Bloomingdale Village Square

Get Involved

The Bloomingdale Civic Association is always looking for neighbors to take an active role in our activities.

Dr. Bertha Holliday provides an update on the five BVS working groups:

ORAL HISTORY GROUP — previously conducted 22 videotaped oral history interviews. We seek to revitalize this work group. If interested ; contact bholliaypsy@gmail.com

WRITTEN HISTORY GROUP — Recently issued the 2nd edition of the Social & Architectural History of Bloomingdale: 1800 – 2019. Persons are needed to collect additional & contemporary historical facts and related citations for inclusion in the 2024 3rd Edition.

ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN WORK GROUP — has developed both a brochure that discusses how architectural and design shape sense of’ ‘place’ and community identity in neighborhoods; and an Architectural and Design Recommendations Report that notes the specific type and locations of needed public space improvements — lighting, sidewalks, environmental, seating, & other amenities — in the short-term, mid-term and long-term. Volunteers are needed to lead efforts to fundraise and increasingly implement and bring the group’s recommendations to life. If interested, contact zpnyc09@gmail.com.

NORTH CAPITOL STREET DECK-OVER PARK WORK GROUP (a long-term item in the Recommendations Report) — to date BVS: a) secured a pro bono contract with ZGF Architects, LLP to conduct preliminary engineering and design studies/renderings of the park, solicited participation/partnership of neighboring civic associations (Eckington, Edgewood, Bates, Stronghold), conducted three community-wide forums — before, during and after completion of ZGF efforts — where resident input was solicited, and secured Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie’s budget recommendation for $40 million for this project. Volunteers are needed to fundraise, engage in advocacy with selected DC departmental leaders and all Councilmembers, secure petitions//letters of support of at least 1000 community residents. For more information, visit northcapitoldeckover.org .

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT — to increase youth engagement in civic issues in gentrifying neighborhoods and develop a cadre of youth leadership, BVS secured $22,500 in grant funds to develop the Taking Village History to Our Youth and its related curriculum for youth in grades 7 -12 that is rooted in information in BVS’ publications and many other information sources. Development of a Teacher Curriculum Guide, Student Curriculum Guide; Teaching/Learning Resources and Promotional Portfolio have been completed, and all curriculum materials are now being digitalized for virtual teaching/learning. Two pilot sites are being sought to implement after January 2021. Volunteers are needed to serve as teachers/assistant teachers, chaperones on field trips, site and youth recruiters, fundraisers/partnership developers, and program evaluators. If interested, contact bhollidaypsy@gmail.com.

Project Resources

Project Updates

BCA Receives Community Heritage Grant – July 17, 2015