Questions for DPW's 2024 Q2
Community Conversation
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Please fill out this survey from DPW. It goes over issues concerning Ground maintenance, trash pickups, 311 issues, street and alleyway cleaning, parking enforcement and more. You can fill out this form from things you have heard from residents or your own personal experience. This form will be open for submission until March 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm.
Questions for DPW's 2024 Q2 Community Conversation (office.com)
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Designs Revealed for St. Elizabeth's Parcel 15
On March 22, 2024 Councilmember Trayon White testified at the Mayor's Agent on Historic Preservation public hearing highlighting the importance of ensuring CBE participation on the continued construction project and ensuring that Ward 8 residents continue to see equity on throughout the development.
Redbrick has filed plans with DC's Historic Preservation Office to develop St. Elizabeth's Parcel 15, now dubbed Sycamore & Oak. The project would include a 178,000-square-foot office, a hotel, 288 residential units, and roughly 35,000 square feet of retail & entertainment space. Plans also call for an 80,000-square-foot public park. The development team's goal with the project is to make Ward 8 a destination with 24/7 activation.
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On Monday, March 25, 2024, the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety held a markup. Both measures that were on the agenda passed with no additions or comments. One was a resolution ("District of Columbia Sentencing Commission Sean Holihan Confirmation Resolution of 2024"). The other is a bill named the "Vulnerable Youth Guardianship Protection Amendment Act of 2023". This bill is to offer protection for youth between the ages of 18-21 for protection from domestic violence and other related violence they may experience. This bill is drafted to address a gaps in protections that was not there before.
On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 2:30 pm, the Committee of the Whole held a public hearing on Bill 25-576, the "Protecting Historic Homes Amendment Act of 2023." The stated purpose of Bill 25-576 is to amend the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 to protect historic homes by ensuring that civil fines, penalties, or fees assessed by the Historic Preservation Office account for the severity of the violation by raising the amount set for a Class 1 violation to be not more $10,000 per violation. For substantial demolition, alteration, or new construction, there would be a new civil penalty that varies by degree of severity, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation.
The Anacostia Historic District, situated in Washington, D.C., encompasses roughly 20 square miles and approximately 550 buildings constructed between 1854 and 1930. This unique district showcases a distinctive architectural blend of late 19th—and early 20th-century working-class housing, making it a notable area within the city. The district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
European settlement in the region dates to the 17th century, with key landmarks such as Blue Plains, St. Elizabeths, and Giesborough emerging during this time. The area became part of the District of Columbia in 1791 following the passage of the Residence Act. Real estate transactions, including purchases by individuals such as James Greenleaf and William Marbury, played significant roles in shaping the district's early development.
The first substantial settlement in the Anacostia Historic District emerged in 1820, driven by the need to accommodate workers from the growing Washington Navy Yard. Infrastructure development, such as the construction of the Upper Navy Yard Bridge in 1818, facilitated access to the area and spurred residential growth. Over time, the district evolved into a vibrant community, with establishments like Good Hope, D.C., forming the nucleus of commercial and residential activity.
Efforts to preserve and enhance the Anacostia Historic District have been ongoing. Designation as a historic district has been safeguarded against certain developments, such as the intrusion of large corporations or the relocation of shelters, while initiatives like sidewalk restoration and tax credit programs have aimed to maintain and improve the district's physical and economic vitality.
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Updated Budget Oversight Schedule
as of March 26, 2024
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DC Library Events Happening In Ward 8
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Make and Take Art
Wednesday, March 27: All Day
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE: FAMILY PROGRAM, ARTS & CRAFTS
Join Us at Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library for a weekly craft experience. Create at home or in the library!
AARP Foundation Tax- Aide - Tax Preparation Services for DC and MD Residents
Wednesday, March 27: 11:00am - 2:30pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: OUTREACH
Tax preparation services will be provided for DC and MD residents at the Anacostia Neighborhood Library. By appointment only.
Job/Resume Clinic - Job/Resume
Wednesday, March 27: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library - Conference Room B (6-12 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: JOB READINESS CLINIC
Job Seekers/Resume provides help to create your résumé, apply for posted jobs, research in demand careers, and find occupational training opportunities that meet your needs.
Sit and Stitch
Wednesday, March 27: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library - Meeting Room 2 (8-16 Person Capacity)
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: ARTS & CRAFTS
Unleash your inner crafting pro at the library!
ANA-CON - Anacostia Anime Club
Wednesday, March 27: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: FILM
Come watch anime, learn to draw manga, and hang out with your friends!
The Page Turners Book Club
Wednesday, March 27: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS
EVENT TYPE: BOOK CLUB
This month we are reading the DC Reads pick - The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin.
Teen Time
Wednesday, March 27: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: GAMING, FILM, ARTS & CRAFTS
Come out to the library to engage in different activities with peers. Movie night... Game night... and more! Also enjoy the resources of the library!
Thursday, March 28th
TechHelp
Thursday, March 28: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: COMPUTER CLASS, AGE-FRIENDLY DC
Onsite Technical Support for Customers
Lego Lab
Thursday, March 28: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Anacostia Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE: STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH), FAMILY PROGRAM
Play with Legos and other building materials. Kids ages 5-12 are invited to make and build at this open play time in our Children's Story Room.
Easter Egg Decoration & Movie - Join us for an early evening of Easter fun!
Thursday, March 28: 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: ARTS & CRAFTS
Celebrate Easter with Bellevue library. Decorate an egg, hunt for colorful plastic eggs, and watch The Luck of the Irish, a movie about a teen's quest to rescue his family from an evil leprechaun.
Chess for all Ages -
Thursday, March 28: 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: SENIORS ADULTS 5 - 12 YEARS OLD 13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS)
EVENT TYPE: CHESS CLUB
Play and learn from others in a friendly game of chess.
Friday, March 29th
Game Hour
Friday, March 29: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE: GAMING, FAMILY PROGRAM
Fun for the whole family! Join us for blocks, Legos, board games and Virtual Reality gaming. Ages 3 and up.
National Crayon Day
Friday, March 29: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library
AGE GROUP: 5 - 12 YEARS OLD
EVENT TYPE: ARTS & CRAFTS
Let's get coloring!
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Safe Passage Summit Takes Place To Discuss Challenges and Successes of Program.
March 21, 2024
Councilmember White and his Constituent Service team participated in Thurgood Marshall's Safe Passage Summit, engaging in meaningful discussions surrounding the challenges, successes, and continuous improvements of the Safe Passage program. This summit focused on addressing issues directly related to Ward 8 students.
Among the key topics explored were the efficacy of safe passage workers, DC School Connect, WMATA, and considerations to traffic safety infrastructure happening in the area.
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Councilmember White Stands In Support of the Washington Teachers Union.
March 25, 2024
Councilmember White attend a rally at Ballou Senior High School standing in solidarity with the Washington Teachers Union as they fight for a new contract, recognizing their dedication to our scholars.
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Councilmember White Engages with the "Women in Blue" during their annual conference.
March 27, 2024
Councilmember Trayon White engaged in a productive meeting with the DC Federation of Democratic Women during their annual Council Advocacy Day, known as "Women in Blue". Councilmember White presented his vision for the upcoming budget, emphasizing priorities such as public safety and the overall well-being of the District of Columbia, with a particular focus on the needs of Ward 8. His participation underscores a commitment to collaborative efforts in addressing key issues and fostering positive change within the community.
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CM White's Staff Tours the Ready Center in Ward 8.
March 21, 2024
Councilmember White’s team joined Mayor Muriel Bowser at The Ready Center located at 3640 MLK Jr. Ave SE for a tour of the facility. The Ready Center is dedicated to helping our citizens who are returning home from incarceration making the transition back into society.
The Ready Center has a variety of programs that focuses on the re-entry process helping returning citizens with gaining identification, employment training, therapy, interview skills and job development.
The Ready Center has partnered with various DC agencies to assist in their cause that are located at the facility. The Ready Center provides brand new business attire including suits, blazers, ties, slacks, and shirts for our job seeking returning citizens after completing the necessary training. Operation hours of the ready center are Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
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Do neighbors want the Parcel 15 buildings saved?
For Congress Heights neighbors and community leaders, the argument takes a whole different tone. The proposed redevelopment is one of only a few big projects pitched in Ward 8, and its delayed process has rankled neighbors who hope it will enliven the entire area. They've already gotten a taste of the potential vibrancy with a temporary retail village that opened on Parcel 15 last year that hosts local restaurants, shops and community events.
Le'Greg Harrison, founder and CEO of The Museum, which is one of the pavilion's tenants, remembers steering clear of the campus as a child riding his bike, not just because he feared Old Man Clutch but because the area was run-down and unsafe.
"The idea that, after all these decades, that this land that's spooky could be activated to create a center for my community, a place for my daughters to play, it gives me chills," Harrison said.
Councilmember Trayon White, D-Ward 8, called it "one of the most important single opportunities for economic development, housing, retail amenities and inclusion for Ward 8."
And neighbors raise another important question: What exactly does St. Elizabeths represent to Congress Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods?
"It really was a plague in our neighborhood and has been an eyesore on our community," Cora Masters Barry, former wife of D.C. Mayor Marion Barry and a longtime Ward 8 resident, said. "This is not a decision to erase history but a commitment to the future that honors the lived experiences of our residents — our neighborhood deserves revitalization that prioritizes the well being of residents above all else."
Darya Davis, a neighborhood activist, added: "Any time someone had some type of mental breakdown, they brought them here. We saw nothing good come from inside that wall, and nothing good come out of that wall. For people who are not our color and are scared to come here to come talk about what our community needs, it's insulting."
The Mayor's Agent will collect feedback for 30 days before issuing a final order. His ultimate decision can be appealed through D.C. courts.
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WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A letter from D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb said that Monumental Sports’ contract with the District states that the company’s teams must stay in D.C. until 2047.
The letter, which was dated March 18, said that under the current contract, CEO Ted Leonsis would not be able to pay off bonds early and move the Washington Capitals and the Washington Wizards into a proposed arena in Alexandria, Virginia.
“The Council expressly conditioned that public financing on DCALP’s commitment to extend the original ground lease for an additional 20 years… ensuring [DC] that the Wizards and the Capitals would continue to play their home games at the Arena through 2047…’ ‘full stop,'” the letter read.
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