Dear Neighbors,
There’s a lot to discuss from the past week, including events in the community, public safety updates, and important steps forward for traffic safety in Ward 4.
We’re also looking ahead to next week, when the Council will be holding its first vote on the revised FY25 budget. I’ll be sharing more information about the implications for Ward 4 after Wednesday’s vote.
Here’s the latest from the past week:
Safety Updates
On Monday, there was a shooting on 7th St and Oneida Pl, which left a 4th District MPD officer injured. The targeted officer was on his way to work and observed a vehicle driving erratically, and was ultimately fired at and grazed after a bullet entered the car. Even while injured, the officer was able to share details of the license plate with MPD’s Real-Time Crime Center, and police swiftly apprehended the suspects.
Fortunately, the officer’s injuries were non-life-threatening, and he was quickly transported to the hospital for treatment. This was a deeply concerning event, and our community is indebted to all the first responders, 4th District MPD, and Prince George’s County Police for their swift response and handling of the situation.
On Wednesday I joined Commissioner Colson, 4th District Commander Lavenhouse, and neighbors for a public safety walk following a shooting that took place in Takoma on Monday night. The walk was an important step to identify recurring safety issues in the neighborhood, share information about programs working on the ground, and discuss best practices to proactively address problems before they escalate. Community members know the issues in their neighborhoods more closely than anyone else, and it’s crucial to bring together everyone involved to share information on what has been happening and organize a coordinated response. These terrible acts of gun violence demand action, and I’m encouraged by the partnership shown between neighbors, community groups, and law enforcement to move forward with unity.
Revised Grant Circle Redesign
In recent weeks, there have been several accidents in and around Grant Circle in Petworth, including two car crashes on Saturday and Monday morning. Grant Circle has seen ongoing issues with dangerous driving and accidents in recent years, and while some short-term solutions have been implemented, the problem demands a long-term response. Over the past several years, I’ve been grateful to be able to partner with ANC 4C and the broader Petworth community to address the causes of these persistent safety issues.
In November, DDOT unveiled an initial design for traffic safety improvements in Grant Circle. While the plan contained areas of improvement, it also included many encouraging proposals neighbors had long been requesting, like installing pedestrian islands and adding flashing beacons to improve visibility. Now, thanks to the hard work of ANC 4C and the feedback of numerous community members, DDOT will be presenting their revised plan to the community on Wednesday, June 5th at 7pm at Center City PCS in Petworth.
I encourage everyone who lives around and uses Grant Circle to attend the meeting and hear from DDOT about their proposed changes. I’m eager to see the new plan and look forward to ensuring meaningful fixes are made to make Grant Circle safe for everyone who uses it.
Submitting Comments on WMATA’s Better Bus Network Proposal
As a reminder, WMATA’s Better Bus Network Proposal is open for public comment until July 15th! The proposal contains dozens of changes impacting Ward 4, including major revisions to several important bus routes that members of our community use every day. In last week’s newsletter, I highlighted some of the most concerning changes, including cuts to important lines and the elimination of over 50 Ward 4 bus stops.
Because this plan is largely out of the Council’s control, it’s essential for all community members to submit comments highlighting the impact these changes will have on our access to convenient, reliable transit. To see the full list of options to provide feedback, click here.
Community Resources
Memorial Day Trash and Recycling Schedule
With Memorial Day on Monday, DPW is moving trash and recycling pickups forward by a day this week. This means that for the upcoming week, your regular collection day will “slide” to the following day. To see your updated service schedule, click here.
Annual Great Graffiti Wipeout
This week through July 12, DPW’s graffiti abatement team will be power washing and painting walls as it removes graffiti markings and illegal posters and stickers from thousands of public spaces throughout DC. Ward 4’s clean-up will begin on June 3rd and continue through the entire week. Learn more and see the full schedule here!
Discover Summer
Discover Summer is a city-wide celebration of reading and learning, where kids can earn prizes for logging their reading time. With Discover Summer you will enjoy great reads, fun events, and activities that encourage you to explore your neighborhood and D.C. To register for Discover Summer 2024, click here, or stop by your neighborhood library to pick up all the necessary materials.
Justice Access at Shepherd Park Library
On Sunday, June 2nd from 1:30 to 3:30pm, community members are invited to Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library to speak to a law librarian with Justice Access. Justice Access is a nonprofit mobile law library providing print and online legal information resources. Join to get help finding the right answers to your questions, understand possible steps to resolve your issue, and receive information and referrals. Be advised that Justice Access librarians provide legal information only, never legal advice.
Opioid Abatement Strategic Impact Grants
DC’s Opioid Abatement Strategic Impact Grant program is now open. The program makes grants to organizations conducting opioid remediation activities in the District, spanning 14 different categories, including faith-based prevention, emergency response, and expansion of youth treatment services. Organizations have until June 12th to submit applications. Learn more here.
DPR Summer Programs
Registration is open for DPR’s summer programs! These programs are geared towards people of all ages, and include programs for yoga, theater, nature photography, aquatics, and so much more. Additionally, reduced rates are available for qualifying families. Check out the full list of programs and register here!
Ward 4 Roll Off Day
On Saturday, June 1st, from 10am to 2pm, the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City and the Department of Energy and Environment will be holding a roll off day at the Emery Heights Rec Center for community members to dispose of bulk trash and other waste. Learn more about prohibited items here. (Note: this event was postponed from its prior date of May 18th)
Better Bus Network Meeting for ANCs
On Thursday, June 6th, WMATA will be hosting a meeting for all ANC commissioners city-wide to present its Better Bus Network Proposal and detail its proposed changes. The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30pm at WMATA’s headquarters in the Board Room on the first floor. The meeting will also be offered virtually. Commissioners can email asreisig@wmata.com to RSVP and indicate your preference for in-person or virtual attendance.
DPW Helping Hand Neighborhood Clean-Up
Each year from March 1st to October 1st, DPW supports community groups organizing Saturday neighborhood clean-up projects through the Helping Hand Program. The program lends toolkits with five rakes and brooms, two shovels, and 20 trash bags. DPW will send trucks to collect the bagged trash and a SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) inspector will collect the tool kit. To receive an application for a Helping Hand toolkit for your neighborhood clean-up project, contact the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311.
Capital Bikeshare for All Program
DDOT recently launched its “Capital Bikeshare for All” program, offering low-income residents $5 annual memberships (usually a $95 value). The program is available to all DC residents who qualify for a state or federal assistance program including SNAP, WIC, TANF, SSI/SSDI, LIHEAP, Veterans disability (60%+), or Medicaid assistance. To learn more about Capital Bikeshare for All and join, click here.
Wheelchair Accessible Taxicab Survey
The Department of For-Hire Vehicles is implementing a pilot program to increase wheelchair-accessible taxicabs in DC this summer. This program will use an online platform to allow wheelchair users to book on-demand taxi rides based on their location. DFHV is seeking more information from community members for inform how the program will look once implemented. To fill out the survey, click here.
DPR Boost Camps
Registration is open for the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Summer Boost Camps! Boost Camps are specialty enrichment camps geared toward tweens ages 11-13. Each day is a combination of enrichment and social-emotional learning with additional access to physical activities like swimming, dance, and group fitness. There will also be time for arts and crafts, games, puzzles, and free play. Click here for more details and to register.
Apply for Tuition Support from DC
Applications are open for DC Futures, DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG), and the Mayor’s Scholars Undergraduate Program. These are three popular tuition support programs for DC residents pursuing higher education. Applications will close on Friday, September 6th. Learn more and apply!
Neighborhood Events
Senior Fest on The Yard
The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual Senior Fest on The Yard event on May 29th at 10am at the University of the District of Columbia. Join for the senior event of the year, with line dancing, live entertainment, food, health resources, and more! Learn more and register here.
Summer in the Parks at Carter Barron
Every Thursday evening in June, Rock Creek Park and Rock Creek Conservancy will be hosting free, family-friendly events at Carter Barron. Come out and join us for music, fun-for-all-ages games, and activities. The first event will be on Thursday, June 6th, from 6 to 8pm. Learn more and register here.
Truck Touch 2024
On June 1st from 8am to 2pm, stop by for a day of excitement and innovation at the Annual Citywide Truck Touch 2024 at RFK Stadium Lot 8. Kids will get the chance to get up close with all kinds of vehicles, like fire trucks and snowplows. Plus, free meals for children under 18!
Barnard Elementary School Career Day
On Wednesday, June 5th, from 9am to 3pm, Barnard Elementary School will be hosting its annual Career Day! Barnard is looking for volunteers to attend and give presentations sharing what they do for work and answering questions from students. Sign up here to volunteer for the event!
Live Jazz on Kennedy Street
Over the next few months, Home Rule Records will be organizing monthly live jazz performances on the 700 block of Kennedy Street NW, with sponsorship from Uptown Main Street, DSLBD, Realtor Eddie Suarez, and others. Performances kicked off in May and will be continuing through September with free live jazz performances each month. The next performance is on June 12th at 7pm with saxophonist Elijah Easton!
Home Rule Music Festival
The third annual Home Rule Music Festival is just around the corner! The main event is an all-day outdoor, family-friendly music festival that includes a Youth Village with kid-focused activities and games, a Record Fair with local shops and vendors, superb food trucks and drink vendors, and of course terrific live jazz and go-go music. You can get your free tickets for June 22nd at The Parks at Walter Reed here. Mark your calendars to celebrate the best of Washington, D.C.’s music and culture!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: DDOT responds to Grant Circle safety improvements suggestions from ANC 4C
ABC 7: Great Graffiti Wipeout: DC begins 8-week-long project to clean up neighborhoods
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Met Branch Trail is Open North to Riggs Road
DC News Now: DC announces return of Late Night Hype series, new partnership with MPD’s Beat the Streets
Over the weekend, I got to join ANC 4B’s Earth Day Fair at Takoma Elementary School. Even though it was a rainy day, I loved seeing all the organizations who joined to share their work with the community and enjoyed meeting all the neighbors who stopped by my team’s table. With yet another cloudy weekend in the forecast, here’s hoping we can get some weekend sunshine very soon!
On Sunday, Ward 7 Councilmember and Former Mayor Vince Gray received an honorary doctorate in public service from George Washington University at the school’s commencement ceremony. Without Councilmember Gray’s lifelong commitment to the people of DC, especially children and families, our work today would not be possible, and I was thrilled to see him receive this well-deserved honor.
Have a great weekend and check back next week for more news!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
