WIN Annual Reports July 2017 Midyear Report | Page 14
redevelopment of Parkway Overlook. The goal is
to break ground in 2017.
Temple Courts - Tenant & Community Organizing
In December of 2008 the Temple Courts building
on 33K Street NW was demolished. Residents
were promised that the site would be rebuilt and
that they would get to move into a brand new
facility. However, after 8 years of waiting the lot
is still undeveloped. Instead a parking lot sits
where housing should stand. After years of the
former tenants and WIN leaders pressing, the
District has finally re-started the proceedings
to redevelop the lot. In 2016 WIN restarted
organizing residents and nearby congregation
members around the development plans,
holding a 200-person action making demands
of Councilmember Allen and others. In 2017 they
have turned out to many community meetings to
shape the development. The struggle continues
as leaders fight to maintain their voice at the
table and to get a shovel in the ground.
1125 Spring Rd NW / Old Hebrew Home
From 1969 until it’s closure in 2009 the Old
Hebrew home was used as a mental health
facility for the homeless. Since the closure in
2009, the lot has lain vacant. Almost a decade
ago WIN leaders recognized the site as having
great potential to be affordable housing. For
many years WIN has been unsuccessful in
getting it redeveloped. In the Spring of 2016
the District renewed its interest in developing
the site. In response WIN has organized local
congregation members to weigh in demanding
that affordable housing be maximized on this
site, and that there be deep affordability for
minimum-wage families. During a 200 person
action on June 7, 2016, WIN leaders pressed
Ward 1 Councilmember Brianne Nadeau to help
ensure there will be maximum community input
in the process. Also WIN organized dozens
of faith leaders living in the neighborhood to
doorknock and create turnout for community
meetings to ensure that affordable housing is
included in the RFP.
2017 MIDYEAR REPORT
14