2008: What's Happening in Ward 3

Happy New Year! We hope 2008 is off to a good start for you and your family.

2008 looks to hold key opportunities for us to shape the future of the Wisconsin Avenue corridor, including the city's Comprehensive Re-zoning process and a decision about the Tenley-Friendship Library. Here's a quick update from around Ward 3:

Tenley-Friendship Library
Commerce Bank/old Outer Circle site
Maxim Condos/old Babe's Billiards
Comprehensive Re-zoning process
Akridge? Ped safety?

We promise to keep you informed about these issues. We hope you'll stay in touch with us, in turn.

Tell us what your thoughts on the coming year, and let us know if you'd like to get more involved.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Perring
www.Ward3Vision.org

Note from Councilmember Mary Cheh on the Proposed Commerce Bank

The note was posted last month on a community listserv.

"I have followed the thread on the listserv concerning the Commerce Bank. I am posting now to tell you what I have been doing about the project. During the past couple of weeks, I have been pressing the Department of Transportation to keep both the ANC and my office informed about the status of any permits being issued for the bank. I am very concerned, not only about the process but also about whether circumstances at the site could properly allow permits to be issued. Unfortunately, I have been frustrated—as has the ANC—in getting information and having an opportunity to express our shared concerns. Most recently, I have written to the Director of the Department of Transportation, the text of which is set out below:

Dear Director Moneme:

I am very concerned about the proposed Commerce Bank project located at 4849 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. Both the community and my office have been circumvented throughout the entirety of this process, with troubling results. My office has received a number of complaints about this project, and I share many of the same concerns expressed by my constituents. Thus I would like to receive, in writing, an update on the Commerce Bank project, including which permits have been approved by your agency and the reasoning for their approval.

I do not believe that this matter has been properly handled, and I will object to any action that does not include our community's opportunity to state its objections.

MARY M. CHEH
Councilmember for Ward 3
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 108
Washington, DC 20004

Tel: (202) 724-8062
marycheh@dccouncil.us"

New! Check out our calendar

Having trouble keeping track of all the community meetings? Well, so are we!

Be sure to bookmark our new calendar, which we'll keep updated with all of the latest events.

Know of an upcoming event? Let us know.

Come to the Smart Growth Party Tomorrow

As you know, Ward 3 Vision is a campaign partnership between all of YOU and the Coalition for Smarter Growth.

This year the Coalition for Smarter Growth is celebrating our 10th Anniversary by throwing a big party this Wednesday, November 14, at 6:30 PM, in the U Street neighborhood. View the invitation

Please join us and support smart growth in our neighborhood and the DC region!

As a non-profit, we rely on foundation grants and people like you for support. Your tax deductible donation allows us to maintain the Ward 3 Vision website, provide staff time and expertise, send email alerts, and participate in neighborhood outreach activities.

RSVPs requested but not required. Please contact me with questions.