CM McDuffie's Initial Response to Yesterday's Shooting

  In response to the increase of crime in the area, and in light of yesterdays shooting, we were able to get an initial response from CM McDuffie (Ward 5) via twitter.  The Council Member's tweets were certainly a good sign that this issue is on his radar.  For those of you who don't follow the twitter feed @TheTottenLife (you probably should), or don't have a twitter account, we are providing the conversation below.

  Neighborhood resident Nathan W, who has been helping to lead the charge on this issue, has informed us that the Mr. McDuffie's office is meeting with NPS, USPP, DDOT, MPD and other entities regarding the issue of safety around the Ft. Totten Metro and in the NPS park land at some point today.  Hopefully we receive some good feedback regarding the path forward to returning this neighborhood to the safe place it had become, and avoid backsliding.  We applaude Council Member McDuffie's response to the matter, and hope he will press the NPS hard for a real solution.
 
  Also, the Washington Post has received some additional details on the shooting.  Neither the motive or circumstances that led to the shooting have yet to be released by the MPD, but the name and age of the victim have been.  One R’artagnon Jose White, 34, was found shot in the head inside a house on the 5100 block of 7th Street NE (which is behind the CCDC Campus).  Certainly our thoughts go out to his family members, and hopefully the MPD will solve this case and be able to prevent this crime spike from expanding.

Fatal Shooting on 7th St NE

NBC News Reports:

"A person was fatally shot in the head around 1:40 p.m. Tuesday Thursday in the 5100 block of 7th Street NE.

Homicide detectives arrived on the scene to find the victim unconscious and not breathing. The victim's age and sex are unknown at this time.
The shooting happened about a half-mile from the Fort Totten Metro station"
 This coming in a time of increased violence in the Ft. Totten Metro Area, continues to put residents on high alert.  A meeting between community leaders and residents is surely well overdue! 

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September DC Zoning Hearings of Interest and Pertainng to ANC 5A

  Here are a list of the upcoming DC Zoning Comission and Board of Zoning Adjustment hearings this month that may be of interest to our neighbors.  All hearings are held at:                               
                                                  One Judiciary Square
                                                  441 4th Street, NW
                                                  Washington, DC 2001

The full calender of the ZC and BZA can be found here.



Sept. 11 2012
9:30 AM

Case Number :	18392
Case Name:	Application of Betty J. Williams
Case Summary :	(Special Exceptions) Pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3104.1, for a special exception under section 205 to allow a child development center (12 Children and 2 Teachers) in the R-2 District at premises 5350 Chillum Place, N.E. (Square 3751, Lots 138).

Case Number :	18460
Case Name:	Request for Expedited Public Hearing for Appeal No. 18460 of Ginia L. Avery, et al.
Case Summary :	(Appeals) Pursuant to 11 DCMR §§ 3100 and 3101, from a decision by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, to issue a building permit (#B1202925) allowing the construction of a Walmart store in the C-3-A District at premises 5929 Georgia Avenue, N.W. (Square 2986, Lot 38).

North Michigan Park Civic Assn Meeting, Wed Night

  With the recent increase in awareness and support in the community for various issues (development, crime, real estate, etc..) it is recommended that as many people attend this meeting as possible to garner a better community consensus on some of these issues.  It is only a very short walk for many in the neighborhood, and usually serves as a place to not only meet neighbors but also gain insight on the community as a whole.


North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting

Wednesday September 5, 2012
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
North Michigan Park Recreation Center
1333 Emerson Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017

Notes:
These meetings are held to promote civic pride, disseminate information, and address community concerns within our neighborhood. During this meeting NMPCA officer elections and a proposal to build low-income, senior housing by the Faith United Church of Christ will be the main focus of the discussion.

CM McDuffie's Response

  After several days of community outcry, CM McDuffie has provided an initial response on his facebook page on the issue of the Ft. Totten Trail.  Hopefully we get updates on the status, and get the publicity that other neighborhoods get with their problems.  I'd like to extend a thank you to CM McDuffie for hearing our concerns.  We look forward to a more detailed response in the near future.  This initial response is not the end, I urge all of us to continue pressuring our elected representatives until an acceptable solution is resolved.  


"Residents,
  Our office is aware of the recent spike in crime near the Ft. Totten trail. We have been proactive in addressing this issue and have been in contact with both Park Police and Congresswomen Norton’s office to ensure its addressed appropriately. We have specifically asked for more police presence, increased lighting and a more aggressive vegetation management plan. As we receive inform

ation from Park Police and the Congresswomen’s office we will update the community. This issue is a top priority for our office and we will work vigorously to ensure residents can continue to feel safe when using the trail.

If you have further questions, please contact Tim Clark.

Tim Clark
Constituent Services Coordinator
Kenyan McDuffie, Ward 5 Councilmember
(202) 724-8028 (Office)
(202) 724-8076 (Fax)
tclark@dccouncil.us
The John Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 410
Washington, DC 20004 "

US Park Police Alerts

In light of the new issues taking place around the Ft. Totten Metro, I'd encourage everyone to sign up for the US Park Poilce Alerts.  Keeping informed is one way to help make everyone safer!
Thanks to Tony for getting a copy of this.

Neihborhood MPD Partol Service Area Meeting Thursday

   With the recent wave of muggings and crime taking place at and around the Ft. Totten Metro Station, the need to meet with our local police officials is deifintly on the minds of most neighbors.  After speaking with both the head of the MPD PSA for our area , and the Rock Creek Division of the US Park Police it is recommended that as many people as possible attend the upcoming meeting with representatives from both organizations this Thursday at 7:00 PM at the North Michigan Park Rec Center.  This is an opportunity for the community to discuss the issues that concer them, as well as hear what is being done to help combat crime in our neighborhood.  These meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month by the MPD.

MPD PSA 405 Community Meeting

Thursday August 23rd at 7:30 PM

North Michigan Park Recreation Center

1333 Emerson Street, NE

Washington, DC 20017

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Another Mugging in Ft. Totten Metro Station Park Path

  The MPD 4th District sent out an alert early this morning around 7 or 8 AM that a robbery at gun point took place in the park separating Galloway and Gallatin St's NE.  The Alert read

"4D- Robbery Gun- 550 Galloway St NE, LOF, B/M,

 Bushy Hair, Dark skin, sweat shirt and Bl. Jeans." 

View 550 Galloway St NE in a larger map  
  This seems to be another in an escalating trend of violent crimes emanating from, and centered around, the Ft. Totten Metro and the National Park land that separates the North Michigan Park Community from the Ft. Totten Metro.   Several i the community feel that this trend is reminiscent of 8+ year ago when the National Park Land was a site of many violent crimes, ranging in severity.   Over the past 4 ears or so, it has seen a dramatic decline in crime. However, it seems that local criminals have found fertile hunting ground at the area surrounding the Metro Station. Many in the neighborhood are not too happy with the current response of the MPD regarding these act of violence.  For this reason it has been suggested that the MPD 4th District PSA for 405 (section of the 4th District covering this neighborhood ) should be made aware of these issues.  The following message was sent this afternoon to Lt. Rogers asking for clarification and a possible community meeting to discuss these issues.  Please read/share/provide input and participate in the poll regarding a community meeting addressing these issues. 

"Lt. Rogers,
   My name is Joe Finley and I am a community blogger for the Ft. Totten area, and a homeowner over on the 700 block of Farragut PL, NE.  It has come to my attention that there was a robbery at gun point in the park that separates Gallatin and Galloway St's NE early in the morning very recently (I am hearing this morning).  This is very disturbing news as it seems that violence in the park has once again began to rise.  Not only has the frequency of the attacks seem to be increasing, but the seriousness also seems to be increasing (just a month or so ago a friend of mine was assaulted with a pipe and had his phone stolen, and now a crime involving a firearm).  I have been sent numerous requests from people who follow my blog asking for information on what the MPD and Park Police plan to do regarding this increase in crime in the area and particularly around the Metro Station.  It seems as if most of the neighbors feel the MPD's response is simply "don't go through the park," or that "it is just a number game."  I for one don't believe that either of those are appropriate answers, nor are they the a reflection of the official position of the MPD.  Is there anything you can tell me regarding the MPD's plans to address these problems, or the things the neighborhood can do to help make the area safer?  l'd also like to suggest the possibility of a community Q and A session to talk about their concerns and what they see as the issues and possible solutions.  I appreciate you taking your time to read this and look forward to hearing back from you and possibly working with you to disseminate information in the future.
V/R,
Joe Finley
The Totten Life Blog"

Break in on 800 Blk of Crittenden St. NE

  Earlier this week a house on the 800 Block of Crittenden Street NE was broken into at 11 AM in the afternoon.  The intruder(s) scaled the home's 8' fence and entered through the rear of the house.  Although the home's alarm did go off, the intruder(s) still managed to make off with a laptop.  This comes at a perceived time of increased vandalisim and theft in the North Michigan Park and Ft. Totten neighborhoods.  Increased vigilance is recommended.  Some people are calling for a meeting with the PSA police representative, which might not be a bad thing. 

July 4th Violence Erupts in NW Ft. Totten

NBC 4 Reports the following:
"One person died and and three others were injured in a shooting Wednesday night in the Fort Totten neighborhood in northwest Washington, according to D.C. Police.  Police said the incident started in the courtyard of a building on the 5000 block of First Street NW and ended with the four people being shot. Two of the wounded ran to (the 100 Block of) Gallatin Street (NW).
Officials said those shot were among a group of people gathered near a shopping center watching a small fireworks show. Police said it was not clear if all or some of the victims were deliberately targeted.  One person died in the shooting. Another one of the wounded was said to be in critical condition.  Police said two of the victims were juveniles.  Police continue to investigate the incident. They are trying to determine if it is related to a violent incident Tuesday night in the Sherman Circle area."
(Article Here)
WJLA reports that 3 were killed in the early morning outburst between 2 seperate shooting incidents that took place in the NW section of the Ft. Totten Neighborhood.  This is yet another example of the needless juvenille violence that plagues DC, and Ward 5.  It appears that this entire incident stayed on the NW side of Ft. Totten and did not cross North Capital.

ANC 5A Monthy Community Meeting

There is a an ANC 5A meeting this Wednesday, June 27, at 6:30PM. The meeting will be held at the  Hospital for Sick Children located at  1731 Bunker Hill Road, NE. Guest Speakers will include Councilmember at large Michael Brown and Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie.  Costco will also be there to present their case for approval of an ABC Liquor License.
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5th Annual Great Brookland Yard Sale

The fifth annual Great Brookland Yard Sale will take place on Saturday May 12th from 10:00 AM until 2:00PM. Over 50 households have signed up to have yard sales. For more information, visit the Brookland Civic Associations Website.  This years rain date is May 13th.
Thi annual event is always a great way to get out, meet neighbors and find some great deals and steals!  In past years participation has been mostly by Brookland  residents, but this years map shows a few houses in Michigan and North Michigan Park as well.  If you would like to participate in the GBYS, follow this link, and provide your name and address of your yard sale.  Also send  a list of specific items for sale, and photos to draw people to your sale. This will get you on the official Map and hopefully increase your foot traffic!

View Great Brookland Yard Sale 2012 in a larger map

CUA Fireworks Show This Friday

From CUA Campus Ministry "On behalf of the Office of Campus Ministry at The Catholic University of America, I would like to invite you for a firework show that is being held on our campus on Friday, April 27, 2012. This is the finale to our end of the year celebration that has been organized by our students at CUA. The firework show will begin at 9:45pm and can be viewed best from the west side of campus, nearest the Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception. This event has been coordinated with the Office of General Counsel, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Fire Department and Zambelli Firework Company. We hope that you will be able to join us in this celebration." This surely seems like a can't miss for tomorrow night, especially considering the the First Family of Fireworks are producing it! Hopefully those of us neighboring the CUA Campus will take full advantage of the event being in our own back yards! Hopefully some of you readers will take some great pictures to share with us here at the Blog as well!

This Weeks Riggs Rd and SD Ave Construction Update

And the band marches on...slowly!

Riggs Road Construction Update

Below you can find the Riggs Road Construction Update, with information up to date as of last week.
Overall the project still lags behind, but they are making pretty decent progress.

SMD 5A Community Meeting

The ANC SMD 5A monthly community meeting will be held  Wenesday September 28th from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at the lecture Hall of Providence Hospital.  The Meeting Agenda Includes:
· Meet and Greet
· ANC Call to Order – Welcome
· Open Forum – Neighborhood Concerns & Issues
Scheduled to attend as the months guest speaker is current MPD Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier.  Ward 5 Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr is also scheduled to be in attendance. 

 

Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Place: Providence Hospital – Lecture Hall
1150 Varnum Street, NE
Washington, DC 20017
Agenda
- Meet and Greet

- ANC Call to Order – Welcome

- Open Forum – Neighborhood Concerns & Issues

- Introduction of Guest Speaker

       - MPD Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier

- Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr.- Ward 5

- Councilmember-At-Large, Vincent Orange (invited)

Youth Breakfast Fundraiser for Boystown

Boys Town DC will be hosting their "Spirit of Youth Breakfast Fundraiser" September 22nd at the Ritz Carlton on 22nd St in the District.  The nationwide organization, which has it's DC location in the Michigan Park area is dedicated to assisting the city's at-risk youth by providing them various services form housing, to mentorship and trianing.  Not only is the organization selling tickets for the event, they are also looking for sponsors!  Details can be found on the Boys Town DC Website or by contacting Tosha Roundtree, Boys Town Washington, D.C. Development Director at 202-650-6313 or tosha.roundtree@boystown.org.

                         Date:  Thursday, September 22
                         Time: Networking 7:30 a.m., Program 8:30 - 10 a.m.
                         Location:  The Ritz Carlton
                                           1150 22nd St, NW

                                           Washington, D.C. 20037

                             Buy Tickets or Sponsor The Eevent Here!

Ward 5 Easter Egg Roll

Now that spring time has arrived, we are all looking for better ways to get out and enjoy our community a little bit more.  This coming Monday, Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr. is giving us that chance.  The Councilmember will be hosting the  "Ward 5 Easter Egg Roll" on Monday, April 25th at Ft. Circle Park on South Dakota Avenue from Noon until 4:00 PM.  
View Easter Egg Roll in a larger map
The event will be a great chance to not only meet with your Ward 5 Councilmember, but also to meet some of your neighbors and enjoy the food, fun and giveways for the kiddies!  More information can be obtained by contacting Councilmember's Office or by visiting his website here.

Extreme Makeover: Ft. Totten Metro Station Edition

  As the construction traffic increases and multiple development projects prepare to permanently change the neighborhood landscape surrounding the Ft. Totten Metro, the residents are left pondering the question "what is being done to improve the neighborhood for us."  Well, DDOT has heard your pleas.  In fact, a little known plan has been in existence for quite some time that will totally re-invent the current pedestrian, cycle and motorized traffic patterns around the entire neighborhood.  The selected design concept for 1st Pl and Galloway St, NE will improve circulation in the area, improve the astetics of the metro station and make it more comfortable for all users going to and from the Fort Totten Metrorail Station.
  As a means of sharing this information with the neighborhood and getting your input and feedback, DDOT will be holding a meeting reviewig the proposed plan this coming Tuesday at the WMATA Police substation.  The presentation will not only review the changes to the station astetics, but also show proposed path locations (yes a cut through for the park between g\Galloway and Gallatain is in the proposal!), improved traffic signals/signage, improved lighting, improved bike storage/access and improved/additional cross walks (the below maps details areas and changes that were studied for the proposal).  If you live in the neighborhoods surrounding , or regularly use, the Ft. Totten Metrorail Station, this meeting is a must attend!



 CommunityWalk Map - 1st Place and Galloway Street NE Transportation Access Study and Improvement Plan

Ft. Totten Metro Station Transportation Access Final Project Presentation
Date: Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Location: WMATA Police Substation
5315 1st Place NE
Washington DC 20011
(next to the Fort Totten Metrorail Station)
Presentation Agenda:
1. Recap of the project goals & process
2. Present preferred design
3. Discuss next steps for the design

Find out more at: http://www.tooledesign.com/forttotten

Make a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS in DC and Ward 5!

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in our Nations Capitol is always a hot point of contention among our leaders and citizens.  It touches almost every aspect of our lives, whether we realize it or not.  Currently more than 3% of D.C.'s population is living with HIV/AIDS- a prevalence rate higher than West Africa. According to the 2009 HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Report, this rate has increased 22% from 2006, signaling that a dramatic response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in D.C. is necessary. It is important to note that the disease is not limited to a specific sexual orientation or demographic. D.C. residents of differing races, sexes, and levels socio-economic status have all been affected. Men having sex with men is the leading mode of transmission however; heterosexual transmission and injection drug use are not too far behind in numbers.  These sobering facts often leave people helpless and unsure of what they can do to help.  Well here is your chance to have your voice heard and help fight this menace to our society!

  The D.C. HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (HPCPG), along with the Department of Health’s HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Administration (HAHSTA), is looking for people who are interested in finding a solution to the local HIV epidemic. HPCPG is looking for new members to sit on the committee to help guide the city’s approach to HIV/AIDs detection and prevention.  HPCPG members serve two year terms. The HPCPG is currently recruiting new members from all backgrounds, and welcomes unique and differing perspectives on the issue, as we work together to find a solution. Applications for the group are due on December 2nd; therefore it is best to get your application out sooner rather than later.
  The District of Columbia HPCPG guides HIV prevention in the District, along with the DC Department of HAHSTA. Members of the HPGCP are from local communities and/or HIV/AIDS prevention specialists and reflect the District’s diverse population.  The HPCPG is responsible for deciding which populations are in greatest need of HIV prevention services, as well as deciding what the best ways to meet those needs are. HAHSTA, in turn, is responsible for funding programs and services that match the HPCPG’s decisions.
  How can you become involved?  Easy!  There are two ways to participate in the HPGCP...join the HPCPG or come to meetings! The membership application can be downloaded from http://doh.dc.gov/hiv.  Even if you do not join, you are always welcome at any of our meetings. The HPCPG meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month from 5:30-8:00 PM at Department of Health facilities. Meeting dates and times are posted on our website: www.doh.dc.gov/HPCPG.  If you have the time, or can make the commitment, please take the time to get involved.  Let's make it a priority to help control the HIV/ADS epidemic before it's too late.