DC Government

CM Bowser second from left

Last week I wrote about my discussions on crime with CM Bowser (D-Ward 4). Today I will finish our conversation with our discussion on economic development in Ward 4.

I wanted to start this part of the discussion about development in areas outside of Petworth. I often receive emails from folks in Brightwood and other parts of “North Country” who convey their frustration with the perceived lack of economic development in those areas. Bowser explained that development has been a bit quicker in Petworth because of the natural growth surrounding the metro station. She explained that the process had started over 10 years ago with growth around the Columbia Heights metro which naturally spread to the area around the Petworth metro. She was enthusiastic that areas north of Petworth would soon blossom as well. She mentioned that the planning process for upper Georgia Ave has been completed and there is quite a bit of available land for development. Obviously the speed of this development will be contingent upon the economy improving. She believes that Ft. Totten and Brightwood are both ripe for smart development.

Upper Georgia Ave will see a streetscape improvement coming 2011. Additionally the area around Walter Reed Medical Center will see movement. She also cited the one of the biggest developments slated for the is area – the former Curtis Chevrolet land at 5929 Georgia Ave. NW. She believes this development is vitally important, noting that the majority of residents want the amenities and density this development will bring. When pushed to predict when the construction will begin she was unable to give an exact date but guesses iin 2011 or sooner and that a meeting has been scheduled with the Deputy Mayor to stay on top of the project. This project will feature retail on the first floor and housing above. Other variables that should help with the development of these areas include the proposed street cars as well as express buses.

There were a couple of interesting projects going in these areas that I wasn’t aware currently existed. Firstly, the Council Member mentioned that there is a facade improvement project going on for 14th Street, Kennedy Street, and Georgia Ave. Bowser believes that facade improvement can make a huge difference in the appeal of these areas.

The second project is called “green teams”. These are currently funded by grants and the city partners with a non-profit to run them. The mission of the “green teams” is exactly what it sounds like – to clean the streets. They are currently active on Kennedy Street though Bowser hopes that they will soon get them to come further south on Georgia Ave. These may sound similar to what some neighborhoods have – Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Unfortunately the businesses on Georgia Ave can’t afford to support them (thus the grants) but hopefully in the future they will be able set up their own BID.

I asked Bowser what the city can do to further encourage retail in these areas. She mentioned that she would like to see a bill to more tax relief to the tenants of these shops. On a side note, I was at a meeting where a developer mentioned that the number one complaint “mom and pop” stores list when explaining the economic difficulties they face, is high tax bills. So hopefully if this bill gets introduce it will alleviate some of the pressures current tenants have and encourage new tenants to set up shop.

Bowser is also staying on top of the vacant property issue. She believes it is essential to monitor these properties and schedule a proactive inspection regime (for these properties as well as occupied ones). She envisions a proactive regime to inspect these buildings on a five year cycle. Currently many building are only inspected after a complaint is received.

A related issue Bowser mentioned was the need to stay on top of the foreclosure crisis. She explained that we need to figure why these foreclosures are happening and afterwards possibly introduce legislation in order to require banking institutions to negotiate in good faith to make better terms when appropriate.

To conclude, I asked Bowser what her vision of Georgia Ave was in the future and she replied that she envisions a few big destination spots like the Curtis Chevrolet spot and the Walter Reed area linked by a corridor where shops will serve the needs of the residents. These shops include dry cleaners, hardware stores, coffee shops and quality restaurants.

It’ll be interesting to monitor what gets going in 2011…

It was pointed out that it had been a while since I interviewed anyone from the Council. Last PoP Profile was At large Member Phil Mendelson back in Feb. Over the past month I have been in the works of setting up this interview and our schedules finally aligned late last week. I decided to focus my conversation with Council Member Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) on crime and economic development. The most important issue to many of us is crime so we will start there.

I first asked Bowser if she was supportive of Chief Lanier’s all hands on deck initiative, especially given the current lawsuit with MPD’s union. Bowser replied that she believes of course the labor issue needs to be resolved. Assuming that it will be Bowser replied, “I like all hands on deck because it provides great visibility in the community on a regular basis”. She gave an example of its usefulness the last time we had one a couple of weeks ago. She pointed out that resources were used to hand out fliers in the case of the La Casa Demorata Liquor store murder on Georgia Ave. in which an arrest was made last week. Furthermore the initiative allows officers to be highly visible in the community and “the more the police are in front of people in the neighborhood the better”.

I asked the Council Member if she supported the new transit stop safety zone legislation recently introduced in the Council. She mentioned that the Petworth metro was around the 28th most targeted metro and Takoma was around 21st. As such she supports the legislation but is looking forward to the hearings to determine whether or not stricter sentencing will prove to be an effective deterrent.

One of the popular catch phrases that we’ve heard from MPD is Community Policing. So I wanted to ask the CM what her definition of community policing was and whether or not she thought it was effective. She said most people think community policing is seeing officers walking the beat and then they get frustrated when they see MPD cars driving around. She explained that community policing is a bit more nuanced than simply foot patrols. She explained that in each Police Service Area (PSA) the Lieutenants are being empowered to respond directly to neighborhood concerns at community meetings. Therefore it is very helpful for the residents to let the police know about trouble spots in their community. I asked what else residents could do to be helpful and she mentioned that a pilot Neighborhood Watch Program (NWP) is starting up in Petworth. The NWP has proven very successful in the 2nd District. Currently in Petworth, Block Captains are being trained and will reach out to their entire block. The Block Captain will then liaise with MPD in order to make sure the residents concerns are addressed. The program actually covers a bit more than crime and also includes quality of life issues. IE if an alley needs repair, street lamps are out, or there are trash problems other DC agencies (like DDOT, DCRA etc) will be alerted on a monthly basis. After Petworth this program will spread to other neighborhoods in Ward 4.

The Council Member also mentioned that tools for an effective MPD need to be increased. I asked for an example and she explained that MPD will be getting its own Forensic lab (in South West) in the 2011/2012 time frame. Other tools that have been provided or are going to be provided include laptop computers in MPD cars as well as mobile finger printing stations for quicker identifications.

I asked the Council Member if she thought community meetings after high profile incidents were useful as I’ve often heard that folks find them rather frustrating. She explained that it is a difficult situation but that the meetings are important because it is necessary to convey accurate information to the community and identify next steps.

To conclude this section of the interview Bowser noted that closure rates in Ward 4 aren’t as high as in some other Wards but they are improving. “The number one goal of the police needs to be arresting the bad guys. This will be accomplished through good detective work and cooperation with the community”.

Tomorrow we’ll talk Economic Development in Ward 4.

I’m really digging these new lamp posts. I know it’s a small thing but I think they look terrific. This one is from 11th and N Streets, NW.

From a press release:

“In an email to supporters, D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) formally launched his 2010 re-election campaign.

“We should all be proud of the progress we’ve made,” Graham said in the email, “But there is more work to be done addressing the challenges created by these tough economic times.”

Graham was first elected to the D.C. Council in 1998. In 2006 he won re-election with 86% of the vote in the Democratic primary and 97% in the general election.

“Ward One is home to the most amazing people I have ever met,” said Graham. “In Ward One there is an abundance of great ideas, hope and hardworking people with a shared commitment for a better future. We are faced with challenges everyday, but we tackle them by working together and building on our accomplishments. It is an honor to represent the residents of Ward One.”

Support for Graham across Ward One –the most culturally diverse ward in D.C.– is indicated by the backing of an overwhelming majority of ANC Commissioners including, in a preliminary list, support from 5 of the 8 ANC Commissioners in Adams Morgan. Tenant leaders in the big buildings lining 14th Street and key Ward 1 business leaders including Kamal Ali of Ben’s Chili Bowl, Andy Shallal of Busboys and Poets, and Constantine Stavropolous of Tryst/Diner have endorsed Graham.

In his email, Graham cited accomplishments in his fight for safer neighborhoods, preventing gang violence, tenant rights and affordable housing, environmentally friendly cost-effective urban transportation, small business opportunities, creating jobs, and better schools. A detailed list of these accomplishment is available on the campaign website, www.JimGraham2010.com.”