Hi everyone,

Just wanted to post that we're still looking for a few teams to take part in our charity event which takes place in the neighborhood. 

The Charity Pong-A-Thon is a fun local event with all proceeds going directly to the National Capital Chapter of the MS Society.  We have raised over $45,000 in the past six years and this year's event will take place this Saturday at RFD (registration begins at 3 PM with the first games at 4 PM).  Teams must have at least one female and there are cash prizes as well as championship belts for the winners.

There are also drink specials provided by RFD with a portion of the proceeds also going to the MS Society and a raffle with sports tickets, memoribilia, gift certificates, etc.  So register a team if you're interested or stop by to take part in the drink specials and raffle.

www.charitypongathon.com - Hope to see you there!

Thanks to the Convention Center Community Association for arranging an ANC Candidates Forum.  All ANC 2C & 2F06 + At Large Councilmember candidates were invited.  We were joined by:

Rachelle Nigro (ANC2C04) – current Yale Loft resident & board member, DC native, Customer Service Manager
Commissioner Kevin Chapple (ANC2C02) – Lawyer,10 yr Shaw resident, 4yrs as Commissioner
Commissioner Alex Padro (ANC2C01) – 10 years as Commissioner, Director of Shaw Main Streets
Kate McMahon (ANC2F06) – Teacher, Blagden/Naylor resident
Rickey Williams (ANC2C03) – Property manager, Shaw/MVSQ resident, MVSNA board member
At-Large Councilmember Phil Mendelson

It was a good forum but the absence of actual opponents was unfortunate.  Some had conflicts, others refused or didn't respond.  I took extensive notes but I'll try to condense it down.  There was near universal talk of improving ANC communication (especially 2C), getting more residents to participate, building bridges in a divided community.  Kate McMahon talked alot about data & stats, how making information available would benefit residents.  Rickey Williams was thorough, amiable and really willing to communicate with all residents and put the work into the position, go to all of the police and community meetings, work with other ANCs, especially since the boundaries are confounding.  Kevin Chapple, as in the past, comes across as an equalizer.  He views his position as a great way to serve his community and he doesn't let other people's opinions dictate how he deals with others.  He is respectful & keeps trying to work with everyone.  (imho Kevin has much patience).  Rachelle Nigro is new on the scene but brings some very relevant experience to the table.  She joined a contentious condo board and persisted in forming relationships, setting up committees & organizing it into civility & functionality.  She said she was relentless, yet continuously nice.  Alex Padro is our veteran & fortunately for him, unopposed this year.  Although some in the audience seemed to bristle when he stated he could not work with the current chair there is so much history that it did not get explained very well - so I'll give it a shot.  First of all, Alex Padro is incredibly accomplished as a community advocate both professionally and volunteer-wise.  He fights for everyone, oldtimers, newcomers & everyone in between.  For the last 10 years he (and the entire community) have been hampered by our non-functioning ANC.  That history would take a long time to explain and honestly there is a lot of ugliness in it.  This blog has a search function, google helps too;) The current situation is a mild improvement but still a deadlocked one.  The current Chair, ANC 2C03 Doris Brooks is not competent.  She rarely picks up her phone, does not use email, does not answer snail mail.  She unfortunately yells alot, this is how I met her years ago.  2C04 Commissioner Theresa Sule inexplicably chose to align herself with Doris Brooks when she was elected 2 years ago to the dismay of many, especially those who campaigned hard for her (like me.)  Since then she has made only the barest rudimentary effort at communication.   She set up a yahoo group for her Single Member District to which she posts little else besides a meeting notice and a last minute agenda.  She does not answer emails – at least from me.  Both Commissioners Brooks & Sule barely communicate with Commissioners Chapple & Padro...or anyone else.  This is an improvement over the days when Leroy Thorpe ran ANC 2C especially when he controlled a majority.  I promise it is not an exaggeration when I tell you he would direct Doris Brooks (and Barbara Curtis) in what to say and how to vote.  It was absolutely extraordinary. 

So the campaigns will continue.  In 2C03 Doris Brooks has a large voter base within United House of Prayer and the 30year support of their leadership, however Rickey Williams has a shot to make inroads in those numbers - especially with the many new Downtown residents which Commissioner Brooks has declared she 'does not represent.' But they MUST vote.  Rickey has honed his activist skills with MVSNA, especially in the area of public safety, and he is willing to work hard.  2C02 is rematch #3 between Commissioner Kevin Chapple and Leroy Thorpe.  #1 & #2 were recount close.  Kevin has been very good for the community, always nice, respectful and accessible.  Leroy has been long term destructive, his latest activities have included a $20 million dollar frivolous lawsuit, being slapped with a restraining order, & being convicted of filing a false police report.  I believe this is his 3rd criminal conviction.  2C04 is interesting this year...There are 4 candidates: Commissioner Theresa Sule who despite her alliance with Doris Brooks, has not done her job.  She has not shared information with the community, answered inquiries or filed the required quarterly reports (which costs ANC 2C money.)  Just yesterday I learned of 2 new projects in our SMD that are to go before Historic Preservation in 14 days.  The fact that ANC 2C has not addressed either project, and her constituents were not notified, is a perfect example of her typical negligence.   I have not met Derrick Barrett, it is rumored that he is an ally of Leroy Thorpe and testified on his behalf at his criminal trial.  I have met Cary Sheih (another Cary! Uh oh, lol...let us not have any Michael Brown confusion please) and he is very nice.  Rachelle Nigro rounds out the field and she clearly brings confidence & competence to the table. 

I do want to address the issue of splitting the field.  Personally I don't want to tell anyone what to do, to run or not run, etc.  I am supporting Rachelle for 2C04 but I fully believe in democracy, freedom & all that good stuff.  Hence I would never tell Leroy Thorpe not to run for office.  But I will tell people in the interest of civility to NOT vote for him.  Anyway, I'll leave it at this: There are many wonderful ways to serve your community.  Run for ANC, serve on an ANC committee (which we dont have..but we could!) volunteer your leadership in your friendly neighborhood association, donate your time and energy to a nonprofit, or some combination! Its all about making the neighborhood better for everyone.

Look for an MVSNA candidate forum in October, DNA may have one too.  Happy electioneering!

P.S.  Phil Mendelson wants you to know: the Michael Brown on the ballot is NOT the current Councilmember, just a guy with the same name.  I want you to know I still remember how he trounced poor Phil Pannell in the shadow rep race 4 years ago benefitiing from some free advertising (current Councilmember Michael Brown was running for mayor and had signs up all over the city) please please dont let it happen again! Vote Phil Mendelson or Clark Ray!

6-8pm, Tuesday, September 7

Wednesday, September 8, CCCA Candidates Forum

I have a room with private bath for rent on Ridge St. Contact arestad@hotmail.com

Hello everyone,

The Wright House, an after school program in Mt. Vernon Square will be holding a garage sale on Saturday, September 18th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. We have many things in our house that you can use and we are hoping all of you will stop by. All proceeds from the garage sale will be donated to the after school program.

What: Garage Sale at the Wright House

When: Saturday, September 18th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where: 450 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Also, if you have any items you'd like to donate for the garage sale to be sold, please stop by the house anytime from September 9th through September 15th, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you have any questions, please contact Andrea Rigoli at 202-347-5366 x 10

Thanks and hope to see you there!

Hello there NW1 Community!

Make sure to stop in to Northwest One Neighborhood Library this month for storytime, games, computer classes, book clubs, and more!

Do you have children + teens in your life who need books for class or homework help? Remember, you can have any book in the DC Public Library system sent to Northwest One for pick up. Also, we have excellent databases available 24/7 and free online tutors from 2pm-12am through tutor.com. Ask about them next time you're in and check out www.dclibrary.org/research/databases.

Start getting excited for the Saturday October 2nd DC Loves to Read Day! There will be fun programs centered around books and reading all day at Northwest One (as well every single DC Public Library)! At Northwest One we will have refreshments, a poetry reading, a literary photo booth, graffiti wall, and more! Come dressed as your favorite book character! More information and materials to follow...

See you at the library!

Bobbie @ NW1
barbara.dougherty@dc.gov

Northwest One Neighborhood Library
155 L St NW
(202) 939-5946
MWFS 9:30am - 5:30pm
Tues/Thurs 1:00pm - 9:00pm

www.dclibrary.org/northwest
Follow us on Twitter! @dcpl
Friend us on Facebook

ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Environment Committee
Draft Agenda

September 1, 2010, 7:00 pm
 NPR – Board Room West
635 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

1.     Sixth and K Streets NW [BZA: 17806] - Request for Two-Year Extension of Application of MidAtlantic Realty Partners LLC. (Area Variance) Pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3104.1, for a variance from the lot occupancy requirements under section 772, a variance from the rear yard requirements under section 774, a variance from the limitation on compact parking spaces requirements under subsection 2115.2, and a variance from the off-street loading facility requirements under subsection 2201.1, to permit the construction of a multiple dwelling (residential) building with ground floor retail in the DD/C-2-C District at the southeast corner of the intersection of 6th and K Streets, N.W. (Square 484, Lots 23, 811-813, and 826).  Representative: Chip Glasgow, Holland & Knight; Hearing Date: 9/21/2010.[ANC 6C01]

2.     Uline Arena Extension [BZA: 17809-A] Request for Two-Year Time Extension of Validity of the Decision Order for Application of Jemal's Uline LLC. (Area Variance) Pursuant to 11 DCMR §§ 3104.1 and 3103.2, for a variance from the off-street parking requirements under subsection 2101.1, and a special exception from the roof structure number and set-back requirements under section 411, to permit the expansion and renovation of the existing Uline arena and ice house in the C-M-1 and C-M-3 Districts at premises 1130-1150 3rd Street, N.E. (Square 748, Lots 8-11, 42, 43, 802, 808-812) Representative: Chip Glasgow, Holland & Knight; Hearing Date: 09/28/2010.[ANC 6C04]

3.     219 M Street, Primal Fitness Center [BZA: 18105 - reapplication of BZA 17798], Variance pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3103.2, for a variance from the use provisions to operate a fitness center under subsection 330.5, in the R-4 District at premises 219 M Street, N.W. (Square 555, Lot 805). Fitness Center, Hours 6 am to 8 pm M-F; Sat 9 am to 4 pm, Representative: Ray Valentine, Owner; Hearing Date: 09/28/2010. [ANC 6C02]

4.     Zoning Case 08-06 – Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Chapters B2 & B4; Proposed text changes reflect changes in new use category system and the consolidation of height regulations throughout the code into a single height section; Hearing Date: 09/20/2010.

Please Note: The September ANC 6C meeting will be on Tuesday, September 7^th this month because our normal Wednesday meeting date falls on the beginning of the observance of Rosh HaShanah. ANC 6C meets at the Heritage Foundation, 214 Massachusetts Avenue NE, beginning at 7:00 pm.

Please note that this a Draft Agenda and items listed on the Agenda are subject to change. If you are interested in a particular item on the agenda, please contact the ANC 6C Planning, Zoning, and Environment Chairperson, Rob Amos, at 202.494.5839 for the current status of that item.

What to do with an abandoned 1920s era truck repair depot when financing for new construction projects has dried up?  BicycleSPACE owners Erik Kugler and Philip Koopman saw the perfect opportunity for urban renewal by restoring the then-vacant and boarded up building, and transforming it into a new urban-concept bicycle shop.

At 459 I Street, NW, nestled in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood, BicycleSPACE is in close proximity to the Chinatown, Penn Quarter, Petworth, Logan Circle, and Capitol Hill neighborhoods, as well as an easy trip from Near Southeast and Southwest Washington DC.  The Metropolitan Branch Trail and the northern end of Highway 395 distribute incoming bicycle and auto traffic several blocks from the shop as well, making for easy access from Prince George’s County and Northern Virginia.  In addition, the shop is situated alongside the central business district, making same-day repairs convenient to office workers.  A major factor in making bicycle retail and service a viable proposition in the city center has been the mixed-use development that the area has experienced.  BicycleSPACE will cater to those who use their bicycles frequently for activities ranging from carrying groceries and getting to and from work to weekend escapes on the area’s burgeoning bicycle trail system.

“The neighborhood was exactly what we were looking for,” explains co-owner Kugler.  “After talking with Councilmember Tommy Wells at the opening of the $4MM Bikestation at Union Station, hearing about the mixed-use development plans for the area, and counting bicycles and pedestrians with armloads of groceries passing by the location all winter, we decided that the urban core was ready for our concept.” 

Just what is this concept?  Forget the stereotypical spandex and lycra image, this is normal bikes and gear for normal people who have discovered the convenience of getting around by bicycle.  Co-owner and bicycle visionary Philip Koopman describes it as “creating community in the center of the city” by hosting fun events such as free bike rides to introduce residents and visitors to the world-class cycling facilities in Northeast and Southeast Washington DC, rolling away the display fixtures and hosting community events at the store, providing world-class bicycle service by career mechanics like Paul Reighard, who has over 25 years of experience and sets impeccable quality standards, and introducing the community to bikes that fit its transportation and health needs by carrying everything from cargo bikes which are designed to carry several suitcases (or shopping bags) to hand-made Brompton folding bikes, to the finest active clothing and accessory lines available. Koopman knows as much about using a bicycle as a daily means of transportation as anyone in the area, having served on the Bike To Work Day organizing committee for the past 20 years and having commuted over 100,000 miles by bicycle in the past 25 years.  “Everyone recognizes that cycling is quicker and more economical than driving, but it reaches a new level of enjoyment when you look and feel great on the bike, and arrive at your destination energized” adds Sales Manager David Dorn.  “People will be amazed when they see the range of options available to facilitate their ride.”

General Manager Jordan Mittelman joins the principals most recently from Boulder, CO, and was selected to design the entire shop including the furniture and fixtures.  “Everything here was built for the purpose of giving the community a comfortable place to not only serve its cycling needs, but to provide a peaceful and harmonious environment in the heart of the city.”  In that light, there is a “decompression zone” at the front of the store where visitors may park their bikes when they enter, a full-sized changing room to try on clothing, a leather chaise lounge, plenty of natural light, which is uncommon in the usually cramped and fortress-like world of traditional bike shops.  The combination of all this with the bright green walls and largest retail area of any bicycle shop in the District lends credence to the term “urban oasis,” as people are already using to describe the shop.

The “official” store hours are from 10am to 7pm on weekdays, 11am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 12pm to 5pm on Sundays, though often key staff is there late at night and a friendly wave is enough gain entry, and there is more information on the company’s website at www.bicyclespacewdc.com.

BicycleSPACE and its mission to serve as the “hub” for urban bicycling culture will be met with cheers from cyclists who will find a spacious new footprint entirely dedicated to fostering the legendary camaraderie amongst cyclists of all stripes, and providing its innovative urban products and excellent service.  For more information, please call the store at 202 962 0123.