My civic involvement in Crestwood runs deep! For three years (from 2017-2021), I served as the President of the Crestwood Citizens Association, a neighborhood association serving 800 homes right in the middle of NW DC. Crestwood is a quiet, leafy, and beautifully diverse residential neighborhood bordered on three sides by Rock Creek Park. We like to say that we take our kids and our dogs seriously, as well as our responsibility to the environment.

 

I've seen firsthand the power that civic involvement can have. While I was President of the CCA we had a Capital Bikeshare station installed in Crestwood, we got dangerous trees cut down, we advocated for the redeveloping the Peirce Mill Tennis Center, we partnered with the Rock Creek Conservancy on issues relating to stormwater management and the Carter Barron Amphitheatre rehabilitation, and we had some great parties and fundraisers for worthy charities. 

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Note the use of the word "we" in the prior paragraph. I can't take credit for all the great work that Crestwood neighbors have been able to accomplish - there have been so many people willing to get involved in so many ways on issues that matter to them. What I do, however, is work hard to make sure everyone knows as much as possible about the work that is being done and the opportunities that are out there. 

 

I had the privilege of being elected as Crestwood's ANC Commissioner for 2021 and 2022. During this tenure we were able to tackle serious challenges such as the repaving of Crestwood Drive after DECADES of neglect and the installation of speed humps on Colorado Avenue, which effectively shut it down as a popular drag racing strip.

 

In 2022, we were able to get DDOT to focus on serious pedestrian and bike safety issues in Crestwood, which we were able to discuss with DDOT at an in-person walkthrough of the neighborhood. One of the most important developments to come out of our engagement with DDOT was the promise of the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of Blagden Avenue NW and 16th Street NW, which will allow Crestwood students who go to John Lewis Elementary School and other daycares and schools in the area to get to school much more safely. 

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One of the most important things that DC citizens can do is stay informed, and I view one of the roles of an ANC Commissioner role as being a conduit of information to neighbors. Another important role is to be the voice of Crestwood in protecting all that those came before us have done to make Crestwood the amazing place it is. 

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Please feel free to get in touch: pkhoobchandani@gmail.com.