BNCA Meeting Minutes
March 17, 2026
Officers present: Dawn Amore, John Leibovitz, Rene McCray, Josh Bercu, Kinyofu Mlimwengu
Welcome / Host Remarks
DCTV Program Manager – Ms. Julia Reardin gave an overview of the mission and programs of DCTV, which is located in the historic Brooks Mansion where the meeting was held. She said that DCTV is open to collaborating with community members.
Julia from DCTV welcomed attendees and shared that DCTV’s mission is to tell stories that matter and help communities thrive. She highlighted studio certification classes, volunteer opportunities, and community programming at Brooks Mansion. She also noted the current art exhibits, an April 11 arts event, and a larger studio celebration planned for September 26.
Ward 5 Updates
Councilmember Parker’s Office – Melissa Littlepage, Communications Director for CM Parker’s office made announcements. For more information, see the Ward 5 Weekly newsletter. Councilmember Parker gave remarks about the 12th Street Report the BNCA has produced.
A representative from Councilmember Zachary Parker’s office shared updates, including:
- Weekly Ward 5 newsletter and podcast
- FY27 budget priorities: anti-poverty investments, reducing wasteful spending, and funding key Ward 5 projects
- Providence redevelopment update, including nominations for trustees for the health access trust fund
- Ward 5 awards event on April 1
- Turkey Thicket Aquatic Center reopening
- Progress on the Ralph Bunche Way designation
Councilmember Remarks
Councilmember Parker expressed strong support for BNCA’s 12th Street work and connected it to broader corridor revitalization efforts in Ward 5, especially Rhode Island Avenue. He described a phased approach to investment, including planning, supporting existing businesses, and attracting new development. He also encouraged residents to participate in upcoming budget hearings and submit written testimony to ensure community priorities are represented. In response to a question about federal actions affecting DC, he emphasized the importance of a strategic, unified approach across District leadership.
12th Street Report Presentation
Click here for presentation slides.
BNCA presented findings from its 12th Street corridor study, based on business roundtables, stakeholder interviews, and a community survey. Main themes included:
- Corridor strengths: loyal customers, neighborhood identity, Metro access, and authenticity
- Challenges: vacancies, safety concerns, uneven foot traffic, older buildings, retail economics, and lack of coordinated planning
- Recommendations: strengthen merchant coordination, improve marketing and cleanliness, explore restarting a Main Street-type organization, pursue small business support, and advocate for longer-term planning and public investment
Office of Planning
A representative from DC Office of Planning encouraged community input into the DC2050 Comprehensive Plan and noted that 12th Street is currently proposed as a neighborhood center/mixed-use corridor.
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