of hike and biker trails and the replacement of signage. Ward 7 and 8 residents are asked to submit photos of Fort Dupont activities from 1972-2012 along with any additional ideas for Fort Dupont park improvements to the NPS. From June 14, 2012 to August 18, 2012, the NPS will present its annual Summer Concert series at Fort Dupont. In an effort to make the park safe for all patrons, the NPS is once again requiring alcohol check points. Commissioner Carson Carr worries that the additional rules without additional community outreach may cause residents to view Fort Dupont as a “police state.” Cuthrop reminded residents that the additional check points have resulted in less litter in the neighborhoods surrounding Fort Dupont and a reduction in alcohol related medical emergencies. Additional funding from the Friends Group, a preferred seating program that charges $35 for seats during Park events, will also help the Park to provide a safe environment for visitors. The next ANC 7A meeting will be held on July 10, 2012 from 6:30 until 8:30 at the Ophelia Egypt Center (inside the Safeway Shopping Center) 3933 Minnesota Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. l
ANC 7E Report by Mariessa Terrell
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n June 12, 2012, ANC 7E under the leadership of Chairperson Mary D. Jackson provided resident attendees with updates on existing projects. Specifically, the Ridge Road Recreation Center finally received an allotment of $12.8 million to begin construction. ANC 7E has signed a letter of commitment to support a timely construction process. CW Harris School has erected a fence around the parking lot in an attempt to
deter robberies that have targeted school teachers. Benco Shopping Center altercations between shoppers and loiterers continue. As a result the Liquor Store located in the shopping center will close one hour earlier. JC Knolls School is in need of assistance pruning severely overgrown bushes and weeds that present a hazard to students. Sandra Lee, Community Outreach Coordinator from Mayor’s Office will be contacted. H.D. Woodson Senior High School does not have a Principal. Chairperson Jackson has been appointed to sit on a panel tasked with selecting a replacement for Principal Thomas Whittle. “It’s time to speak up! We should not have a new Principal every year,” Jackson stated at the meeting. HD Woodson is currently over capacity. According to Chair Jackson, last year 200 special education students were transferred to Woodson but only 14 teachers were assigned to assist. At present, Woodson has close to 900 students enrolled. There are an additional 980 students on the waiting list. Jackson stressed that many of these students are out-ofboundary students; some of which have disciplinary issues. It was also discussed that perhaps a rule should be instituted that would prevent any out-of-boundary student with disciplinary issues from enrolling at HD Woodson. Mr. Thomson, a resident of 7E made a special presentation regarding property taxes. He has made several inquiries to DC Council members, government officials and ANC representatives to ascertain why the value of his home has decreased while his property tax bills have increased. According to Thompson, over 3240 District resident complaints have been filed.
Other Announcements
Fletcher Johnson Education Center is having an alumni Family Reunion on July 14, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Annika Mohammed is helping to coordinate the effort and is seeking in kind donations of food and beverage, etc. The coordinators endeavor to use the event to promote local independent businesses. l CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM H
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