Dec. 6, 2023 meeting
This meeting was held virtually with about half a dozen members attending. The Association will next meet on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
Executive summary
The South Manor Neighborhood Association (SMNA) held a virtual meeting on Dec. 6, 2023, with several members in attendance. The meeting discussed the recent launch of a food bank fundraiser and the upcoming launch of the SMNA website. Plans for future face-to-face meetings were also mentioned, along with updates on DC events and legislation. One resident shared her experience with going solar, and there was a discussion about an abandoned car and public safety concerns in the neighborhood. The meeting concluded with a reminder about the upcoming annual dues.
Website launch and food bank fundraiser
Andrew McGill initiated the meeting by bringing up the old business. SMNA had just launched a food bank fundraiser benefitting the Capitol Area Food Bank. In addition, SMNA would soon be launching a website, with Andrew taking charge of the web design.
Lenora Fuller-McCall expressed the desire to have face-to-face meetings once or twice a year once the Covid situation improves. She also suggested having short blurbs about the association's past achievements on the website.
DC Updates: Restaurant Week, Snowstorm, Legislation, Carbon Free 2045
MOCRS representative Sophia Tekola shared several updates.
Mayor Bowser recently initiated DC Black Restaurant Week, with a focus on several Ward 4 restaurants.
Sophia also mentioned an upcoming snowstorm and encouraged residents to sign up for alerts and prepare accordingly.
She then discussed a new legislation that went before the council, and is still open for feedback and testimonies.
She discussed the "Carbon Free DC 2045" initiative, aiming for the city to be carbon free by 2045 through strategies such as phasing out on-site fossil fuels and reducing embodied carbon.
She also encouraged residents to sign up for DC Health Link by December 15th to secure coverage starting January 1st.
Solar power, abandoned cars, and public safety.
Lenora shared her experience about going solar and highlighted the challenges she faced, particularly with the inspection process with Pepco, which took several months. She suggested that the city could possibly intervene to expedite the process.
Sophia, Dena Aponte-Smith, and Alison discussed a car that was parked in the neighborhood with out-of-state and expired tags. Dena had previously requested its removal through 311, but it was not considered a hazard. However, the car was eventually moved by its owner.
The group also discussed an incident of a resident being robbed in the area, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness of surroundings. The group also mentioned public safety walks conducted with MPD, and their intention to connect isolated residents with their neighbors.
Sophia reminded everyone to be vigilant and protect their belongings, emphasizing the dangers of leaving packages visible and unattended. There was also a discussion about the possibility of Amazon working with local authorities to prevent package thefts.
Dues are due
Additionally, Alison reminded the team that annual dues would be due in January.