With this hearing which follows Chairman Evans’ initial, more informal June 29th public oversight roundtable on the matter, the committee is providing another opportunity for the DC Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board to provide an update on the series of community meetings it held in the fall of 2011, as well as its on-going implementation internet gambling for the District. The original legal authority for this program was included in Title VII, Subtitle G, “Lottery Modernization Act of Bill 18-1100,” of the “Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Budget Support Act of 2010,” which is now DC Law 18-370.

Also to be discussed at the hearing will be Bill 19-474, the “Lottery Amendment Repeal Act of 2011,” which would amend the law to “Legalize Lotteries, Daily Numbers Games, and Bingo and Raffles for Charitable Purposes” (DC Law 3-172) by eliminating the authorization for on-line gambling. (The InTowner addressed this highly controversial provision in an editorial last August, see From the Publisher’s Desk, “Online Gambling Parlors About to Sneak Into Our Neighborhoods”; available in our website’s archive of editorials at http://tinyurl.com/6mch7y3.

Members of the public wishing to testify should contact the finance Committee’s assistant, Sarina Loy, at (202) 724-8058 or by email at sloy@dccouncil.us, and provide name and organizational affiliation (if any) no later than 10 a.m on Wednesday, January 25. Witnesses may specify whether they would like to testify at during the morning portion or the evening portion. Witnesses should bring 15 copies of their written testimony to the hearing.

The Committee allows individuals 3 minutes to provide oral testimony in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard. Additional written statements are encouraged and will be made part of the official record. Written statements may be submitted by e-mail to sloy@dccouncil.us or mailed to: Council of the District of Columbia, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 114, Washington, DC 20004.

Also offering a presentation will be Laura Trieschmann of EHT Traceries, Inc., a local architectural history firm, who will explain what makes up an historic district or qualifies as an historic landmark, how they become officially recognized, and discuss the three historic districts in Adams Morgan, their landmarked buildings, and other buildings of note.

In addition to the two presentations noted, officials of the National Zoo have been invited to discuss the implementation of provisions in the Zoo’s current Master Plan that call for restoring the long-deteriorating historic 1800s Holt House mansion located between Rock Creek and Adams Mill Road and converting it into a research facility. KCA for a number of years has spent much time and resources in a campaign to convince the National Zoo, part of the Smithsonian Institution, to preserve Holt House and put it to some constructive use.

For more information, send an email to President@KaloramaCitizens.org or call Denis James at (202) 232-8829.

[Note: Holt House has been the subject of previous coverage by The InTowner. See, "Zoo Allowing Collapse Of 200 Year Mansion, Desecration of Old Burial Ground and Rock Creek Pollution; Laws May Be Broken" (May 1997), available by request to newsroom@intowner.com; Scenes from the Past (April 2003), available in on-line archive; "Preservation-Minded Neighbors Decry Decayed State of Zoo's Historic Adams Mill Road Site" (June 2003), available by request to newsroom@intowner.com; “Reconstructing Historic Holt House” (March 2010), available in website’s Special Online Content section.]

These performances all take place inside the soaring John Russell Pope-designed sanctuary (reminiscent of a great Christopher Wren church in London) featuring National City’s magnificent 7,000-pipe, five-keyboard Möller organ. For more information, call the church’s music office at (202) 797-0103 or send an email to cmiller@nationalcitycc.org or visit www.nationalcitycc.org.

Accompanying images can be viewed in the current issue PDF

Jubilee Housing celebrated the 2011-‘12 holiday season with high notes of program accomplishments. These included the completion of residential leasing for the final phase of its two-year, Adams Morgan apartment building historic preservation and renovation program of the Euclid and Sorrento apartments.

Also of note was the December 2011 purchase of an eighth Jubilee Housing building, this one the Maycroft in Columbia Heights at 1474 Columbia Road, NW, and the announcement of a competitively won $100,000 grant from TD Bank’s “Housing for Everyone” Program. Jubilee was one of 25 recipients of these “Housing for Everyone” awards — a $2.5 million TD Bank program for 2011 — and Jubilee will use its grant in the recently announced project of renovating the 65-unit Maycroft Apartments.

Completion of the Euclid and Sorrento marked the first use by Jubilee of federal historic preservation tax credits in the programmatic mix of funding which came together to launch these two building renovations.

The Euclid and Sorrento, the second of the overall project’s two phases, followed the renovation of the 27-unit Ontario Court apartments, which was sandwiched between this second phase and that of the first phase which had included renovation of the 29-unit Mozart, the 60-unit Ritz, the 12-unit Fuller Court, and the 17-unit Marietta.

All seven of these apartment buildings are in the Reed-Cooke section of Adams Morgan, a neighborhood in transition from a residential/light industrial zone to a residential/community-serving retail zone. New housing construction in Reed-Cooke has primarily been luxury condominiums priced at market rate, with only a few affordable units, and these units being priced at the high end — typically 80 percent of the Average Median Income (AMI) of the Washington Metropolitan area, which is roughly $100,000.

In an eloquent statement on the Jubilee Housing website, the Adams Morgan community it serves is characterized as being among a Washington working class segment, two thirds of which make less than 30 percent of the AMI, and work in service and support roles often at no more than minimum wage.

The community’s racial and ethnic composition –- 58 percent black, 33 percent Latino, and 9 percent identifying as other –- reflects the neighborhood’s historic multi-cultural diversity, and supported by Jubilee providing 215 households in these seven apartment buildings with newly renovated apartments that provide an anchoring basis for both those whose age and medical conditions predicts long-term occupancy and for younger families and individuals who will ultimately transition into market rate apartments or moderate income housing being pioneered by organizations such as Manna and other Washington non-profits.

The renovations and historic preservation of these handsome, almost 100-year-old brick, stone, and masonry apartment buildings have been widely praised both in the community and by Washington philanthropic agencies as well as by government agencies, banking and other funding institutions, and fellow non-profits.

Specific costs for the Euclid and Sorrento renovations included a $9.6 million Historic and Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity from PNC Real Estate, $5 million in financing from United Bank, a $3.6 million Home Investment Partnership Program loan from DC’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and 52 units of local rent supplements program subsidy from the District’s Housing Authority.

“This project is a prime example of how government can partner with the non-profit sector to leverage private sector investment and preserve quality affordable housing,” said DHCD Director Leila Finucane Edmonds. PNC Bank Regional President Michael N. Harreld added, “We understand the value of mixed income diverse neighborhoods and the financial challenges inherent in developing them — challenges that are magnified in the current economic environment.”

In conversation with this reporter, Jubilee Housing’s Executive Director Jim Knight reflected on Jubilee’s overarching program mission, one strategically promoted by its early inspirational supporter, the famed area developer James Rowse — namely, a mission to provide safe and affordable housing to families and individuals, often desperately in need of such accommodations. Once housing is met, so goes this remarkable philosophy, there is then the opportunity to meet other goals — for example, adequate health care, education and training, and jobs. Knight noted that not every resident of Jubilee Housing would transit out, echoing the age and medical condition concerns and conditions of stable, long-term residents.

Knight also emphasized Jubilee’s innovative educational programs such as Jubilee Jump Start serving infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers; Jubilee Youth Services which includes after-school programs and computer labs; a wellness center, and referrals to related programs within walking distance in Adams Morgan.

Those wishing to visually appreciate the dramatic appearance of newly renovated and restored Jubilee Housing apartment buildings need only take note of the Sorrento Apartments at 18th and Kalorama Road, whose now restored exterior façades brightly reflect the fascinating brick and stone work of the building’s original construction. Smiles on the faces of residents entering and leaving no doubt reflect the handsome appearance of the individual apartments inside and their state-of-the-art appliances and conveniences.

Accompanying images can be viewed in the current issue PDF

Adams Morgan’s participation in the District’s second annual “Small Business Saturday” on November 26, 2011 was deemed a success by the organizers and business owners who took part.

Given the national focus on “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” immediately following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday (SBS) was first touted in 2010 as a way to encourage people to support local and neighborhood shops and restaurants. More publicity and ads surrounded this year’s program as local partners created activities to continue positive effects into 2012.

Adams Morgan Main Street organized events to showcase retail and other neighborhood businesses, with more than 30 of these offering some type of special. Adams Morgan’s local Farmer’s Market celebrated its 40th anniversary.

National sponsors such as American Express, Clear Channel, and Women in Public Policy added a needed push. WASH-FM 97.1 provided music and giveaways.

“Generally,” referring to the Saturday following Thanksgiving, “this is one of the slowest Saturdays of the year in our neighborhood business area,” said Hallie Del Villan, Creative Director of Skynear Furnishings; “but it was different this year.”

In the last 15 years, 65 percent of all new jobs nationwide were created by small businesses. According to Janet Lugo-Tafur, Executive Director of Adams Morgan Main Street, “Shopping local produces a true multiplier effect, since our truly local small businesses reinvest in the DC economy at a 60 percent higher rate than do chains or online retailers.

Centralized activities at the Sun Trust Plaza planned by Adams Morgan Main Street included the Obama Administration’s Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Marie Johns, speaking about the importance of small business to the economy; the newly confirmed director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), Harold Pettigrew, reading a Mayor Vince Gray Proclamation; and  Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham who not only spoke of the critical importance of neighborhood small business in job creation for DC, but who also had the honor of joining in the cutting of the spectacular SBS-themed cake that had been created by the brand new neighborhood retail bakery, Sweet Themez.

Demos and fashions punctuated the program with the Tibet Shop showing its wares, including a wonderful singing bowl, and Idle Time Books showing special coffee table books, calendars, and cards as holiday gifts. Owner Val Morgan noted their continuous retail presence in Adams Morgan for 30 years and said, “This is a shout-out for Adams Morgan Main Street for its promotion of retail.” Hot coffee and cider was cheerfully purveyed by Tryst owner Constantine Stavropoulis’ “right hand,” Jocelyne DeHass. High marks were given to the fashion show put on by Violet Boutique as well as winter wear by Skynear.

Various program segments highlighted particular businesses. “Gifts Galore” highlighted Adams Morgan’s newest jewelry business, Turquoise, as well as Idle Time Books, Tibet Shop, and with mentions of Crooked Beat, Toro Mata, Tienda Malik, Little Shop of Flowers, Capitol Hemp, and Brass Knob. “Looking Good in Winter” showcased Planet Pet, Skynear Furnishings, MINT Club Spa Retreat, and with mentions of And Beige, Joy’s Spa, Beauty Tu You, Mercedes Bien, Meeps Fashions, Morton’s Fine Art, Fleet Feet, Smash, and Salon XYZ.

Drawings were held throughout the day for 15 cash cards worth $25 each donated by American Express. Susan Borja, one of the lucky winners, said, “This is a great time to win extra shopping money!” Skynear’s owner, Lynn Skynear, said that she had more publicity, purchases, and attention generated to her long-time retail business from SBS and its related activities of Adams Morgan Main Street than from other promotions.

In addition to all the local TV stations, two private film crews also filmed footage to use for the upcoming year and placement in next year’s Small Business Saturday national commercials. Among neighborhood retailers being filmed A.M. Wine Shoppe, where one film crew spent four hours and also paid owner Justin Abad who said, “Small Business Saturday and the attention brought to our business and other retail by Adams Morgan Main Street was terrific, and we are excited about the prospect of continued attention for 2012!”

Mellow Mushroom provided pizza for the volunteers and participants and Perry’s concluded the day with hot mulled cider samples. Other food establishments mentioned or providing specials included El Tamarindo, Casa Oaxaca, Amsterdam Falafelshop, Jack Rose, Las Canteras, Bourbon, Instant Noodles, Bardia’s New Orleans Café, Grill from Ipanema, Chief Ike’s, and Jamaican Joe’s.

*Lisa Duperier, a Texan, has resided in Adams Morgan for more than 20 years. She serves as President of Adams Morgan Main Street (www.ammainstreet.org), on the Board of Kalorama Park, and with other volunteer activities.

Accompanying images can be viewed in the current issue PDF

In a full page, public service announcement on January 5, 2012, The Carnegie Corporation of New York and The New York Times announced the 10 winners of the 2011 “I Love My Librarian” Award. Supported by the American Library Association and “@ your library®” — the Campaign for America’s Libraries — the award honors librarians from throughout the country “who have demonstrated outstanding public service and who make a difference in their communities.” These 10 winners were selected from over 1,700 nominations by library users nationwide.

Listed in alphabetical order, the first winner was Venetia V. Demson, who heads the DC Public Library’s Adaptive Services Division.

The text of Ms. Demson’s nomination, from an anonymous (to the public, that is) library user, characterizes her as “a dedicated librarian and disability advocate who has built an innovative adaptive services program at the DC Public Library — one that serves as an international model.”

Descriptions of her innovative programs and community partnerships follow, as well as encomiums from professionals in the field and staff and officials from partnership organizations. These include the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind, the American University’s progam for learning disabilities, the DC Council of the Blind, Metropolitan Washington Ear, the DC Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the DC Public Schools system. Especially eloquent are testimonials from library users and from parents of library users.

The concluding section of the formal nomination poses the question, “How does the nominee make the library a better place?” The answer given for this nomination is illuminating:

“Venetia is the Regional Librarian for the DC Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.  She oversaw the distribution of the new digital Talking Book players and the rapid expansion of the BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) service. She worked with architects to redesign The Adaptive Services Division, physically restructuring the space to support her vision.This increased the number of adaptive workstations from 3 to 12, added a learning lab space with an FM loop amplification system for the hearing impaired, created a Braille literacy corner, and installed an updated audiobook recording booth with digital recording capability. Over her time at the library, Venetia brought video phones, captioned telephones and handheld amplifiers into the library.”

Upon receiving notification of the award, DCPL’s Director of Library Services Nancy Davenport proudly noted, “Venetia’s work ensures that people with disabilities have the access they need to read, learn, and use the library — and to use the technology — independently. The training and app development programs that Venetia and her staff have created are cutting edge.”