Dear Neighbors/Petition Signers,
One final update before I take down our petition:
This week we had two very useful meetings: (1) with the Business Improvement District [BID] and (2) with the ANC 2C representatives.
The BID meeting confirmed that men will be leaving the Handy Shelter on 5th Street. They're going to a brand new building elsewhere in the city. The Handy site will be renovated for the use of women once more.
The BID meeting also confirmed (through our partners at MPD) that any business can post a no loitering sign... as well as a no smoking sign in its doorways/front steps to apply to the door and stoop area (i.e. private property). While this won't stop every bad actor from setting up shop on your doorway, it DOES give the MPD a reason to approach groups of loiterers and ask them not to sit on your private property.
At the ANC community members were able to engage with Deputy Mayor Turnage. He has promised more engagement with the community as the shelter and Chinatown enter their next phase. CM Pinto's office and CM Allen's office have concurred.
For your reference: I am happy to share all my communications with the Deputy Mayor in this matter.
Your neighbor,
Fr. Vincent De Rosa