Mark Rooney for ANC!
As my campaign for advisory neighborhood commissioner nears the Nov. 5 finish line, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to all the neighbors I’ve met along the way. The campaign isn’t over, and I’m sprinting to the end, sustained by the enthusiasm I’ve received from so many of you.
Whether I win or lose, I will remain involved in local affairs and try to do my part to better our community.
But make no mistake, I intend to win. If you are in SMD 05 (roughly between Conn. Ave. and Broad Branch), I am asking for your vote and want to highlight here my vision as commissioner.
We are lucky to have the ANC system, which is designed “to bring government closer to the people, and to bring the people closer to government” as the DC Office of ANCs describes it. In practice, as your commissioner, this means providing excellent constituent service. Home permits, stop signs, speed humps, retention beds—the city holds sway over all these things and more, but effective commissioners can and do intervene with the city to make sure things are handled right on behalf of affected residents. That’s my number one aim as commissioner.
There are larger issues at stake too. And on those issues, I firmly believe commissioners must take the time, and make the effort, to understand their neighbors’ views. The city relies on the ANC to take the pulse of the people. As your commissioner, it’s your voice—not mine—that ought to be reflected in the work of the commission.
In meeting with neighbors over the past few weeks and months, here is what I see on the topics that come up most. This is not intended as a preview to any vote I may take as commissioner. To the contrary, I will always keep an open mind, and hear all sides, when live issues are up for debate.
Connecticut Avenue redevelopment. There is broad support for a revitalized Connecticut Avenue corridor (from Livingston to Chevy Chase Circle). The former diner is an empty lot and an eyesore. Blue44 just closed. The Safeway is ailing (which may have contributed to the recent fire there). In short, there is room for an upgrade, and a strong majority of residents appear to favor one. I support reasonable height limitations that will allow for growth while maintaining the neighborhood vibe. I also intend to press the city, developers, and other stakeholders to consider the effects added growth will have on school capacity, parking, traffic, etc. These are not insurmountable problems, and should not be a barrier to development, but they must be met head-on. In short, I support and look forward to reasonable growth in our community.
Housing and affordable housing. I am in favor of adding additional housing stock as part of a revitalized Connecticut Avenue corridor. There is little question the city needs it, and I know of no reason why we would not try to add some housing as part of a larger redevelopment effort. A strong majority of the residents I’ve spoken with agree with this sentiment.
Revitalized library and community center. Let’s make it awesome! We have a rare opportunity to bring some new and needed life to the library, community center, and surrounding grounds, and I look forward to playing a small role in the process. The city issued an RFP (which calls for housing), and responses have been received. The next commission should focus on setting up a robust mechanism for soliciting and hearing neighbor comments once the proposals are made public. A small majority of residents in my SMD who responded to a survey said they oppose adding housing at the site. That was about a year ago, before the city took the concrete step of issuing an RFP for a site that includes housing.
In speaking with neighbors, the sentiment on housing at the site appears evenly split. However, there is wide consensus that the amount of green and open space at the site should not be diminished, and that the height should be reasonably limited. If we honor those preferences, I find it hard to imagine what the housing options on top of these two buildings might look like. But I am not an architect. Let’s keep an open mind, and hear from neighbors again when we have specific proposals to review. I am, and will remain, very sensitive to the fact that the library and community center are public. I think the majority of the community expects the site to retain its public character.
Turf fields. Our fields should be safe and playable. Period. There is convincing evidence of the harmful effects of PFAS. Next year, my family will have three kids at Lafayette, which is right around the corner from our house. We are “power users” of the Lafayette field and obviously take very seriously any safety concerns. I have heard from residents who are concerned that a grass field will not be properly serviced and will result in the same old dusty, bumpy landscape we see at Lafayette now. That result would not be acceptable to me. However, we can and should be creative in pursuit of solutions. My strong sense is that the community overall favors a playable, grass surface at Lafayette.
Bike lanes. Community sentiment goes against protected bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue. There are a host of concerns including how such lanes would affect bus service, pedestrian safety, and parking (among other things). As with all things, I am open and persuadable. And I realize that dedicated bike lanes on Connecticut are only part of the bike lane equation. If the city revisits plans for bike lanes, I look forward to hearing from all interested parties. Public safety, including pedestrian safety, will be my top concern.
Public transportation funding. I support the draft resolution recently proposed by Commissioner Ferguson calling for increased funding for improved bus service. Strong public transportation has broad support in our community, and I think we should continue to encourage its upkeep and expansion.
Public safety and livability. Public safety will always be a top concern. In keeping with my focus on constituent service and responsiveness, I have been impressed by the hard work of current commissioners to address the recent violent crime on Legation and Military roads, as well as the response to the protests in Barnaby Woods. If elected, I want to pursue a public safety initiative to address something I regularly see—stop signs blocked by overgrown trees. I raised this issue with the ANC over four years ago. Trees must be trimmed back or removed so that stop signs are clearly visible. One livability effort I want to investigate is why so many DC-owned structures with bathrooms are closed on weekends. When private sports clubs play on city-owned fields, the city should ensure that the associated schools and rec centers are open and accessible. These bathroom deserts should be a thing of the past.
Again, it has been a real privilege getting to know so many neighbors over the past few months. As your commissioner, I will continue to solicit your input and views. During this campaign, while I have enjoyed steadfast support from my family, friends, and many enthusiastic neighbors, I have not sought or received the endorsement of any advocacy groups or other outside groups. The only endorsement I seek is yours.
I am asking for your vote!
Thank you.
Mark Rooney
October 28, 2024