June 2024 Minutes

BNCA Meeting Minutes
June 18, 2024
Zoom Virtual Meeting

Officers in Attendance: Steve Farole, Caroline Petti, Elise Scott, Rene McCray, Ed Kent, Fred Jackson, Kathy Jacquart

Announcements – Steve Farole

1. Community clean-ups organized by the BNCA. BNCA will provide materials
   • June 19, 9-10:30am – Welcome to Brookland sign at RI Ave and 12th St
   • July 21 – RI Ave and 14th St. Triangle park; 9:30-11:30
2. July 16 BNCA meeting – 12th St developer presentation (90 mins); possibly hybrid

Treasurer’s report – Ed Kent

$7935.88 – starting balance
$7508.08 – ending balance
Ed is consulting the bank about a fraudulent charge for $427.80 and will report back at next month’s meeting.
Members approved the report.

Presentation by DC Public Library Representatives – Martha Sacoccio (Martha.saccocio@dc.gov) and Jaspreet Pahwa (see slides)

DCPL is looking in Eckington and Edgewood for a site for new library. The timeline includes collecting community input on shortlisted sites, design (including 6 mos for procurement), and construction (24 mos). Completion is expected by Spring 2030. They are currently sharing the site selection inventory and collecting community input. DCPL’s priority is for a design that resonates with the community and elected officials and which DCPL can sustainably manage.

Potential sites:

• 701 Michigan Ave NE
• 3315-3329 8th St NE
• 600 RI Ave NE
• 605 RI Ave NE
• 1709 3rd St NE (Penn Center Annex)

Next steps:

• Continue talks with developers of note
• Consult community
• Release final recommendation
• Seek acquisition funding if needed or issue RFP

Presentation by the Affirmative Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Unit, US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia – John Truong, Diana Valdivia, Christopher Hair, Carlos Andino, Sean M. Tepe, USADC.CivilRights@usdoj.gov, (202)252-2500

The Unit was announced in March 2024. It investigates civil violations of federal civil rights laws (e.g., housing, disability rights, sexual harassment under federally funded programs) and enforces environmental laws (e.g., illegal dumping, air/water quality, unlawful handling of chemicals). It also identifies community concerns and conducts training with federal agencies. It does NOT prosecute crimes or enforce violations of DC code. The Unit is nimble and operates at a local level so can pursue fairly small-scale issues.

BNCA member Eddie Johnson asked about how the Unit has addressed discrimination in contracting by the DC government. Ms. Valdivia responded that they have not received such a complaint but could investigate the matter if contracts in question involve federal funds or work with the DC Office of the Attorney General or Federal District Court. She encouraged the member to file a complaint.

BNCA Vice President Caroline Petti asked whether the Unit has looked into industrial plants in Ivy City regarding environmental justice issues. Ms. Valdivia said the Unit has been in touch with Empower DC about the plant and that the Environmental Protection Agency is testing samples and will issue a report and hold a meeting about the finding. Once the EPA issues the report, the Unit can determine if there’s been a violation of federal law.

To submit a complaint: www.justice.gov/usao-dc/affirmative-civil-rights-and-environmental-justice

Community Announcements:

1. Council Member Zachary Parker’s Office – Melissa Littlepage (mlittlepage@dccouncil.gov)
   • Budget hearings are happening. Highlights:
     • $300k to expand “safe passage” program around the Brookland Metro for school year 2024-25.
   • South Dakota Ave safety study – DDOT is accepting feedback
   • Deadline for giving feedback in WMATA’s bus network proposal is July 15.
   • June 22, 12-2pm – Michigan Park clean-up
   • June 27 – Street designation ceremony in Bloomingdale
   • New park and pool in Ward 5 at former McMillan sand filtration site is open. Public hearing about naming the site will be on July 12. Community input welcome.
   • Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter
2. ANC 5B04 – Ra Amin
   • July 14 – Block party sponsored by Right Proper.
3. Back-to-School Drive – BNCA Membership Coordinator Rene McCray
   • Collection donations July 6 – Aug 29. More info TBD.