WAMU 88.5 FM – Kojo In Your Community: People And Public Spaces In Columbia Heights

Two miles north of the White House, Columbia Heights boasts a diverse population, a growing business core and a blossoming restaurant scene. But it’s also a neighborhood in transition. As housing prices rise, young professionals are moving in, while some long-time residents and businesses can’t afford to stay. Kojo in Your Community explores the debates over public space, personal safety and mapping the future in changing neighborhoods like this one.

LEDC Director of Affordable Housing Preservation Farah Fosse was one of three panelists in Part One of the community conversation exploring issues related to public space, diversity, and housing affordability in Columbia Heights.

“With more taxes, we should be able to address [housing, shelters and homeless services] better,” Fosse said. “As people are coming into DC, become a registered voter here, become a resident of DC, which not everyone does, and support progressive policies that support making sure that everyone has a home.”

To listen to the complete audio recording of the Kojo in Your Community edition for Columbia Heights, click here.

 

Hundreds of DC Renters Organize for Affordable Housing at 5th Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             
June 22, 2012                 

Contact: Ash Kosiewicz, Communications and Advocacy Director
Farah Fosse, Affordable Housing Preservation Program Director
(202) 425-1303; (202) 590-4369
akosiewicz@ledcmetro.org ; ffosse@ledcmetro.org

WHAT: 5th Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall
WHERE: National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW
WHEN: Saturday, June 23rd, 2012; 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
WHO (confirmed): Ward 1 Councilmember  Jim Graham; Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh; Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser; At-Large Councilmember Vincent Orange; Renters from across the city (250 attendees expected); Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Director Nicholas Majett; DC Housing Authority Director Adrianne Todman; DC Housing Finance Agency Director Harry Sewell; Department of Housing and Community Development Deputy Director Jessica Franklin; Office of the Tenant Advocate Director Johanna Shreve; Office on Latino Affairs Director Roxana Olivas; Office on African Affairs Director Ngozi Nmezi; Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs; AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly; CARECEN; Mi Casa; Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center; ONE DC; Legal Aid DC; Bread for the City; CNHED Housing for All Campaign; Empower DC; Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless; We Are Family; Many Languages, One Voice; Ethiopian Community Center; Latino Economic Development Center.

WASHINGTON – In the wake of successful efforts to restore $18 million to the Housing Production Trust Fund in the FY13 budget and the release of new data showing a dramatic loss of low-cost rental units since 2000, the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is organizing the 5th Annual Tenant Town Hall with more than 250 renters and community-based organizations from across the city.

Having identified affordable housing as the #1 issue of concern at DC Mayor Vincent Gray’s One City Summit in February, residents will follow-up with Council members and directors of DC housing agencies by presenting their housing priorities and solutions on a range of critical issues. These include the pressing need to help more tenants buy their apartment buildings using the District’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) and public funds from the Trust Fund to prevent their displacement from communities undergoing significant revitalization.

“DC residents have been very clear – affordable housing is their #1 issue,” said Farah Fosse, director of LEDC’s Affordable Housing Preservation Program. “Renters across the city are organized and ready for the Gray Administration and Council members to stop the dramatic loss of affordable housing by making funding for key programs a continuing priority.”

 

Why They Never Gave Up: How the Norwood Tenants Association Fought the Good Fight On Their Own Terms – and Won

This Saturday, October 29th at 12:30 pm, the residents of 1417 N St NW (the Norwood) will celebrate the grand opening of their housing cooperative in Logan Circle. Six years ago, residents united to form a tenant association. Their struggle involved suing the owner for poor housing conditions, defeating a condominium conversion proposal, and ultimately led to the purchase of their building and the creation of DC’s newest affordable cooperative.  Click here for more information on tomorrow’s grand opening and read below their inspiring success story first posted in July.

In 2006, a condominium developer walked into 1417 N Street NW to explain to residents living in the Norwood apartment building in Logan Circle how their rental housing – mired by deteriorating living conditions – could be converted into a pristine, high-rise condominium.

The Norwood Tenants Association, comprised of residents of diverse backgrounds and income levels, was ready to listen. But they had their own plan.

“We knew from talking to tenants and looking at our options that a condo was probably not what we wanted because most of the people in the building wouldn’t be able to participate,” recalls David Fabian, co-president of the tenant association. “We really hunkered down and said, ‘We’ll let them speak, but we’re going to prepare ourselves to present our case for what we want.’”

 

A Win for Affordable Housing in DC: LEDC Celebrates the Creation of DC’s Newest Housing Cooperative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             
July 29, 2011         

Contact: Farah Fosse, Affordable Housing Preservation Director
Silvia Salazar, Co-President of the 1417 N Street NW Cooperative Association
(202) 590-4369; (202) 412-3244
ffosse@ledcmetro.org; silv24@gmail.com

WASHINGTON – With the help of critical funding from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development and the organizing work of the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), the Norwood Tenants Association purchased its apartment building in Logan Circle today and has officially become the 1417 N Street NW Cooperative Association – DC’s newest housing cooperative.

Six years after forming their tenant association, residents at the Norwood purchased their building using the District’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act.  As apartment building sales across the District threaten to displace thousands of residents from their homes, the new cooperative is a shining example of what is possible when residents join with their neighbors to keep their housing affordable and the DC government prioritizes the public funding necessary to help them exercise their legal right to purchase their buildings.

“The Norwood’s success is something we can replicate in neighborhoods across the city but only if our public officials make the funding of affordable housing a priority in the District,” said Farah Fosse, director of LEDC’s Affordable Housing Preservation Program. “Let’s revitalize our neighborhoods, but let’s do it in a way that recognizes that low- to moderate-income residents have a legal right to stay in their communities and enjoy what redevelopment has to offer.”

Since 2006, LEDC has made a long-term commitment to the success of the Norwood Tenants Association. LEDC’s tenant organizers intensely worked to leverage the creativity and energy of its members, organizing residents and educating the tenants about improving housing conditions and the key steps to take to prepare for the purchase of the building.

 

Residents, Public Officials to Chart Future of Affordable Housing in DC at 4th Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall Saturday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             
July 15, 2011                  

Contact: Ash Kosiewicz, Communications and Advocacy Director
Farah Fosse, Affordable Housing Preservation Director
(202) 425-1303; (202) 590-4369
akosiewicz@ledcmetro.org; ffosse@ledcmetro.org

Over 200 tenants from across the city will call on the Mayor, Councilmembers, and DC agencies to prioritize decent, affordable housing in the District

WHAT: 4th Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall
WHERE: First Trinity Church, 309 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001
WHEN: Tomorrow, Saturday, July 16th, 2011; 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
WHO (confirmed): DC Mayor Vincent Gray; Councilmembers Tommy Wells and Jim Graham; Department of Housing and Community Development Director John Hall; DC Housing Authority Director Adrianne Todman; Office of the Tenant Advocate Director Johanna Shreve; Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Director Nicholas Majett; DC Housing Finance Agency Associate Executive Director Allison Ladd; Tenants from across the city (200 attendees expected); Latino Economic Development Corporation; ONE DC; Empower DC; CARECEN; the Coalition for Non-profit Housing and Economic Development; DC Jobs with Justice; Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless; Legal Aid Society of DC; Bread for the City; Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center; AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly ***pending invitations to remaining Councilmembers***

WASHINGTON – In the wake of recent efforts to save affordable housing programs from the budget chopping block and a Council vote mandating that the Gray administration draft a new Comprehensive Housing Strategy for the District, the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is joining community groups, legal services organizations, and tenant associations to organize the Fourth Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall on Saturday to chart the future of affordable housing in the District.

As apartment building sales across the District threaten to displace thousands of residents from their homes, tenants will present their housing priorities to public officials and key housing agency heads for their response. At the top of the list:  a new campaign to compel the DC government to prioritize the public funding necessary to help residents use the District’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) to buy their buildings  – an indispensible tool in the growing movement to keep the District affordable.

“Helping low- to moderate-income DC residents purchase their buildings is the most effective way to ensure that long-term residents are not displaced as neighborhoods are revitalized,” said Farah Fosse, director of LEDC’s Affordable Housing Preservation Program. “We hope Saturday’s Town Hall makes clear that DC residents are organized and ready to work with the city to keep the District affordable for everyone.

 

Why They Never Gave Up: How the Norwood Tenants Association Fought the Good Fight On Their Own Terms – and Won

Members of the Norwood Tenants Association participated on July 16th at the 4th Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall. The association, which shares the aspirations of many DC residents who are calling for increased public funding to help tenants use DC’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act to purchase their buildings, applied to the Department of Housing and Community Development for funding and is purchasing their building today.

In 2006, a condominium developer walked into 1417 N Street NW to explain to residents living in the Norwood apartment building in Logan Circle how their rental housing – mired by deteriorating living conditions – could be converted into a pristine, high-rise condominium.

The Norwood Tenants Association, comprised of residents of diverse backgrounds and income levels, was ready to listen. But they had their own plan.

“We knew from talking to tenants and looking at our options that a condo was probably not what we wanted because most of the people in the building wouldn’t be able to participate,” recalls David Fabian, co-president of the tenant association. “We really hunkered down and said, ‘We’ll let them speak, but we’re going to prepare ourselves to present our case for what we want.’”

 

Ward 4 Guest Blog: What an Affordable Place to Live in DC Means to Me

Today’s guest blogger is Ward 4 resident Juanita Mckenzie, one of many DC residents who will speak at this Saturday’s Fourth Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall. Juanita, along with 60 of her neighbors, are fighting to stay in their community after receiving notice in March that their apartment building was being sold.

My name is Juanita Mckenzie and I have lived at 930 Randolph Street N.W. in Petworth since October 25, 1974. I am a native Washingtonian and have lived in Northwest DC for over 60 years. I was born at Gallagher Hospital – which is now D.C. General Hospital.

Many people such as myself, and more than you might realize, need affordable housing. I know that I speak for many DC residents when I say the lack of affordable housing is a significant hardship for low income households, preventing many from meeting their other basic needs, such as nutrition and healthcare, or saving for their future and that of their families.

After living in my apartment building for 37 years, my building is up for sale. But I don’t want to leave this wonderful neighborhood.

 

We Own This! Watch the New Documentary On How Tenant Purchase Transforms Lives and Communities in DC

It’s true – the District’s “Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act” (TOPA) doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

But many DC residents have discovered their own power when using it. Since its passage in 1980, many have used the law to prevent the conversion of their affordable housing into high-cost condominiums and to ensure they benefit from the fruits of neighborhood revitalization – living near metro stations, shopping at renovated grocery stores, and enjoying the latest novelty shops.

By using TOPA to purchase their buildings, residents proudly declare: We Own This.

 

Residents, Public Officials to Chart Future of Affordable Housing in DC at 4th Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall

MEDIA ADVISORY            
July 8, 2011                             

Contact: Ash Kosiewicz, Communications and Advocacy Director
Anna Duncan, Lead Tenant Organizer
(202) 425-1303; (202) 590-4320
akosiewicz@ledcmetro.org; aduncan@ledcmetro.org

Tenants from across the city will present housing priorities to council members, key agency heads for response, including a new campaign launch to ensure DC residents can purchase their buildings and preserve affordability; Mayor Vincent Gray will attend

WASHINGTON – In the wake of efforts to save crucial affordable housing programs during recent budget talks and a Council vote mandating that the Gray administration draft a new Comprehensive Housing Strategy for the District, the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is joining community groups, legal services organizations, and tenant associations to organize the 4th Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall. Residents will present their housing priorities, including the launch of a new campaign to help more residents use the District’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) to buy their buildings at a time when tenants at more than 75 buildings citywide have received notices of sale since September 2010. Tenants will champion legislation that redefines “affordability” in the District, increased oversight and monitoring by the Office of Human Rights to prevent housing discrimination against voucher holders, and continued improvements to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ (DCRA) housing inspections program. The event will also feature the screening of a new documentary film, “We Own This,” about tenants who have used TOPA to buy their buildings and become homeowners. In previous Town Halls, tenants launched efforts that led to major victories for DC residents, including the right to sue landlords in court for refusing to fix housing code violations and the creation of DCRA’s proactive housing code inspections program.

WHAT: Fourth Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall
WHERE: First Trinity Church, 309 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001
WHEN: Saturday, July 16th, 2011; 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
WHO (confirmed): DC Mayor Vincent Gray; Office of the Tenant Advocate Director Johanna Shreve; Office of Human Rights Director Gustavo Velasquez; DCRA Director Nicholas Majett; Tenants from across the city (200 attendees expected); Staff of Council member Michael Brown; Department of Health representative Gerald Brown; representatives from the DC Housing Authority and the Department of Housing and Community Development; LEDC; ONE DC; Empower DC; CARECEN; the Coalition for Non-profit Housing and Economic Development; DC Jobs with Justice; Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless; Legal Aid Society of DC; Bread for the City; Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center; AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly *** Pending invitations to all DC council members and staff ***

 

Tenant Advocates Host “Before and After Tour” of Affordable Housing Struggles in NW DC Neighborhoods

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 7, 2011

Contact: Lead Tenant Organizer Anna Duncan (for Columbia Heights)
Director of Affordable Housing Preservation Farah Fosse (for Petworth)
(202) 590-4320, (202) 590-4369
aduncan@ledcmetro.org; fosse@ledcmetro.org

Reality Tour to Show Results of Gentrification and Community Organizing in Columbia Heights and Petworth

WASHINGTON – On Monday, July 11th, residents of Columbia Heights and Petworth will open their homes to share stories of their struggles to preserve affordable housing in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods. Washington, D.C. is the only city in the country with a unique law (the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, or TOPA) that gives tenants the right to determine what happens to their apartment building when it is for sale. The Before and After Neighborhood Tour will visit four multi-family buildings (two where residents utilized TOPA to buy their buildings and convert them into affordable cooperatives, and two apartment buildings where tenants are trying to purchase) to meet with residents and hear their unique stories. DC’s tenant purchase program is one of the major focuses of this year’s Fourth Annual Citywide Tenant Town Hall, on Saturday, July 16th at 2:30 pm at First Trinity Lutheran Church (309 E St NW, near Judiciary Square).

WHAT: Before and After Neighborhood Tour of Columbia Heights and Petworth

BEFORE: Hear from tenants who live in run-down apartment buildings that are for sale and who are organizing to prevent their displacement in gentrifying neighborhoods.

AFTER: See newly renovated, affordable housing co-ops where long-term neighborhood residents are now owners!

WHERE: 1st stop: 710 Jefferson St NW
2nd stop: Brightwood Gardens Cooperative – 941 Longfellow St NW
3rd stop: 1333 Euclid St NW
4th stop: Quest Cooperative – 1428 Euclid St NW

WHEN: Monday, July 11th, 5 to 7 PM
Meet at 710 Jefferson St NW at 5 pm; we’ll walk to 941 Longfellow St NW (2 blocks),
then drive to 1333 Euclid St NW (or meet there at 6 PM), then walk to 1428 Euclid St NW (1 block).

WHO: Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), Save Our Safety Net, 710 Jefferson St NW Tenants’ Association, Brightwood Gardens Cooperative Association, 1333 Euclid St NW Tenants’ Association, Quest Cooperative Association