An Open Letter to the Village Council from Concerned
Residents
TAKING FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS VILLAGE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Background
Since the
1970s, the government of Friendship Heights Village, a state-chartered Special
Taxing District, has done many good things for its residents. But much has
changed over the decades, both within the community and the surrounding
environment.
Internally, the community has
become increasingly diverse. Externally, Friendship Heights faces unprecedented
competition as a desirable residential area and a prime location for retail
businesses.
Another significant change is the
emergence of new models for providing services to residents across generations
and income levels. Local governments like our Village enjoy new opportunities
to partner with community groups and non-profit organizations to address unmet
needs.
A Timely Opportunity
to Move to the Next Level
In view of this
changed environment and in preparation for development of a new Sector Plan for
Friendship Heights, it is urgent that our community move to:
Update its demographic and economic profile and understanding of needs;
Research best
practice new models for providing services;
Develop a professionally prepared Strategic and Operating Plan for the Village; Realign
operations and annual budgets as required to support strategic priorities.
We Urge Council to Take Advantage of the
Opportunity by Taking Key Steps:
Retain the
services of an experienced professional to organize the collection of data and
insights from residents and business owners and develop an up-to-date profile
of the Village community.
Identify
priority needs, whether ongoing or new, and relevant
new models of service delivery. Implement
new services using available staff, community resources and funding sources,
including tax district resources.
Assess ongoing
recreational and educational programs offered at the Village Center to
determine participation levels, relevance, and responsiveness to residents’
needs.
Leverage
relationships with County staff, independent urban planners, and developers of
residential and commercial properties to understand the larger environment and
to advance the interests of the Village within this environment.
Modify existing
communication tools and/or introduce new ones to promote interaction between
Council and residents and among residents.
As of April 5, 2017, these Village residents have
co-authored or endorsed the Open Letter to the Village Council:
David Cohen, 4701 Willard Avenue
Margaret Downey, Elizabeth
James Jones, Elizabeth
Scott Kragie, Carleton
Clara Lovett, Carleton
Eleanor Nieman, Brighton Gdns.
David Rabin, 4701 Willard Avenue
Victor Ratner, Carleton
Constance Row, Elizabeth
Ronald Sallerson, Carleton
Evan Smith, 4701 Willard Avenue
Barbara Turlington, Brighton Gdns.
Barbara Woodaall
This Open Letter raises issues that the endorsers believe
should be discussed with candidates for the May 8 Village Council election.
Following the election, the letter will be presented to the newly elected
Council, with a request for action.
Do you wish to add your voice to this
statement of issues and expectations?
E-mail, including your
address, David Cohen [davidmcohen37@verizon.net]
Do you have questions about the content and
purpose of this open letter?
Contact Connie Row [constancerow@comcast.net]
or
Clara Lovett [301 654 2629]
