Ward 5 Weekly Newsletter
July 7, 2023

• On Monday, July 3, The DC Youth Meals Program launched at more than 100 sites across the city. All summer long, children and youth 18 and younger can receive free breakfast and lunch. Click here to find a site near you. You can also text Food or Comida to 304-304, or call 1-866-348-6479.
• Late Night Hype and Late Night Drip are the Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR's) weekly activations every Friday night at pools and recreation centers across the city. Residents are invited to join the family-oriented fun with music and good vibes at a rec center or pool near you. View the full line-up here. 
• DPR Movie Nights are held at local parks on a large screen with free popcorn. Scroll down on this page for the full line-up. Several Ward 5 locations are included in August's showings. 
• Since the Spring, DPR has been rolling out expanded hours at recreation centers across the city. View the new hours here. 
  • Turkey Thicket and Edgewood are now open 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday.
  • North Michigan Park and Trinidad are now open 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday. 
  • Arboretum is now open 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday. 
  • Brentwood, Harry Thomas, Joseph H. Cole, and New York Ave are now open 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

• My office is conducting a Public Safety Poll to get a sense of Ward 5 neighbors' sentiments around public safety right now. It's very brief, and will help me in my work representing your priorities well on the Council. Click here to share your thoughts!
• Yesterday, I joined neighbors, ANC Commissioners, Mayor Bowser, and Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto (Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety) for a public safety walk in the Carver Langston neighborhood. 
• Today, my office joined community leaders and business owners in Ivy City to discuss recent incidents of crime and solutions to build a healthier, safer community.
• A tragic murder occurred on Catholic University's campus Wednesday morning. Investigators are still working to understand what happened. My office is in touch with MPD's Fourth District and Catholic University and I'll provide more updates as they become available. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police at 202-727-9099, or send anonymous tips to 50411.
• The murder of a Lyft driver early Monday morning in Ward 6 has rattled the city. MPD is looking for the suspects and reviewing surveillance footage from the area. Again, anyone with information is encouraged to call the police at 202-727-9099, or send anonymous tips to 50411.
• Following a meeting with neighbors in Trinidad about public safety concerns, I sent this letter to the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, Lindsey Appiah, two weeks ago on June 23. I am still waiting on a response. I am happy to report that MPD is moving on my request to add more cameras to Trinidad and other areas in Ward 5, one of the items neighbors emphasized. I look forward to having more updates soon.
• The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) and Cure the Streets violence interruption programs are teaming up and kicked off their first of several beautification projects around Ward 5 this past Wednesday. An ongoing schedule is forthcoming.

• The bill includes aspects of another bill I recently co-introduced with Councilmember Pinto (The Accountability and Victim Protection Amendment Act of 2023). By moving these provisions as part of the emergency legislation, they would be able to go into effect immediately. Those are:
  • Establishing the crime of felony strangulation even if there is no physical injury and increases potential penalties (this closes an existing loophole in strangulation cases, which are strongly associated with domestic violence, and makes stronger sentences available)
  • Expanding DC's unlawful firearm possession statute to include individuals convicted of domestic violence or stalking offenses in the last 5 years 
  • Making it possible for courts to issue warrants for misdemeanor arrests outside of the District 
• There are other aspects of this emergency legislation that I support, including:
  • Making the camera rebate program more generous for District residents
  • Amending the definition of significant relationship in the Anti-Sexual Abuse Act to contractors (as well as employees and volunteers) at schools, churches, youth programs, etc.  
  • Establishing a new strict liability offense of “endangerment with a firearm” 
• There are other areas that I am talking more about with Councilmember Pinto's team and my other Council colleagues, asking questions and referencing data so that we can make our decision based in facts.
• While some may see this legislation as urgently necessary to turn around crime in the city, the truth is that it doesn't address some of the most significant barriers we are facing. One of the most difficult challenges in public safety right now is closure rates on cases, especially in carjackings and homicides. I look forward to digging into this bill and voting on it Tuesday, but we also need to improve the efficacy of MPD, get closure rates up, and ensure that more of the cases going to the USAO and OAG's office get convictions.
  • For example: Out of all reported carjackings, only 2% of those result in a carjacking conviction.
  • Another example: Only 30% of homicides end in a related conviction, and only 9% of felony assaults end in a felony assault conviction due to:
    • MPD never arresting in the first place
    • No charges even if arrested
    • Charges being dismissed
    • Suspects getting plea deals down to misdemeanor

• In other words: passing new legislation affecting the severity of sentences or other consequences for crime can only be effective if those consequences are reliably enforced and those who commit crime are actually detained and convicted.
• I do hope something passes on Tuesday, while also knowing there's more we need to do on the ground including improving closure rates. While we're seeing crimes involving guns go up, we're seeing closure rates go down. This bill does not account for the increase in crimes involving guns or decrease in closure rates. It is important that all partners across DC government address the rising crime urgently, including the Office of the Attorney General, the U.S. Attorney's Office, the Mayor's office, and the Council. While Council works to do its part, we also need our partners to join in doing their part.

• Loose batteries (a separate battery recycling program is expected to launch in 2023)
• Appliances, such as electric kettles or toasters
• Light bulbs
• Computer cords or wires that are not connected to a computer
• CDs or VCR tapes
• Loose ink and toner cartridges

• Expert safety advisor
• Focused on preventing traffic fatalities & major injuries
• Responsible for execution of the Vision Zero initiative

In 2013, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the Office of Planning released Sustainable DC, the District's plan to become the healthiest, greenest, most livable city for all residents. The original plan was updated to Sustainable DC 2.0 in 2019. It is now due for its next update. Since 2019, there has been a renewed reckoning with racial injustice as well as an increase in resources on how to assess impact on racial equity. The DOEE's goal is to produce an updated version of Sustainable DC that will better advance racial equity, economic justice, and climate justice. This summer, the DOEE is seeking feedback through an online survey, available in English and Spanish, designed to help them understand which priority areas they should carry forward in the updated plan. Complete the survey here.
 

Metrobus customers who travel at night will have the option to get off between bus stops along the route, closer to their destination to provide a safer, better bus experience. These “courtesy stops” put customer safety first during times of day when it is darkest outside. Beginning, June 25, customers can now request a courtesy stop between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. If the bus operator determines it is safe to do so, the bus will pull over to the curb and allow the customer to exit. In some cases, it may not be safe to exit, such as along busy highways, at or approaching intersections, or locations without a curb or place of safety. When exiting, customers should use the front door of the bus.
 

• Closes for comment on July 13: Conversion of 17th Street NE between Monroe Street and Newton Street NE to one-way northbound and conversion of 17th Street NE between Monroe Street and Lawrence Street NE to one-way southbound - Read and comment here
• Closes for comment on July 26: Close 3rd St NW between Shepherd St NW & Rock Creek Church Rd NW - Read and comment here
   

Due to the mid-week holiday, there were no ANC or Civic Association meetings this week. However, you can view the ANC and Civic Association Meetings Calendar on my website for next week's line-up, which includes: 

• Monday, July 10 @ 7:00 p.m.
  • Eckington Civic Association 
  • Queens Chapel Civic Association 
• Tuesday, July 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
  • ANC 5D
  • Arboretum Neighborhood Association
• Wednesday, July 12 @ 6:00 p.m.
  • North Woodridge Citizens Association   

• 5A & 5C: Carlos McKnight, cmcknight@dccouncil.gov
• 5B & 5D: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov
• 5E & 5F: Sam Bonar, sbonar@dccouncil.gov

Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a two month vacation for Councilmembers. During recess, the Council does not hold regularly scheduled meetings such as Legislative Meetings, Committee Roundtables, and Public Hearings. The Ward 5 Council Office will remain open every day, and we'll continue our work of attending community meetings, hosting events in the community, and assisting residents. Recess is often a time of increased community engagement from Councilmembers since less time is obligated to meetings and hearings in the Wilson building, as well as more long-term work on substantive legislation to be introduced when the Council reconvenes in the Fall. Committees cannot mark up legislation and Councilmembers cannot introduce legislation except for the below:

• Committees can circulate notices of future (post recess) hearings and roundtables and file committee reports. 

• Councilmembers can introduce approval or disapproval resolutions on contracts that are: over $1 million, multi-year contracts, or reprogramming requests. Committees can hold public hearings on these types of contracts during the Council review period that occurs during recess. 

• The Mayor may transmit correspondence and federal-aid highway contracts in excess of $1 million to Council. 

• The Chairman may call additional legislative meetings to consider: emergency and temporary legislation, override vetoes, a resolution approving or disapproving a contract, or other matters under recess rules. 

• The Mayor can sign or return legislation. 

Upcoming Hearings Next Week: 

• Monday July 10 at 9:30 a.m.
  • The Committee on Transportation and Environment will hold a public hearing (public witnesses only) on B25-0106, the Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Act. Sign up to testify by emailing the Committee on Transportation and the Environment at cote@dccouncil.gov with your name, email address, phone number, organizational affiliation, and title (if any), by the close of business on Thursday, July 6, 2023. The hearing record to submit written testimony closes on Monday July 24.
     
• Monday July 10 at 10:30 a.m.
  • Legislative Media Briefing by Chairman Mendelson. View on the Council’s website. 
     
• Tuesday July 11 at 11:00 a.m.
  • Committee of the Whole Meeting immediately followed by Legislative Meeting. View on the Council’s website. 
     
• Wednesday July 12 at 9:00 a.m.
  • The Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on B15-0055, the Pathways to Behavioral Health Degrees Act. Sign up to testify at  https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/31 by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 10.
     
• Wednesday July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
  • The Committee on Transportation and Environment will hold a public hearing (government witnesses only) on B25-0106, the Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Act. 
     
• Thursday July 13 at 10:00 a.m.
  • The Committee on Health will hold a public hearing on B25-0073, the Ambulatory Surgical Facility Act, B25-226, the Access to Emergency Albuterol & Glucagon Act, and B25-0312, the Health Professional Licensing Boards Residency Requirement Act. Sign up to testify at http://bit.do/HealthHearings by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11.
     
• Thursday July 13 at 11:30 a.m.
  • The Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on 11 street designations including 7 introduced by Councilmember Parker on prominent Black figures with ties to Ward 5. Sign up to testify at https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/33 by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday July 11.  
     
• Thursday July 13 at 1:00 p.m.
  • The Committee on Facilities and Family Services will hold public hearing on confirming the Department of General Services Acting Director Delano Hunter as Director of the agency. Register to testify at janeeseward4.com/testify by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11.

You can always check the Council calendar for other upcoming hearings and roundtables: https://dccouncil.gov/events/ 

Metro is open for business and looking to expand its regional opportunities and partnerships. With more than 18,000 purchase orders awarded annually, qualified vendors support a wide range of departments, including information technology, construction, facility maintenance, real estate, and inventory for day-to-day operations. Companies interested in doing business with Metro are invited to register now to attend Metro’s Procurement Fair, Tuesday, August 15. The event will give business leaders an opportunity to meet with Metro’s procurement team, network with other vendors and government contractors, and attend workshops geared toward business growth and expansion.
 

• Receiving a free home weatherization item to save energy
• Using the Summer Ready DC checklists to prepare their home for storm-related emergencies
• Signing up for utility assistance programs to reduce their utility bills
• Fighting climate change with clean energy and energy efficiency programs
• Being safe during extreme heat

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosts three weekly free veggie giveaways of local, fresh organic produce including kale, collards, lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, squash, herbs, flowers, and MORE! They occur May 9 through November 30 (weather permitting). In Ward 5, the weekly giveaway is at the Edgewood Rooftop Farm (at the Edgewood Recreation Center - 301 Franklin St NE) every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

• July 12 - Rhode Island Ave, Woodridge
• July 19 - Upper Bladensburg Rd
• July 26 - Rhode Island Ave, Woodridge
• August 2 - Upper Bladensburg Rd
• August 9 - Rhode Island Ave, Bryant St

• 10 Killings in Five Days in DC Leave an International Trail of Grief (WaPo)
• DC Runs Out of Down Payment Assistance Funds for First-Time Homebuyers (DCist)
• DC Water Releases $1.5 Billion Plan to Replace All Lead Pipe Lines by 2030 (WTOP)
• Biden Provides Federal Funding to DC to Expand Internet Access to All Households by 2030 (Associated Press)
• Here's Your Chance to Swim in the Anacostia River (WUSA9)
• Despite $33 Million for Rental Assistance, DC Won't Reopen ERAP Applications This Fiscal Year (DC Line)
• DC Councils Weighs Legislative Action Amid Probe of Ex-Aide to Bowser (WaPo)
• NPS Wants to Spend $11.8 Million on Park Upgrades East of the Anacostia River (DCist)
• Forget WeWork, Public Libraries at the Best Co-working Spaces (WaPo)

• Councilmember Parker's Statements on:
  • SCOTUS Decision Striking Down Affirmative Action
  • SCOTUS Decision Rolling Back LGBTQIA+ Rights
  • SCOTUS Decision Blocking Biden's Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
• Testify at Ward 5 Street Designation Bills Hearing - July 13
• Slides from June 27 Providence Redevelopment Virtual Town Hall

As always, we invite you to use this form to provide feedback on how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you anytime. 

Yours in service and community, 

Zachary

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