Media Release
On Sept. 19, 2020
Contact Nick DelleDonne
703 929 6656
Dupont East Forum:
Candidates Support Open Space, Biker Control, Affordable Housing
Preserving and creating more open space was a major issue at the At-Large Candidate Forum held Thursday, Sept. 17, by the Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA). Without dissent, candidates called for preserving and fighting for more green space in the city. It was an indirect slap at the Mayor’s #BuildMore development policies promoting large projects with minimal affordable housing, especially for families. As demonstrated by the city's demographic trends, this policy encourages gentrification and the displacement of Blacks and minorities from the city. Examples cited include the McMillan and Howard University Divinity School projects, both in Ward 5, and the oversized and inappropriate project proposed for the Masonic Temple at 15th and S Streets NW, in Dupont East.
Equally unanimous and even passionate was the candidates’ call for regulation and enforcement of bikers whose behavior was described as hazardous for pedestrians. DECAA represents the community on 15th St., the site of DC’s celebrated first protected bike lanes. The effort to make cyclists safer with bike lanes has introduced new hazards for pedestrians.
Responding to a question for innovative solutions to the housing shortage, housing the homeless and the working poor, candidate Will Merrifield described the self-funding plan for social housing.
DECAA’s first candidates forum was attended by most of the At-Large Council candidates, including Claudia Barragan, Marcus Goodwin, Christina Henderson, Ed Lazere, Will Merrifield, Vincent Orange, Alexander M. Padro, Monica Palacio, Marya Pickering, Eric M. Rogers, Michangelo “Doctor Mic” Scruggs, and Ann C. Wilcox
The Forum was moderated impeccably and judiciously by our neighbor Iris McCollum Green, Esquire, who serves as DECAA’s vice president. DECAA is a 501(c)3 neighborhood, non-profit organization, initially chartered to oppose the Masonic Temple development. Dedicated to community engagement and civic action, it now pursues campaigns to house the homeless, affordable housing, the preservation of green space and pedestrian safety.
Visit DECAA’s website to join DECAA and sign its petition. https:// www.KeepDupontGreen.org