Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1A (ANC-1A) held its monthly public meeting by Zoom on September 9, 2020. As the meeting began, several community members spoke during the comments and announcements period, asking commissioners to approve the Park Morton Equity Plan, a proposal by residents of the to-be-demolished Park Morton public housing complex with their aspirations for new housing opportunities in their home Ward 1. Neighbors of the Park Morton residents passionately supported the Equity Plan to prevent displacement efforts, like housing vouchers, which are leading to gentrification of the neighborhood.
Some commissioners voiced support for the plan as is, while others asked for more time to consider the text before voting to support it. Commissioners seemed to at least agree, although not formally or by resolution, that they support the residents’ efforts. Community members who support the plan stressed that Park Morton residents should not be displaced during the pandemic and that their neighbors feel strongly about not allowing the city to displace longtime black residents in favor of development. They pointed to the original “build first” plan — currently tied up in legal proceedings — to construct housing for the residents nearby before moving them that was meant to keep residents in the neighborhood.
DC Police Department (DCPD) Commander Randy Griffin discussed a shooting that occurred on the 600 block of Newton Place NW in early September, injuring three individuals who were all in stable condition. DCPD believes the shooting was sparked by a feud between two rival groups in Ward 1. At the time of the shooting, the area was already staffed with officers in anticipation of the violence due to the suspected rivalry. A discussion emerged about whether DCPD is doing enough to work with the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, as well as violence interrupters and community members, to “get ahead” of the violence. The Commander said that these stakeholders feel that collaboration with the police department could undermine their work. They have some communication through community meetings and groups but do not work hand-in-hand on strategy.
In the official business part of the agenda, commissioners discussed and approved the FY’21 ANC Budget which included $31,541 for personnel, office supplies, communications to the community, and $3,000 in grants which will likely go to Project Give Back, which helps fund boxes to prepare meals for hundreds of Ward 1 residents in need.
Commissioners approved a resolution to eliminate rush hour parking restrictions on the 400 block of Canyon Street NW. The city had proposed the restrictions on rush hour parking due to construction on a bike lane on the street, but commissioners want to secure parking for residents, especially those who are elderly and disabled. The commissioners also discussed this resolution as part of instituting traffic calming measures to reduce speeding and accidents. Community members are encouraged to voice their concerns about the rush hour parking restrictions to the DC Department of Transportation.
Commissioners also moved to allow a hearing regarding recent street vending decriminalization legislation proposed by Ward 1 Councilmember Brieanne Nadeau, and they approved a letter of support to the Deputy Mayor of Education to create more learning hubs, particularly in Ward 1 which currently has none. With the transition to virtual learning, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the DC Public Library, opened six sites in the city giving students, grades K-5, access to the internet and a safe place to learn. These hubs are designed to help students from differing home situations have access to safe, in-person education and/or out-of-school-time activities. Commissioner Dotti Love Wade stressed that the city could help reduce learning loss and widening of the achievement gap for families in Ward 1 with less or no access to supplemental education during these pandemic times.
Watch the full meeting recording below:
