This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
The fall settles in and the leaves begin to turn, we’re heading into an especially busy time on the Council and across our community. This week brought exciting developments for Ward 4, including a historic milestone in Petworth: DC’s 10,000th lead pipe replacement. We’re also advancing critical traffic safety improvements, as DDOT kicked off its Safe Routes to Schools prioritization for Raymond Elementary School. And as leaf collection begins next month, I’m sharing information about how to be prepared and what to expect from DPW.
Community News
Ward 4 Leads the Way Towards a Lead-Free DC
On Thursday, DC Water completed its 10,000th lead pipe replacement in DC, right in Ward 4 in Petworth! Reaching this point is a huge accomplishment, and I’m immensely grateful to DC Water and the thousands of neighbors who have stepped up to make their homes and our community safer.
As we pass this incredible milestone, there’s still more work we can do to keep pace with our lead pipe replacement goals. With more than 30,000 homes still served by lead pipes, we need to dramatically accelerate our pace. Earlier this year, I reintroduced my Accelerating a Lead-Free DC Act, speeding up DC’s lead-pipe replacement timeline while creating dozens of green jobs. Finishing this work as quickly and effectively as possible is an environmental and racial justice imperative, and I’m committed to securing the funding to make it possible. As a reminder, if you haven’t yet, make sure to check your service line and learn how to get support for replacement on DC Water’s website.
Safe Routes to Schools at Raymond ES
This year, three Ward 4 schools — Raymond ES, MacFarland MS, and Roots PCS — were selected for DDOT’s Safe Routes to Schools program, created by legislation I introduced in 2021. On Tuesday, DDOT launched this important work with a visit to Raymond to observe traffic at drop-off and pick-up times. Along with recorded traffic data in the area, DDOT will now use its findings to recommend improvements for the start of next school year to calm traffic and keep students safe. Thanks to DDOT and our entire Raymond community for working together to make sure our school zones are as safe as possible!
Meet Our New Bins on the Block!
Composting in DC has never been easier, as DPW has installed new Food Waste Smart Bins at locations around the District, including four in Ward 4! These bins are available 24/7 and help contribute to reduced rodent activity, reduced odors in trash cans, and help turn spoiled food into new soil. You can learn more about what items are accepted and how to compost your food on DPW’s website. Here are the new locations in Ward 4:
- Georgia Ave and Van Buren St NW (6514 Georgia Ave NW)
- Takoma Library (416 Cedar St NW)
- Brightwood (130 Kennedy St NW)
- Petworth Library (4199 Kansas Ave NW)
Council News/Legislative Updates
Council Weighs Extended Youth Curfew
At Tuesday’s legislative meetings, I voted against emergency legislation to extend DC’s youth curfew, which has been in effect since July. As a city, we have worked hard to build real safety through programs like violence interruption — and we have hard evidence that those tools work. However, expanding the youth curfew raises serious concerns — especially given the recent federal actions in DC. As our residents and Black and brown youth in particular are increasingly targeted by federal law enforcement, this type of expansion would give police even more power to approach teens for violating curfew law and lead to even more harm. We need to prioritize youth safety by continuing the policies we know have worked: investing in our young people and in community-based solutions.
Social Housing Town Hall
It has been a challenging few months for tenants and unhoused residents in the District alike. Legislation like the RENTAL Act and sweeps of encampments endanger residents and our rights. We know that this impacts our community. We need to fight for the resources that our residents need now, and to build a long-term vision for the future. That’s why I’m joining with Green New Deal for DC to hold a Social Housing Town Hall on October 21st. The program will include a panel discussion with advocates about the current housing landscape. I will also discuss my social housing plan and its potential to transform the District’s affordable housing landscape. RSVP to reserve your spot here.
Community Resources
Riggs Crossing Senior Units Available to Lease
Riggs Crossing, our newest apartment building with affordable rents for 55+ seniors, is looking for seniors who may be eligible and interested in housing. 7 1-bedroom units are currently available at $1,335/month at Riggs Crossing, right by the Fort Totten Metro station. Make an appointment with the leasing office at www.riggscrossing.com to learn more, tour, and apply!
DDOT Notice of Intent for 100 Block of Nicholson St NW
This week, DDOT issued a notice of intent to install residential permit parking signage on the North and South sides of the 100 block of Nicholson St NW. This NOI was issued following DDOT evaluation of parking impacts to residential blocks in ANC 4B. Comments on this NOI can be submitted to tyon.jones@dc.gov until November 7th, 2025.
Metrobus Feedback, Resources, and Events
Friends of Bus Transit is a Chevy Chase-based organization working to support residents across Ward 4 and DC. With WMATA’s new bus routes now in effect for several months, Friends of Bus Transit is seeking feedback from neighbors on the new routes to share with WMATA. In the coming weeks, they will also hold weekly Zoom sessions, starting on Wednesday, October 15th from 7:30 to 8:30pm to hear from residents with questions and concerns about the new bus network. You can also visit their resource page for more information on upcoming meetings and bus route information.
Leaf Collection and Other DPW Updates
Leaf collection season begins next month! As with previous years, information will be available from DPW on dpw.dc.gov/leaf, where residents can expect to find weekly updates on current locations, how to be prepared, and view the live leaf collection tracker. Before leaf collection begins, neighbors should make sure to rake their leaves to their curbs or tree boxes and stay up to date on updates from DPW. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks to come!
Neighborhood Events
Happy Hour at The Parks at Walter Reed
Tonight from 5:30 to 7:30pm, visit Marketplace Plaza at The Parks at Walter Reed for the final Happy Hour at The Parks of the year! Celebrate the sounds of the District at a DC music-themed happy hour, featuring go-go, soul, punk, and more. RSVP here.
Neighbor-Good Yard Sale on Illinois Ave
On Sunday, October 12th, Petworth Get Wise Coalition is holding a yard sale on the 4100 block of Illinois Avenue. Stop by from 10am to 3pm for great deals on one-of-a-kind items!
Spooky Second Sunday at Merry Pin
On Sunday, October 12th from 11am to 4pm, visit Merry Pin in Shepherd Park for their Second Sunday event with a special spooky twist! Explore unique items as you wander down Geranium Street NW to Merry Pin where you can grab a coffee, listen to live music, and find makers and artists along Geranium Street. Learn more and apply to be a vendor here.
Tech 101 Workshop at Lamond-Riggs Library
On Tuesday, October 14th from 4 to 6pm, DC’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer is hosting a free Tech 101 workshop at the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, where neighbors can learn basic tech skills such as creating an email or changing your password, navigating online applications, and managing storage on your smart devices. Come with questions and call 202-266-6328 to sign up or learn more.
Rev A. Knighton Stanley Street Designation Ceremony
On Saturday, October 18th from 1 to 3pm, we will officially designate Iowa Ave NW between Arkansas Ave and 13th St as Rev. A. Knighton Stanley Way. Rev. Stanley was a beloved faith leader and civil rights activist, and served as Pastor of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ for nearly 40 years. Join us at 4704 13th St NW as we honor his memory and lasting impact on our community.
For more local events, check out DPR, DC Public Library, and NPS.
Important Reminders
Office Hours in the Community
Ward 4 office hours are happening every Wednesday afternoon at Fort Stevens Rec Center from 12 to 1pm, followed by office hours at Hattie 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.
Share Reports of Federal Law Enforcement Incidents
Recently, my office launched an online reporting form for neighbors to report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. This information will be critical as we build our case, ensure organizations working on the ground are informed, and continue to hold this administration accountable. Please share the image with your social networks and neighbors to let others in the community know about this resource.
As our DC government works to keep our community safe, supported, and informed during this time, I also encourage neighbors to fill out my survey seeking input from residents to help shape how our office communicates around new federal developments.
Support for Federal Workers
As many in our community face unprecedented challenges, I’m grateful to everyone who is stepping up to support neighbors. The Office of the Mayor has rolled out fedsupport.dc.gov, sharing resources for federal workers who have been laid off or impacted by recent cuts. I also want to remind neighbors of resources on my website for federal workers impacted by recent actions and neighbors facing the threat of immigration enforcement, compiled with the help of Councilmember Nadeau. DC government and the DC Council are also hiring for a range of positions, and I encourage community members to take a look at the open positions and share with a neighbor.
Ward 4 in the News
ABC 7 News: Metro plans 2-month Red Line shutdown: Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor stops affected
Next Stop…Riggs Park: The Parks Main Street 2025 Art All Night Community Feedback
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Fridays through December 2025: Continue Supporting New UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market
Chevy Chase News & Notes: October 2025 Issue
Petworth News: Fall Break fun for kids at Lincoln’s Cottage starts Oct 9th
The 51st: The federal government has shut down. Here’s what it means for D.C.
The 51st: Why real D.C. news is so important right now
The MoCo Show: Phia to Bring Appalachian Tradition and Cooking to DC and Montgomery County
The Washington Post: Dogo du Togo and the Alagaa Beat Band want to transport you
Ward 4 Dispatch: Shine Safely, Senior Tax Aggregation, and Takoma Park Street Festival
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, I want to congratulate one of our Ward 4 small businesses on an amazing achievement: Merry Pin was named to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s list of 100 best and brightest small businesses! In just more than a year in Ward 4, Merry Pin has already contributed so much to Shepherd Park and DC, and I’m grateful to them and all our amazing small businesses for all they do to brighten our community.
Over the weekend, I joined neighbors on Kennedy Street for the opening of our newest addition to Ward 4, IYMA Daily Essentials grocery store. The store is selling organic foods, international goods, and everyday products, and will make an amazing addition to the neighborhood.
Enjoy your weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
