Serving Communities in Northwest Washington Since 1967
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Vol. XLVIII, No. 35
The Northwest Current
Rise in aircraft noise sparks appeal
pitchin g stories
■ Aviation: Local coalition
challenges FAA’s new routes
By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer
Citizens associations and other groups representing communities near the Potomac River have been struggling for almost two years to reconcile with the Federal Aviation Administration over their concerns
about airplane noise in their neighborhoods. But last week, nine organizations including five citizens associations joined together and filed a petition for review before the U.S. Court of Appeals — the first step in what could become a lengthy litigation battle against the FAA. The Aug. 24 filing is a response to what many citizens say is an increasing problem with noise from airplanes coming in and out of Reagan National Airport.
Citizens Association of Georgetown president Bob vom Eigen said he has noticed within the past few months that planes no longer fly the route that the associations and aviation officials had agreed upon — directly over the Potomac River. Upon departure from the airport, for instance, they’re flying past the back side of the Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and Georgetown University, and over Hillandale and See Planes/Page 2
Lafayette adjusts to temporary trailers By MARK LIEBERMAN Current Staff Writer
Brian Kapur/The Current
Washington Nationals relief pitcher Drew Storen visited the Tenley-Friendshp Library on Saturday to read to kids as part of D.C. Public Library’s 2015 Summer Ready program. The pitcher took questions from the children and even demonstrated the proper hand placement for a four-seam fastball. The Nationals have made a three-year, $750,000 commitment to the reading program through tickets, merchandise and other support.
New campaign aims to beautify Dupont park
When Mayor Muriel Bowser first heard the plans to convert the grounds next to the under-construction Lafayette Elementary School building into a network of trailers and tents for the entire school year, she was hesitant. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to look,” Bowser told the school’s principal, Carrie Broquard, during a tour of the facility last Wednesday. “But it looks good.” Bowser was smiling throughout her lengthy walkthrough of the premises at 5701 Broad Branch Road NW, flanked by Broquard, members of her staff, members of the construction project team and, for the last half, Ward 4 D.C. Council member Brandon Todd. At times, hordes of schoolchildren crossed the tour group’s path on their way to greet their parents. Bowser engaged them happily, signing autographs with the See Lafayette/Page 8
Mark Lieberman/The Current
Mayor Muriel Bowser toured Lafayette Elementary on Wednesday to check on its temporary facilities during the Chevy Chase school’s modernization.
Draft wildlife plan prompts heated debate over feral cats
By BRADY HOLT
■ Environment: Agency says
Current Staff Writer
Sonny Bono came to Washington 20 years ago, an entertainer-turned-politician who had just been elected as a California congressman. Following his death in 1998, a local friend — D.C. developer Geary Simon — memorialized Bono at a pocket park in Dupont Circle, bordered by New Hampshire Avenue and 20th and O streets NW. Originally, the revamped 800-square-foot spot had elaborate landscaping, lighting and sprinklers. But over time, the park dwindled to its present condition of some grass, shrubs and benches surrounded by a low fence. Officials at the Heurich House Museum, located across New Hampshire from the park, think the site can be more, and the institution became its official D.C.
NEWS
intent is to help native species
By DEIRDRE BANNON Current Correspondent
Brian Kapur/The Current
The Heurich House Museum hopes to spruce up the small park, created as a memorial to Sonny Bono.
Department of Parks and Recreation partner last year. “For years, we have witnessed the neglect of Sonny Bono Park; not only were the plants not being maintained regularly, but it was often filled with large piles of abandoned trash,” museum spokesperson Kimberly Bender wrote in an email. “Now that this museum has See Park/Page 8
SPOR TS
Local outdoor chain Hudson Trail to shut its four area stores — Page 3
Gonzaga, St. John’s prevail in football season openers — Page 11
The D.C. Department of Energy & Environment has proposed a new Wildlife Action Plan, but the Washington Humane Society has objections to the way the city wants to handle the feral cat population. The debate stirs up a decadeslong argument over the best way to control wild cats while also protecting other native species. The public
SHERWOOD
Mayor Bowser deals with protests at police press event — Page 6
has an opportunity to weigh in on the plan until the deadline for public comment closes on Monday. The overall goal of the wildlife plan is to create a “roadmap for the next ten years of conserving, sustaining, and protecting the District’s wildlife and habitats for the benefit and enjoyment of residents and visitors,” according to its preface. “It’s the first comprehensive wildlife action plan done in the city and it’s the first time the whole plan has been built around empirical evidence, where we’re going out during the daytime and at night and observSee Cats/Page 5
INDEX Calendar/14 Classifieds/21 District Digest/4 Exhibits/15 In Your Neighborhood/12
Opinion/6 Real Estate/11 Service Directory/19 Sports/9 Week Ahead/3
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