Congress Heights on the Rise

WCP: Anacostia’s LUMEN8 is Temporium-Crazy—In a Good Way

2012-01-27T21:14:00.000-05:00

My peeps over at the City Paper continue to spread the good word about East of the River projects and in the process begin to change the perception of our River East communities. Today the ever so talented and witty Alex Bacca covers the LUMEN8Anacostia project, a joint venture with the Office of Planning and ARCH Development Corporation. I can't stress enough how great this project is going to be for Anacostia and Ward 8. To learn more about the LUMEN8Anacostia project including how to apply for a temporium, performance or film grant visit www.lumen8anacostia.com.

Go HERE to check out the full City Paper article by Alex Bacca.

Excerpt:

But strategies for neighborhood revitalization aside, LUMEN8 sounds, well, really cool. That there will be several temporiums and performance spaces (a site list shows six available interior spaces) to plug the gaps in Anacostia's nascent commercial district will maximize foot traffic more than a single place would. And the interior nature of the temporiums will be tempered by those movie projections and street lighting, public-art features that can keep going when the latter close their doors. LUMEN8 has a chance to integrate with Anacostia's fabric in a way that a single storefront cannot, and maximize its limited period of existence while doing so.

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Artists/Performers/Temporiuams: Have project ideas? Need funds? Come to tonight's LUMEN8Anacostia Mtng at Honfleur Gallery

2012-01-27T15:49:00.002-05:00

Be there! Visit the LUMEN8Anacostia website for more information and for the Call for Entries and applications. Honfleur Gallery is located at the corner of Good Hope Rd SE & 13th Street SE. If you are driving to Anacostia on I295 you will have to get off at the Howard Rd exit, make a left and drive down to MLK and make another left. MLK runs into Good Hope Rd where you make a right and Honfleur is on the right.

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Overnight Lane Closures Planned for M Street, SE Between 11th and 12th Streets

2012-01-27T15:28:00.005-05:00

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 27, 2012

Media Contact: Monica Hernandez – 202-671-2261, monica.hernandez@dc.gov

Overnight Lane Closures Planned for M Street, SE Between 11th and 12th Streets

11th Street Bridge Exit Ramp To M Street, SE and Navy Yard Will Also be Closed

(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will be conducting single lane closures on M Street between 11^th and 12^th Streets in southeast Washington at 10 pm on Tuesday, January 31 through 5 am the following morning. During this time, the exit ramp on the northbound 11th Street Bridge to M Street, SE and the Navy Yard will be closed. The closures will allow DDOT to perform work over M Street, SE for a new freeway bridge.

During the lane closures eastbound and westbound access on M Street, SE will be kept open. While the ramp is closed signed detours will be posted.

Detours

Motorists traveling on the northbound 11th Street Bridge seeking access to M Street, SE will be detoured to the 8th Street, SE exit, onto I Street, SE and then onto 8th Street, SE.

Variable Message Signs (VMS) will be in place to provide motorists advanced notice of the scheduled detour.

In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions this work will be rescheduled.

This closure is in addition to the previously publicized off-peak closures of the 11th Street bridges, related ramps, local streets, and I-295/DC 295.

For more information about this work or the 11th Street Bridge Project, please contact DDOT Project Manager Ravindra Ganvir at 202-359-6948 or visit www.ddot.dc.gov/11thStreetBridge.

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For additional traffic advisories please visit DDOT’s Traffic Alerts page or visit goDCgo.com for more information on transportation options in the District

Join Mayor Gray at the One City Summit on February 11, 2012Let Your Voice Be Heard – Help the District become a more livable, vibrant, and inclusive city – for everyone.
Open to all DC residents
Sign up at www.onecitysummit.dc.gov

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What happens when The Advoc8te & Ms V's dogs have a sleep over

2012-01-25T16:58:00.005-05:00

Ms V of Life in the Village brought over her little darlings, Joanie and Roxie to spend the weekend with my Teddy. What happened next was pure doggy comedy.

Ms. V's fur babies: Joanie and Roxie

Teddy has evicted Joanie & Roxie and taken over their condo.

I triple dog dare you

Doggy domestic violence (for the record she hit him first)

Teddy going back to "his" condo

The ladies have claimed Teddy's dog mat

Nap time!

Sweet dreams Roxie!

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Best. Dog. Ever.

2012-01-25T11:05:00.002-05:00

The Teddy

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Jan 27 | LUMEN8Anacostia Mtng + Artist Talk & Honfleur Gallery

2012-01-25T11:02:00.001-05:00

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What's the word on #Ward8?

2012-01-25T00:02:00.002-05:00

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Natalie Williams Plans Community Sit-in at DC City Council

2012-01-24T14:49:00.001-05:00

From the Committee to Elect Natalie Williams

Williams Plans Community Sit-in at DC City Council

Calls for Emergency Legislation for Moratorium on Group Homes

"No more in Ward 8 ... Enough is Enough"

(Washington DC - Ward 8) Ward 8 City Council Candidate, Natalie Williams is today calling upon the Council of the District of Columbia; specifically the District's at-large members, to enact emergency legislation regarding the number of group homes, transitional housing, and community-based residential facilities approved for Ward 8. Natalie Williams, along with residents and business leaders of the community, is planning a Community Sit-in at the Office of Councilman Marion Barry on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 8:45am-11:00am, followed by a press briefing at 11:30am in front of the Council Building.

"It has been brought to my attention that several other group homes have been given the thumbs up by Councilman Marion Barry without taking into account the desires of the community at-large," says Williams. "I have dialogued with several community leaders and residents throughout our Ward, in recent months, who have made it clear that they are in total opposition to this. I strongly urge the Council to take a serious look at this issue and begin taking the necessary steps to ensure that limits are placed on such facilities per Ward; beginning with Ward 8. It is quite unfortunate that Councilman Barry believes that this is what's needed for our Ward at a time when our Ward is suffering economically. His actions, and in many cases lack thereof, continue to add insult to injury, and further degradation and division of our community."

Williams says that Ward 8 has done its fair share over the years in supporting the re-entry population, both youth and adults. Consider the facts - To date, there are over 30 support services and facilities just in the Anacostia District - an area that is highly regarded as the gateway of Ward 8 with continued unrealized promises of economic revitalization. A quick look at the facilities' proximity of each other confirms that there is a serious violation of the rules in place that are intended to prohibit them from being within 500 feet of each other - thus preventing an oversaturation.

Today's call for emergency legislation comes on the heels of the announced plans for the opening of The Becoming Church, also known as, Church of Christ Right Now, located in Ward 8 at 1410 S Street, SE, Washington DC. This location will be used to house adult men who are returning from prison and back into society. The Becoming Church is headquartered in the Adams Morgan community (Ward 1) with a planned transitional house here in Ward 8. In recent weeks, the community has also learned of other facilities, such as: the Good Hope Kitchen, a shelter for homeless women located at 1217 Good Hope Road whose board members and employees do not include residents of Ward 8; a planned group home on Valley Avenue, SE, Washington DC who is owned and operated by residents of Ward 6; and Efforts from Ex-Convicts Halfway House (EFEC) located at 1535 Galen Street, SE - just to name a few.

"I want to be very clear that I, nor community leaders, are not without support of our formerly incarcerated and our need as a community to embrace those who are trying to change their lives and become productive citizens. We are simply in opposition of the oversaturation of transitional housing, often disguised as churches, and other social service facilities inundating the place we call home. Why does Ward 8 have to continue to bare the brunt of this? Enough is enough! Facilities that provide such services as these are hurting the community at-large. The continued approval and/or entertaining of such by Councilman Marion Barry is downright counterproductive to the efforts of our community to be uplifted and empowered economically. Because facitlies such as these have a matter of right ... it does not make it right."

Williams adds that Councilman Barry's lack of oversight of his Ward is allowing for this over-saturation. "It is my plan to take a look at existing service programs, and determine how we can provide a level of capacity building and program enhancement to them for the sole benefit of all who are in need of such services.

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Déjà vu? Another church brings more "transitional" housing to Anacostia.

2012-01-24T07:54:00.001-05:00

This just hit my inbox this morning. According to a mass email sent out by several Ward 8 ANC Commissioners, Becoming Church (AKA Church of Christ Right Now) purchased a house at 1410 S Street SE in Anacostia on December 16, 2011 with plans to open a halfway house for ex-offenders returning from incarceration. An open house was held on January 21, 2012. Like the case with Calvary's plans to open a homeless shelter at 1217 & 1219 Good Hope Rd SE, ANC 8A claims to not have been informed of plans to bring another halfway house to Anacostia. However, according to the Becoming Church's Facebook page they had met with Councilmember Barry in February 2011 and had received his blessing (posting both Facebook updates below).

1410 S Street SE

December 16, 2011 Facebook Post:

Becoming Church

It's official! We closed on a house today in Anacostia which will be home to ex-offenders as they return to the community after incarceration. The house will accommodate up to 9 people, but first it needs LOTS of work. We are definitely counting on our friends for sweat equity and contributions of all sorts!! Feels like a very good way to be saying "yes" to good tidings of great joy. :-) Merry Christmas!

Febuary 28, 2011 Facebook Post:

Becoming Church

Met today with DC Councilmember Marion Barry and our partner ministry, Jubilee Housing, about collaborative initiatives for ex-offenders in Ward 8. Barry was clearly interested that we're doing the work as an expression of church, and in raising up the leadership of the dispossessed. We are encouraged, and he was too. Good meeting.

This is so new I haven't had time to do any research but one thing is crystal clear, Anacostia and Ward 8 residents are not happy with the idea of more "transitional" housing coming into a community already crowded with halfway houses, group homes, homeless shelters, drug treatment centers, and a methadone clinic. In the words of one Ward 8 resident, "this is just too much."

"Oversaturation" of social services in Ward 8 is shaping up to be a major issue for voters in the Ward 8 Council race. Including a video clip from last month's "rally against oversaturation" in Anacostia coordinated by Ward 8 Council candidate Natalie Williams.

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Coming Soon: Patterson, Williams & Seegars Guest Posts

2012-01-23T23:37:00.001-05:00

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Feb 4 | Natalie Williams 'Fit to Run' Campaign Speech & Rally

2012-01-23T22:55:00.003-05:00

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Jan 26 | Public Mtng for the Anacostia Streetcar Extension Study

2012-01-23T17:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the late notice guys but this literally just came in.

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Calvary Women's Services Updates Community On Next Steps

2012-01-23T14:38:00.001-05:00

I am not sure how transparent or sincere it is but at least it is a start. ANC Commissioner Wilson has forwarded a communication from Calvary's Executive Director in response to the community meeting on January 6. Including both the letter and the statement below. Despite Calvary's promise to be a "good neighbor" the Ward 8 community is still pretty much unmoved from their earlier position - no more homeless shelters or "transitional" housing on main streets.

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UPDATE: Jacque Patterson, Natalie Williams & Sandra "SS" Seegars confirmed as CHotR Guest Bloggers!

2012-01-21T13:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday on Facebook The Advoc8te extended an invitation to Ward 8 council challengers Jacque Patterson, Sandra Seegars, and Natalie Williams to guest blog on CHotR. In offering the invitation I didn't put any limitations on their posts but I did encourage that they reference their respective qualifications, experience, and vision for Ward 8. I want them to make their case as to why they are deserving of your support and your vote.

Why extend invitations just to these three challengers? Good question. It seems like everyone and their mamma is running for the Ward 8 council seat. I limited invitations to Patterson, Seegars, and Williams because I have had a positive experience working with each of them on Ward 8 issues and I find them to be the most interesting in what has unfortunately become an overly crowded list of challengers. With the election a little over ~~three~~ two months away if a candidate has not made a lasting positive impression on me I am doubtful it is going to happen anytime soon and thus (at least for now) I would like to use my humble little forum to allow these candidates to spread their message. It may not be "fair" but it is honest. My blog, my rules. :)

In case you were wondering, I did not extend an invitation to the incumbent, Marion Barry. As was my stance during the last Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner elections, I believe actions speak louder than words. If incumbents do a good job during their term voters will know it, no point trying to rewrite the last 10 pages of a novel.

When I have the submissions from all the candidates who have agreed to participate ~~(so far just waiting to hear from Ms. Seegars)~~ I will publish the posts at random - one post per day.

Until then get to know our ~~first two~~ confirmed Guest Bloggers: Jacque Patterson, Natalie Williams, and Sandra Seegars ~~(listed alphabetically).~~

Jacque Patterson

JACQUE PATTERSON
Go HERE to learn about Jacque!
Web: www.pattersonforward8.com
Twitter: @jacque4dc
Facebook: Jacque Patterson for Ward 8 City Council
Email: jacquedpatterson@gmail.com
Go HERE to make a campaign donation!

Natalie Williams

NATALIE WILLIAMS
Go HERE to learn about Natalie!
Web: www.nataliewilliamsonline.com
Twitter: @dccouncil8
Facebook: Natalie Williams for Ward 8 Council
Email: info@nataliewilliamsonline.com
Go HERE to make a campaign donation!

Sandra Seegars

SANDRA "SS" SEEGARS
Web: *
Facebook: SS For Ward 8
Twitter: *
Email: ComSSeegarsANC8E@aol.com

*Will update when information has been provided

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Jan 24 | Big K Project Community Meeting

2012-01-21T12:07:00.001-05:00

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Jan 27 | LUMEN8Anacostia Mtng + Visual Audio Artist Talk @ Honfleur Gallery

2012-01-21T12:00:00.003-05:00

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Today's Natalie Williams' Volunteers Meeting Rescheduled

2012-01-21T11:56:00.001-05:00

Better Safe Than Sorry ...

Due to this morning's icy conditions, today's volunteers meeting has been canceled. No worries! We'll see you next Saturday.

RESCHEDULED VOLUNTEERS MEETING

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Delaware Baptist Church

1301 V. Street, SE

Washington DC 20020

10:30am-12noon

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Today's Ward 8 Democrats Mtng Canceled

2012-01-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

From a message on the Ward Eight Democrats Facebook page:

Please note that the Ward Eight Democrats (WED) monthly meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 21 had been canceld due to an emergency. We ask that you share this information far and wide.

RESCHEDULE DATE: 1/28/12 from noon until 2pm at the Old Congress Heights School is our new meeting date!

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Tonight 6-8pm | Capital Canvases for a Cause - FREE EVENT!

2012-01-20T16:23:00.002-05:00

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TWT | SIMMONS: For Marion Barry, this election’s different

2012-01-20T07:43:00.003-05:00

Another thought provoking piece by Deborah Simmons of The Washington Times. I must admit that her observation is spot on in regards to the Ward 8 community's overall perception of Barry's role (or perceived lack of action) in the fight against Calvary's plans to open a homeless shelter right on Anacostia's main street. A schism is nothing new but from what I have observed from many Ward 8 residents is that the complaints of poor leadership have moved from whispers to shouts to actions and that must be very concerning to any incumbent. Including video from the Calvary community meeting earlier this month highlighting an example of such a shift.

Your thoughts? Is there a divide? Are Ward 8 residents becoming frustrated with the idea of another Barry reign or is this "much ado about nothing"?

Go HERE for the full article.

Excerpt:

Unlike all of the other elections since he won his first in 1971, Mr. Barryisn’t battling the white man, Jim Crow, voter apathy or even a Republican.

No, this time, Mr. Barry, 75, is in a war with an incumbent: himself.
See, Mr. Barry has been on the wrong side of several political and class skirmishes recently.

The one that stands out is a NIMBY issue.

Mr. Barry supported a 50-bed homeless shelter for women on prime Southeast real estate, while very vocal middle-class and working-class residents opposed the site but embraced the cause.

And who could reasonably argue against either of the voters’ stances? After all, there were at least a half-dozen other sites the city could have chosen in Southeast.

Also interesting is that Simmons highlights the following challengers especially as potential threats come Election Day (which also tracks with what I am hearing/seeing in the streets):

So remember these Democrats’ names:
• Jacque Patterson, former chairman of the Ward 8 Democrats.
• Natalie Williams, who had Mr. Barry’s support to run the Ward 8 Dems but lost.
• Jauhar Abraham, whose credibility was ensnarled in an anti-crime contracting scandal.

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Tonight | Big Chair Bar & Grill Grand Opening

2012-01-20T00:34:00.001-05:00

Big Chair Coffee has now reinvented itself as Big Chair Bar & Grill with a new interior renovation and as yet completed exterior renovation. Go check them out, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Same owners but new management.

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#SickDay - Blogging will resume tomorrow

2012-01-19T15:58:00.002-05:00

In the meantime remember to attend tonight's Saint Elizabeths East public meeting. Hopefully someone will live tweet it. You can also follow EotR news on www.redcblogs.com.

Notice of Public Hearing & Availability of
St. Elizabeth’s East Campus Transportation Network EA

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Preservation Act for the St. Elizabeth’s East Campus Transportation Network.

The EA is being released for 30 days of Public comments starting January 4, 2012. The Public comment period will end on FEBRUARY 8, 2012. You are invited to attend the Public Hearing, which will be held today:

Thursday, January 19, 2012
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Malcolm X Elementary School
1351 Alabama Avenue SE
Washington DC 20032

[You may access a pdf copy of this email invitation at the following link:http://www.stelizabethseast.com/2012/01/public-hearing-for-the-st-elizabeth%E2%80%99s-east-campus-transportation-network-ea/]

How to Review the Environmental Assessment
* The EA is available on the project website:
www.stelizabethseast.com/transportation

* Copies of the EA may also be viewed at the following locations:
• Parklands Turner Neighborhood Library, 1547 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington DC 20032
• Anacostia Neighborhood Library, 1800 Good Hope Road SE, Washington DC 20020
• DDOT Office, 55 M Street, SE, 4th Floor, Washington D, 20003

How to Provide Comments on the Environmental Assessment* Both verbal and written statements will be taken at the Public Hearing.
* Comments may also be submitted until February 8, 2012, via email to:comments@stelizabethseast.com
* You may also mail your comments to:
Lezlie Rupert
RE: St. Elizabeths East Transportation Environmental Assessment
District Department of Transportation
55 M Street, SE, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20003

The District Government ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For special accommodations or language assistance services (translation or interpretation), contact Lezlie Rupert at (202) 671-1595 or by email at comments@stelizabethseast.com in advance of the hearing. These services will be provided free of charge.

www.stelizabethseast.com

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WAMU: Southeast D.C. Residents Protest A Planned Shelter

2012-01-19T01:44:00.002-05:00

Community members voice opposition to another mainstreet homeless shelter

This was posted a week ago but I am just now getting around to it.

Check out this segment by WAMU's Emily Friedman on Ward 8's opposition to another social service facility coming to the Anacostia business district. Includes interviews with ANC Commissioner Greta Fuller and yours truly (who for some reason can't stop saying "twittering" lol).

Go HERE to listen to the segment and read the article.
Excerpt:

Calvary Women's Services, a local non-profit, which provides housing and support services to women, is currently building a transitional home on the 1200 block of Good Hope Road. Greta Fuller, ANC08(03) commissioner, says this block is "really the main place that's gonna spur revitalization and growth for Anacostia. But, it will never get revitalized if we continue to get social service programs that don't add revenue."

Within a 5-block radius of this block, there are at least 20 social service agencies, including Bread for the City, Good Hope Road Youth Center, a program for ex-offenders, and Good Hope Institute, one of the only methadone clinics in the metropolitan area.

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Caution? Danger? Calvary continues construction of Anacostia main street homeless shelter

2012-01-19T01:09:00.001-05:00

I took these pictures Wednesday morning. Despite the community's nearly unanimous opposition, construction continues on Calvary Women's Services "Good Hope Kitchen" (translation: homeless shelter) on main street Anacostia. I still can't see the rational behind putting a 100% residential facility smack dab on main street, in the heart of the business district, in such a prime piece of real estate. Whether true or not, the word is on the street that some politically connected folks worked behind the scenes to get Calvary to give up their Chinatown digs in exchange for the Good Hope Rd location. Not sure if there is any truth in that but considering how this whole thing has panned out I can see how folks would come to that conclusion.

Sidenote: As I was taking pictures of the construction progress I watched a man with a baby in a stroller have to choose between going under the "Caution" tape or take the stroller into the busy street - he made the hard decision to duck under the tape and make a mad dash across the sidewalk. I myself was nearly ran over by a city bus trying to go around the blocked sidewalk by walking in the street.

So nice to see that Calvary is so concerned about the safety of the pedestrians of Anacostia. With friends like these who needs a walkable, viable, business district?

"Caution" and "Danger" indeed.

No storefront retail or offices for this building. The Good Hope Kitchen will be 100% residential.

The signage says it all

The loitering continues, clients from the rehab facility next door

I think I will just squeeeeeeze between the tap and the truck -- or maybe not.

*Sigh* What could have been?

Good Hope Kitchen: A homeless shelter by any other name is still a homeless shelter

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Visual Audio @ Honfleur Gallery

2012-01-19T00:47:00.001-05:00

Honfleur Gallery is open Tuesday - Friday, 12-5pm, and Saturdays 11am - 5pm
Free and open to the public.

To submit an article or to inquire about advertising send an email to Advoc8te@congressheightsontherise.com.