Development Deals
Dear Neighbors:
Over the next several years, the semi-public National Capital Revitalization
Corporation is where a lot of this city's important big-money development deals will be
done. It was set up as an "independent corporate instrumentality of the District of
Columbia" with a lot of power and access to a lot of public money, and with the
ability to operate with only limited public notice, public scrutiny, and public input. It
could do good or, more likely, it could operate as the tool of special interests and power
brokers to override the wishes and best interests of our neighborhoods and community
residents. It certainly will bear a lot of watching by those of us who care about the
neighborhoods and communities of our city.
To start watching, read the NCR'Cs “Proposed Revitalization Plan,” (http://www.dcwatch.com/ncrc) which has been
released for a comment period ending January 9. The NCRC will hold public meetings on this
plan on December 14, 16, and 20, and on January 6 (for places and times, see http://www.dcwatch.com/calendar.htm).
Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com
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Cultural Identity Revisited
John Whiteside, whitesidej@yahoo.com
My, my, the cultural identity question has stirred up a lot of responses (which is
great). As one of those transplants who complained of a lack of local culture, I think I
should clarify. The question was raised of whether some of us miss the local culture
because it is too different from our own backgrounds. I don't think it's that simple; I
didn't identify with the dominant ethnic groups in Boston, but nevertheless within a year
or so of getting there I had unconsciously adopted the attitudes and behavior of the city.
(In fact, I can still drive like I'm from Massachusetts.) That was true of many people I
met there.
I don't see that in DC, and it actually makes it a far more interesting place to live
because everyone brings much more of their home to DC, in my opinion. Which is the point:
what may have sounded like a criticism was just an observation, and certainly doesn't
change the fact that this is a great place to live, and one I'm very happy to have adopted
as my home. I'd rather remember Boston fondly from DC than live there again.
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Mayor’s Turning Ideas into Action
Phil Carney, Dupont Circle, philnopus@erols.com
I just received in the mail an impressive four-color printed brochure from the Mayor
regarding the District of Columbia Strategic Plan and Budget for 2000-2001, called
“Turning Ideas Into Action.” First, it is very well designed and looks great.
Second, am I the only one who reacted with, “What an incredible waste of our tax
money”?
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I read with interest the message from E. James Lieberman regarding the proliferation of
ads from Hecht's. I've heard the same complaint from my mother, but as I've told her,
“you should appreciate those ads, since they're paying for your daughter's
salary.” (I work for the Washington Post.) I love those big ol' ads! No ads,
and I have to move back home! Now, whether you think the Post DESERVES the money
is another question entirely, and certainly not one I want to wade into. But if you want
to see a paper really suffer, the Miami Herald (my former employer) did when a
big department store chain closed down there (and for the life of me, I can't remember its
name), taking its advertising dollars with it. I also believe, though I can't swear with
certainty, that a large amount of newsprint is made from recycled materials and
sustainably harvested trees. I'm sure I will be corrected quickly if I'm wrong!
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Key Decision for Eastern Market
Carolyn Cosmos, cmartc@his.com
The Williams administration will be making an important decision in the next few weeks
concerning the fate of Ward Six's historic Eastern Market. At issue is whether to give
control of the market to a Capitol Hill-based nonprofit or to a Maryland-based strip mall
developer. While the final decision will be made later this year by the Office of Property
Management, the initial recommendation will be announced by the Eastern Market Community
Advisory Committee at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, December 13, at 7 PM at the
Capital Hill Natatorium, 635 North Carolina Avenue, SE.
Although Eastern Market is a DC landmark, it is widely expected that -- after a series
of closed-door meetings — EMCAC will recommend that the Maryland developer be given
control of the market. Only a big public turnout at the December 13 meeting can prevent
this from happening. You can read the various management proposals and add your voice to
the debate at the Voice of the Hill web site — http://www.voiceofthehill.com. Click on the Hill
Talk link, and scroll to the Eastern Market discussion.
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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS
Schools Master Facilities Plan
Erika Landberg, elandberg@dcvoice.org
The Board of Education is holding a public hearing on the Draft Master Facilities Plan
for the public schools: Thursday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m., Hine Junior High School, 335
8th Street, SE. To get an Executive Summary of the plan as an e-mail attachment, please
contact Mary Filardo at mfilardo@21csf.org.
The plan focuses on rebuilding and replacing schools so that they are smaller.
Here’s your opportunity to come out and speak in support of small supportive school
settings for our children, and to give your input on the plan in general. For further
information, contact Erika Landberg, 986-8534.
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Abe Pollin and Charlene Drew Jarvis Tell Their Stories
Robert Revere, washstorytellerstheater@erols.com
On Sunday, December 17, two Washington legends will share personal stories before a
small audience at the Historical Society of Washington. Abe Pollin, owner of the
Washington Wizards and the Washington Mystics basketball teams, and Charlene Drew Jarvis,
outgoing DC Council member and President of Southeastern University, will tell their
stories of growing up in Washington in the 1950s and 60s.
The program, called “Washington in Black and White,” is cosponsored by
Washington Storytellers Theater and the Historical Society of Washington, and takes place
at 5 p.m. at the Heurich Mansion, 1307 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, off Dupont Circle.
Admission is $5. For more information, call 301-891-1129.
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CLASSIFIEDS — HELP WANTED
DC Public Library is seeking an experienced professional to direct its Marketing and
Communications Department. The individual will be responsible for the development,
implementation & management of a comprehensive system-wide marketing and
communications program to inform and educate general and specialized publics about the
Library's activities, services, and initiatives. Applicants must have marketing and
communications experience that demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform
successfully the duties of the position.
For a more detailed description of qualifications requirements and position duties
check out our web site: http://www.dclibrary.org/jobs. Applications are available by
calling 727-1311, or E-mailing personnela_2000@yahoo.com.
Or write the Human Resources Department, DC Public Library, 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC
20001.
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Bookkeeper Needed at Local Literary Agency
Jessica Lee, lcadc@earthlink.net
Literary and Creative Artists, a local Literary Agency, is seeking a part-time
(equivalent to one day per week) bookkeeper. We are located in the Van Ness area, and are
open to inquiries from retirees, students, and stay-at-home moms/dads that would be able
to commit to a few hours per week. Visit our web site, http://www.lcadc.com, for details
about the agency; fax cover letter and resume to 362-8875.
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My current beater 1986 Mazda 626 has failed inspection too expensively to repair.
Looking for replacement. Don't care about color, style, sound system etc. I just want a
reliable care, under $3000.00, automatic, no hatchbacks, with room for a tall driver and
four dogs. Please call Victoria 202 387-2571
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CLASSIFIEDS — RECOMMENDATIONS
Can anyone recommend a good travel agent in the area who specializes in cruises?
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In the last issue of our journal, I solicited recommendations for a company that
assembles mechanical and other goods delivered unassembled. Several readers attempted to
help, but finally I turned to area telephone books, and found “Assembly Masters,
Inc.,” out in suburban Maryland. Their telephone number is 301-620-2800.
They have just assembled in my home, in twenty minutes, an exercise machine which would
have taken my twenty hours (and I probably would have done it wrong). I was very pleased
with their efficiency, their rapidity, and with the fairness of their price. I recommend
them to fellow readers.
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CLASSIFIEDS — CITY PAPER PREVIEW
Dave Nuttycombe, webmeister@washcp.com
Keeping Up with the Joneses: The Commission on Mental Health Services may distribute
those little white cups filled with anti-psychotic meds. But cold, hard cash is the drug
of choice for the agency's court-appointed receiver and his minions, many of whom were or
continue to be affiliated with the group of lawyers and advocates who initially fought to
reform mental health services in the city.
Dennis R. Jones and his senior-level staff haven't quite rescued the city's mentally ill,
but they appear to be doing a bang-up job bolstering their careers and savings accounts.
Read the entire Loose Lips column here: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/lips/lips.html
From washingtoncitypaper.com's City Lights page, here are a few early warnings for
upcoming events:
Saturday: Mark Brutsche's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (a one-man show), 3 p.m. at the
Reston Community Center's Center Stage, 2310 Colt's Neck Road, Reston. $7.50.
Thursday: “Lights: A Hanukkah 5761 Celebration in Song,” with DCJCC's Keshet
Chorale, the B'Nai Shalom of Olney Adult Choir, and Hazamir, at 6 p.m. at the Kennedy
Center's Grand Foyer. Free.
More details and more critics' picks are available online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/pix/pix.html
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