Dear friends and neighbors,
After a long drought, we finally got snow- enough for sledding and snowball fights. Hurrah! Please remember to shovel or salt the sidewalks nearby; the snowy, slippery pavement can be pretty hard on neighbors who are disabled or pushing baby strollers. While you’re enjoying your morning coffee or hot chocolate, here’s your occasional update on the neighborhood and activities of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission.
Gateway to Woodley Park
Have you ever noticed a neglected patch of grass at the southwest corner of Connecticut and Calvert. Although there’s not much there, it’s a prime location for…. something. Located right next to the commercial corridor and at the entrance to downtown DC over the Taft Bridge. Heading North, it’s a gateway to Woodley Park. There’s also an informal trail down into Rock Creek Park.
What could it be? Maybe a dog park? Maybe a grant entrance to downtown/Woodley Park/Rock Creek Park?
In any case, it’s not likely to come to anything while it’s under management by the National Park Service. The Park Service is wonderful, but managing urban plots of land isn’t their strength. So the ANC is suggesting a transfer to DC so we can think creatively about this site and how to better integrate it into our neighborhood.
Anniversary
January 3 marked one year serving as ANC Commissioner for me. It’s been an honor. Overall, I would say it has been more fun and less stress than I anticipated. Maybe I’m doing it wrong?
It definitely takes time: I estimate very roughly that I spend 1 day a week on ANC activities. That includes about 5-8 hours of ANC meetings (via zoom) each month. Then there are community events, case work, answering correspondence, and working on various ideas and initiatives. I’m lucky that my district and neighborhood is pretty calm and well-organized. Also pretty homogeneous - mostly single-family houses.
Our ANC was quite productive this year. We passed 66 resolutions, created 4 new committees, renovated our website and created a new communications strategy. Generally, we’ve been pushing to increase the dynamism and inclusivity of our neighborhood. I recommend having a look at our annual report which documents everything we did. Credit to ANC3C Secretary, Commissioner Adam Prinzo for creating a snazzy document.
Crime and (lack of) punishment
Not all crime is reported, and not every report seems to make it onto DC crime maps. I know a number of incidents that are not on this map.
Neighbors are concerned with increasing reports of scary and suspicious incidents. Earlier this month, a neighbor bringing groceries home was assaulted and robbed in front of the Swiss Embassy by a group of four hoodie-wearing youths, according to reports. The victim was shaken, but not seriously hurt. And just a few days ago, there were several attempts at armed robbery nearby along Connecticut Avenue. We all hope it’s not a trend, but it’s definitely a warning to keep watch and take precautions. I was especially moved by the “good Samaritan” who stepped in to protect a neighbor.
There’s a lot of debate about the causes and solutions to the crime wave that DC is experiencing. I really recommend DC Crime Facts, written by “Joe Friday” who provides good analysis and useful recommendations. The author has gone from anonymous blogger to influential policy expert very quickly.
The ANC3C Public Safety Committee will be meeting January 18 at 7pm and hearing reports from the police and the Office of Unified Communications (OUC, otherwise known as 911). There will also be a discussion of the new omnibus legislation offered by Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Ward 2). Register here.
If you’re interested, city leaders will also be a Public Safety Forum with Council Membrer Matt Frumin, MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith, US Attorney Matthew Graves and Attorney General Brian Schwalb. The forum is on January 17 from 6 to 7:30 at the Cleveland Park Library, accessible via Zoom: Register here
Update on ANC activity
The next meeting of ANC3C will be 17 January at 7pm. Let me know if you have issues or concerns to raise. On the agenda are: composting for multi-family buildings, the proposal for a land transfer (see above), and commission business (election of officers, etc.). Check the website to see the full agenda and register for the meeting (via zoom).
At our last meeting in December we:
Passed a resolution complaining about how the DC Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions is meddling with our grants.
Supported Elsa’s Kitchen to get a liquor license.
Endorsed a Green New Deal for Social Housing.
Read all about these items and more here.
As always, I’d love feedback. Even negative feedback is helpful to improve what we’re doing.
Other items of interest
Thanks to neighbor Mitchell Klein for joining the ANC3C Public Safety Committee. His nomination was approved by the ANC in December.
A couple neighbors and activists are trying to get the permits revoked for the Wardman redevelopment. There’s a hearing May 15, more info here.
Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to friends and neighbors, especially if they live in the neighborhood.