It is the purpose of OLD TOWN RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION (OTRA) to facilitate discussion and communication about neighborhood issues among residents and between the neighborhood and the City of Takoma Park. -- OTRA's mission statement

Old Town is the name, dating back many decades, for the section of Takoma Park that is bounded roughly by Carroll, Philadelphia, Piney Branch, and Eastern Avenues: the Philadelphia Eastern Neighborhood (PEN) plus a bit on the edges. PEN residents have carried out many community-building activities via the PEN Exchange, but the neighborhood had not had an advocacy organization in many years. Residents founded OTRA in 2003 to be that group: to identify neighborhood issues, seek out residents' views, help the city government reach out to residents, and act as an intermediary when needed with the city and other neighborhood associations. We even have a Constitution, adopted October 24, 2004.

OTRA is a volunteer organization, and membership is open to everyone who lives in Old Town. We meet monthly at the home of one of our members or at the Takoma Park Community Center, and we organize or co-sponsor occasional community activities. Meeting are public, open to members and non-members alike. To join and vote, you must pay annual membership dues, currently $10 individual, $20 household. To join, contact us or attend a meeting.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, April 17, starting at 7:30 pm. The location is 7131 Maple Avenue. Our guest will be Caroline Alderson, a member of Montgomery County's Historic Preservation Commission, and Sabrina Baron, president of Historic Takoma. They will speak and answer questions about Takoma Park's historic district, home-improvement regulations, and Historic Takoma.

Then please attend a second Focus on Old Takoma program, Wednesday evening June 4, 7:30 pm to 9 pm at Victory Tower. This program will look at design / streetscape / community vision for Old Takoma with participation by city staff and representatives of the Old Takoma Business Association. It will be cosponsored by the Westmoreland Area Community Organization (WACO) and Takoma Park's Main Street program.

The event is being co-sponsored by the Victory Tower Residents Association, the Westmoreland Area Community Organization (WACO), and the Old Town Residents' Association (OTRA).

If you're a neighborhood resident, please join OTRA using our handy membership form and also join our e-mail list by sending a message to TakOTRA-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.