This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’ve been enjoying the cooler weather we’ve had over the last few days! My newsletter this week covers important traffic safety updates, including traffic calming progress in Crestwood, and the selection of locations for DDOT’s Traffic Safety Input prioritization.
I also want to make neighbors aware of several public hearings coming up where community members will have the opportunity to testify on issues impacting Ward 4.
We’ve also welcomed some exciting new businesses into our community over the last few weeks. Make sure to check out some of our new spots, including Nick’s Pizza in Petworth and Juneberry Garage at The Parks at Walter Reed!
Community News
Securing Traffic Safety Improvements in Crestwood
This week, I was grateful to see DDOT install a traffic light at the corner of 16th St and Blagden St in Crestwood. This area has been the subject of concerns for Crestwood and 16th Street Heights neighbors, with worries about speeding cars turning onto Blagden and dangers crossing 16th Street amid heavy traffic. This area is also a school zone, with Parkmont School sitting right on the corner, and sees a high volume of kids and families walking to and from school every day.
Ensuring safety for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians is critical for all of our roads, but particularly pressing for school zones. The Safe Routes to Schools Act, which I was proud to introduce and pass with the partnership of my Council colleagues in 2022, requires major traffic safety upgrades around DC schools, and is helping to make changes like this possible. I’m grateful to DDOT for their work to continue evaluating the traffic conditions around our schools for potential traffic calming and safety improvements. I’m also grateful to neighbors and ANC commissioners, particularly 4E06 Commissioner Khoobchandani for their partnership as we worked with DDOT to navigate the installation of this traffic signal.
Prioritized Locations for Traffic Safety Input
Last week, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) released its list of locations prioritized for review as part of its Traffic Safety Input (TSI) system. TSIs are a way for community members to share feedback on traffic safety concerns, and once every quarter, DDOT selects a new group of locations to delve into and assess roadway characteristics, crash patterns, equity, proximity to busy corridors. Here’s the list of the locations in Ward 4 that were selected for prioritization this quarter:
- Petworth: 14th St & Upshur St, 7th St & Quincy St, 8th St & Decatur St, Decatur St & Illinois Ave, North Capitol St & Rock Creek Church Rd
- Crestwood & 16th Street Heights: Arkansas Ave & Piney Branch Pkwy, 14th St & Longfellow St
- Brightwood: Georgia Ave & Missouri Ave
- Brightwood Park: 8th St & Farragut St, 7th St & Jefferson St, 8th St & Jefferson St, Georgia Ave & Longfellow St
- Manor Park: 7th St & Peabody St, 1st St & Nicholson St, 5th St & Roxboro Pl
- Takoma: Harlan Pl & Whittier St, 9th St & Butternut St, Main Dr & Butternut St & Georgia Ave, Georgia Ave & Elder St
- Lamond-Riggs & Riggs Park: 2nd St & Nicholson St, Kennedy St & Nicholson St & 8th St, Sheridan St & Chillum Pl
- Chevy Chase: Nebraska Ave & Northampton St
Now that these locations have been selected, DDOT will begin analyzing neighbors’ complaints and looking into whether possible solutions are needed. As a reminder, DDOT is continually collecting TSIs from neighbors. You can share input here.
Preparing for Leaf Collection Season
As the leaves start to take their fall colors, leaf collection is kicking off in DC with collection set to start Monday, October 28th. Similar to last year, DPW will share weekly updates on its collection schedule for the upcoming week every Friday on its website, its leaf collection line (202-671-5323), and through neighborhood outreach. Once collection is underway, neighbors are asked to rake leaves into their treeboxes or curbs in front of their homes on the Sunday before collection begins in their neighborhood. Missed leaf collections can be reported to 311, and my team and I will closely monitor leaf collection and support residents with any issues that emerge. Check out the recording of DPW’s Leaf Collection Briefing in the FAQ section of their webpage and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks!
Council News/Legislative Updates
Testify at an Upcoming Council Hearing!
Every week, the Council holds hearings on bill proposals, budget issues, and oversight of DC agencies. Testifying at these hearings is a great way to learn about changes being considered for our communities and share your input on the Council’s legislative work. Many of these hearings offer the opportunity for remote testimony or submission of comments in writing. Here’s a rundown on some significant hearings coming up in the next month that will have an impact on Ward 4 residents:
- Tuesday, October 22nd at 12pm: The Committee on Housing is holding a public roundtable on the performance of the DC Housing Authority (DCHA). The roundtable will focus on problems constituents have cited around DCHA’s voucher and public housing programs, including long waiting lists, poor housing conditions, and unreliable internal processes and finances.
- Wednesday, October 23rd at 10:30am: The Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety is holding a public hearing on staffing shortages, recruitment, and retention at the Office of Unified Communications, which operates DC’s 911 system. The hearing will also cover two bills concerning DC’s emergency response system, the Transparency in Emergency Response Amendment Act, and the Childcare for First Responders Act
- Wednesday, October 23rd at 11am: The Committee of the Whole will hold a public oversight hearing on the FY25 DCPS budget, including DCPS Central’s commitment to the Schools First in Budgeting Act, the efficiency of DCPS Central’s operations, and other aspects of DCPS’ budget.
- Thursday, October 24th at 10am: The Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on the Vocational Education for a New Generation Act, which would grow and establish new Career Technical Education (CTE) programs and expand career guidance and counseling services for participants.
- Monday, October 28th at 11am: The Committee on Health will hold a public oversight roundtable on the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), which oversees DC’s in-patient psychiatric facilities. The roundtable will focus on DBH’s effectiveness in providing a high quality of care and optimal outcomes for patients.
- Tuesday, October 29th at 4pm: The Committee of the Whole will hold a public oversight hearing on efforts to improve educator retention in DCPS and DC Public Charter Schools.
To view the full list of hearings and sign up to testify at upcoming public hearings, visit the Council’s website.
Community Resources
Modified DC Services for Indigenous Peoples Day
In observance of Indigenous Peoples Day on Monday, October 14th, DC services will be modified, with more details coming from the Office of the Mayor in the coming days. Council offices will be closed, but we will continue to be on call to monitor urgent requests. Metrorail will open at 5am and close at midnight, operating on Saturday frequencies at all stations. Metrobus will operate on a Saturday supplemental schedule.
Ward 4 ANC Meetings
Every day, our Ward 4 ANCs are hard at work connecting residents with DC services, organizing neighborhood events, and troubleshooting community concerns. Our ANCs also hold regular public meetings where neighbors can learn more about what’s happening in their neighborhoods and voice concerns. If you’re interested in attending one of these upcoming meetings, here’s a rundown of our Ward 4 ANC meetings, and when and where they are held.
- ANC 4A (Shepherd Park, Brightwood, Colonial Village, North Portal Estates)
- Meets 7pm on the first Tuesday of each month, with the exception of June and November when the meetings will be held on the first Wednesday.
- Visit ANC 4A’s website to see the location or video link for each month’s meeting.
- ANC 4B (Takoma, Manor Park, Brightwood, Riggs Park, Lamond-Riggs)
- Meets 7pm, generally on the fourth Monday of the month, unless otherwise noted.
- Meetings take place virtually, with link available on ANC 4B’s website.
- ANC 4C (Petworth)
- Meets the second Wednesday of each month.
- Meetings take place at the Petworth Library and via Zoom, with registration here.
- ANC 4D (Brightwood Park, Petworth)
- Meets on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm.
- Meetings are held over Zoom and in person at Washington Latin PCS.
- ANC 4E (Sixteenth Street Heights, Crestwood)
- Meets at 6:30pm on the 4th Tuesday of each month.
- Meetings are held in person at the Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School, and remotely via Zoom.
- ANC 3/4G (Chevy Chase, Barnaby Woods, Hawthorne)
- Holds bi-monthly public meetings at the Chevy Chase Community Center on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7pm.
- To attend meetings virtually, sign up for ANC 3/4G’s email list.
As a reminder, you can locate your ANC and your specific single-member district representative using this tool.
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, and Manor Park neighbors:
- Next Thursday, DC Water is expecting to perform a tie-in of a newly installed water main at the intersection of Rittenhouse St NW and Blair Rd NW.
- On Monday, Friday, and Saturday of next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing tie ins of newly installed water mains on the 5500 block of 4th St NW.
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing water service reconnections on the 400 and 300 blocks of Kennedy St NW.
- On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of next week, DC Water is expecting to be performing flushing and water quality sampling and tie-ins of newly installed water mains on the 5500 block of 3rd Street NW.
- 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.
- On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week, DC Water is expecting to perform water service reconnections on the 6200 block of 2nd St NW.
- Next week, DC Water is expecting to perform pressure testing, chlorination, and water service reconnections on the 6100 and 6200 blocks of Blair Rd NW.
Piney Branch Tunnel Concrete Testing
On or about Tuesday, October 15th, DC Water will resume internal pipe concrete testing on the East Rock Creek Diversion Sewer at Park Road, NW. The Piney Branch Tunnel is a major component of the DC Water Clean Rivers Project and will help improve water quality to Piney Branch, Rock Creek and ultimately to the Potomac River. DC Water is performing testing and structural surveys to refine project design and planning along the future project alignment. While the work is taking place, support vehicles will deliver staff and supplies to the site and may be in the Piney Branch Trail. Pedestrians should use caution when approaching the work area. Traffic on Park Road, NW, will not be affected.
DCPL (Mis)Information Lab Seminar
On Tuesday, October 29th from 3 to 9pm, the DC Public Library is hosting a (Mis)Information Lab Seminar at the MLK Memorial Library downtown. The free seminar is a chance for educators, community members, government agencies and organizations to hear from keynote speakers, share their experiences with mis- and disinformation, and workshop solutions for mitigating their often-harmful effects. Learn more and register here.
Neighborhood Events
LiveWell at The Parks Grand Opening
On Saturday, October 12th from 11am to 1pm, LiveWell veterinary clinic is holding its grand opening and open house at its new location at The Parks at Walter Reed. Stop by to see the new space, meet the friendly staff, and enjoy some refreshments for both you and your pets!
Storytime, Activities, & Mock Election at Petworth Library
On Saturday, October 12th at 10:30am, Loyalty Bookstores is partnering with Petworth Library in welcoming Edward Hailes and Jennifer Lai-Peterson to celebrate their book Calling All Future Voters! Young attendees will participate in a mock election, learning about ballots, voting, joyful campaigning, and more. They’ll also be able to design their own “future voter” sticker. If you have any questions, please email events@loyaltybookstores.com.
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.
Chevy Chase Art Walk
On Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th from noon to 5pm, Chevy Chase Art (Ch/Art) will host its Fifth Annual Art Walk. This amazing community event features dozens of local artists participating in 35 homes and studios and is a great opportunity to support our local art scene. You can see the full map and list of artists 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!
Shepherd Park Library Used Book Sale
On Saturday, October 26th from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, October 27th from 1 to 4pm, the Friends of Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library are holding a used book sale at the library, 7420 Georgia Ave NW. No book will cost more than $1, and kids’ books will be 50 cents.
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.
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!
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!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Last month, Hampshire Gardens apartment building in Brightwood Park celebrated its 95th anniversary! Opened in 1929, it was one of the first housing co-ops and garden-style apartment buildings in Washington, DC. What an exciting milestone for one of Ward 4’s most historic landmarks!
DC Historic Sites: Hampshire Gardens
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Riggs Park Neighborhood Placemaking Survey – Complete by October 11, 2024
Ward 4 Dispatch: STEER Act in Effect, New ERAP Legislation, and Rosh Hashanah
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.
This week, Hurricane Milton made landfall, impacting many communities in the Southeast that were also hit hard by Hurricane Helene. Already, many residents have seen their homes destroyed and loved ones put in harm’s way. To everyone who has family and loved ones in Florida, North Carolina, and all the areas that have been most severely impacted by the recent natural disasters, our hearts are with you in this difficult time.
On Wednesday, Safe Shores Children’s Advocacy Center stopped by the Council to provide training on responding to cases of child abuse and neglect. I’m so grateful for Safe Shores and all of our DC groups that are working to keep our kids safe and protected.
On Monday, we are celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day, a day where we pay tribute to the Native Americans who first called this land home, including the Nacotchtank (Anacostans), Piscataway, Powhatan, and Pamunkey peoples. We also honor their resilience and ongoing contributions despite the painful injustices they’ve endured.
Lastly, I want to highlight a few new businesses we’ve welcomed in Ward 4 over the last few weeks, including Nick’s Pizza in Petworth, and Juneberry Garage Sips and Snacks and Livewell Animal Hospital in The Parks at Walter Reed. So thrilled to have these new businesses open to the Ward 4 community!
Have a lovely weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
