The Southwest Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 6D held its monthly business meeting on Monday, Feb. 9 in the DCRA Meeting Room at 1100 Fourth St. SW at 7 p.m.
New Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen attended the meeting and expressed his desire to maintain a productive relationship with the ANC. On the job only five weeks, Allen has already introduced several pieces of legislation, including the “Small Business Incubator Act,” which aims to remove some of the “red tape” for entrepreneurs, and the “Books From Birth” initiative, which would provide books to young children in need. Allen plans to start holding monthly Southwest office hours beginning in March.
The ANC gave its support to the Marine Corps Marathon and the Race for Hope DC, a 5K run that benefits brain tumor research.
Pastor Michael Bledsoe of Riverside Baptist Church gave an update regarding renovations, which include a new church and residential building in the same architectural style as other Southwest landmarks.
Gordon Fraley addressed the ANC’s concerns regarding the Waterfront 375 and 425 M St. parcels and assured the Commission that steps were being taken to address identified site maintenance issues, which include private drive lighting, sidewalk repairs, and signage. Fraley outlined several plans to facilitate recreational activity in the area. However, one commissioner remarked that such promises were made two years ago and the developers have not yet made appropriate use of the community resources.
The ANC also expressed concerns regarding the safety of Pepco’s planned Waterfront Sub Station, which is to be located at Buzzard Point adjacent to the Syphax Gardens residential area.
In addition, the ANC unanimously passed a resolution addressing the redevelopment of Greenleaf Public Housing, urging DCHA, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and Councilmembers Anita Bonds and Charles Allen to allow residents to “continue living in the community at minimal disruption during redevelopment,” and to create an interagency working group to identify a “build first” site.
Next month’s ANC 6D business meeting will be held Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at 200 I St. SE (Note the different location for this meeting).
By: Dave Balajthy