summary report: se-sw summit
DESCRIPTION
Final report from the March 5 Near SE-SW Community Summit.TRANSCRIPT
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The Near SE-SW Community Summit * Summary Report
Taking Charge of Our Future
Residents of near SE-SW neighborhoods
gathered at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School
for a conversation on community priorities.
About the Community Benefits Coordinating Council (CBCC)
The CBCC is a non-profit organization that serves near Southeast/Southwest DC residents in order to maximize
community benefits from neighborhood redevelopment. It brings together organizations, institutions, and
individual headquartered, living, or working in ANC 6D to ensure that redevelopment sustains neighborhood
diversity and improves residents’ quality of life. Since it beginnings the CBCC has negotiated job-fair preferences for
near Southeast/Southwest residents and organized neighborhood listening sessions to identify residents’ and
businesses’ redevelopment priorities for our community.
CBCC focuses on four priorities for our neighborhood:
• Community/Workforce Development Center
• Diverse and affordable housing
• Neighborhood-oriented retail & local small-business opportunities
• Community-benefit fund
Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/seswcbcc * [email protected] * 202-641-8221
More than 100 residents and stakeholders of near southeast-
southwest neighborhoods came together on March 5th
for a
community-led dialogue to set priorities and determine some next
steps for the future. The summit was hosted by the Community
Benefits Coordinating Council (CBCC), supported by the Local Support
Initiatives Corporation and facilitated by AmericaSpeaks.
During the summit, attendees participated in facilitated table
discussions focusing on five critical topic areas indentified at the
2007 CBCC Roundtable Discussions: Workforce Development/
Jobs/Community Centers; Environmental Concerns; Youth—Education
and Services; Housing Diversity and Affordability; and Neighborhood
Oriented Retail and Services.
The objectives of the summit were:
• Develop community priorities and build public buy-in for
improving the quality of life in the Near Southeast/Southwest
• Identify potential partners and resources for achieving desired
outcomes; and Clarify next steps
Throughout the day, participants used keypad polling and groupware
computers to identify room-wide themes and collective priorities.
Discussions were supported by a Participant Guide that provided
information on each topic area. This report provides a summary of the
prioritized goals and next steps generated by participants at the
Community Summit.
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Who Attended the Community Summit? At the beginning of the day, participants answered questions about themselves and their knowledge about community organizations.
Gender
Female 62%
Male 38%
Age
18-24 4%
25-34 15%
35-44 9%
45-54 18%
55-64 26%
65 and better 28%
Race
Asian/Pacific Islander 1%
Black/African-American 33%
Hispanic/Latino 4%
Native American 1%
White/ Caucasian 54%
Other 6%
Did you attend the CBCC
Community Roundtables
Yes 37%
No 57%
Maybe – Not sure 7%
Where Do You Live
ANC 6D01 19%
ANC 6D02 8%
ANC 6D03 19%
ANC 6D04 19%
ANC 6D05 6%
ANC 6D06 7%
ANC 6D07 11%
Not sure which ANC I live in 1%
Outside ANC 6D, but connected to
the community
9%
How long have you lived or
worked in the community?
Less than 1 year 11%
1 – 2 years 7%
3 – 5 years 9%
6 – 10 years 14%
10 – 20 years 29%
20 – 40 years 19%
Over 40 years 12%
Which organizations did you know about before today? (select
all that apply
49% South Washington/West of the River Family Strengthening
Collaborative (SWWR)
84% Southwest Neighborhood Assembly (SWNA)
29% Southwest Renaissance Development Corporation (SRDC)
47% Washington Waterfront Association (WWA)
33% James Creek Residential Council
32% Syphax Gardens Residential Council
43% Greenleaf Gardens Residential Council
26% Friends of Capper-Carrollsburg Residents
31% Southwest CommUnity Forum
32% SE/SW Schools Excellence NOW
How familiar were you with the CBCC
before this meeting?
� Not at all …………….. 32%
� Only a little …………. 19%
� Not Sure ……….…….. 3%
� Decent Amount …… 20%
� Very ……………………. 25%
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Places We Value and Why
During the first table discussions, participants reflected on their community and were asked: Other than your
home, what is one place you really value in the community and why? Below is a sample of the responses we
received:
• Parks for walking
• Waterfront (fish market, etc.) for its pleasantness for relaxing and exercising
• Nationals Park (walkable and provides jobs. It’s close to the community with easy access.)
• Safeway
• The community is walkable
• Arena Stage for its new structure and programs
• Church with music on Fridays (Westminster)
• Shiloh Church has youth programs and senior events and feeds the homeless
• Greenleaf Recreation Center (youth and senior activities)
• Youth Services (Youth Activity Task Force and the SW Comm-Unity Forum)
• Diverse people
• Library because it has computer access
• Diverse and low-income housing (it allows for diversity of residents)
• Arts festival because it builds community
• The community is peaceful and quiet
• Close to many Metro stops
• Playgrounds connect different people from different backgrounds
• “Our community is affordable and not over-populated.”
• Our community has opportunities for youth engagement
• Schools are located right in the community
Five Issues for Discussion:
(1) Workforce Development/Jobs/Community Centers * (2) Neighborhood Oriented Retail and Services
(3) Youth–Education and Services * (4) Housing Diversity and Affordability * (5) Environmental Concerns
During facilitated table discussions, participants addressed the following questions, then developed and
submitted their responses. Keypad polling was then used to prioritize achievements. The results from these
discussions are presented on pages 4-8 of the Summary Report.
1. What are some additional assets everybody should be aware of in your topic?
2. What are some additional challenges everybody should be aware of in your topic?
3. What do we need to achieve in the next 1-3 years in your topic to make significant progress towards
improving our quality of life?
For each priority achievement in your topic area, discuss these two questions:
1. Who needs to be involved? Who can bring resources? Identify people, organizations, city agencies, etc.
2. What are some important next steps?
* Should this achievement be part of a community benefit agreement?
About CBAs: CBCC board members provided information and responded to questions about Community Benefits
Agreements (CBAs) and how they can best the support community. CBAs are a vehicle by which communities
memorialize commitments and understandings made to them by private developers and government officials that
are involved in development projects the will impact those communities.
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Additional Assets
� Church connected with the private sector.
� Living Classrooms
� Council and Mayor have new initiatives underway
� Ample meeting space
� New hotel development
� Being certified as CBE and DBE
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT DESIRED ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 1-3 YEARS
31% Use schools and facilities for adult education.
31% Ensure that Ward 6 is a part of the waterfront development legislation.
26% Identify and create a workforce clearinghouse w/knowledge base and skills sets.
19% Develop multi-pronged, communication-wide outreach to each section of the community (“Portal
connecting everyone to everyone”)
18% Identify funding sources for the job center
16% Use natural resources for jobs training (water, parks, and environment).
16% Re-establish a school to provide marine vocational training (boat maintenance, commercial divers).
13% Renovate Greenleaf Recreation Center
12% “Implement the plan to build the community center close to senior citizen facilities near SE.”
4% DOES oversight in planning and execution for manpower opportunities.
NEXT STEPS TO REACH ACHIEVEMENTS FOR TOP 2 PRIORITIES ABOVE
Who: Residents, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development, contacting employers, developers, colleges, DOES,
non-profits, local business, trade associations, Chamber of Commerce, Councilman Wells and DCPS for
representatives to work on clearinghouse.
What: Define the target population, identify unions, etc. with training capability; identify location, technology
resources and yes, CBA Inclusion; and carryout an assessment and matching of community capabilities, needs
and interest with that of employers.
Additional Challenges
� Inability to train fully for what is needed on the job.
� No follow through, completion and implementation on
start-up training.
� Corporate Jobs preference not provided for SW
residents.
� Unionized jobs exclude entry level hiring.
� Lack of funding for small business and ownership issues
� Loss of SE University.
� Lack of long-term revenue generating opportunities
� First source hiring is not being enforced, 70% of the DC
Govt employees not from area.
� Turn into asset, individual’s commitment to start
business.
� “Community benefits from stadium have not been
received.”
� Have inadequate schools and “lack of competency of
high school graduates” due to curriculum and
instructional deficiencies.
� Lack of money to support projects.
� Training programs are demoralizing
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT / JOBS / COMMUNITY CENTERS
THE ISSUE: With a poverty rate of 20% and 10% unemployment, residents want to know how they can access jobs that are
being created throughout and beyond the period of redevelopment. Business owners want to be able to hire locally based
employees who have the skills and job readiness required. First Source hiring agreements are in place yet ineffective and hard
to enforce. Training programs are demoralizing if they are not tied to a paying job.
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NEIGHBORHOOD ORIENTED RETAIL AND SERVICES
THE ISSUE: When large-scale development happens in a residential neighborhood, it is important that basic services are
provided—grocery stores, dry cleaners, barber shops, coffee shops, daily eateries, etc. A diverse population also has
diverse retail needs. Before the first urban renewal, the area was filled with small locally owned businesses. These were
wiped out and replaced by a Mall that never quite made it. The question now is: What kinds of retail will our residents
sustain? What opportunities are there for locally owned small businesses? What local flavor will our retail have vs. a host
of franchises?
Additional Assets
� Influx of young professionals with disposal incomes
� More people equals more consumers
� Availability of Circulator buses
� Music at Westminster – Jazz/Blues
� Nationals Park
� Safeway, Starbucks, Subway and other new businesses
are welcome improvements and additions.
� Riverfront Business Improvement District in near SE is a
strong supporter of small businesses and resident
services.
� The Washington Waterfront Association is an advocate
for local SW waterfront businesses.
� Negotiated agreements with developers call for set-
asides for local, minority owned small businesses with
rent reduction.
� There are small business opportunities to meet on-
going needs for landscaping, cleaning, etc.
Additional Challenges
� Limited retail stores for residents -- Corner
stores, coffee shops and restaurants, grocery
stores, banks, hardware and liquor stores
� Limited small business – barber shops, hair
salons, bookstores, movies, medical services,
cleaners
� No gas stations
� Traffic congestion
� Lack of youth involvement in meaningful
activities that support retail business
NEIGHBORHOOD ORIENTED RETAIL AND SERVICES DESIRED ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 1-3 YEARS
48% Increase of locally owned businesses
40% Use unoccupied waterfront retail space until new waterfront development completed
33% Increase in different types of ethnic restaurants
27% Expand Circulator hours of operation and access
19% Improved policies to encourage minority owned business
14% Make Southwest attractive and accessible to tourists—parking for tour buses, public restrooms and
information center
NEXT STEPS TO REACH ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE TOP 2 PRIORITIES ABOVE
Who: Office of Planning, ANC Commissioners, SW Waterfront Development, Georgetown and George
Washington Schools of Business, SW/SE residents and consumers..
What: Explore opportunity of obtaining Main Street grant to assist with planning and to ensure local
businesses are active participants. Create business incubator or support systems for locally owned businesses.
Negotiate discount rental rate with new development for locally owned businesses – especially non-chain
restaurants.
(Marty is providing)
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YOUTH – EDUCATION AND SERVICES
The Issue: Concerns about the quality of life for near SE-SW youth have increased dramatically in recent years. A wave of
violent deaths spurred community action. The increase in young middle-class families with children has galvanized
pressure to radically improve our neighborhood public schools. The need for a new school in near SE is on the table.
Parents are aware of the limited services of the King-Greenleaf Recreation Center and are organizing to build
playgrounds and create healthy outlets for their children
Additional Assets
� There is a tremendous amount of energy around
youth issues
� Churches have been supportive and provided
outreach, like providing a place for children and
parents to gather
� Appletree has a superior PreK3 and 4
� There is a PTA
� “Size of the community is small and that is an asset.”
� SW Library has a good pool of volunteers
� The community has facilities, but they are
underutilized
o Schools could be open in the evenings to
accommodate youth
o Randall and Landsburg Parks
Additional Challenges
� There is a PTA, but it needs more membership
� Parks and Recreation doesn’t have sufficient
funds for youth programming like Arts & Crafts,
Cheerleading and soccer
� SW Library could use additional volunteers
� Need more leaders and individuals to develop
and lead programs for youth
� No services for pregnant teens or education
programs for young mothers
� Have to find creative options for younger youth
YOUTH – EDUCATION AND SERVICES DESIRED ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 1-3 YEARS
42% Bolster Pre-K in the community
23% Raise test scores at Amidon and Jefferson
23% Utilize Jefferson Middle School for adult vocational education and workforce development
20% Complete the playground adjacent to the Library
15% Re-Open Van Ness Elementary School so it can be used as a community center
15% More parental involvement in PTA and establish a community volunteer corps
15% More programs for youth and seniors at King-Greenleaf Recreation Center
13% Positive images of youth in SW reflected in the community newspapers and other media.
13% Alternate community meetings at King-Greenleaf, so that the entire community feels included
8% Improve school food to provide healthier choices
NEXT STEPS TO REACH ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE TOP 3 PRIORITIES ABOVE
� Assure both priorities are apart of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)
� Bolster Pre K
o Conduct a needs assessment and identify leaders
o Communicate with elected officials and Councilmember Tommy Wells
o Provide wrap around services Pre K – adult education
o Go after funding foundations such as Ford, Gates, Casey, etc.
� Raise Test Scores at Amidon & Jefferson
o Obtain a strong commitment from DCPS central office and educators
o Make Amidon-Bowen a viable option for middle class families
o Meet the needs of struggling students
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HOUSING DIVERSITY AND AFFORDABILITY
ISSUE: In order to maintain the unique economic diversity of our near SE-SW neighborhoods, a reliable stock of
diverse and affordable housing options is critical. New market and affordable housing is being built in the SE
portion of the neighborhood and the proposed redevelopment of the SW Waterfront will bring hundreds of new
units to our neighbor-hoods over the next 5 years.
Additional Assets
SW Waterfront Redevelopment project includes requirements
that 30% of most of the residential units to be developed be
affordable to residents earning below 60% of the area median
income ($62,000 for a family of 4)
� Different housing types
� Low crime rate
� Diversity in the neighborhood
� Existing services, conveniently located– post office,
metro, Safeway, CVS, parks, library
� Good view of the Potomac River
Additional Challenges
� Lack of affordable housing for rent and purchase
� How to incorporate new and coming housing ---
how to deal with approaching housing density
� How to deal with people displaced from their
homes by new development– blog needs to be
developed as a central information source
� Too much vacant land in the community
� Developers are not meeting requirements to
provide affordable housing
� Traffic congestion
� More green space for recreation
HOUSING DIVERSITY AND AFFORDABILITY DESIRED ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 1-3 YEARS
57% Make sure residential developers commit to specific housing preferences for current residents
38% Stronger coalitions to represent all types of residents’ interests to developers and policymakers
26% Ensure that current public housing remains and residents have the opportunity to purchase their homes
24% More types affordable housing for the working people – like co-ops
15% Increase supply of affordable senior housing
11% Access to legal advice – pro bono services
NEXT STEPS TO REACH ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE TOP 2 PRIORITIES ABOVE
WHO: Mayor, Council members, ANC, southeast southwest coalitions, Councilmember Tommy Wells, developers, Deputy
Mayor for the Office of Planning and Economic Development, fair housing authority, condo association reps. Involve all
resources and publish plans in Southwest newspaper, and develop a web site to post all developers’ plans. Get
involvement and input from special interest groups, community organizations, educational and training organizations and
other organizations responsible for building healthy communities.
WHAT: Increase communications and transparency to make sure residential developers commit to specific housing
preferences: Transparency about developer’s plans and options about what people want, to buy or rent. Create an ANC
development task force to get this next step on the ballot. Establish a community blog where people in the community to
promote and blog. Get Tommy Wells a website with a discussion board for people to provide their feedback on their
issues with this the developer platform and their comments.
WHAT: To build stronger coalitions to represent all types of residents’ interests -- Identify a coordinating organization to
convene publically scheduled meetings with transparency at all levels. Have regular town hall meetings for people to get
together to discuss what is going with the development. Actively communicate and engage all community members in
providing their ideas and concerns. Be sure to include those who are not active community participants.
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ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Bounded by two rivers, near SE-SW’s identity is tied to the health and beauty of the water and shore. Green buildings,
green spaces, and a deeper connection to the land beneath us is a growing concern of residents new and old. In addition
to our access to and care of the earth around us, there is also the beauty we bring to the environment through public
art.
Additional Assets
� Undeveloped space that can be used transitionally
� Open space on the waterfront
� Building setbacks permit long views
� Duck pond
� Walkable community/Metro access
� Community volunteers for cleanups
Additional Challenges
� Impact of tourist traffic and facilities to serve
them; food safety on the waterfront
� Mosquitoes and West Nile
� Storm runoff
� Air pollution from power plant, tourist buses,
and diesel power boats
� Lighting, litter, and restrooms in parks
� Sustainable landscaping
� Intra-community transport; links between SE
and SW
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS DESIRED ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 1-3 YEARS
36% Develop community gardens using public land and church offered space and transitional dog parks
33% Avoid over development; keep height and density restrictions
23% Development of Buzzard Point with access to waterfront and restore the Lansburgh Park
20% Develop a stronger sense of place around the waterfront – SE/SW - maintain a “waterfront ANC”
21% Develop and maintain green canopy
16% Integrate SE/SW with better intra-community transport – Circulator Bus
15% Address air pollution from power plant and other sources
9% More trash cans and add recycling cans
3% Charging stations for Electric Vehicles
3% Develop DC owned property on 4th Street
NEXT STEPS TO REACH ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE TOP 2 PRIORITIES ABOVE
WHO: ANC Commissioners and City and SWNA to utilize the lot on 4th St. DMPED, Councilmember Well's office;
interested members of the community and volunteers need to be gathered.
WHAT: To develop community gardens and dog parks using public land --- let dog owners know that services are available
and tap into people who aren't here. We need to reinvigorate the process which was put on hold due to the
administration change/mayor's office. This is an existing CBA. We need to get the city to recognize this and act upon it.
“The waterfront is going to be a wall of tall buildings. We don't want that.”
WHO: Community members, ANC representatives, neighborhood organizations
WHAT: To avoid overdevelopment and keep height and density restrictions --- Develop list of concerned citizens and call a
meeting; Provide better information to neighbors about when zoning meetings happen and publish the meeting agenda;
Developers meet with small groups individuals. Communicate our needs and wishes to the ANC reps so they can
effectively communicate the neighborhoods' needs and expectations and meet with developers; The community also
needs to step-up participation in the waterfront development projects to make our voices heard.