Author Archives: nextstoprp

Going gray

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized and tagged with

As homes in the neighborhood are renovated, we have noticed what seems to be a (disturbing to some) trend – painting the houses gray. Here are just a few:

The one above on Hamilton Street seems more thoughtfully designed and renovated top to bottom with new roof, casement windows, and new black gutters. Check the two-tone paint job. Not your standard flip.

This one on 11th Street appears to more of a standard flip job.

I am not sure if this one on South Dakota is a new renovation or if the homeowner just decided to paint the house.

Are you a fan? Don’t really care as long as every home isn’t painted gray? Want to see different colors like blue, yellow, green purple?

 

 

Uptick in gun-related crime

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

The Washington Post reports on a blog post by District, Measured (the blog of DC’s Chief Financial Officer) highlighting an increase in crimes committed with guns in certain neighborhoods, including ours (grouped with Fort Totten and Queens Chapel). From January through July 2014, there were 13 crimes committed with guns.  For the same time period in 2015, there were 30 crimes committed with guns. Nearby North Michigan Park (grouped with Michigan Park and University Heights) also saw an increase from 11 to 19.  These numbers are still on the low end relative to other parts of the city, but still disconcerting.

There have been a number of public safety meetings by elected and police officials this year. At a couple of community meetings following shootings in the neighborhood, the police have been a bit tight-lipped, stating they know that some of the shootings are a result of beef between crews in the neighborhood in which the victims and perpetrators are known to each other. Other instances though involve random acts of violence. Some of the crime has been brazen, occurring during daylight hours or in well-lit areas at dusk. Some residents have noted that it would be useful if the police got out of their cars and patrolled on foot or bike. Others have indicated that young people need things to do and people generally need jobs so that they do not resort to crime.

I would like to think the police have a handle on what is driving the increase. In the meantime, we will just have to heed their usual advice of being aware of our surroundings, watching out for our neighbors, and immediately calling 911 about legitimately suspicious behavior.

What is the verdict on Fort Totten Square

Posted by nextstoprp in Fort Totten Square

Now that the exterior of Fort Totten Square is pretty much done, what do you think? Do you like the purple and gray brick and blue paneling? How about the landscaping?

View from South Dakota and Riggs Road NE

View along 3rd Street. The brick gradually changes from purple to red to complement the residential brick on 2nd and 3rd Street.

 

View of parking garage on Chillum Place and corner of South Dakota Avenue and Chillum Place. The red brick matches the brick of neighborhood homes. Landscaping screens the garage for residents directly across the street. A few benches line South Dakota Avenue.

 

 

ANC 5A Totten Mews Community Benefits

Posted by nextstoprp in Neighborhood Development and tagged with ,

ANC 5A supported a community benefits package related to the planned Comstock development Totten Mews. The development will include approximately 44 new townhomes near the Capital Area Food Bank. Some of the highlights: The package includes $35,000 for the renovation of the gymnasium, multi-purpose room, and the auditorium at UDC-CC, Backus Campus. A to be established Friends of Totten Mews group will receive $12,500 to distribute block grants to the community and the North Michigan Park Civic Association will receive $5,000 for scholarships and back-to-school supply giveaways. The Capital Area Food Bank will receive $10,000 for disbursement to service providers in ANC 5A and Ward 5. View the complete details of the package: Totten Mews Community Benefits

Register for Walmart Job Application/Prescreening Events

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Walmart+Job+Application+Sessions+Flyer+Blue+Scale+(final)+v2+(AJC+NE)

DOES will be having  two pre-screening/application events for the new Wal- Mart at the DOES American Jobs Center-NE (Bertie Backus) on August 4 and August 12.

The new Wal-Mart facility is set to open at Riggs and South Dakota (close to Ft. Totten metro station) and will be hiring approximately 300 associates for a variety of jobs that include professional services, sales floor associates and supervisors, front end cashiers, customer service, cart pushers, greeters, stockers and others. The pre-screening/job application sessions will take place in Ward 5 at the American Job Center – Northeast.

August 4

1:30 p.m. (Participants are asked to arrive on time)

RSVP using this link: http://goo.gl/U6Enac

5171 South Dakota Ave. NE, 2nd Floor

Washington, D.C. 20017

(202) 576-3092 (phone)

August 12

1:30 p.m. (Participants are asked to arrive on time)

RSVP using this link:  http://goo.gl/QuL2HI

5171 South Dakota Ave. NE, 2nd Floor

Washington, D.C. 20017

(202) 576-3092 (phone)

Mile Markers on the MBT

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association reports mile markers will be placed on the Metropolitan Branch Trail. From the article:

Over the past few weeks, a series of troubling incidents on the Metropolitan Branch Trail have again raised questions of user safety on this popular urban trail. Though counter data show an average of 1200 trail users each day since April, recent incidents and the law enforcement response to them have justifiably shaken the confidence of regular trail users.

Two weeks ago, WABA sat down with leadership from District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Office of Uniform Communication (OUC), and DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) to address these concerns. As a result, DDOT will install mile markers throughout the trail backed by changes to the 911 computer dispatch system to ensure a timely and direct law enforcement response to 911 calls.

July 28: Vision Zero event at Rhode Island Avenue metro station

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Tomorrow, DDOT will be at Rhode Island Avenue metro station from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm as part of its Vision Zero initiative. This will give residents a chance to chat with DDOT about necessary traffic safety improvements in the neighborhood.  

Can’t make it to tomorrow’s event? Highlight traffic safety issues on DDOT’s vision zero map. If there is already a location highlighted, click it again and add your own unique comment. Let’s use this opportunity to establish a record of the improvements we would like to see in the neighborhood.

Vision Zero events

July 31: Farewell event for Councilmember McDuffie’s Chief of Staff

Posted by nextstoprp in Council

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s Chief of Staff Jeanette Mobley is retiring. Mrs. Mobley has worked tremendously to address concerns of our neighborhood. A farewell event will be held on July 31 at 6:30 pm at Busboys and Poets (Brookland).

 

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July 25, 2015  •  John A Wilson Building 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Suite 506 (202) 724-8028

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KM Banner

The Ward 5 Report

Dear Resident,

Over three years ago I had the distinct honor and pleasure of beginning my role as Councilmember in service to you.  At my side then was one of the most respected women in Ward 5, Jeannette Mobley.  Jeannette, who now serves as my Chief of Staff, promised me a year, or maybe two, just long enough for me to “get my feet wet.”  Now the time has come, and Jeannette has decided to retire.

Though Jeannette certainly can never be replaced, I am confident my staff will do its best to continue the work that Jeannette has started.  In the meantime, I would like to invite you to bid a fond farewell to Jeannette this Friday, July 31, 6:30 pm at Busboys and Poets 625 Monroe St., NE.

July 21: Ward 4 Vision Zero event at Takoma metro station

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation and tagged with

From Washington Area Bicyclist Association

Dates, times, and locations for Vision Zero events:

Date Ward Locations Time
7/15/2015 6 Eighth and H Streets, NE 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
7/16/2015 3 Cleveland Park Metro Station, NW 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
7/18/2015 1 14th Street and Irving Street, NW 11:00 pm – 1:30 pm
7/21/2015 4 Takoma Metro Station, NW 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
7/23/2015 8 Anacostia Metro Station, SE 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
7/25/2015 2 M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, NW 11:00 pm – 1:30 pm
7/27/2015 2 Seventh and H Streets, NW 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm
7/29/2015 7 Minnesota Avenue Metro Station, NE 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
7/28/2015 5 Rhode Island Ave Metro Station, NE 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
8/1/2015 6 Eastern Market Metro Station, SE 11:00 am – 2:30 pm

 

Add your safety issues Vision Zero Map by visiting http://visionzero.ddot.dc.gov/VisionZero/. To find out more about Vision Zero visit www.DCVisionZero.com.

July 23: Ward 4 Public Safety Discussion

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized
From the Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd
View this email in your browser

Join Me Thursday for a Discussion of Public Safety in Ward 4

Neighbors:

This Thursday, July 23, I am hosting a Ward 4 Public Safety meeting with Fourth District Commander Wilfredo Manlapaz, cohosted by the Fourth District Citizens Advisory Council.

Join us at the Fourth District Police Station, located at 6001 Georgia Ave NW, this Thursday, July 23, at 7:00pm for a discussion of public safety in the Ward, and questions and answers with Commander Manlapaz.

Ward 4 Public Safety Meeting
Thursday, July 23
7:00pm-8:30pm
Fourth District Police Station
6001 Georgia Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20011
To RSVP, email Jackson Carnes at jcarnes@dccouncil.us.
I am looking forward to a robust conversation about how we can work together to keep all twenty neighborhoods of Ward 4 safe. See you Thursday!

Sincerely,

Brandon T. Todd
Councilmember, Ward 4
Office: (202) 724-8052
Fax: (202) 741-0908
btodd@dccouncil.us

Recent shootings

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

MPD provided the following information about the shootings earlier this week:

There was a call for gunshots at 8th and Hamilton St, we responded and found damage to some vehicles and recovered shell casings.  A witness reported seeing vehicles, the occupants shooting at each other. One vehicle is described as a dark Blue Nissan Altima, a black Toyota, and a Gray Chrysler. No one reported to the police of being a victim in this incident.

On July 15th around 10pm there was a call for gunshots at 3rd and Peabody Streets, NE.  A witness reported that a silver Nissan and dark BMW were shooting at each other.  We found damage to a vehicle from the shooting.  No one reported to the police of being a victim in this incident.

We are investigating any connections between the two incidents.

If anyone has information regarding either of theses incidents please call the MPD CIC at 202-727-9099 or text at 50411.

July 11: Metro Movie Night

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Metro Movie Night at Fort Totten Station

Metro Movie night posterMetro invites you and your family to a night under the stars! The first-ever Metro Movie Night will be held on Saturday, July 11 at the Fort Totten Metrorail Station parking lot. This family-friendly event is free for all guests.

Bring your lawn chairs, snacks and beverages to this special screening of the DreamWorks animated film “Bee Movie”. Gates open at 5 pm and guests can enjoy interactive sports games and music, or just sit back and relax with friends and neighbors, until the movie starts at dusk (approximately 8:30 pm).

Metro staff will be on hand to answer service questions, offer trip planning advice, and discuss parking options for Metro riders. Local community organizations will share information and offer giveaways.

Parking for this event will be limited, so we strongly recommend that guests take Metrorail (Green, Yellow or Red Line) or walk to the event. Food and beverage are welcome, but please note that alcohol and glass containers are not permitted.

We hope you can join us for this special community event!