Since I moved to Ward 5, I have always wondered where the ANC for this area is. I had not heard from my ANC Commissioner about meetings, what is going on, etc etc, until I called her out on this blog. Then Rayseen Woodland responded to the blog posting attempting to defend her absence by claiming she never really disappeared. She was quickly refuted by several residents. Now, as one of the biggest things to happen to this area, the redevelopment of Rhode Island Ave NE, several of the ANC Commissioners have not actively participated in moving it along.
According to Councilmember Thomas’ office, the ANC as a whole said they support the redevelopment but after expressing a need for written support from each ANC member, the Councilmember’s office has only received 5 letters (with one being signed this Wednesday). From Derrick Woody, Office of the Deputy Mayor:
At present, the ANCs have indicated a willingness to advance the plan to Council, but the majority have not provided written support to CM Thomas’ office.
At present, the office of Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. has NOT received written support to help with approving funding for Rhode Island Ave NE redevelopment from:
ANC 5A Chair Angel Alston
5C Chair Anita Bonds
5B04 Rayseen Woodland
5B10 Phil Blair
Again, this goes to show that our ANC is constantly denying their responsibilities and taking their roles seriously.
