Developing Developments

Dear Developers:

It was big news last week when Mayor Williams hinted in testimony to a House Appropriations Subcommittee that, while he still preferred to build the National Capital Medical Center in partnership with Howard University, he was open to a variety of approaches to filling health care needs. As Michael Neibauer reported on Friday in the Washington Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/Search-a70965~Mayor_cools_to_development_plan.html), Williams told the Subcommittee that he was “open to different ways of doing it,” and in an interview after the hearing he said, “I’m just hearing the concerns of the council. . . . And I’m concerned about the fragility of Greater Southeast. I’d be stupid if I didn’t factor that in.”

Since the leadership of the Department of Health has never been enthusiastic about the NCMC project, Williams’s public waffling leaves City Administrator Robert Bobb as the last major figure within the administration who is championing the project. The same kind of split seems to be occurring at Howard University, where President Patrick Swygert and some of his close associates very much want to proceed with the NCMC, while many at Howard University Hospital are skeptical of the effect that the NCMC would have on the Hospital, and important factions on the Howard University Board are doubtful both about Howard’s financial ability to do the project and about Swygert’s pushing the University into so many development projects that are peripheral to its central educational mission (particularly the NCMC, the Town Center economic development project on Georgia Avenue, and the Howard Theater).

Interesting days ahead.

Gary Imhoff
themail@dcwatch.com

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DCPS Master Education Plan
Erich Martel, Woodrow Wilson High School, eh martel at starpower dot net

In the DC Public School’s Master Education Plan, more graduation requirements means increased “social graduation.” The Superintendent’s proposed increase in the graduation requirements from the present 23.5 Carnegie units (credits) to 26.0 CU is a formula for increased academic failure and altered records. 1) The proposal actually calls for 4.5 new graduation credits (math 1.0; science 1.0; Social Studies 0.5; Phys Ed 0.5; College and Career Prep 1.0; Senior Project 0.5), while reducing electives from the present 4.5 to 2.5 credits; 2) it ignores the very low achievement scores in math and reading, i.e., a poor foundation for stiffer graduation requirements, and assumes a steady improvement in academic readiness and interest; and 3) it ignores — despite reports — the widespread practice of principals certifying students for graduation who haven’t completed all Board requirements.

In early March, I received from the Board of Education the official lists of Woodrow Wilson High School June graduates for the years 2000 through 2005 (which differ from the list of names in the graduation day program) and, for each year, the number of June graduates from each DCPS high school. I compared those numbers to the numbers of seniors reported in the October enrollment audit, conducted annually by a vendor contracted by the State Education Office. (Go to http://www.dcpswatch.com/martel/060402.htm) for my complete report. It immediately became obvious that huge numbers of students are being “socially graduated” by many of our high schools. Wilson High School’s data for the June 2001 graduation class offer a baseline:

In October 2000, Wilson had 472 seniors; on June 11, 2001, the graduation program listed 356 names; and the list of June graduates sent to the Board of Education listed 363 names (363/472 = 76.9 percent, the senior graduation rate). In my review of 175-200 sets of records of the Class of 2001, 68 had not satisfied mandatory graduation requirements (363 - 68 = 295/472 = 62.5 percent). What graduation rates does one see in our other DCPS high schools? In parentheses is the number of October seniors who didn’t graduate: June 2003: Ballou 93.1% (10); Roosevelt 96.4% (6); Eastern 103.1% (-6); Woodson 92.6% (17); June 2004: Anacostia 95.6% (5); Coolidge 96.7% (5); Eastern 101.9% (-7); MM Washington 91.1% (5); Woodson 93.7% (12); June 2005: Ballou 98.6% (2); Coolidge 92.8% (10); Eastern 93.3% (11); Ellington 92.1% (11); MM Washington 95.8% (3). Many of these schools are characterized by high rates of tardiness and truancy, similar to and often worse than the disorderly student behavior that teachers describe at Wilson High School. How then are these graduation rates possible? A big part of the answer is in the March 2003 independent review of all sixteen DCPS high schools’ records conducted by Gardiner Kamya, Inc. (http://www.dcpswatch.com/dcps/030922b.htm), which should be read side-by-side with the charts. In their summary conclusion, they noted that “records were inconsistent (transcripts and report cards did not agree); incomplete (missing grades); inaccurate (mathematically incorrect); and unreliable (subject to tampering, unauthorized grade changes, etc.)” (p.15). At Eastern High School (the proposed future Latin School), they reported: “The school did not implement the grade verification process required by the DCPS. In addition, counselors are authorized by the principal to make grade changes without evidence of prior approval.” Three months later, 103.1 percent of Eastern’s October seniors made the official graduation list.

Although Dr. Janey was provided with the details of this problem shortly after his assumption of the superintendency, he has yet to issue a policy statement holding principals to adhere to graduation regulations (DCMR 5; Ch. 22) and the union contract. Until the integrity of academic records is established, an increase in graduation requirements will be a diversionary charade.

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National Capital Medical Center: Not An Issue?
Frank Zampatori, frankz05@att.net

This past Saturday (April 8) the Cleveland Park Citizens Association conducted a candidates’ forum for council chairman that began at 10:15 a.m. Council chairman candidates Kathy Patterson, Vincent Gray, and Robert Brannum participated. About 150 people attended various aspects of the forum, including Ward 3 council candidates, at-large council candidates, campaign staffs, DC Democratic State Committee members, and various residents. At the conclusion of the chair’s forum at 11:45 a.m., the second part of the program began. It was entitled “Does DC Need A Public Hospital,” and lasted until 12:50 p.m. Only eighteen people stayed for the discussion (and several of them left as the discussion progressed), plus several individuals associated with Citizens for the National Capital Medical Center (CNCMC) also came. Two panelists (Greg Rhett of CNCMC and Kathryn Sinzinger of The Common Denominator) participated. I was left wondering why more people didn’t remain for the second discussion. Was it a lack of interest in NCMC, a lack of knowledge on what NCMC means for the city? Was the program too long, or is NCMC of importance only to the east side of the city?

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The Tony Williams Ball Park: Another Planning Flop in the Making?
Len Sullivan, lsnarpac@bellatlantic.net

After all the fretting about squandering city resources and displacing a few (now much richer) property owners, where is the indignation among themail’s stalwarts for what appears to be a less than creative or comprehensive design for the Tony Williams Ball Park? Shouldn’t we be pressing for a worthy urban landmark for our national pastime? From a transportation planning standpoint, note the following: a) the two most prominent structures are above-grade, low-density, multilevel parking garages; b) garage access at both northern and (underground) southern ends of the stadium puts grade-level pedestrian approach at risk; c) South Capitol Street has been converted into a grade-level, tree-lined, pedestrian-friendly, boulevard, apparently no longer overflowing with commuter and commercial traffic; d) access by the hoped-for crowds of Metrorail riders is also at vehicular grade-level on Half Street; e) there is no indicated parking area for “personal transport vehicles” such as newfangled Segways or old-fangled bicycles; f) there is no evident loading/unloading zone for Metro, circulator, charter, or tour buses; and g) roughly three quarters of all fans coming to the new stadium by Metrorail will have to pass through, or change trains at, one of DC’s three already vulnerable, capacity-limited, downtown subway stations.

From an economic return standpoint, and recognizing that the stadium will be dark three-quarters of the time, why not put restaurants and various other view-oriented attractions on the tops of the various structures facing out, rather than at grade level between taller (parking) buildings, facing inward at 41,000 empty seats? In a city awash with historic preservationists bent on preserving horse and buggy era vistas from antiquated facilities such as St. Elizabeth’s and the Armed Forces Retirement Home, why not generate a few 21st century vistas from the tops of 21st century structures? Accessed by external elevators (for novelty value), they could offer not only views of the Capitol buildings and Mall, but of the soon-to-be-created Anacostia riverfront, and the one-day-to-be-created East Potomac riverfront. Surely this Tony Williams legacy should be designed as part of some exceptional smart urban growth plan with 2028, not 2008, in mind.

[I didn’t write about it because it’s behind the Wall Street Journal’s subscription-only firewall, but those who are interested in the stadium’s architecture may want to see “The Washington Ballpark Plan Is No Architectural Home Run,” by Catesby Leigh, in the April 5 issue of the Journal. — Gary Imhoff]

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The DC Fiscal Policy Institute’s Budget Toolkit Is Back
Ed Lazere, lazere@dcfpi.org

Last year, the DC Fiscal Policy Institute designed an online tool to help residents and others understand the DC budget process and to follow the budget as it is developed. The DC Budget Toolkit is back for FY 2007. The Toolkit tracks the budget as it moves from beginning to end, from the release of the Mayor’s budget request to the final submission to Congress. Toolkit users can find out how much is being spent in different areas, compare spending to previous years and find out how to get involved in the budget process. The Toolkit provides information on the budget as a whole and summaries of some key issues that specifically concern low- and moderate-income DC residents such as child care, employment/training, and housing. It also contains Excel spreadsheets that show the change in spending by appropriation title and by agency. Toolkit users can download the summaries to use as a reference, use the spreadsheets to do their own analyses, and download relevant reports and testimony by DCFPI for more in-depth analyses of the budget.

This is DCFPI’s second year producing the Toolkit and we would still like to hear from you. We would like to know who you are, how you use the toolkit, and how we can improve it. The DC Budget Toolkit can be found at http://www.dcfpi.org/?page_id=7. E-mail us with your feedback at info@dcfpi.org.

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The Difference Is That Clear
Jeff Marootian, jmarootian@alumni.gwu.edu

As I read through these posts about race and politics in Washington, DC, it is important to highlight that on many critical issues there are significant differences among the candidates. It seems to me that the 2006 elections should be based on these issues, and where the candidates have stood, and will stand if elected.

The at-large council race is a terrific example of how the issues and records of the candidates transcend racial politics. And when one looks at these issues, there is a stark and frankly frightening contrast between the two candidates. On affordable housing for example, these candidates’ records are clear. Attorney Bolden, as head of the DC Chamber of Commerce in 1998, lobbied extensively for the gutting of rent control regulations, advocating for "phasing out rent control" except for seniors and other special cases. This is fact, and this big business-cozy stance is out of step with the average DC voter in every ward. That’s why Mr. Bolden is now running from this position. Fortunately for the citizens of the District, while in his first term Councilmember Phil Mendelson, whom Mr. Bolden is challenging, fought successfully for the extension of rent control for the District’s working men and women. The difference is that clear.

On employment issues, such as worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance, these candidates’ records are clear -- Attorney Bolden, as head of the DC Chamber of Commerce in 1998, lobbied extensively to cut worker’s comp by 21 percent as well as slash unemployment compensation to levels “comparable” to surrounding jurisdictions (fully aware that the cost of living in the District is much higher than it is in the suburbs). Phil Mendelson, on the other hand, has earned the trust and support of labor groups and individual workers in the District, gaining their endorsement in every one of his elections. He continues to work to ensure equity and fairness as seen in his recent fight for a decent living wage for workers involved with government projects. This is one of many examples of his determination to make sure that all workers in DC are treated and compensated fairly. His fight for the financial well-being and security of all DC residents is citywide. The difference is that clear.

The list can go on and on, and in the upcoming months these stark contrasts will become more and more apparent in the at-large race. This election will come down to the issues that matter to voters and the records of the candidates who are asking for their trust.

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Getting DC into State Comparisons
T.J. Sutcliffe, tjsutcliffe@arcdc.net

Steve Leraris’s recent post [themail, April 5] regarding Stateline.org’s omission of DC from a state-by-state comparison of taxes per capita raises an excellent point. I frequently use state-level research for my work, and have been able to successfully advocate for several groups to add DC into their annual state comparison studies. I’ve found that a thoughtfully worded E-mail to the author(s) often works. Many researchers appear to have left DC out with no real thought, sadly, and are flattered to hear that someone in DC would like to see their study include the District. So kudos to Steve for raising the issue, and I second his suggestion to E-mail authors of these state-by-state comparisons and ask them to include DC in their future work.

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Churches and Parking
Richard Layman, rlaymandc@yahoo.com

[Re: Clyde Howard, “Churches and Parking,” themail, April 5] Bethesda and Silver Spring have constructed parking structures in their commercial districts, not their neighborhoods. The problem with church parking is in neighborhoods. Do you propose tearing down rows of houses to build parking structures that would be used for three hours per week? How is this a sound and sustainable use of the two most precious assets this city has: land and income-tax paying residents? I will again use the word "insane" to describe such suggestions.

It’s also terrible public policy for churches to buy adjacent or nearby houses, mothball them, and let them rot to justify demolition in favor of creating parking lots. This has happened with Pilgrim Baptist Church in the H Street neighborhood and Brookland Baptist Church in Brookland. Both churches are using the lots they have created, although both are doing so illegally. Pilgrim’s use of the lots don’t meet zoning regulations, even with exceptions or variances; Brookland Baptist’s use could conform but they have not received any approvals from the Board of Zoning Adjustment. The creation of negative space, parking lots empty most every hour of the week, can be an incredibly destabilizing force that accelerates disinvestment and neighborhood decay. Even if neighborhoods are otherwise fully healthy, empty ugly parking lots are a form of "broken window" that contribute to blight.

Churches and similar institutional programs should be required to develop and implement transportation demand management programs, aimed at reducing the total number of car trips produced by their use. I actually do have not that much problem with churches parking on Sundays, because I believe that urban living is supposed to be about mutual compromise. The issue is to provide a structure where churches have to come to the table and negotiate honestly. And, from a practical sense, if residents are blocked in, there needs to be a way to get them out (i.e., valet parking). The current system affords churches too many privileges and no real way for neighborhoods to bring churches to the table. For example, there is a forty-five space parking lot a half block from Pilgrim Baptist Church, but they had no interest in working out use with the tenant, no interest whatsoever, even though the tenant was interested, and the lot is not used for even one hour on evenings and weekends.

And now we have a blighted parking lot, used illegally, created by demolishing two frame Italianate houses constructed in 1876, making it even more difficult to turn around a known and persistent drug distribution area in the neighborhood. It is this example that has convinced me that churches often work to keep neighborhoods squalid, in order to be able to continue to acquire nearby properties at “fire sale” prices — especially when some of the buildings experiencing arson are owned by the church. In-demand neighborhoods have housing prices too high for a church to be able to buy, hold, and mothball properties.

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CLASSIFIEDS — EVENTS

ANC 1B Transportation Forum: April 11
Tim Stephens, ANC1B06, timstep1@yahoo.com

An ANC 1B transportation forum on improving access for residents and visitors while better managing traffic and parking will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 7 p.m., at the True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street, NW. Panelists: Nat Boettigheimer, Director, Planning and Project Development, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; Harry Robinson, Dean Emeritus, Howard University School of Architecture and Design; Justin Schor, Manager of Program Development, UrbanTrans, http://www.urbantrans.com. As new residents and businesses move into the LeDroit Park, U Street and Columbia Heights neighborhoods, how can we better plan for transportation choices that relieve traffic congestion; managing parking; increasing walking, bicycling, and riding transit; aligning development with transit planning; and extending public transit options, e.g., Yellow Line and bus service. Speakers will discuss ways to improve access for residents and visitors while better managing traffic and parking. We learn about examples from other areas where residents and businesses create transportation management plans and associations to reduce potential traffic and parking demand from new development, while increasing access.

This is the first in a series of community forums sponsored by Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B. Join us for an evening of discussions with transportation experts, as we chart a course for a future where residents can enjoy safer streets and more convenient transportation choices, along with more stores and restaurants.

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Clarence Darrow: The Search for Justice, April 19
Gina Trippi, sgtrippi@gmail.com

Step back in time and hear Clarence Darrow. Acclaimed actor Gary Anderson portrays the legendary lawyer in “Clarence Darrow: The Search for Justice,” on April 19, 7:30 p.m., at the Presbyterian National Church, 4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW, at Van Ness. This is a nationally lauded production cosponsored by The League of Women Voters of the District of Columbia Education Fund and the District of Columbia Bar, DC Affairs and Litigation Sections. The play recounts the greatest trials of Darrow’s career, including the Scopes Monkey Trial that pitted evolution against creationism, and addresses issues ranging from civil rights, the struggles of early labor unions, legal ethics, freedom of speech, conspiracy laws, and the death penalty. With national public debate still focused on these same issues, this play offers an historic perspective on current social and political concerns.

Gary Anderson is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Radio & Television Artists. An award-winning actor, he has appeared on stage in musicals, comedies, and dramas, as well as on popular television shows. Anderson’s forceful performance as Darrow brings to life the passions, contradictions and accomplishments of one of the most brilliant and respected attorneys of our time.

To reserve a seat, please call 222-0711. The cost is $15 for advance reservations and $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit the LWVDC Education Fund and a portion of the admission is tax deductible. Ample parking is available behind the Presbyterian National Church.

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The Cultural Institute of Mexico, April 19
Barbara Ruesga-Pelayo, bruesga@sre.gob.mx

Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 p.m., Poetry reading and signing of “Connecting Lines”: Two Cultures in Verse, at the Cultural Institute of Mexico, 2829 16th Street, NW. A celebration of contemporary poetry in Mexico and the United States, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts. Free admission; reception to follow. Introduced by: Dana Gioia, Charman, National Endowment for the Arts and Herná Lara Zavala (UNAM), with the participation of Mexican poets (Elsa Cross, Pedro Serrano, Luis Cortez).

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