BROWN WALKS MERIDAN HILL APARTMENT BUILDING: DISTRICT SEEKS DONATIONS FOR MT. PLEASANT FIRE VICTIMS
On Friday morning, Councilmember Brown walked through the burned out structure of Meridian Hill Apartments, where the 5-alarm fire leaving more than 100 residents homeless.
Brown talked with Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin and team to discuss the next steps for accessing its cause and identify methods for future prevention. "While I deeply saddened by this terrible incident that has left all of us searching for answers, I am pleased to see our communities and neighborhood associations come together to aid our displaced families by donating vital resources," commented Brown.
How You Can Help: Serve DC is accepting donations for victims of the Mt. Pleasant Street fire through 6 pm today at the DC General Warehouse on Independence Avenue behind the DC National Guard Armory. The entrance to the warehouse is on Independence Avenue, just before the entrance to the RFK Stadium Parking lot 9. Items needed for donation include: New undergarments
Baby formula and diapers
New, unopened toiletries
Seasonal garments, e.g. coats, hats, gloves
Furniture and other home furnishings Acceptance of donations will resume at 9 am, Thursday, March 20, at the DC General Warehouse. Donations will be accepted at the warehouse from 9 am to 6 pm on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21. For additional information, contact Serve DC at (202) 727-7925.
BROWN JOINS DDOT, OFFICIALS TO REDEDICATE THE NEW AND IMPROVED FREDERICK DOUGLASS MEMORIAL BRIDGE
On Thursday, May 13, Councilmember Brown joined the District's Department of Transportation and city leaders to rededicate the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. The newly renovated Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge was rededicated in a ceremony that highlighted the many ways it will serve as a connector—for the community, commuters, pedestrians, bicyclists and others. Completed on schedule and prior to the first Washington Nationals game, the improvements to the bridge and South Capitol Street complete the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) first phase of transforming the South Capitol Street Corridor into a grand urban boulevard that improves mobility and access, while providing a fitting gateway into the nation’s capital. This milestone is a major step forward in establishing the South Capitol Gateway vision that was set forth in the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. The centerpiece of the rededication was the unveiling of a commemorative sign that pays tribute to the bridge’s namesake, abolitionist Frederick Douglass, whose Cedar Hill home in Anacostia lies a quarter-mile from the foot of the bridge. Mounted on the Douglass Bridge, the sign will serve as a visible reminder of Frederick Douglass’ commitment to uniting people. The enhanced Douglass Bridge carries out this vision of uniting people by connecting neighborhoods with new pedestrian-friendly intersections and sidewalks, providing easy access to parks and recreational areas, and improving the mobility of commuters and pedestrians. "As commuters travel across this major bypass, they will be reminded of the invaluable contributions of one of our greatest leaders, Mr. Frederick Douglass," said Brown. I commended the Department of Transportations', diligence to rebuild both a resilient and expanded structure ahead of schedule." In tandem with the major bridge renovation, and following the reopening of the bridge (which occurred a full week ahead-of-schedule), additional enhancements to the bridge and along the South Capitol Street Corridor were completed in fall 2007/winter 2008—all working toward the overarching goal of shortening construction time in order to better facilitate the rapid development occurring in Anacostia Waterfront area. These additional enhancements include new streetscape improvements, such as energy-efficient lighting that highlights the architectural design of the bridge and provides added safety measures to passing ships and overhead aircraft. Multiple pedestrian upgrades were implemented to improve safety including new railings, handicap ramps and sidewalks. New and improved utility drainage structures also were installed and street resurfacing was completed. Throughout the closure, crews also completed critical work such as bridge deck repairs and testing, utility work and new pavement. Before the July 6th closure, preparatory work was completed including the replacement of approximately 19 bridge expansion joints, under-the-bridge steel repair work and painting. DDOT embarked on the renovation to extend the Douglass Bridge's lifespan and viability as a major entrance into Washington, DC. An estimated 77,000 vehicles use the Douglass Bridge every day. The lowered bridge not only has improved access for vehicles heading to and from DC and the commercial development in the area, but also ensures that the Douglass Bridge remains a safe and viable facility until it is ultimately replaced. (source: www.ddot.dc.gov)
DEPUTY MAYOR AND OFFICE OF PLANNING ANNOUNCE SCHOOL BUILDING REUSE COMMUNITY MEETINGS
These meetings are an opportunity for the community to discuss potential uses of school buildings. Ward 5
Date: March 20, 2008
Location: McKinley Tech HS
151 T St., NE
Washington, DC 20002
Schools: MM Washington, Young Ward 8
Date: March 20, 2008
Location: Patterson ES
4399 S. Capitol Terr., SW
Washington, DC 20032
Schools: Douglass, PR Harris
Ward 1
Date: March 24, 2008
Location: Tubman ES
3101 13th St., NW
Washington, DC 20010
Schools: Gage-Eckington, Meyer
Ward 7
Date: March 24, 2008
Location: Killer Miller MS
301 49th St., NE
Washington, DC 20019
Schools: Merritt, Benning
All meetings will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm. If you have questions or need interpretation services, please contact Claudia Lujan, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education, via email at Claudia.Lujan@dc.gov or by telephone at (202) 727-0696.
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