This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
With the holidays quickly approaching, we have another big weekend of events coming up, and plenty of opportunities to donate gifts, volunteer in the community and spread holiday cheer!
On Tuesday, the Council held a hearing on the SAFE Act, legislation to help DC hold landlords who maintain unsafe properties accountable and mandate basic security requirements in District apartment buildings. Below, I discuss some of the ways this bill could address some important concerns faced by Ward 4 tenants.
On Wednesday, DDOT released its final traffic safety plan for Grant Circle, marking a major step forward for improving safety for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians in Petworth.
Lastly, a reminder the MySchoolDC Lottery registration begins next week.
Community News
Final Traffic Safety Plan for Grant Circle
On Wednesday, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) held a community meeting to share its final traffic safety plans for Grant Circle. This design phase of the project has been in the works since last spring and aims to address the pressing traffic safety concerns neighbors have raised over the last several years. DDOT’s final plan builds on the design voted on by neighbors earlier this year, making final changes to incorporate community feedback. You can view all the details on DDOT’s Grant Circle Redesign Project webpage. DDOT anticipates construction beginning in summer 2025 and will share more updates as we approach the construction process beginning.
This milestone could not have been reached without the tireless work of countless neighbors and community leaders, particularly ANC 4C. I’m also grateful to DDOT for their dedication to this project and engagement with the community to ensure the final design works as well as possible for all neighbors. I’ll be sharing more updates as we near construction beginning in just a few months!
Increased Green Line Service Starting Sunday!
This week, we received the exciting news that WMATA will increase frequency of service on the Green and Yellow lines starting Sunday, December 15th. Green and Yellow line trains will each arrive every six minutes until 9:30pm. Previously trains came every eight minutes during off-peak periods. Thanks to WMATA for approving this change —looking forward to seeing increased service at our Georgia Ave/Petworth and nearby Fort Totten Stations!
DC School Lottery Opening Next Week
On Monday, December 16th, applications will open for the MySchoolDC Lottery, the school lottery system for families planning to enroll their children in DCPS or PCS schools for grades PK3-12 next year. Families will have until February 3rd to submit high school applications and until March 3rd for PK3–Grade 8. Visit the MySchoolDC website for more information, and please strongly consider listing our incredible Ward 4 schools in your top choices!
Leaf Collection Continuing in Section 4D
As of Monday, December 9th, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is conducting leaf collection for neighbors in Section 4D of the leaf collection map, which includes Brightwood Park and parts of Petworth east of Georgia Ave. If you live within Section 4D and haven’t already, make sure to have your leaves raked to your tree box or curbside to ensure DPW picks them up during one of their two passes of the neighborhood. If you live in one of the neighborhoods that has already received a first pass but have not yet received collection (Sections 4A, 4B, and 4C), you can submit a 311 request (my office is happy to help too!). Remember, DPW is sharing regular updates on their progress and completed streets on its leaf collection website.
Council News/Legislative Updates
SAFE Act Hearing
On Tuesday, the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety and the Committee of the Whole held a joint hearing on the Secure Apartments for Everyone (SAFE) Act, which was introduced by Attorney General Brian Schwalb in July. This bill represents an important step forward for tenants facing unsafe conditions in their apartment buildings and neighbors who are impacted by properties where crimes are being committed. As a reminder, here’s what the legislation does:
- Expands the Nuisance Abatement Act, strengthening OAG’s ability to take action against properties where residents are committing crimes and endangering their neighbors;
- Requires the Department of Buildings to conduct a security assessment for properties with repeated safety violations;
- Following a security assessment, requires DOB to report recommendations to improve safety at the property, sharing recommendations with ANCs and tenant associations;
- Clarifies the Nuisance Abatement Act to better hold landlords who maintain nuisance properties accountable when issues go unresolved;
- Requires all rental properties with 5 or more units to maintain self-closing and self-locking exterior doors and adhere to minimum standards for exterior lighting.
During Tuesday’s hearing, we heard from government witnesses including the Attorney General Brian Schwalb, as well as property managers, tenants, and neighbors. I was particularly moved by the testimony of tenants throughout the District who shared firsthand experiences facing unsafe conditions that have gone unresolved. Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes, and this bill will allow ANCs, agencies, and neighbors to work together to address residents’ unique safety needs.
Community Resources
EdFEST for Grades PK3-8
On Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 1pm, MySchoolDC is holding EdFEST for families of children PK3-8 at DC Armory. With the launch of the MySchoolDC Lottery application on December 16th, 2024 for the 2025-26 school year, EdFEST is a timely event to help families make informed school selections. EdFEST will feature many free services and fun activities for the whole family including guidance on navigating the lottery process, routine childhood vaccines and flu and COVID shots for adults (appointments required), free meals from DC Central Kitchen (Dec. 14th), and more!
Contribute to MacFarland MS’s Food Drive
MacFarland Middle School is organizing a food drive this week through Friday, December 20th. Neighbors can drop off food at MacFarland (4400 Iowa Ave NW) in the carton boxes in the main lobby. Please restrict items to non-perishable/shelf stable items only. MacFarland’s holiday food distribution will take place on Saturday, December 21st from 10am to 2pm, or until food runs out.
Young Ladies on the Rise Clothing Drive
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR’s) Young Ladies on the Rise program is currently holding its annual clothing drive. Support neighbors in need this holiday season by donating new or gently used clean clothing for men, women, and children at several DPR recreation centers during operating hours. Donations will be accepted until December 31st. Click here for more information including a list of participating recreation centers.
Street Line Toy Drive
On Friday, December 20th from 2:30 to 6:30pm, Street Line is hosting a “No Child Without a Toy” toy giveaway for families in our community, taking place at Colony House (930 Farragut St NW). The organization is currently accepting toy donations from community members for the event. In order to donate, call CEO Rickey Bryant at 202-258-2174 to coordinate drop-off.
DC Volunteer Snow Programs
Sign-up is currently open for the DC Volunteer Snow Program, which matches volunteers with senior residents and those with access and functional needs for snow removal services in the aftermath of a winter event. Each winter season, the program’s goal is to ensure that Serve DC Volunteer Snow Team members/volunteers adopt a resident that has submitted a Snow Removal Request. Sign up to help a Ward 4 neighbor this winter by clicking here.
Friends of Metropolitan Branch Trail Stakeholder Meeting
On Monday, December 16th at 6pm, the Friends of Metropolitan Branch Trail is hosting a meeting with community stakeholders to discuss possible new trail connections in Wards 4, 5, and 6, with the Taylor St NE protected bike lanes and Capital Bikeshare siting being the priority. All community members are invited. Find more details here.
Rock Creek Golf Course Rehabilitation Update
On Wednesday, Rock Creek Park released a consultation letter from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. USFWS has reviewed the Rock Creek Golf Course Rehabilitation Project and concluded it is “not likely to adversely affect” endangered species that have habitat in Rock Creek Park. Rock Creek Park and the National Links Service will now begin work on the golf course rehabilitation project. Read the letter here.
Donate to Whittier Winter Wonderland
On Thursday, December 19th, Whittier Elementary School is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland event for students. Neighbors are encouraged to consider buying a gift from the school’s Amazon Wishlist and bring a smile to every single one of Whittier’s 462 students. View the wish list here.
Help Shape DC Public Library’s New Rules of Behavior
DC Public Library is seeking community input as it begins the process of updating its rules for expected behavior in libraries. Your feedback will help inform these rules and ensure that libraries are a safe, welcoming, and equitable place for all. You can share your thoughts by taking a 5-minute survey.
DC Water Updates
DC Water has shared several updates on work taking place in Ward 4 neighborhoods. Keep in mind that construction activities are highly dependent upon favorable weather conditions. Here are some of this week’s updates, particularly for Crestwood neighbors:
- 14th St and Crittenden St NW, 16th St and Upshur St NW, 419 Missouri Ave NW, 5th St and Missouri Ave NW, 5th St and Peabody St NW, 922 Longfellow St NW, 9th St and Tuckerman St NW, Kennedy St and Illinois Ave NW
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on Shepherd St from Crestwood Dr to 17th St NW.
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform water service reconnections to individual properties on the 300 and 400 blocks of Hamilton St NW.
- Next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, DC Water is expecting to perform tie-ins of newly installed water mains on 5th St NW and Hamilton St NW.
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform new water main installation work on the 1300 block of Gallatin St NW.
- Throughout next week, DC Water is expecting to perform daytime work on 3rd St NW from Tuckerman St to Sheridan St.
- As part of the Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is expecting to perform daytime work at the following locations:
Neighborhood Events
Takoma Cocoa Crawl
Saturday, December 14th is Takoma Main Street’s annual Takoma Cocoa Crawl! from 1 to 4pm, enjoy cocoa and other hot drinks and neighborhood restaurants and cafes, with over a dozen locations throughout Takoma. Check the event website for the schedule and retail businesses offering discounts during the event.
DC Holiday Hunt
DC’s Holiday Hunt is happening now until January 5th! Neighbors will get the opportunity to explore DC while supporting small businesses for a chance to win prizes. Visit https://dcholidayhunt.com/ to find local Ward 4 businesses to support this month!
Winter Wonderland Family Night at Fort Stevens
On Friday, December 13th from 5 to 7pm, DPW is hosting its annual winter celebration with family and neighbors: Fort Stevens Winter Wonderland Family Night! Join for movies, games, hot cocoa, and good times at Fort Stevens Rec Center (1327 Van Buren St NW).
16th Street Heights Porch Party
On Friday, December 13th, join 16th Street Heights neighbors for a progressive porch party! What’s a progressive porch party, you ask? Start at one house, hang out on the porch, enjoy snacks and drinks and connections. Then, pack it up and wander to the next spot! Come for as much or as little time as you are able – meet new people and build community. No need to bring anything except yourselves! The event is organized by ANC 4E05 Commissioner-Elect Camsie McAdams. Find more details below:
Carter Barron Amphitheater Clean-Up
On Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 12pm, join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a cleanup of the Carter Barron amphitheater. This is a unique opportunity to get a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the amphitheater and help take care of an important community resource. Event location directions and information will be sent from the event leader 24 hours before the event. RSVP here.
Petworth Get Wise Community Clean-Up
On Saturday, December 14th from 9am to 12pm, the Petworth Get Wise Coalition is hosting a community clean-up event and donation in Grant Circle.
Beginning 2 Hand Dance Extravaganza
On Saturday, December 14th from 12 to 5pm, DPR is hosting a “Beginning 2 Hand Dance” extravaganza at Emery Heights Community Center (5701 Georgia Ave NW)! RSVP here.
Upshur St Craft Fair
On Saturday, December 14th, Uptown Main Street is hosting a craft fair on 9th and Upshur St NW from 11am to 4pm. The event will feature photos with Santa, Teatro de la Luna, a gingerbread house contest, kids’ entertainment, giveaways, local vendors, and more!
LRCA Holiday Movie Extravaganza
On Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 1pm, the Lamond Riggs Citizens Association is hosting its second annual holiday movie extravaganza at the Lamond Riggs Library first floor meeting room. Enjoy holiday fun with hot chocolate, cider, cookies, popcorn, games, and festive movies. All are welcome!
Petworth Library Used Book Sale
On Saturday, December 14th from 11:30am to 3:30pm, The Friends at Petworth Library are hosting a used book sale in the basement of the Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave NW. Used books will go for 50 cents, paperbacks for $1, and hardbacks for $2, plus, a selection of totes, t-shirts, and kids’ shirts. Proceeds will go towards library programming and the greater Petworth community. Sign up here to volunteer!
Unsilent Night in Sherman Circle
On Wednesday, December 18th at 6pm, meet at Sherman Circle for “Unsilent Night,” DC’s most unique musical holiday event! Unsilent Night will bring neighbors together for a positive, communal, creative experience, as participants will play 4 downloadable instrumental tracks simultaneously on portable speakers and phones and walk by holiday lights in a moving procession. Learn more about the holiday tradition taking place in over 40 cities around the world on the event’s website.
South Manor Neighborhood Association Holiday Get-Together
On Thursday, December 19th at 6:30pm, the South Manor Neighborhood Association is hosting a holiday get-together at the Lamond Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library. Come meet with neighbors and hear what’s happening in South Manor. Light refreshments and holiday treats will be served. All are welcome, but space is limited, so RSVP here.
When Faith and Mental Health Intersect
On Thursday, December 19th from 11am to 12:30pm, Ward 4 Faith Leaders and the DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) are hosting a mental health training event open to the community, entitled “When Faith and Mental Health Intersect.” The event will take place at Zion Baptist Church (4850 Blagden Ave NW) and will be hosted by Rev. Dr. Keith W. Bird.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
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.
Final “Meet and Lease” Event
On Tuesday, December 17th from 2 to 5:30pm, the DC Housing Authority (DCHA) is hosting its final “Meet and Lease” event at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I St SW. Voucher recipients will have the opportunity to meet with landlords to get connected with housing opportunities.
Ward 4 in the News
This week, Jeanne Braha, the executive director of the Rock Creek Conservancy, announced she would step down from her role after 7 years of leadership and service. Jeanne has been an incredible advocate for Rock Creek Park and has led the organization through a period of exciting growth and programming. While she is transitioning roles, we know she will continue to be a steadfast advocate for conservation and community members’ ability to enjoy our natural spaces. Thank you, Jeanne!
Rock Creek Conservancy: A Note from the Conservancy’s Board Chair
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Aldi Grocery Store Ribbon Cutting
PoPville: Yo!! “Hazel’s Hardware + Blue’s Coffee & Tea Co. are coming to The Parks”!!
Washington City Paper: Anxo Cider Co-Owner, His Interior Designer Partner, and A Chef-Forager to Open Poplar in Brightwood Park
Ward 4 Dispatch: EdFest, CLEAN Collections, and Aldi Grand Opening
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.
Next week, we will hold our final Committee of the Whole and Legislative Meetings of the year, which will be the last time the full Council meets to vote on legislation until January. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you about all we’ve accomplished together over the past year!
Lastly, if you’re looking for another way to take in the holiday spirit this year, check out this map of houses with beautiful holiday lights in Ward 4 and around Northwest DC. Thanks to neighbor Megan McCune for compiling the map and sharing with neighbors!
Have a relaxing weekend and check back next week for more updates!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
