eckingtoncivic ECA

May 2021 Virtual Meeting Agenda

May 10, 2021 | 6:45PM-8:30PM 

How to Participate in Our Virtual Meeting
Click this link: https://meet.google.com/gjz-apmz-zmq 
Or dial: +1 402-724-0051 PIN: 276511751#

ECA brief updates — 6:45-7:00 pm

  • Eckington Day (Dana Samuels, Taylor Kennedy, Ben Colbert)
    • Save the Date: Saturday October 2, 2021 at Tanner Park
  • DDOT presenting latest Dave Thomas Circle plans on May 17 (Conor Shaw) 

SPECIAL ITEM: Discussion of Eckington’s Comprehensive Plan amendments — 7:00-8:30 pm

  • An presentation and update on the Eckington’s Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan from ECA President Conor Shaw (7:00 – 7:30 PM)
    • Eckington’s proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan were proposed by the civic association in 2017, received support from ANC 5E in 2017 and 2020, and were adopted by Mayor Bowser’s Office of Planning in May 2020. 
    • Nevertheless, the Eckington Amendments were taken out of the Comprehensive Plan Act of 2021 by the D.C. Council in April 2021. 
    • Our amendments would encourage residential and commercial uses of the industrial land that currently occupies a large amount of land in the eastern half of the neighborhood–directly adjacent to the Metropolitan Branch Trail and the red line Metro stops. 
    • Background materials on Eckington’s Comprehensive Plan Amendments:
    • We are asking Councilmember McDuffie and Chairman Mendelson to reinstate our amendments in their entirety, and we need your help convincing them to do so.  
  • Comments from and Q&A with Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (7:30 – 8:00 pm)
  • Comments from and Q&A with D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson (8:00 – 8:30 pm)

A pdf of our agenda is available here.

Join the Civic Association: Click HERE to register. 

Resident memberships are free, but we welcome donations HERE.

eckingtoncivic ECA

ECA Asks Chairman Mendelson and Councilmember McDuffie to reinstate Eckington’s Comprehensive Plan Amendments

Today, the Eckington Civic Association (ECA) sent letters to D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson and Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie asking them to reinstate Eckington’s Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan Act of 2021.

The letters explain that Eckington strongly supports adding desperately needed new housing to maintain our neighborhood’s affordability and diversity and that the decision to drop the Eckington Amendments from the FLUM directly contradicts the wishes of our community.

Simply put, the Chair’s decision to drop the Eckington Amendments at this late stage, despite the support of the Eckington Civic Association, ANC 5E, Office of Planning, and Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (and the absence of any on-record opposition) is an example of the “exclusionary and inaccessible” process that the Council Office on Racial Equity found objectionable in its Racial Equity Impact Assessment of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2020.

Eckington’s Metro- and trail-adjacent properties are precisely where D.C. must add more housing if the city is going to achieve its affordability, equity, and environmental goals. Furthermore, the continued concentration of Production, Distribution, and Repair (PDR)-designated land in Wards 5 and 7 poses “racial equity issues,” as the Chair has acknowledged in discussions about this Comprehensive Plan. But by dropping these amendments, the Council will perpetuate those issues until the next planning cycle.

Our letter to Chair Mendelson is available here.

Our letter to Councilmember McDuffie is available here.

Please contact us at eckingtoncivic@gmail.com for any inquires regarding these letter.

eckingtoncivic ECA

April 12 ECA Meeting Highlights

Highlights from the April 12 ECA Meeting are now online.

The meeting covered planned testimony and comments on proposed developments in the neighborhood, takeaways from the ECA’s recent forum on public safety and violence prevention, and more.

We flagged three things that residents can do to help:

  1. Share key resources with neighbors
    • The “Stronger Together by Assisting You” (STAY DC) program will provide $350 million in COVID-19 relief for those at risk of not paying rent or utilities on a residence. Renters and housing providers can apply for rental and electric, gas and water bill assistance at stay.dc.gov. Applicants can call the STAY DC Call Center at 833-4-STAYDC.
    • Opportunities for youth activities: Summer Employment Program; DC Parks & Rec programs; Gearin’ Up Bicycles.
  2. Help us restart Eckington Day in 2021– first planning meeting on April 27 at 6pm (likely to be virtual, but there is a chance we’ll meet in the park). Please contact us at eckingtoncivic@gmail.com to get involved.
  3. Contact taylor.eckingtoncivic@gmail.com to join the next small group discussions on Public Safety and Violence Prevention.

eckingtoncivic ECA

Eckington orgs ask Mayor Bowser & CM Trayon White to fund a DCPL branch library

On April 14, the Eckington Civic Association, Eckington Parks & Arts, and the Langley Elementary PTO sent a letter to Mayor Bowser requested that $20 million be earmarked in the FY 22 budget for a new DCPL branch library to serve Eckington, Edgewood, and Stronghold. As the letter explains, DCPL has identified our communities as falling in a service gap, and the fast pace of development in our community means that the city needs to act quickly to secure a location that is transit and trail accessible. 

A pdf of the letter is available here.

Many thanks to our wonderful partners at Eckington Parks & Arts and the Langley Elementary PTO for joining the Eckington Civic Association in making this request.

eckingtoncivic ECA

April 12, 2021 Virtual Meeting Agenda

April 12, 2021 | 7:00PM-8:30PM 

How to Participate in Our Virtual Meeting
Click here: https://meet.google.com/ozv-bcof-puj Or dial: +1 304-918-0851 PIN: 984925849#		Join the Civic Association:
Click HERE to register. Resident memberships are free, but we welcome donations HERE.

Agenda Items

ECA business — 7:00-8:00 pm

  • Preview of ECA Zoning Commission testimony re: South RIA development (Daniel Agold)
  • Vote on ECA Comments on Draft Environmental Impact Statement for DC-Baltimore Maglev (Conor Shaw)
  • Quick updates (Conor Shaw)
    • Help us restart Eckington Day in 2021– first planning meeting on April 27 at 6pm (likely to be virtual, but there is a chance we’ll meet in the park)
    • ECA yard signs, flyers, and (possibly) shirts coming your way soon  
    • Langley ES and Eckington Parks & Arts joined our letter advocating for funding of Eckington/Edgewood DCPL Library to Mayor & relevant D.C. councilmembers. 
    • All-way stop signs coming to intersections of Quincy Lane (the Eckington Yards “woonerf”) and Eckington Place as well as Quincy Lane and Harry Thomas Way.
    • DC Water Northeast Boundary Tunnel construction sites are starting to approach completion. Check out D.C. Water for information.
  • Public safety & violence prevention updates (Taylor Kennedy)
  • Vote on ECA letter supporting CM McDuffie’s budget request for additional investments in violence prevention (Conor Shaw, Taylor Kennedy, Silas Grant)

Updates from community leaders — 8:00-8:30 pm

Upcoming Meetings & Events

eckingtoncivic ECA

March 8 Highlights

Highlights from the March 8 Eckington Civic Association meeting have been posted on the ECA website.

The meeting included discussions about:

  • a draft letter advocating for funding of a DC Public Library branch in Eckington, Edgewood, or Stronghold
  • planning for Eckington Day and how to sign up to help
  • a reminder to sign up to join a Public Safety Strategy Forum for late March to discuss strategies for reducing violence in the neighborhood
  • proposed map amendments for a number of properties on Rhode Island Avenue between 5th St NE and the MBT
  • and more updates from the ECA, Councilmember McDuffie and Mayor Bowser’s offices, and neighborhood partners

Our next meeting is Monday, April 12, from 7 – 8:30 pm. We’ll post the agenda on the ECA website in advance. Hope you can join us!

eckingtoncivic ECA

March 8, 2021 Virtual Meeting Agenda

March 8, 2021 | 7:00PM-8:300PM 

How to Participate in Our Virtual Meeting
Click here: https://meet.google.com/ozv-bcof-puj 
Or dial: +1 304-918-0851 PIN: 984925849#

Agenda Items

Guest presentations — 7:00-7:30 pm

  • Zoning hearing upcoming for “South RIA” (Jair Lynch/LDP Acquisitions) 
  • Cure the Streets/Murder Free DC Truxton/Eckington Violence Interruption Program (Sean Magruder)

ECA business — 7:30-8:00 pm

  • The Eckington Civic Association is planning a Public Safety Strategy Forum for late March to discuss strategies for reducing violence in the neighborhood. If you are a concerned resident and willing to spend a little time brainstorming concerns and solutions with us, please sign up here. (Taylor Kennedy)
  • Confirming requests for updates for MPD (Taylor Kennedy)
  • Help us restart Eckington Day in 2021 (Conor Shaw)
  • FY 2021 Budget advocacy (Conor Shaw)
    • Vote to send letter advocating for funding of Eckington/Edgewood DCPL Library to Mayor & D.C. Councilmembers and committees (view our draft letter here); 
    • Potential D.C. Council testimony to follow in April/May 
  • Quick updates (Conor Shaw)
    • Updated banner designs for Eckington Place and Harry Thomas Way
    • We are still considering commenting on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Washington to Baltimore Maglev–especially opposing any impacts to Tanner Park. We are in touch with NoMA BID/Parks to coordinate.
    • Do any places in Eckington need bike racks? DDOT has a bunch, so please submit 311 requests if you see a location that could use one. 

Updates from community leaders — 8:00-8:30 pm

Upcoming Meetings & Events

eckingtoncivic ECA

Feb 8 Mtg Highlights

Highlights from our February 8 meeting are posted here. At the meeting, we shared results from our recent survey, and discussed a number of updates from the ECA, partner organizations, and representatives from Mayor Bowser’s and Councilman McDuffie’s offices. There are several opportunities for residents to help:

  • Please join the ECA or renew your membership for 2021 and consider a one-time or recurring donation to the ECA! Visit the Eckington Civic Association website and click “Register.” Resident membership – the kind of membership that applies to individuals living in Eckington – is free, but you are welcome to donate to support our efforts if you wish.
  • The ECA is seeking a Certified Public Accountant to provide approx. 5-10 pro bono hours annually to advise the ECA (e.g., for IRS filings). If you – or an accountant you know – are willing to consider providing this service, please contact ECA Treasurer Neil Shah at imneilshah@gmail.com.
  • The ECA is planning a Public Safety Strategy Forum to develop a strategy for reducing violence in the neighborhood—a top priority we identified in our recent resident survey. If you are a concerned resident and willing to spend a little time brainstorming concerns and solutions with us, please sign up here. We’ll collect interest into early March and will aim to confirm a date in mid-March.
  • We are also exploring how the ECA might distribute periodic written updates to neighbors who don’t have regular internet access. Volunteer to join and/or lead committee to get this started by signing up here.
  • There are several near-term opportunities to participate in DC’s FY 2022 budget planning:
    • Complete Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie’s Budget Advocacy Survey HERE
      Suggested asks: Eckington/Edgewood DCPL Library; DDOT concept study for North Capitol Street redesign; improvements to Harry Thomas Recreation Center; continued funding of violence interruption program in/near Eckington
    • Ward 5 for All petition for an Edgewood/Eckington Library: fill it out HERE

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 8, from 7-8:30. We hope you can join us!

eckingtoncivic ECA

February 8, 2021 Meeting Agenda

How to Participate in Our Virtual Meeting
Click here: https://meet.google.com/ozv-bcof-puj 

Or dial: +1 304-918-0851 PIN: 984925849#

Join the Civic Association: Click HERE to register. Resident memberships are free, but we welcome donations HERE.

Agenda Items

ECA business — 7:00-8:00 pm

  • Please renew your membership for 2021 and consider a one time or recurring donation to the ECA! (Ben Colbert and Neil Shah)
  • ECA survey results and takeaways (Taylor Kennedy)
  • FY 2022 Budget advocacy (Conor Shaw)
    • Complete Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie’s Budget Advocacy Survey HERE Suggested asks: Eckington/Edgewood DCPL Library; DDOT concept study for North Capitol Street redesign; improvements to Harry Thomas Recreation Center; continued funding of violence interruption program in/near Eckington
    • Ward 5 for All petition for an Edgewood/Eckington Library: fill it out HERE
    • Stay tuned for community meeting regarding advocacy for an Edgewood/Eckington Library
  • Quick updates (Conor Shaw)
    • Eckington Yards PUD banner: working w/ McKinley Tech to get images of school (they are very excited); NoMA BID agreed to lighter touch on BID branding; final design/procurement in works. 
    • DDOT proceeding with changes to Todd Place and T street NE soon. One small change to previous proposal–Todd place Westbound conversion will now extend all the way to North Capitol Street.
    • DC has acquired Wendy’s at Dave Thomas Circle via eminent domain. Designs expected to be completed this year and construction to start in 2022. 
    • The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the Washington to Baltimore Maglev. Public comments are due April 22, 2021. ECA is considering whether to comment on potential local impacts (e.g.. the potential expansion of PEPCO substation into newly built Tanner Park; use of nearby land for massive parking facilities instead of housing/retail and the induced congestion it would create)

Updates from community leaders — 8:00-8:30 pm

Upcoming Meetings & Events

eckingtoncivic ECA

ECA Jan 11 Highlights

Highlights/next steps from the ECA’s January 11th meeting are posted here.

We discussed and approved changes to the bylaws disambiguating types of membership (resident individuals, resident organizations, and non-resident individuals) and to allow the Executive Committee to annually replace member dues with a suggested donation.

We announced a survey of Eckington residents on 2021 priorities for the ECA and our neighborhood. The survey is now open for input through January 28. Please share your thoughts and encourage your neighbors to do the same!

We also discussed a call for long-term improvements to North Capitol Street, and possible designs for neighborhood banners on Eckington Place and Harry Thomas Way. Officers discussed their priorities for the year and outlined how members can share input or volunteer. Silas Grant from Councilman McDuffie’s office provided updates on technical resources available for small businesses and entrepreneurs; grants for qualifying non-profit organizations; and considerations for a library in Eckington or Edgewood. Nokomis Hunter from Mayor Bowser’s office provided updates on the COVID situation, vaccinations for residents over the age of 65, public safety information relating to the Presidential inauguration, and more. More details in the meeting minutes.

Our next meeting is scheduled for February 8th. We’ll post the agenda and link to join on our blog, listserv, and Nextdoor before the meeting.