Shawington

Greetings all,
The May 2009 MVSNA Newsletter is up, Click Here.  Still need volunteers to help distribute, please email me at niello8(at)yahoo.com or call 202.256.9193…The next MVSNA meeting will be held at the Yale Steam Laundry, 437 NY Ave NW, Tuesday May 19th at 7:30pm.  On the agenda we have 451-3 Ridge new construction, mvsna goals, & of course Public Safety.  See you all there.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Shooting-Near-the-Convention-Center.html 
there’s a mean looking group of gangsters around the convention center.  1 group gathers at 8and N and the other gathers at 7th and M.  not sure what good all the free tickets to the Nationals ball games are delivering to the community when we end up in killings.  the peaceaholics are failing. 
i waited for another person to say something about the killing on this blog…24 hrs is enough. 

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Shooting-Near-the-Convention-Center.html 
there’s a mean looking group of gangsters around the convention center.  1 group gathers at 8and N and the other gathers at 7th and M.  not sure what good all the free tickets to the Nationals ball games are delivering to the community when we end up in killings.  the peaceaholics are failing. 
i waited for another person to say something about the killing on this blog…24 hrs is enough. 

Earlier this week, I attended a Federation of Citizens Associations event at which the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs was honored as the most improved agency.  Whether its a lack of enforcement regarding vacant property laws, the decade long battle over shutting down Fun Fair, or allowing illegal construction to slide - that’s all part of the DCRA experience — at least, the DCRA of the past.  When an agency hits rock bottom, there’s plenty of room to go up.
So, do we have a new DCRA today?  Let’s find out.  Today, MVSNA asked DCRA to enforce the District’s longstanding moratorium on billboards, sometimes referred to as “special signs.”  Only 32 billboards are legal and grandfathered in in the District of Columbia.  It’s obvious to anyone that there’s quite a few more around town.  Our letter provides four examples in the Mount Vernon Square and Shaw neighborhoods.  You can read our letter to DCRA Director Linda Argo and view photographs of the sign violations here.
Why does it matter?  You’ll notice that most of the illegal billboards are on vacant lots, bogus used car dealerships, and even on vacant houses.  Illegal billboards provide a way for derelict owners to handsomely profit while pulling down our property values.  Revenues offset property taxes levied (even in the rare case the lot is being taxed at the higher vacant rate) and provide a disincentive for the owner to move the property into productive use — as housing, a park, or retail space.
 
We’re not the first to request action.  Shaw residents, the Bates Area Civic Association, and ANC 5C Commissioner Anita Bonds have all asked DCRA to enforce the law with respect to the three monster billboards at the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, Fourth Street, and P Street NW.  One resident even started an advocacy website.  MVSNA joins them.
Will DCRA see the signs?

On Tuesday May 19th, 2009, GLOV (DC’s GLBT Anti-Violence Task Force) is holding a candlelight vigil and march to raise awareness about hate crimes against the GLBT community and to renew focus on the murder of Durval Martin to hopefully bring in new leads and help MPD close this case.
On Tuesday, December 16 2008 Durval Martins was shot and killed while walking home at the intersection of 11th and Q streets, NW in DC’s Logan Circle neighborhood. Local community leaders will be in attendance to raise awareness, enlist community support in finding those responsible and condemn hate-biased violence. Durval’s identical twin brother, Pedro, will be there to join us. We ask that you come, too – bring friends, neighbors, colleagues, and families — and please wear white to show your support.Please join us.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (estimated)

WHERE: Introductory remarks at Reeve Center Courtyard (Corner of 14th and U streets, NW). Procession will head South on 14th street, East on Q street, end at 11th and Q streets, NW and end with a moment of silence at corner of 11th and Q streets, NW (the site of Durval Martins’ murder).

WHAT TO WEAR: Attendees are encouraged to show solidarity by wearing white.

I hate reporting on crime and do not do so often. That said, I feel compelled to pass along the following for purposes of awareness and in hopes that someone will come forward with information leading to arrests. Be aware and vigilant for yourself and for others, as there is a despicable element in this […]

The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District is hosting its inaugural Mount Vernon Triangle House Tour this Sunday, May 17, 2009 from 12 Noon to 5 pm. The tour’s proceeds will benefit Strive DC, a life skills and job training outfit in Capitol Hill North.
The tour is self-guided and conducted in an “open house” style so you […]

There is an article in today’s Examiner documenting the history of neglect of 460 Ridge Street NW, including the DC government’s allowing the building to collapse, then removing the rubble only to let the vacant lot further deteriorate. 
A few questions from a reporter spurred quick action.  This morning, as readers skimmed the newspaper on their morning commute, two DC Housing trucks and three government employees were onsite, removing the overgrown weeds and trash. 

A few more blogs died in the past few weeks. R.I.P “Art Is For Losers” and “Glennalicious.” Blogicide is sad. (correction: AIFL is not dead, it just moved) Thankfully, Miss Deborah Gibson is still blogging, and is in an incredible…

Staff Member Thomas Choinacky of the Fringe Festival will be performing one day of his 31 day/song/location guerrilla theatre event at Gallery Place’s 7th & H St NW metro entrance today!  Here’s more info.