The topics on the agenda included:

1. Directory Update. It was agreed that the Crestwood Citizens Association would begin to update the directory. We will ask Tom Chused to begin his process and ask each of us and the block contacts not present to identify any changes. As part of our updating of the directory, we also want to informally develop a list of seniors (those over 80) or individuals who may require assistance during an emergency.

2. Boundaries. We want to verify for the city, per the Office of Planning request for the Association's input on what we believe are the boundaries for Crestwood. The city recognizes that Crestwood and Carter Barron and Rock Creek East are separate neighborhoods.

Crestwood extends north up to the 4300 block to the north (Varnum, N.W., with 16th Street, NW to the east and Rock Creek Park to the south and west. The park or Blagden Avenue is the west boundary and Carter Barron begins west of Blagden. The next neighborhood is Rock Creek East (now popularly referred to as "Crestwood North" begins north of the 4300 blocks (above Webster) and is west of 16th).

Crestwood's schools are Powell Elementary, Deal Middle school and Wilson High School). Our ANC single member designation is Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A08.

The purpose is to distinguish that Crestwood is a single neighborhood, distinct from Carter Barron or Rock Creek East.

3. Cluster Correction. It was agreed that the Association will request that the city correct its cluster designation to which Crestwood is assigned. The city has divided the 130 DC neighborhoods into clusters made up of three to five neighborhoods. These clusters are used by the city for budgeting, planning, service delivery and analysis purposes. Historically, Crestwood was linked with other neighborhoods west of 16th Street, like Colonial Village, North Portal Estates. Like Crestwood, these are residential, non-commercial areas. The last designation placed Crestwood with Petworth and Brightwood Park. The Association wants to restore the cluster to which Crestwood is referenced in the current comprehensive plan. We also will recommend that Carter Barron (North Crestwood) be in the same cluster as Crestwood. The city plan did not recognize Carter Barron in any of its planning.

4. E-mails and communication - there was some discussion as to whether it would be worth exploring having a new List Serve that allows communication between residents. David C. will be doing a weekly column for the Northwest Current, with input from others on the Board. Since not all members of the Board were present, we deferred this discussion.

5. WASA testimony - there was a brief discussion of writing to the Water and Sewer Authority to express support on behalf of Crestwood in their efforts to address storm drain overflow. Ms. Black will take the lead.

6. Comprehensive Plan - we did not have a chance to continue the dialog begun at the May meeting on the city's draft comprehensive plan. We anticipate that this topic will be raised at the September ANC 4A meeting, with a request that residents be permitted more time to review this document.

7. Neighborhood Plan. President Black noted that the DC City Comprehensive Plan does not include the neighborhood plans. The Board agreed that CCA should assist DC to fill in the history of Crestwood and to write up the Crestwood Neighborhood Plan. The Plan will include a description of housing, safety, infrastructure, and the desire to preserve single-family housing. David Swerdloff volunteered to draft the history of Crestwood.

As far as the Plan, the Association may want to include very limited changes in the type of zoning for Crestwood so that we can consider providing a small restaurant, café, coffeehouse, or other retail amenities in the community. Gale Black, Doug Barker, and David Swerdloff volunteered to contribute to the Crestwood Neighborhood Plan.

As part of the Plan, the Board will determine what areas of Crestwood are zoned R1A and R1B. The difference in these zones determines whether only single-family or single and multi-family homes may be constructed.

8. Discussion of New House at 1604 Upshur. The Association Board was given a briefing on the new house that is being constructed at 1604 Upshur. Two neighbors called President Black with questions on the scale (size) of the house being built at 1604 Upshur Street. John Mahshie joined the board meeting to discuss the construction project. Mr. Mahshie shared architect drawings and floor plans with the Board. The house is 4,400 square feet and is being built on a lot that is 6,457 square feet. This all brick house is being built by the same firm as 1737 Taylor and will look very similar; in addition, the same quality materials will be used. Except that the house on Taylor Street is 6,200 square feet. The builder has all required permits to begin construction. The eaves of the new house are consistent with the surrounding homes.

We also had the opportunity to review the plans. It was decided that the Association would take no position on the plans at the July 2006 meeting.

9. Other news. The new DC City Administrator, Robert Bobb, and his wife Joyce just purchased the newly constructed home at 1737 Taylor Street, N.W.

10. Calendar - This year’s “street picnic” will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2006 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. on Argyle (weather permitting). We also recognize and thank the Kids team for the July 4th Kids Parade - which was warmly received and well attended. Kudos to the Team!

11. Input on plans to put wires underground. DC is proposing to place all utility lines underground. The Association will draft a comment letter supporting this initiative and ask that the various utility providers (Verizon, WASA, Pepco, cable, and telephone providers) co-ordinate their efforts on this project with scheduled street maintenance to avoid tearing up the streets in Crestwood multiple times. The Association deems electrical as the highest priority because burying the electrical lines should greatly reduce the frequency of disruptions in the neighborhood. The comment letter will be sent to the Public Service Commission. Ellen Wormser is drafting this letter. Once drafted, it will be coordinated with the Board and signed on behalf of the Board. The city is only accepting comments until August 8.

12. Demonstration Project. Doug Barker reported that the Casey Tree Foundation has agreed to work with us on the project to “green” DC with trees that are native. The Foundation will fund garden site demonstrations. Mr. Barker is working on an application proposal to the Foundation for a native plant demonstration project at the POINT18th and Shepherd and Crestwood Drive down to Rock Creek Park. The proposal is to plant trees in the fall at the “Point” of this lot. In addition, a rain garden may be planted in the spring and the Jersey Barriers will be replaced with boulders. This area has a natural slope, which will collect and filter rain water. The National Park Service (NPS) owns this particular lot; DC owns a border section of the land adjacent to the streets. Doug recommended including Cindy Cox of the NPS as part of the design team. In the future, the Association may consider adding benches or a tot lot, after appropriate coordination with the community. The idea is to make the “POINT” an interesting gathering place and showcase native trees.

13. Other. The Board then discussed adding a name to the ANC ballot. The advantage of electing an ANC member from the Crestwood neighborhood is that our issues and concerns will be represented. Patricia Hildebrand volunteered to contact two neighbors who may have an interest in running for ANC.