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January ANC Meeting
The first ANC meeting of 2022 is Wednesday January 12 at 7 PM. The meeting will be held virtually: https://bit.ly/ANC2BJANUARY2022. Among our agenda items are the election of 2022 officers, a briefing from the National Park Service on Dupont Circle; an application from Rosemarino d’Italia to provide live entertainment; a request from Picasso Gallery for exceptions from side and rear yard requirements to build a rear addition; and safety enhancements at Connecticut and 19th Street and streetscape improvements along U Street NW from 14th to 18th Street NW.
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The full agenda for the meeting is here.
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A look back...
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“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” Coretta Scott King
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The year, my first as an ANC Commissioner, brought unexpected challenges that tested our neighborhood as well as inspiring moments of community solidarity.
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A range of organizations, from Latino Economic Development Center to the Community Economic and Equity Development Clinic at AU’s law school, rallied to help our ANC’s COVID Task Force and our partner Dupont Circle Main Streets to support struggling small businesses during the pandemic. We also celebrated Danielle Vogel’s leadership and vision at Glen’s Market and welcomed Dawson’s, and their commitment to local, sustainable food.
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The DC Council this week passed legislation designating $40 million in emergency grant funds to support restaurants, local retail, bars, and nightclubs with rent, payroll, inventory and operating costs. The Council is considering additional measures, including Council Member Pinto’s bill to streamline licensing and related administrative requirements for small businesses.
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This was one of the most dangerous years on record for traffic fatalities, and over half of these victims were pedestrians or bicyclists. As a member of the Vision Zero ANC Caucus, I worked with fellow Commissioners to support full funding to realize the promise of zero fatalities by 2024. The parents of Nathan Ballard Means, who was struck but not seriously harmed by a car running a stop sign at New Hampshire and S, have responded by leading efforts to ensure safer crosswalks for all of us. I’m working with them and with Ross Elementary parents, as well as DDOT, the mayor’s office and fellow commissioners, to ensure that the Safe Routes to School report recommendations are implemented, and to consider other safety measures.
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Two important bills were introduced in December: the Walk Without Worry Act, to ensure that raised crosswalks and similar pedestrian safety designs are incorporated into DDOT infrastructure design; and the Safe Routes to School Act, to enhance safety in school zones, including through infrastructure, enforcement and more equitable resource allocation in planning and implementing these measures.
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Our city also experienced increased violence, registering over 200 killings for the first time since 2003. Cathy Feingold, a colleague and friend, lost her husband Jerry Black to gun violence in June on the 1400 block of R Street NW. She established a memorial fund in his memory to support after school programs for children, under the auspices of the TraRon Center whose founder, Ryane Nickens, is herself a survivor of violence. Consider supporting the Center, and/or obtaining bystander training in 2022.
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Dupont is the historic and beating heart of DC’s LGBTQI community. I joined with fellow commissioners in supporting Capital Pride Alliance’s COVID-safe Pride Walk and Rally in June and related events, and in working to maintain our northern neighborhood boundary through the recent Ward redistricting process. (The ANC redistricting process is now underway.)
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In 2022, I look forward to working with fellow commissioners to support Capital Pride Alliance efforts to bring back the parade, festival and other events in 2022 while planning to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pride in DC in 2025. Stay tuned for more information.
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Other business
COVID vaccines, testing and more: check DC’s site for updates on vaccines, testing and test kits: vaccine resources
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Snow removal and related: DC’s Department of Public Works has a useful list of winter weather resources and tips. This list includes information on where streets are being plowed, including parking restrictions; snow shoveling requirements; and other tips. You can report issues to DPW, including street or sidewalk clearance issues or downed tree limbs, through 311.
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Budget season has begun! Join our Council Member Pinto for her first public forum next Thursday January 13 from 630 to 730 PM to discuss upcoming agency performance oversight hearings and priorities for the FY23 budget. Register at tinyurl.com/PintoBudget
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As always, I hope The 2B0 One newsletter is informative. Please remember to connect with neighbors, and show support to one another, including our small businesses. Please feel free to share this newsletter with your neighbors. If you aren't already subscribed, you can add your name to the list with the handy button below.
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I always welcome your thoughts and suggestions for building a stronger neighborhood.
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