Feb. 7, 2024 meeting
This meeting was held virtually with about half a dozen members attending. The Association will next meet on Wednesday, March 6.
Executive summary
The SMNA heard multiple updates from MOCRS representative Derek Johnson and agreed to review its new community website at the next meeting.
News from MOCRS
MOCRS representative Derek Johnson (subbing in for Sophia Tekola) shared the following updates:
Updates on the Secure DC bill, including drug-free “no loitering” zones;
Winter hiring fair on Feb. 13
Registration opening for the 2024 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program
Ongoing oversight hearings in council
Community concerns
President Alison Brooks and Lenora Fuller-McCall both brought up the propensity of litter on North Capitol Street; Mr. Johnson said he’d handle 311 requests to address the issue.
Ms. Fuller-McCall brought up a proposal by DDOT to reduce traffic on Grant Circle by making it a one-lane road and eliminating all parking, which sparked a conversation about the importance of involving existing residents and businesses in such decisions.
President Brooks discussed the opening of a ghost kitchen on Kansas Avenue, which could cause traffic problems, and ongoing issues with a former Coloma River Capital property at the corner of 1st and Kennedy Streets NW.
President Brooks also raised concerns about a city policy that allowed people to sell goods outside without a license, which she argued incentivized theft.
SMNA website
President Brooks, Ms. Fuller-McCall, and Andrew McGill discussed progress on creating a website that would include the organization's mission statement, history, achievements and useful information.
They agreed on the need for a dues system, meeting schedules and minutes, local resources, and representative links.
President Brooks agreed to send Mr. McGill her version of the mission statement for editing and expansion.
The team also considered including photos in the document, with Andrew suggesting they think about potential images to include.
Future speakers and other news
The team also discussed potential speakers for future meetings, with Mr. McGill suggesting representatives from the business development coordinator for Kennedy Street and the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The team also discussed the potential of a library on Kennedy Street. The team also touched on the subject of dues, reminding members that they were due at the start of the New Year. Lastly, they planned a community cleanup for either March or April.