Tommy Blog Recap of May 9th Hill East Walk Through | Recap of May 9th Hill East Walk Through |
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| Written by Charles Allen | |
| Thursday, 10 May 2007 | |
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We had a great turnout for our Community Walk Through last night. Thanks so much to Walker Court resident Rob Milt and his wife for contacting us to set up the walk. ANC Commissioners Will Hill and Dan Ostergaard joined us, as did 1st District Inspector Kevin Keegan, DC Housing Authority Director Michael Kelly, and around 40 or 50 residents in the neighborhood. The walk got started with an update by MPD Dectective Raymond Stargell on the weekend robberies in PSA 106 and 107. He was able to confirm that arrests have been made for all four robberies and that MPD is in the process of recovering the items stolen. Everyone shared frustration in the fact that the robberies were committed by 3 youth between the ages of 8 and 15 - making the community effort to identify and assist with summer jobs and activities for youth all the more important.
The group then walked east on D Street, SE noting several intersections where traffic is becoming a bigger and bigger concern. Tommy committed to working with DDOT to get 11th and D Street, SE turned into a 4-way stop. He also noted several concerns along the Watkins recreation area - including loose trash and a cut fence - that he'll follow-up with the Department of Parks and Recreation. The group stopped in the open area along 13th Street where many residents have cited concerns about the lack of lighting and possible drug activity. MPD officers shared that they are aware of the concerns and have notified their vice units. DCHA Director Michael Kelly promised to work on getting the area lights turned back on to help illuminate the area and deter crime after dark. The Walk Through ended with a visit to Kentucky Courts. Mr. Kelly annouced that the housing is undergoing current renovations including interior and exterior upgrades that he expects to be completed by the end of this calendar year. He also shared that DCHA is currently working on 3 open cases of eviction for tenants that have committed crimes. The walk ended with a discussion about a possible community garden at the corner of 13th and C Street, SE. It was another great Community Walk Through and our office will be following up with the Mayor's staff and the relevant agencies on the action items that were highlighted. A special thanks to the residents of Walker Court who set a new bar for these events by hosting a nice community get together after the walk for neighbors to keep talking and working together on new ideas. Readers have left 3 comments. (1) Untitled 2007-05-10 11:36:51 Council Member Wells, Can you tell me who is responsible for the open area between Peter Bug's shoe repair/car wash/bbq stand and the Int'l Graduate University? The area has been in a continual state of disrepair for a long, long time and it appears that no one is really in charge of it. As you point out, the lights are all broken along that stretch, but also, the sunken basketball court is always filled with trash, broken glass, and shady characters, the benches are broken, the grass is uncut, and there is plenty of graffiti. Is this public or private property? Both? Written by Guest User () (2) Untitled 2007-05-10 12:46:53 Concilmember Wells and Mr. Allen Thank you very much for coming out with us last night and walking our neighborhood. We look forward to continued work with you! Stepahnie (3) Untitled 2007-05-11 10:14:17 It is our current understanding that the property around the International Graduate University is privately controlled. I know that Peter Bug will often cut the grass around his shop, as well as cut the grass on the sidewalk areas that are often left alone. We will work to find out exactly which properties are responsible for maintaining which specific areas. Written by Charles Allen () |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 10 May 2007 ) |
The walk started off by heading through Walker Court. Residents pointed out a variety of concerns for follow-up including poor lighting in the alley, the need for re-bricking, and bulk trash that tends to pile up. Several of the Walker Court neighbors will be hosting an alley clean-up next weekend, so please join them if you live in the area.
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