Buzzard Point: a Struggle with Dust and Ill Health VOLUNTEER by MATT KOEHLER Without Issues, Though

June 2021 FREE

COMP PLAN AMENDMENTS: WHAT NOW? Page 2

Courtesy of Matt Koehler The Vulcan Concrete ready mix facility next to the Watermark and Eagle Academy Public Charter School down in Buzzard point Buzzard Point: A Struggle with Dust and Ill Health VOLUNTEER BY MATT KOEHLER without issues, though. There are acute listen to them, or only paid them lip ser- environmental concerns but before the vice – until now. Now, with more afflu- WATER QUALITY own in Buzzard Point, amidst new developments came online, there ent residents rapidly moving in, sudden- the sound of hammering, saws, MONITORING wasn’t anyone to complain about it. ly the operators and the city government and heavy Mack cement trucks, D Well, let me backup. There weren’t are taking complaints of environmental sit two cement plants that supply the the right kind of people to complain contamination more seriously. Page 6 essential raw materials to make all the about the issues. Over a Zoom call in early April, ANCs new high rises, rise. The whole area used The communities most affected over Fredrica ‘Rikki’ Kramer (ANC 6D05) and to be an industrial wasteland with par- the years by the contaminants from the Rhonda Hamilton (ANC 6D06) told me cels of toxic soil designated as brown- soil, dust from the factories, and how that Councilmember Phil Mendelson fields, but warp speed development has development exacerbated both, were called Buzzard Point a classic example transformed this no man’s land into a generations of poor Black residents, of environmental racism. The surround- Sim City-like utopia of amenities and advocating in vain for their right to live ing African American communities are market rate housing. with clean air and water. vulnerable – many live at or below the The widespread development and the Developers and city officials didn’t factories that supply them don’t come See “Buzzard Point,” page 18 KIDS CORNER Southwest Welcomes New Feathered Pages 8-9 Neighbors! BY DENISE RENNIS any Southwest residents have been thrilled to see the new M neighbors that have moved into our newly revitalized Duck Pond. A mother mallard (known as a hen) and her 10 ducklings have taken up resi- dence on one of the new island habitats that were recently installed. 2021 GRADUATES Here, the babies will stick close to OF SWNA their mother for protection as they for- age in the shallow water, eating aquatic SCHOLARSHIP plants and insects. The shallow water, Courtesy of Denise Rennis PROGRAM See “Neighbors,” page 16 Ducklings hanging out with mom in the shade under the trees Page 10

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Published by the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, Inc. (SWNA) — a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable and educational corporation. Copyright © 2021 Page 2 The Southwester June 2021 Op-Ed Op-Ed: Comp Plan Amendments: What Now? BY FREDRICA KRAMER, ANC 6D05 $70,000 for one person and nearly dated community review at all. A full AND VICE CHAIR, ANC 6D $101,000 for a family of 4, while 30% review of the review process itself of MFI is $37,800 for a family of 4). could strengthen the ANC’s and com- he District’s Comprehen- Capping 40% at deep affordability is munity’s ability to influence develop- sive Plan, adopted in 2006, a good target, but still leaves most ment decisions. is a 20-year guide to future T developments stuck at providing only We should also require social growth and development. The Plan about 8% of the total units below mar- impact assessments, as we do envi- was amended in 2011, the Framework ket rate and many buildings not sub- ronmental impact assessments, as chapter was amended in 2020, and ject to IZ at all. part of local planning and as a tool to the full Plan is now being amended Public housing is the last assurance take stock of the short- and long-term again. for deep affordability, but essential consequences of a proposed new The Office of Planning’s (OP) 2019 maintenance is not properly funded development in relation to the SAP draft met with stiff resistance, includ- and most public housing is disap- and other critical community effects. ing a perceived weakening of the pearing through replacement proj- Historic preservation can be a language that might provide stron- ects. means to retain the cultural fabric of ger directives and legal authority to We must ensure that our commit- a community and to preserve afford- redress the consequences of rapid ment to Build First for Greenleaf is able housing. Thoughtful consider- growth and increased density. In realized – one-for-one replacement ation of how the historic character can response, the DC Council charged the and one move from current to new be preserved, inventorying important ANCs with collecting and submitting unit within our community. structures, creative integration of his- comments of their own and their con- The Amendments include a ten- toric structures with new develop- stituents. ANC 6D submitted detailed ant’s right of return and a full reloca- ment, and more subtle recognition comments to OP in February 2020 on tion plan, but absent the strict appli- of how social interaction works in Chapter 19 on the Lower Anacostia/ cation of Build First above, redevel- a community and can be protected, Near Southwest, with additional ref- opment has scattered public housing should be part of the process as new erence to Chapter 4 on Housing, and residents, breaking community ties projects are reviewed. testified with extended comments to and services and making future return As new residential buildings move the Council in November and Decem- largely unrealistic. common spaces to the interior, we are ber 2020. Publicly owned parcels destined losing open space, both green space With the Council’s May 18, 2021 to be surplused or repurposed, and and the physical ground that nurtured The final vote, including their own amend- public subsidies in other redevelop- social interaction across demographic ments to the OP draft, we should take Southwester ment parcels, are opportunities to divides. Whether creative design can the time between now and the full Send submissions and questions to lead equitable development. regain some of that space is a chal- rewrite beginning January 2025, to The Southwester by email at editor@ The Council’s Amendments pri- lenge and merits consideration. consider some critical issues that can thesouthwester.com. Submissions for each oritize deeply affordable housing for We agonize over the scarcity of and should be addressed outside of monthly issue are due on the 15th of the city-owned land, and we should press neighborhood-serving businesses but preceding month. the Comp Plan to shape the commu- the District to harvest these parcels, need to find new tools to support For advertising information and rates, see nity we strive for. including the DMV facilities in South- small businesses – including small- https://swnaforms.wufoo.com/forms/ Whether Southwest can remain an west as long as we remain a redevel- er spaces, and lease and ownership q83w6o31jmfsx3/ “exemplar of equity and inclusion,” opment hotspot for private develop- arrangements to control costs and or contact [email protected] as our Small Area Plan (SAP) memo- ers; by DC law, if converted to resi- support neighborhood services. Remittance address for ad payments only rialized, can be shaped by legisla- dential use, it could produce 20-30% Transportation planning focuses is: tive and policy changes outside of the below market rate housing. on a dramatic reduction in automo- The Southwester Plan. While the principal vehicle for P.O. Box 70131 • Washington, DC 20024 Benefits from public subsidies bile use, expanded use of smaller addressing housing affordability has (e.g., tax relief in Opportunity Zones motorized vehicles and bikes, and Southwester Staff been increasing density and infill, we and otherwise, long-term leases, deep more support for walkers. An equita- Editor-in-Chief: Mike Goodman will continue to lose the social diver- price reductions on sales of publicly ble transportation policy must mini- Editorial Staff: Matthew Koehler sity that Southwest values without (Copy & Web) owned properties) also ought to play mize competition between all motor- additional ways to create varied and Advertising: Beth Hall & Donna Purchase prominently in discussions as rede- ized vehicles and others to maximize affordable housing stock as aggressive Distribution: Perry Klein velopment projects are vetted. safety. Design & Layout: Electronic Ink redevelopment continues. The dictates for review of develop- It must also account for realistic Printer: Print Innovators Changing our Inclusionary Zoning ment proposals by ANCs and oth- public transit availability, especially (IZ) law can be a target now to cover ers is extremely variable, and not all for those who rely on it to get to work more projects and to make more units communities have Small Area Plans at odd hours. Automobiles are neces- available to those who cannot afford to articulate community values and sary to get to areas not well served market rate rents or purchase prices. objectives and apply them to devel- by public transit, and when age or Current IZ rules typically require opment. Southwest has an SAP, but disability requires auto use, planning The Southwester is published and only 8% below market rate units in distributed by the Southwest its recommendations are often not must account realistically for avail- the new buildings to which IZ applies Neighborhood Assembly well reflected in development plans, able parking and garage space for – as we increase density with more and may not have primacy when they those who need it. tall buildings, affordable housing will Donate to us: www.mightycause.com/ overlap with other planning directives Details of an equitable transporta- become an increasingly smaller slice organization/Southwest-Neighborhood- (e.g., the Capitol Gateway Project). tion plan must accompany all new of the whole. Assembly Except for Planned Unit Devel- development, which they too often The Amendments propose 40% of opments (PUDs), many projects are do not. Copyright © 2021 Southwest Neighbor- new affordable (below market rate) subject to only limited review, com- These are not abstract issues or hood Assembly, Inc. All rights reserved. units be capped at 30% of our region’s ments may be due only to the OP long-term goals but govern our abil- To contact the Southwest Neighborhood Median Family Income (MFI), and rather than the Zoning Commission ity to realize the dictates in our own Assembly or The Southwester, the rest split between 30-60% and – with the potential to become part of Small Area Plan and can provide a call (202) 320-4414. 60-80% of MFI (80% of MFI is nearly a Final Order, or may have no man- blueprint for needed reform now. June 2021 The Southwester Page 3 Can-do Marketing Guru for JMA Solutions Personifies Volunteerism BY ANTHONY TISDALL Fueled by JMA’s ultimate mission Award for Cash Giving Donations in modate the 1000 meals for their holi- and vision of giving back to the com- the Mid-Sized Business Category. day food drive giveaway in Southeast s. Iman Brown is a lifelong munity, Iman has led the coordina- Ms. Brown worked with the NBA’s DC. She attended and volunteered to resident of Southwest DC. tion in a company that supports over Mothers of Professional Basketball support every effort throughout the She graduated from Eliza- M 40 charities annually. Iman not only Players to coordinate a banner that event. beth Seton High School and played serves as the main point of contact JMA sponsored for their welcome When COVID-19 shut down the volleyball, which became a lifelong for the company’s philanthropic out- reception at the NBA All Star event in JMA office in March 2020, Ms. Brown passion of hers. After graduation, she reach efforts, but she also makes it a Chicago. She also coordinated with interviewed numerous, on-line host- attended the University of North Car- priority to volunteer at these events. the John Wall Family Foundation to Some of the organizations that she deliver 1000 bottles of water to accom- See “Guru,” page 6 supports regularly include Luke’s Wings, Project Giveback, Arena Stage, NFL Player Josh Norman’s Starz24 Because You Can Fitness foundation, the USO, and several vet- Andy gigliotti eran’s organizations. Lori Murphy Every Thanksgiving, Iman volun- 703-906-5429 teers at Project Giveback’s Thanks- • Outdoor Classes giving Food Basket Distribution to • Personal Training help pack and deliver food baskets to needy families located in DC and • Virtual Training hand-deliver baskets to several fam- • Specialty Bootcamp ilies in Southwest. In the summer, Slowing down after 39 Classes Iman volunteers at Luke’s Wings char- years of contracting. ity walk to raise money for military • Virtual Classes families to visit their loved ones who Small to medium jobs • Nutrition Plans were wounded while serving their mainly residential country. Iman is the JMA corporate repre- $42.50 an hour from 202-669-9017 sentative for the DC Adopt-a-School arrival on job facebook.com/BYCLoriMurphy Program as well. She works closely www.becauseyoucanfitness.com Courtesy of Author with Amidon-Bowen and Jefferson Ms. Iman Brown Middle School Academy schools (JMA has adopted both schools) to ensure that students and teachers have the olina at Charlotte, where she earned a necessary supplies and equipment. bachelor’s degree in public relations She spearheads annual teacher R I S I N G 4 T H & 5 T H with a minor in journalism (and avid appreciation events sponsored by CapXLab G R A D E R S volleyball player). Her degree would JMA and recently visited both schools play a pivotal role in her selection as to hand out monogrammed teacher Summer s m a l l g r o u p a marketing assistant for the South- appreciation mugs to each teacher. m o s t l y o u t d o o r west-based JMA Solutions in 2016, Learning n e i g h b o r h o o d - JMA employees have the opportunity after graduation. b a s e d to volunteer for career days, tutor or Hired mainly for her social market- Pods participate in game nights and con- ing skills, Iman quickly took to the tests for the students. various aspects of marketing for a Ms. Brown was part of a panel of rapidly growing government consult- young professionals that addressed ing firm, embracing the company scholarship recipients from South- culture, family atmosphere, and the west for SWNA. She has supported spirit of giving back to the commu- the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Free nity created by JMA Solutions CEO Fund in the past by providing open- and president, Jan Adams (also a resi- ing remarks, drafting closing remarks, summer dent of Southwest DC). In short order, and other voluntary editorial support. Ms. Brown began to actively manage She has written numerous articles for learning the company’s social media, which The Southwester that highlight JMA included Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, program Solutions community service, awards, Instagram, and other accounts. She and contributions. wrote press releases, newsletters, Never one to look for the spotlight, speeches and supported the many Iman has authored numerous award philanthropic efforts of the company nominations for the company. Her and the executive team. With her can- C O M P L E T E T H E I N T E R E S T F O R M : efforts have resulted in JMA receiv- do attitude and friendly and outgoing ing the following accolades, to name demeanor, Iman became the face of a few: ranking in Black Enterprise b i t . l y / c a p x s u m m e r JMA to the community and a valuable as one of the Top 100 Largest Black part of the JMA team. She received her Businesses in America, INC 5000’s first promotion to marketing coordi- C U R I O S I T Y Fastest-Growing Private Companies nator within her first two years while in America, the Washington Business C R E A T I V I T Y simultaneously pursuing her passion Journal’s Book of Lists for the Largest S O C I A L C O N N E C T I O N for volleyball by refereeing with the Veteran-Owned Companies in Wash- DC Fray. She then moved on to her ington, DC, The Disabled American master’s degree in sports industry Veterans (DAV) Small Employer of the management from Georgetown Uni- Year Award, and Washington Busi- versity, graduating in 2020. ness Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy Page 4 The Southwester June 2021 A Partnership Built on Giving Back and Paying It Forward BY SOUTHWESTER STAFF or the third time since the pandemic occurred, the Freder- F ick Douglass Memorial Bridge Team (FDMB) has partnered with the Thelma D. Jones Breast Cancer Fund (TDJBCF) to give back or pay it forward. Their ongoing efforts remind the Breast Cancer Fund that the bridge’s progress has not just bee- non the physical bridge but also in rebuilding bridges in the local community, especially with the seniors and immune compromised residents at River Park in Southwest. Started through a connection during the SWNA’s Forum in early 2020, in which the FDMB Management was Courtesy of Author a participant and Thelma D. Jones The Bridge Team and Thelma D. Jones was a lead organizer, the two continue to bridge connections in the commu- event afforded nearly 70 seniors and Equally important, the participants Management and FDMB team in nity and make a significant difference. immune compromised residents – a were able to receive literature on coordinating and setting up the event In March, the FDMB team arrived total of over 200 for the three events breast health appreciated seeing and in a festive and decorative fashion. A with boxes full of PPEs, supplies, – a way to avoid the risk of ventur- receiving reminders on the FDMB’s special thanks to Patrice Brooks for and canned food for the seniors and ing out to stores in what was still a progress, which they hope to venture her overall efforts. Also, the TDJB- immune compromised residents at risky environment. It also provided a across soon. While TDJBCF Founder CF was pleased to connect with the River Park. The thankful residents cost savings to them as many, if not travels across the bridge frequently, FDMB Project Management Team were overjoyed with the variety of all our seniors, are on fixed incomes only a limited number of the seniors again. “It is gratifying to know that the necessary items that they could barely with limited resources and mobil- and immune compromised residents FDMB Management cares enough to contain themselves: “Wow! Oh my! ity restrictions. In addition, the event have seen the bridge in its present participate in activities of this nature This is a lot of good stuff! Can I get one afforded an opportunity for the par- state of completion. Through a com- during your busy schedule. I salute of everything? Thank you, Thank you! ticipants to enjoy a bit of fresh air, mitment from the FDMB team, the and applaud you and trust that you Those folks (FDMB) are so nice, bless exercise, and socialization, as they participants will journey across the will pass on our sincerest thanks to them and you, too!” said one happy often had limited opportunities to bridge and perhaps tour the Frederick those who donated and contributed resident. These were just some of the connect with others in a socially dis- Douglass home in Anacostia, as well, to the event’s success,” said TDJBCF comments, punctuated with smil- tanced environment. To see a video when the pandemic restrictions allow Founder Thelma D. Jones. ing faces while selecting the desired of the event, click here: https://www. this type of activity. The FDMB Management team sur- items. youtube.com/watch?v=hxDvfivSQlw. The TDJBCF was pleased with the Coupled with the two previous overall support from the River Park pay it forward events, the March See “Partnership,” page 10 VIRTUAL CAMP ARENA STAGE AN ONLINE, MULTI-ARTS PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AGES 8 – 15

Move toward a BRIGHTER FUTURE !

2021 SWNA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Awards between $1,000 - $3,000 APPLY ONLINE NOW through Tuesday June 15 deadline www.swnascholarship.org

Southwest SWNA ESTF - Education and Scholarship Task Force was established to encourage and assist youth in the Neighborhood Southwest Washington DC, Ward 6, Zip code 20024 Assembly neighborhood to pursue a post-secondary education.

Initial design by Richard McGarity Page 6 The Southwester June 2021 Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring in Our Neighborhood BY BETH HALL er’s lab. Parameters include pH levels, bacteria (E. coli), temperature, and tur- orking together to under- bidity. The results are made available stand the health of District to the public each Thursday through of Columbia waters, the W social media (@AnacostiaRrkper), the Department of Energy and Environ- Anacostia Riverkeeper website, and ment (DOEE) awarded a grant to Ana- online data portals. costia Riverkeeper to implement a Thus far this summer, all four sites volunteer-based, citizen science water have passed. This continues a trend, quality monitoring program with the beginning from a baseline in 2019, of goal of providing up-to-date, weekly improvement in DC’s overall recre- water quality data to residents and ational water quality. The low bacte- visitors. This information can be used ria results are especially important for to make informed decisions about rec- DC’s goal of fishable and swimmable reating in District waters. waters. The program was established in This year, the Riverkeeper’s partners 2018, and each summer, trained vol- in this effort include the Audubon Nat- unteers collect water samples from uralist Society and Rock Creek Conser- 22 specific sites in the Rock Creek, vancy. To learn more about this Citizen Potomac, and Anacostia watersheds. Science Water Quality Monitoring pro- In our neighborhood, weekly sam- gram, visit anacostiariverkeeper.org/ pling is done at Buzzard Point, Yards dc-water-quality. Questions can be Park Marina, the recreation pier at the Courtesy of Kiko Bourne Courtesy of Melinda Cavichia directed to monitor@anacostiariver- Wharf, and the Tidal Basin. All samples Citizen Science Water Quality Monitoring Buzzard point water quality monitoring keeper.org. are analyzed in Anacostia Riverkeep- volunteer Beth Hall site

Updated weekly on Thursdays 9https://www.anacostiariverkeeper.org/dc-water-quality/

Air Traffic Control Association and the U.S. Capitol Hill Police as they worked The list is endless and there is GURU Professional Women Controllers, Inc., additional shifts in January 2021. no doubt that Iman will continue to Continued from p. 3 at their annual conferences. Again, For her efforts, Ms. Brown was make an impact on our community comments from the attendees highly recently promoted to marketing team on behalf of both JMA Solutions and ing platform companies and single- praised Ms. Brown for her attention to lead, where she will mentor and guide herself. There is a lot to learn from handedly moved the JMA summer detail and her professional demeanor. new marketing employees, develop this dynamic and thoughtful young and holiday in-person events, for over Ms. Brown spearheaded food strategy, and expand the brand of woman who understands and prac- 170 employees and their families, to deliveries to Southwest fire stations JMA Solutions beyond our current tices the true meaning of community very successful virtual events with and police departments during the client and partner portfolios. JMA involvement, especially giving back. gift giveaways and meals delivered pandemic shutdown. She coordinat- has recognized her work with their to their respective homes. Each event ed a dessert bar for the SWDC MPD Above and Beyond and Job Well Done Anthony Tisdall is the senior vice presi- was highly praised and appreciated by police station during Police Week in awards for her morale-boosting plan- dent of Global Affairs and Aviation all employees. She also hosted JMA- 2020, and coordinated with and pro- ning of employee events, alongside Solutions for JMA Solutions. sponsored virtual happy hours for the vided snacks for approximately 3000 her other accomplishments. June 2021 The Southwester Page 7 National Air and Space Museum Receives $3 Million Gift Photo of the Month for New World War II Gallery BY SOUTHWESTER STAFF he Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum has T received $3 million from the Daniels Fund to support the new “Jay I. Kislak World War II in the Air” gallery. The exhibition will examine how the revolution in warfare that took military aviation. The gallery will open place during the war redefined the with a carrier war section featuring promise and peril of military aviation. the Eastern Aircraft (Grumman) FM-1 It is part of the museum’s ongoing Wildcat. The North American P-51D transformation of all its galleries at Mustang and the Messerschmitt Bf the flagship building in Southwest, 109G are among the other rare fighter and is scheduled to open in 2025. aircraft that will be featured. Smaller “We are honored to receive this artifacts, images and digital interac- generous support from the Daniels tives will also be used to tell the sto- Fund in honor of Bill Daniels,” said ries of workers from all walks of life Jeremy Kinney, associate director that helped the United States and its for research and curatorial affairs at Allies defeat their enemies. the museum. “The gift will help the “It is a privilege to be a part of museum share meaningful stories, bringing the incredible stories of sac- not only about World War II avia- rifice and bravery of World War II tion, but also about the character and aviators to life,” said Hanna Skandera, courage exemplified by pilots and vet- president & CEO of the Daniels Fund. erans like Mr. Daniels.” “Bill Daniels believed he owed much The SWNA birdhouses. Courtesy of Jessie Himmelrich The “Jay I. Kislak World War II of his success to the character and in the Air” gallery will explore how discipline he gained as a Navy fighter the conflict transformed aviation and If you would like to submit a photo for consideration for Photo of the pilot.” warfare and inaugurated a new era in Month, please email it to [email protected].

Celebrating our 2 year anniversary serving the Southwest and Navy Yard waterfront communities!

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Each month check out the most recent issue of the paper for activities and games to help you dis- cover SWDC! Have a suggestion? Email us: editor@thesouthwester. com. Check out next month’s Kid's CornEr issue for the answers!

Spot the difference! Answers from Can you spot the differences in the two scenes below? May 2021 issue Differences: The comets in the top left of each picture are different; the rockets at the top of each picture are different; the picture on the right has a space shuttle on a planet; there is an alien on Earth in the picture on the right; the girl has a hat in the picture on the right; the UFOs in the bottom right of each picture are different.

1. ______4. ______Word Scramble: There are 119 words you can make from 2.______5. ______“Outside.” 3. ______6. ______WORD SEARCH: SUMMER HEAT! Word Scramble! How many words can you make from TEMPERATURE?

DEGREES WATER FUN SUNSCREEN GAMES SPORTS HOT SHADE OUTSIDE RUN June 2021 The Southwester Page 9 SPRING Kid's CornEr Extra! Maze! Can you help the ladybug get to the flower?

COLORING TIME! Math Jokes! Moment! What has a tongue but never talks, and has no Can you legs, but sometimes walks? complete these A shoe! equations? What do you call a bear with no teeth? a. 18 + 18 = A gummy bear!

When do truck drivers b. 19 + 10 = stop to eat? When they find a fork in c. 7 + 3 = the road! d. 12 - 6 = Would you like to submit a joke for Kid’s e. 110 + 10 = Corner? Email it to editor@thesouthwester. f. 15 - 8 = com.

Include your first name g. 42 - 10 = so we can tell other kids who sent it in! h. 500 - 200 = Page 10 The Southwester June 2021 2021 Graduates–SWNA Salutes You!

Christopher Johnson Courtesy of Author Ned Yarsky Courtesy of Author Sam Anderson Courtesy of Author

BY UNA YARSKY and remediation of modern climate ever received is to not be discouraged support during these past years, and his year, the Southwest Neigh- crises.” Their biggest life lesson during from achieving your goals. Chris’ time look forward to the coming years as borhood Assembly (SWNA) their time at Carleton is maintaining a at Virginia State University has taught they pursue new opportunities, both celebrates three four-time work-life balance and setting realistic him to never give up on what he wants in professional and personal develop- T expectations for themself, as well as to accomplish. ment. recipients of the SWNA Scholarship Program. The Scholarship learning to adapt when Ned Yarsky graduated from Wash- Graduating college is not easy, Program was established faced with failure and ington Latin PCS alongside Sam even during a typical school year, in 1974 to encourage and new opportunities. Anderson in 2017. He entered the and the SWNA Scholarship Program assist young people in Chris Johnson gradu- University of Pittsburgh in the fall of salutes these graduates’ perseverance Southwest, Washington, ated from Dunbar High 2017 and graduated as a Commu- and strength as they completed their DC to pursue a post-sec- School in 2017 and pur- nications major the spring of 2021. education during the COVID-19 pan- ondary education. The sued a degree in social Ned’s favorite extracurricular activ- demic. multi-year scholarship work at Virginia State ity at the University of Pittsburgh was SWNA is currently accepting dona- recipients 2021 college University. His favor- singing in his acapella group, C Flat tions to help other students complete graduates are Sam Ander- ite classes included oral Run. His favorite classes included his- their educational goals and thrive, son, Chris Johnson, and Ned Yarsky. interpretation, voice and diction, and tory of modern Ireland, audio pro- both during and after their educa- Congratulations to all three! human behavior and social environ- duction and film editing. His time at tion. To support future SWNA gradu- Sam Anderson graduated from ment. Chris’ time at college offered university has taught him to appreci- ates, you can make a tax-deductible Washington Latin PCS in 2017 and many opportunities, including the ate the value of teamwork, while also donation online following the donate majored in Geology at Carleton Col- Pathways POWER program, an intern- realizing the importance of indepen- link on the website or make your lege with a minor in Archaeology. ship that helped people ages 16-24 dence and personal strength. In order check payable to SWNA and mail it One of their best experiences at Car- obtain their high school diploma or to complete his communications to: SWNA Scholarship Fund, PO Box leton was a geology course they took GED. His mentors, SWNA Task Force degree, Ned had the opportunity to 70131, Washington, DC 20024-0131. in New Zealand, where they devel- members John White and Rick Bar- intern with SWNA, focusing on their Please put “scholarship” in the subject oped their collaborative and social dach, inspired him to pursue social social media outreach. He is open to line. skills. Additionally, the trip helped work. His most memorable experience several different career opportunities Scholarships are open to residents them reaffirm their appreciation of at college was a senior trip to Orlando, due to the flexibility of his degree, who reside in Zip Code 20024, are less the natural world. After graduation, Florida, where he was able to explore but is currently pursuing a career in than 24 years old, and who wish to they will start a two-year Master’s an area outside of his hometown. After audio production. He hopes to begin pursue, or are pursuing, any course Degree in Earth Sciences at Indiana college, he hopes to pursue a Master his career by moving to a new city in of study at an accredited undergradu- University. Their thesis will focus on of Social Work (MSW) in fall 2021, or the coming months. His best piece ate college, university, or technical the intersection between East African begin his career by working with teens of advice for any students is to know institution. The SWNA Scholarship environments and human evolution. and young adults. His ultimate career their limits and push themselves in Program is currently accepting appli- After completing their education, Sam goal is to help young adults finish and order to succeed. cations until Tuesday, June 15, 2021. hopes to pursue research that focuses further their education and obtain Each of these graduates thanks Apply online at https://swnascholar- on both natural and human histories jobs to help achieve self-sufficiency. the SWNA Scholarship Program and ship.org! in order to help inform “adaptation The best piece of advice Chris has the Southwest community for their

her to read The Book of Yawns by PARTNERSHIP Carolyn Blasinsky for the students Continued from p. 4 (ages birth to 4-year-old) at Martha’s Table, who will also receive copies of prised Jones with a beautiful Easter the book. A few weeks later, the team Basket filled with special personal filmed Jones in the River Park lobby as and welcomed items. That surprise she animatedly read the book for the complemented the event’s success students. (A video of Jones reading and enabled Jones and the dedicated can be seen here: https://www.you- volunteers to feel a sense of gratitude tube.com/watch?v=3C08jNTgvPI.) and accomplishment. Jones thanked In appreciation of their partner- the FDMB Management team again ship effort, the FDMB team featured for their “continued bridge building Founder Jones in the Spring 2021 edi- efforts, including bridging gaps to tion of their Progress Magazine, In help a vulnerable population in our Their Words: Thelma D. Jones, which community during an unprecedented Jones has been passing out freely at era.” River Park and throughout the com- Furthermore, the FDMB Manage- munity. A link to the article can be ment team shared with Jones infor- found here: https://www.newfreder- mation about an upcoming outreach ickdouglassbridge.com/newsletters. Courtesy of Author effort at Martha’s Table and invited Organizing the goods to distribute to community members June 2021 The Southwester Page 11 M Street Corridor Redesigned? BY SOUTHWESTER STAFF he Southwest BID, Capitol Riv- erfront Bid, and DDOT (fund- T ing provided by all three) are doing two new studies: the M Street Non-automotive Planning Study; and (2) the SE-SW Mobility Study. The studies will look at “mass transit, micromobility (bicycles, scooters, and other small, low-speed personal vehicles), an improved pedestrian environment, shared parking strategies, and more” for the M Street corridor, between SW and near SE. More specifically, the M Street Non-automotive Planning Study will look at “planning for multimodal transportation, specifically protected mobility lanes (bike, scooter, and other small, low-speed personal vehicles), on M Street SE between South Capitol Street SE and 11th Street SE.” The SE-SW mobility Study will focus on these three key areas: 1) A high-level concept of how the design from the M Street Non-Auto- motive Planning Study alternatives could be applied along the SW por- tion of the corridor. 2) A concept plan for how the public realm along the entire M Street SE-SW corridor can be improved for all modes/users including the pedes- www.capitolriverfront.org/do-busi- encing exponential rates of growth, idly increasing density, transit has to trian realm; and ness-here/mobility-initiatives), Capi- which will further add more people be reimagined. 3) Feasibility study and recom- tol Riverfront is the fastest growing and commuters to the dynamics of The public comment period for mendations for transit connectivity neighborhood in DC and “will con- all three neighborhoods. The existing this survey is open until June 8. Add between Buzzard Point and commer- tinue to experience rapid growth infrastructure of these neighborhoods your thoughts to how the M Street cial/transit hubs to the north, includ- over the next 10 years, adding nearly was “designed around the previous Corridor should be redesigned and ing Capitol Riverfront, SW Waterfront/ 20,000 more residents.” light-industrial land uses that domi- fill out the survey here: https://www. The Wharf, Capitol South, and Union Southwest Waterfront and espe- nated the waterfront of Near South- surveymonkey.com/r/DRQ96ZR. Station. cially Buzzard Point are also experi- east and Buzzard Point.” With the rap- According to their website (https://

Community Center Kicks Off Crowdfunding and Community Engagement Campaign BY THE SWDCCC COMMUNITY all the phenomenal groups that con- co-facilitate focus groups. Communi- and expertise or be a focus group ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS tribute to such a strong social fabric ty members will also be compensated participant, so please visit https:// COMMITTEE within ANC6D and to see how much for their time sharing their lived expe- swdccc.link/getinvolved if you’d like lthough the 6,000-square- effort goes into advocating for and riences as interviewees or as focus to be considered. Ultimately, we hope foot Southwest DC Commu- improving the quality of life for all group participants. Youth in our com- this initiative will enable us to engage nity Center (SWDCCC) is not our neighbors. What we learned from munity who are interested in being a segments of the population that we A th these conversations and surveys will Civic Fellow are encouraged to apply might not otherwise be able to reach, planned to be open at the corner of 4 and M Street SW for a few years, the inform our future engagement efforts, at https://swdccc.link/CFapplication. empower youth through more mean- volunteer Community Engagement which we hope will ultimately be inte- We’ve launched a crowdfunding ingful exposure to the civic space, and and Communications Committee has grated into a virtual community asset campaign to give members of our gather helpful feedback to consider as been hard at work over the past cou- map. community an opportunity to con- we design and develop programming ple of months on several fronts. One theme that emerged from this tribute financially to the initiative. for the SWDCCC. Following the asset mapping efforts partner engagement process is that We’ve set a fundraising goal of at If you missed our May 25 Engage- presented at the November ANC6D youth programming – particularly least $2,000 and invite you to make ment Kickoff Meeting or want to meeting, we completed more than 15 more than a year into the COVID-19 a tax-deductible donation on our review the materials covering our interviews with organizations serv- pandemic – is a key need and crucial crowdfunding page: https://swdccc. summer initiative, other upcoming ing Southwest and Navy Yard/Capitol component of our neighborhood’s link/crowdfunding. Any additional engagement activities, and how to get Riverfront and gathered additional ability to thrive. With that insight in funding is welcome and will go to involved, please visit https://swdccc. information through surveys to learn mind, along with our desire to engage turbocharging our summer initiative link/kickoffevent. While you’re there, about the tremendous work commu- deeply and broadly within our com- efforts, supporting additional engage- subscribe to our email list at https:// nity organizations do to provide criti- munity, we are piloting a summer ini- ment activities, and covering opera- www.swdccc.org/subscribe and stay cal services in our neighborhood. It’s tiative to provide training to five Civic tional expenses. tuned for updates! been truly humbling to hear about Fellows (ages 16-24) who will receive We are also seeking volunteers who a stipend to conduct interviews and want to support our work with time Page 12 The Southwester June 2021 Support Group Kicks Off New Initiative: National Black Cancer Awareness Week BY THELMA D. JONES breaking research of the Greens- boro Health Disparities Collabora- f you missed last month’s tive, which led a five-year national Thelma D. Jones Breast Can- study that implemented technology cer Fund (TDJBCF) Support I and other tools to address systemic Group meeting on the Community racism impacting African American Grand Rounds on Ovarian Cancer, breast and lung cancer patients in in partnership with Georgetown the healthcare system. Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Other invited speakers include Center, perish the thought and visit Dr. Lucile L. Adams-Campbell, https://www.facebook.com/TDJ- Ph.D., Professor of Oncology, Senior BreastCancerFund/. Associate Dean, Community Out- While you are there, check out reach and Engagement, Associate Director, Minority Health & Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Courtesy of Author Lombardi Comprehensive Can- Guest Speaker Crystal T. Dixon, MPH, MA, MCHES, NBC-HWC, Assistant Professor, cer Center and Program Director, Department of Public Health, University of North Carolina-Greensboro M.S. Epidemiology and Carla D. Williams, PhD, Associate Professor previous support group meetings ing will be Crystal T. Dixon, MPH, Medicine, Interim Cancer Center and like us on Facebook. After- MA, MCHES, NBC-HWC, Assistant Director (unconfirmed) and Talya wards, join the Support Group on Professor, Chancellor’s Advisory Gordon, Post-Baccalaureate Fel- Wednesday, June 16, at 7 p.m., via Committee on Equity, Diversity and low, National Institutes of Health, Zoom and Facebook live as we Inclusive Excellence, among other University of Maryland ’20 (uncon- kick-off the first-ever U.S. Food and titles, UNC Greensboro. Dixon also firmed) and LaRuby Z. May, Man- Drug Administration Oncology serves on the President’s Commis- aging Member, May Lightfoot PLLC. Center of Excellence Project com- sion on Race, Equity, and Commu- For information regarding the munity initiative “National Black nity at Wake Forest University. She TDJBCF support group meeting, Family Cancer Awareness Week: will speak on the topic of “Seeking visit www.tdjbreastcancerfund.org, Engaging the Generations” (June Health Equity: Examining Racism email thelma@tdjbreastcancerfund. 17 – June 23, 2021). as a Social Determinant of Health.” org, or call (202) 251-1639. The guest speaker for the meet- The topic highlights the ground-

ENROLL NOW for 2021–2022 School Year

E EAGLE ACADEMY PCS A at Congress Heights | Capitol Riverfront

STEAM, Spanish Classes, Arts, and Social & Emotional Learning

We opened in 2003, in Ward 6, as the first early learning charter school in Washington, DC. Eagle Academy Public Charter School sets the standard for educating young children in Washington, DC. We take pride in meeting the needs of the whole child and helping each of our students grow academically, socially and emotionally. We are a technology based school and each student is provided a take home iPAD, Chromebook and a vast assortment of school supplies to help children learn remotely. Virtual classes are ongoing for all DC locations and we will re-open our school upon guidance from DC government. Take a virtual tour of our Capitol Riverfront campus via our website. Enroll today and secure your child’s spot. Visit www.myschooldc.org or call (202) 459-6825 www.eagleacademypcs.org • @eagleacademypcs June 2021 The Southwester Page 13

Spring/Summer BloomS At local parks, just down the street, or right outside your front door – Spring colors are everywhere

Button Bush, Wood Sorrel, and Redbuds – all in bloom! Magnolia and Laurel, these flower, too. Some are never seen in the city but only in wetlands, grow. Ah, cherry delight! All this color is near, at a rain garden in the park!

Photos Courtesy of Irene Allen Page 14 The Southwester June 2021 Waterfront Village Relaunches with New Strategic Plan BY SOUTHWESTER STAFF The Village was founded as a mem- for District services but could still use • Expand outreach to underserved bership organization in 2016 and is help. Many of these older adults could areas of the community. uilding on lessons learned one of 13 such Villages in the District benefit from association with the Vil- • Increase the number and quality of through the pandemic, Water- of Columbia. It provides its members lage. While she added that the Village home and health services. front Village will be making B with social engagement opportunities will not be the answer for everyone, • Create intergenerational volunteer major changes in the next five years to and a wide range of home and health Village staff can always point people opportunities to tap into the cre- better support older adults in South- services, including transportation, towards other resources which pro- ativity and wisdom of older resi- west DC and Navy Yard, according technology assistance, light home vide the needed services. dents and ensure that support is to the Village’s recently released five- repairs, check-in calls, and delivery The new plan will expand member- available for older adults when year strategic plan. services. ship, increase the number and quality they need it. “We have always been here to sup- “The new plan is about getting more of services, and partner with churches • Expand care navigation services for port our members with social activi- people involved so we can address the and other community organizations the frailest members. ties and home and health services,” needs of those who could benefit from in the Southwest DC/Navy Yard neigh- • Continue to develop new, interest- said Carroll Quinn, president of the our service, but we haven’t reached borhood. “The plan is bold and chal- ing, and enriching health and edu- Village Board since January. “The previously,” Quinn said. “We recog- lenging, and it changes how we look at cational programming. pandemic and the Black Lives Matter nize that there are still people falling our mission and what it means to the • Reach out to local agencies and protests last year helped us recognize through the cracks, and we want to community,” said Quinn. “We hope to elected officials to make sure older that there is much more we need to catch those we can help.” start the conversation about how our residents in our neighborhood can do as a community to help all older Quinn said that some older resi- neighborhood supports – and benefits access services available from the adults feel valued and supported.” dents in our local area may not qualify from – our older residents.” District and federal governments. The plan includes significant revi- “Many of the ideas reflected in sions to the Village’s vision statement the plan originated from comments and consists of five goals, each with received through our member survey. specific performance targets. The Members know best what their needs planning process started last fall with Southwest Moments are and what they want to see from the an all-member survey seeking input Village,” Quinn said. on all facets of the Village’s operation Waterfront Village will also con- and management. Many of the com- tinue to place a priority on recruit- ments received were discussed and ing and training volunteers to assist considered by the Board in making the neighborhood’s older residents. planning decisions. After the survey, Quinn thinks that there are multiple the Board worked with a facilitator benefits that younger volunteers can through the fall and winter to develop get by volunteering with the Village. the expanded vision for the Village. “For whatever reason, our society “As we get closer to the point where tends to push older people to the COVID-19 is under control, it will be margins. One of the benefits of getting important for the Village to relaunch volunteers of all ages involved in the its public activities in a very visible Village is that it can open some eyes way,” said Len Bechtel, the Village’s about what older neighbors have to Executive Director. “No group in the offer. Old age often is accompanied country has paid a higher price than by useful wisdom and experience,” those 60 years and older. Our mes- she said. sage has got to be that we were there The Village plans to assist its mem- for you in the pandemic, and we are bers in becoming volunteers for other still here for you.” community groups too. Quinn notes Among the improvements target- Courtesy of Nicole Renard that many Village members have ed by the plan are: As previously reported by The Southwester, a contractor hired by the District worked for decades in some highly Department of Transportation killed six heritage trees on Maine Ave., SW in • Establish membership subsidies skilled fields, including doctors, engi- March, forcing the removal of the trees. Some of the pieces of the trees have for lower-income residents. neers, lawyers and scientists, and can made it back to Southwest in various forms, including this outdoor seating • Work with communities of faith be wonderful resources for schools at Amidon-Bowen Elementary School - a small reminder of these giant oak and other community organi- and other community groups. trees that formed a crucial part of Southwest’s canopy. zations to leverage resources for older adults.

Nationals Park to Ramp Up to Full Capacity BY SOUTHWESTER STAFF n May, the government of the District of Columbia approved the Washington I Nationals’ request to operate at 100% capacity starting June 10. Single game tickets are available for upcoming Nationals games. The team also recently unveiled a new face- OPENING SOON mask policy. Fully vaccinated fans – meaning those who are two weeks past their final shot • Infants and Toddlers • Nutritious Meals • Safe & Secure and Snacks – are able to attend upcoming games without • Developmentally • Qualified, Caring, wearing an approved face covering. This applies Appropriate and Experienced to all fans regardless of whether they are seated indoors or outdoors. Montessori Curriculum Staff Ticketed fans who are not fully vaccinated will be required to wear an approved face covering at all times except when actively eating or drink- 1505 1st Street SW Washington, DC ing in their seats. Fans can visit nationals.com/WelcomeHome for more Bellagiomontessori.com information regarding acceptable face coverings at the ballpark. (202) 621-8552 June 2021 The Southwester Page 15 National Museum of the American Indian Reopens Timed entry now available; Virtual events will also continue BY SOUTHWESTER STAFF tural heritage and the arts to amplify Two Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ voic- n May 21, the National Muse- es and issues. um of the American Indian O reopened to in-person visi- At the Movies 2021: Monkey Beach tors. The new hours are 11 a.m. to 4 Sunday, June 27; 4 p.m. p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. americanindian.si.edu/online-programs New health and safety measures (Canada, 2020, 105 min.) due to the COVID-19 pandemic will Director: Loretta Todd (Cree/Métis) be observed including timed-entry Based on the novel by award-winning passes, limiting attendance, social author Eden Robinson (Haisla/Heilt- distancing, mandatory use of face suk), Monkey Beach is a supernatural coverings and enhanced cleaning. coming-of-age story that layers trag- For more information about visiting edy, humor and redemption. Lisa the DC museum go to AmericanIn- Hill (Grace Dove) reunites with her dian.si.edu. Haisla family in Kitamaat Village and In addition, the museum is con- realizes she is meant to save her tinuing its virtual program. The June brother (Joel Oulette) from a tragic schedule of virtual programming is fate she’s foreseen since childhood. below: Contending with mystical creatures, Flag Day Program: Honoring the ghosts and spirits, this modern epic American Flag through Native Art is a testament to Indigenous wom- By Carol M. Highsmith - Library of CongressCatalog: http://lccn.loc.gov/2011630892Image download: https://cdn.loc.gov/master/pnp/highsm/12600/12698a. en’s abilities to not just endure trials June 14; on demand tifOriginal url: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/highsm.12698, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52220307 but emerge from them empowered. americanindian.si.edu/online-programs Conversation and live Q&A with Objects decorated with American lection that were created to honor ism? Many tribal nations have always director Loretta Todd and actress flag designs were incorporated into the American flag. recognized multiple genders and Grace Dove to follow. Q&A conduct- Native art in the late 1800s and early those who possess both male and ed via StreamYard with The Americas 1900s. Today, objects adorned with Youth in Action: Indigenizing Pride female spirits. Native people who Film Festival New York (TAFFNY). the flag usually signify that a family Thursday, June 17; 4 p.m. identify as more than one gender or member has served in the military. Free, registration required possessing both spirits sometimes For mature audiences. Contains some Watch Emil Her Many Horses (Ogla- https://smithsonian.zoom.us/webi- refer to themselves as Two Spirit. scenes of violence, strong language la Lakota), museum curator and nar/register/3116188639750/WN_ In celebration of Pride Month, hear and discussions of sexual violence. historian, as he walks participants VcOVur0fRaS1_R53Oq1Zyg from Indigenous youth working in Program presented in cooperation through objects in the museum’s col- How does identity influence activ- the fields of education, health, cul- with TAFFNY-Closing Night. Page 16 The Southwester June 2021

Ward 6 Mutual Aid Summer Hours BY MAX GROSSMAN AND • Non-perishable foods: canned Southwest Farmer’s Market at our cleaning supplies, and other goods CARLEE BROWN meat, soup, chilli, coffee, pow- table on Saturdays between 9 a.m. for delivery. der drink mix, pasta sauce and 1 p.m. • Obtain groceries, hygiene, and ard 6 Mutual Aid (W6MA) (plastic jars), breakfast bars, • Help make sure every student can household supplies at the CUMC’s is a grassroots group work- fruit cups, and any food that access the online classroom by 5000 Ministry Food Pantry on the ing with Black and Brown W does not need to be cooked donating a device. Alongside our 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at grassroots organizations to help keep such as crackers, raisins, nuts, partner organization Serve Your 1 p.m. (courtyard entrance). Atten- our communities safe. For over a energy bars, etc. City, W6MA is working to bridge tion: Starting in July summer hours year, the Southwest Pod of W6MA has • Personal hygiene: sanitary the digital divide by providing lap- will be 9 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sat- partnered with Christ United Meth- pads, diapers, pull ups, bar tops and tablets to students. Please urdays of the month. odist Church (CUMC) on a commu- soap, and body wash soap fill out the form at bit.ly/w6ma_lap- • If you can not come to the church nity food and supply drive to serve our • Cleaning supplies: dish soap tops if you would like to donate. due to health or mobility issues and neighbors in response to COVID-19. and laundry detergent you live in SW, call 202-554-9117 to Interested in ways to help W6MA W6MA and CUMC have a number • Clothing: men’s socks, under- request a delivery. and CUMC? of ways you can get the support you wear, and T-shirts in all sizes • Starting in July, SW Mutual Aid will • Donate groceries, cleaning supplies, need: • Household: pots, pans, dishes, give out fresh produce every Sun- and household items at CUMC. We • If you or someone you know has a bath towels, and bedding. day morning at 9 a.m. accept donations Wednesdays and need for food or cleaning supplies, • Come say hello and consider donat- Fridays 3-6 p.m., and Saturdays 11 call the W6MA Hotline at 202-683- Want to learn more? Email swmu- ing fresh produce bought at the a.m.-2 p.m. Needed items include: 9962. You can request food, masks, [email protected].

ducklings from nature, the Federal NEIGHBORS Migratory Bird Treaty Act helps pro- Continued from p. 1 tect mallards and other migratory birds from humans by making it ille- increased vegetation, and sloping gal to kill, capture, sell, trade, and islands allow the ducklings to easily transport any migratory bird. get in and out of the water, which is More locally, volunteers of City extremely important because duck- Wildlife’s Duck Watch program moni- lings, particularly during the initial tor mallard nests, help them get to weeks after hatching, are too small to water when necessary, and keep an climb over a ledge to reach dry land to eye on their well-being. Problems are rest and stay warm. reported to City Wildlife at 202-882- Without being able to leave the 1000 or the Humane Rescue Alliance water, ducklings will become water- at 202-723-5730. logged and drown because they don’t So, quietly enjoy our neighbors yet have a functional oil gland to coat while they are here. They are growing their down and make them water- Courtesy of Denise Rennis fast, and eventually their new home proof. Their mother provides this Going for a swim! will become too small and they will through preening when they are still move onto a larger body of water. We in the nest so they can quickly get to might see this hen again with her next hens will lead their newly hatched drowning, they are eaten by crows, water after hatching and float while brood of ducklings, but hopefully, ducklings for miles to reach water. attacked by squirrels, sometimes swimming. other new mallard families will move This initial walk starts the hazardous killed by the male mallards (called We don’t know exactly where this into our neighborhood and our lovely life of a duckling. Not only do they drakes), and occasionally harassed hen nested, but we assume in a plant- duck pond habitat. have to quickly get to water and be or taken by humans. Although we er or garden nearby, although some able to get out of the water before can’t do much about protecting these June 2021 The Southwester Page 17

A Just “If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who Recovery for profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation are a Just DC men who want crops without plowing up the ground; they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the Erica Williams, Executive Director ocean without the awful roar Doni Crawford, Senior Policy Analyst of its many waters. Qubilah Huddleston, Policy Analyst …Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.” Frederick Douglass, 1857

Visit SWNA’s website! www.swna.org Page 18 The Southwester June 2021

regulations and coat the surrounding ment complex that’s going in. There’s orating documents either. Superior BUZZARD POINT communities in dust. construction everywhere,” Flemming Concrete was fined $250,000 in 2020 Continued from p. 1 “We been pressing on the Depart- explained to me. “Honestly, that’s… for violating the CAA, though. ment of Energy and Environment for a the concrete we’re supplying is a I asked if they had received a lot poverty level and are already sick very long time to do something about product of all that development.” of complaints from the community (both attributable to historic racism), Buzzard Point,” said Hamilton,”to do a about excess dust in the air or not and have been so for at least a few cumulative impact analysis. Because What about the Clean Air Act (CAA) and following protocols. “We’ve had con- generations. when you talk to the cement factories, Clean Water Act (CWA) violations? versations about issues that they’ve Hamilton says that before the con- they assume really no responsibility. Flemming thanked me for the brought to our attention before,” struction of the soccer stadium in And the realities are, is the way that question and said they did receive a he assured me. He downplayed the 2017, the Department of Energy and cement plants do their everyday busi- notice of violation of their air permit excess complaints, saying they try to Environment (DOEE) did a complete ness…They release a huge amount of from the Department of Environmen- keep in-touch with the community assessment (published in 2016, link particulate matter, just by design.” tal Quality. “It was a technical vio- – keep the lines of communication below) of Buzzard Point and qualified lation, not a violation that involved open. “Gosh, we want to work with it as an industrial brownfield. They Starting where the cement is made public health in any way. One of the the community and, you know, all found dangerous contaminants in Back in March, a local activist settings in the bag house was at issue. they have to do is pick up the phone the soil, like benzo[a]pyrene, arsenic, group, SW DC Action – “residents So, we challenged that notice of vio- and let us know.” and lead, to name a few. Developers, who organize and advocate for a lation and appealed it through [the] When pressed on the issue of com- including DC United, were given lia- more equitable, anti-racist, and envi- E PA .” munity engagement – something the bility protection to build down there ronmentally sustainable neighbor- “[What] was there was a conflict ANCs brought up – Flemming said, “I but they were expected to clean up hoods,” according to their web page between what was in the permit and would say that we probably need to the sites before building. – published a Letter to the Editor with what the manufacturer setting recom- do a better job of broadening that out- Hamilton and Kramer say it’s more The Southwester. In their letter, they mended. And so, what they did was… reach and looking for ways to com- likely that those highly toxic substanc- accused Vulcan Materials Company, We signed a consent order to fix the municate with the neighbors and with es were simply buried under the new one of the cement plants in Buzzard language in the permit. So there was the community.” He stressed that they developments. Point, of violating the Clean Air Act, no violation…Well, it was a violation want the community in which they Promises to clean up these dan- the Clean Water Act, and operating of the permit, per se, but it was not operate “to be successful and do well” gerous substances aside, the broad- without a permit. a public health issue. It was just an and that they “want to be a part of er population (mostly Black) had (The other plant – Superior Con- issue with the setting.” that.” already been exposed to and affected struction Services – was not in vio- He said that, otherwise, when they The ANCs brought up the status by these chemicals for years. “The way lation of any regulations, nor did it see track-out material (dirt, mud, or and age of the equipment at Vulcan as the environmental expert explained it have an expired permit, so we omitted other debris that comes out of a con- compared to Superior – the difference to me,” Hamilton said, “he was like, them as part of our official investiga- struction site on the public roads), is “night and day” as Kramer told me. ‘Being exposed to these chemicals are tion.) they take whatever steps they can to I asked Jimmy about it and said, “The not something that you all will feel The Southwester reached out to ameliorate the situation. equipment is not something, on our sick right away. It may take 5 or 10 or Vulcan to get some answers, and I The ANCs, as well as DC Action site, you look at and say, ‘Wow! What 15 years down the line.” had a chance to speak with Jimmy and other community members I a beautiful plant!’” Longterm, these substances can Flemming, vice president of Permit- spoke to claimed that this isn’t true a “The question is, does it do the cause a range of pulmonary and car- ting and External Affairs, about the lot of the time. I went down to where job? And, is it meeting all the permit diovascular issues – of which, long- company’s operations and the com- both Superior and Vulcan operate – requirements, which protect the safe- existing border communities around munity’s concerns. they share an access road along S ty and health of, not only our employ- Buzzard Point were found to have Right now, Vulcan is still techni- Street SW – and saw dozens of trucks ees, but people outside the gate.” higher rates of chronic lower-respi- cally operating without a permit, exit the plants and kick up dust. Look- This, however, reminds of what the ratory diseases in the 20024 zip code, except for the fine print. According to ing out over Superior’s much larger ANCs said about the air monitors and as well as higher death rates for heart Flemming, they filed for a renewal in facility towards Nat’s Park, the air was how the District doesn’t require them. diseases and cancer (https://doh. February of 2020, four months before hazy with particulate matter from the The sense that the way the policies dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ their permit was set to expire. They’ve plant. and regulations are set now is good doh/page_content/attachments/ been granted extensions since then, At Vulcan, which hugs a riverbank enough, and it seems what Flemming Buzzard%20Point%20Communi- which allows them to operate as if along the Anacostia, clouds of dust is telling me is that the state of the ty%20Health%20and%20Safety%20 they had an active permit. kicked up everytime a cement truck plant is good enough. Study%20(CHASS)%20August%20 The ANCs informed me that the entered the facility, but, true to what He paused for a moment think- 2016.pdf). official review of their permit hasn’t Flemming told me over Zoom, mitiga- ing, and continued, “You’ll be seeing “And then what you do is you dig up been opened up yet, and Flemming tion protocols seem to be followed for changes in the way it just looks, by a bunch of contaminants right beside confirmed they are still waiting for each Truck that left (that might have the way.” them. You don’t put any core protec- their permit to be renewed (more been due to the fact that I was down tions in place,” Hamilton emphasized. on that later). Meanwhile, there are there taking pictures). Concrete solutions moving forward “To be honest with you, I would not community concerns about how the The same could not be said of Buzzard Point’s story has been one move in Buzzard Point the way those cement plants are operating, espe- trucks leaving the Superior plant. The of years of never-ending develop- chemicals in that soil is being actively cially Vulcan. air was gritty along Half Street and got ment, from the PEPCO substation, thrown up like it’s regular dust.” One of the major concerns with grittier the longer I stayed there. Still, to Audi Field, to housing, and now The new residents moving in are the Vulcan plant specifically, is that it you could see joggers, parents and the bridge project. The rapid pace of part of Kramer’s constituency and is much older than the Superior plant their kids, and people on bikes going development will continue, as will the she has started hearing intermittent and contributes more to the environ- up and down the road, enjoying the production of building materials at complaints. She told me of one con- mental and health problems of com- warm weather. both cement plants. stituent who lives down in Buzzard munity members. Despite assuring me that Vulcan Unlike the past, though, when only Point on a high floor in one of the new Flemming told me their ready mix does the best they can to mitigate border communities of poor Black buildings. “She’s working from home facility in Buzzard point “has its chal- dust, and using the systems and residents were affected and ignored, all the time and allegedly she’s seeing lenges” but pointed to the fact that checks they put in place regularly, he now the tax base that city officials a lot of things that contribute to the it’s not just them, the whole area is says they’ll be making some changes. usually cater to is moving in. Whether problem.” undergoing an exponential rate of He also said they need to do a better the new residents know it or not – or Other than from multiple con- construction. job of beautifying the site. care – they will be affected by danger- struction sites, the dust also comes “I would call it an inordinate About that CWA violation? Flem- ous contaminants in the soil and dust from two cement factories that have amount of construction going on in ming said he did not know anything from cement factories. been operating in the area for a long that area right now. If you’re look- about violations to the Clean Water What exactly is the city doing about time. Both factories have received ing at the river and you look to the Act, but that if there was something, all this? According to the ANCs and multiple violations over the years, and left, you’ve got the bridge that’s under “We’d certainly like to see it.” DC Action, next to nothing. Hamilton many people, including activists and construction. If you look to the right, When I reached back out to DC said they can’t get the city to commit the ANCs, say they continue to flaunt we’ve got a condominium or apart- Action, they couldn’t find the corrob- See “Buzzard Point,” page 19 June 2021 The Southwester Page 19

holders on the future of how Vulcan BUZZARD POINT operates. Kramer says that not open- Continued from p. 18 ing up the comment period, it puts the community in kind of a ‘no man’s SWNA Car Wash to things to protect the health of the land.’ community. And, the community is A third and low cost mitigation not asking for a lot – just basic things measure the city could implement is Returns This July that wouldn’t cost too much. simply paving the roads around the BY THELMA D. JONES One of those low cost mitigation cement plants. strategies would be real time air These are not big asks according to ith the promising pos- monitors. When the soccer stadium Kramer and Hamilton, and given the sibilities of being able was going up, DC United put up four long history of ignoring the concerns W to drive more, now is active air quality monitors, which of existing communities and now put- the time to start thinking about a allowed them to see air quality in real ting new ones at risk, it’s the least the good-old fashioned car wash! time. Right now there is only one on city can do. Join the Southwest Neighbor- top of Greenleaf Recreation Center, Hamilton tells the story of another hood Assembly Youth Activities and that one records air quality over a resident, who has lived near Buzzard Task Force (YATF) for its second 24 hour hour period, which does not Point all her life, and played down in car wash fundraiser on Saturday, give an accurate look at air quality. Buzzard Point with her friends when July 10, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at In a letter the Ward 6 ANCs sent they were kids. “That was a gathering Westminster Church’s parking lot (entrance at rear of church, to the EPA, the Commissioners spot for young people – most of those together again in a socially dis- off McKemie Place, SW). YATF is announced that “environmental sci- people, her friends, died from cancer. tanced car washing effort. It will hoping that Mother Nature will entists at American University and You see people move here and slowly also provide a volunteer oppor- be in our favor just as she was colleagues at Washington Trinity Uni- over time they develop heart disease. tunity for a host of community last September when we held our versity are in the process of expand- They develop chronic asthma.” youth, residents, and friends, as first-ever car wash – an amazingly ing a system of air monitors.” These “It’s a disservice to existing resi- well as create a lot of splashing beautiful day. are real time monitors and will give dents and new residents to say that fun. Vehicles are $15 each with This year, YATF is looking for- a more accurate reading of how con- we can coexist with an industrial site. welcomed tips. If you are pushed ward to doubling the net pro- taminated the air is. The first moni- You know, you’re selling and rent- for time and are unable to get ceeds raised last year from over tors will likely start going up in June, ing places where people are buying your vehicle washed, YATF will $450 to $1000. We also want to but they need volunteers to put the into a contaminated area that you gladly accept generous donations double the number of vehicles monitors in their homes. know over time, if they stay here long again this year for a great cause. washed, from15 last year to 30 or In that same letter, the Ward 6 enough, they’re gonna get sick like Volunteers are needed to help beyond. ANCs said that DOEE is set to renew other residents who have gotten sick ensure the success of the car Benefiting the YATF’s pro- Vulcan’s permit soon but they have who have been here more long-term. wash. To volunteer, please email posed mural painting, photog- yet to schedule a hearing or public So, I think the city should be ashamed [email protected] or call raphy, and storytelling class for comment period. The ANC has writ- of itself to not clean up the area and (202) 270-6390, or email thelma@ SW Youth, YATF looks forward to ten to DOEE several times over the make it safe before they started stack- swna.org or call (202) 251-1639. not only raising additional funds past year but to no avail. An open ing residents.” but also bringing the community comment period will give the community a chance to weigh in as stake-

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