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On Thursday, May 12, the U Street Neighborhood Association had its regular meeting.  The first part of the meeting U Street Neighborhood Association was fortunate to have a author Blair Ruble discuss his new book, “Washington’s U Street: A Biography.” After the discussion of the book the association discussed its agenda items including upcoming events. 

Meeting:  U Street Neighborhood Association General Membership Meeting
Date:  5/12/11 Time: 7:00 pm
Location:  Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th Street, NW

Special Presentation

• Book Talk: Blair Ruble, Washington’s U Street: Biography - Mr. Ruble discussed some of the overall themes of his book and read from selected passages.  Mr. Ruble discussed how the U street neighborhood has always functioned as a "zone of contact" a mix of economic & racial components of the city.  He discussed some of the african american history of our neighborhood, and warned that while the neighborhood develops we must be careful to preserve some of what has made this distinct.  Some residents also shared their experiences of growing up in the neighborhood discussing the schools/theatres that were unique and how critical this neighborhood was to DC's african american culture.  Bus Boys & Poets carries his book if you are interested in purchasing it.

President’s Remarks & General Business

• Jon Kardon ran the meeting in Christine's absence.
• Seeking volunteer for Transportation and Parking Chair

Treasurer’s Report – Sharon Dreyfuss, Treasurer,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• There was no report from last month, but Sharon said there were no expenses, incoming funds in that period.
• Balance for start of April was $17,117.96; there was $45 in dues paid and a $5 donation and a $92 expense for a year of a PO Box.  Ending Balance was $17,075.96 (with $10.03 designated for Vermont Avenue project).  $6,000 will be transferred to Harrison Rec Center, of which $5,500 will be returned to this account once Harrison Rec center raises those funds.
• The Harrison Rec Center funds started at $1,112.64 with expenses of $123.91, and an ending balance of $988.73.

Committee Reports

• Public Safety – Sushupta Sudarshan, Brian Card,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Brian & Sushupta reported that at the last PSA meeting there was a discussion of the recent increase in shootings which have been attributed to an ongoing feud between Lincoln Westmoreland crew and the crew at 7th & O St. NW.  This is believed to have contributed to 5 recent shooting incidents in PSA 305 & PSA 308.  Additionally there has been an increase in crimes in the 1900 block of 9th St NW.
  • Brian & Sushupta reported that MPD has increased patrols there, and that local businesses are being encouraged to use reimbursable details of MPD officers to bolster safety.  Full details of the meeting can be found at the minutes of the public safety committee athttp://www.ustreet-dc.org/joomla//content/view/345/29/
  • Officer Garrett Higgins reported that three more foot officers have been put into place to focus on this area for the next 30 days on Thursday night thru Tuesday night.  There was discussion about the redistricting of police districts that is expected to occur soon.  The USNA is concerned about the previous split which separated 14th Street into two distinct police districts & PSAs.
• Membership – Jay Murphy,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • No update since Jay wasn't in attendance.
• Friends of Harrison Recreation Center – Manisha Modi,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Manisha not present, Jon provided update
  • Had april 16th dc servathon  - built benches, set up new library,
  • U street movie series – press release handed out.  First night is may 24th.  Collaborated with afi silverdocs.  Looking for volunteers, seeking sponsorships, all proceeds after recovering our expenses will go to friends of Harrison rec center.
• Business Development – Tucker Gallagher,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Update of New Businesses was providced by Tucker, details of his update can be found athttp://www.ustreet-dc.org/joomla//content/view/337/29/
• Green – Scott Pomeroy,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Living city block project had a good month, bringing three employees on board; looks like they can do a community gardening program in extra land as part of dunbar (reclaimed parking spaces); tied into summer youth program that debra Thomas works with.  Waste management program signed contract at 14th/u .  july 1st program will be up and running – 9 different business es participating, expect to get full 18 business of the block participating – solar compactor for trash, composting, and recycling.
• Historic Preservation and Development – Sheryl Walter,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • No report since Sheryl wasn't present.
• Education – Alice Speck,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • No report, Alice not present.
  • Jon mentioned that on May 30th 12-4:00 St. X will be sponsoring a chili cook off with proceed to go to the Garrison School PTA.
• Parking/Transportation – vacant,  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • No update

Update from CM Graham's office - provided by John DeTaeye

• Trying to restore 27M in cuts to homeless services.  Working with psa 305 on more comprehensive effort for recent problems in public safety.  Discussed that one of the arrests near 9th & T related to a shooting – was Marquette hunter – affililiated with 7th/O street, who was the victim at the shooting at 14th/V.  He had an ankle bracelet, was in csosa care at the time.

Young lady from busboys and poets - 3% of dc PS in ward 7/8 graduate from college; encouraged us to look for ways to engage some of the youth at risk.

Closed at 8:30