This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of October! Art All Night was a blast last weekend, and even through the rain, we made it one of the best events Ward 4 has seen all year! Thank you to our amazing Main Street associations, small businesses, and artists for making this event possible.
The start of October also marked the beginning of a new fiscal year, which means funds are now available for important Ward 4 projects and programs passed in the latest DC budget. It also means important pieces of legislation are beginning to go into effect, including the STEER Act, which will help to improve traffic safety in our communities.
Tuesday was a busy legislative day, as we held our regular Committee of the Whole and Legislative Meetings. One of the biggest topics of conversation was the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or ERAP. Below, I discuss more of what was decided at Tuesday’s meeting, and what it means for Ward 4 residents struggling to pay their rent.
Finally, there are some important community events to have on your radar, including upcoming meetings with DDOT on the Georgia Ave Bus Priority Project, which is aimed at making Georgia Ave more efficient for bus travelers.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Updates on Emergency Rental Assistance
During Tuesday’s Legislative Meeting, I joined my colleagues to pass the Emergency Rental Assistance Reform Act. The bill requires tenants to submit proof of eligibility to receive Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) benefits and puts more power over eviction proceedings in the hands of the courts. Prior to the meeting, I worked with my colleagues to push forward an amendment offering exceptions for tenants who can’t access documentation, as is the case for some tenants who are immigrants or experiencing domestic violence and don’t have direct access to their own financial paperwork.
Over the past several months, the ERAP program has been experiencing real challenges. Tenants have stressed long processing times, website crashes, and challenges submitting applications. On the other hand, affordable housing providers have cited delays in receiving funds from the Department of Human Services, with many at risk of foreclosure, threatening the District’s stock of affordable housing.
The challenges ERAP has experienced in the face of massive demand points towards a larger issue of high prices, low wages, and rising housing costs impacting so many in our communities. The District is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis that is putting many at risk of eviction or displacement, and we need comprehensive legislation to address it. That’s why I’ve introduced bills like the Green New Deal for Housing, which would drastically increase the quantity of affordable social housing to support tenants at risk of being priced out of their neighborhoods.
We also owe it to the people of DC to create an ERAP system that is accessible and provides the needed support for people at imminent risk of eviction. As the Council considers permanent legislation around ERAP reform, we need to scrutinize the underlying problems in the affordable housing ecosystem, and bring all parties to the table — tenants, affordable housing providers, and agencies — to work towards a solution that targets the larger crisis of affordability facing our city.
STEER Act Officially in Effect!
On Tuesday, the Strengthening Traffic Enforcement, Education, and Responsibility (STEER) Act officially went into effect! I was proud to co-introduce this bill with the leadership of Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen and worked to fund it in the FY25 DC budget. The bill addresses some of the biggest concerns our city has faced around traffic safety and enforcement of laws against reckless driving. Here’s what the bill does:
- Authorizes the DC Attorney General to bring cases against dangerous drivers, no matter their place of residence. In the past, out-of-state drivers have been able to operate with impunity, with cases of drivers racking up thousands of dollars’ worth of tickets and continuing to drive on our streets. The law now allows the DC Attorney General to bring suits against Virginia and Maryland drivers who violate our traffic safety laws and rack up traffic tickets.
- Installs “speed governors” in the cars of drivers convicted of criminal reckless driving. For people convicted of criminal reckless and aggravated reckless driving, the DMV can now install a speed governor in their car, a device that automatically limits the car’s speed when driving over the speed limit.
- Prevents car owners from getting tickets while their cars are stolen. Previously, MPD has had no way of quickly notifying the DMV and DPW when a car was stolen, leading to some victims of car theft receiving speeding or parking tickets. The STEER Act fixes this.
We all deserve to have safe streets and to have drivers held accountable when they violate our traffic laws. I’m grateful to have this bill in effect and put power in the hands of the people to keep our streets safe.
Community News
Securing Funding for Ward 4 Projects
Tuesday marked the beginning of the new fiscal year for DC! That means all the bills, programs, and projects funded in the FY25 budget now have the funds available to begin implementation. During the budget process, I was proud to fight for several important Ward 4 projects that will begin work in the coming months. Here are a few:
- Playground replacement at Lamond Rec Center
- HVAC replacement and ADA compliance upgrades at Takoma Rec Center
- Completion of grading and land improvements on the playground at Powell Elementary School
- Renovation of the locker room at Takoma Aquatic Center
- Technology upgrades for Fourth District’s community room
- Modernizations for Upshur Rec Center, Emery Heights Community Center, installation of a new Walter Reed outdoor pool, and renovation of the splash parks at Takoma and Fort Stevens recreation centers
- Playground resurfacing at Hamilton, Raymond, and Fort Stevens Rec Centers
Georgia Ave Bus Priority Project
Over the next several weeks, DDOT is hosting a series of community pop-ups and open houses on the Georgia Ave Bus Priority Project. For those who aren’t familiar, the project was proposed in 2022 and is focused on improving bus operations and safety along the busy Georgia Ave corridor. Last fall, DDOT held a series of events to present the community with a high-level overview of the project. Now, DDOT is picking these events back up to share updated concepts with the community. Here are the upcoming dates:
- Tuesday, October 8th: Open house at Petworth Library from 4:30 to 7pm
- Saturday, October 12th: Pop-up at Uptown Farmers Market from 9am to 1pm
- Sunday, October 20th: Pop-up at Takoma Park Farmers Market (MD) from 9am to 1pm
- Thursday, October 24th: Open house at Shaw Library (Ward 2) from 4:30 to 7pm
- Saturday, October 26th: Pop-up at Petworth Farmers Market from 9am to 1pm
Community Resources
Ward 4 Drug Free Zones in Effect
MPD has announced several drug free zones in Ward 4, which are now in effect until Monday, October 7th at 8am. The creation of these drug free zones was authorized by the Secure DC omnibus bill in March and allows MPD to order individuals to disperse from the zone if an officer “reasonably believes” the person is there to commit a drug offense. The boundaries of the drug free zone will be:
- South alley of the 800 block of Taylor St from 8th St to Georgia Ave NW
- Georgia Ave from the south alley of 800 Taylor St to Kansas Ave NW
- Kansas Ave from Georgia Ave to Varnum St NW
- Varnum St from Kansas Ave to 8th St NW
- 8th St from Varnum St to the South alley of the 800 block of Taylor St NW
Applying for Home Energy Assistance
DC’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is open to new applications. LIHEAP assists income-eligible District households with heating and cooling energy costs. Families may receive energy bill assistance between $250 and $1,800 as a one-time regular energy assistance benefit. Residents can schedule appointments to apply for benefits on DOEE’s website.
Applying for a Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption
DC’s Department of Public Works maintains a Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program which exempts disabled and senior residents from removing snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after the end of a storm. All you need to do to qualify is submit this form by the end of October!
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Brightwood Park, Sixteenth Street Heights, Barnaby Woods, and Hawthorne neighbors:
- On Saturday, October 5th, DC Water is set to perform tie-ins of newly installed 8-inch water mains on Western Avenue NW at the intersections with both Aberfoyle Place NW and Arcadia Place NW.
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing test pitting operations, new water main installation, and water main tie-ins on the 5500 block of 4th Street NW, and on 5th and Kennedy Streets NW.
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing water quality sampling and water service reconnections on the 400 and 300 blocks of Kennedy St NW.
- Next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing test pitting operations on the 5500 block of 3rd Street NW in preparation for a new water main installation.
- For the remainder of this week and all of next week, DC Water is expecting to perform curb and roadway restoration activities on the 1300 block of Hamilton Street NW.
Neighborhood Events
Ward 4 Sidewalk Palooza Events
For the second weekend in a row, ANCs, local civic associations, and neighbors are hosting Sidewalk Palooza events around DC! Neighbors can join a walk, block party, cleanup, or other neighborhood event to provide feedback on pedestrian safety and accessibility. Submit 311 requests for sidewalk repairs, sidewalk gaps, missing crosswalks and more, talk to neighbors and community leaders, and enjoy the neighborhood as you walk or roll. Because sidewalks need love, too! More information here.
Petworth Peanuts Community Costume Exchange
On Saturday, October 5th, Petworth Peanuts is organizing a community costume exchange! The exchange is free and also benefits Ward 4 Mutual Aid. Surplus costumes will be donated, as will any winter coats/gear brought to the Exchange. Stick around after the exchange for a screening of Room on the Broom (25 mins) followed by HOCUS POCUS on E.L. Haynes field! Click here for a map of 12+ porch drop sites throughout the area.
Petworth Library Used Book Sale
On Saturday, October 5th from 11:30am to 3:30pm, Petworth Library is hosting a used book sale! There will be a huge inventory of books including best-selling fiction & non-fiction, cookbooks, parenting books, and tons of kids’ books for all ages. Hardback Books are selling for $2, paperbacks $1, and children’s Books $.50.
Hawthorne Fall Block Party
On Sunday, October 6th from 3 to 7pm, Hawthorne neighbors are holding their 22nd annual Fall Block Party on the corner of 31st and Dogwood Streets. Stop by for live music, an ice cream truck, and a dessert contest! If you’d like to attend, sign up here.
Exhibit At Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing a new exhibit entitled “We’re Not Going Back,” which features art centering the Harris-Walz campaign and the 2024 presidential election. The exhibit is open until November 30th, Wednesday through Saturday, 12 to 6pm. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Harris-Walz campaign.
Justice Access at Shepherd Park Library
On Sunday, October 6th 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.
Young Ladies on the Rise Program Hallow Smash
On Friday, October 18th from 5 to 8pm, DPR is holding a “Young Ladies on the Rise” event for ages 6-13 at Raymond Rec Center. Each site will develop a character theme with a positive fashion idol costume – or come in your best costume! There will be music, games, and contests! Learn more here.
Crestwood Loves Rock Creek!
Rock Creek Conservancy is organizing Crestwood to compete in a friendly “neighborhood challenge” to raise funds to support much-needed restoration efforts in Rock Creek through the Rock Creek Gala. All funds raised will be presented as a collective gift during the “raise the paddle” live fundraising portion of the event. Learn more and donate here!
Shepherd Elementary School Fall Fest
Sunday, October 20th from 12 to 4pm is Fall Fest, Shepherd Elementary School’s PTO’s annual fall FUNdraising effort! For those families that haven’t been to Fall Fest before, 14th St. between Jonquil and Kalmia will be closed for the festivities. There will be music, carnival games, arts & crafts, cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, and more!
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Every Wednesday afternoon, our Ward 4 constituent services team holds office hours at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours atHattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center from 1:30 to 2:30pm. Community members can stop by and speak one-on-one with a member of our team about DC government services or our work in the Ward 4 community.
Apply to Join our Ward 4 Council Team
I’m excited to share that we have three open positions to add to our Ward 4 Council team, Legislative Director (one opening) and Constituent Services Coordinator (two openings). Click on each position for the full job posting, a description of the position, and instructions on how to apply. You can also find the postings under the DC Council’s list of job openings. If you have any questions about the openings, please email our Chief of Staff, Candace Tiana Nelson, at cnelson@dccouncil.gov.
We are excited to welcome individuals to the team who are committed to serving Ward 4 residents, supporting our communities, and advancing justice and equity in the District. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please encourage them to apply!
Serving on DC Water’s Stakeholder Alliance
DC Water is looking for three Ward 4 residents to join the newly formed Stakeholder Alliance, which will consist of members from all eight wards and provide a vehicle for dialogue with and input from the community on a wide range of issues relating to DC Water’s operations. If you think you’d be a good representative of our community, email teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov with your name, proof of Ward 4 residence, and a short blurb on why you should be considered to serve on the Alliance.
Order Free COVID-19 Tests
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is currently distributing free at-home COVID-19 tests. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive four free at-home tests. Click here to have your tests delivered to you, including free shipping!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Share your experiences crossing New Hampshire Avenue for a research study
WUSA 9: DC’s Art All Night Festival puts the ‘art’ in party
Axios: New D.C. legislation wants to end hidden apartment utility fees
Washingtonian: A Vending Machine for Books Could Be Coming to DC
Ward 4 Dispatch: Art All Night, OAG Tenant Clinic, and Standing Up for Our DC Circulator Drivers
These are news articles that mention Ward 4 or pertain to events in our community. Councilmember Lewis George does not write or endorse their content but shares them for community awareness.
Thursday was Rosh Hashanah, marking the new year for our Jewish neighbors. To everyone who celebrates, I’m wishing you a happy and healthy new year!
This week, the Washington Teachers’ Union, which is made up of educators across DCPS schools in all eight wards, announced they had come to a tentative deal with DCPS! Our teachers work day-in and day-out to serve our students and communities, and I’m thrilled they’ll have a new deal that prioritizes fair wages and working conditions.
Lastly, I want to highlight one of our incredible young people in Ward 4, DC international School senior Morgan Hawkins, who will be accepting an award from the All-American High School Film Festival for her talents in documentary filmmaking! Make sure to check out this incredible segment from WUSA9 that highlights her documentary short.
Have a great weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
