Crestwood Citizens Association (CCA) president Gale Black opened the meeting and presided at CCA treasurer Ellen Wormser’s home.

Guest Sue Salmons, Vegetations Management Specialist with the National Park Service (NPS) in Rock Creek Park spoke on the efforts to maintain the health of native ecosystems.

Ms. Salmons asked residents of Crestwood to NOT plant non-native and invasive plants in our yards and gardens.  40 of the 41 most invasive plants in Rock Creek Park are garden plants.  The NPS has a list of common invasive plants or you may reference the website mdflora.org.

Ms. Salmons said that the NPS monitors the deer population and has a management/control program.

Dogs should be kept on leashes in the park for the safety of people, other dogs and wild animals.  The frog population suffers, for example, because dogs running through ponds/rivers crush the frog eggs.

Please report to the NPS anyone you see dumping trash or other refuse in the park.

The second guest of the evening was 4th District Police Officer D.F. Young.  Officer Young reported that the major crimes in the Crestwood area of late were thefts of opportunity, including autos and purses often stolen from homes where the thieves gained access through unlocked doors. nbsp;Please report suspicious activity such as tow trucks in residential areas late at night.  Every fourth Thursday at 7pm the DC Police department has a crime meeting that is open to the public.

Separately it was mentioned that a Crestwood couple compiles the crime statistics relevant to the Crestwood area (Patrol Service Area 404) and efforts would be made to post these statistics on the Crestwood website. [These statistics have, in fact, been posted on the website.]

The third guest of the evening was Councilman Fenty.  Mr. Fenty discussed recent and planned construction in the area including the Tivoli development and took questions from the association members.

Association President Gale Black read a list of potential events the CCA is considering for the coming year.  She also gave a handout that included the CCA statement of purpose and proposed area of membership.  Additionally, the CCA council will be reviewing the CCA by-laws.  Please visit the Crestwood Community Website, www.crestwood-dc.org, which includes the Crestwood Citizens Association and the Crestwood Neighborhood League.

Ms. Black encouraged Crestwood residents to sign up for neighborhood activity teams, including social events, crime reduction, gardening, newsletter, DC policy issues, and encouraged members to form other special interest teams.

The meeting concluded with conversation and snacks.

Respectfully Submitted,
Nicole Ruman Skinner
Secretary, CCA