Greater Greater Washington by Claire Jaffe
To make a positive impact in the community, it’s important to do more than just read about and discuss issues online. We publish our weekly events post to tell you about opportunities to get out and act!
Just a few blocks from the Petworth Metro, a District-owned apartment that most call the Hebrew Home has been vacant since 2009. The DC government, which owns the property, has tried to redevelop it twice. The most recent failed attempt in 2014 would have created approximately 200-units of housing with 90% designated as affordable, including a senior preference for 25% of the units.
Now, the city is trying again. Last year there was a series of public meetings to gather input on a proposal to build mixed-income housing on the site. This Thursday, May 25, come out to hear the latest from the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and give feedback on the project. The meeting is at 6:30 pm at the Raymond Recreation Center (3725 10th Street NW).
Be sure to check out the other great events this week too:
Tuesday, May 23: The National Complete Streets Coalition recently released a report, "Dangerous by Design," on pedestrian safety across the country. Hear about what places are the best and worst for people on foot, what populations are most vulnerable, and best practices, from Emiko Atherton, Director of the coalition. Her talk is at Tuesdays at APA at 5:30 pm at 1030 15th Street NW, Suite 750 West.
Tuesday, May 23: As urban areas around the world continue to grow, building enough affordable housing to accommodate the growth is a more and more pressing issue. Head to Housing Matters: The House and the City, to hear from award-winning Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao about case studies from low-cost, socially conscious solutions that work. The talk is at 6 pm at 421 7th Street NW.
Next Wednesday, May 31: There has been a cycling boom in Western Europe, the US, and Canada over the last 20 years. Hear about the trends, safety, integrating biking into public transit, and the factors that have contributed to the growth at a talk next Wednesday at 7:30 pm at BicycleSpace in Adams Morgan (2424 18th Street NW).
Saturday, June 3: Downtown Bethesda continues to be one of the most sought after communities in the DC region. With the Marriott relocating their headquarters to Downtown Bethesda, this community is booming. Learn what's in store for the next few years at a Coalition for Smarter Growth walking tour on June 3 from 10 am to 12 pm. RSVP for details.