Dear Neighbors,
Happy first week of May! Even with summer over a month away, it sure felt like summer this week, with temperatures topping 90 degrees on Monday and staying hot since. I hope you’ve all been able to beat the heat and stay hydrated while soaking in the sunshine. As the weather continues to get hotter over the next few months, DC.gov has information about nearby cooling centers and other helpful resources to stay safe on hot days like these.
The Department of General Services is also in the process of switching schools and other public buildings from heating to cooling. While HVAC systems are being adjusted and receive preventative maintenance, keep in mind there may be some fluctuation in building temperatures. Currently, this work is expected to be complete by May 15th.
The Council is nearing closer to a final budget, with initial votes less than a month away. I had several hearings over the past few days to make sure we can secure funding for important Ward 4 projects and government services.
Finally, there are a few important updates on our Ward 4 public spaces I’d like to share.
Here’s the latest:
A Rainy Petworth Porchfest!
Petworth Porchfest was on Saturday, and what a time we had! Even though the weather wasn’t on our side, I loved listening to the local music, meeting neighbors, and enjoying the food and community in Petworth. Thank you to the many volunteers, sponsors, hosts, and artists who made this event spectacular. Looking forward to an even bigger Porchfest next year!
Changes to the Lafayette-Pointer Fields
Yesterday, I circulated emergency measures mandating the lower field at Lafayette Elementary School be kept as grass rather than replaced with artificial turf. The resolution will be voted on by the Council on Tuesday. As many in the Chevy Chase community are aware, the lower field at Lafayette has been in poor shape for several years, largely due to insufficient maintenance and stormwater runoff issues. While DGS has committed to repairing the grass field, they recently decided to replace it with artificial turf, a decision that was made with minimal opportunity for community engagement. Since this decision was made, I have heard numerous concerns from residents about the potential risks this change presents. While I recognize the benefits of turf, including drainage and maintenance, community members and families have legitimate reason to be concerned. Artificial turf has been linked to harmful “forever chemicals” like PFAS, and cities like Boston have even banned its use in public parks due to the potential health risks. There’s simply too much we don’t know about artificial turf to force this change through, especially without the proper input from the community. I firmly believe maintaining the grass field is the right path forward, and one that is supported by much of the neighborhood.
In the long term, we are also working to address the persistent causes of stormwater runoff issues at Lafayette-Pointer. One cause involves the upper field, which sits directly uphill from the lower field. During the last budget cycle, I was grateful to secure the funding to aerate this grass field, helping reduce the stormwater runoff that has left the lower field in poor shape. The aeration work started this week, and I look forward to this project moving forward so we can have both of our Lafayette fields in the best possible shape for years to come.
Public Safety Updates
On Wednesday, I joined ANC 4B07 Commissioner Cohen, Fourth District Commander Lavenhouse, representatives from our at-large Councilmembers’ offices, and members of the community for a public safety walk on North Capitol Street in Lamond. It was a productive conversation where neighbors had the opportunity to point out areas of concern and hear how law enforcement, elected officials, and other members of the community are collaborating to improve public safety in the area.
One common issue raised by community members was the importance of ensuring homes in the area are well-maintained and neighbors are able to maintain proper upkeep. Denigration of properties, whether windows not being repaired, or alleys not being maintained, can open up opportunities for crime in our neighborhoods, and residents should have the resources needed to make fixes.I’ve been committed to mitigating these issues by introducing legislation like the Do Right By Tenants Amendment Act, which would restrict landlords with numerous unresolved violations from receiving new building permits or business licenses until their existing violations are resolved.We also need to make sure government agencies like DPW and DOB are responsive to community needs and can enforce legislation on abandoned vehicles and vacant and blighted properties.
At the same time, we need to make sure homeowners aren’t priced out of the neighborhoods they’ve lived in for years. Access to housing is directly tied to public safety, and reducing evictions and housing instability will ensure positive interactions between all members of our community.
Final Budget Oversight Hearing and Looking Ahead
On Thursday, my Facilities and Family Services Committee held its final hearing of the budget cycle, where we heard from the Office of Disability Rights, the Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing, and the Department on Disability Services. During the hearing, we discussed the ways these agencies can ensure District government is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and continue to improve accessibility for District residents with disabilities. I also attended several other hearings throughout the week, including DC Water on Monday, where I underscored the need to increase funding to the District’s Lead-Free DC program, ensuring that nobody is exposed to lead in their drinking water.
As we take the next step in the budget process by beginning committee markups next week, there are a few approaching dates that I want to make you aware of. First, early next week, my committee will be releasing its budget report, detailing the changes we have recommended, and the funding we have allocated to agencies under the committee’s purview, including the Department of General Services, the Child and Family Services Agency, and the Office of the Ombudsperson for Children. On Thursday, the Committee on Facilities and Family Services will have its committee markup, where the committee will vote on the final budget report. Then, on May 29th, the Council will be holding its first vote on the FY25 budget. After this vote, we will have a much clearer sense of exactly what will be included in the final budget legislation before final votes take place.
Summer Red Line Closures and Other WMATA Updates
From June 1st through August 31st, WMATA will be instituting several Red Line closures, including the Takoma Metro Station being closed from June 1st to June 29th. This work will allow important upgrades to be made, like rail renewal, power cable installation, elevator and escalator maintenance, and improved signage.
During this time span, Red Line trains will run every 6 minutes all day, which may cause trains to be more crowded at peak times. In anticipation of these closures, WMATA will also create over seven miles of bus-only lanes along sections of Georgia Ave, and work with DDOT to provide faster, more reliable shuttle bus service. These new lanes may result in more limited parking in the area as changes are made to increase road capacity. WMATA has also put together a list of alternative transportation options for commuters, including a free shuttle service available from June 1st to August 31st. To learn more about all of the travel alternatives being offered by WMATA during this time, click here.
Finally, starting this month, WMATA will be seeking input from the community on its proposed Better Bus Network redesign, which includes proposed route changes for the 2025 contract year. Stay tuned for more details on future outreach and events!
Community Resources
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.
eCYCLE DC Electronics Recycling
On Saturday, May 18th, from 10am to 2pm, the Department of Energy and Environment will be offering an eCYCLE collection event on the corner of Georgia Ave NW between Madison St NW and Longfellow St NW (next to the Emery Heights Community Center). Community members will be able to drop off and properly dispose of covered electronic equipment, including TVs and computers. Learn more 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.
Shepherd Park Library Tech Assistance
The Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library will be hosting drop-by technology assistance sessions on May 5th and May 19th, from 1:30 to 3:00pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn technology skills like uploading and downloading, saving documents, submitting online applications, and more. Be sure to bring your device with you and reach out to shepherdparklibrary@dc.gov with any questions!
Rock Creek Green Infrastructure Project Comment Period
Earlier this month, DC Water published a draft project description for its Green Infrastructure Project in Rock Creek Park. Among other things, this project will help upgrade Rock Creek’s stormwater management. As part of its process, DC Water must accept comments from the public until May 10th. You can find the project description here and send comments to cleanriversgi@dcwater.com. DC Water will also host a public meeting on May 6th at 6:30pm to present its third green infrastructure project in Ward 4, giving residents the opportunity to give comments and ask questions. Learn more and sign up to attend here.
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!
Disputing a DC Water Bill
A number of community members have expressed confusion or concerns about how to dispute charges with DC Water. After receiving a charge, occupants have a 20-day period to submit a dispute and should submit it in writing with reasons why the bill is believed to be incorrect. Disputes can be filed via mail, email, or through DC Water’s dispute form. Learn more here.
Free Counseling Services for Medicaid Recipients
Olive Tree Counseling Services provides District youth and families with mental and behavioral health supports and offers convenient telehealth visits without the lengthy delay for appointments. This is a free service funded via Medicaid. Olive Tree takes a trauma informed approach with licensed professionals expanding access and reducing barriers to assistance with continuity across the patient’s medical care including family therapy to strengthen the family unit. Learn more on Olive Tree’s website here.
Neighborhood Events
Community Kickoff to Adopt McFarland Middle School
On Saturday, May 4th, from 3 to 6pm, the Brightwood and Petworth Community Associations will be organizing an event geared towards encouraging members of the Petworth and Brightwood communities to get involved with McFarland Middle School, like through serving as a mentor or tutor, or even helping to create a band program. Stop by the 700 block of Kennedy Street NW to enjoy food, drinks, and ice cream, and find out how you can support McFarland!
Star Wars Drop-In Craft
Embark on an intergalactic crafting adventure at Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library’s “May the 4th Be With You” event, happening all day on Saturday, May 4th! Stop by for a drop-in craft session where children can create their own Baby Yoda Paper Bag Puppets. Let your imagination soar as you bring these iconic characters to life using simple crafting materials. All materials are included.
Live Jazz on Kennedy Street
Starting on Wednesday, May 8th, from 7 to 9pm, 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 will start on Wednesday with saxophonist Sara Hughes, with free live jazz performances each month through September.
Teen Art Workshop with Project Create
On Thursday, May 9th from 3:30 to 4:30pm, Petworth Library will be hosting a teen art workshop with Project Create, a DC-based non-profit promoting creative development for kids and teens through arts education. Teens 13-19 are encouraged to stop by to learn from brilliant teaching artists, practice their creative skills, and bring their beautiful ideas to life!
Improv for All Workshop
On Thursday, May 9th from 6 to 7:30pm, Washington Improv Theater is running a free improv workshop for ages 13 and up at the Petworth Library. This will be an introductory, high-fun, low-stress workshop designed to share the ideas and spirit of improv comedy. Register here and get ready to show off your improv chops!
Paper Theatre Story Time and Origami Craft
On May 14th at 4pm, the Japan Information and Cultural Center of the Embassy of Japan is organizing a Kamishibai (Paper Theatre Story Time) at the Juanita E. Thornton-Shepherd Park Library. The story will be “Momotaro: The Boy In The Peach,” and will be followed by an origami craft. The event is for ages 5-10. Learn more here!
ANC 4B Earth Day Fair
Gather with neighbors for ANC 4B’s Second Annual Earth Day Fair at Takoma Elementary School on Saturday, May 18th from 11am to 2pm. Join government agencies, non-profits, neighborhood groups, student organizations, and more with the goal of sharing resources and opportunities for engagement around environmentalism! Learn more and sign up to attend here!
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Ward 4 in the News
Petworth News: Navigating DC’s neighborhoods with a new (unofficial) interactive Google map
The GW Hatchet: Photo Essay: Petworth Porchfest 2024
The Washington Informer: Noncitizen Voting Is Set for D.C.
WTOP: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Where to safely discard your medications in the DC area
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Art Place Construction Notice 4/29/2024-5/4/2024
Over the weekend, I attended the retirement celebration for Dr. Sheryl Brissett Chapman, who served as the executive director of the National Center of Children and Families for 33 years. Dr. Chapman is an incredibly inspirational figure, and I was grateful to be able to celebrate and recognize her lifetime of public service.
This week, my office received visits from several DC advocacy groups, including the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing and Economic Development. I’m always encouraged by the tireless advocacy of these groups and enjoyed speaking with them about their policy plans and priorities.
And on Wednesday, I joined my Council colleagues to support Unite Here Local 25 hospitality workers as they rallied downtown for a fair contract. I was proud to honor the spirit of May Day by standing alongside our workers as they called for just wages, strong benefits, and dignity for themselves and their families.
Finally, next week, I’m honored to be receiving DC SCORES’ Poet-Athlete Award alongside author Jason Reynolds. I was a participant in DC SCORES as a student at Rudolph Elementary School, and the program had a huge impact on me, teaching my peers and I critical skills like teamwork and self-expression. As a Councilmember, I’ve been proud to work hard to ensure all students in DC have access to these types of out-of-school time programs that have such a positive and long-lasting impact on kids’ lives.
Wishing you a happy weekend, Ward 4!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
