This Week’s Highlights
Dear Neighbors,
On Wednesday night, I was devastated to learn of a shooting that took the lives of two young people outside the Capital Jewish Museum in DC. This week, I want to address some of the recent incidents of violence that have taken place in our community and let neighbors know what we are doing to respond. Additionally, next week, the FY26 and FY25 supplemental budgets are expected to be sent to the Council. Ahead of then, I want to encourage neighbors to sign up for an upcoming budget oversight hearing and make sure our community’s voice is represented in the final budget plan.
Community News
Responding to Recent Shootings in Our Community
On Wednesday, I was devastated to learn of a shooting that took place outside the Capital Jewish Museum, taking the lives of two staff members of the Israeli embassy in DC. This horrific act of violence is sickening and has no place in our community. My heart aches for the two young people whose lives were taken, and for our Jewish community across Ward 4 and DC who are facing a deeply troubling increase in antisemitic violence. As a community, we have a responsibility to take a stand against all acts of hatred, which only serve to fuel more violence and endanger our Jewish, Arab, and Muslim communities alike. Every individual has a right to live safely and free of fear, and we must continue to do all we can to pursue justice and provide safety and comfort for every member of our community.
Over the last week, I have also been deeply concerned to see several shootings take place in our Ward 4 community, which have left neighbors understandably scared and outraged. We all have a right to live in peace in our homes and neighborhoods, and I have been grateful to 4th District MPD and all of our safety agencies for their work to respond to these shootings and ensure neighbors are kept informed. Incidents like these demand a thorough legislative response, and over the last year, the Council has taken several actions, including establishing new felony offenses for endangerment with a firearm through Secure DC. In the coming budget, we must also continue our commitment to addressing the underlying causes of this violence by investing in positive employment, health, and other opportunities for our residents and young people that bring stability and long-term safety to our communities.
As we head into next week, I also want to encourage neighbors to join the public safety walk I will be attending on Tuesday alongside Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the Council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. This will be an opportunity for neighbors to ask questions about our District-wide response to gun violence and other strategies to promote long-term peace.
Celebrating New Development at the Takoma Metro Station
Last week, WMATA passed the Takoma Amended Joint Development Agreement, solidifying plans to bring more than 400 units of transit-oriented housing, green space, and retail to Takoma Station! The effort to bring new housing to Takoma Station has been 20 years in the making, and I am grateful to have worked with community members, especially ANC 4B and former Commissioners Erin Palmer and Evan Yeats to deliver this win for Ward 4.
As part of the agreement, WMATA proposes constructing 434 residential units, including 15-25% affordable units, 17,000 square feet of new retail, and a 1.8 acre community park, bringing new life to our Takoma neighborhood. The development will also include replacement transit facilities, including a bus loop, operator break room, and bike facilities. This milestone marks a major step forward in creating more connected, inclusive, and vibrant neighborhoods that reflect the needs of our community.
Progress on the Northern Bus Barn
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to visit the site of the renovated Northern Bus Barn on 14th Street for the signing and raising of the beam, thanking the workers who are making this project possible and celebrating the exciting progress we’ve made so far. The new bus barn will not only house 100% clean transit for Ward 4 and DC, but will offer community space, public art, and bring new life to our 14th Street corridor. At the outset of this project, I wrote about the significance of having an all-electric bus barn for Ward 4 and can’t wait to see this project be finalized. Thank you to WMATA, Clark Construction, and all the community members — particularly the Northern Bus Barn Neighbors — for making this project a reality.
Council News/Legislative Updates
Preparing for the Budget Release Next Week
After weeks of delay and uncertainty, the Council is expected to receive the FY26 and FY25 supplemental budgets from the Mayor early next week. Afterwards, budget oversight hearings will kick into full gear, and we will begin hearing from agencies and the public to determine what changes are needed. While the Mayor has given some assurances of protection for vital programs like the Early Childhood Educator Pay Equity Fund, by all accounts, this will be a challenging budget, with large cuts across all agencies on the table. We’ll need neighbors to show up and show out to budget oversight hearings to make sure our community’s voices are represented and the services Ward 4 needs the most are protected as much as possible. Once the budget is released, we will have a more concrete schedule of oversight hearings for each committee, which neighbors can sign up to testify at on the Council’s website.
As we enter budget season, I also want to share the current hearing schedule for the Committee on Facilities, which I chair. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be hearing from agency leadership and members of the public to assess how agencies — including those responsible for improving accessibility and equity for our neighbors with disabilities, and providing District residents with schools, pools, rec centers, and public buildings that are comfortable, resilient, and safe — are serving the people of DC.
Pool and Splash Pad Readiness for Memorial Day Weekend
This week, in my capacity as Chairperson of the Committee on Facilities, I visited Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) splash pads and pools across the District to assess our aquatic facilities’ readiness for the summer season. During these readiness tours, we saw the Department of General Services (DGS) and contractors hard at work cleaning and testing outdoor aquatics facilities in preparation for opening this weekend. As we get ready for opening this weekend, remember that if there are any issues, residents can submit 311 requests for spray parks and indoor and outdoor pool maintenance. Hours and closure updates can be found here. Happy splashing, Ward 4!
Community Resources
WMATA Bus Network Changes Coming June 29th
After more than two years of planning and feedback from the community, WMATA’s Better Bus Network plan will begin its implementation phase starting on June 29th. Ahead of these changes going into effect, I’m committed to making sure neighbors are informed and know what to expect starting on June 29th. For a full rundown of the Better Bus Network design, I encourage you to visit the plan’s website. WMATA also has several tools allowing neighbors to see how their commutes will be impacted, including a trip planner tool. For example, if you normally take the 63 from Takoma to Petworth and downtown, you’ll now take the C75 or D44. Take a look!
Health Insurance for Impacted Federal Workers
Over the next few weeks, DC Health Link is holding a series of events citywide to help people who are losing access to health insurance, especially federal workers and contractors. Free expert help will be available, including information on 27 private health insurance plans to meet every need and budget. Learn more at www.DCHealthLink.com/DCOneTouch.
Deadline Extended: Chevy Chase Civic Core Feedback
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development has extended the public comment period by 45 days on the Chevy Chase Civic Site, which has the potential to provide new housing, a modernized library, community center, and green space. Neighbors can make their voices heard by reviewing the proposals and sharing input.
DDOT Notice of Intent for Webster St from Kansas Ave to Illinois Ave
This week, the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) shared a notice of intent (NOI) to initiate safety improvements on Webster St NW from Kansas Ave NW to Illinois NW in response to traffic safety input submitted by neighbors. Based on its evaluation, DDOT will remove 25 feet of parking from the south side and east leg of Webster St at Kansas Ave. DDOT is also proposing other safety improvements, including intersection daylighting, installation of speed humps, and signage improvements. Neighbors can read more about the NOI here and share comments in writing by Thursday, June 26th.
DC 2050 Public Workshops
The DC Office of Planning is inviting neighbors to participate in upcoming workshops for DC 2050, the District’s next comprehensive plan. DC 2050 will guide where and how the District builds new housing, grows job opportunities, connects neighborhoods, preserves our history, and invests in services. Here are the dates:
- Saturday, May 31 from 11am-1pm at Ron Brown High School (4800 Meade St. NE)
- Wednesday, June 4 from 6-8pm at Stuart-Hobson Middle School (410 E St. NE)
Neighbors can RSVP for either event at DC2050.com.
Panda Programmer Summer Camps
Panda Programmer is a locally owned company offering after-school coding classes and summer coding camps for elementary and middle-school children at 6440 Piney Branch Rd in Takoma. The programs are designed to introduce kids to the world of coding through engaging lessons in Scratch programming, a block-based language. For more advanced students, Panda Programmer offers Advanced Scratch, JavaScript, Python, and Robotics. Learn more about the programs and sign up at www.PandaProgrammer.com.
MPD CCTV Installations Across Ward 4
Last week, MPD announced that CCTVs will be deployed at the following locations to enhance public safety and assist in crime prevention efforts throughout the District, as part of MPD’s ongoing initiative to increase cameras across the city. Thank you to MPD and members of the community for advocating for these improvements!
- Rock Creek Ford Road & 13th Street NW
- 6100 Georgia Avenue NW
- Georgia Avenue NW & Shepherd Street NW
- 641 Nicholson Street NE
- 1412 Spring Road NW
- Piney Branch, Missouri Avenue, Georgia Avenue, & Colorado Avenue Intersection (1214 Missouri Avenue NW)
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:
- In observance of Memorial Day, there will be no construction activities performed on Monday, May 26th.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on 8th Street and Quintana Place NW.
- For the duration of next week, DC Water is scheduled to perform roadway restoration work on the 300 and 400 blocks of Kennedy St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Piney Branch Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform sewer main lining and manhole installation activities at the following locations for the duration of next week: Quackenbos St and 5th St NW, Quackenbos St from 5th St NW to 4th St NW, 924 Longfellow St NW to 935 Kennedy St NW thru alley, 935 Kennedy St NW to Kennedy St NW & Illinois Ave NW, Sherman Circle, 16th St & Upshur St NW.
- As part of the ongoing Chevy Chase Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project, DC Water is scheduled to perform work at the following locations for the duration of next week: 3700 – 3800 blocks of Legation Rd NW, 5300 – 5400 blocks of Connecticut Ave NW, 3700 block of Huntington St NW, 3700 block of Military Rd NW.
Neighborhood Events
Small Business Month Cash Mob
In celebration of Small Business Month, from May 17th to May 31st, DC’s Main Streets, BIDs, and Small Business Technical Assistance providers are bringing Cash Mob Weekends to neighborhoods across the District. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 2pm, organizers are calling on DC residents to mob selected small businesses and commit to spending at least $25. It’s a joyful, spontaneous shopping rally—a community-powered show of support to show up (en masse!) to make an impact. Your dollars help strengthen DC’s small business economy while connecting you with the people and places that make our city one-of-a-kind. Ready to mob? Sign up now to get updates on featured businesses and locations.
Ward 4 Free DC Meeting
If you live in Ward 4 and want to stand with your neighbors for the rights of all DC residents, join the May 27th meeting of the Ward 4 Free DC Team! You can contribute to DC self-determination any way that works for you, from making congressional office visits to sharing information with your neighbors on the neighborhood listserv or making snacks for the next meeting, all contributions are valuable. Your city needs you! Is this your first time at a Free DC event? Join the 30-minute orientation for new participants starting at 6pm. The main meeting runs from 6:30 to 8pm. RSVP here!
Free Little Art Gallery at Merry Pin
Starting on June 3rd, Merry Pin in Shepherd Park (7350 Georgia Ave NW) is launching a Free Little Art Gallery. The Free Little Art Gallery will offer a unique platform for art lovers and creators to share and appreciate art in its miniature form. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, opening on June 3, will feature curated pieces in celebration of Pride Month. Merry Pin is currently seeking submissions for its Pride Month exhibit. To apply, click here.
New Exhibit Open at Zenith Gallery
Zenith Gallery in Shepherd Park is currently showing two new exhibits. “Mapping the Soul,” by Joanathan Bessaci, is a “poetic exploration of identity and memory, where sculptures, maps, fabrics, and photographs weave together fragments of a personal and universal story,” and is open from April 25th to May 31st. And “The Wonder of DC Trees” is now open at the MLK Library downtown until May 29th.
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.
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
Petworth News: Commemorate Memorial Day with a tour of the first National Cemetery, right here in Petworth
Petworth News: Bourbon and Bluegrass is May 17 & 18 at Lincoln’s Cottage!
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Walking and Biking to Metro Survey
Next Stop…Riggs Park: Road Work on South Dakota Avenue May 16-June 20
Ward 4 Dispatch: Protecting Paid Leave, Petworth Office Hours, and Progress on the FY26 Budget
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.
On Wednesday, I stopped by DPR’s Senior Fest to enjoy games, music, and conversation with many of our Ward 4 seniors. This week, I was also grateful to congratulate another one of our Ward 4 seniors, Ms. AbbieGail Whitley on her 100th birthday — what a remarkable milestone! Ward 4 is grateful to have such a vibrant senior community that continues to enrich our neighborhoods every day.
Two other highlights of my week were getting a visit from Coolidge High School NAF Mass Media Academy students on Monday and attending DC SCORES’ 30th anniversary event on Tuesday. Hearing from our young people is always inspiring and shows why student voices need a seat at the table.
Have a fantastic Memorial Day weekend, neighbors!
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
