Good Foods Market in Anacostia?

Art of War Concept: When the enemy is relaxed, make them toil. When full, starve them. When settled, make them move.
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There is plenty of anticipation regarding the Anacostia Gateway redevelopment project. The community has been pushing for the right kind of development for years, and it seems like we are steps closer with this one. DHCD recently held a property surplus hearing and the Menkiti Group held a Q&A session regarding the vision for the site. A potential retailer is a small grocery store called, Good Foods Market. A grocery in downtown Anacostia is needed but it seemed no one knew who they were.

I stopped by their store on Rhode Island Ave NE last week to check it out to get an idea on what they were about. Walking away, I feel this is perfect fit for the site. It truly is a neighborhood grocer and fits within the small town feel of the Anacostia Historic District. I had a great conversation with the store operator to learn more about the Market. She informed me the Market is a mission driven grocery dedicated to developing retail solutions that work in, and for, food desert communities. They are not there to replace the Safeway or Giant, but more of a spot were you can run in grab milk and bread and run out.

Check out some of the pics below. Would love to get your thoughts.

Fresh fruits and vegetables

They carry both name brand and organic items. So you have your choice...

Potatoes and Watermelon

Fruit and salad to go...

Garlic, onions and even avocados

All your dairy products...

Cereal - Name Brand and Organic

Your choice of fresh eggs

They even carry your standard household items

Mother Nature Takes Its Toll on Historic Anacostia

Art of War Concept: Swift as the wind. Quiet as the forest. Conquer like the fire. Steady as the mountain
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“I’m Going to Huff and Puff And Blow Your House Down!” It looks like Mother Nature took its toll on Historic Anacostia last night. Driving down MLK Ave SE this morning, I noticed the brick facades currently owned by the District Government were scattered across the street. This blows!

This special neighborhood as already lost a ton of its historic charm over the years and it just lost another three (3) historic building facades. I guess I can’t blame the government for this one...even though I'm sure somebody at DHCD is smiling. Here’s hoping the new administration will take some serious thought and care in the future of this neighborhood and understand historic preservation is the key to keeping it a special place and not just another place in the City.

What once was...

As of yesterday with the hopes of returning to Glory

And Now this Morning

Does DHCD Have a Plan? If so, what is it?

Art of War Concept: The general must be first int he toils and fatigues of the army. In the heat of summer he does not spread his parasol, nor in the cold of winter don think clothing... . He waits until the army's wells have been dug and only then drinks; until the army's food is cooked before he eats; until the army's fortifications have been completed, to shelter himself.  
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Don’t know if you noticed, but the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is scooping up a bunch of property in Anacostia. It must be the end of the fiscal year and the government has money to spend.  I suppose the good thing about DHCD is that they will at least keep the grass cut. But the consistent problem is…

1 - do they have a plan on how they will get these properties back on the market for redevelopment?

2 - have they articulated this plan to the neighborhood?

They have owned several properties in the neighborhood for years and have done absolutely nothing with

them. I have a blighted house on my block with a posted DHCD sign that my neighbors tell me has been that way for 20 years. How about we inquire? If you are concerned as I am please copy, paste and send the following email to DHCD.

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Email To: denisel.johnson@dc.gov  or call (202)442-7169 

Dear Ms. Johnson,

My name is INSERT YOUR NAME. I am an involved and concerned resident of Historic Anacostia. I noticed that DHCD has recently acquired several properties in the neighborhood. My neighbors and I would like to know the agency’s redevelopment plan for these properties along with a time lime of execution. We also would like to invite you to our next Historic Anacostia Block Association meeting in September. Please let me know your thoughts and availability.

Regards,

INSERT YOUR NAME

1600 Block of U St - this is one my neighbors told me has been blighted for decades

The corner of 16th and W St SE

The corner of 15th and U St SE

Valley Place that has been blighted for several years

Redevelopment = Gentrification? Pt. 3 "Affordable Housing"

No matter where you live in the District, many people have a negative reaction when they hear the term “affordable housing” especially as it relates to their own neighborhood. Is there a difference between low-income, public, subsidized, and affordable housing? Do you feel there is too much affordable housing, or not enough?

You are invited to join r.e.e.l. for a interactive roundtable discussion on affordable housing. Learn about the current trends in the District's housing market, who is affected and how. We want to know what affordable housing really means and examine whether it is important and needed in the development of our communities.

When: Monday October 28th
Time: 7pm
Where: Anacostia Library - 1800 Good Hope Rd., SE (Ora L. Glover Community Room)

5th Annual DC Housing Expo

On Saturday, June 1st, from 10am-3pm, at the Washington Convention Center, DHCD will hold the 5th Annual DC Housing Expo. The expo is free and open to the public. There will be free credit reports, home ownership & financial literacy workshops, hands-on demonstrations, door prizes, and giveaways. For more information call (202) 442-7200, or visit http://dhcd.dc.gov/.