As we mentioned last week, Jeff has been trying to find out what exactly was up with Fort Reno’s future, after the (somewhat shocking and disheartening) announcements of the closing of the park due to high arsenic levels in the soil.
After hearing NOTHING from Marion Barry he sent this to Adam Clampitt, DC Council At-Large
> Hey Adam,
>
> This is a pretty big deal to a lot of folks in DC. We want our summer
> concert series. What are you going to do to help us?
>
> http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/i-heart-dc/fort-reno-closed/
>
> Jeff
AND got this note in return:
Jeff,
It’s sad that Fort Reno Park needs to close due to the high arsenic
levels in the soil, but I agree with the decision to close down any
park that puts District residents safety at risk. We can only hope
that no one’s health has been gravely damaged from exposure to the
contamination at the park. I will expect the Army Corps of Engineers
and National Park Service to be swift but thorough in repairing the
park so that we will soon be able to enjoy it, without interruption.
Until Fort Reno is safe for public use, I expect DC government to work
quickly to find a new space for a great DC tradition - the summer
concert series. With the District’s many great venues available, I
see no reason why the public and private sectors cannot come together
to find a new location(s) to host this this much anticipated and much
enjoyed DC tradition.
Best,
Adam
stay tuned
What a boring canned response.
” I agree with the decision to close down any
park that puts District residents safety at risk.”
Dude hasn’t walked through many DC parks at night has he?
May 19, 2008 at 9:51 amcan someone tell me how the name of all things holy arsenic ends up in soil?
May 19, 2008 at 11:10 amThat reads like such a canned response. Either way, I’m still hoping for the best.
May 19, 2008 at 12:09 pmim glad they shut this down. i mean, where will the shit bands they book play now?
May 19, 2008 at 4:37 pmBeginning to wonder if “who cares” is some sort of annoying plug-in that Svetlana forgot to turn off.
May 19, 2008 at 4:46 pm“WASHINGTON - Upon further review, it appears arsenic levels found in a D.C. neighborhood may not be as high as first thought.
Sources tell WTOP the Environmental Protection agency has briefed D.C. leaders on the results of samples taken last week at Fort Reno Park, Wilson High School and Alice Deal Middle School. Of the 13 samples taken by the EPA, its highest reading showed 10 parts per million — far below the agency safe level for arsenic.
The initial findings by the U.S. Geological Survey of 1,100 parts per million — about 25 times the safe limit of 43 parts per million set by the EPA — prompted the National Park Service to close Fort Reno last week. ”
http://wtop.com/?nid=596&sid=1406503
BYT summer concert series. Various parks. Tons of arsenic.
May 19, 2008 at 5:24 pmPARTY ON!
sounds heartening, but unspecific. with the vast amounts of red tape required to hold events in our fair city, i’d be surprised if something gets organized in time. hope i am pleasantly surprised. just checked the ft. reno website. looks like they are asking for donations to help with getting things off the ground. could be a useful way of being proactive. http://www.fortreno.com/
May 19, 2008 at 12:06 am