31 January, 2009

Residents Asked To Report Expired Signs

DDOT Removing Thousands of Inauguration “No Parking” Signs
Residents Asked To Report Expired Signs
Media Contact: John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is in the process of removing the thousands of “Emergency – No Parking” signs posted in the downtown area for the Presidential Inauguration. In the days leading up to Inauguration, DDOT crews posted more than 40,000 temporary signs in pre-determined no parking zones for Inaugural events and tour bus parking. Most of the parking restrictions were in effect from 9 pm on Monday, January 19 through 6 pm on January 20.

DDOT crews are now working to remove the signs as quickly as possible. Residents can help by reporting blocks where multiple expired “Emergency – No Parking” signs are still posted. Residents should call the Mayor’s Call Center at 311 and DDOT will dispatch a crew to the location to remove the signs.

2009 WASHINGTON AUTO SHOW

GET TIPS ON PREVENTING VEHICLE THEFT
DURING 2009 WASHINGTON AUTO SHOW
Visitors to the 2009 Washington Auto Show will be able to do more than just check out the latest in new automobiles and accessories. They can also get valuable information and resources on how to protect their vehicles from theft. The safety tips are courtesy of the MPD. The Washington Auto Show runs from Wednesday, February 4, through Sunday, January 8, in the Washington Convention Center. Members of the MPD’s Auto Theft Unit and the Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (WAVE) team, as well as other area law enforcement agencies will be passing out safety tips and information on how to reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen.
In 2008, approximately 5,300 vehicles were reported stolen in DC, according to preliminary statistics. While that number decreased in 2008 compared to 2007, far too many cars are stolen each year. To help protect automobiles from theft, motorists are encouraged to follow some steps to make your car – and the valuables in it – less attractive to thieves. The common-sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost effective way to avoid would-be thieves. You should always secure your vehicle, even if you’re parking for “just a minute.” Do this by:
• Removing your keys from the ignition.
• Locking all of your doors.
• Closing all of your windows.
• Parking in a well-lit area.
• Never leaving your engine running and vehicle unlocked while you run into your home, a convenience store or anywhere else.
Also, a visible or audible device will alert thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular devices include audible alarms, steering wheel locks, steering column collars, theft deterrent decals, and tire locks.

Detectives Are Coming February 2009

Did You Think We Moved On?

A Year in Review
The PSA 102 Neighborhood Public Safety Committee has requested the Metropolitan Police Department to assess crime and crime closures rates in PSA 102. This means our next meeting, will have Metropolitan Police Department Detectives. The police make the arrests and detectives followup on the case. These officials will give us a look at what are outstanding criminal issues in our community. Residents and businesses will have the opportunity to discuss with Detectives any outstanding cases.

Problem-solving is the primary focus of these meetings and this is another step in which we bring different components of law enforcement to our fellow community members. Anyone having deeply personal criminal matters will be able to confidentially meet with detectives following their presentation (if necessary or arrange a time for a more confidential discussion.

PSA 102 Neighborhood Public Safety Committee Meetings are held monthly at Sherwood Recreation Center located at 640 Tenth Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 7:00pm on the Second Tuesday of each month (not on federal or District holidays).

27 January, 2009

PSA 102 Safety Committee Hears You

Coming to your area PSA Meeting does make a difference. Two weeks ago, residents complained about continuing drug activity on 6th Street, N.E. Our Committee had already spearheaded a major cleanup of that area with the Office of the Mayor. Because of continued concerned by neighbors the community members of PSA 102 joined with Police from PSA 102 and the government have focused attention on the 900,1000 and 1100 blocks of 6th Street NE which have been declared "Drug-Free Zones" for the first week of February.

In addition, Brandon Bies who is the lead on 6th Street and Robert Pittman will work with PSA Officers and the US attorney's Office to identify other strategies for combating problems that most residents complain about in that area.

We will keep you informed of our progress both here and at PSA 102 Meetings.

26 January, 2009

POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING

January 26, 2009

POLICE INVOLVED SHOOTING

800 BLOCK OF 7TH STREET, NE


(Washington, DC) – The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal police involved shooting which occurred on 7th Street, NE this morning.

At approximately 10:40 am on Monday, January 26, 2009, members assigned to the department’s First District responded to a residence located in the 800 block of 7th Street, NE to investigate the trouble. Upon arrival, they heard sounds of an assault in progress and forced their way into the premises. Once inside they were confronted by a man armed with a metal pole and a large kitchen knife, who allegedly had stabbed someone inside of the residence. Reportedly, the suspect rushed the officers and began to strike one of them with the metal pole. It was at this time that the officer, who was being assaulted, in fear for his safety and the safety of others, was forced to discharge his weapon, striking the suspect once. D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department personnel responded to the scene, but they could find no life signs. The suspect, who has been identified as 36-year-old Osman Aydarus Abdullahi was pronounced dead on the scene by a representative from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia. His remains were then transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

The person the suspect allegedly assaulted was taken to an area hospital where he was admitted for treatment of apparently non-life-threatening stab wounds. His identity is being withheld because he is a witness in the case.

The officer who discharged his service handgun has been with the Metropolitan Police Department for seven years and is currently assigned to the First District. He has been placed on routine administratively leave with pay at this time pending the outcome of the investigation. His name is being withheld at this time.

The case is currently under investigation by members of the department’s Force Investigations Team. No further information is currently available.

EARLY REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMPS

EARLY REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMPS BEGINS FOR DISTRICT RESIDENTS

On January 21, 2009, the DC Department Parks and Recreation (DPR) began an early registration period for District residents to participate in the 2009 Summer Camps. Summer camp often provides a safe, structured environment where children can go during the summertime, a when most schools are out of session.
From January 21-31, 2009, District residents may register for any of the five, two-week sessions that will run from June 15 - August 21, 2009, Monday to Friday, 9 am - 5 pm. DPR will also offer eight one-week camping sessions at Camp Riverview, DPR’s co-ed residential (overnight) camping facility located in Scotland, Maryland, along the Potomac River near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Early registration must be done in person at a DPR center and proof of District residency is required.
Camping fees are $100 per session for District residents for most camps. DPR offers a scholarship rate for District residents to ensure that summer camps are available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Children of eligible families attend camps at a flat rate of $25 per child, per camp session. To determine eligibility or to apply, families must complete a 2009 Summer Camp Scholarship Rate Application.

Upcoming Winter Storm (Maybe)

District Prepares for Upcoming Winter Storm


(Washington, DC) The National Weather Service is predicting periods of snow are probable between 5 am and noon Tuesday, January 27, with a possible accumulation of one to two inches that can cause slippery conditions. The low tonight will be 27 degrees. The high temperature tomorrow will be 34 degrees with a low tomorrow night of 31 degrees. Heavier precipitation will develop late Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday night with the forecast of snow changing to sleet and freezing rain Tuesday night and then all rain Wednesday.

Deployment plans are in place and crews are prepped and ready to clear snow and ice from the District’s 2,950 lane miles of roadway and 241 bridges. Crews will deploy around 4 am Tuesday with 124 heavy plows and 82 light plows. Crews already have pre-treated many of the elevated areas including bridges, ramps and overpasses in an effort to eliminate icy conditions caused by the recent below-freezing temperatures hitting the region.

“This storm will hover over the area for more than a day, so we urge residents to be careful as they go about the city and give the trucks plenty of space to do their work,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “We also hope property owners will spread salt on the sidewalks around their homes and businesses so pedestrians, especially our children, get to school and work safely.”

The District Snow Team (District Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works) treats 69 primary and secondary routes, 82 residential routes and 75 miles of major roadways and Interstate Highways (part of the National Highway System).

When fully deployed, the team’s resources include nearly 300 pieces of equipment, capacity filled snow domes and over 100 closed circuit television (CCTV) traffic cameras to be used to track progressive treatment and to monitor the surface conditions of the roadway.

In addition to the fleet of heavy and light plows, loaders and spray trucks, the District closely monitors National Weather Service forecasts, and uses an automatic vehicle location system, geo-spatial information system (GIS) and road weather information systems (RWIS). Each of these help the team determine anticipated roadway conditions, areas in need of snow and/or ice removal and current roadway temperatures.

Additional information on the snow deployment plan may be found at www.ddot.dc.gov.

DDOT and DPW remind commuters and residents to:

· Clear sidewalks.

· Help your elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow from steps and sidewalks.

· Clear catch basins and fire hydrants.

· Remember that driving on ice is significantly different than driving on snow.

· Use extreme caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from other vehicles.

· Remember even a 4-wheel drive SUV does not perform well in ice and additional safety measures should be followed.

· Be aware of road conditions, particularly black ice which can be deceptive in its appearance giving the driver a false sense of security on the road.

· Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.

· Remember to keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles and please use caution when attempting to pass a snowplow. Give the drivers plenty of room to safely do their jobs.

· Clear all the snow and ice from your vehicle's windows and lights - even the hood and roof - before driving.

· Please do not put snow in the street. Put all cleared snow, from parked cars and sidewalks, in the "tree box," front yard, or between the curb and sidewalk.

22 January, 2009

Emergency Regulations for District’s Used Car Dealerships

Mayor Fenty Announces Emergency Regulations for District’s Used Car Dealerships

Contact: Feras Sleiman, (202) 251-8829
Michael Rupert, (202) 437-1024

WASHINGTON, DC - Mayor Adrian M. Fenty today announced new emergency regulations intended to permanently address threats to public health, safety, and comfort posed by the District’s used car lots, including criminal activity, rodent harborages, and environmental hazards.

Fenty, joined by Attorney General Peter J. Nickles and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Director Linda K. Argo, said these new regulations will once again allow the city’s commercial corridors to thrive.

“We will not allow our neighborhoods and our commercial corridors to continue serving as junkyards for dealers who contribute little or nothing to the District’s economy,” Fenty said. “These new regulations will go a long way to bringing this industry under control for the first time in decades.”

The emergency regulations, which became effective December 23, 2008, and were published in the District of Columbia Register on January 2, 2009, strengthen the business licensing requirements for dealers and salespersons, limit the number of vehicles that can be stored outdoors in commercial zones, require a permanent structure on all lots, and limit the number of salesmen based on the size of the lot, among others.

Fenty’s announcement follows a two-month citywide sweep of more than 200 used car dealers across the city. Since Fenty announced the crackdown on November 17, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs has so far suspended the licenses of 27 dealers and the Department of Public Works has towed a total of 424 vehicles.

“This underground industry has gone essentially unregulated for years,” Nickles said. “We are cleaning up this mess lot by lot.”

DCRA will immediately begin reaching out to dealers and the public to inform them of the new regulations and encourage voluntary compliance, Argo said.

DCRA will commence enforcement of the regulations against car lot operators on March 2, 2009.

“We will continue to welcome businesses that serve the needs of the consumers and residents of the District and add to the vibrancy of our streets,” Argo said. “We now have the legal muscle to make sure people are where they are supposed to be and doing what they’re supposed to be doing so legitimate businesses can thrive.”

New Regulations in Effect:

* Outdoor storage of five or more vehicles now requires the posting of a $100,000 bond. Before the addition of these new regulations, a bond was not required.


* An outdoor car lot with five or more vehicles requires a new kind of license: a basic business license, with a Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair license endorsement for a Used Car Lot. The fee for this license is $1,000.00, and only one license is available per lot. This license is required in addition to a basic business license, with a Motor Vehicle Sales, Service, and Repair license endorsement, for a Motor Vehicle Dealer. Before the addition of these new regulations, this license was not required.


* Outdoor storage of motor vehicles by used car dealers are now only permitted in Commercial-Light Manufacturing Districts (C-M) and General Industry Districts (M). In all other zoning districts, including Commercial Districts (C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-5), a used car dealer can keep up to four vehicles outdoors. The dealer must keep all other vehicles inside a permanent garage or permanent building.


* Each outdoor car lot must have an office in a permanent building of at least 250 square feet, with heating, electricity, and a bathroom connected to water and sewer lines.


* New requirements for paving of parking areas, marking of parking spaces, minimum space size, signage, curbing or fencing, and landscaping.


* The regulations also require that lots be open to the public during regular business hours and that most vehicles stored or displayed outdoors be offered for retail sale and display completed Federal Trade Commission Buyers Guides. Outdoor lots may not be used for storage of disassembled or junk vehicles, and any car parts or trash must be kept off the ground in secured containers.


* There will be two new categories of salesmen licenses. Used car dealers who maintain outdoor lots must ensure that all Motor Vehicle Salesman licenses issued for the lot be either “Seller Only” or “Buyer and Seller” licenses. In addition, only one salesman license per 3,000 square feet of lot space may be a “Buyer and Seller” license. All Motor Vehicle Salesman licensees must be employees of the lot’s Motor Vehicle Dealer.


* Dealers need to ensure that at least 70 percent of the motor vehicles stored or displayed at an outdoor car lot are offered for sale and sold at the lot. Vehicle purchase and sale records must be kept on the lot and made available for immediate inspection by DCRA during regular business hours.

Most Deplorable Residential Buildings

Progress in Repairing the District’s Most Deplorable Residential Buildings

Government of the District of Columbia
Executive Office of the Mayor

Contact: Feras Sleiman, (202) 251 8829
Michael Rupert, (202) 437 1024

Washington, DC—Today Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, joined by Attorney General Peter J. Nickles and Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Director Linda K. Argo announced that many of the District’s most vulnerable residents are now dramatically safer, just eight months after the city filed a sweeping lawsuit to force repairs in some dangerous residential buildings.

The owners of all 13 buildings named in the lawsuit have addressed the majority of the needed repairs. Of the 2,800 housing code violations originally cited in 330 units in the buildings, more than 82 percent have been abated and six of the properties were completely repaired and have therefore been removed from the lawsuit.

“Some of the District’s most dangerous residential buildings that were allowed to rot while residents suffered are finally being made whole,” Fenty said. “We have made tremendous progress and Attorney General Nickles and Director Argo deserve credit for being innovative and bold in their approach to this important effort.” While the lawsuit has had a significant impact, more work will need to be done to identify and prevent new buildings from falling into disrepair.

“This lawsuit has been a huge success in forcing landlords to make the repairs themselves but we cannot relent in our pursuit of these landlords,” Nickles said. “We have put landlords on notice that they cannot allow these conditions and we will comb all eight wards to make sure these egregious violations cease to exist.”

More than 95 percent of the abated violations were paid for by the landlords.

According to DCRA Director Argo, “We are putting in place a new proactive inspections program that will ensure all multi-family residential apartment buildings in the District are inspected on a regular schedule.”

The new program also includes automatic referrals for inspections to the DC Department of Health (DOH) and the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) for mold, lead, air quality, rodents and other health and environmental issues.

Until now the DCRA inspections unit relied solely on the eyes and ears of the tenants to report problems. Today, the agency along with DOH and the DDOE are committed to conducting, regular systematic inspections regardless of whether a complaint is issued.

All of the estimated 4,800 apartment buildings in the District will automatically be placed on a four-year inspection cycle. If city inspectors find substantial code violations in common areas, exterior premises, or within apartment units, the building will be moved into a 2-year inspection cycle.

Failure to pass an inspection will result in notices of violation, fines, and possibly criminal prosecution. DCRA will roll out the proactive inspections program in the first quarter of 2009.

Some of the properties removed from the lawsuit include:

• 2913 Knox Place, SE, owned by Adolphe Edwards
30 units; a total of 233 violations cited.

• 518 9th Street, NE, owned by Capitol East Partners LLC
64 units; a total of 412 violations cited and abated.

• 1114 F Street, NE owned by Capitol East Partners II, LLC
48 units; a total of 163 violations cited and abated.

• 7444 Georgia Avenue, NW owned by 7444 Georgia Avenue, NW LLC
21 units; a total of 162 violations cited

• 2401 Ontario Road, NW owned by Ontario Partners LLC
22 units; a total of 129 violations cited

• 2359 Ontario Road, NW owned by Ontario Partners LLC
28 units; a total of 75 violations cited

March for Life

Road Closures and Parking Restrictions for March for Life

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) advises residents and motorists that temporary road closures and parking restrictions will be in effect on Thursday, January 22, 2009, for the annual March for Life.

Following a rally at noon on the National Mall, participants will march to the US Supreme Court. Beginning at approximately 2:15 pm they will march north on 4th Street, NW to Pennsylvania Avenue, then east to Constitution Avenue and up Capitol Hill to the intersection of 1st Street, NE and East Capitol Street. Police will temporarily close the route and cross streets to vehicular traffic during the march.

Police also anticipate closing 4th Street, from Independence Avenue, SW to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, from approximately 9:30 am until the marchers have left the Mall.

In addition, at approximately 11:30 am, many participants are expected to march to the mall following an event at the Verizon Center. This will require temporary closures along 7th Street, NW, from F Street to Madison Drive.
In conjunction with this event, there will be temporary parking restrictions on January 22 at the following locations:

* 7th Street,from Jefferson Drive, SW to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, from 7am to 7pm
* Constitution Avenue,NW from 9th Street to Pennsylvania Avenue, from 7am to 7 pm
* 4th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue,NW to Independence Avenue,SW,from 7am to6pm

15 January, 2009

56th Presidential Inauguration

MPD Prepares for the 56th Presidential Inauguration

Closed Circuit Televisions to Be Activated for the 56th Presidential Inauguration
Effective immediately all MPD Homeland Security Closed Circuit Televisions will be activated for the 56th Presidential Inauguration.

* Learn more about Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1238,q,541201,mpdcNav_GID,1545,mpdcNav,|31748|.asp

Neighborhood Patrols will Continue Uninterrupted During the Inaugural Activities
In addition to activating all sworn members of the Metropolitan Police Department to full duty, serving 12-hour shifts, we will deputize and add thousands of officers to the force from 99 law enforcement agencies around the country. The Office of Unified Communications will increase their staff of call-takers to prepare for an increase in the number of calls during the Inaugural activities.

* Get more information on the PSA patrols and other services http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1242,q,566961,mpdcNav_GID,1523,mpdcNav,|.asp

Attending the Inaugural Parade
Spectator viewing areas along the Inaugural Parade are expected to reach capacity early in the day on January 20, 2009, and will close to the public at that point. Jumbotron monitors have been placed on the National Mall to broadcast the Swearing-In Ceremony and the Parade. When the viewing area reaches capacity, individuals wishing to watch the ceremonies on the National Mall will be encouraged to walk using one of the designated routes identified on the following map.

* Walking Detour Routes for 56th Presidential Inaugural* http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/frames.asp?doc=/mpdc/lib/mpdc/serv/programs/pdf/inauguralparadedetour.pdf

Security Services
As DC prepares for the upcoming Presidential Inauguration, some organizations or businesses may wish to supplement security resources by hiring licensed Security Officers (SO) or commissioned Special Police Officers (SPO). To help facilitate this, the MPD has prepared a list of security agencies licensed by the Metropolitan Police Department’s Security Officers Management Branch (SOMB) that have indicated they are available for entities seeking security assistance.

* Security Agencies Available to Provide Service to Entities Seeking Security Assistance http://mpdc.dc.gov/mpdc/cwp/view,a,1242,q,566954,mpdcNav_GID,1523,mpdcNav,|.asp

Receive Up-to-the-Minute Text Alerts https://textalert.ema.dc.gov/register.php
All visitors and residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through the District’s Homeland Security & Emergency Management Agency’s Text Alert System. This system is designed to send text messages, even when cell phone signals are low, to your email and cell phone to alert the public of any special announcements regarding inaugural-related transportation, weather and other instructions or updates January 15-22, 2009. It is the best way to receive up-to-the-minute updates.

PSA 102 Public Safety Meeting Agenda

Sherwood Recreation Center
Tuesday 13 January 2009
7:00pm

Presiding: PSA102 Coordinators Bies and Pittman
PSA Crime Statistician Roger Mattioli
PSA Recorder Irene Walker
AUSA Community Prosecutor Doug Klein
USAO Community Outreach Specialist Carolyn Crank
MPD 1D Outreach Specialist Carolyn Smith


Agenda

I. Introductions Bies and Pittman 7:05pm

II. Crime Analysis PSA102 Crime Statistician Roger Mattioli 7:08pm
III. Crime Statistics MPD Officials 7:15pm

IV. Crime Questions and Comments 7:25pm

V. Old Business Review of December Minutes 7:30pm
VI. New Business: 7:35pm

Proposed Restaurant/Lounge Class CT ABC License (Tavern)
With Entertainment Endorsement 401 H Street, N.E.

Discussion of Your Community Safety Concerns


VII. Announcements 8:00pm
VIII. Adjournment 8:15pm