Dear Neighbors,
I hope you’re doing well and making the most of summer! This week I want to put the Georgia Avenue Bus Project on your radar, share the final details for CitiOpen, highlight an upcoming job fair to fill nearly 1,000 vacancies in DC government, make sure you know about a shift in DPW residential trash and recycling collection next week, remind you about back-to-school immunizations and mobile clinics, and keep encouraging you to run for ANC (many seats still don’t have candidates). In standard Ward 4 fashion, we have plenty of great events coming up, including the return of Petworth Jazz Project and an outdoor movie night on Saturday, as well as a DC Plant Swap at Hellbender on Sunday. Plus, I’m holding community office hours at Petworth Market this weekend and Chevy Chase Farmers Market next Saturday, so please come chat with me and my team! Lastly, don’t forget to check out the local links towards the end. That’s where I include everything that can’t quite fit in the newsletter!
Ward 4 News
Georgia Avenue NW Bus Project to Roll Out Draft Concepts
While it hasn’t received much attention yet, the Georgia Avenue Bus Project is one of the most important upcoming transportation projects in Ward 4. The Metrobus 70 and 79 routes are the busiest in the District, but buses currently face significant delay along the corridor. Meanwhile, Georgia Avenue is a Vision Zero high-injury corridor that needs to be made safer for everyone. This project aims to improve bus service, expand access to bus stops, and boost safety along Georgia Avenue from Barry Place up to Kansas Avenue. It’s part of a broader bus priority initiative that is improving bus speeds and reliability for riders across the District, and will eventually expand to include all of Georgia Avenue from Eastern Avenue all the way down to the National Mall. The project is still in its early stages, with DDOT set to share their draft concepts in an open house at Petworth Library on Wednesday, August 10 from 5pm-7:30pm and at a series of pop-up events at Petworth Metro Station on August 13, 16, and 18. I want to encourage everyone who frequents Georgia Avenue to learn more about the project and get involved so that the final plan can reflect robust community input and be as strong as possible. This project will build on the $1.7 million in improvements I secured in the DC budget for safety improvements on Georgia Avenue (at Fern to Juniper, Juniper to Eastern, and the intersection of Georgia & Arkansas NW).
What You Need to Know About the CitiOpen Tournament
The CitiOpen tournament is an exciting opportunity to watch tennis superstars compete in our own community, but it also impacts surrounding neighborhoods. Here’s what you need to know:
- All week long: The tournament runs from Saturday, July 30 to Sunday, August 6 at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center (5220 16th St NW) by Carter Barron.
- Parking: Parking for the tournament will be available on the lot adjacent to the tennis courts and on the grass fields on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also satellite parking at the GEICO headquarters in Friendship Heights, with shuttles running all day.
- Transportation: Beyond the shuttles running throughout the day from the Friendship Heights Metro to CitiOpen, we have several MetroBus lines that run up and down 16th Street. There will also be a drop-off point for people using taxis or rideshare.
- Neighborhood parking restrictions: In order to prevent guests from parking in nearby neighborhoods, parking will be fully restricted on several streets around CitiOpen (check out this map with all the restrictions) from July 29 through August 7.
- Parking passes: Each household on a block with restricted parking is receiving two parking passes to allow them to continue to park on their street. If you haven’t received your passes or need additional passes, you can get at them at MPD’s Fourth District Station by showing proof of address.
- Neighborhood logistics: The Mayor’s office is coordinating neighborhood logistics for Citi Open tournament, so please contact our dedicated Ward 4 MOCRs with any questions, issues, or inadvertent parking tickets at ward4mocrs@yahoo.com.
- Venus Williams: This year’s CitiOpen tournament will include the much-anticipated return to singles competition for Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams!
- Learn the history: I encourage everyone to learn about the history of the tournament. It was Arthur Ashe’s courageous refusal to play in non-integrated neighborhoods that led to DC hosting CitiOpen in our community so that “Black faces can come out and watch tennis.”
- Everything else: For the full schedule, player lineups, tickets, tournament information, and more details, please visit the CitiOpen website.
Community Resources
1000 Vacancies in DC Government: Virtual Hiring Fair
On Thursday, August 11 and Friday, August 12, DC government will host a massive virtual hiring fair to fill nearly a thousand vacancies across 20 different agencies. The jobs are open to everyone, and the District is giving preference to District residents, veterans, and those ages 18-21 who were foster care recipients within the past five years. Registration for the hiring fair starts today and must be completed by August 7.
DPW Residential Trash Collection Will Shift An Hour Earlier Starting Next Week
Starting Sunday, July 31 until Saturday, September 3, DPW trash and recycling collection will shift an hour earlier with crews reporting to work at 6am and beginning their routes by 6:30am. By starting collections earlier, DPW workers can shield themselves from the intense heat that DC experiences during this time period. Residents will be able to place their trash and recyclables outside for pick-up starting at 6pm the night before their collection day so they do not have to adjust their morning schedules to accommodate this change from DPW.
Candidates Still Needed to Run for ANC Commissioner in Ward 4
ANC Commissioners are nonpartisan, part-time volunteer elected officials who represent the interests of their immediate neighborhood (approximately 2,000 residents) on issues ranging from development, public safety, traffic changes, and much more. Petitions to run for ANC became available on July 20 and must be submitted back to the Board of Elections by August 10 with at least 25 valid signatures from registered voters in your Single Member District (SMD). Please consider running or encouraging a neighbor who you believe would do a great job. Here are some resources that could be helpful as you consider running: new official ANC and SMD Boundaries to locate your SMD and ANC 2022 Election Information on how to run for ANC. As of this morning, 17 Single Member Districts in Ward 4 still do not have a candidate for ANC Commissioner.
Submit Public Comment to NPS on the Future of Upper Beach Drive
The National Park Service has proposed a seasonal and weekend closure of Upper Beach Drive. Under this proposal, Upper Beach Drive would remain closed to vehicular traffic from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year and on weekends year-round, but open to cars on weekdays after Labor Day. The decision is not final yet; there is a new public comment period that will last until August 11. Please visit the NPS website to submit your comments at the bottom of the page to weigh in on this proposal. In addition, you can read NPS’s full environmental assessment for their rationale and an updated traffic impact study from DDOT. Upper Beach Drive will remain closed to cars until NPS makes their final decision after reviewing this round of public comments.
Relief for DC Homeowners, Condo Owners, and Coop Owners Who Fell Behind
The $50 million DC received in federal relief funds are now available for DC homeowners who fell behind during the pandemic. This program can cover up to $120,000 per eligible household in mortgage payments and other expenses, such as: housing association fees, condo fees, coop fees, property taxes, utilities, internet bills, and more. To be eligible, you must be a DC homeowner with your home serving as your primary residence since June 2021, must have fallen behind on housing or utility expenses, must fall within the income guidelines, and must have experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. To learn more or apply for these essential funds, visit haf.dc.gov.
Pre-Register to Receive the Monkeypox Vaccine in DC
DC residents can pre-register for Monkeypox vaccination appointments by visiting preventmonkeypox.dc.gov. Once appointments become available, individuals will receive an email invitation to make a vaccination appointment and have 48 hours to claim their appointment. Here are the current eligibility criteria for monkeypox vaccination, but residents who do not meet the current eligibility criteria are still encouraged to pre-register so they can notified about appointments if eligibility expands.
Upcoming Ward 4 Block Parties and Meet-and-Greets
If you’re having a block party in Ward 4 and would like to have your Ward 4 Councilmember there, I’m happy to join you and other neighbors! Contact me at jlewisgeorge@dccouncil.us to share the details of your block party so my team and I can be there. I’m also happy to attend meet-and-greets with Ward 4 residents, and will be out in senior centers and farmers markets in Ward 4 to keep connecting with neighbors. Hope to run into you at some point this summer! Relatedly, here is a great guide on how to host a block party from Cesse Ip.
Back-to-School Mobile Pediatric Immunization Clinics in Ward 4
If your child still needs to catch up on their required immunizations before the start of school, bring them to these free clinics that are open to all students and do not require insurance or proof of citizenship. You can pre-register for an appointment at this link, or walk-up if there are still appointments available. Children can also catch up on their shots through their primary medical provider, fast-track vaccination-only clinics, or school-based health centers.
- Wednesday, August 3 at 10am-3pm: Barnard Elementary (430 Decatur St NW)
- Thursday, August 4 at 10am-3pm: Paul PCS (5800 8th St NW)
- Tuesday, August 9 at 10am-3pm: Latin PCS (5200 2nd St NW)
- Thursday, August 25 at 10am-3pm: Sela PCS (6015 Chillum Pl NE)
- Wednesday, August 31 at 10am-3pm: DC International School (1400 Main Dr NW)
- Thursday, September 15 at 10am-3pm: Creative Minds PCS (3700 North Capitol St NW)
Community Events
Councilmember Community Office Hours at Petworth Community Market
On Saturday, July 30 from 10am-12pm my team and I will be at Petworth Community Market (9th & Upshur) for community office hours. Come by to get help with constituent issues, share insights on legislation, or talk about how we can improve our community.
Summer Saturdays at the Garden at 516 Kennedy Street NW
On Saturday, July 30 at 10am-12pm (and every Saturday through August 13) City Blossoms invites neighbors to join Summer in their Studio Garden at 516 Kennedy Street NW for Summer Saturdays. Bring your family, friend, or just yourself to explore the garden and enjoy a community gathering space with kid-friendly activities. Anyone who lends a hand is welcome to take home some garden goodies as part of the “you help, you harvest” policy.
Electronics Recycling Event near Emery Heights Community Center
On Saturday, July 30 from 10am-2pm Reverse Logistics Group will host a free Electronics Recycling Event at 5701 Georgia Ave NW between Madison and Longfellow near Emery Heights Community Center. Here is the list of covered electronics you can bring!
Petworth Jazz Project Returns with Brian Settles Quartet
On Saturday, July 30 starting from 5pm-8pm the Petworth Jazz Project returns after a long hiatus with a performance at Petworth Rec Center (8th and Taylor NW). This popular free music event kicks off at 5pm with kids’ music from Papa Ras D, followed by the main attraction at 6pm. Nearby businesses will offer specials ahead of this summer-time highlight event.
RESCHEDULED: Outdoor Movie Night with “Turning Red” at Larry Allen Park
On Saturday, July 30 starting at 7pm DPR’s Roving Leaders will host an outdoor movie night at Larry Allen Memorial Park with a screening of “Turning Red” for families. Bring your own chairs and blankets and head over to Larry Allen Park at the intersection of Illinois Ave, Gallatin, 9th, and Hamilton Streets. This event was supposed to take place on July 21, but it was rescheduled due to rain.
DC Plant Swap at Hellbender Brewery
On Sunday, July 31 from 1pm-5pm Hellbender Brewery (5788 2nd St NE) will host a DC plant swap for neighbors to bring plants, cuttings, and accessories to trade! There will be a free table, as well as food and beverages for purchase from Hellbender, Cinder BBQ, and Nomad Dumplings. Don’t miss out!
DPW Zero Waste Community Input Event for Ward 4
On Thursday, August 4 at 6pm-8pm DPW’s Zero Waste DC initiative is hosting a virtual community engagement event to hear from residents on how DC should reach its goal of diverting 80% of the District’s waste away from landfills and incineration by 2032. Register here to share your ideas on universal recycling and composting and more!
Georgia Avenue Bus Priority Project Draft Concepts Open House
On Wednesday, August 10 from 5pm-7:30pm DDOT is hosting an open house at Petworth Library (4200 Kansas Ave NW) to share information about the Georgia Avenue Bus Priority Project, show the draft concept, and collect community feedback. Stop by, and remember that masks are required in DC public libraries. There will also be pop-up events at the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station on Saturday, August 13 (10am-2pm), Tuesday, August 16 (7:30am-10am), and Thursday, August 18 (3pm-5:30pm).
DPR Jazz in the Parks Event at Petworth
On Thursday, August 11 at 6:30pm DPR will host its final Jazz in the Parks event in Ward 4 at Petworth Rec Center (801 Taylor St NW), featuring free live jazz music from local musicians. Keep an eye on the weather: events will be cancelled if there is rain in the forecast.
And visit your local Ward 4 Farmers Market:
- Uptown Farmers Market at 5501 Colorado Ave NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Chevy Chase Farmers Market at Lafayette Elementary on Saturdays from 9am-1pm
- Petworth Community Market at 9th & Upshur NW on Saturdays from 9am-1pm (I will be there for community office hours this Saturday, July 30 from 10am-12pm. Come by!)
- The Parks at Walter Reed Farmers Market at 6310 Cameron Drive NW on Sundays from 9am-1pm (starting August 7)
Local Links
Hines: First Retail Tenants at the Parks at Walter Reed Announced (Mezeh, Charmery, nailsaloon, and more)
Metropolis Magazine: This Hyper-Sustainable Elementary School (John Lewis) Is the First of its Kind
DCist: The Citi Open Tennis Tournament Returns To Rock Creek Park This Weekend
Petworth News: The New Sewell Music Conservatory gets new digs on Kennedy Street
DC Register: Open Streets Georgia Avenue Festival Returns on Saturday, October 1
Michelle Herman: Contribute to the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library “Heritage Wall”
Last Ward 4 Dispatch: Extended Pools Hours, Traffic Safety Upgrades, Citi Open, and Local Events!
DC Public Library: Dinosaur Roaring Contest 2022 Reel (featuring Petworthasaurus, Petworthadactyl, and more!)
If you know me, you know I love being out in our community. It’s where I get to meet new neighbors, hear about what matters most to Ward 4 residents, and support all the great events happening in our Ward. Last weekend my team and I were at Uptown Farmers Market for community office hours. And this week we held senior office hours at Colony House in Brightwood Park.
One of the things that stuck with me is that the top two issues that seniors brought up at Colony House were transportation issues: installing a traffic signal at Georgia & Farragut NW and restoring their nearby WMATA bus stop. That doesn’t just give me concrete follow-up items to work on; it also reinforces the idea that transit is a multiracial and multigenerational issue. As I work with our community to make our streets safer and ensure we have reliable public transit, I know our policies need to center around people like the residents of Colony House.
Tomorrow, my team and I will be at Petworth Community Market from 10am-12pm. And we will keep holding office hours all summer long, so please come by to talk. I become a better policymaker when I hear from you!
Yours in Service,
—Janeese
