And a Stalk Grows on The Avenue

Has anyone noticed this cornstalk growing along the 7700 block of Georgia Avenue, NW? How would it look if all treeboxes contained mini vegetable gardens? You could pluck a tomato or grab a cucumber on the way to/from work.

André

Neither Rain, nor Storm…

National Night Out Block Party

By André R. Carley

 

The evening storm could not dissipate the joy and feeling of family that was exhibited at yesterday afternoon’s National Night Out Block Party celebration. NNO is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday in August. The event, at 9^th and Juniper Streets, NW was an unqualified success. Even when the rain poured neighborhood residents continued to mingle and soldier through the inconvenience. DJ OZ spun fantastic music in the rain that kept the crowd lively. PSA 401 manager, Lt. John McDonald mingled with the crowd and Officer Randall Butler, NNO organizer, made sure everyone was having a good. There were LOTS of kids running around, playing in the moon bounce (while it was there) and frolicking in the street. There was food and drink for everyone, generously provided by Ledo Pizza and Gist Family Caterer’s. I can’t say enough good things about these two businesses, especially Ledo’s, of which I consider to be the gold standard of community-based business practices. It was inspiring to see the community and officers of the 4^th District interact so warmly.

 

I want to thank the businesses along the upper Georgia Avenue corridor that contributed financially to make the NNO event a success.

Williams & Assoc., PC

Larry C. Williams & Assoc

D’Carlo Home Interiors

Dixon’s Pest Control

Discount Auto Insurance

Terra Nova Enterprises

McGuire Funeral Home

 

The 4D Citizens Advisory Council deserves mention for its logistical support in assisting not only the block party, but also with the NNO Kick-off celebration at Takoma Recreation Center.

 

I want to give extra special thanks to Mr. Tom Black, Chairman of the PSA 401 National Night Out Committee and community activist. Without Mr. Black’s guidance and drive, PSA 401 NNO would not be possible.

 

In conclusion: A good time was had by all!

 

(From the National Association of Town Watch/NNO website.)

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

 

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

Neighborhoods across the nation host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other various community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits.

 

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An artist conception of the Harris Teeter project from Eastern Ave. and Kalmia Road perspectives

“As I See It”

The Developers are Coming, the Developers are HERE!!

By André R. Carley

 

The Walter Reed Redevelopment project has been much talked about with varying degrees of anticipation. Much has also been lamented by the lack of ”development” along the upper Georgia Avenue corridor. For the sake of definition, let’s define “upper” Georgia Avenue as between the DC/MD line, Georgia & Eastern Ave., NW (north) to Georgia & Aspen St., NW (South). Traditionally the southern boundary has been at Fern St., NW but I’m including Aspen St. because it bounds the end of the Walter Reed development project. For years it seemed as if our little slice of community was destined to become the dumping ground for all the displacement caused by the construction going on around the other four quadrants, coupled with the perception that this community is “anti-development”. That is no longer the case. Walter Reed notwithstanding, there is much development coming to the upper Georgia Avenue corridor in the coming months. In fact, one could argue that the long sought after and feared development has been underway for sometime. I cite as examples the nearly completed multi-generation construction at 6925 Georgia Avenue, the remodeling of the apartments at 7611 and 7701 Georgia Avenue, respectively, and the revitalized Doug Jamal/Harris Teeter project at Georgia and Eastern. (55,000 sq ft of retail and 217 apartment units.) I also include the interior modernization of the Takoma Flats apartment complex and whatever is going on at the old Eddies Carryout and Blair Mansion Inn!

 

Yes, change is a-comin’…The question is: are we as a community going to manage the change or be surprised by it?

 

Welcome to GABIDDC!

Welcome to the Georgia Avenue Business Improvement District & Development Corporation website. GABIDDC’s (pronounced Gab-bid) core interest is the revitalization of the upper Georgia Avenue business corridor (the “Gateway”) and it surrounding neighborhoods. Our motto; “Unity & Community” stems from the desire to find solutions to the common concerns and issues affecting us.