EBOL is committed to the revitalization of the Kennedy Street which is a part of our target area and the Brightwood Community. We are strong proponents of affordable and low income housing and would not like to see any residents displaced as a result of this revitalization initiative.

EBOL is making great strides in crime and drug prevention, homeless outreach and housing, and small business development. Currently, with the financial support of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), we have a Façade Improvement Program and a Crime and Drug Prevention program.






Also, we have leveraged Neighborhood Investment Funds from the District’s Office of Planning and Economic Development and funds from DHCD to implement programs for Commercial Corridor and Small Business Development Program. In addition to small business technical assistance, we were instrumental in organizing the Beacon Brightwood Business Alliance (BBBA) to give Brightwood businesses a consistent united voice and advocacy that has been lacking in this part of the city. We are so proud that the Alliance is also giving testimony this evening.

Last year we began “Clean, Green, Safe Initiative” with NIF funds that employs homeless individuals to clean up commercial corridors in Brightwood focusing on Kennedy Street and Georgia Avenue. This initiative also has a graffiti awareness and removal component. The “Beacon Clean Team,” as we call them is uniformed and visible on the corridors. We are especially proud that this program will not only give employment and training, but also result in cleaner, safer streets in the Brightwood community.

It is our hope that the revitalization will stay true to a major policy recommendation mentioned in the background section of the document to promote “the vitality and diversity of Washington’s neighborhood commercial areas by retaining existing businesses, attracting new businesses and improving the mix of goods and services available to the residents.” We join in with the Beacon Brightwood Business Alliance in desiring the retention and improvement existing businesses on the Kennedy Street Corridor. We support the public private partnership initiatives discussed in the plan that will be necessary to bring this to fruition.





Included in the plan are things that all of us who live and work in Brightwood would like to see such as the open areas along the corridor for seating with adequate landscaping and additional trees; a solution to the parking problems; explore the possibility of new retail including a grocer and full service restaurants. All of these things would take place in an improved physical, social and economic environment as outlined from the workshops in the plan.

We hope that the implementation of the revitalization of Kennedy Street will be put on the fast track and not get weighed down in the bureaucracy. Some programs can be phased in while funding for others is sought, such as DHCD’s storefront improvement program that could give existing thriving businesses a face lift!

We also know from past experience that revitalization of this corridor will require the cooperation of all of the city agencies that provide infrastructure as well as protective services. Regardless of the revitalization initiative, more attention needs to be given to the improvement of the present condition of the Kennedy Street Corridor.

We want Kennedy Street as a part of the Brightwood community to become a place where residents can safely walk the streets with shops and restaurants that appeal to the people who live here. We want people from other parts of the city to come to Brightwood and shop because it has something to offer. Most of all we want to be a community that attracts new businesses and new families. We value our diversity and want to maintain it with each new venture.

The Beacon of Light along with Emory United Methodist Church will make every effort to support any initiatives that make our neighborhood a better place to work, worship and live.

Thank you for this opportunity. I would be happy to entertain questions.
 

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