Bates Area Civic Association

From Commissioner Joyce Robinson-Paul
. The New York Avenue Playground, completed renovation in April 2012 and has been closed since the dedication many months ago. Area residents are concerned about a vacant building on the playground, where children play. I am requesting that this building be opened and available immediately for ANC and Single Member District meeting for area residents. Giovanni, who is a Perry School Board member advised that their group is answering the RFP for use.
2. The basketball court in the old MM Washington School has been demolished for additional
senior apartments. Why was this change made without community input and not reported by the previous ANC Commissioners?
The No parking signs on the unit block of O Street, NW, restrict parking from 7:00am to 7:00pm seven days a week. The O Street residents and the new commissioner had requested that DDOT revisit this issue and change signs to five days a week, from 7:00am to 5:00pm, since the workers usually end work at 4:00pm Monday thru Friday. This will provide residents with parking space on their block after 5:00pm.
3. Due to the ANC5E redistricting plan, less money will probably be available for grants, due to 5C having to share remaining funds at the end of 2012 with all area WARD 5 ANC’s. The amount in this years budget will be reported at your next monthly meeting.
4. Reducing truancy is a high priority for students in DC according to the Council chair. At Dunbar, some students report that they don’t have money to purchase the student metro passes and miss valuable days of school. Eight students received student passes for January and we are hoping that residents can help with this cause. The student smart metro pass is $30.00 and there are several months before school ends to continue this effort in 2013. Of course this would be a tax deductible contribution. Special thanks to Horton’s Funeral Home for their donation.
5. ANC 5E05 Commissioner will work to improve the appearance of the North Capitol business corridor, including graffiti boards in the 1300 block. The plan is to take the boards down and replace with a chain link fence so that the boards won’t block illegal activity and provide a safer environment for residents catching the bus and traveling from the NY Avenue metro.
6. Meeting signs have been placed in 5E-05 for the upcoming ANC meeting on Tuesday, January 15th at 7:00pm. The meeting will take place at the Summit Apt.(across from McKinley HS) 116 T Street, N. W. Please come out, your input is vital and much needed.
.