The Crestwood Citizens Association’s (CCA) annual meeting was held on May 15, 2007, at the Grace Lutheran Church. Gale Black, President, called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.

Introductory announcements

Rev. Childs is the new president of the Crestwood Neighborhood League (CNL). Rev. Childs would like CCA and CNL to work together on common issues.

Muriel Bowser, the newly elected Councilman is being sworn in tonight at 7:00 PM and may be unable to attend tonight’s CCA meeting. Mayor Fenty will join tonight’s CCA meeting after Councilman Bowser’s swearing in ceremony.

Police report

Lt. D. Aurigemma of the DC police discussed crime and police issues. Lt. Aurigemma invited everyone to attend the PSA meeting on May 31, 2007, at 7:00 PM being held at 801 Shepherd ST, NW. Lt. Aurigemma suggested that citizens call 311 to report suspicious activity in Crestwood. The police have the right to approach anyone and inquire about the purpose of being in the neighborhood. Violent crimes should be reported immediately by calling 911; the police have a very quick response rate to violent crime reports. Citizens may obtain copies of violent crime and domestic abuse reports free of charge from the police station. Copies of non-violent crime reports may be obtained for $1 - $2.

The recent attack and robbery of the Grace Lutheran Church administrator was discussed. The crime occurred in the parking lot at 7:30 PM. The pastor along with several parishioners responded by calling the police and requesting an ambulance. The pastor felt the response time was slow. The church conducts community outreach programs such as hospice work – these programs are hindered when crime is more prevalent in the neighborhood.

The DC police are being more visible by driving through the neighborhoods and alleys. Also, the police bicycle patrols will be increasing. Although there are community officers assigned to the neighborhood, the geographic area covered is large and the beat officers spend most of their time in the business areas.

The police often have officers assigned to Matheson, Argyle, and Allison for 30-60 minutes at a time to catch stop sign violations – many of the stop sign violations are stolen cars or involve criminal activities.

Lt. Aurigemma suggested that the citizens patrol Crestwood with a police officer – a date and time can be scheduled.

Grace Lutheran Church

The pastor is looking for ways to serve the local community and is willing to help out anyone in need of assistance. The church has a day care center; evening prayer visits through its hospice program, and other community outreach programs.

CCA Directory

The CCA directory of members is being updated; the latest edition should be available in approximately two weeks.

Wildlife Sightings

Foxes and coyotes have been sighted in the neighborhood; Tom Chused will post a photo to www.crestwood-dc.org if anyone has one to share.

Upcoming Event

Bioblitz, a joint project of Rock Creek Park and National Geographic will occur on May 18-19, 2007, the purpose of Bioblitz is to count invasives and all species. Time slots are still available for anyone interested in participating.

Neighborhood Plan

The neighborhood plan was updated and distributed. Crestwood is designed as low density and shown in “yellow.” Neighborhoods across the street from Crestwood are changing and have higher density housing as well as commercial properties.

Mayor Fenty

Mayor Fenty addressed the audience and responded to questions. The Mayor’s focus is on improving services such as affordable housing, health care, and education. Mayor Fenty recently attended the U. S. Conference of Mayors (for large cities) and found that many cities’ finances are in the “red”; however, DC is $1 billion in the “black” and will shore up city services. Mayor Fenty’s goal is a net increase in new housing of 100,000 units.

Mayor Fenty noted that the police have taken pro-active steps to prevent crime. The DC police have hired 100 new officers and beginning October 1, 2007 will start adding 300 new officers. More officers will be assigned to street duty; thereby, increasing police visibility in the neighborhoods. Mayor Fenty said that Crestwood can count on some new officers in the neighborhood; his goal is customer satisfaction.

Calls to 911 result in fire trucks being dispatched to the scene because the fire and emergency medical service departments are linked; fire trucks usually have emergency medical technicians (EMT) on board. This is seen as a best practice throughout the country. DC has added four new ambulances and hired six people to “roam emergency rooms” to complete paperwork in order to allow EMT personnel to return to the street sooner.

Crestwood is split among three area neighborhood communities (ANC). Mayor Fenty believes that Crestwood can use this to our advantage by using all three ANCs to advocate for our issues.

Mayor Fenty stated that the “bullpen” style of his office is working well and facilities quick decision-making. He plans to encourage the chancellor of education to also adopt the bullpen style.

Election

The floor was opened for nomination of officers for CCA, no nominations from the floor were received; the slate was re-elected.

Officers

Special Question

Do you favor the association reaching out to other neighborhood groups to form a “Council” to address our common interests and concerns?

The decision was made to reach out to CNL through an informal meeting between CCA and CNL officers. Gale Black and Rev. Childs will work together on issues of common interest.

Next CCA Meeting

The next meeting of CCA will be held on July 3.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Patricia Hildebrand