October 2025 Minutes

BNCA Meeting Minutes
October 21, 2025
Officers present: President Dawn Amore, Vice President John Leibovitz, Treasurer Joshua Bercu, Membership Coordinator Rene McCray, Recording Secretary Kathy Jacquart

1. Welcome – President Dawn Amore

2. Brookland Middle School (BMS) – Eduardo Guerrero, Librarian and Parent Kola Garber
   • Mr. Guerrero explained that to meet the food security needs of many BMS students and their families, BMS established a relationship with the Capital City Food Bank and created the “Breeze Depot” pantry. Students can take food when they need it. 
   • Students earn volunteer hours working in the Breeze Depot. Community members can also volunteer after the DCPS clearance process. 
   • The school also takes donations of clothes, toys, personal and other items. Cash donations can be made to the Brookland PTSO with a note to apply to the Breeze Depot log. Cashapp: $breezePTSO | Zelle: ptobrooklandms@gmail.com  | Paypal: @brooklandpto

3. Councilmember Zachary Parker’s Office – Melissa Littlepage, Communications Director

• The CM’s newsletter includes a list of resources for those affected by the government shutdown.
  • 147,000 residents in DC will be affected by cuts in SNAP benefits if the government shutdown continues beyond November 1. 
  • 40% of DC residents are food insecure.
• Ward 5 Public Safety Committee call, October 29
• Department of Housing and Community Development Ward listening session, October 23, 6pm
• Department of Public Works, Ward 5 Roll Off Day, October 25, 10am, Trinidad Recreation Center
• CM Parker issued a letter to WMATA with concerns about the new C63 (former H6) bus route. WMATA is open to discussion. 
• CM Parker contacted DDOT about installing lighting under the Michigan Ave bridge near the Brookland Metro. Requests should be submitted via a 311 ticket 

4. Mary McLeod Bethune PCS – Bianca Guzman-Harsley, Parent Involvement Coordinator

Ms. Harsley noted the school’s need for financial donations, volunteers (including tutors), and uniforms (light blue or white shirts and dark blue pants). The school is partnering with the Capital Area Food Bank on November 18. Contact Ms. Harsley for more information (240-968-1302).

5. 12th Street Corridor Neighborhood Survey Results – John Leibovitz, BNCA VP

Mr. Leibovitz explained that following a roundtable with residents and 12th Street business owners that the BNCA facilitated in May and subsequent interviews with business and property owners, in September, the BNCA conducted a community survey. We received 340 responses. The BNCA plans to issue recommendations within the coming months. 

Slide presentation is available here: https://brooklandcivic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/brooklandcivic.org_bnca_12th_street_survey_results.pdf