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CRESTWOOD CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

WASHINGTON, DC       |       ESTABLISHED 1941


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  • Tue, June 13, 2017 5:31 PM | Anonymous member

    Halloween Party Sunday, October 31 at 3:30 pm

    Become bewitched at the Crestwood Halloween Party on the afternoon of October 31st. We promise no tricks and all treats in the “pumpkin patch” also known as The Point at 18th and Shepherd Streets. Bring your costumed cuties for 60 minutes of fun for kids of all ages, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

    Crestwood Citizens Association Meeting Sunday, November 14 at 1:00pm

    Topic #1: Raising a Family in Crestwood

    Crestwood residents face many challenges as they raise their families in the District. At the next meeting of the Crestwood Citizens Association, we will share our stories and learn the latest skills for coping with schools, transportation and the other potential problems of city life.

    Note that we are scheduling this meeting on a Sunday afternoon (November 14 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm) at 1761 Crestwood Drive.

    There are many other issues of concern as the Crestwood Citizens Association begins its 70th year. We hope to build a solid working relationship with the new Mayor and Council, and plan to invite the Mayor to our May meeting. Other goals include crime deterrence, continued vigilance with respect to improving service from PEPCO, instituting a Seniors Project to help residents age in place, keeping an eye on zoning changes in order to protect our low-density residential character, and identifying priorities for traffic management in and around Crestwood.

    The Association is looking into beautifying and enhancing the common green space within Crestwood—including fixing up the Crestwood signs and the landscaping around them. We are working to get ANC 4A to provide funds for benches to be installed on DC property at the Point and the Triangle. The ANC already has funded the new signs and receptacles you have seen around the neighborhood for controlling dog waste.

    We also are looking on with concern as dozens of households in Crestwood have been posted for foreclosure or tax sale. Most of these situations were the result of a mistake or oversight. Still, in these tough economic times, the Association urges you to monitor your tax liabilities carefully so that no errors are made. A slip-up regarding the Homestead Exemption, for example, can lead to a $20,000 error and a threat of foreclosure./p>

    If you have a community concern, let the Association know. Bring your ideas to the November 14 meeting or contact an officer.

    And kudos to the Communications Team for publishing the 2010 Crestwood Directory!

    Spotlight Wildlife Survey

    Don't be alarmed by spotlights in the woods!

    The District Department of Environment will be conducting night time spotlight surveys of the deer population on the nights of November 13, 14, 27, and 28). Thy are done on Saturday and Sunday evenings to reduce traffic problems. They will begin at sunset and will be completed by 9 pm.

    Future Calendar

    There will be an art exhibit and songfest by the Grace Choir Soloists at Grace Lutheran Church, 4300 16th Street, NW (16th and Varnum), Saturday, November 6 at 4:00pm Contributions are requested, but Crestwood residents can come as Gale Black's guests.

    December will be a busy month in Crestwood!

    In addition to the tree planting scheduled for December 4th (see story on the Crestwood Tree Project), the Association is considering a community social event just before Christmas - more information to follow. And, as always, The Sheridans will host caroling on Christmas Eve.

    Looking farther ahead, the Association meeting on Tuesday, January 18 will address the environmental health of the community.

    ANC 4A meetings are held each month - usually on the 1st Tuesday, but the November meeting will be on Wednesday, November 3rd (due to the prior day election). They are at 7:15 PM at Fort Stevens Recreation Center.

    Crestwood Tree Project Keeps Branching Out

    As the leaves fall from the trees throughout Crestwood, the Association is working to make the autumn colors even more spectacular in the future. Work continues on the Crestwood Tree Project, whose ambitious goal is to enhance and protect the neighborhood’s distinctive tree canopy.

    The next tree planting is scheduled for Saturday, December 4th from 8:30 a.m. until noon in the 1900 block of Upshur Street. Our Project partner, Casey Trees, will supply free trees, mulch, stakes and digging assistance - but we need Crestwood volunteers to help out.

    The most recent inventory of trees in other pilot blocks took place September 25th. Existing tree locations are being entered into the Casey Trees database for those blocks - the 1700 block of Taylor Street and the 1800 block of Shepherd Street. The Green Team will recommend sites for new trees, and homeowners will be able to choose from a number of native species, with a planting date coming in early spring.

    Participation in the Crestwood Tree Project is entirely voluntary, and the Association salutes the many homeowners who are working to renew the Crestwood tree canopy. If you have any questions, please contact Doug Barker or other members of the Tree Project working group: Frank Samuel, Peggy Beers, Bill Bentley, Gale Black, Steve Klein, Betsy Kraft, and Beverly and John Ostenso.

    Get Out and Vote (or maybe you already have!)

    Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, but early voting is underway each day from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. (except Sunday) at five locations: One Judiciary Square and (beginning October 23rd) at Chevy Chase Community Center, Hine Junior High School, Turkey Thicket Recreation Center and Southeast Tennis and Learning Center. The last day to request an absentee ballot by mail is Tuesday, October 26. Applications may be printed from the website www.dcboee.org.

    What’s on the ballot? Crestwood voters will be able to cast ballots for Mayor, Council Chairman, At-Large Council Member, Delegate to Congress, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for single-member district 4A08. Our current commissioner and Association President, Gale Black, is running for re-election unopposed. Give her your vote!

    There is also a proposed amendment to the DC Home Rule Act which would change how the DC Attorney General is chosen. Currently the AG is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. The amendment calls for an elected AG beginning in 2014. The Attorney General would then serve a four-year term.

    As in the recent primary voting, returns may be slow in coming on Election Day since DC officials may need to count write-in votes in the mayoral race.

    New Red Light Cameras

    Right now, drivers are only receiving warnings. But if you run afoul of three new red light cameras in Northwest DC beginning November 12th, you'll be hit with a $75 fine. The new locations are: southbound Connecticut Avenue at Porter Street, northbound 14th Street at K Street, and southbound 3rd Street at New York Avenue

    Meet the Councilwoman

    Ward Four Council Representative Muriel Bowser will be meeting within a few blocks of Crestwood on Saturday, November 6.

    She is co-hosting (with AARP) a morning Coffee Talk beginning at 9 a.m. at the Oromo Center at 811 Upshur Street, NW. Among the topics to be discussed are health care reform, affordable housing, utilities, and aging in place. For more information or to RSVP, contact AARP at 202-434-7715 or by e-mail at dcaarp@aarp.org – or contact Brandon Todd on Councilmember Bowser's Staff at 202-741-0917 or btodd@dccouncil.us. Coffee and light refreshments will be served.

    Crime Log

    The latest crime statistics and trends in and around Crestwood are always available on the community website at www.crestwood-dc.org/crime-police-information.

    In September, the following crimes were reported in Crestwood:

    Thefts from Auto (6):

    1600 Allison St (Mon, 9/27, 10:30am)
    1700 Shepherd St (Fri, 9/24, 6:45pm)
    4800 Blagden Av (Fri, 9/17, 7:00pm)
    3900 16th Street (Mon, 9/27, 11:00pm)
    4000 16th Street (Fri, 9/10, 12:15am)
    4100 18th Street (Sat, 9/18, 12:10am)

    Theft (3):

    1700 Shepherd St (Tue, 9/14, 9:00am)
    4400 16th Street (Sun, 9/12, 6:30pm)
    4400 17th Street (Thu, 9/30, 3:30pm)

    Property Damage/Destruction (2):

    4500 16th Street (Wed, 9/8, 7:00am)
    4600 16th Street (Tue, 8/24, 6:30pm)*

    Assault (1):

    3900 16th Street (Fri, 9/24, 1:00am)

    Stolen Auto (1):

    3700 16th Street (Sat, 9/11, 5:00pm)

    Other (2):

    1600 Webster St (Fri, 9/10, 6:13pm)
    4100 16th Street (Sat, 9/18, 12:18am)

    ANC News

    Gale Black, Commissioner for ANC 4A08 and President of the Crestwood Citizens Association, has had a busy season. Among her accomplishments, she:

    • participated at a forum on Juvenile Justice.
    • raised the issue of foreclosures as an issue of concern for the city and for the neighborhood in an effort to stop more Crestwood families from falling victim to the foreclosure crisis.
    • testified on power outages and is working on a position regarding the undergrounding of power lines in targeted areas.
    • supported the Open Government proposal.
    • supported ANC 4A in urging the District government to restore Klingle Road and in voting to support an exemption request from a resident in the 4400 block of 18th Street.
    • pushed for the street repairs along 1900 block of Shepherd which have done.
    • supported the request of a resident on 18th Street for an exception to permit a rear addition. The Board of Zoning agreed with the ANC position and approved the request.

    In Memoriam

    We remember and miss our departed neighbors:

    • Judge Harry T. Alexander
    • Lois Matthews Dyer (whose daughter lives in Crestwood)
    • Rupertha Hunt


  • Tue, June 13, 2017 5:30 PM | Anonymous member

    Police, Community React to Increase In Crime

    Since spring began, crime has been on the rise in Crestwood--including a pair of street robberies, along with a spate of break-ins and thefts from autos.

    Representatives from the fourth district of the Metropolitan Police will appear at the Association meeting May 18 to discuss these incidents, the arrests they have made, and their efforts to put an end to these crimes.

    Some of the surge in crime has been stemmed with the help of a Crestwood resident who took photos of suspects. If you see individuals who appear suspicious--and you can take a picture safely, without endangering yourself in any way--do so and provide it to the police. For other crime prevention hints, consult the bottom of the "Crime/Police Information" page of our website, www.crestwood-dc.org.

    You can also use the website to join the Crestwood Neighborhood Email List. The list-serve has been valuable in alerting residents to recent crimes. Also, since young people have been involved in many of these incidents, there has been a lively discussion about the way the District treats minors involved in crimes.

    The crime statistics for April, which can be found on the website, are reprinted below. Incidents in early May have included thefts from auto, a stolen car and the theft of copper gutters from Grace Church and a local home.

    CRIMES REPORTED IN PATROL SERVICE AREA 404
    From April 1 through April 30, 2010

    Offense Total PSA404 Near Crestwood In Crestwood In Crestwood Mon - Thu In Crestwood Fri - Sun
    Assault 18 4 1 1
    Burglary 10 3 3 2 1
    Homicide 0
    Robbery 14 2 2 2
    Stolen Auto 13
    Theft 15 3 3 2 1
    Theft from Auto 19 3 4 4
    Other 75 13 3 3
    Total 164* 30* 16* 11 5

    * Data include 18 crimes in March (one was in Crestwood) that MPD had not previously reported.

    Crestwood Crimes By Block:

    Thefts from Auto (4):
    1600 Crittenden St (Thu, 4/8, 4:00 pm)
    3900 Argyle Ter (Mon, 4/26, 9:00 am)
    4300 Argyle Ter (Mon, 4/12, 3:30 pm)
    4700 Colorado Av (Thu, 4/29, 11:00pm)
    Robberies (2):
    4000 16th Street (Sun, 4/11, 11:50 pm)
    1700 Varnum St (Sun, 4/4, 12:15 am)
    Burglaries (3):
    1600 Taylor St (Fri, 4/30, ? am)
    1600 Upshur St (Thu, 4/15, 1:15 am)
    3800 Argyle Ter (Thu, 4/29, 12:40 pm)
    Assault (1):
    4700 16th Street (Fri, 3/26, 1:00 pm)
    Thefts (3):
    2000 Trumbull Ter (Thu, 4/22, 7:00 am)
    4300 16th Street (Sun, 4/4, 7:00 am)
    4700 16th Street (Thu, 4/1, 10:00 pm)
    Property Destruction/Damage (3):
    1800 Taylor St (Thu, 4/29, 4:10 pm)
    1800 Varnum St (Tue, 4/27, 7:00 am)
    4500 Blagden Ave (Wed, 4/7, 5:00 pm)

    Crestwood & Area Trends:

    -- In Crestwood (16th St. & west), 16 crimes were reported in April, up from 9 in March and a 7-month high..

    -- Also in Crestwood, the 8 burglaries, thefts & robberies were up from 2 in March, and at least 10 of the 16 crimes were during daylight hours..

    -- Near Crestwood (PSA 404, 14th St. & west to 16th St.), 30 crimes were reported in April, down from 37 in March. Twenty-three were on or near 14th St..

    Members To Elect Association Leadership

    The Crestwood Citizens Association will hold its annual elections at the meeting on May 18th--as members vote for officers of the Association and delegates to the Citizens Federation, and designate block contacts.

    The Association has issued several calls for nominations for officers and Board members. Most of the neighbors currently in office have agreed to serve for another year. However, we need a candidate for Secretary, and we encourage members to step forward for that office or for any of the leadership posts. Please contact the Association's Communications Director, Tom Chused.

    The Board governs the Association, and officers serve for one-year terms which continue until a new officer is selected. More information may be found online. Here is the proposed slate for 2010-2011:

    President: Gale Black
    Vice President/Crest: David Swerdloff
    Vice President/Green Team: Doug Barker
    Vice Presidents/Social: George & Debbie Chaconas
    Secretary: Vacant
    Treasurer: Ellen Wormser
    Communications & Website: Tom Chused
    Kids Team: Nicole Skinner, Sara Moghadam Pietras and Kara Morgan
    Safety and Police: John Ostenso
    Issues: Gale Black

    Author to Discuss Peirce Family History
    More Than the Mill

    Throughout most of the history of our neighborhood, the Peirces and their descendants have lived right next door. We will learn about this fascinating family at a special presentation at the May 18th Association meeting by Steve Dryden, vice-president of Friends of Peirce Mill. An environmental and preservation activist, Mr. Dryden is the author of the recent book, Peirce Mill: Two Hundred Years in the Nation's Capital.

    Only photos remain of the mills that operated on the estate that became Crestwood. But soon the millstones will be grinding once again a short walk down the creek at Peirce Mill, one of the few buildings still standing that can attest to DC's agrarian past. Mr. Dryden will tell the story of the mill, and describe how the Peirces went on to build a lucrative horticulture business that brought many visitors to our area. Family members then joined with Thomas Blagden in pushing for improvements that led to the development of Crestwood and its environs. And Peirce descendants went off in other directions, as well--including Hollywood.

    Have Your Say about the Neighborhood's Hot Issues

    Quite a few topics have been sparking conversation on the Crestwood list-serve. The May 18th meeting will give you an opportunity to give the Association your input on such issues as:

    • Our recent spike in crime, and reforms that might keep juveniles from becoming repeat offenders;
    • The city's efforts to put sidewalks on at least one side of the street on every block which does not have them;
    • Zoning regulations that are now being updated; and,
    • The District's attempts to tack on new fees to help pay for necessary services such as street lights and electricity.

    Green Team Report

    A Good Spring Cleaning;
    Then Helping the Crestwood Tree Project Branch Out

    The Crestwood Citizens Association's Green Team had another successful clean-up on April 10th. More than 20 volunteers from the neighborhood and beyond picked up all the trash along Piney Branch from the area beneath the 16th Street bridge to Rock Creek, and also along the stream beside Blagden Drive. The spring event was part of two wider efforts: the second annual Rock Creek Extreme Cleanup sponsored by the Friends of Rock Creek's Environment (FORCE) and the Alice Ferguson Foundation's Trash Free Potomac River Watershed Initiative. Volunteers collected 30 bags of trash and 7 bags of recyclables that the National Park Service collected after the event. The amount of trash found along Piney Branch was somewhat less than in previous years. This same positive trend was reported from many of the other 50+ cleanup sites along the 33 miles of Rock Creek from Laytonsville in upper Montgomery County to the Potomac River.

    Our Trees

    The Green Team's Crestwood Tree Project Working Group is gearing up for a new planting season and the next phase of the neighborhood's partnership with Casey Trees. This is a ten-year initiative to restore and protect the trees of Crestwood that add so much to the beauty, health and value of our community.

    At a recent meeting, the Working Group developed a schedule for 2010 and reviewed what was learned from last year's pilot project, which included a tree inventory and planting activities in the pilot areas.

    The review showed that the 30 homeowners who received the more-than 40 trees donated by Casey Trees were satisfied with the tree specimens and with the planting assistance. Support from Casey Trees was not only available, but also positive, knowledgeable and results-oriented. As we go forward, ongoing tree maintenance will be a significant concern in order to make the most of the trees that were planted and keep the neighborhood's existing trees safe and healthy. The Tree Project process could be streamlined to make it easier for homeowners to participate. And, finally, the tree inventory prepared in September was under-utilized in planning and executing the tree plantings.

    Looking ahead to activities this summer and fall, the Tree Project Working Group made a number of decisions that build on last year's experience. First, the preparation schedule will be simplified. It calls for neighborhood meetings in July, an inventory in September, and plantings in late October or early November. The Tree Project will be extended to three new blocks: Upshur Street west from Argyle Terrace, the 1800 block of Taylor Street, and the 1800 block of Shepherd Street. Tree Project captains for these blocks are Betsy Kraft for Upshur and Steve Klein for Taylor, with the captain for Shepherd yet to be determined.

    More information on planned events will be forthcoming later in the year. Anyone interested in helping with the plans and activities should contact any of the following members of the Tree Project Working Group: Doug Barker (Quincy Street), Peggy Beers (Quincy Street), Bill Bentley (Crestwood Drive), Gale Black (Crestwood Drive), Steve Klein (Taylor Street), Betsy Kraft (Upshur Street), Beverly and John Ostenso (Varnum Street), Frank Samuel (Randolph Street).

    The Green Team would like to thank the many volunteers who helped make 2009 a very successful first year for the Crestwood Tree Project!

    Kids Team Serious About Having Fun

    As pictured above, the Association's Kids Team had another successful Easter Egg Hunt. Planning is underway for this year's Fourth of July Kids Parade, which will likely be on the Third of July this year. Stay tuned!

    The Crestwood Directory:
    A Great Perk of Association Membership 

    The 2010 Crestwood Directory is nearly ready for distribution to members of the Crestwood Citizens Association. This information, which is not available online, will help you connect with your neighbors.

    Who has interests like yours? Which families have kids the same age or at the same schools? How do you contact someone on your block in an emergency? The answers are all in the 2010 Crestwood Directory.

    Joining the Association is easy. Contact Treasurer Ellen Wormser (Upshur Street) with your dues: $25 per family or $20 for a single person household. While the boundaries of the Association reach only as far north as Varnum Street, the membership is available to residents on adjacent streets who wish to participate.

    A Year of Results

    The annual May meeting brings the Association's year to a close.

    Looking back, we have had a positive impact on the neighborhood and the District.

    In addition to the Green Team and Kids Team projects described above, and the printing of a new Crestwood Directory, the Association and ANC 4A have spoken for the community on a number of issues:

    • The efforts of the Association and ANC 4A helped to finally get the pathway built down Blagden Avenue and get new paving on Broad Branch Road. The next step is to keep pushing to extend the path further up Blagden, add safety features for pedestrians near Beach Drive, and get Broad Branch Road rebuilt so that it doesn't fall into the creek.
    • The city has proposed rulemaking (see the 4/30 DC Register) to eliminate the hourly restrictions on parking after 6:30 pm. The Association encouraged ANC 4A in its vote to support that change.
    • The Association submitted a list of DC budget priorities, which was relayed through the ANC to the Council.
    • Association President Gale Black testified twice before the Council on water quality and urged the city to do more to address contaminants in the water and to implement storm water standards. The city has just released a list of impaired waters--and it was no surprise to us that we live right next to the filth that can flow into Rock Creek and Piney Branch at a number of sites.
    • The Association has closely monitored PEPCO's performance in the neighborhood. ANC 4A opposed the utility's request for a distribution rate hike and was partially successful.
    • In recent ANC action, the commissioners have opposed efforts to open a new pawn shop within the 4A area. At the May 4th ANC 4A meeting, the commissioners voted to support the request of the YuYing School to open in Ward 4 (likely at Walter Reed). The ANC also heard from Howard University Hospital on its request to relocate to the Walter Reed site.

      We look forward, with your active participation, to a 2010-2011 Association year that will make Crestwood an even better place to live!


  • Tue, June 13, 2017 5:29 PM | Anonymous member

    Association Meeting Tuesday, January 19, 7 - 8:30 PM
    at the home of the Chastang family 1720 Varnum Street, NW 
    It came out of the sky!!!!

       That would be the snow from our December blizzard, of course. We learned a great deal about how prepared—and unprepared—we are to deal with a major storm. For example, many of us never realized that the District government does not plow alleys. That created a double whammy: not only were the alleys impassable, but snow piled up by the plows blocked the exits from the alleys onto city streets. We also were lucky that power outages were not widespread. Let's talk together at the January meeting of the Crestwood Citizens Association. Are there things we should be doing as individuals, as neighbors and as an Association to get ourselves ready for a similar emergency? Are there some changes we’d like to press the DC government to take?
       You can also take your concerns to the January ANC meeting. By the way, ANC 4A has been focusing on deer management. After hearing the views of many residents, the Commissioners voted for the non-lethal method as the first step in controlling the deer population. We are now awaiting a decision from the Park Service.

    It comes in our water & air!!

       That would be Crestwood's serious environmental concerns — and they will also be a major subject of the January meeting. On the one hand, we are active in working to improve the environment ourselves through our Green Team initiatives, including the Crestwood Tree Canopy Project (in cooperation with Casey Trees) and the Rain Garden Project. We will get updates on both of these. Trees were planted in November as part of step one in the tree project.
       But we’ve also invited George Hawkins, Director of the DC Department of the Environment. Get your questions ready about our water and air quality — and other environmental concerns. Other invited guests include representatives from DC Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Councilmember Muriel Bowser’s office, and the Mayor’s office. You can make your voice heard on subjects such as sidewalks and the home improvement permit process. And we’ll get into transportation issues—from the Blagden Avenue path to upkeep of Crestwood streets, Broad Branch Road and Klingle Road.

    Greetings from the Association

       On behalf of myself and our fellow officers of the Crestwood Citizens Association, thank you for your show of support and participation at Association events. We are honored to be a part of this vibrant, innovative civic organization. The Association is fun — and a great way to connect with the community. Even if there were no perks (like the Crestwood directory, notices of events, the Green Team, the Kids Team, the Social Team and a network of block contacts), it has lasted because of the camaraderie and the bonds between families.

       Yes, there are issues that perpetually confront any urban community—like crime, traffic, tickets, PEPCO, the need for good schools and clean water and air. Our goal is to address those issues, along with zoning, transportation and the environment for the benefit of all of us. To be our most successful, we need an informed group to help guide us toward a positive outcome. Our aim is to preserve and protect and enjoy the great quality of life here in Crestwood. We can accomplish this by working together.

       Our Kids Team, Social Team and Green Team have been active throughout 2009. At our monthly Association meetings, we have shared views on the issues that continue to affect Crestwood—plus some new ones. For example, at our November meeting, we heard from the Department of Health on the H1N1 threat and how to protect ourselves.

       We have also been effective within the ANC. Here are some of the ways that ANC 4A08 has been working for all of us:

    • ANC 4A voted to expedite the repair of Broad Branch Road and the installation of the path down Blagden Avenue.

    • ANC 4A sent a letter to the Mayor requesting an update on the status of the repairs to Klingle Road. The city is planning to maintain an access route at the right-of-way. ANC 4A is asking whether we will get to use the road—especially if it is being funded with public money.

    • ANC 4A08 also testified on water quality and continues to urge that more be done to address the city’s infrastructure needs, including the long overdue fixes to the combined storm sewers. This is a huge public health issue.

    • ANC4A opposed the Board of Zoning Adjustment’s request for a consent calendar that would permit (without review) one-story additions on residential single family homes.

    • ANC 4A testified in opposition to PEPCO’s request for a distribution rate increase.

    • ANC 4A08 also testified on proposed changes to the Zoning Regulations. These could potentially modify the required set-back and set-aside areas between houses.

    • ANC 4A voted to allow funds for neighborhood projects – which are available upon application to the ANC 4A, which meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

       As the late Rochelle Rowlette said in 1989, “When we work together on an issue, all of us benefit and the entire community gains.”

       If you are not already a member of the Crestwood Citizens Association, we invite you to join us. Visit our website at www.crestwood-dc.org or call 202-997-3300.

    Gale Barron Black, Association President and ANC 4A08 Commissioner

    Special Thank You To Vaugn-Cooke Family 

       The Vaughn-Cookes hosted the joint Crestwood Citizens Association and Neighborhood League holiday potluck on December 5th. Thanks to all our guests — hope you had a great time! The Association requested that participants bring gloves, mittens, scarves and toiletries for the less fortunate. We are pleased to report we were able to deliver donations for 30 children to Martha’s Table on December 10th.

    What is an ANC SMD?

       An Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) is a non-partisan, neighborhood body mode up of locally elected representatives called Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. They are a unique feature of the District’s Home Rule Charter. The ANCs were established to bring government closer to the people and the people closer to government. In addition to providing people with a greater say in the matters that affect their neighborhoods, ANCs were intended to end the duplication of effort caused by the proliferation of special advisory groups.
       There are 37 ANCs. Each ANC area is subdivided into a number of smaller areas or districts. Since only one Commissioner is elected per district, they are called Single Member Districts (SMDs). The ANCs’ main job is to be their neighborhood’s official voice in advising the District government and Federal agencies on things that affect their districts. DC law says that agencies cannot take any action that will significantly affect the district unless they give the affected ANCs 30 days’ advance notice. This includes zoning, streets, recreation, education, social services, sanitation, planning, safety, budget and health services.
       The Association’s area falls within ANC 4A08, which includes Crestwood and most of Crestwood North. ANC 4A covers the area from the Park up to and including Allison Street and some of Colorado Avenue, NW. Both Crestwood and Crestwood North also fall in Census Tract 26.

    Crestwood History

       2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the building of the oldest surviving homes in the greater Crestwood area. Their story is just part of the surprising history of our neighborhood, which is available on the Crestwood website. Choose to read the brief history — or click on links to the longer slide show or the full 133-page story of Crestwood. All three histories are available at http://www.crestwood-dc.org/history.

    Crime in Crestwood

       The latest information is always available on the Crestwood website at http://www.crestwood-dc.org/crime-police-information.

    Neighborhood Notes

    • The Association is proposing funding for beautification projects that will enhance the neighborhood – like landscaping around the Crestwood sign. What are your thoughts?

    • ANC 4A08 is considering bringing in a shredding machine for neighbors to safely dispose of documents and avoid identity theft.

    • The city is about to embark on a major revision of the zoning laws. We need to stay on top of this issue. It’s up to all of us to protect the residential nature of our neighborhood.

    • We encourage our block contacts to coordinate at least one social event at the block level each year. It’s useful especially to welcome new families to the block. Progressive dinners work well. Entrée at one spot…dessert at another. Would you like to serve as a block contact? Do you know who your block contact is?

    • Help keep the streetlights shining throughout the winter. 311 is the new number to call to report a dark streetlight —o r use the DC government website.

    • Please look out for your neighbors, especially seniors.

    Upcoming Dates on the Association Calendar
    Mark these events down on your calendar at home — or, for the more technologically inclined, put them in your PDA, smartphone or whatever:

    Tuesday, January 19 – Association Meeting

    Tuesday, March 16 - Association meeting - Location TBD

    April – Park Clean-up TBD

    Tuesday, May 18 - Annual meeting – Grace Church

    Sunday, September 12 – Annual Crestwood Street Picnic

    Tuesday, September 21 - Association Meeting

    Please attend the ANC 4A meetings held the first Tuesday of the month at Fort Stevens Recreation Center, 13th and Van Buren Streets, NW

    Crestwood Citizens Association Board of Directors

    President Gale Barron Black
    Vice President & Newsletter Editor David Swerdloff
    Vice President & Green Team Leader Doug Barker
    Vice Presidents & Social Team Leaders George & Deb Chaconas
    Treasurer Ellen Wormser
    Secretary Marsha Francis
    Communications & Website Coordinator Tom Chused
    Kids Team Nicole Skinner
    Safety & Police John and Beverly Ostenso
    Issues Jeff Hildebrand


  • Tue, June 13, 2017 5:28 PM | Anonymous member

    Join Us for a Crestwood Tradition:
    Our Four th of J uly Kids Parade

    Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 9:30 am

    Gather at 1810 Shepherd St. NW. We will enjoy muffins, bagels, coffee, and juice while the kids decorate their bikes, scooters, strollers, wagons, and anything else they want to bring!
    The parade will begin around 10:00 am.

    Parade Route: start at 1810 Shepherd St heading east, then left onto 18th Street, left onto Taylor, left onto Argyle Terrace, left onto Randolph Street, left onto 18th Street, left onto Shepherd to finish at 1810 Shepherd.

    Bring your children, who will have a wonderful time and bring yourselves to see a great show!

    If you would like to contribute food or beverages, please contact Nicole Ruman Skinner at nrumanskinner@aol.com. If you are able to assist with decorations or a flier, please contact Kara Morgan at karam1@verizon.net.

    History Project Set to Go On Line

    Within about a week or so, you’ll be able to go to the Crestwood website and learn more about the history of our neighborhood. The story begins with Native Americans who came here to quarry stone, catch fish and gather walnuts. It continues through hundreds of years in which the greater Crestwood area was a single estate. Development finally came about—but only rather recently, since our o ldest homes still standing were built less than a century ago.

    Two versions of the history project will be available at crestwood-dc.org. One is a slide show, similar to the program David Swerdloff presented at the May meeting of the Association. The other version is a full 130-page account of Crestwood through the years, with many more photos and maps.

    Both versions include the two images we see here. At the top left is a portrait of Thomas Blagden, who in 1853 purchased the estate that became Crestwood. [Photo courtesy of great great grandson Allen Blagden]Thomas Blagden lived in a lovely manor house, which  unfortunately was torn down in 1934 to make way for development. In the bottom right photo of that house (taken just a few years before the structure was destroyed), we are looking north across Varnum Street, just east of 18th Street. [Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Washington DC]

    Association Elects New Officers

    Here is the slate of officers approved at the May meeting of the Crestwood Citizens Association for the 2009 to 2010 term:

    President Gale Barron Black
    Vice President/Green Team Doug Barker
    Vice President/Crest David Swerdloff
    Vice Presidents/Social George & Deb Chaconas
    Secretary Marsha Francis
    Treasurer Ellen Wormser
    Communications & Website Tom Chused
    Kids Team Nicole Skinner
    Safety & Police John Ostenso
    Issues Jeff Hildebrand

    Delegates to the Federation of Citizens Associations:

    Gale Barron Black, Jeff Hildebrand, Pat Hildebrand (alternate) 

    We are also looking for additional block contacts to help with communication and to assist in projects like updating the Crestwood Directory (a project that is already being organized). Please contact any officer.

    Association/ANC/Police Service Area Calendar

    Mark these events down on your calendar at home — or, for the more technologically inclined, put them in your PDA smartphone or whatever:

    Saturday, July 4 Fourth of July Kids Parade
    Tuesday, July 21 Crestwood Citizens Association Board meeting
    TBA in July Tree Canopy Project meeting
    August 1-9 FYI: Legg Mason Tennis Classic
    Sunday, September 13 Association Picnic (always the Sunday after Labor Day)
    Tuesday, September 15 Association membership meeting
    Saturday, October 10 (Tentative) Tree Planting event
    Tuesday, October 20 Association membership meeting
    Sunday, October 25 Kids Halloween Party
    Sunday, November 15 Association membership meeting (we’re experimenting by holding a meeting during the day on a Sunday, instead of in the evening on the third Tuesday of the month)
    Sunday, December 13 Holiday Wreath Making
    Tuesday, December 24 Caroling
    Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Association membership meeting
    Tuesday, March 16 Association membership meeting
    Sunday, April 4 Rock Creek Clean-up

    Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4A meets on the first Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7:15 pm at the Fort Stevens Recreation Center at 1327 Van Buren Street, NW. The next meeting is Tuesday, September 1.

    Police Service Area (PSA) 404 holds community meetings on the 4th Thursday of every month at 7 pm at 801 Shepherd Street, NW.

    Association Begins Tree Project on Pilot Blocks in Partnership with Casey Trees

    Three blocks in Crestwood have been selected for the “pilot” phase of a neighborhood-wide effort aimed at renewing our neighborhood’s canopy and understory trees. The Crestwood Tree Project was initiated last fall under the guidance of the Association’s Green Team, and the pilot phase was approved at the Association’s annual meeting in May.

    "Canopy" trees are the really tall ones—like oaks, beeches and maples — that are typical of the mature trees in Rock Creek Park. "Understory" trees are the lower trees that often have an impressive show of spring flowers — like dogwood and redbud. Renewal of both types of trees does not occur naturally in an established neighborhood like ours — and the D.C. Government doesn't have responsibility for anything other than street trees, which it replaces only as budgets permit. So the Tree Project Working Group thought that a long-term effort was called for and has established the year 2020 as the target date for completing the Project

    There are many benefits of a mature canopy of trees: lower energy costs, higher property values, environmental advantages like oxygen production and decreased storm water runoff—and last, but certainly not least, the special character of the Crestwood neighborhood that comes from the feeling and appearance of being "in the Park."

    Fortunately, there is an organization that supports Washington neighborhoods in improving their trees. This group, Casey Trees, helped the Association’s Green Team with replantings at the Point (where Shepherd Street intersects with Crestwood Drive and 18th Street), and has expressed an enthusiastic willingness to help the Green Team and its Tree Project Working Group develop a long-range plan and assist with tree plantings. This will be one of Casey Trees’ first long-range neighborhood partnerships.

    The schedule for this year includes the following steps:

    • June-July: Education meetings with Casey Trees in each of the three "pilot" blocks. The blocks (and meeting hosts) are: Crestwood Drive (Gale and Bill Bentley and Sue and Alan Houseman); the 1700 block of Varnum (Bev and John Ostenso, Steve Klein); and the "interior" block bounded by Quincy Street, Argyle Terrace, Randolph Street and 18th Street (Doug Barker and Jacqueline and Frank Samuel).
    • August-September: inventory of canopy and understory trees in the three pilot areas, conducted by Crestwood volunteers assisted by Casey Trees experts and volunteers.
    • October-November: planting of selected trees in the three pilot areas, again by Crestwood volunteers assisted by Casey Trees. Depending on the number of trees needed, this phase may not be completed until the spring of 2010.

    The Crestwood Tree Project Working Group is composed of the following neighbors: Doug Barker (Green Team chair), Peggy Beers, Gale Black, Steve Klein, Betsy Kraft, Bev and John Ostenso, and Frank Samuel (Working Group chair). If you would like to volunteer or learn more about this important Crestwood activity, contact Doug (dougabarker@yahoo.com) or Frank (fsamuel39@sbcglobal.net>/a>).

    Latest Crime Statistics

    May, 2009 – Police Service Area 404

    Offense Total PSA404 Near Crestwood In Crestwood In Crestwood Mon - Thu In Crestwood Fri - Sun
    Assault 36
    7
    1
    1

    Burglary 7
    3
    3
    2
    1
    Homicide 1




    Robbery 6

    1
    1

    Stolen Auto 12
    2
    3

    2
    Theft 18
    4
    1

    1
    Theft from Auto 15

    4
    1
    3
    Other 23
    2
    1
    1

    Total 118* 18* 13
    6
    6
    *Data include 50 crimes in March (2 were in Crestwood), and exclude 32 in earlier months (5 were in Crestwood), that MPD had not previously reported.

    Crestwood Crimes By Block:

    Thefts from Auto (4):
    3900 16th Street (Sat, 5/2, 8:30pm)
    4700 17th Street (Tue, 5/19, 12:30am)
    1600 Shepherd St (Fri, 5/1, 6:00pm)
    1600 Shepherd St (Sun, 5/24, 12:30pm)

    Stolen Autos (2):
    3900 16th Street (Sun, 5/3, 3:00pm)
    3900 18th Street (Fri, 5/1, 11:00pm)

    Theft (1):
    1600 Buchanan St (Sat, 5/23 10:00am)

    Burglaries (3):
    3900 16th Street (Mon, 5/18, 11:15am)
    4000 16th Street (Fri, 5/1, 3:00pm)
    1700 Shepherd St (Wed, 4/15, u.r.)*

    Robbery (1):
    4300 Argyle Ter (Tue, 5/26, 1:15pm)

    Shots Fired (1):
    1800 Upshur St (Mon, 5/25, 1:40pm)

    Assault (1):
    3700 16th Street (Mon, 4/27, 11:15pm)*

    Crestwood & Area Trends:

    --In Crestwood (16th St. & west), 13 crimes were reported in May, up from 12 in April.

    --Four Crestwood crimes were thefts from auto (versus two in April); three were burglaries (versus six the previous month).

    --Near Crestwood (PSA 404, 14th St. & west to 16th St.), 18 crimes were reported in May, up from 11 in April. Eleven were on or near 14th Street.

    --In PSA 404 as a whole, 118 crimes were reported in May, down from 123 in April. Three categories increased (assault, theft & homicide), and five were down or even.


  • Fri, June 09, 2017 1:26 PM | Anonymous member
    Newsletter of the Crestwood Citizens Association, established 1941 April, 2007

    Special Election May 1

    Meet the Ward 4 Candidates

    In Person

        Take advantage of one of your final opportunities to get a close-up look at the candidates for the Ward 4 seat on the City Council in advance of the May 1 special election.
        The Crestwood Citizens Association is proud to join with Neighbors, Inc, the Civic League of North Portal Estates and the Shepherd Park Citizens Association in sponsoring a candidates forum.
        Join us Tuesday, April 24 from 6 to 9 pm at Takoma Park Baptist Church - less than a mile from Crestwood at the corner of Aspen Street and Piney Branch Road NW.

    Ward 4 Candidates Forum
    Tuesday, April 24, 6-9 pm
    Takoma Park Baptist Church
    Aspen Street at Piney Branch Road

    On the Web and on Paper

        The Crestwood Citizens Association is preparing to post on our website the answers to a survey we sent to each of the Ward 4 Council candidates. Each question deals with an issue of special relevance to Crestwood - from water quality and power outages to non-residential properties and a safe path to Rock Creek Park.
        The target date for posting their responses is April 20. Read their answers on the Crestwood web site.
        In addition, the member of the Association who hosts the Crestwood site, Jeff Steele, has put together an independent website that collects a tremendous amount of information about each of the candidates - including endorsements, news stories and replies to a variety of surveys. Find those web pages at ward4specialelection.org. And thank you, Jeff, for all your hard work.
        There is a quick look at the end of this email at each of the candidates - in the order they will appear on the May 1 ballot.

    Association Meeting May 15

    Meet the Mayor

        Mayor (and neighbor) Adrian Fenty will speak at the Crestwood Citizens Association’s May meeting. We are also inviting the winning candidate for the Ward 4 Council seat. Forward any questions you’d like answered to this email address: crestwood@chused.com
        At the May meeting, the Association also elects officers and Board members for the coming year. We always need new leaders for elected positions and as members of our various Teams. Email to crestwood@chused.com to volunteer your energies or to nominate others in advance of the May meeting.

    Crestwood Citizens Association meeting:
    Mayor Fenty & Association elections
    Tuesday, May 15, 7 pm
    Grace Lutheran Church, 16th Street
    at Varnum Street (side entrance)

        Splish, Splash, Green Team at work
        The Association’s Green Team was proud to participate in the Potomac Watershed Clean-Up Saturday morning, March 31. 22 volunteers picked up 45 bags of trash and 12 bags of recyclables along Piney Branch and by the creek along Blagden Avenue.
        The next big Green Team event is the Rock Creek Park BioBlitz May 18-19, a 24-hour inventory of the species in Rock Creek Park. Learn more at www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz.

    Letter from the President
    Dear Crestwood Neighbors,
        This has been an eventful year. We have a new mayor and are about to elect his replacement on the City Council. We had an ANC election that was too close to call.
        The Association has planted trees at the point, cleaned up the park, held a Halloween party, Easter Egg hunt and wreath making workshop, and visited Hillwood Museum. Our meetings in 2007 have dealt with some of the biggest issues facing the neighborhood: unreliable electric service, crime and property taxes. We testified on the comprehensive plan and are working closely with the Federation of Citizens Associations on issues of importance to DC. We are partners with North Portal Estates and Shepherd Park on a candidates forum; and we’ve drafted a survey for the 19 contenders for the Ward 4 Council seat.
        For those who may not know, the Crestwood Citizens Association was established to serve the Crestwood community - which the District government recognizes as its own neighborhood, distinct from Carter Barron and Crestwood North (formerly Rock Creek). Our Crestwood neighborhood is located between Rock Creek Park and 16th Street within a single ANC (4A08). We concentrate on this 32-block area so we can get to know our neighbors and focus together on our common concerns. But we are always happy to work closely with neighbors from nearby streets.
        We hold six business meetings a year (every other month) and numerous social events, like the Sunday after Labor Day Picnic and the 4th of July kids parade. The Crestwood Association works in teams—including the Green Team, Kids Team, Social Team and Public Safety team. The Board and officers serve as our issues team for the Crestwood community. We also depend on our block contacts and have members on every street in Crestwood and Crestwood North. If you are not a member, you may not be getting all of the e-mails and notices. Crestwood residents maintain the neighborhood website and a Crestwood list serve.
        For the past several years, the Association's membership has been growing. Don't miss out. Join the Crestwood Citizens Association.
        Thanks for caring about our community,
    Gale Barron Black, President, Crestwood Citizens Association
    Neighborhood Notes
        Directory: A new Crestwood Directory is nearly here. In addition to names, addresses and phone numbers, there’s space to list hobbies and pets - all designed to help you network with neighbors with similar interests. Please respond to the request to update your listing. The new directory is free for dues-paying households. If you’ve never joined the Association, please send a check for $25 for a household of two or more people, or $20 for a single person household - payable to the Crestwood Citizens Association - to our CCA Treasurer at 1950 Upshur Street.
        Crime: After the number of crimes in Crestwood hit an 18-month low in February, incidents were up a bit in March. Five crimes were reported - all during the evening or late night hours. The log includes one burglary, one robbery, a stolen auto and two thefts from auto. In PSA 404 as a whole, 77 crimes were reported - an increase from February in all categories except homicide.
        Calendar: In addition to the April 24th candidates forum and the May 15 annual meeting, here’s just some of what’s coming up:
    5/18-19 - Rock Creek Park BioBlitz
    7/4 - Independence Day Kids Parade
    9/9 - Crestwood Citizens Association Picnic
    September - Autumn Garden Tour
    October - Green Team Invasive Vines Project
    October - Halloween Kids Team event
        Your current officers & Board members:
    • Gale Black, President - Crestwood Drive
    • Tom Chused, Director of Communications & Website coordinator - Randolph Street
    • Doug Barker, Vice President & Green Team - Quincy Street
    • David Swerdloff, Vice President & Newsletter - Trumbull Terrace
    • George & Deborah Chaconas, Vice Presidents & Social Team - Quincy Street
    • Thomas Calhoun, Vice President & Emergency Preparedness Team - Argyle Terrace
    • David Cichanowicz, Vice President - Randolph Street
    • Ellen Wormser, Treasurer - Upshur Street
    • Pat Hildebrand, Secretary - Taylor Street
    • Kids Team Captains: Nicole Ruman Skinner - Shepherd Street, Sarah Moghdam Pietra - Upshur Street, Kara Morgan - Upshur Street
    • Public Safety & Police Team Captains: Melvin Baker - Shepherd Street, Gale Black - Crestwood Drive

    Ward 4 Candidates

    [in ballot order, displaying information from candidate surveys and websites]

    TONY TOWNS WEBSITE: www.tonytowns.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 45 NEIGHBORHOOD: Petworth
    Native Washingtonian, civil litigation attorney, former commissioner of ANC 4A02

    MICHAEL A. BROWN WEBSITE: www.brown2007.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 41 NEIGHBORHOOD: Petworth
    Third generation Washingtonian, Managing Partner of Alcalde & Fay lobbying firm, board member of Comcast Communications, member of the Ward 4 Education Council, past board member of the Whitman Walker Clinic and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, past Vice Chairman of the DC Boxing & Wrestling Commission, Co-Chairman of AIDS Walk DC, past Finance Vice Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, son of Clinton Administration Commerce Secretary Ronald H. Brown

    MICHAEL T. GREEN  
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 46 NEIGHBORHOOD: Petworth
    Native Washingtonian, educator who has taught at the college, junior high and elementary school levels, after school and journalism coordinator at Francis Junior High School, founder and basketball coach of the Avenue Speedin’ Spiders Sports Association, more than 20 years experience as a criminal justice professional

    ARTEE “RT” MILLIGAN WEBSITE: milliganforward4.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 41 NEIGHBORHOOD: Shepherd Park
    Executive Director of Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council, chairman of the Voice of Upper Georgia Avenue, member of the Great Streets Advisory Board

    CHARLES GAITHER WEBSITE: www.gaither2007.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 40 NEIGHBORHOOD: Brightwood
    Native Washingtonian and product of the DC public schools, government relations consultant, member of the DC Democratic State Committee since 1992, former Executive Director of the DC Democratic Party, former education specialist with the DC Board of Education

    MURIEL BOWSER WEBSITE: www.muriel4ward4.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 34 NEIGHBORHOOD: Riggs Park
    Fourth-generation Washingtonian, commissioner for ANC 4B09, former treasurer of ANC 4B, elected First VP of Ward 4 Democrats, elected Second VP of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, Ward 4 Precinct Coordinator for the Fenty 2006 Mayoral Campaign

    CARROLL GREEN WEBSITE: www.green4ward4.mysite.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 66 NEIGHBORHOOD: Manor Park
    President of Manor Park Citizens Association, Past President of the Federation of Citizens Associations, Member of Committee of 100 of the Federal City, former member of the DC Board of Higher Education

    ROBERT G. CHILDS WEBSITE: www.committeetoelectchilds.org
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 51 NEIGHBORHOOD: Crestwood
    Senior Pastor of Berean Baptist Church, former DC Board of Education President and at-large representative

    JAMES CLARK  
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 66 NEIGHBORHOOD: Brightwood

    LISA P. BASS WEBSITE: www.lisabassforward4.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 49 NEIGHBORHOOD: South Manor
    Native Washingtonian, Managing Director of e-MediaPro, former public affairs director for the DC Fire & EMS Department, former WHUR and CBS radio news reporter, current newsletter editor and former officer of the South Manor Neighborhood Association

    JUDI JONES WEBSITE: www.freewebs.com/electjudijones
    PARTY: Independent AGE: 46 NEIGHBORHOOD: Lamond
    Native Washingtonian, commissioner of ANC 4B07, founder of LamondLinks community newsletter, cofounder of the Lamond Sunshine Block Club, nearly 20 years experience as a teacher in DC and Maryland schools

    T. A. UQDAH WEBSITE: www.uqdah44.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 54 NEIGHBORHOOD: Brightwood
    Native Washingtonian, product of DC public schools, former chair of ANC 4C, past president of the Carter Barron East Neighborhood Association, owner of Cornrows & Co. Natural Hair Care Salon

    GRAYLAN SCOTT HAGLER WEBSITE: www.reverendhagler.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 52 NEIGHBORHOOD: Chillum
    Senior Minister at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ

    MARLENA D. EDWARDS WEBSITE: www.marlenaedwards.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 40 NEIGHBORHOOD: Shepherd Park
    Native Washingtonian, founder and Executive Director of Metropolitan Alliance Inc., field case specialist and therapeutic social worker with the DC Department of Mental Health

    RENEE BOWSER WEBSITE: www.reneebowser.com
    PARTY: Statehood Green AGE: 57 NEIGHBORHOOD: Petworth
    Chair of ANC 4D, commissioner of ANC 4D02, former commissioner on the DC Commission on Human Rights, Assistant General Counsel for the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union

    ROY HOWELL  
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 52 NEIGHBORHOOD: Colonial Village
    Special education attorney with experience teaching law at Howard University and the University of Nairobi

    LISA COMFORT BRADFORD WEBSITE: www.comfort4council2007.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 40 NEIGHBORHOOD: Petworth
    Native Washingtonian, Reunion Officer and fundraiser at Howard University

    DOUGLASS NED SLOAN WEBSITE: www.dougsloan4ward4.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 35 NEIGHBORHOOD: Riggs Park
    Native Washingtonian, founder of Sloan Consulting, former outreach coordinator in Mayor Williams’ Office of Community Affairs, former Community Relations Director for Councilman Harold Brazil, former legislative analyst for the DC City Council Judiciary Committee, former commissioner of ANC 4A01, founder of Funding Advancements for Tomorrow political action committee (FATPAC), vice president of DC Young Democrats, former vice president of Ward Four Democrats

    DWIGHT E. SINGLETON WEBSITE: www.dwightsingletonforward4council.com
    PARTY: Democrat AGE: 45 NEIGHBORHOOD: Petworth
    Former member of the DC Board of Education


  • Fri, June 09, 2017 1:26 PM | Anonymous member
    Crestwood, Washington, DC December, 2006

    Association Meeting to Push PEPCO to Prevent Outages

        How many times have you had to reset your clocks this year?  If the answer provokes “outage outrage,” come to the January meeting of the Crestwood Citizens Association and meet the people who are supposed to ensure reliable electric service.  A senior PEPCO representative will attend the meeting Tuesday, January 16th at 7 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 4300 Sixteenth Street, NW (please use the side entrance on Varnum Street).  We have also invited officials from the People’s Counsel and the Public Service Commission.

        The Association has been documenting the neighborhood’s frequent interruptions in power—in both good weather and bad—and we have already been in discussions not only with the utility, but also with the Public Service Commission, the office of the DC Attorney General and the People’s Counsel.  Now it’s time to hear what the company and the city intend to do about the situation.

        Association members have heard PEPCO promise better service in the past.  The last time the utility sent someone to an Association meeting, we were told that PEPCO was installing animal guards to protect transformers, adding fuses to lines, relocating wires, putting in automated switchers to isolate problems, and trimming overhanging trees.  They may have done all of these things — yet we still end up with arguably the most unreliable electric service in the city.  It may come down to this basic problem: Crestwood is located at the end of miles of feeder lines.  Just like old-fashioned Christmas lights, if something happens anywhere down that long line, our power goes out.  But knowing why our electric service goes down so often provides little solace to neighbors whose health depends on electric medical equipment or whose work revolves around uninterrupted Internet access.  PEPCO has already installed special meters on two houses in Crestwood to monitor outages.Now it is time for the company to develop a plan that will actually upgrade our substandard service.

        Join us January 16th and help demonstrate the deep concern of the entire Crestwood community over our electric service.  You will also be able to comment on the draft neighborhood plan outlined at the Association’s November meeting.

    January Meeting of the
    Crestwood Citizens Association
    Tuesday, January 16th at 7 pm
    Grace Lutheran Church, 4300 16th Street

    Crestwood Tree Planting Saturday, November 18

        Green Team Brings New Life to The Point.  On a beautiful autumn morning last month, Crestwood residents gave “The Point” a native make-over.  The Association’s Green Team organized the community tree planting November 18th along the green space where Shepherd Street meets 18th Street and Crestwood Drive “to beautify and to be good stewards of a prominent part of Rock Creek Park,” says Green Team leader Doug Barker.

        The Casey Trees Endowment Fund generously donated all 22 trees planted that day, plus two more that came in later.  All are native to our area—including American holly, redbud, witch hazel, black gum and American beech.  A dozen serviceberry trees will offer interest throughout the year: brilliant blossoms in the early spring, summer berries that are enjoyed by birds (and humans!), fiery fall foliage and distinctive gray winter bark.  Crestwood neighbors planted the trees alongside volunteers from area colleges and the group, Friends of Rock Creek Environment. nbsp;Also lending a hand was Rock Creek superintendent Adrienne Coleman.  Residents near The Point have agreed to water the trees when needed to help them get established. Check out all the photos online at www.crestwood-dc.org/photo-gallery/crestwood-tree-planting.

    Plan, Pack and Practice

    Those three words can help you prepare for an emergency.  Every household should have a PLAN to respond to any of a number of dangerous situations: for example, a powerful snow or ice storm, flooding, a flu epidemic, or an attack by criminals or terrorists.  Then PACK the food, water, medicines and other supplies that you might need to sustain yourself, your family and your pets for a week.  Also put such supplies in your cars and workplaces.  Finally, have your family PRACTICE your response to an emergency.   The DC Emergency Management Agency has a family preparedness guide available online at www.dcema.dc.gov– or call them at 202-727-6161.

    2006 Association Highlights

    • The Association’s bi-monthly community meetings dealt with such topics as crime, property assessments, substandard electric service, environmental initiatives for the neighborhood, and emergency preparedness.
    • We updated the Crestwood Handbook and the neighborhood’s list of recommended contractors and made them available on-line at http://www.crestwood-dc.org/.
    • At our Candidates Forum in May, four mayoral candidates (Linda Cropp, Adrian Fenty, Marie Johns, Vincent Orange) explained their visions of the future and answered questions from Crestwood residents.
    • We worked with local police after a rash of springtime burglaries—and gave official commendation to the officers whose efforts resulted in a number of arrests.
    • We raised objections to DC’s proposed Comprehensive Plan and created a draft Neighborhood Plan.
    • Association President Gale Black took part in a two-day Charrette for Rock Creek Park to facilitate a partnership between the Association and the Park.
    • The Green Team hosted a Garden Tour, participated in a Rock Creek Park clean-up, organized the planting of two dozen native trees at The Point, and laid the groundwork for a native plant demonstration project on Shepherd Street behind the Crestwood Apartments.
    • The Kids Team organized a Fourth of July Parade and Halloween Party.
    • We hosted the annual community picnic on the Sunday after Labor Day, organized a holiday wreath-making workshop, got neighbors together for a Nationals game, and arranged a neighborhood trip to Hillwood Museum.


    • Crime in Crestwood on the Increase in November

      Crime rose in Crestwood last month by a bigger percentage than in PSA 404 (which includes Crestwood) as a whole.  Full details are available at www.crestwood-dc.org/crime-police-information 

      Neighborhood Notes

    • It’s a 50-year-old Crestwood tradition!  On December 24th, gather outside the Sheridans’ house at 6 pm for caroling—plus hot apple juice, cookies and a special surprise visitor from the North Pole (so bring the kids).  The festivities end by 6:45.
    • The holidays became more festive thanks to the Association’s wreath-making workshop Saturday, December 9.  Our thanks to Susan and Dixon Butler for being our hosts.  A week later, nearly 20 Crestwood residents went on a group visit to Hillwood Museum and Gardens—which was all dressed up for the holidays during its Russian Fest.  Thanks to George and Deb Chaconas for organizing the trip.
    • After a close ANC election, the commissioner for district 4A08 will continue to be James Jones.  Initial balloting gave challenger Jeff Hildebrand a one-vote lead.  But absentee votes from beyond Crestwood precincts 47 and 48 put the incumbent over the top.
    • The City Council gave initial approval this month to DC's new Comprehensive Plan, often described as a 20-year road map for the city.  The Association had voted to ask the Council to delay action on the Plan—as had the DC Federation of Citizens Associations and other community groups.  While Council members did not heed our call, they did approve several amendments to protect neighborhoods.
    • The Association is updating its list of block contacts.  Let us know at the January meeting if you would like to serve as a vital communications link on your block.
    • A new Crestwood Directory is coming. The updating process is now underway.


  • Fri, June 09, 2017 1:20 PM | Anonymous member
    Crestwood, Washington, DC April, 2006

    Contents:

    • Crestwood Meets Mayoral Candidates May 16, 2006
    • Police and Residents Respond to Rash of Burglaries
    • Things To Do NOW!!
    • Crestwood Calendar
    • Confused about "Crestwood"?
    • Let’s Walk!
    • 16 Ways We’re Working for Crestwood
    • Emergency Preparedness Update
    • Green Team Enhances Crestwood Ecology

      Crestwood Meets Mayoral Candidates May 16th
      Meeting Also Includes Association Elections

          The May 16th meeting of the Crestwood Citizens Association will feature a forum of D.C. mayoral candidates plus the election of Association officers for 2006-2007.  Three mayoral candidates who have numerous lawn signs in the neighborhood — Council Chairman Linda Cropp, Ward Four Councilmember Adrian Fenty and former Verizon DC president Marie Johns—have agreed to appear at the forum.  Please forward questions you would like them to answer to this email address: crestwood@chused.com.  our suggestions will provide the basis for the discussion.  We also need your help in finding Association members who would like to serve as officers and board members.  Write in to nominate someone or step forward yourself.  The board is also looking for people to work with the Association’s various Teams, to attend important regional and citywide meetings, and to testify on proposals before the City Council.  Your Association is only as strong as the number of people willing to put in some work on community issues!  See you Tuesday, May 16th at 7 pm at Grace Lutheran Church.

      Police and Residents Respond to Rash of Burglaries

          An April 5th email message from Police Captain Anthony Poteat contained welcome news: "A citizen observed a suspicious subject in the area and quickly called the police, which helped us to arrest a subject who had just committed a burglary."  The message also demonstrated the effectiveness of increased vigilance by both Crestwood residents and Fourth District police.  As at least ten burglaries struck homes in Crestwood and on adjoining streets, the police stepped up patrols by uniformed and undercover officers.  Meanwhile, residents heeded alerts describing the latest incidents and encouraging them to report suspicious activity to authorities.  These alerts were distributed by police fliers, through information at the March meeting of the Crestwood Citizens Association, and via the email network run by the Association.  Nearly all of the burglaries took place during the day, while most residents were at work.  The email network provided instant communication about each incident and provided a forum for a lively discussion of how the community should respond to the crime wave [sign up at www.crestwood-dc.org].   The recommendations contained in the alerts remain good advice:

      • Look out for individuals you do not recognize who are loitering in the neighborhood, offering to do random repair work, going door-to-door for dubious reasons, or otherwise acting strangely.  Call 311 to report suspicious activity, 911 to report a crime in progress.  Have a camera handy to take a photo of suspicious people.  Be aware of suspicious vehicles parking on your street.
      • Consider never hiring workers who come door-to-door.  The Association website contains the Crestwood Service & Resource Guide, a list of contractors recommended by your neighbors.  Print copies are also available.
      • Securely lock your doors and windows.  Lock your door even if you’re just out in the yard.  Also, reinforce your doorframes, since the best deadbolt is of little use if the door can easily be kicked in.
      • Keep your drapes and shades closed when you are away.nbsp; If criminals can look into your home and see something “worth stealing,” then, chances are, they will break in.
      • Put lights and even radios on timers.
      • Always use your alarm system.

          Police officers continue to patrol Crestwood to try to catch additional suspects, if they are out there.  At the same time, the community should not be complacent about other potential threats.  As Capt. Poteat reminds us, "We still have a lot of work to do to prevent stolen vehicles, thefts from the auto and robberies, which have been an ongoing problem in the Crestwood Community for years."

      Things To Do NOW!!

          Mark on your calendar the Crestwood Citizens Association mayoral forum & election meeting – Tuesday, April 16, 7 pm, Grace Lutheran Church, 16th & Varnum.
          Let us know if you can serve.  Get active as an officer or member of the Association Board.  Contact Communications Chief Tom Chused at crestwood@chused.com.

      Challenge the mayoral candidates by mailing Tom your questions for the contenders in advance of the May 16th candidates forum.

      Crestwood Calendar

      May 6-Annual Garden Tour organized by the Association's Green Team rain date 5/20)
      May 6-"Broadway on Varnum," a neighborhood musical at Grace Lutheran Church
      May 16-Crestwood Citizens Association meeting for the election of officers and a forum of mayoral candidates, 7 pm, Grace Lutheran Church at 16th & Varnum Streets
      June 11-Tentative date for the launch of the Green Team’s Rain Garden Project at 17th & Shepherd Streets
      July 4-Independence Day Kids Parade organized by the Association's Kids Team
      July 18-Association board meeting
      Sept 10-Annual Crestwood Citizens Association picnic
      Oct 7-Tentative date for Green Team Invasive Vines Project
      Oct 28-Kids Team Halloween event
      Nov 21-Crestwood Citizens Association meeting
      Dec 9-Tentative date for Association wreath-making workshop

      Confused about "Crestwood"?

          Even though the Crestwood Citizens Association has been around since 1941, you may be confused about who we are — and aren’t.  After all, there are now two community organizations with “Crestwood” in their names.  The word itself dates back to the 1940s — when developers chose Crestwood as the name for a group of homes they were building in a new neighborhood adjoining Rock Creek Park.  Since then, the Association’s boundaries have expanded only slightly from these original Crestwood streets.  This area shares common interests.  It is small enough that, despite our large and growing membership, we can hold most Association meetings in individual homes.  Also, our borders remain in a single school district and ANC district (4A08).  Because Crestwood is such a desirable neighborhood, residents of the surrounding area — and real estate agents representing nearby homes — began appropriating the name.  D.C. records list Crestwood, Carter Barron and Rock Creek East as three discrete neighborhoods.  Yet, in recent years, some people began referring to the entire area from the park to Colorado Avenue (and beyond) as Crestwood.  This larger area contains two school zones and two ANC districts — one of which extends east of 16th Street.  Adding to the confusion was the decision by the Rock Creek East Neighborhood League to change its name to the Crestwood Neighborhood League.  Residents — and even some city leaders — have become puzzled about the existence of two organizations with nearly the same name.  The Association will continue to cooperate with all of the area’s civic groups, including the League.  We were disappointed when League leaders declined our offer to collaborate with them on a mayoral forum — choosing instead to work with 16th Street Heights.  We are proud of the work we’ve been doing on such issues as public safety, property taxes, uninterrupted electric service, the District’s Comprehensive Plan and the environment.  We schedule Association meetings about once every two months in order to encourage our members to attend ANC, PSA Police Service Area) and other public meetings.  Please take advantage of our resources and also make a pledge to get involved in your Association by running for office or joining one of our teams: the Communications Team, Green Team, Issues Team, Kids Team, Public Safety Team and Social Team.

      Let’s Walk!

          Several residents have suggested that the Association organize a kind of Walkers Club that would get neighbors exercising together now that the warmer weather is here.  Whichever kind of walker you are, you can stay fit and enjoy good company with your neighbors.  Some people want to get a group together on a regular basis to walk through the neighborhood in the evening.  We’d like to hear from you and learn what time you’d want to meet and where.  Other people are looking for weekend hikes where they can discover the various footpaths in Rock Creek Park.  Not only do these paths take us from Crestwood into the forest, many of them also provide an easy route through the park to Mt. Pleasant, Cleveland Park or Van Ness (giving us a destination where we could all eat lunch together!).  Let us know when you’d like to walk and which hikes you would like to learn — or already know and would like to lead.

      16 Ways We’re Working for Crestwood

          Here’s a partial list of what the Crestwood Citizens Association has achieved in the past year:

      1. Helped neighbors stay informed by continually updating the Association website, www.crestwood-dc.org, and by maintaining instant communication through the Crestwood Neighborhood Email List.
      2. Provided Association members with copies of the Crestwood Directory.
      3. Prepared the Crestwood Service And Resource Guide (a list of contractors recommended by neighborhood residents) and posted it online.
      4. Published the Crestwood Handbook and posted it online.
      5. Collected 30 bags of trash along Piney Branch during the April 8 Potomac Watershed Cleanup, working with Friends of Rock Creek’s Environment.
      6. Marked storm drains to help raise awareness that overflow can go directly into Rock Creek and, ultimately, the source of our drinking water.
      7. Hosted the annual September picnic.
      8. Organized a Fourth of July Kids Parade.
      9. Inaugurated an annual Garden Tour.
      10. Helped coordinate a Crestwood trip to see a Washington Nationals game.
      11. Hosted an issues forum featuring three members of the City Council.
      12. Held bi-monthly meetings on vital issues including:
        • Escalating real estate assessments
        • Crime
        • PEPCO’s response to power outages
        • Preparation of a Crestwood emergency plan
        • Dealing with contractors on home improvements
      13. Represented the neighborhood at Police Service Area meetings, ANC meetings and meetings of the D.C. Federation of Citizens Associations.
      14. Participated on the task force that is updating the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
      15. Helped facilitate the establishment of a day care center at Grace Lutheran Church.
      16. Began planning demonstration projects featuring native plants on Crestwood parkland—working with city agencies, the Casey Trees Endowment Fund, the National Park Service, and the Friends of Rock Creek's Environment.

      Emergency Preparedness Update

          Every D.C. community has been asked to develop a neighborhood plan in the event of emergencies—from floods and storms to epidemics and terrorist attacks.  The Association is working to establish a buddy system for seniors and others who may need special assistance.  We have prepared a list of residents with medical backgrounds or who own such things as generators, four-wheel drive vehicles, grills and cellular Internet access.  We continue to update our directory and keep our website/email system in operation.  We are exploring how to provide CPR and first aid training.  Still, the most important efforts are made by each individual.  The D.C. government emergency information website includes valuable information about the items you should have stored at your home (water, food, medications, surgical masks, crank-operated radio, etc.), as well as the contents of an Emergency Go Kit that you might need to take with you.  In addition, the Association is re-energizing its network of block contacts.  These neighbors have always been there to gather and disseminate information.  But they become even more important during an emergency, when telephone and Internet service could be interrupted.  Please step forward and volunteer to be a block contact.

      Green Team Enhances Crestwood Ecology

          This month's cleanup (Aoril 8) along Piney Branch was just the start of a busy season of activity for the Association's Green Team led by Doug Barker.  The second annual Crestwood Garden Tour is coming up Saturday, May 6 (with a rain date of May 20).  In addition, the Green Team is spearheading efforts to beautify "The Point" at 18th and Shepherd Streets and the city-owned property at 17th and Shepherd Streets behind the Crestwood Apartments.  That latter plot could lose its weeds and Jersey barriers and become instead a "rain garden" — a landscape of native plants that provide natural beauty as they reduce pollution.  A rain garden would filter water runoff into the ground instead of having the water flow into the storm sewer and Rock Creek.  The Green Team is also discussing efforts to add plantings to The Point and perhaps add a kiosk for community announcements.  Association board members and President Gale Black met this month with Rock Creek Superintendent Adrienne Coleman to help coordinate these projects — and discuss other ways to help Crestwood residents enjoy, experience and protect the park.  The Association officers also got an update on the plan to extend the Blagden Avenue sidewalk down to the park. Superintendent Coleman repeated her support for the effort to give families safer and easier access to parkland by installing such a path.  However, she said park authorities have been concerned about the environmental effects of putting "additional impervious surface" near the creek.  She also mentioned the challenges of building such a path, noting that the south side of Blagden adjoins a tributary to the creek and the north side is next to a steep slope.  Ms. Coleman reported that a draft environmental analysis would be finished soon.


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