OUR MISSION
We are residents and neighbors initially connected by a collective vision for use of the public land at Takoma Junction. We’re working for public space use that is open to all; that is in scale with our neighborhoods and historic districts; that is in keeping with our identity as a racially and economically mixed City; that preserves and strengthens our walkable grocery store and other local independent businesses; that creates opportunities for new locally-owned businesses; that enhances pedestrian, bicycle and transit rider safety; that meets the highest environmental standards; and that improves the quality of life for all members of our vibrant, diverse community.
Through attending City Council meetings over the years, we became engaged individually and collectively as progressive activists on numerous other City issues including preserving and expanding affordable housing, racial equity issues, budget issues, and issues of transparency, accountability, communication, and governance. We believe that, especially given the lack of local independent media, it is essential for residents to pay attention to and engage with our City government. Inspired by this belief, we work to expand the number of residents who are informed and participate.
OUR ORIGIN STORY
We were founded to seek use of the public land at Takoma Junction that would support our diverse local businesses, including the TPSS Co-op grocery store. We were alarmed that development of a publicly-owned property secured for the purpose of benefiting the residents of the community had evolved into a developer-driven project to build an office/retail building that would not have been affordable for small, locally-owned businesses. For example, the significant expense of constructing an underground parking garage would have been passed on to tenants, shoppers, and other users, resulting in higher rents and prices. We also believe that what NDC had proposed would: exacerbate traffic congestion and related safety concerns; eliminate space for community activities; and threaten the survival of local businesses depending on the city lot, including the community-owned grocery store serving a large number of city residents.
WHO WE ARE
Community Vision for Takoma (CVT) is an informal network sharing the above Mission. We have no hierarchy or structure, just waves of hundreds of concerned residents over a period of years, who have signed petitions, made public comments at City Council meetings, written emails, and otherwise expressed concern about use of the public land at the Junction, protecting and expanding our affordable housing, the budget, and other City issues. Our email list includes around 1000 names. To join our list, or become more involved in our ongoing work, email us at tjcommunityvision@gmail.com.