Bates Area Civic Association

Thanks to Geovani for these notes in what sounded like a great meeting.

Remarks – Jim Berry

DC Department of Parks and Recreations

Sherry Frear – Presenter

Hired by DC to look at the park and how it can be improved including addressing safety issues. The current budget may not support the proposed design for the park. Additional funds may be available from a general discretionary fund. Proposed designs will be on the DPR website as the project develops.

1. Review of existing conditions. Current perimeter fence makes the park look like a prison or fortress. The issue is to keep the safety and fence that can be locked with a better appearance.
2. Keep most of existing trees, but improve lighting.
3. Propose that space be re-arranged. Space by the basket ball courts needs to be reconfigured. Improve the seating in the front of the park.
4. Where the plaza is, propose is to take it out. Restrict sitting area to the front of the park where it is visible. Border the walls with a sharp shrub to prevent creating hiding spaces.
5. Propose a play area for children of different ages and a misting area.

Community comments/suggestions were not have the misting station to avoid homeless using it to shower. Having colorful tiles along the wall inside the park. Lighting concerns raised – consideration includes canopy cleaning of existing trees and having lighting at night that is sufficient but not enough to keep the residents awake.

NOMA

Merrit Drucker , Director of Operations

Bid has been in place for 3 years. NOMA includes Mass Ave to R ST NE and from N. Capitol to 4^th ST NE. Programs include, Clean Team, homeless outreach, and economic development components. Focus of presentation is to promote how BACA could benefit from NOMA, especially at the corner of N. Capitol and Florida Ave.

1. Key interest in reducing crime in the area of N. Capitol ST and Florida. Police cameras are requested. 2^nd Tuesday of every month safety meetings take place – BACA invited to attend. About 25% and 22% reduction in years one and two.
2. Economic Development Committee from BACA should become involved in this project.
3. Work together in clean and safe activities. Have joint clean ups and NOMA could also have trash picked up for the community to assist with community clean ups.
4. NOMA to request a ward 5/6 project to request support to break the impact of social programs in this area. Reduce the number of long-term homeless through outreach and referral programs for placement into housing.

NCMS

Gary Clark, Executive Director

Established a Clean Team. Clean Team is a $125K grant to clean the area of N. Capitol ST, Monday – Friday (10am – 6pm). Sections cleaned are N. Capitol – Rhode Island, NY Avenue, First and 2^nd. Streets. Planning first major event on February 27^th. Seeking BACA participation for the Winter Blues Festival. A Civic Association contest is being held. Civic Association to sale 30 tickets by February 25^th. will receive a $225 donation to the association’s fund. Winter Blues tickets at $25 in advance. Event will be held at the Court Yard by Marriott on NY Ave. and Florida Ave. Silent auction will be held at the event.

Business store Front improvement project and other business improvement projects are also on the horizon. Focus of presentation was to emphasize impact the civic association has on NCMS and local business.

Community comments/requests were to have NCMS work with MPD on enforcing the no loitering laws, extend the areas the Green Team cleans, and have “no loitering” signs placed. Subway safety concerns brought and ensuring we coordinate efforts between City Council Member’s office, BACA and NCMS to maximize efforts. Geovani Bonilla and Jon Hesse to follow up with Gary Clark.

Council Member Thomas

Council Member made an unscheduled appearance. Council Member commended Jim Berry for attending the leadership meeting on Saturday during the snow storm. Council Member provided an update on his legislative agenda. Proposed development of Florida Avenue Park was revealed with a million dollar renovation projected. Council Member encouraged donations to the American Red Cross because of their role in assisting District Residents.

Community concerns raised to Council Member was the lack of attention given to the area South of Florida Avenue. Council Member announced that every bus zone now is designated as a safety zone due to legislation introduced by Council Member Thomas (fines double if anyone is caught trying to commit a crime). A special task force was introduced to address assaults near the NY Avenue metro stop. Council Member suggested having the next meeting to focus on crime. Suggestion made was made to have local businesses to engage in improving façade of the local business with matching federal dollars. Council Member announced that Mr. Clark from the Mayor’s Office is engaging local business to improve local areas. Green Space Legislation has been introduced to define what is to be and remain green space in the local communities. Tax reliefs are being offered to local businesses to promote the types of businesses the neighborhood needs.

Vicki Leonard from the Council Member’s Office will coordinate a meeting between the Council Member with the BACA Executive Committee to address community concerns and develop a comprehensive plan to address these concerns.

U.S. Census Bureau

Linda Softli, 202-437-4858.

Every person in the U.S. is counted, including visitors, undocumented citizens, diplomats and every legal citizen. Billions of dollars are allocated based on population counts. In 2000, only about 60% of the District of Columbia residents were counted; this cost the District of Columbia about $3,500 per uncounted person in Federal funds. Count people where they are on April 1, 2010. Count will also impact Ward boundaries and ANC districts.

1-866-861-2010 is the telephone number to call if you wish to work for the U.S. Census Bureau. Part-time positions available at pay as much as $20 per hour.

Committee Reports

Environmental Committee reported that a walk through with DDOT is pending to inspect the lamp posts in the area and identify improvement areas. Meeting attendees would prefer a March over a February clean up. Suggested that BACA Environmental Committee with NOMA.

Safety committee report provided. January crime statistics and safety initiatives presented. Safety committee will join efforts with NOMA, NCMS, and City Council’s office.

Robert Branaum, President of the Civic Association Federation made remarks regarding the role of the Federation and its support of BACA. Mr. Branaum is also the President of the Bloomingdale Civic Association and the Neighborhood Community Advisory Council.