March 2022 Minutes

BNCA Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2022
Zoom Virtual Meeting

Treasurer’s Report:

• Opening balance of $5,638
• Added dues and a donation from Casey Trees
• Paid reimbursement for cork board replacement at 12th and Newtown BNCA kiosk, web-hosting, and an NSF check fee
• Ending balance $5,542.61

Presentation from Guest: US Attorney Matthew Graves

• Was line attorney for Ward 5 from 2007 – 2010; dealt with violent crime spike in 2008 (Trinidad neighborhood)
• Use community-based prosecution model
  • Wants community to have trust in prosecutors
  • Try to proactively identify people who are committing violent crimes
  • Develop creative solutions for dealing with root causes of drug addiction and mental health issues that contribute to crime; try to avoid traditional judicial system
  • Use tailored approach to lower crime level
• Marijuana distribution
  • Centers cropping up – contribute to drug violence and other crimes due to legal gray areas because of DC legality and federal illegality
  • Centers cannot get business license in DC
• Area around 14th and RI Ave a continual issue
  • Need business owners to participate in creating a safer area
  • Directed to speak with the Office of the Attorney General
• Mr. Graves explained the difference between USAO and OAG
• If DC becomes a state, it will likely require the creation of a District Attorney’s office

Announcements:

• FT Bunker Hill Cleanup 10 – Noon 4/2/22
  • Second date in November
  • Clears litter and vines
• Brookland Yard Sale Saturday 5/7/22
• ANC 5B 6:30 pm 3/23/22 meeting
• Mayor Bowser to release FY23 budget on 3/16/22

Contact info:

• Magdalena Acevedo, 5D Community / Prosecutor, Assistant US Attorney for DC, Magdalena[DOT]acevedo[AT]usdoj[DOT]gov, (202) 834-5146
• Christopher Wade, 5D/ 1D Community Outreach Specialist, US Attorney’s Office for DC/ (202) 815-1747 cell / Christopher[DOT]Wade2[AT]usdoj[DOT]gov
• Office of the Attorney General (OAG) Nuisance Property / Monique Cobb / monique[DOT]cobb[AT]dc[DOT]gov
• https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-investigation-resource-page
• Stay DC program or unemployment claims issues – contact Silas Gran – 202-724-8028; shgrant[AT]dccouncil[DOT]us