The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Peterbug Matthews Day

Saturday, the community celebrated the annual and the designation of the Peterbug Shoe Academy as a Historical Landmark. The Academy and Buchanan Park were so honored for its architecture and history in November, 2022. 

The Ladies of Distinction, wearing their distinctive pink blazers, hosted a tree planting ceremony to spotlight Lady Bird Johnson’s commitment to the Beautification Program under which Buchanan Plaza was created in 1968.  After the purpose of the Plaza faltered in the 1970’s Peterbug Matthews picked up the mantle and established his Shoe Academy to continue the work of improving inner-city neighborhoods.  The Ladies of Distinction, Inc. was established in 1964 as a non-profit educational and humanitarian organization.

Ladies of Distinction leaders pose with Peterbug Matthews.  From left to right:  Lady J. Allison Riley, Lady Karen Cherry, Lady Hope V. Ruffin, Lady India Gray, Lady Dolores Brazil, Lady Michelle Smalls, and Lady Pauline Hunter. 

Ladies of Distinction and Peterbug participate in the ground breaking for the tree planting.

A high five from an appreciative parent expresses gratitude for entertainment skills. 

Peterbug Matthews, community leader, activist, mentor and inspiration. 

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from Peterbug Matthews Day

by Larry Janezich

Posted June 19, 2023

The Week Ahead…

Tuesday, June 20

ANC 6A Transportation & Public Space Committee Meeting will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project Update. Mr. Mohammed Dahir, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Project Manager, and Mr. Ali Shakeri, DDOT Program Manager will provide and update on the Florida Avenue NE Streetscape Project and address community safety concerns with related contractor work. A representative of Washington Gas will also attend to address community concerns.
• Maury Elementary School Parking Zone application. Jason Meggs, DDOT School Parking Zone Program Manager and Maury Elementary School representatives will provide an update on the application for daytime permits for Maury staff to park in Residential Parking locations in 6A.
• Vision Zero streetscape hardening. Mr. Othman Chebli of the DDOT Vision Zero Team will provide an update on streetscape hardening at 13th Street, NE, and Constitution Avenue, NE, and at 11th Street, NE, and East Capitol Street.
• Ward 6 Sidewalk Survey and Traffic Safety Investigation data. Commissioner Shapiro will report on the results of the survey and the results of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests pertaining to Traffic Safety Initiatives.
• Pedestrian concerns in 6A. Cheryle Adams, Ward 6 Representative, Pedestrian Advisory Council.
• Public Space Permit Application Commissioner Dooling will present the permit application for a new un-enclosed sidewalk café at Daru, 1451 Maryland Avenue, NE.

ANC6B Parks And Public Spaces Taskforce will hold a public meeting at 7:00pm at 700 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, Conference Room 2074 (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).

Agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, June 21

ANC6A Economic Development & Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the draft agenda: 

• 721 H Street, NE. Zoning Application:  Proposed map amendment to rezone the property from NC-16 to NC-17.
• 1207 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application. Request for a Special Exception to raze an existing structure, and to construct a new, detached, six-story with below-grade parking and penthouse
• 1216 Constitution Avenue, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.   Request for a Special Exception to construct a rear addition, to an existing, attached, two-story, principal dwelling unit in the RF-1 zone.
• 1244/1246 H Street, NE. Zoning Adjustment Application.  Request for a Special Exception to construct a side and rear addition, and permit a fast food establishment use, to an existing, attached, two-story commercial building in the NC-14 zone.