Penn Branch CCA

A Change of Season

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A Change of Season

Stan Benton, PresidentThroughout the past few weeks, leaves have finally begun to change color, and the temperature was rapidly dropping. I was glad to see some kids in the community keeping the Halloween tradition of Trick-or-Treating alive, as I enjoyed interacting with them and their parents passing by our home.

Halloween also coincides with the Latinx ‘Day of the Dead,’ which is a colorful tradition and time to remember and celebrate the lives of those that have passed on. We fondly remember the people we lost in 2021 among our neighbors and those that served as part of our PBCA. On the COVID-19 side, booster shots are now available for those eligible, including people who had a Johnson & Johnson shot. Please check the Mayor’s website for more information https://coronavirus.dc.gov .

Along with the change of season come holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, a time many of us look forward to because we spend more time with friends and family. Not only for those times, PBCA is making plans to increase our capacity to serve our neighborhood: We will be holding elections for several officer positions, including 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice-President, Recording Secretary and Parliamentarian. We also hope to fill our vacant committee positions of Membership and Block Captain Committee, Legislative Committee, Nomination and Leadership Development Committee. I would like to encourage you to volunteer for such roles. We would love to have you!

Finally, we plan to officially kick-off our membership drive for 2022 next month. Please join us to make the upcoming year our best ever!

That’s all from me for now. Take care of each OTHER

Stan Benton, President PBCA

Public Comment Period for Penn Ave SE Small Area Plan to Start Soon

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Small Area Plan 2021 DC OCP

The DC Office of Planning is continuing its work on the Pennsylvania East Small Area Plan, an updated vision and implementation plan for the Pennsylvania Avenue SE corridor east of the Anacostia River. The Office of Planning conducted a Town Hall on October 30, 2021 and presented a summary of recommendations they collected from previous meetings and conversations with community members.

  • Residents and other stakeholders may weigh in on the draft vision statement and recommendations online at https://publicinput.com/O1874
  • There will be a public comment period, mayoral hearing, and DC Council review and approval. Implementation of the Small Area Plan begins in spring 2022.
  • For additional information, please refer to the Pennsylvania Avenue East Small Area Plan website: https://publicinput.com/PennAveSEPlan . The planners involved in this process are very responsive.If you have questions, email [email protected] or call 855-925-2801 (pin: 9252) and leave a message.

Leaf Collection Schedule

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DC Leaf Collection Fall 2021

The DC Department of Public Works has announced its leaf season collection schedule for 2021-2022.

The estimated pick-up periods for the Penn Branch neighborhood are November 29 to December 4 (first pick up) and January 10 to January 15 (second pick up). Residents are asked to rake leaves into the nearest tree box the Sunday­ before the scheduled pick up. Leaves should not be raked into the street or into city or federal parkland. You can find more information on the DC leaf season pick up schedule at the following link: https://dpw.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dpw/service_content/attachments/2021-2022%20Leaf%20Brochure.pdf

Renew Your PBCA Membership!

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Time to Renew Your Membership

It’s Time To Renew Your PBCA Membership!

Join the Penn Branch Community Association (PBCA) to help bring about more improvements, greater services and a safer, stronger community to call home. Consider joining a Committee or becoming a Block Captain to get involved.Support your community by renewing your annual membership or become a new member of PBCA. Our goal is to build a strong community and foster community spirit.

Membership Terms (Taken from 2020 ByLaws)

  • Section 2.01 Voting Membership. Any person who (i) is eighteen (18) years of age or older; (ii) resides in the stated boundaries of Penn Branch neighborhood (iii) completes registration and makes full payment of the annual dues. Annual dues must be paid at least one week before any vote in which a member wishes to participate. Any such Voting Member shall be entitled to vote on any business before PBCA.
  • Section 2.03 Term of Membership. Membership shall be on an annual basis, which shall coincide with PBCA’s fiscal year; provided, however, that any member may resign at any time upon written notice to the Secretary of PBCA (any resignation to take effect as specified therein or, if not so specified, upon receipt by the Secretary). A member shall not transfer a membership or any right arising therefrom.
  • Section 2.04 Lapsed Memberships. Membership in PBCA and voting rights are automatically terminated whenever a member no longer meets the requirements for membership.

Membership Dues :

$20.00 per Individual

Jan 1, 2022-December 31, 2022 Membership

  • DESCRIPTION: This is for an one 'Individual Membership' ($20).
  • DESCRIPTION: This is for an additional 'Individual Membership' (+$20) for spouse or adult family member (age 18+) who lives at the same residence.

  • Membership Quantity & Donation

  • Price: $20.00
  • $0.00

  • THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION!

Two Events, One Community

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Music lovers unite at PorchFest DC held at the rear of The Shops at Penn Branch (2021)

Stan Benton, PresidentThe First Annual Penn Ave East Main Street’s Art All Night and the Third Annual Porchfest SE events have come and gone.  However, questions and concerns remain.

Both music-filled events were held in the rear parking lot of the renovated Penn Branch Shopping Center. What a milestone!  Inside the shopping center, we now have thriving businesses (and non-profits) with multi-year leases. Art Art All Night and Porchfest brought music, minority-owned vendors, special presentations, food trucks, dancing, and dozens of smiles under KN95 face masks, outside of the building. The shopping center that bears our name is becoming both an economic beacon and gathering place for our community.

Last Sunday, Channel 9 News featured a story about Adams Morgan and Penn Branch Porchfest events. Then, tragically, just 72 hours later, Nikiesha Thomas was fatally shot by her boyfriend in the same parking lot. This generated a different type of news story. A story that adds to the stigma that East of the River communities are violent, crime-ridden, and generally unsafe. Bad things will happen. Still, the question remains: How do we change the narrative about our area? Do we want to be known for festivals and community gatherings? Or, crime stats? Finally, what more can we all do to outweigh bad news with stories about good events in our community? The choices are ours.

 We all want what’s best for our community—and naturally, passions will flare as we debate different methods. However, our association is only as strong as your level of involvement and support. Join a committee: Help PBCA to better coordinate and plan future community events that will reflect the best of who we are. Become a block captain: Help us to distribute our newsletter and keep everyone informed about what is being planned.

Please continue to be safe, take care of each other, and I’ll see you at the meeting!

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