Open House on Preservation of Meridian Hill Park - Phase V, Tuesday, January 14, 2014

The National Park Service is planning to undertake Phase V of the preservation of Meridian Hill Park. It proposes to continue repairs to the exposed aggregate concrete throughout the park, stabilize historic features, and install an American Disability Act (ADA) accessible entrance into the lower level of the park. 

The National Park Service invites the public to an Open House:

January 14, 2014 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Moshe Zusman Photograph Studio, 1401 Florida Avenue, N.W. (corner of 14th Street and Florida Avenue, N.W.), Washington, D.C. 20009

 

Moshe Zusman Photography StudioThe National Park Service is inviting comments during a 30-day public comment period through February 9, 2014.

For information, please visit the National Park Service Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/MeridianHParkPhaseV.

If you have any questions, please contact Simone Monteleone, Cultural Resources Program Manager, Rock Creek Park, at 202-829-2163 or by email at simone_monteleone@nps.gov, or Mike McMahon, Landscape Architect, Rock Creek Park, at 202-254-2467 or by email at mike_mcmahon@nps.gov .

Mayor Gray Encourages District Residents to Look Out for Vulnerable Neighbors and Homeless in Frigid Weather‏

From Juan Camilo Barragan, Office of the Mayor

Services Are Available to Those Who Need a Warm Place to Stay During Dangerous Weather

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As temperatures in the District are forecast to drop to levels not seen in this region in years over the next 24-48 hours, Mayor Vincent C. Gray encouraged District residents to look out for those who are vulnerable during extreme weather – including the homeless and elderly family members, friends and neighbors.

“The District will see temperatures tonight and tomorrow that we haven’t seen in years – and such extreme cold can have deadly consequences for those who are exposed to it even for a short period of time,” said Mayor Gray. “Please be on the lookout for those who might be vulnerable, and take advantage of the many resources the District offers to keep people safe and warm.”

Mayor Gray said District residents who see or know an individual or family who is homeless can call the District’s hypothermia helpline at 1-800-535-7252. Residents can also call 311 to be connected to the proper services for people who are homeless in extreme cold.

The District government, through the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), declares a hypothermia alert when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, including the wind chill. Extreme cold can cause significant impacts to individuals residing in facilities without adequate heat and for those living on the streets.

District agencies will activate their internal plans to ensure their residents, employees, and the public are protected against extreme cold. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay indoors or find a public facility available for warming. D.C. Public Library (DCPL) branches, some Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) facilities, and the Office on Aging’s (DCOA) Senior Wellness Centers are all places where the District government encourages residents in need to stay warm; they are open to the public during normal business hours:

For a list of DCPL locations and operating hours: http://www.dclibrary.org/hours-locations

For a list of DPR recreation centers and hours: http://dpr.dc.gov/page/recreation-centers

For a list of DCOA Senior Wellness Centers, follow this link: http://dcoa.dc.gov/service/senior-wellness-centers

If major power outages occur throughout the city, HSEMA may activate a DPR site as an emergency warming shelter for that neighborhood or area. Emergency warming shelters are overnight shelters open for the number of people affected by the cold emergency with sleeping cots, food, snacks and additional assistance provided as needed.

Pets should also be brought indoors during hypothermia alerts. To report cruelty, neglect and animal emergencies 24 hours a day, call the Washington Humane Society at 202.723.5730.

For more information on ways to prepare for, and respond to, extreme cold, visit HSEMA’s: http://hsema.dc.gov/page/extreme-weather-cold

Best,

JCB

Next meeting: Tuesday, December 17, 2013, Moshe Zusman Photography Studio, 7pm

Moshe Zusman Photography Studio, 2300 14th Street, NW, Washington, DCThe next Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at Moshe Zusman Photography Studio, in the Solea building, 2300 14th Street, NW, at 7:00pm. 1324 W Street, NW, Washington, DCThe entrance is on Florida Avenue. 

For the holiday party this year we plan to meet afterwards at Judy Restaurant, 2212 14th Street NW. Please join us -- even if it's your first meeting. All are welcome.

Agenda:

(1) Introductions

(2) 1324 W Street NW - The property owner and Jim Shetler, Trace Architects, will discuss their plans to renovate and add to the existing historic, four-story row house.

• Proposed rear addition, roof deck, ground floor excavation, and division into 4 units. 
• Requires approval of the District of Columbia Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and Board of Zoning Adjustment. 
• Scheduled for HPRB review on December 19, 2013.
• Historic Preservation Office staff report. 
• Membership discussion.

(3) Head over to Judy's