AFRH meeting recap

[from the United Neighborhood Coalition, via the Petworth-Cares listserv]

Tonight's [6/22] hearing at the Soldiers Home regarding development plans and their environmental impact was very well attended. A show of hands among the several hundred attendees showed that the vast majority were residents of the adjacent neighborhoods.

Councilmembers Fenty and Graham both spoke and expressed their commitment to substantive community involvement in the creation of any development plans. Many Petworth, Park View, and Soldiers Home residents also spoke, and were nearly unanimous in their concern that a broad range of environmental considerations needs to be better addressed. In particular, speakers repeatedly expressed the need for parkland that is accessible to the public.

Special thanks must go out to our Councilmembers for their support and to the many community members who volunteered -- via the listservs and at last week's community meeting on this issue -- to distribute flyers and spread the word about the importance of attending the hearing.

Finally, as Councilmember Graham stated after he asked for all of the neighborhood residents to raise their hands, the level of turnout sent a clear signal to the Soldiers Home management that the community is engaged and must be taken seriously in this process. So thanks to ALL of the community members who attended the hearing tonight -- united, we are making a difference!

Comments

[Andrew]

Hi Sara,

Concerned/interested residents started an e-mail group dedicated solely to the Soldiers Home (aka Armed Forces Retirement Home) development. It's really the best way to be able to interact with others on this important issue. You can join at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/afrhdevelopment/

The full EIS (16.5 MB PDF) is at:

http://www.afrhdevelopment.com/pdf/Draft_EIS_May_2005.pdf

Chapter-by-chapter PDFs (easier to navigate) are available via the link below the "Welcome!" message on the main page at:

http://www.u-n-c.org

We'd really appreciate any insights/input!

Andrew

[Sara Benson]

Hello,

I am new to the neighborhood and I haven't heard much about this development until I read about it on the blog. If the comments on the EIS are due by July 6, is there anyway I can get a copy or is it available on-line? I would be willing to lend my expertise on the subject of traffic impacts, as I am a transportation engineer. As the development plans continue there will also be Traffic Impact Studies (TIS) and I would be willing to review and provide comments on those as they become available.

I am interested in this as a resident of the neighborhood and would like to help out anyway that I can. If someone could direct me to the appropriate person/commitee/group that would be great.

Thanks,
Sara Benson
5th & Allison

[Virginia]

Great to hear there were so many who went, I couldn't, unfortunately, but I am very leary of what govt. may do with that land. I have a friend who worked at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and I've asked her to look into whether they have a local advocate-when I get read on this stuff, I'd love to contribute my comments in writing-- where do I do that Sandy? Thanks. Virginia

[Sandy Hoffman]

[via Petworth listserv]

Petworth and Park View did itself proud last evening at the Soldier's Home EIS hearing. As UNC said, the turn out was large and there were many eloquent speakers.

I'd just like to remind everyone that the deadline for written comments on the EIS is July 6. Please consider making written comments. These are also critical as a major place where we can have input as residents.

If anyone knows civic organizations who they think have an interest in whether or how the Soldier's Home land is developed, please contact them and urge them to submit written comments.

I'd just like to make one personal comment on where it looks to me like we stand re resident participation. Although the Soldier's Home officials verbally assured us last night that this was just the beginning of citizen participation, their EIS strongly implies that because this is federal land we have no legal right to participation beyond the EIS and Historic Preservation review process. Congresswoman Norton's office and Councilmembers Graham and Fenty have urged residents (at last Monday's meeting) to keep working to make sure we actually do get involvement after this EIS/ Historic Preservation Review phase. They all pledged to work with residents to help assure we get meaningful input into the whole development process.

But for now ... way to go Petworth/Park View!

Sandy

[gary rice]

i have not heard too many comments concerning the meeting on the land development at AFRH-W. Anyone have comments (positive/negative) regarding the meeting?

[crazydem]

congrats to you guys for getting the word out there to all of us. I didn't make it but my partner did and filled me in.

Does the DC government have ANY say at all in how this important area will be used?

congress spends billions on Iraq but no money for these guys and they have to sell off their land to the highest bidder.

[Dan]

Can someone that attended give those of us that were unable to attend an inside look at the meeting? IE, besides being heard, was the voice of the Petworth Local listened too? Any insight as to the potential results of last night's meeting would be great too. Regards.