The Norwood: A Cooperative Building

Won't you be our neighbor?

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:09:00 +0000

Apartments Available

Since the tenants jointed together to buy the Norwood Apartments last Summer, the Cooperative has slowly been going through a transformation. Now that we're in control, we have been able to devote more resources to critical maintenance issues, and we're making investments to improve the health and safety of the building.

Dealing with years of neglect has slowed down our ability to repair and turnaround new apartments. But thankfully we've got apartments ready to lease now, and we're looking for residents who would appreciate the affordable community we're building at the 1417 N Street NW Cooperative (formerly "The Norwood").

While we are a Cooperative, we are still in a transitional period. This means that new residents must sign a lease and pay a security deposit. The leases will be honored for the entire term (1 year) and then continue month-to-month. When the building converts to cooperative residents will have the option to join the cooperative, or make arrangements to move. We are planning on a full renovation within the next 1-2 years, so get in on the ground floor!

The studio units range from $900-$1,100. If you or a friend are interested, please contact our manager Ari Myers at 202-588-0026.

Tune in WPFW 89.3 tonight @ 7: Kid's perspective on housing & tenant organizing

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:36:00 +0000

Last Saturday, the DC Latino Media Collective interviewed three the kids during the making of the Mayan mosaic and the play that tells the story of how we organized to address unsafe housing conditions and the preservation of our building as affordable housing.

Three kids that have been affected by unsafe living conditions in our building provide their thoughts on how tenants can organize to address maintenance problems. Alex (who dealt with bedbugs as an infant), Andy (who once suffered from full body allergies from roaches), and nine year old Nazar.

Until we heard the interview, we did had no idea of what the kids were thinking. Their words and descriptions illustrate how deeply they see the importance of having access to safe and affordable housing.

Be sure to tune in today at 7:00 PM
WPFW 89.3 (FM)

Home-Hogar-Comunidad celebration a complete sucess!

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:32:00 +0000

The celebration festivities this weekend have been six years in the making. Check out our online photo album to see highlights from our celebration including the making of the Mayan mosaic and the bilingual children's play that tells the story of our building.

Building Purchase Celebration Program - Saturday, October 29th

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:55:00 +0000

12:30 Ribbon cutting ceremony & Remarks

(Location: 1417 N Street, NW, 20005)

**Celebration moves across the street to National City Christian Church: 5 Thomas Circle NW, 20005**

1:30pm At National City Christian Church

− Blessing by Reverend Noemi P. Mena

2:00pm Mayan Mosaic Presentation

3:00pm Documentary film & photo presentations

− “Brunching with bedbugs” by Erin Finicane

− “We own this!” by LEDC

4:00pm Children’s play about the Norwood

5:00pm Live music performances by:

− Son Jarocho

− Grupo Raibales

Food, refreshments available for purchase throughout the event. Community resources information tables will be available from 1:30 – 7:00pm.

Getting ready for our celebration on Oct 29

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:56:00 +0000

The kids have been working hard on making decorations and backdrops for the bilingual play they will perform to tell the story of how we worked together to improve living conditions and purchase our building as an affordable housing cooperative.

Save the Date

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:02:00 +0000

Norwood 1417 N Street Cooperative

Community-wide Building Purchase Celebration

Saturday, October 29, 2011
Noon

Join with us as we celebrate the preservation of our building as affordable housing through the

District of Columbia Department of Housing and Community Development First Right Purchase Assistance Program

Stay tuned, more details to follow shortly.

Original Mayan weaving by Angelica Lopez, co-op board member

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:28:00 +0000

WE DID IT!!!!!

Preview: Norwood Tenants To Be Featured in Documentary Film About Community Organizing & Bedbugs

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:21:00 +0000

We're proud to announce that the Norwood Tenants will be featured in a documentary titled "Brunching With Bedbugs." See the trailer below.

For over five years the Norwood has been at the forefront of a resurgence of bedbugs in the United States. As we continue outreach through our community play, and participation in public forums, we are gratified to see this representation of our work through the lens of film maker Erin Finicane.

Enjoy!

Working on a bedbug play

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:53:00 +0000

In November 2010 we participated in two events that seemed completely different. We performed a play called "Popol Vuh" that told the story of the creation of the Maya people at the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian and we also testified at the first Congressional Bedbug Forum that was sponsored by congressmembers G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Don Young (R-AK).

As we were preparing our testimony, we realized that we have been struggling with ways to educate our community about how to control and prevent bedbug infestations. We have given many workshops, participated in forums and collaborated with DC government agencies such as the Department of Health and the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs. Despite our efforts, we have not been able to fully respond to the number of educational requests we receive.

So we asked ourselves how we could reach the greatest number of people? Why not combine art, theater and bedbug education? We are working on a play that will serve as a popular education tool to create awareness about bedbugs and how to control them.

The first performance is scheduled for June. Stay tuned for more details and please feel free to send us your thoughts and ideas for the play. So far people have suggested:

Focus on the point of view of the bedbug
Explain how bedbugs spread
Learn about the bedbug life cycle
Include music and a bedbug dance
Talk about the history of bedbugs
Teach the audience what they can do to control and prevent bedbugs

A Child's Perspective On A Tenant Sponsored Cooperative

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 21:25:00 +0000

Alex is a 6 year old boy that has lived at the Norwood since he was born. His mother Angelica is a member of the tenant association board. Over the years Alex has accompanied his mother to countless tenant association meetings. During meetings he normally colors with his crayons.

Last night we met to discuss the building purchase and child care center. Alex was coloring as usual. When the meeting was over, he showed us his drawing.

With his crayons he drew what our building will look like once we buy it and he called it "Our Building". The drawing conveys our hopes and goals as a community. It reminds us that leadership takes on many different ages and forms.

Thank you for making it possible for our community to learn and grow.

Norwood Tenants To Share Bedbug Battle Stories At Congressional Hearing [Thursday, Nov. 18]

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:57:00 +0000

On Thursday tenants of the Norwood will add their voices to the national dialogue on bedbugs at a Congressional forum. Tenants of the Norwood Apartments have found themselves in the middle of the growing bedbug epidemic in the past decade. Having shared our stories and tips with hundreds of people in our neighborhood and across DC, tenants along with academics, community leaders, and pest control professionals will have a chance to address a national audience on the growing issue.

In March of 2009 the Norwood Tenants Association worked with the DC Department of Health to organize the STOP Bedbugs DC Summit. At the summit, we found that what is needed most to combat the spread of bedbugs is effective eduction, research, and model policies and practices for government, property owners, and individuals dealing with various aspects of the problem.

The Norwood Tenants are grateful for the support and organizing assistance received over the years from DC's Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), as well as the Office of the Tenant Advocate and TENAC.

Read more about the event and the Norwood's involvement on LEDC's Blog: The Crusade Against Bed Bugs on Capitol Hill:

As widespread bed bug infestations within residential and commercial buildings make headlines across the nation, the forum is designed to explore how the federal government can more effectively work with the public and private sectors to support collaborative bed bug control efforts.

“Education is really important, and we’ve learned over the years that giving a person a flyer isn’t enough,” Silvia Salazar [of the Norwood Tenant Association] says. “You have to show people exactly what you’re talking about.”

Silvia hopes the forum and the widespread reporting of bed bugs cases in the region have begun to remove the historical stigma against those who suffer the wrath of bed bugs. The Norwood tenants are now working with the DC health department to explore grant funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency to develop a comprehensive, chemical free approach to bed bugs control.

“Knowledge is the only way to fight bed bugs,” Silvia says. “They’re really organized creatures, and we need to learn how to be like them.”

Stay tuned for updates, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @NorwoodDC

Performing Maya Play at the Smithsonian

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:29:00 +0000

The Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian has selected three community groups in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia to perform a community play called "Popol Vuh." The play uses native puppets to tell the story of how the Maya People were created.

We are proud to announce that our tenant association was selected to represent DC because we have a history of incorporating Mayan art in our tenant rights education and community organizing efforts.

Since this summer, we have been rehearsing our lines and making puppets in preparation for our performance this weekend.

The play is free and open to the public.

Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian

Saturday, November 6th at 11:00 am AND 1:30 PM

Sunday, November 7th at 11:00 am AND 1:30 PM

We hope that you will be able to join us this weekend. The play will be in Spanish with subtitles in English. There will be a morning and afternoon performance.

Send us your best wishes and positive thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 02:20:00 +0000

Tomorrow we will begin negotiations to buy our building as affordable housing.

We got together this evening to make a special toast and share our best intentions as we move closer towards reaching our goal of buying our building. Over the past five years, we have come together as a community and have enjoyed working with tenant rights organizations in DC such as Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs, TENAC, Latino Economic Development Corporation, Empower DC, OTA, and Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless. Your support has keep us moving forward during difficult times. ¡Gracias!

Article: "Affordable Housing "Out of Reach"

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 15:54:00 +0000

A recent report from Multifamily Executive magazine tells of the coming affordable housing crisis from a confluence of factors including neglect of the current stock of older rent-controlled buildings, such as the Norwood. Now, more than ever, it is critical that tenants protect their affordable housing by exercising their rights to demand proper maintenance, and buy their buildings when owners want to sell (under the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, or TOPA).

Benign Neglect IF OWNERS OF RENT-CONTROLLED UNITS CONTINUE TO DISREGARD BASIC REPAIRS, AN ENTIRE GENERATION OF AFFORDABLE UNITS COULD FALL BY THE WAYSIDE.
When it comes to affordable housing, Douglas Shoemaker, director of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing, has a lot on his plate. Of course, there are the production issues. But that isn’t Shoemaker’s No. 1 concern. Instead, he’s worried about those older, rent-controlled units that San Franciscans are living in today. Many owners of those units are facing financial difficulties, and he is concerned that the city could ultimately lose those homes.
“If we get to a place where it’s clear that the borrower won’t make good on the note, then we will see a disinvestment in the property and a lack of willingness [by the owner] to put basic repairs into the place. They don’t feel they’ll get that money back out,” Shoemaker says.
He’s not alone. In New York, another city with a significant share of rent-controlled units, Denise Scott, managing director for the New York division of the Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC), saw a lot of multifamily housing fall offline when owners struggled in the ’70s and ’80s. A recent New York Times story said that of the 200 properties on the New York housing agency’s 2008 list of the most poorly maintained apartment properties, at least 77 were in foreclosure from January 2005 to October 2008, according to PropertyShark.com. “We’re very concerned about the issue of ‘deferred maintenance,’” Scott adds. “Owners start juggling their expenses. In an effort to keep the mortgage current and the taxes current, what’s likely to suffer is the maintenance. We expect to see an uptick in problems with deferred maintenance because of the over-leveraged situations or because the owner is strapped for cash.”
Michelle Norris, chief development officer for National Church Residences, a nonprofit affordable housing owner and developer based in Columbus, Ohio, has already seen what can happen to units in seniors housing when the owner faces financial difficulties. “You can walk down the hall and see rips and stains in the carpet,” she says. “There’s deferred maintenance on the boiler systems and the heating and cooling systems.”
The hope, for now, is that these units don’t altogether disappear. Some may fall offline briefly, but down the road, an opportunistic investor may eventually swoop in and bring them back online, says Richard Moody, chief economist at Austin, Texas-based Forward Capital. “Somebody else might buy them at sharply reduced prices,” he adds. “There are too many factors that come into play to make an assumption about a likely outcome.”
—Les Shaver (Multifamily Executive)

Health Fair and 2010 Census Info

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:06:00 +0000

Free Health Fair this Thursday! Also get important information on the 2010 Census. Sponsored by the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs:

more info

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:01:00 +0000

TENANTS AT NORWOOD APARTMENTS IN NW DC USE MAYAN CULTURAL TRADITIONS TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT RENT CONTROLLED HOUSING

Fundraiser to Benefit Low-Income Housing Cooperative in Logan Circle neighborhood

Aviso de prensa sigue en español.

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Norwood Tenants Association of 1417 N Street NW will commemorate the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe by hosting a cultural celebration Saturday, December 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the National City Christian Church, (5 Thomas Circle, NW 20001).

“The Norwood Tenants Association launched the Norwood Cooperative Project to preserve our building as affordable housing and the holiday celebration is being planned to highlight this effort.” Says Norwood tenant Silvia Salazar.

The event will feature an exhibit of traditional Mayan sawdust paintings in the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. A Posada puppet show (in Spanish and English) will tell the story of rent controlled housing conditions and the preservation of affordable housing in DC. Musical performances will include Grupo Raíbales from the Guatemalan highlands and Son Jarocho from México. Children from the Norwood will also perform in a thank-you ceremony while wearing traditional Mexican and Guatemalan native clothing. The day’s festivities will culminate in a community reception. Proceeds from the event will benefit families struggling to place a down payment on affordable housing apartments in the Norwood apartment building.

Ms. Salazar continued, “We have organized other events to strengthen our community by hosting a health fairs and a fire prevention event with the DC Fire Department. The Norwood tenants extend special thanks to the community organizations, tenant advocacy groups, DC government agencies and elected officials that have supported our commitment to improve building conditions and to preserve the diversity of our community.”

The Norwood is an 84 unit rent-controlled building in the Logan Circle neighborhood of NW Washington, five blocks from the White House. The community includes diverse families who work in the service industry as waiters at restaurants and cleaning offices in downtown DC as well as young working professionals.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INFORMACIÓN: Silvia Salazar (202) 412-3244

INQUILINOS NORWOOD EN WASHINGTON DC UTILIZAN LAS TRACICIONES CULTURALES MAYAS PARA AUMENTAR EL CONOCIMIENTO SOBRE EL ESTADO DE VIVIENDA A BAJO COSTO

Recaudación de fondos para la cooperativa de vivienda costeable en Logan Cicle

Washington, D.C. —La Asociación de Inquilinos Norwood realizara una celebración cultural dedicada a la virgen de Guadalupe, se llevara a cabo el sábado 12 de diciembre de las 6:00-9:00 PM en National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Circle NW 20001).

El evento es un reconocimiento de día de la virgen con alfombras de aserrín de la virgen de Guadalupe. Un show de títeres contara la historia de las condiciones de vivienda a bajo costo en el Distrito y la preservación de vivienda de bajo costo en DC. Música de Son Jarocho, y grupo Raíbales de Guatemala. Los niños del Norwood se vestirán en trajes típicos mexicanos y guatemaltecos en una ceremonia de agradecimiento a la virgen. La celebración culminara con una recepción comunitaria. Fondos que se recauden del evento serán para las familias que tienen dificultades para pagar el enganche para la compra del edificio Norwood como vivienda a bajo costo.

“La Asociación de Inquilinos Norwood hemos organizado el proyecto de vivienda cooperativa Norwood para salvar nuestro edificio como vivienda de bajo costo para apoyar este esfuerzo”. Comenta Silvia Salazar.

La señorita Salazar explica “hemos colaborado en otros eventos como ferias de salud y eventos para la prevención de incendios con el departamento de bomberos del distrito de Columbia. Le damos gracias a las organizaciones comunitarias, grupos de abogacía al favor de inquilinos, agencias del gobierno de DC y políticos que han apoyado nuestro esfuerzo y la diversidad de nuestra comunidad”.

El Norwood es un edificio de control de renta con 84 apartamentos en el vecindario Logan Circle, a una distancia de cinco cuadras de la Casa Blanca. La comunidad incluye diversas personas que trabajan en restaurantes, limpiando oficinas en DC, y jóvenes a punto de empezar careras como profesionales. Para más información en inglés sobre la historia y metas de los inquilinos del edificio Norwood, visite www.NorwoodCoOp.org y www.NorwoodTenants.org

###

December 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:15:00 +0000

We have been busy getting ready for our cultural celebration dedicated to La Virgen de Guadalupe.

Date:     Saturday, December 12
Time:     6:00-9:00pm
Location: National City Christian Church
        5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC, 20005

We will commemorate the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and will give thanks for the community support we have received. An exhibit of traditional Mayan sawdust paintings in the image of the virgin will be on display. Norwood children will perform a thank you ceremony wearing traditional Mexican and Guatemalan native clothing. A posada puppet show in Spanish and English will be followed by musical performances by Grupo Raíbales, from the Guatemalan highlands, and Son Jarocho from México. Reception to follow. Tickets are $10 per person. Free for children less than 12 years of age. Proceeds from the event will be used toward the purchase of the Norwood apartment building as affordable housing.

Parking available at the Washington Plaza Hotel across from the event. Bring this announcement and pay $7 for parking.

Bus directions: 52, 54, DC Circulator Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-McPherson Square Metro

Metro Directions

McPherson Metro Station (Orange & Blue Lines)
Take the 14th Street exit (14th & I Streets). Walk 3 blocks North on 14th Street to Thomas Circle. The National City Christian Church building is white and has a set of steps in front of the building. Entrance is on 14th Street. Follow the posada signs when you get to Thomas Circle.

Farragut North Metro Station (Red Line)
Take the L Street exit (L Street & Connecticut Avenue). Walk 3 blocks East on L Street to 14th Street. Turn left on 14th Street and walk one block to Thomas Circle. The National City Christian Church building is white and has a set of steps in front of the building. Entrance is on 14th Street. Follow the posada signs when you get to Thomas Circle.

For more information call 202-232-8924 or email us at Norwoodinfo@gmail.com.

Posada del día de la virgen de Guadalupe

Hemos estado ocupados preparandonos para nuestra una celebración cultural dedicada a la virgen de Guadalupe.


Fecha:  sábado 12 de diciembre
Hora:   6:00-9:00 PM
Lugar:  National City Christian Church
      5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC, 20005

Estaremos reconociendo y celebrando el día de la virgen con alfombras de aserrín de la virgen de Guadalupe y daremos gracias por el apoyo comunitario que hemos recibido. Los niños del Norwood se vestiran en trajes típicos Mexicanos y Guatemaltecos. Seguido por un show de títeres sobre posadas en inglés y español. Música de Son Jarocho, y grupo Raíbales de Guatemala. Se servirá pan dulce y chocolate. $10 por persona (niños menores de 12 entran gratis). Fondos que se recauden del evento serán para la compra del edificio Norwood como vivienda a bajo costo.

Estacionamiento disponible en el Washington Plaza Hotel en frente de la iglesia. Traiga este anuncio y pague $7 por parking.

Lineas de autobús: 52, 54, y DC Circulator Woodley Park-Adams Morgan-McPherson Square Metro

Metro

McPherson Metro Station (Orange & Blue Lines)
Use la salida "14th Street" (esquina de la calle 14 y la calle I). Camine 3 cuadras hacia el norte en la calle 14 rumbo a Thomas Circle. El edificio de National City Christian Church es de color blanco y tiene gradas en frente del edificio. La entrada esta sobre la calle 14. Siga los rotulos con la palabra posada cuando llegue a Thomas Circle.

Farragut North Metro Station (Red Line)
Use la salida "L Street" (L Street y la Connecticut Avenue). Camine 3 cuadras hacia el este sobre la calle L hasta que llegue a la calle 14. Haga una izquierda en la calle 14 y camine una cuadra rumbo a Thomas Circle. El edificio de National City Christian Church es de color blanco y tiene gradas en frente del edificio. Siga los rotulos con la palabra posada cuando llegue a Thomas Circle.

Para más información, llame al 202-232-8924 o por email Norwoodinfo@gmail.com.

Norwood Tenants Collaborate with DC Department of Health and Organize “Stop Bedbugs” Summit in Washington, DC

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Meeting to Establish Stop Bedbugs DC, A Unified Campaign Against Bedbugs

The Norwood Tenant Association is collaborating with the District of Columbia Department of Health to organize a summit to address the problem of bedbugs in Washington, DC. The tenants at the Norwood got involved in advocating for a community approach to bedbug infestations after a multi-year battle against infestation at their own building. After the Norwood tenant organizers presented their work regarding education and pest control strategies at a public meeting in July, 2008, the group was approached by the DC Department of Health to help design a campaign to address bedbugs throughout the District.

The goal of the summit is to learn about bedbug biology, bedbug control, and to establish a DC wide task force that will address enforcement, education, data collection, and legislative approaches. Presenters will include Dr. Dini M. Miller, Associate Professor, Dodson Urban Pest Management Laboratory at Virginia Tech, Ray Lopez, the 2008 recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Community Health Leader Award for his innovative approaches on controlling bedbugs without using pesticides, as well as representatives from the pest management industry who will share the latest industry approaches. The summit will take place on Friday, March 27, 2009, at 441 4th Street NW, Room 1107 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

In the last decade, bedbugs have been making a comeback in major American cities. There are lessons to be learned from the cities that have taken on the problem as a matter of public policy, including New York, Chicago, Cincinnati, Boston, San Francisco and Toronto. It is now clear that a multilevel task force must be implemented to address the problem in our nation's capital. Combating an infestation of the tiny insects, which prey on human hosts while they sleep, can quickly add up to thousands of dollars and sleepless nights for those who suffer with them. Members of the Norwood Tenant Association have documented some of these struggles in a recent feature bedbug cover story in the January 30, 2009 issue of the Washington City Paper.

Bedbugs don't discriminate; they affect residents in high end luxury apartments, as well as those in more modest dwellings. In dealing with bedbugs, residents in DC often find they are fighting an uphill battle in trying to find the correct response to the problem. Even well meaning landlords may not be fully educated in proper pest control practices, and as a result they risk contributing to the spread of the bugs in neighboring apartments and homes. Working together, Stop Bedbugs DC will promote a unified approach to address the resurgence of bedbugs in Washington, DC.

The summit will establish various stakeholder groups that are affected by bedbugs, and empower them to take action to combat the problem. This event will also include discussion of legislative and enforcement approaches, as well as citizen involvement through tenant groups, senior and public housing, and educational outreach through government and local businesses on the front lines of the community.

The first district-wide summit has been organized with the help of the Department of Health, with special thanks to Peggy Keller and Gerard Brown with the DC Department of Health, David Fabian, Silvia Inéz Salazar, Eunyoung Lim, and Randy Green of the Norwood Tenants Association, and consultations from Renee Corea of New York vs. Bedbugs, and Jessica Kevan of Chicago vs. Bedbugs.

Tenants organize health fair for residents with no health insurance

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:40:00 +0000

LOGAN CIRCLE, WASHINGTON DC-Saturday, March 14th, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm, the Norwood Tenants Association will be partnering with the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, Mary’s Center and La Clínica del Pueblo to host a community health fair at the National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle, NW. The health fair will include free preventive eye care exams, information about HIV/AIDS prevention, and women’s health screenings. Volunteers will be on hand to help families and individuals sign up for DC Alliance Health Insurance.

In this current economic downturn, many working families have lost their health insurance. The Norwood tenants are among the 76,000 Washingtonians who find themselves with no health coverage. There are options for these families to obtain low cost or even free coverage through the DC Alliance Health Insurance program. The most important way to protect children and families is to provide accurate information and access to key preventative services.

“The Norwood Tenants Association is holding this event as part of our effort to address the needs of our community,” says co-President David Fabian. Fabian explains that as a result of organizing, the tenants at the Norwood have learned firsthand that many fellow tenants are in need of something more than just a roof over their heads. As the tenants’ ongoing efforts to improve building conditions at the Norwood continue, the health of the community also depends upon improving access to health care services and health education.

The Norwood is an 84 unit rent-controlled building in the Logan Circle neighborhood, five blocks from the White House. Our community includes diverse working families who work in the service industry as waiters at restaurants, cleaning offices in downtown DC, and young working professionals.

Tenants Take Back the Neighborhood: Fight "Condozilla"

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:55:00 +0000

Norwood Tenants Honor Diversity, Community and Successful Year with Celebration and Performance

Thomas Circle, Washington, DC– On Sunday December 14th, 5-7 pm at the National City Christian Church, the tenants of the Norwood Tenants Association will come together to celebrate victories in organizing, and honor our diversity with a multicultural holiday party. The festivities will also include the play Condozilla, starring the children of the Norwood Apartments.

The Celebration reflects the diverse backgrounds and eclectic tastes of the residents. The festivities will incorporate elements of a 'Posada,' a traditional Latino Christmas celebration, in addition to=2 0the premiere of "Condozilla," an English and Spanish language play about the DC condo conversion craze. "It's great to see the whole building getting involved in this celebration; from the feature d music talent, to the kids starring in the play, it will be Norwood on display this Sunday" said Silvia Salazar, co-President of the tenants associati on.

What: Holiday celebration and "posada," live music, play in Spanish/English
When: Sunday, December 14, 5pm-7pm
Who: Tenants of the Norwood Apartments, Logan Circle
Where: National City Christian Church (5 Thomas Cir NW), Miller Hall

The Norwood Tenants Association launched the Norwood Cooperative Project to preserve their building as affordable housing; the holiday celebration is being planned to highlight this effort. David Fabian, co-President of the tenant's association added, "We're looking to form a cooperative because we truly value diversity here at the Norwood, as demonstrated by this multicultural celebration. Keeping our homes afford able, and securing the future of the building, will be a great opportunity to preserve quality workforce housing in the heart of Washington."

In addition, the Norwood tenants have organized other events to strengthen their community by hosting a health fair and fire prevention event with the DC Fire Department. The Norwood tenants extends special thanks to the community organizations, tenant advocacy groups, DC government agencies and elected officials that have supported their commitment to improve building conditions and to preserve the diverse community at the Norwood.

The Norwood is an 84 unit rent-controlled building in the Logan Circle neighborhood, five blocks from the White House. Our community includes diverse working families who work in the s ervice industry as waiters at restaurants, cleaning offices in downtown DC, and young working professionals. For more information on the tenant purchase and Co-op, visit www.NorwoodCoOp.org.

###

Norwood Holiday Celebration & Posada

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000

December 14, 2008
Click image to view detailed program:

Norwood Tenants Address Lack of Health Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:08:00 +0000

WHO: Norwood Tenant Association, the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (OLA), Planned Parenthood, and the Hispanic Institute for Blindness Prevention
WHAT: Community Health Fair
WHEN: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm
WHERE: 1417 N St NW

On Tuesday, July 8^th, the Norwood Tenants Association will be partnering with Planned Parenthood, Hispanic Institute for Blindness Prevention, and the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs to host a community health fair in the lobby of 1417 N Street, NW. The health fair will include free preventive eye care exams, information about HIV/AIDS prevention, and volunteers to help families and individuals sign up for DC Alliance Health Insurance.

Many kids and working families at the Norwood Apartments do not have health insurance, much like the 76,000 Washingtonians who find themselves in a similar situation despite working one or more full time jobs. However there are options for these families to obtain low cost or even free coverage through the DC Alliance Health Insurance program. The most important way to protect kids and families is to provide accurate information and access to key preventative services.

“The Norwood Tenants Association is holding this event as part of our ongoing commitment to the people in our community,” says co-President Silvia Salazar. Salazar explains that as a result of organizing, the tenants at the Norwood have learned firsthand that many fellow tenants are in need of something more than just a roof over their heads. As the tenants’ ongoing efforts to improve building conditions at the Norwood continue, the health of the community also depends upon improving access to health care services and health education.

In April 2008 the Norwood Tenants Association partnered with the DC Fire Prevention Bureau to host a neighborhood fire safety awareness event. The DC Fire Department inspected the Norwood and a neighboring apartment building, finding and replacing 48 non-working smoke detectors in the buildings. In July 2007, tenants faced over 30 days at the Norwood without a working elevator. The tenants association held a lemonade gathering to provide support and information for fellow tenants. Lemonade will be served at the health fair as a reminder that many building problems, including bedbugs and mold, persist.

The Norwood apartment building was included in the recent Washington Post series, “Forced Out,” about deteriorating rent-controlled buildings targeted for condo conversion (“The Profit In Decay” 3-19-08). The tenants of the Norwood said ‘no’ to a condo pitch by the Tenacity Group in January 2007, and instead demanded that problems be fixed ‘today.’ Tenants at the Norwood call for an end to persistent housing code violations, and remain committed to preserving affordable housing.

Dealing with Bedbugs: Tips

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 02:01:00 +0000

After dealing with bedbugs at the Norwood Apartments for many years, we have become unofficial bedbug experts. Despite our efforts there are still many apartments with bedbugs, and without organized bedbug extermination throughout the building, we fear it will be a long time before they are completely eradicated from the building.

Although bedbugs cannot be completely killed in one shot, if you stick to proven strategies you can win your battle with the critters.

Getting help from your building management or local exterminator should be your first step, but YOU CAN DO-IT-YOURSELF if you're not getting a quick or adequate response. The tenants association at the Norwood has researched the proper chemicals and do-it-yourself methods online, and we have taken up a collection from tenants to assist them when bedbugs invade.

The most important thing to do is not get overwhelmed or embarrassed if you find out you have bedbugs. They were all but eliminated from American homes the 1950's with the widespread use of the pesticide called DDT. Since the 1990's, however, bedbugs have started to return in force.

Step 1: Educate Yourself, Then Do Something About The Problem!

There are many reliable resources on bedbugs available online. From academic research to blogs, there is a wealth of information and products available. Please see the Bedbugs Link section below for more information.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional advice. If you think you have bedbugs, please consult an extermination professional and your landlord if applicable.

Top Bedbug myths

If you get bedbugs is because you're dirty.

FALSE!! Hygiene and cleanliness have nothing to do with bedbugs. They have been found in the best hotels, in popular neighborhoods and in nice, as well as 'problem' buildings.

Bedbugs just 'came back' a couple years ago.

FALSE!! Bedbugs, though less common a decade ago, have been with humans since we left the caves. Bedbugs are sneaky and fast, they'll hide for long periods, waiting for the right time to bite you when you're sleeping.

You can't get rid of bedbugs, it's too expensive, difficult and the pesticides don't exist.

WRONG!! The pesticides to control bedbugs are available online, and you don't even need a license to buy them. If you follow all the steps completely, you can control and even eliminate the problem.

What to Do TODAY!

You can use bug spray (like OFF! or anything with DEET) on your entire body as a temporary measure to repel bedbugs. Some people have also used natural essential oils such as lavender, lemon, or neme oil on their bodies and their bedding.
Buy a mattress cover (must be anti-dust mite) to encase your mattress and prevent bedbugs from getting out.
Find out if your neighbors have bedbugs. Together you can determine how widespread the problem is and bring it to the attention of your landlord and hopefully come up with a strategy to get rid of the bedbugs

How to Do-It-Yourself

Purchase a spray that contains Deltamethrin at your local hardware store or online. This will kill and draw out the bedbugs from their hiding places. Make sure to spray mattresses, furniture, drapes, floors, baseboards. The spray comes ready made or mix-it-yourself.
Purchase a powder/dust such as Drione Dust which contain Pyrethrins (derived from flowers). Apply the powder (AFTER spray from step 1 has dried) to baseboards, mattresses, behind picture frames, around the bed, and in the bathroom where bedbugs go for water. As the bugs crawl over the dust, it will dry them out and kill them. The powder has a lasting effect for months and will supplement the spraying.
Make sure in the mean time to wash clothes and sheets in hot water, remove clutter where bedbugs can hide (consider getting plastic containers for storage of documents and clothes).

Bedbug Links

Academic info
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/bed_bugs.htm Penn State
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/pdfs/bedBugs.pdf Penn State
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/ Harvard
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2105.html Ohio Sate
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef636.asp Univ of Kentucky
http://mayoclinic.com/health/bedbugs/DS00663 Mayo clinic
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/bedbugs-topic-overview Web Md
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol11no04/04-1126.htm CDC
http://kidshealth.org/kid/ill_injure/bugs/bedbug.html Kids health

Bedbugs in the News
http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/1427.htm (Pen state news article about bedbugs)
http://a.abcnews.com/US/story?id=90005 (ABC news)
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/19/nyregion/19bedbugs.html?_r=1&oref=slogin (NY times)
http://www.wftv.com/news/15032105/detail.html (Bedbugs a Dysneyland hotel)
http://www1.umn.edu/umnnews/Feature_Stories/Bloodthirsty_travelers3A_Bedbugs_are_biting_again.html?enewsemail (university of Minnesota)
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/11/02/nyregion/02bedb.html?ex=1383109200&en=0c8b915eb62d9bba&ei=5007&partner=USERLAND&pagewanted=print
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2005/04/04/050404ta_talk_singer

Blogs
http://bedbugsnyc.blogspot.com/2006/09/bed-bug-city-council-hearing.html
http://bedbugsnyc.blogspot.com/2008/06/how-to-tell-friend-about-your-bed-bug.html How to tell a friend that you have bedbugs
http://bedbugger.com/
http://www.mahalo.com/Bed_bugs

Norwood Tenants Plan Community Event to Demand Fire Safety: Sat. 4/12 (Español abajo)

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:11:00 +0000

WHO: Councilmember Kwame Brown, Norwood Tenant Association, DC Fire Marshall, the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (OLA), the DC Metropolitan Police, TENAC, the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)
WHAT: Community safety event and education fairWHEN: Saturday April 12th from 2 to 3 pm
WHERE: Closed off street in front of 1417 N St NW

In the shadow of a recent five-alarm apartment fire in Mount Pleasant at a building with over 7,000 housing code violations, tenants remain concerned about fire safety. The tenants at the Norwood Apartments have organized a community safety event and education fair this Saturday to increase fire safety awareness in the Logan Circle neighborhood. As we learned from Mount Pleasant, a fire can affect an entire neighborhood, not just 'problem' buildings. The event will take place this Saturday April 12th from 2 to 3 pm on the street in front of 1417 N Street NW.

Tenants at the Norwood are concerned about the numerous gaps in fire safety in the building, and potential hidden hazards in other buildings, and they don't want to become another fire tragedy. On April 2nd 2008 the DC Fire Marshal found problems at the Norwood with smoke detectors, fire doors that do not close property, and exposed electrical wires hanging in the basement. As a result of these findings, the DC Fire Marshal will go door-to-door to conduct an inspection of the Norwood and surrounding apartment buildings on N Street NW to identify and abate potential dangers.

The Norwood Tenant Association is collaborating on the issue of fire safety in rent-controlled buildings with the DC Fire Marshall, the Mayor's Office on Latino Affairs (OLA), the DC Metropolitan Police, TENAC, the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and tenants associations across the city. This partnership is a positive step towards improving fire safety and will raise awareness about deteriorating and unsafe conditions in the neighborhood. Tenants are demonstrating solidarity by wearing white T-shirts on the day of the event.

DC Councilman Kwame Brown will lead a delegation of DC elected officials and agencies on a tour of the poor living conditions that some tenants are forced to endure at the Norwood.

The DC Fire Prevention Bureau and other DC government agencies will conduct an education fair on N Street NW. Additionally, three fire insurance providers will be on hand to provide information on low cost fire and renters insurance for tenants. Landlords' insurance only covers the walls of the apartment building, and in the event of a tragic fire tenants face losing everything they own unless they are insured.

The Norwood apartment building was included in the recent Washington Post series, "Forced Out," about deteriorating rent-controlled buildings targeted for condo conversion ("The Profit In Decay" 3-19-08). The tenants of the Norwood said 'no' to a condo pitch by the Tenacity Group in January 2007, and instead demanded that problems be fixed 'today.' Tenants at the Norwood call for an end to persistent housing code violations, and remain committed to preserving affordable housing.

_______________________________________________________

Quiénes: Concejal Kwame Brown, Asociación de Inquilinos del Norwood, Departamento de Bomberos de DC, la oficina de asuntos latinos(OLA), el departamento de Policía, TENAC, la Corporación Latina para el Desarrollo Económico (LEDC)
Qué: Evento comunitario de seguridad y feria educativa.
Cuándo: Sabado April 12 de Abril de 2 a 3 de la tarde.Dónde: Cierre de calle frente al 1417 N St NW

Inquilinos del Norwood planean evento comunitario y exigen seguridad en contra de incendios.

Después de el reciente incendio de categoría 5 que termino con un edificio de apartamentos en que tenia más de 7,000 violaciones al código de vivienda, los residentes se encuentran preocupados por su seguridad. Los inquilinos del Norwood han organizado un evento comunitario de seguridad y una feria educativa este sábado para incrementar la seguridad en caso de incendio en el vecindario de Logan Circle. Lo que aprendimos del incendio de la Mount Pleasant, es que el incendio puede afectar vecindarios completos, no solo a edificios que están en problema. El evento se efectuará este sábado 12 de Abril de 2 a 3 de la tarde en frente del 1417 N Street NW.

Los inquilinos del Norwood están preocupados por las deficiencias que existen en el edificio, por la falta de seguridad en caso de incendio, y ellos no quieren llegar a ser parte de una tragedia. El 2 de Abril el departamento de bomberos encontraron problemas en el Norwood con detectores de humo, puertas de emergencia que no cierran apropiadamente y cables eléctricos sueltos en el sótano. Como resultado de estas violaciones encontradas, el departamento de bomberos irá puerta por puerta para verificar que todos los departamentos del Norwood y de algunos edificios de departamentos vecinos ubicados en la calle N, NW para identificar y terminar con peligros potenciales.

La Asociación de Inquilinos del Norwood colabora en la prevención de incendios en edificios de renta control con el departamento de bomberos del distrito de columbia, la Oficina de asuntos (OLA por sus siglas en inglés), la policía metropolitana, TENAC, Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) y asociaciones de inquilinos de la ciudad. Trabajando juntos damos un paso adelante para mejorar la seguridad en caso de incendio. Los inquilinos están demostrado su solidaridad usando playeras blancas el día del evento.

El concejal de DC Kwame Brown encabezará una caminata por el edificio con las autoridades de DC y a otras agencias, para ser testigos de las malas condiciones en las que viven varios inquilinos del Norwood.

El departamento de bomberos y otras agencias del gobierno de D.C llevarán a cabo una feria informativa en la calle N St. NW. Se distribuirá información de agencias que proveen seguros en casa de incendio a bajo costo. El seguro del dueño solo cubre las paredes del edificio de departamentos, en caso de una tragedia como un incendio los inquilinos son responsables de sus pertenencias, al menos que estas estén aseguradas.

El edificio Norwood fue incluido en una serie de artículos publicados por el periódico Washington Post sobre el mal estado de edificios que iban a ser convertidos en condominios. Los inquilinos del Norwood rechazaron la propuesta de condominios en enero del 2007 y exigieron que se arreglaran los problemas.

The problem: Unsafe living conditions

noreply@blogger.com (The Norwood Tenants' Blog) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:26:00 +0000

The Washington Post has documented dozens of cases of tenants being forced out as their homes were cleared to make way for high-end condos (The Profit in Decay, 3-9-08)

Bed Bugs
DC government housing inspectors, Div. of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), issued housing code violations for building-wide bed bug infestations in 2006 and 2007. Children are bitten by bed bugs on a regular basis. Meanwhile, bed bugs continue to thrive.

We find bed bugs like these on a regular basis.

Elevator
There is only one elevator in our seven-story building. Tenants are frequently trapped in the elevator, and each year the elevator breaks down for months at a time. Last July, during the hottest month of the summer, the elevator was out of service for 31 days.

The non-working elevator creates a hardship for tenants who are forced to carry groceries, strollers and bikes up the stairs. Seniors and people with chronic health conditions are most affected because they have even more difficulty taking the stairs. One senior who lives on the 5th floor has to carry his oxygen tank up the stairs, while another on the 6th floor has asthma attacks when he is forced to take the stairs. A tenant from the 7th floor on crutches was also forced to live without the elevator for a month. As a result of the elevator problems, many tenants are trapped in their apartments when the elevator is not working.

Management blames the elevator problems on old age, however, there are other 75 year-old elevators in DC that work properly because they receive regular maintenance.

Mold
Excessive hazardous amounts of mold exist throughout the building. Entire walls and rooms are covered in mold. Pictures taken on March 8, 2007.

The DC Department of the Environment conducted an investigation in March of 2007 and found excessive amounts of mold which causes respiratory health problems for seniors and children.

Residents who live in apartments with excessive levels mold such as children and seniors, have reported respiratory problems including persistent coughs, runny noses, and allergies.

During the past two years, three managment companies have managed the Norwood, Fleetwood Management, Dreyfuss Management and Cap City Management. These companies remove the mold by simply painting over it. The paint does not stay on the walls and simply peels away underneath the mold as seen in the pictures above.

One year later, March 2008, the mold has not been removed.