Bloomingdale Civic Association
General Membership Meeting
Monday, April 18, 2016, 7:00 PM
St. George’s Episcopal Church, 160 U Street NW
Minutes
Executive Board in Attendance: Teri Janine Quinn, Sherry Howard, Horacio Sierra, Derrick Jones, Angela Prentice, Scott Roberts, and Bertha Holliday.
Meeting Commenced at 7:08 pm
1. Derrick gave us an update on Street Sweeping. DPW agreed to suspend Street Sweeping north of Rhode Island on certain blocks for the remainder of the street sweeping enforcement season.
2. Colin from Boundary Stone updated us on their plans to expand their sidewalk café. They currently have 16 seats and they want to increase it to 38 seats.
Angela made a motion to approve the expansion. Derrick seconded the motion. The motion was approved 11-0.
3. Colin gave the BCA checks in excess of $3,000, which was generated from “Dine Out Bloomingdale” during the first two weeks of January to give back to the community. The money was accrued based on a percentage of sales from El Camino, Boundary Stone, Red Hen, and Pub and the People. He thanked the BCA for its efforts in beautifying Bloomingdale and maintaining its excellent quality of life. Teri reminded us that “Dine Out Bloomingdale” was initiated by Boundary Stone.
4. Scherry updates on the First Street Water Tunnel project. The substantial completion is scheduled for May and the final completion for July. However, the streets will be closed through the Fall. The next meeting is on May 28.
5. Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie was in attendance. He said the council was in the process of determining the next budget, which is being done on a quicker schedule because DC now has budget autonomy. He said there is a Committee of the Whole meeting tomorrow. He said the most controversial item on the agenda is about marijuana clubs. Smith Public Trust in Brookland is hosting a Ward 5 Professionals event. He also invited people to walk in the Gay Pride Parade in June with the Ward 5 contingent. Laesha Dougherty updated us on DC Water with the estimated times for street openings: Thomas in late May/early June, Adams/Flagler in June, 1st and V in July. However, Angela asked for these dates to be confirmed. Kenyon fielded various questions on topic such as the steep increase in property tax assessments and the number of potholes in the neighborhood.
6. Bertha updated us on the Bloomingdale Village Center. The date for the Town Hall Forum is May 21 from 9:30 to 2:00. The oral history video will be projected on a large screen, there will be a panel, and a preview of design plans.
7. Jennifer provided us with an update of the BCA’s Historic Preservation Committee. They had a workshop on how to make windows more efficient. There was a Historic Preservation Workshop at St. George’s last week.
8. Chris updated us on Beautification Day, which is this Saturday. We have more than 300 plants. We need more volunteers even though we already have a lot of volunteers. Bacio’s Pizzeria will provide us with pizza at 1:30 if your hands are dirty! We don’t have as many tool kits since other civic associations are also beautifying their neighborhoods this time of year. The meeting place is in front of Big Bear Cafe. Teri said DC Water is providing volunteers as well, particularly to help around construction areas.
9. Mauro updated us on the Bloomingdale Historic Preservation Coalition. There will be two information sessions on Bloomingdale’s history; one will be on May 19 and the other will be on June 16.
10. Teri said we want a push to increase BCA membership. Derrick will organize a membership Happy Hour – possibly in May.
11. Commissioner Barnes said there would be an update on the McMillan project at tomorrow’s ANC 5E meeting. Commissioner Holliday said there are number of restaurants and other businesses that are coming up for license renewal. She has posted this information on Scott’s listserv. Commissioner Quinn reminded us that the ANC 5E will meet at 7 pm at the Friendship Charter School.
12. Robert reminded us that President Obama will give the Commencement speech on May 7 at Howard University. We should be aware that security and parking will be tight that day.
Meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.
Minutes recorded by Horacio Sierra