Matchbox Opens November 30 to Public

I am pleased to announce that the Matchbox restaurant at the corner of 14th and T is scheduled to open Friday, November 30, to the public.  Preview dinners are currently under way with invitations being sent to media, neighbors and community leaders.  The former Club Bali (where Cab Calloway, Erol Garner, Billie Holiday, Morgana King, Sarah Vaughan, and Dinah Washington once performed) and Arena Stage rehearsal space has been converted to a large 250 seat (inside) restaurant with outdoor patio seating for an additional 50 patrons.  The menu is similar to their other locations on Capital Hill and Chinatown.  I have linked one reviewer's comments.  See you at Matchbox!

Garrison Elementary Targeted to be Closed

On Tuesday, Chancellor Kaya Henderson proposed 20 school closings, including Garrison Elementary that serves our neighborhood,
the latest sign of a system facing budget pressures and increased competition from fast-growing charter schools.    “It’s like a kick in the teeth,” said Ann McLeod, president of the PTA at Garrison Elementary, which is slated to be closed under the plan and turned into a community arts center. Its students would be sent to nearby Seaton Elementary.  

McLeod said Garrison has been gathering momentum in recent years, drawing attention and buzz from the neighborhood’s growing number of young families. “I just don’t see that closing Garrison and moving us to Seaton is going to get any more students enrolled into DCPS,” McLeod said. “In fact, it might get fewer.”

The school system has planned four community meetings for late November and early December to hear community feedback, including on how vacant buildings should be used. In addition, the D.C. Council will hold public hearings on the plan Thursday and Monday.  Henderson said she will listen to public input before making final recommendations to Gray in mid-January.

Council member Jack Evans has stated publicly that he prefers that it not be closed and that Seaton students be reassigned to Garrison.  Please contact his office and voice your opinion! 

Zahra Jilani Elected as ANC 1B12 Commissioner

In a four-way election to determine who will represent the 14th and U neighborhood after redistricting, the voters in 1B12 elected Zahra Jilani as their ANC Commissioner.  She has been assisting ANC 1B for some months as an intern who is producing a newsletter for them and describes herself as a person who enjoys community service.  She will begin serving as Commissioner for the Single Member District beginning in Janaury 2013.  She will be succeeding Commissioner Alex Lewin-Swerdling who served out the term of Aaron Spencer after he moved out of the SMD.  Congratulations, Zahra, and best wishes on your election.  I look forward to working with you on issues of mutual concern in our neighborhood!

Leaf Collection Schedule for 2012

The District has scheduled our neighborhood for leaf collection from November 19 to December 1 . Please rake your leaves into the tree boxes by Sunday, November 18. Leaves ONLY! Tree limbs, bricks, dirt, rocks, etc. will damage the equipment and delay collections. 

Bagged leaves, placed in your alley trash collection site, will be collected along with the regular trash.

311 Updates

If you call 311 today, you wll hear that the DC Government is Closed as are DC Public Schools.  There will be no parking enforcement or trash collection.  Street sweeping is suspended through Wednesday.  Bulk trash appointments will be rescheduled. 

METRO is closed as well...stay tuned for more updates when you call 311.

Prepare for Hurricane Sandy

OPC Urges DC Resident to Prepare for the Potential Impact of Hurricane Sandy

The National Weather Service has stated that the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area is likely to experience some severe weather between late afternoon on Sunday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 31, as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Forecasters are predicting the region could experience a combination of high winds, heavy rain and possible flooding in certain areas. The high winds and heavy rain could cause power outages. 
 
In anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, Pepco has announced it is scheduling extra distribution line crews and has contract crews scheduled for storm restoration work and Call Center personnel will work overnight as needed. The Company has also reached out to state and local emergency management agencies to share its weather forecast and plans. 

Keep the Following Numbers Handy:

•    For immediate medical emergencies call 911
•    D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency Hotline - Consumers should first call 311 or to report ongoing or major heat related problems call (202) 727-6161. HSEMA may provide transportation to a cooling center or on site cooling buses for residents
•    Pepco Safety Emergency - (202) 872-3432 -- to report wires down
•    Pepco Claims Office - (202) 872-2455 -- to request a form for electric service related damages
•    OPC - (202) 727-3071 -- to obtain information or assistance  

Click here for helpful tips.

JBG Unveils Revised Plans for 13th and U Project

On Monday, October 22, the JBG Companies unveiled a revised plan and drawings for their 13th and U project.  I have displayed above the front and rear elevations of the proposed building for your review.  The building is 8 stories tall with 134 apartments.  Twelve of the units will be marketed as "affordable housing units."  There will be no rooftop pool area in the revised plans.  And last but not least, the building has been set back about 5-6 feet on the 7th and 8th floors.

JBG representatives announced that the PUD application was filed recently and that the review process has begun at HPRB and the Zoning Commission (which has jurisdiction on Planned Unit Developments).  Stay tuned for more details as they become available.  Read More