Embassy Protest Yields Results

I am pleased to report that the Republic of the Congo has responded to orders from the District Government and requests by the ANC and the Dupont Circle Citizens Association to remove the concrete covering of the public space in front of the former Toutorsky Mansion. The Embassy felled trees, uprooted shrubs and paved over the building’s front yard.

The Congo recently purchased the Toutorsky Mansion, a local landmark and contributing structure of the 16th Street Historic District, for use as its Embassy. The building is a graceful brick structure built in the 1890s for Justice Henry Brown of the Supreme Court. Later it was a music school and then a Bed and Breakfast. Under DC law, front lawns are city property, but Embassy properties are considered foreign soil and exempt from District law. Knowing this, neighborhood officials, including the ANC, had specifically requested that no changes be made to the historic greensward. The sale was approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustment’s Foreign Missions Department only after the Congo agreed.

DDOT has asked the Embassy to restore the landscaping after removing the concrete surfacing. When you walk past the property you will notice the removal of the concrete, so it is now ready for restoration of the landscaping.

I want to thank my fellow Commissioners, the Dupont Circle Conservancy, and the Dupont Circle Citizens Association for preserving our public space along 16th Street, otherwise known as the Avenue of the Presidents.

Happy Holidays to One and All!

Just a quick note to wish all of my constituents a Happy Holiday season. Please be safe and I wish all of you a happy and healthy 2012!

I advise everyone to be on the lookout for crime. There is traditionally a spike in "crimes of opportunity" in the neighborhood during the holidays. The Police have told us at our recent ANC meetings that this is the time of year that they see an increase in the number of car breakins, package thefts, muggings, and burglaries. So enjoy the holidays but be aware of crime!

And remember to report any crimes that you witness along with accurate descriptions in order to help the Police catch the criminals!

Postal Service Committed to Keeping Post Office

I am pleased to report that Postmaster Roane announced at tonight's community meeting that Temple Heights and Kalorama Post Offices will remain open. They have been taken off the study list. Over 3,000 surveys were returned by residents.

The 14th and T Street Post Office will continue to operate until the end of the lease (2/12). It was originally scheduled to close on Dec. 31. The Postmaster is committed to locating a new post office in the 14th and U neighborhood and is reviewing several proposals, including the Reeves Center.

I want to thank Councilmember Jim Graham who responded to our outcry and has worked with the Postmaster and the community to achieve this outcome.

Postal Service Meeting 12/15

The Postal Service will be discussing the closure of several local post offices at a meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Rita Bright Family and Youth Center located at 2500 14th Street. This is a follow up meeting to the one held in Cleveland Park on November 29. Councilmembers Graham and Evans plan to attend since their constituents are affected. Please join us to learn the USPS plans for our 14th and T Street Post Office.

You're invited to attend the annual Holiday Party hosted by the U Street Neighborhood Association at Local 16. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. Bring a neighbor!

Meeting to Discuss Closure of T St Post Office

I attended the meeting last night and learned that the post office is being closed because the owner of the property does not want to renew their expiring lease. As you may know, there is a new 8 story building proposed for that site.

I asked the Postmaster to consider extending the lease for another 6 months to give all of us a chance to figure out some options for another location in our neighborhood while the approvals for the new building are being reviewed by DC Government agencies. I also asked for another community meeting and he agreed.

We have not had adequate notice or opportunity to consider other options, I feel. These two actions would give us some more time. We need a post office on 14th or U St with all of the development that is scheduled to happen along 14th Street in the next several years.

Stay tuned...

Happy Turkey Day and Thank You!

I would like to wish all of my constituents and visitors to our neighborhood a Wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving! I would also like to thank all of our residents, businesses, activists and volunteers for making our community a better place to live, work and play!