REMINDER Edgewood Neighborhood Cleanup is TOMORROW!

Just wanted to send out a reminder that tomorrow is the Edgewood Neighborhood monthly cleanup. The group meets in front of the Edgewood Rec Center at the corner of 3rd and Evarts NE at 10:30 a.m. The cleanup is sponsored by the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center and occurs the first Saturday of every month same time and location. The group picks up trash around the neighborhood including the rec center.

Note that you can also meet at the Met Branch Trail by the Edgewood Mural at the same time!

If you cannot come try and cleanup around your block today or tomorrow morning so we can cover more areas!!!

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Ribbon-Cutting

The information for the ribbon cutting ceremony was sent from DDOT:

Please join us for a ribbon-cutting to open the Metropolitan Branch Trail!

Time and Location: Monday, May 3, at 10:45am at 4th and S Streets, NE.

We could not have accomplished this without your assistance and support. We look forward to seeing you.

(There will be another celebration on Saturday June 5th as part of National Trails Day.)

Edgewood Mural Expanded: Artists for DC Voting Rights

Here are some pictures from the group working on the mural last night.

Groundbreaking on Artspace Lofts

I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Artspace Lofts today and the ceremony was incredible. They had performances and speakers from all the groups that contributed and I think this project is a great addition to the Edgewood community.

More details on the project can be found at their website:

http://www.artspacewashdc.org/

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Updates and Scheduled Events

The following was sent from the www.metbranchtrail.com



The newest section of trail - from Franklin Street, NE to New York Avenue, NE - opens May 1! So get out there and ride, skate, walk or run! Or attend one of many MBT events this May, culminating in a grand opening celebration on Saturday, June 5. Read on for details…

Mark Your Calendars: May is the Month for the Met Branch Trail

Saturday, May 1: Trail Clean-Up
Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center will be leading a trail clean-up this Saturday, May 1 at 10:30 a.m. We’ll meet at the Edgewood mural behind the Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center. See you there! Questions? Contact Kelly Pack at kellyp@railstotrails.org.

Saturday, May 1: Walking Tour of the Rhode Island Ave. Metro Station Area
After the clean-up, join the Coalition for Smarter Growth for a walking tour at 12 noon to learn about plans to turn the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station parking lot into a vibrant, walkable community. Representatives from DDOT and developer Urban Atlantic will be there to answer your questions. RSVP is required online and a $10 donation is suggested.

Thursday, May 13: Trail Meeting – Get Involved
An informal walk-and- talk on the Met Branch Trail. Learn more about the trail and how you can help out. Meet at Pound Coffee, 1300 2nd Street, NE near the MBT and the New York Avenue Metro station at 6 p.m.

Fridays, May 21, May 28, June 4: Friday Commuter Convoys
Commuter Convoys will ride from Takoma, Brookland, and Eckington to Union Station on Friday mornings — beginning on Bike to Work Day (May 21) and repeating each week until June 4. Check out our route and sign up now to reserve your spot – it’s free!

Saturday, May 22: WalkingTown and BikingTown DC includes the MBT
Enjoy a free walking tour of the new MBT section on Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon as part of Cultural Tourism DC’s WalkingTown DC weekend. In addition, BikingTown DC will offer "Gimme 5! Ward 5 Bike Tour" which will include the MBT. For more information including a full weekend schedule, visit WalkingTown DC.

Save the Date: Meet the Met
Party on the Met Branch Trail
WHEN: Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: On and along the trail from Franklin Street, NE to New York Avenue Metro station. Main activity station near trail entrance at Rhode Island Avenue Shopping Center, in front of Edgewood mural.
WHO: You! Bring your family, friends and neighbors to this free community event!

More information will be available soon at www.metbranchtrail.com
We need your help! If you are interested in volunteering for all or part of the event, sign up for a volunteer shift online.

Edgewood Mural Expanded: Artists for DC Voting Rights

I walked past a group painting the wall white next to the Edgewood Mural and found out that they are a group, Albus Cavus, that is painting a mural today that will be representing and showcasing the need for DC voting rights. Their poster is above and a picture of them priming the wall for their mural. I will be sure to add pictures as they complete the mural.

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Shortcut Closed

The MBT has completed the fencing between the trail and the railroad tracks. Those that live in Edgewood know that many people cut across the railroad tracks and hop over the ledge as a shortcut to the metro - a potentially dangerous shortcut. Well now they have closed that shortcut with the MBT fence and someone added some very sharp wire to the spot on the ledge where people were jumping off to get to the metro bridge. I saw people today using the shortcut despite the new wire and fencing. One guy got stuck in the wire and did some damage to his jacket and another cut himself. I wonder if this was the best way to stop this shortcut from being used. Looks like the pedestrian bridge cannot be built soon enough.

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Update

The Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) is scheduled to have its latest section completed and officially opened by this Saturday May 1st. There will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled and there is a celebration planned for June 5th.

The WashCycle has a great update that you can read here.

The Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center is expanding their monthly cleanup to include the Edgewood section of the trail. You can meet them at 10:30 a.m. at the Edgewood Mural next to the MBT or at the Edgewood Rec Center to participate.

Edgewood Rec Center Football Field Dedication

The official dedication ceremony for the newly renovated Edgewood Recreation Center Football Field will be held Saturday, May 15th at 11:00 a.m. on the field. There will some political and Washington Redskins bigwigs in attendance. Beacon House, DPR and the Washington Redskins teamed together to renovate the field that is home to the Beacon House youth football program and part of the Edgewood Recreation Center. The improvements include: new lighting, leveling the field, an underground irrigation system, new turf and bleachers. The Washington Redskins are also providing five years of maintenance for the field.

Rhode Island Station Update

The day of closing the parking lot is quickly approaching and Metro is doing a great job handing out flyers (see above) and posting signs. The official groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for May 18th, but I was told that construction will begin much sooner.

Rhode Island Ave Development Walking Tour

A walking tour showcasing the development coming to the Rhode Island Metro Station is being offered by the Coalition for Smarter Growth on May 1st. You will need to go to their website to RSVP if you want to attend.

This was taken from their website:


Dear Smart Growth Supporters,

It's time to kick off a new season of smart growth events, starting with a walking tour next weekend. If you haven't checked out the area around the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station lately, you'll want to join us to discover all the great developments being made there.

Check Out Rhode Island Avenue With The Experts! Learn about the plans to turn the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station parking lot into a vibrant, walkable community. Representatives from DDOT and Urban Atlantic will be there to answer all your questions.

Walking Tour: Transformation of the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station Area
Saturday, May 1, 2010 12 noon - 2:00 pm RSVP Required
$10 suggested donation* Meet at the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station entrance

About Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station

In 1976, Rhode Island Avenue Metro station was at the end of the Red Line. A lot has changed since then, but much of the land use around the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station is still a hodge-podge of industrial and automobile-oriented uses crisscrossed by busy railroad tracks, a commuter arterial road and hilly topography.

This tour will look at plans to transform Rhode Island Avenue Metro station parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly place of shops and housing. We'll also hear from the D.C. Department of Transportation about how they are building a pedestrian bridge to overcome barriers to reaching the transit station from the west side and create a direct connection to the Metropolitan Branch Trail. From the Metro station, we'll cross over Rhode Island Avenue to walk the brand new Metropolitan Branch Trail (which should be open by May 1), and discuss other efforts to improve walking along the corridor.

Hosting us on our walk will be the site developer, Urban Atlantic's Caroline Kenney, and D.C. Department of Transportation planner Heather Deutsch.

Learn more about the trail and new pedestrian connection to the Metro station here.

*$10 Suggested Donation
Please consider making a $10 donation to help us cover the costs of this tour. Your donation will also help us continue to provide walking tours like this one. We'll accept cash or check donations at the event, or you can donate online.

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Laura DeSantis
action@smartergrowth.net
Coalition for Smarter Growth

Groundbreaking on Artspace Lofts

The official groundbreaking for the Dance Place and Artspace Lofts will be Friday April 30th. There will be a performance before the groundbreaking. This is exciting news as the development moves forward and a great addition to the Edgewood community (even though they call it Brookland - it is located in Edgewood!!).

Here is a link to the project website with all the details about the project which is expected to be completed with a Grand Opening in June 2011. There is also more information about the groundbreaking and an email to RSVP.

http://www.artspacewashdc.org/

Just waiting for Groundbreaking!!

Un-zoned streets and Residential Parking Permits

I have been meaning to send a letter to the DC Council for a long time about not being able to purchase a residential zone parking permit since I live on an un-zoned street. Today I finally did it - I am sure I'm not the only one with this issue and that it is not even Edgewood specific. If you too feel the same way please send a letter to your council member and the at-large members.

Here is a link to the council's email addresses:

http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/councildirectory

Here is my letter:

Dear Council Members,

I am writing on behalf of the non-zoned street constituency in Washington, D.C. I live on an un-zoned street and I fully understand the purpose of these streets in the city. I support keeping some streets un-zoned for guests, home service calls, etc.

However, I would like to have the option to purchase a residential parking zone sticker from the city’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Right now if you live on an un-zoned street you cannot purchase a residential parking zone sticker which means I cannot park on any other street than my own (even if it is less than 50 feet from my house!) for more than two hours. This becomes especially difficult during the days we have street cleaning as parking is essentially cut in half.

I see allowing residents on un-zoned streets the OPTION of purchasing a residential parking zone sticker as a triple win – keeps un-zoned streets, extra income for the city, and allows all residents in an area equal parking opportunities.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)

Please see the message below about the MBT! Many ways to enjoy the trail and to contribute to its success.

Hello Met Branch Trail Friends!

It’s been a long winter, and you’re probably ready to put on your walking shoes or hop on your bike. So if you’re looking for a new place to explore on the weekend or thinking about walking or biking to work, you should venture over to the Met Branch Trail and experience D.C.’s newest section of paved pathway! This month’s newsletter includes trail status updates and opportunities to get involved with trail events and activities.

Trail Status Updates:
New York Avenue NE to Franklin Street NE Construction - While the section from Franklin Street to the Rhode Island Avenue shopping center has been open for use since last fall, the trail connecting with New York Avenue is scheduled for completion in May.
Rhode Island Avenue Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge - Design for the bridge is almost complete. WMATA’s board approved their donation of an easement, and DDOT will be working to obtain additional easements and permits—so progress is being made!

Get Involved:
Trail Clean-up and Meeting - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Metropolitan Branch Trail Coalition will host an evening trail clean-up and meeting on Thursday, April 8. We will gather at the Edgewood Mural at 5:30 p.m. to clean a section of the trail and then continue on a walking tour of the pathway. Those who are unable to attend the clean-up can meet us at the Big Bear Café at 7 p.m. to learn more about the trail status, upcoming events on the trail, and opportunities to get involved. For more information, please contact Kelly Pack: kellyp@railstotrails.org.

Celebrate National Bike Month on the Met Branch Trail - Rails-to-Trails Conservancy will host a series of “Commuter Convoys” in the month of May. Details to follow in next month’s newsletter.
Save the Date: Saturday, June 5 – Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association are planning a large community event on National Trails Day to celebrate the opening of the Met Branch Trail’s newest section in Northeast D.C. In the coming weeks, visit www.metbranchtrail.com for more information. Details to follow in next month’s newsletter.
Adopt the Trail – As sections of the trail open, we will all need to work together to keep it a beautiful and inviting place. DC Preparatory Academy’s “Prep Squad” has already adopted a section of the trail. Take a look at their efforts on DDOT’s facebook page. Let us know if you or your community group/workplace is interested in adopting a section of trail or flower box. Contact kellyp@railstotrails.org.

Interested in receiving these newsletters or sending to a friend? Sign-up here to be added to our list.

For more information about the Met Branch Trail, visit www.metbranchtrail.com.

REMINDER Edgewood Neighborhood Cleanup is TOMORROW!

Just wanted to send out a reminder that tomorrow is the Edgewood Neighborhood monthly cleanup. The group meets in front of the Edgewood Rec Center at the corner of 3rd and Evarts NE at 10:30 a.m. The cleanup is sponsored by the Friends of Edgewood Recreation Center and occurs the first Saturday of every month same time and location. The group picks up trash around the neighborhood including the rec center.

If you cannot come try and cleanup around your block today or tomorrow morning so they can cover more areas!!!

Planting Trees in Eckington

This morning I volunteered with many others to join with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Casey Trees to plant trees in Washington, D.C.'s Eckington neighborhood immediately adjacent to the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). The group split into three groups and planted a total of 25 trees across the Eckington neighborhood - in individuals' yards, commercial spaces and up to the MBT. It was nice to see so many people out there helping and I was told this was the first of this kind of venture combining the different planting spaces. I was also told if we wanted to coordinate something in Edgewood we could as well. Is there anywhere that we need some more trees?