Riverdale Heights/Riverdale Hills/Crestwood Community Assoc.

Riverdale Heights/Riverdale Hills/Crestwood Community Assoc.

Association History

Revitalizing our community association began with Janice Martin in the early months of 2007. She moved here from Takoma Park, where she was actively involved in their association, and learned that our volunteer firehouse was in jeopardy due to some financial issues. Janice walked the neighborhood streets, asking folks if they were interested in assisting the firehouse and restoring the community association. She engaged a couple of fellow residents in the effort, and contacted our newly elected Councilman, Eric Olson for assistance.

Once the firehouse was in good financial standing, Janice began working with Mr. Olson. They planned a “walking meeting” that would allow Mr. Olson to address the citizens and listen to their concerns, while becoming familiar with our neighborhood first-hand.
Sadly, Janice died in her home on April 3rd from an electrical fire and never got to see her vision materialize. Still, the walking meeting was held on May 5th with approximately 30 neighbors participating. Mr. Olson and his staff identified some needed sidewalk and road repair, reported it to Public Works, and the repairs have been completed. On that date, we scheduled our first community association meeting for June 2nd.

The Director of the Multicultural Youth Center, located in a building that is now owned by the University of Maryland, has been an invaluable support. In addition to offering local youth activities, such as a community garden and bicycle hospital, she has offered the Center as our meeting place, and assisted in delivering flyers announcing the upcoming meetings.

Our first meeting was a success. With 60 neighbors in attendance, we quickly agreed that a community association was needed, and we identified the association’s goal as “improving the quality of life in our community.” Eight new volunteers emerged. Eric Olson, Wanda Brooks from Mr. Olson’s office, and Delegate Justin Ross attended the meeting. At the end of the meeting we attempted to schedule the next meeting for July 1st, but heard a resounding “no, let’s not wait so long!” from the group. Everyone was so enthusiastic that our next meeting was scheduled for just two weeks later, and we’ve held a monthly meeting ever since. Officers were voted in at our September 2007 meeting, and our association became incorporated that December.

Our association began with just one neighbor with a vision, a group of neighbors willing to help, and a great Councilman to support the efforts. We accomplished much during our first year: established productive working relationships with county officials, improved our community infrastructure, reduced crime, beautified our landscape, and assisted underprivileged students at our middle school. It is an active association today with approximately 50 formal members and several energetic committees, all working towards the goal of improving the quality of life in our community.

Community Association 2007 Accomplishments

Established the association, signed up 50+ members, elected officers, and became incorporated.

Created a working relationship with our new Council Member, Eric Olson. Through Council Member Olson, our community gained support from District I Police, DPW&T, and DER.

Worked with PG County Police to address graffiti problems; between the police and association members majority of graffiti has been covered over or removed

Worked with Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) and Department of Environmental Resources (DER) to post “No Parking” signs and “No Dumping” signs at areas of concern

In coordination with DPW&T we have identified funding for road and sidewalk repair, working to prioritize needed repairs

Worked with DER to remove debris from county land along Rittenhouse Street, and other public property that resulted in improved safety and appearance of our community.
Planted 750 flower bulbs at Rittenhouse Street/Kenilworth Avenue intersection as part of Gorgeous Prince George’s Day

Established a great working relationship with Principal Coleman of William Wirt Middle School (WWMS):
Donated funds toward school uniforms for children of need
Delivered Christmas presents to 21 William Wirt “At Risk Kids”
Petitioned for and obtained increased security lighting around the school

Concerns were raised during one meeting about the school buses that speed through the neighborhood. The Association spoke with the principal from William Wirt about this issue and he immediately spoke with the drivers. The buses have slowed down.

Provided valuable information to members on topics such as noise laws, procedures for contacting police (non-emergency), gang task unit initiatives, emergency preparedness, and the best time to purchase goods and services, and how to be good neighbors.