Good morning Question: Do we have a dog park this side of the river and if not why and how can we get one?

• Aiyi'nah Ford
  No thank you. There are several in other Wards. Until we can house our own PEOPLE your dog is not our primary concern.
  
  
  • Aiyi'nah Ford
    Tom Donohue I’m not arguing with a colonizer over how gentrification works. Especially on the internet. Have a nice day.
    
    
  • Active
    Tom Donohue
    Author
    Ms. Ford, again with much (clearly not mutual) respect, I simply asked a very innocent question was it necessary to nearly attack me over it and now draw it into and attach it to something is has no business being attached to? Did you have a goal in mind for approaching me, your neighbor, someone you do not know this way?
    
    
  • 
    Larry Lee
    Rude.
    ​Jessica Yanez
    It's not an innocent question. It's an ignorant and insensitive question to a serious issue that is costing lives because your issues get prioritized time and time again. So, no, there is no sympathy for your "need" nor any pretense over the state of your feelings. With all due respect from a gentrifier and long time dog owner, fuck you, your dog, and your feelings. Yes, these comments are necessary because you clearly haven't spent the time educating yourself nor thinking critically about your words and actions.
    
    Kim Boxley
    My friends and I would like a dog-park in the area. We are black. We like dogs.
    
  • Lucille Washington
    Hey people it was a simple question. No there isn't a dog park in this ward but there is a dog park at the Yards. I also hear there is a park in sw across the street from the DMV. I hear it isn't usually crowded but I haven't been to that one. I drive all the way to the Shaw area from SE because the park there is so phenomenal. I too would like to see a dog park and housing for the homeless. I think we can ask and have both.
    
  • Larry Lee
    So until we solve the entire homelessness problem, no dog parks, no coffee shops, no other improvements. I get it. And, by the way, if you're a "colonizer" or a "gentrifier" then STFU because your opinion don't matter anyway.
  Active
  Tom Donohue
  Author
  ? Really ? Let’s put our homeless in the small parcel I
  Of land that a dog park would hold and then tell me what your primary concern is. The two situations are not comparable.
  
  Sarah Truitt
  There's someone trying to get one put in actually. If you go to the Alabama Safeway tonight at 7:30 she'll be collecting signatures for it. The campaign is called We Deserve a Dog Park Too! You can also sign it on nextdoor.com
  NEXTDOOR.COM
  Nextdoor
  Nextdoor
  
  Patrice Lancaster
  Nope
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  William Michael Cunningham
  I think he is trying to be controversial. The answer is - do we have a functional white people equivalent hospital? No? Then the dog park can wait.
  • 
    William Michael Cunningham
    Tom Donohue unbelievable that a ward that is 80% Black doesn't have a fully functional hospital, I agree.
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    Active
    Tom Donohue
    Author
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    Brian Underwood
    William Michael Cunningham Having a hospital has zero to do with him asking do we have a dog park.
    
    William Michael Cunningham
    Brian Underwood Wrong. Allocation of economic resources, my man. Intent and interest. I assume you work for one of the developers or for the City.
    
  • Brian Underwood
    William Michael Cunningham Why would you assume that? How much does it cost to set a area aside for a dog park. If he’s a resident he has a right to fight for a dog park.
    
  • William Michael Cunningham
    Just don't get it. Cost has nothing to do with it. You are building a $600 million bridge with a park on it, so... you've got the money. If you don't understand, it's because you don't want to understand. I do not have time to explain.
    
    • 
      William Michael Cunningham
      Jeremy Ross Ooohh. I love Snickers.
  • Brian Underwood
    William Michael Cunningham Most things people don’t understand has zero to do with not wanting to. Fact is we can walk and chew gum at the same time. It takes little to allocate space for a dog park. It also requires little upkeep. The man has every right to be able to ask for one.
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    Tamara Yeldell
    Tom Donohue whats unbelievable is that you thought because you are in the Anacostia area and you are a part of the Ward 8 fb page. (how did that happen anyway) that you are now one of us?
    How long you been in Ward 8..what a year...2? and you are pro… 
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    • 
      Melik Abdul
      Patrice Lancaster, I'm confused. Why would you suggest people take our dogs to places that aren't designed with them in mind? Dog parks require minimal investment and upkeep. Why should EOTR residents have to travel WOTR in order to find a safe space for our dogs. I'm literally floored at what's being suggested here.
      • 
        Patrice Lancaster
        Stay confused.
      • 
        Scarboro Ginelle
        You worry about a dog, when we have a HUGE homeless population? Priorities! You worry about a dog park and our kids have to play ball in the streets, with cars racing up and down? Lets build parks for our kids to play safely, once THAT is accomplished, never mind, cause even then we have other things that should take precedence.
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        Melik Abdul
        Ginelle Scarboro I don't have kids but you're saying I should worry more about whether yours have a place to play? Despite how my tax dollars help pay for them and every other service from which i receive no direct benefit? I'd love to direct my tax dollars to deal w/only those things I like. But that's not how this works. It's not how any of this works.
      • 
        Scarboro Ginelle
        You Sir, are missing the point. Lets take care of and look out for our youth. Other human beings, once THAT is done, than we take care of the animals. We have people in out ward that go to bed every night with no food, no shelter, no one that cares about their future. I makes no sense to me how a dog park is important when we have homeless people, hungry people, no where for the kids to play (my son is an adult and gone), so I don't have a dog in the fight either, but I know I love other humans enough to care. Good day Sir!
      • 
        Melik Abdul
        Ginelle Scarboro No I think you're missing the point. DC began building dog parks in earnest over 10 years ago. W8 still has none and all the challenges we faced then are the exact same as they are now. So the idea we must wait another 10 years because people are homeless or kids need whatever, is pretty disingenuous at best. There is only one playground I know of that's not been occupied by adults who use it to smoke weed, drink, and loiter. It's the one on MS Ave near TheArc
      • 
        Scarboro Ginelle
        No, I totally get your point, I just happen to disagree with you, which I am entitled to do. If a dog park is what you want by all means go for it. Why not go buy the supplies from Home Depot and section off a portion of Anacostia Park and have your dog park. I firmly believe a dog park is not what is needed in W8. I would rather hire some off duty cops to police Sheppard park and to hang infront of the strip between Melon and Malcolm X.
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        Melik Abdul
        Ginelle Scarboro What you might think is quite different than what you write here. I can't see how you get my point. But to your suggestion, if anybody decided to build anything at Anacostia Park, they'll be either arrested or it'll be torn down by the time they get back. There's a reason you need permits to do events there. So your solution is not even a serious one. Moreover, the money we'd used to police the community does NOT come from the same funds we'd use to focus on quality of life improvements. That's why we have separate budgets to address that.
      • 
        Scarboro Ginelle
        Agree to disagree. Your priorities are not mine and vice versa. Good Day again Sir!
      • 
        Melik Abdul
        Yes! But at a minimum, please ensure your objections are based in fact and not the fake news you've heard elsewhere. We can have our own set of priorities but basic education on the issues should be standard.
        
        
      • 
        Scarboro Ginelle
        Sir! Why are you still addressing me? I said what I said, I stand behind what I said, you continuing to address me, is not going to change THAT. I believe what I believe, live AND see everyday. For the LAST time, Good Day Sir! 
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        Melik Abdul
        Ginelle Scarboro Because it's FB? I'm not trying to change anything about what you said. What I suggested is that you become educated on the issues about which you're speaking because you don't see to have a good handle on what are actually relevant details.
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        Scarboro Ginelle
        Sir, not once have I disrespected you, therefore, I don't expect the same. I am well educated on the issues I brought forward, but because YOU don't agree, you feel I am not educated. Please go an insult someone else, because as much as I have been p… 
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      • 
        Melik Abdul
        Ginelle Scarboro Saying that you're not educated on the issues isn't disrespectful. It's an acknowledgement of what I believe to be fact. You posited the idea we should wait for amenities until homelessness is solved and playgrounds built. I don't know you well enough to figure out that your dismissive suggestion about Home Depot was an effort to lighten the mood because you've been hostile whole time.
      • 
        Scarboro Ginelle
        ROTFLMBO, you are dismissed! You don't know me well enough to know if any of your opinion is fact, so stop. Enjoy your day! You so called FACTS are you opinion and you know what they say about those.
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        Melik Abdul
        Ginelle Scarboro Ok thanks!
      • 
        Tamara Yeldell
        Melik Abdul Lies! There are plenty of playgrounds in SE where children play without people sitting around them smoking weed! There is one right across the street from the Anacostia Museum. There is one behind my apartment complex off of Southern Avenue I take my grandson too when he visits. We have never been chased away by weed smoke. Don't exaggerate the conditions in SE just to make your point.
        
        
  Active
  Tom Donohue
  Author
  Unbelievable.
• • Patrice Lancaster
    Bc the parks already exist and dogs have been there for as long as I can remember
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    Melik Abdul
    Hunh? You don't even LIVE in this Ward and have several in the Ward in which you do. But you feel it appropriate to dictate what we should have in W8? Seriously? How do you complain about the tragedy of low expectations while expecting people who live here should accept the fact we aren't good enough to have dog parks? WOW
    
    
  • Melik Abdul
    Patrice Lancaster You are displaying an ignorance that belongs in the office of our Councilmember. This is beneath you.
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    Patrice Lancaster
    My ward can afford dog parks
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    Patrice Lancaster
    Children over there barely have safe places to play. But it is ok to waste tax payer time and money on dog parks.
    
    
  • Melik Abdul
    Patrice Lancaster Thanks for walking into that one. You fundamentally don't believe people in lower income areas deserve the same amenities as those in areas such as yours. Got it! I'll remember it when you go back to talking about the tragedy of low expectations and impoverished minds.
    
    
  • Patrice Lancaster
    media1.giphy.com
    
    Patrice Lancaster
    Ward of fiah and people more concerned about their pets. That isnt low expectations that is wicked
    • 
      Active
      Tom Donohue
      Author
      I've been a resident in Ward 8 for over 4 years I also opened my business here in ward 8. I've been nothing but respectful and supportive.
      
      
      Melik Abdul
      Patrice Lancaster, this is why people like me don't feel welcomed here.
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    Dominique Hazzard
    parks and dog parks aren't the same
    
    
  • Patrice Lancaster
    Tom Donohue dont take it personal. I have the right to my views. I named 6 places you can walk your dog.
    
    Melik Abdul
    Dominique Hazzard I mean literally. She knows it though. If anyone in DC knows it. Patrice Lancaster does. Not sure what's going on here.
    
    Patrice Lancaster
    Melik Abdul!!!!!! You feel unwelcomed bc I dont agree with dog parks? Seriously?
    
    
  • Melik Abdul
    Patrice Lancaster But your views are uninformed. As uninformed as Trayon was when talking about the Jewish Weather Mafia. You're pretending not to understand the difference between a dog park and a park. That's strange.
    
    Patrice Lancaster
    Melik I am thinking about my son having to take the bus to go to a quality school acrossthe river and looking over to see his ward cared more about their pets frolicking than his 45 minute commute to school. THAT is my issue
    
    Patrice Lancaster
    I do know the difference. Put up a gate and designate space for dogs in the existing green spscd
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      Melik Abdul
      Patrice Lancaster Yes, we feel unwelcomed because people like you tell us that the things we like should take a back seat because they're more pressing issues to deal with. In this case, you're telling W8 residents not to want a dog park because we can't afford it. Your son being able to take a bus has absolutely nothing to do w/a dog park. Fact: dog parks require a gate and open space. It requires little to no maintenance at all. So the notion that getting one here is somehow taking resources away from some mystery thing is ridiculous
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    Patrice Lancaster
    Then share the existing spaces. Divide it with fencing
    
    
  • Melik Abdul
    And more FACTS about dogs and parks, if I take my dog to Ana or any other park in DC and you (or your family) enters the same space, then I have to put my dog back on the leash and go elsewhere because the space doesn't exist for them and understand some people aren't comfortable around them. You don't need to do that at a dog park because no non-dog owners are around.
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    Patrice Lancaster
    I know what a dog park is Sir!
    
    
  • Melik Abdul
    Patrice Lancaster Oh I know. But you're being purposeful in what's going on here.
    
    
  • Melik Abdul
    And again YOU DON'T EVEN LIVE IN THIS WARD. Harris Teeter is around the corner from you.
    • Derrick Harris
      Patrice Lancaster wow! Really? 'Your ward can afford a dog park.' Continuing the stereotype....
      
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        Active
        Tom Donohue
        Author
        Lonita Sheppard I only asked a question. I'm very aware of the struggles in my neighboorgood, you have no idea of my relatable struggles or places I've given what I could to help others. I'm no racist and I do take it personally anyone not knowing me even suggesting that I am. Today is a very sad say in W8 and I'm embarrased at many in this ward today. Its shameful and especially this week of all.
        
        Lonita Sheppard
        Tom Donohue good for you but White Privilege is very real and it's not what you say but how you say it. I hope all works out for you. I also hope that you advocate for all not just dogs. And racism works both ways. Welcome
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          Active
          Tom Donohue
          Author
          Lonita I don't get how what I said was racist it wasn't nor was it meant to be racist. The only way my inquiry becomes racist is if a racist makes it racist.
          
          
  • Lonita Sheppard
    Tom Donohue as a resident shouldn't you know what's going on in your neighborhood? Educate yourself about the history and economics of your neighborhood. Prioritize and recognize dog parks aren't at the top of the list right now. Unfortunately it seems that dogs are treated better than pp. I hope you don't take the anger and resentment personally but we're really hurting and few care about dog parks right now.
    
    Melik Abdul
    Derrick Harris But flagrantly so. What gives man?
  • Lonita Sheppard
    Tom Donohue ok
  
  Brian Underwood
  Help me understand what’s disrespectful about asking for a dog park? Was the Starbucks also disrespectful?
  
  
• Nikki Peele
  There is a dog park east of the river but it's not public. My condo association transformed an underutilized part of our property into a dog run for owners. Not only did it add a much needed amenity to our owners but it also accomplished the following:
  Made our association more attractive to potential buyers and sellers by offering an in demand amenity. The past decade has seen Ward 8 condo units suffer mightily by being underwater, anything to help home values is much appreciated in what was a market where first-time homeowners were as much as 75% underwater!
  More people (and their dogs) in our mini dog park promotes community togetherness. I can't tell you how many times owners/tenants have connected with neighbors by talking about their dogs.
  More eyes on the street = increased security. Speaking for myself I've been able to call the police on domestic violence issues because I was able to see what happened. Alert people to unsafe conditions on the block and more than a few times caught someone trying to jump our fence because I was in the park. And if you think this is reserved to "gentrifying" residents please note that the residents in the low-income/subsidized housing unit across the street use their fenced in courtyard the same way. Clearly Ward 8 residents see a need and are making do, but should we really always just have to "make do'?
  Last but not least, Anthony J Motley has been working for YEARS and diligently to get a dog park east of the river, an amenity that Ward 8 residents, as DC tax payers deserve to have. As Melik Abdul pointed out, why should Ward 8 residents have to leave their own home to enjoy basic amenities and services when they pay taxes too? I will never understand this lack of wanting more for ourselves. I can't see the logic in thinking that if things are "too nice" for Black people then Black people can't stay. We should be telling ourselves, our children, our families, our neighbors, etc. that NOTHING is too good for us. We deserve not only just as much, but considering the decades of disenfranchisement, we deserve better.
  My name is Nikki Peele and I deserve the best of everything in life because I work hard, I have a healthy sense of self-esteem and nobody (and I mean nobody) puts baby in a corner! 
  • 
    Dionne Brown
    In addition to paying taxes, dog owners pay an annual dog park fee when registering their pets. Without a dog park EOTR, we are forced to subsidize more affluent areas across town. Dog parks have minimal up front costs and are very low maintenance. We could have easily had more than one on this side of town, but politicians fear the misplaced outrage from residents who fear them.
    
    
    Nikki Peele
    media3.giphy.com
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  Brian Underwood
  I’m not saying I agree or disagree with what he’s asking I’m just saying he has a right to ask it without being called names.
  
  Patrice Lancaster
  I didnt call him one name
  
  
• Active
  Tom Donohue
  Author
  Um... racist? You don't know me why would you interpret my question as a racist question without reason. It was a question not a political statement or intended to be compared to anything, it was a question. I don't expect blowback at all I expected my neighbors answering it - yes no, maybe Tom what kind of dog do you have? Not being told to go F off or be implied I'm racist. Comments like this frankly do you or your community any help from advocates like me. Shame on you Mr. Cunningham for even suggesting to a complete stranger and neighbor that I
  
  
  • Kassandra Parker
    Good question?!? I recently moved in the ward. I don’t have a dog but like them however, owners need to poop and scoop! I am forever having to watch my step.
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      Dionne Brown
      Hey Kassandra! (waving)
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  Stefan Osborne
  With all due respect, I think a dog park somewhere near the swimming pool on Anacostia Park would be a great place for white people moving to Anacostia to meet black people and shoot the shit and learn that pit bulls are not monsters. It would cost nothing.
  
  
• Dominique Hazzard
  Patrice Lancaster
  parks and dog parks are not the same. someone asked if there are spaces for the dogs to interact offleash and you've said people have "always done it" in anacostia park. that's not safe or ok or ideal.
  when it comes to things like dog parks and bike lanes, i wonder why we think we don't need or deserve these things.
  black people have dogs. poor people have dogs. dogs need space to run. advocating for them to do it offleash in existing parks is advocating for a setup that leads to dogs getting hit by cars, people getting bitten by dogs, etc. it's the same with bike lanes-- all these black people i see riding bikes up and around anacostia all day, many because it's the cheapest transportation... but when the city announces new bike lanes folks be in uproar.
  do (poor) black people not deserve to play with, socialize, and exercise their dogs safely? or travel via bike safely? I don't get it.
  are these things on the very same level of critical importance as a hospital, or grocery stores? no. but we're talking about different pieces of land and pots of money anyway. these are all public health issues. why can't we have it all?
  • 
    Chioma Iwuoha
    This is a valid point. We do have dogs, we are deserving of bike lanes but I think Black folk associate these things with gentrification so I understand the side eye.
    
    
    Chioma Iwuoha
    I think folk just want a grocery store, hospital and some jobs before a dog park which is fair to me.
    
    
  DC Proper
  Admin
  Because ppl seem to want to differentiate between a cyclist and a "nigga on a bike".
  
  Marc Cowans
  There's a small patch of land near Minnesota and Naylor that looks like it is supposed to be a dog run. It's fenced
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    Active
    Angela M. Copeland
    Admin
    I asked when I first saw it and was corrected by a Fairlawn resident. That's an interim playground for Orr kids while that land is under construction. Please, let's allow the babies that small space poop free.
    
    
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    Active
    Tom Donohue
    Author
    Angela M. Copeland This space has never been used by the students in the year that its been fenced off btw.
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    Eibhis Hearn
    Angela M. Copeland yeah that was the skinny on nextdoor, but never seemed to happen.
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  DC Proper
  Admin
  I don't want my kids stepping in dog shit in the park where they play, so I'm all for a separate contained area. It was just ten short years ago that I use to drive my dog to Alexandria just to interact with other dogs and play in a contained area. Perhaps this is something that could be accomplished with private dollars? Maybe naming rights, like the stadiums. Walgreen's Dog Run, or Starbucks Puppy Pavilion. Idk.
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    Patrice Lancaster
    Pet lovers dont mind paying. Hey I will even creste the sponsorship package!
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      Dionne Brown
      Dog owners pay a $15 fee annually when registering pets. Without a part EOTR, we are merely subsidizing amenities across town. The opposition has nothing to do with cost, but rather fear of gentrification. Guess what. People of means will move over here with or without dog parks or bike lanes.
      
      
  • DC Proper
    Admin
    Dionne Brown When I lived in Alexandria it was $75 a year.
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    Dionne Brown
    And hence Alexandria's plentiful and well-appointed parks.
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    Shavon Thomas
    Dionne Brown that’s if your dog is fixed, I think I paid $50 last I registered my dog.
    
    Active
    Angela M. Copeland
    Admin
    Just the mention of dog park, Starbucks, development--and folks get a little cagey.
    
    
    • Nikki Peele
      Because of this poorly crafted narrative perpetuated by some of our own people that Black people (or poor people) can only live in places no one else wants. I don’t even understand that logic. Remember the pride your grandmother and great grandmother, etc had in maintaining their home? Didn’t everyone have have that couch no one could sit on because it was the “good” couch? Aren’t we the people of “church clothes” and “school clothes” and “house training” and “respect your elders”? When did we become the “don’t make it too nice because then we have to leave!” people. I can’t. I can’t. And for the record it’s all related. There is a reason you see an influx of grocery stores near other amneties and diverse housing options. It’s good business. People want to live, shop, worship, work and be entertained in places that have options and opportunities. You want a quality grocery store? Don’t develop a reputation for being “anti” anything new. Retailers already have way too many options to put their next store or market on H Street vs MLK. Keep giving them more if you want. 
    • Active
      Angela M. Copeland
      Admin
      "Don't develop a rep for being anti anything new." Too late 
• William Michael Cunningham
  No, Ms Hazzard, it's not. You weren't around to see the development on 14th St, or Capitol Hill, or really anywhere else. It's about prioritizing human life, ALL human life, not just the white ones. It's about fair play. It's about recognition. If I were to take a vote of all ward 8 residents, I think they would want a fully functional hospital over a dog park.
  
  
• DC Proper
  Admin
  "We don't need bike lanes in SE"
  
  
  • DC Proper
    Admin
    https://www.nbcwashington.com/.../Bicyclist-Dies-in-Hit...
    NBCWASHINGTON.COM
    Cyclist Killed in Southeast DC Hit-and-Run
    Cyclist Killed in Southeast DC Hit-and-Run
    
    
    DC Proper
    Admin
    http://wjla.com/.../police-bicyclist-struck-during-hit...
    WJLA.COM
    Police: Bicyclist in critical condition after hit-and-run crash in Southeast D.C.
    Police: Bicyclist in critical condition after hit-and-run crash in Southeast D.C.
    
    DC Proper
    Admin
    https://www.nbcwashington.com/.../DC-Cyclist-Killed...
    NBCWASHINGTON.COM
    DC Cyclist Killed in Traffic Accident
    DC Cyclist Killed in Traffic Accident
    
    Active
    Angela M. Copeland
    Admin
    Bike lanes, grocery stores, income mix, dog parks, schools with running water...
    
    
  • Stefan Osborne
    It’s not all bad...
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• Dionne Brown
  My Chihuahua, Phoebe, has a playgroup in Georgetown and travels with me. She also has play dates with neighbors' dogs. But we should not have to go to such great lengths to socialize her outside the community.
  
  Nicole Short
  Dog park???? A CVS? A BOOKSTORE? A SIT DOWN RESTAURANT? MORE GROCERY CHOICES? RETAIL SHOPS???
  REALLY?
  A DOG PARK?
  BLESS YO' HAWT!
  • 
    Monica Alicia
    Clearly dude doesn’t realize what quadrant of DC he’s in. SE is the most neglected quadrant of DC and Mr. Donahue, you will have to step back and understand the frustrations of the people on this thread. A city we grew up in is no longer affordable an… 
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  • Nicole Short
    Monica A. Cash very well said!!!! ☆
    • Monica Alicia
      Nicole sad thing is he will get that before decent, affordable housing is available. SE is going to be looking like U St soon. It’s sad but his upbringing is vastly different than ours in DC but he’s not totally blind either. This should also serve as a lesson in SE. Community involvement and knowing your ANC and attending meetings need to happen. In addition, get involved in the schools in your community and make them better. I grew up in NW and that’s what we did before and after gentrification. The community has a voice. Use your voice and create a community for everyone to live comfortably.
  • Nicole Short
    Monica A. Cash you rock, Queen!
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    Monica Alicia
    Nicole I speak from experience. While I lived in NW, we got involved in the decision making. That’s the important thing. Make your presence known and not an irate one. That will not accomplish anything. Make folk of non color see that we aren’t who people portray us to be. We care about our schools and communities. This can be done and it must be done.
  • 
    Patrice Lancaster
    I grew up in NW and the reason gentrification was so smooth was bc Jack Evans was an expert at paying the right people.
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    Monica Alicia
    I agree. Some of us got hip too late.
    • 
      Robin McKinney
      Don't forget about the Starbucks
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        Patrice Lancaster
        Hold up!!! i have personal feelings for Pheobe Brown, and Magnus Abdul. I changed my mind and now support dog parks in the ward. Dionne Brown Melik Abdul
        
        Dionne Brown
        Phoebe Tyler thanks you and will show you love the next time she sees you.
• 
  Allyson Thee Criner Brown
  This thread is going down exactly as I expected it to seeing the initial post.
  media1.tenor.co
  
  
  • Mywen Baysah
    Classic Great Ward 8. A simple request turn into mess, and we wonder why we have not. Lol
    
    
  • Allyson Thee Criner Brown
    Actually that's not it. I think the initial reactions were just fine.
    • Mywen Baysah
      Allyson Criner Brown agreed, I’m talking about the reactions after that first hour, that turn into personal attacks and name calling. His request was simple and he received appropriate responses, however it’s now loss in all this extra
• Nomolanga Montague
  Put one in your backyard.
  
  
  • Melik Abdul
    That's dismissive and wholly illogical.
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    Nicole Short
    No its not Melik. Its an answer. Lots of peoples pets play and live happily in their owners backyards. Had she told him where to go with that request, THEN, that would've been perceived as "dismissive."
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      Nicole Short
      Melik, I can NEVER tell emphatically "who's side" of the battle youre on. Your stance is constantly ambiguous. Almost as if youre arguing just to argue, but not trying to prove any points, or win anything. And on these issues where theres power in numbers, ambiguity can be a nuisance and a hinderance. "Choose you this day."
      Seriously.
      
      
  • Melik Abdul
    Nicole Short You don't realize where I stand on dog parks? Really? You don't understand my position on Trayon's poor judgment? That's odd. But yes, it is dismissive and as much as telling you to build a playground in your backyard that does literally nothing to address the actual concern. In fact, it's not only dismissive but flippant.
    • 
      Robin McKinney
      media0.giphy.com
      • 
        Nomolanga Montague
        How about more playgrounds for the children. The children.
        
        
        • Lonita Sheppard
          Jeremy Ross stop it
        • Nicole Short
          Dogs and children have the same needs, and are valued on the SAME LEVEL now?
          while my fury sister is beloved and adored by our Human mother,  , I as a child, and now as an adult, am still held in higher regard, and my needs FAR outweigh hers.
          To say "just put a child/children in the backyard," is disrespectful and dismissive.
          In as much as we regard them as "family," Dogs are animals, and dont require the things that human children do.
          Dogs are not going to grow up to pay taxes and contribute to society and make the necessary contributions to keep the human race going.
          Without proper food, (grocery stores that sell fresh produce),
          education (qualified HUMAN schools), safe neighborhoods, and places to be social with other humans, rec centers, social clubs and bars, the world WILL collapse in on itself!
          If dogs never have a formal "doggy park," the world will go on as it has been for eons.
          I promise.
          You guys are killing me!
          We're talkin about Ward 8!!! THE POOREST AND MOST IMPOVERISHED ward in the city!
          And we're debating on what's more important right now??
          Maybe this man just moved here, and doesn't really know how people are struggling and just trying to make it from day to day, and doesn't realize how insulting it was to ask about a "doggie park," when, if he's going to live here long term, he's going to have to go to other parts of the city or even other cities to get food, sit down in a restaurant, or dive on the floor some nights to avoid getting shot by stray bullets.
          Yeah, Let him move over here, EOTR, and let's see if hes still asking about a doggie park 6 months from now.
          
          
• 
  Juan Manuel Thompson
  If your on next door app young man is working on the dog park in EOR
  
  


• Randi Gray Kristensen
  Being lectured and then forbidden from responding is way more 1818 than 2018. Just sayin'. As for occupations, the troll quotient on this page has reached a new high. This too shall pass.
  
  
• Robin McKinney
  Say it again. I'm working on having a pool party for our dogs. Let's go Blue Beth
  
  
  • Robin McKinney
    I'm ready and we are getting one. Commissioner M Diop
    
    
  Active
  Angela M. Copeland
  Admin
  Alright, Ms. Robin! You the super-duper organizer. We need a dog org to apply for the dog park app. We got folk ready. Tom Donohue
  
  
• Robin McKinney
  LaVerne Rena Glenn dog park baby
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  William Michael Cunningham
  Having attended Anacostia High, let me tell you what happened to the dog parks. Let me tell you about the great U Street, 14th Street, and let me explain what this guy is really calling you: (as Thurston Howell III) "Why, mother, they don't even have a dog park. Its terrible. Can't wait until we get rid of them...Pass the Grey Poupon, please..." Let me tell you about one of the premier black communities in the US and how and why it was destroyed. Let me tell you why every homeless Black guy you see on the street is a representative of what used to be the strongest Black middle class in the country..on second thought, nevermind. Keep listening to and defending the white guy...I sure that will work out well..
  
  
  • 
    Christopher Todd Alexander
    We still have the strongest Black middle class in the country. Most of them live in nice, new homes over the line in Bowie. 
  • 
    Derrick Harris
    Christopher Todd Alexander facts. Took their winnings and took flight to Bowie.
• 
  Christopher Todd Alexander
  What did I miss?
  The irony here is that Ward 8 has acres of underutilized green space that would be appropriate for a fenced-in dog park. And plenty of Black folks with dogs who would support it. But somehow, this is a litmus test on whether you are black or "native" enough or simply flat out racist. This discussion is equal parts funny and sad.
  
  
• Robin McKinney
  GIPHY
• 
  Dat Damn Detta
  The man just asked about dog parks and all this happened. Bring up an alarming number of young people dying in this same ward and .....
  
  
  • Derrick Harris
    And ... “this has to stop” or “RIP” or “he/she is in a better place”. ... then back to our regular schedule
  • 
    Dat Damn Detta
    Derrick Harris exactly bro ... or the classic "Anybody know what happened" only to get the scoop and do nothing. I'm gathering every one who wants to take action together so we can separate the talkers from the doers.
• Active
  Tom Donohue
  Author
  Enough. Shut up!
• 
  Robin McKinney
  GIPHY
• 
  Robin McKinney
  I can't believe a constituent asked for something and it's a problem.
• Dat Damn Detta
  It amazing how people overreact to small things like this but remain so calm about the actuall suffering our community is facing everyday. Where is this outrage? I say we get together, everyone in this group, pool our resources to get a park built just… 
  See more
  
  
• 
  William Michael Cunningham
  Yeah, Imma stop commenting now, since, you know, I won...
  • 
    Active
    Tom Donohue
    Author
    You won? This wasn’t a game and frankly Mr. Cunningham id expect better from you. The only thing you “won” is the disrespect from one business owner to another
• 
  Dat Damn Detta
  Some of the comments on this post are sad and I'm ashamed of them.
  
  Shavon Thomas
  The nearest dog park I’ve see is the one by Nats Stadium.
  
  Melik Abdul
  The other is in the opposite direction down M Street by the police precinct.
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  Lonita Sheppard
  There are also rooftop dog parks
  • 
    Tamara Yeldell
    Turn white.
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  Tamara Yeldell
  Oh wait you are white. Well then just demand it.
  
  
• Thomas Smith
  i used to be against dog parks, as a bourgeois / white thing, but since folks have dogs and this includes working class Black folks i guess it is better to have all the dog mess in one place
  
  
• Brian Underwood
  If a black man asked about a dog park I’m not sure he would get this much hate. I suspect some of this is based on the fact that he’s white.
  I get why people are concerned because dog parks and bike lanes showed up all over NW when gentrification started. To me the issue isn’t how can we block them but how can we include this stuff into our platform. We own dogs and ride bikes also.
  • 
    Tamara Yeldell
    Of course it has something to do with his color..shyt!
  • 
    Brian Underwood
    Tamara Yeldell which shouldn’t matter at all. Last I checked all races own dogs.
    • 
      Melik Abdul
      I got similar pushback when mentioning in the past. But the visceral reaction to him is absolutely connected to his race.
  • 
    Patrice Lancaster
    If it does have something to do with his color that makes you just as ignorant as those who claim to be the enemy.
  • 
    Tamara Yeldell
    Brian Underwood yeah right...color shouldnt matter at all. Really? So, we have to play nice and not mind color...in the meantime I color matters in every step we take in this life! Well I got news for you Brian...Color matters and it always has! We have to continuously play nice...while the white man has to do nothing but be white!
  • 
    Brian Underwood
    Tamara Yeldell Lol Black people own dogs we ride bikes we do all the same things. We pay taxes so I’m not against a dog park it doesn’t take anything away from the big picture.
  • 
    Tamara Yeldell
    Patrice Lancaster Alright Patrice, I will pretend that his color is a non-issue just like when they deal with us, our color is a non-issue. You can call it ignorance all you want, (your words dont make me), I call it paying attention, and staying alert. And if you live in SE I sure hope you own your property.
  • 
    Aiyi'nah Ford
    I unapologetically check gentrifiers of alllllllll colors including the Black ones. The post was tone deaf. Also note that the original poster has access to this group where our priorities are often discussed. Priorities and goals are two different things. I also want to be clear that we should be able to ask for everything at once. However, that is not our reality in a Messy Muriel Administration. We did not create that reality ourselves. Therefore folks like this guy should leverage their privilege and work to get our priorities met first. Then more folks can work towards helping the Ward reach other goals.
  • 
    Melik Abdul
    Tamara Yeldell You're inching very closely to prejudice and bigotry.
  • 
    Patrice Lancaster
    She is already there
    • 
      Melik Abdul
      Patrice Lancaster Well....
  • 
    Scarboro Ginelle
    Tam, don't entertain this Melik dude, he just like to go back and forth with no real substance.
  • 
    Patrice Lancaster
    Tamara Yeldell I am in solidarity with you about the importance of property ownership. But lets not act like this man is gonna hinder that with a dog park.
  
  Patrice Lancaster
  Right bc there are benefits to these things.
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  Patrice Lancaster
  Tom Donohue there is a dog park near your home. Ask your ANC what needs to happen for it to be unlocked #Solution Also we have said that we will request certain green spaces have parts fenced off for dog parks. #Solution The rest of this post is white noise
  
  
  • Melik Abdul
    Where is this dog park?
  • 
    Tamara Yeldell
    Ok, Patrice has spoken y'all...we just white noise. No sense in being here...we not playing nice.
    • 
      Active
      Tom Donohue
      Author
      The green space at 22nd/Minnesota was fenced in for the use of the students who lost playground space due to Orr Elem being built
      
      
  • Patrice Lancaster
    Thank you for understanding what it means when I speak !!!
    • Brian Underwood
      Same people complaining because a white guy asked about a dog park were all for a Starbucks a few days ago.
      None of y’all said a thing about affordable housing or homelessness nor did you speak about the need to handle that first so why now? We can’t have selective criticism.
      • 
        Melik Abdul
        Yes. Indeed! But they're all woke tho
        
        
      • Active
        Jojo Evans
        DTFL LOL dam just attacked him instead of just educating him cuz he’s white smh. I have Yorkie and wondered the same question lls I ride my bike to work from Morris rd there are more pressing issue but why can’t anyone ask .
        
        
      • Jeralyn Napper
        GIPHY
        
        
      • Lashauntay Yeldell
        Sorry Brian Underwood I did mention a comment about the transitions in Ward 8 and affordable housing 
        
        
      Markita Bryant
      Tenor
      
      
• Lonita Sheppard
  I just luvs my peeps. Too damn funny.
• 
  Patrice Lancaster
  This whole post went up in flames over a dog park bc Tom is white.
  
  
  • Active
    Jojo Evans
    It did wow
  • 
    Active
    Jojo Evans
    Sheesh
  • 
    Jeralyn Napper
    Which is pathetic & wholly disgusting!
    
    
• Active
  Jojo Evans
  DTFL LOL dam just attacked him instead of just educating him cuz he’s white smh. I have Yorkie and wondered the same question lls I ride my bike to work from Morris rd there are more pressing issue but why can’t anyone ask .
  
  
• Maya Samuel
  We're still trying to get safe and clean parks for children...
  
  
  • Patrice Lancaster
    We can eat and chew gum at the same time
  • 
    Patrice Lancaster
    I mean walk and chew gum
  
  Active
  Jojo Evans
  Tru yet a question was asked lls
  • 
    Lashauntay Yeldell
    Wow.. since when is it offensive to ask a question?! And how did race become a factor.. damn this site has turned into a mess!! What does homeless, insensitivity to oppression, and an attack on race have to do with a dog park 
    
    
• William Michael Cunningham
  ...and the poverty pimps and others..who profit from your demise, now claim everything is lovely under white Anacostia skies..