Guest post

ANC 5A Commissioners held a second special meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2017. All of the commissioners were present except Commissioner Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03).

DC WATER GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM UPDATE

Representatives from DC Water and their contractors gave a briefing on the DC Clean Rivers Project, Rock Creek Project A. With this project, DC Water is attempting to limit storm water runoff through several green infrastructure strategies.

The DC Water representatives explained that city streets and sidewalls are impervious and force large amounts of storm water into the sewer system. These sewers are often overwhelmed by major downpours which result in sewer overflow and waterway pollution. To decrease the volume of runoff, DC Water will rely on green infrastructure– Planter Bioretention, Curb Extension Bioretention, Alley Permeable Pavement and Parking Lane Permeable Pavement.

ANC 5A has two alley permeable pavement projects scheduled: (1) alley off Hamilton Street NE between North Capitol Street and Rock Creek Church Road NE and (2) Rock Creek Church Road NE between Hamilton Street and Riggs Road NE. Work on the first alley is anticipated to start on August 21, 2017. Construction will occur 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday (with rain day make-up on Saturday). Utility marking, rodent control and community outreach will be done prior to construction. The contractor said roadway disturbance should be minimal and all construction materials and activity should be contained to the alley. In connection with this project, residents in the project area may request downspout disconnect and a free rain barrel.

For more information contact DC Water by phone or email at (202) 448-9040 or http://www.dcwater.com/RockCreekGreen.

DOEE EDUCATION ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Mr. Joseph Walton of the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) gave a presentation on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Mr. Walton said all city schools and registered day-cares are required to develop an integrated pest management plan. He emphasized that pesticides are poisonous and should be used sparingly. The IPM program provides a three-step pest control solution:

• Control Pest – by not fostering a welcoming environment. Ensure cleanliness inside and outside of your home;
• Starve Them – by denying sources of food and water. Ensure your garbage bins seal properly, clean food preparation areas, fix leaks, etc.; and
• Deny Pest Access – by denying access to your home. Ensure that all cracks, gaps, etc. into your home are sealed.

For more information, contact Mr. Walton by email or phone at joseph.walton@dc.gov or 202.535.2612.

ANC 5A WEBSITE UPDATE

ANC 5A is finalizing a contract for a new ANC 5A website with both Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) and Commissioner Isaiah Burroughs (5A04) acting as primary contacts. Commissioner Fletcher said the new website will allow more transparency and be more user-friendly and efficient than the District-provided website. In addition to new content, the website will contain past ANC documents such as resolutions and minutes dating back to January 2013. Commissioner Fletcher expects the site to be operational by September 1, 2017.

BUSINESS CARD UPDATE

The ANC is still researching the cost and other aspects of business card development. A local business, Quality Printer, on 301 Kennedy Street NW has been suggested as the vendor.

ANC 5A08 PROPOSAL TO CONVERT CITY PROPERTY TO A DPR-MANAGED PARK

Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) raised a proposal to create a park within the boundaries of ANC 5A08 on District-owned property located on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE in front of Food & Friends (see picture below). Excluding federally-held National Park Service (NPS) land, development is rapidly depleting neighborhood green space. The commission passed Commissioner Fletcher’s motion for the ANC to develop a letter in support of requesting the transfer of the land from DDOT to DPR for the purpose of developing a DPR-managed park. (See community park resolution).

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

ANC 5A commissioners raised a few issues with the community. First, some commissioners believe that DC government entities do not take ANC concerns seriously even though District law states that government entities are to give “great weight” to ANC issues and concerns.

Second, Chairman Edwards noted that the ANC has limited authority and no legal jurisdiction to order a remedy in disputes. This issue arose due to a dispute between a developer and a homeowner in which the homeowner wants the ANC to order a solution. Chair Edwards stated the ANC will do what it can within its authority, but at some point residents need to decide if they want to pursue legal remedies.

Finally, Metro has selected additional homes within ANC 5A to test for vibrations in response to complaints that heavier trains traveling underground on the green line are causing homes to vibrate. Metro stated no homeowners in ANC 5A responded to the initial request for testing. If interested in vibration testing, contact Metro Government Relations Officer Ann Chisolm at achisolm@wmata.com

The next ANC meeting will be on September 27, 2017.