, October 19, 2012.

This is a critical meeting for Penn Branch and Ward 7 citizens who are interested in the development of Ward 7 and also, who want to weigh on the policies that govern development east of the Anacostia River. For more information contact Laura Richards at pbccadc@gmail.com. 

The Penn Branch Citizens – Civic Association (PBCCA) elects new officers of the Executive Board at the September 11, 2012 meeting.

 

At the September 11, 2012 General Board meeting, the following members were elected to the Executive Committee of the Penn Branch Citizens / Civic Association:

President – Kweku Toure

Vice President – Ayana Smith

Treasurer – Keith Lopes

Recording Secretary – Lisa Baker

The Association applauds the commitment of the new Board as it transitions into its governance role. 

The Lloyd D. Smith Foundation announces Scholarship winners

The Lloyd D. Smith Foundation is pleased to announce the winners of its college scholarship awards for the 2012 Fall Semester.  Donna Carney, a graduate of the SEED School of Washington, DC, will be attending Florida A&M University.  Janai Spruill, a graduate of IDEA Public Charter School has been accepted at George Mason University.  Each Ward 7 resident will receive $2,000.00.

The Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association applauds the work of the Lloyd D. Smith Foundation, and hopes to emulate the Foundation's success. 

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

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

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

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

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

The Winner of the PBCCA "Real Men Cooking" Competition

And the Winner Is...

Hiram Brewton!!!

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

REAL MEN COOK - ANNE BEERS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - APRIL 28, 2012 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PENN-BRANCH CIVIC CITIZENS ASSOCIATION (PBCCA)

MEN AND FRIENDS BATTLE FOR THE TOP CHEF TITLE

APRIL 28

2012

3PM–6PM

ANNE BEERS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

3600 Alabama Ave. SE

(Between Branch & Penn Aves)

Washington, D.C., 20020

To Purchase Tickets Contact: Charles Boyd-(202) 584-3072/ CYB716@aol.com James Ferguson-(202) 735-5646 pprg24@gmail.com Marsha Williamson-(202) 550-6232/malupau@aol.com

General Ticket: $10

Voting Ticket: $1 each

REAL MEN COOK Event Rules

Register early as tables are limited and will go quickly!

When to Come

· The event will be held April 28, 2012 at Ann Beers Elementary School, from 3pm – 6pm

· Chefs can arrive between 1:30pm and 2pm. No arrivals permitted after 2pm

· Chef tables must be ready to receive guests by 2:30pm. The PBCCA will review tables to ensure they are in accordance with participation rules

· Each Chef must have their name on the roster; no walk-ins accepted. Your name must appear on the roster at the event entrance to gain admittance

· Any assistant attendance must have a ticket and are permitted to enter at 3pm

What to Bring - only Chefs allowed behind serving table

Chefs are responsible for providing

· Completed and submitted Registration Entry Form

· Food already cooked and ready for serving

· Table setup items and decorations

· Serving dishes and utensils

· Plastic table cloth and latex gloves

· Warming rack with pan to hold water if needed

· Sternos and matches if needed

· Clean up paper towels or cloths

· Prepare enough food for a minimum of 50 people

(Approximately 1 full size aluminum steam pan)

· A list of ingredients used in the dish must be displayed on your table in case any guests have food allergies

What you cannot bring

· Items that require plugs

· Items that are not already cooked or require cooking

· Flammable liquids or food

· Obscenity of any kind

· No alcohol for use or display

· Extension cords

What PBCCA will provide*

· All sample serving cups for guests

· All sample serving spoons for guests

· Complementary drinks

· Napkins/paper towels for guests

· Name tent for Chef with name of dish (as appears on registration entry form)

· Prizes

o Best Chef: Based on number of votes received from patrons

o Best Dressed: Judged based on theme of table decorations to food and creativity

REAL MEN COOK Registration Entry Form

Please type or print clearly

Show off your skills. Come prepared to claim your title and to have lots of fun! Invite your friends and family

Chef Name: _____________________________________________________________

Chef Contact information

Phone: ______________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________

Chef Dish Category

Appetizer: ___________________________________________________

Meat Dish: __________________________________________________

Main Dish: __________________________________________________

Salad: ______________________________________________________

Dessert: ____________________________________________________

Other: _____________________________________________________

Mail must be postmarked

No later than April 23 to:

Penn Branch Citizens/Civic Association (PBCCA)

Attn: Real Men Cook

Post Office Box 6730

Washington, D.C. 20020-0430

OR

Email must show receive date

No later than April 24 to:

CYB716@aol.com

Please ensure you have the event rules. Contact Charles Boyd with any questions

Registration acknowledges that the rules have been read and accepted for participation

DON’T Miss the PBCCA's Candidate Forum.

This is the political event that you’ve been waiting for: The Penn Branch Citizens / Civic Association Candidates Forum. It is scheduled for March 13, 2012 , 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Pennsylvania Baptist Church, 3000 Pennsylvania Avenue (30^th and Pennsylvania Avenue) SE, Washington, DC. Get there early, because seats will be scarce! All of the qualified candidates have accepted invitations to this vital event.

White House Business Council Forum - March 7th and March 8th

White House Minority Business Forum

March 8, 2012

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Washington, DC

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Attached are the details about the upcoming White House Business Council/Business Forward Minority Business Leaders Forum. Please note that there will be a reception for attendees on Wednesday, March 7^th the evening before. Please contact me 202-469-8023 by Friday, February 17^th. (Also, please note that the forum now takes place on Thursday, March 8 (9:00 am to 4:00 pm).

I am pleased to invite you to join us in Washington DC for the March 8^th White House Business Council | Business Forward | Council of Urban Professionals ("CUP") Summit at the White House with senior Obama Administration officials focused on jobs and the economy.

Business Forward and CUP are proud to be teaming up with the White House Business Council for this invite-only convening. The official invite and RSVP information is attached above and included below.

Over the past year, the White House Business Council has hosted over 500 meetings with business and civic leaders in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. We look forward to hosting you on March 8th at the White House for an interactive dialogue about what's working and how the private sector and government can collaborate more effectively to foster greater opportunity, innovation and job creation.

Date: Thursday, March 8, 2012

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

Location: The Eisenhower Executive Office Building, The White House, Washington, D.C.

RSVP Process: Kindly respond by February 23, 2012 by clicking on this link (http://www.whitehouse.gov/webform/white-house-business-council-jobs-and-economy-convenings-white-house) and filling out the requested information. On the first drop down menu, please select "03/08 - Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) Forum" Following receipt of your RSVP, you will be contacted within 24-48 hours by a representative at Business Forward who will ask you to supply information (e.g., date of birth, social security number and country of citizenship) required for clearance into the White House complex. Without this information you will not be allowed to attend the event or enter the White House.

Important Note: Please plan to arrive on March 7th for a pre-event, networking cocktail reception at L2 Lounge, in Georgetown, hosted by Business Forward, CUP and the Brunswick Group. Invites for the reception will follow.

Hotels & Lodging: We have reserved a room block and will send you information upon RSVP.

Other Questions: http://www.businessfwd.org/forumfaq or please contact - BSussman@businessfwd.org / 202.861.1288

FY 13 District of Columbia Budget Briefing - February 16, 2012

Dear Civic Association Leaders,

I write to invite you to a briefing on the proposed FY 13 District of Columbia Budget. I want to share with you the issues we are facing and decisions we must make to remain fiscally responsible. Please join me so you can share your ideas on how we can meet our current service needs and continue to grow and diversify our economy. The briefing will be on Thursday , February 16^th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Old Council Chambers at 441 4^th Street, NW. Please confirm your attendance with Francisco Fimbres at francisco.fimbres@dc.gov by Tuesday, February 7^th. I look forward to seeing you on the 16^th.

Sincerely,

Vince

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

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

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

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.

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[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

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

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

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

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