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I hope you're staying cool and enjoying these first weeks of summer. It's been both a joyful and a difficult past few weeks, between the 4th, the city-wide boil water advisory, and now the horrible tragedy in Garfield Park this Wednesday.  

Last week, DC Water issued its first District-wide boil notice in decades. I found out about this late on Wednesday, July 3, and immediately took to social media and ensured a push text was sent by the City Administrator to get the word out. Thankfully, the notice was lifted the following morning as tests indicated the water was fine to drink. But communications could have been much smoother, and DC Water and the city have work to do to streamline notifications and emergency protocols in the future.

The next morning, we joined hundreds of neighbors at America's best parade, the Barracks Row 4th of July parade. Thanks to everyone who came out for this festive time on a beautiful (but oh, so hot) day.

I've also been checking on a lot of our schools to use these summer months to get ready for a new school year. Hard to imagine, but the new school year starts in just six weeks! On Friday afternoon, I was conducting a site visit and walk through with school leaders, DGS, and DCPS to ensure priority repairs are underway for Shirley Chisholm Elementary School (formerly Tyler). 

But then as you likely know, tragedy struck this week with the death of Ward 6 neighbor Sarah Noah by a falling tree limb in Garfield Park. What happened was absolutely horrific, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ms. Noah. This Post story speaks to her joy for life and the deep bonds she formed in our community. Please take a moment to read, reflect, and see below for next steps on the incident. We're stronger with neighbors like Ms. Noah who've impacted so many - and with neighbors like those around Garfield Park who are advocating for improved conditions in the park. 

Quick Links: Public Safety | Garfield Park | Mopeds | EV Charging | Better Bus Network | Ward 6 Week | Future of Transit | Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial | DPR Construction & Randall Rec | DOEE News | DPW Updates | Summer Ready Energy Efficiency Giveaway | Atlas Call for Applications | Families at the Folger | Eastern Market Metro Park | NoMa-Gallaudet Metro Station | Spirit Ticket Giveaway

Public Safety

The summer is a time for relaxing by the pool, vacations, and catching up on R&R, but from a public safety perspective, it can represent the most challenging months of the year. I thought I'd share an update on what we're seeing so far this year in terms of violent crime and what we need to do this summer as a city to make sure we continue on this trajectory.

As we cross the half-way point of the year, it's a good time to review the trends we're seeing. Year-to-date city-wide, violent crime is down 31% over this time last year, and down 37% in Ward 6, specifically. Digging deeper, we see the biggest reductions in the Ward in homicides and robberies, at 58% and 43%, respectively. We’re also seeing a marked decrease in carjacking, a crime that had been disproportionately taking place on Capitol Hill last year: a 46% decrease in the First District year-to-date, and a 44% decrease in the Fifth District. Those are serious declines, but as I've said many times, it's nowhere near enough, and if you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, these stats don't mean much because crime is up for you.

I’ve been very impressed with strong and responsive command staff in both Districts, and I think that’s a large part of why we’ve seen these decreases. But we want to see this decline continue through the summer and fall, particularly in hot spots in the Ward, and that requires an actual plan, on paper, that brings together not only law enforcement, but all the sister agencies with roles to play in driving down crime – especially everyone who works with young people. Bottom line: we still can’t be happy with these numbers, although we can be encouraged, and DC needs a public plan.

Ward 6 Public Safety Updates

• Request for Information & Assistance Identifying Vehicle from July 8 12th & Potomac SE Multiple Shooting
• Suspects Sought in July 11 Armed Robbery in Hill East
• Arrest Made in April 30 North Capitol St Homicide
• Request for Assistance Identifying Suspect and Vehicle in July 3 H St Burglary
• Arrest Made in July 4 Robbery in Rosedale
• Request for Assistance Identifying Suspects in June 27 Unarmed Carjacking Near Garfield Park

Tragedy in Garfield Park

What happened in Garfield Park earlier this week was an absolutely horrific tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of our Ward 6 neighbor who was killed.

I wanted to take time at the top of this newsletter to update you on the past 72 hours. Since Wednesday morning, I’ve spoken with first responders, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Frank Avery, and Department of Parks and Recreation and District Department of Transportation leaders. I’ve asked DDOT to conduct a health and safety assessment of all large trees in Garfield Park - which they said they'd be completing by the end of this week - and I’ve also asked the National Park Service to do the same in our other neighborhood parks they oversee, like Lincoln and Stanton Parks and Seward Square. The Architect of the Capitol has also shared its tree inspection protocols on the Capitol Campus, including Providence ("X") Park, which is monitored weekly.

I know neighbors are organizing a meeting next week to push the Mayor's agencies to improve Garfield Park’s conditions and assess the remaining trees, and I’ll support them and join. For background, neighbors had recently reached out about several maintenance concerns, including tree health, in Garfield Park. I helped convene a meeting in the park with leaders from DPR (the agency that owns the park) and the Department of General Services (the agency responsible for most maintenance issues) to discuss upcoming park renovations and improvements, as well as maintenance concerns. Separately, the concerns about tree health were shared with DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration. I’m aware that DDOT had visited the park to inspect trees, removed two dead trees, and conducted other work. DDOT shared this week that the particular tree that lost its limb was inspected approximately two years ago and was found to be healthy at the time. But they're currently analyzing the tree for a potential cause of the split.

In the next newsletter, I'll share any updates between now and then, including from the community meeting. 

The Future of Mopeds in DC

Like everyone else, sometimes I order food by delivery, and I want it to come fast. But I also want it to come to my door safely and legally. Moped use in DC has increased dramatically in recent years, with 143 mopeds registered in 2023 – a nearly 165% increase over the 54 mopeds registered in 2022. And that's just the ones that are legally registered. This rapid increase - mostly due to the boom in food delivery - has fueled safety concerns, with pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers reporting dangerous driving and improper use of sidewalks, bike lanes, and vehicle travel lanes by moped riders. I see the dangerous driving myself every day. We also see a lot of fake "49cc" tags to make it seem like they're the class of mopeds that don't go as fast and therefore don't have to register.

That being said, there are some upsides to mopeds. Mopeds are relatively inexpensive compared to other personal vehicles and, like I said, are commonly used by food delivery workers – many of whom are people of color or members of low-income communities. And mopeds operated correctly aren’t inherently more dangerous than cars. But they must be driven safely and be properly registered.

This week, I held a hearing in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment on a reform legislation I co-introduced with Councilmember Brianne Nadeau, the "Moped Registration Accountability Amendment Act of 2024". It would require dealers to inform consumers of registration requirements before sale and have the dealers register all the mopeds in their fleet - before the driver takes possession. But there's a lot more to explore here, and our laws aren't keeping up. Other states and cities have different approaches, and it's my goal for this bill to serve as a base for jumping off and regulating mopeds so drivers and everyone else stays safe on our roadways. More on the bill and hearing from WUSA9.

Bill Moves Forward to Lay the Groundwork for a Zero-Emission Vehicle Future

This Friday, the Committee on Transportation and the Environment unanimously approved my bill to grow the availability of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The “Comprehensive Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Access, Readiness, and Sustainability Amendment Act of 2024” would dramatically increase the number of electric vehicle charging stations in the city, setting a standard for the District to install a number of ports equal to 5% of registered EVs. The bill also sets a course for how to direct federal dollars for charging infrastructure, and it clears the way for renters and condo owners to install charging stations at home, with reasonable limits. And new or substantially upgraded commercial and multi-unit buildings that have parking lots and garages will be required to include infrastructure that accommodates EV charging stations, and to have a percentage of dedicated EV-ready and EV-installed spaces.

There are more and more companies jumping into the electric vehicle market, and the cars being built are better and better at meeting consumer preferences. Most DC residents I know are considering, if not planning, to make their next car an EV. To maintain this momentum and take a significant cut out of our emissions, people need to be able to know they can charge their cars as easily as they can find a gas pump. This bill puts to paper what the next 50 years will look like as society transforms car use.

The first vote on the bill before the full Council will be in September when we come back into session. 

Share Your Input on WMATA's Proposed Better Bus Network by Monday

We're down to the wire on public feedback for WMATA’s proposed Better Bus Network. If you feel like you did this a long time ago, it’s because this is a revised version after last year’s first proposal. You now have until Monday, July 15, to submit your feedback. And I can't overemphasize how important your comments are; I met with WMATA this week to preview my biggest concerns and to underscore the changes they've made that we need to preserve, and they were very receptive to the comments they've been getting from Ward 6 residents so far. That's why I hosted a second Better Bus Town Hall last month to inform residents and get your feedback. Please keep sending in those feedbacks, and if you need a primer on the Ward 6 proposals, check out our presentation on the major changes impacting you here. 

Also: Be on the lookout next week, when I'll share my recommendations on the proposed Better Bus Network with WMATA. I'll post my letter to WMATA online and on our website. 

Save the Dates for Ward 6 Week!

Our event-filled Ward 6 Week returns Saturday, July 27, through Friday, Aug. 2. Mark your calendar and get ready for a lemonade stand competition, trivia, a Nats game, music, office hours, museum tours, and many more free events across the Ward with me and my team. It's one of my favorite weeks of the year, and I hope you can join us for at least one event! Look to our website for more information next week.

Shape the Future of Transit in the DMV

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and WMATA have launched DMVMoves, a new joint initiative to develop a unified vision for transit service in the region, which I’m honored to co-chair. To support this initiative and inform this vision, COG and WMATA are conducting a survey to understand residents’ needs and desires about the future of public transportation in the region. In this 10-minute survey, you can share your experiences using transportation in the DMV. Your feedback will help the groups better understand and identify ways to improve transportation in your community.

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial

Come to Lincoln Park this weekend as we honor the 50th anniversary of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in Lincoln Park. The event, hosted by the National Park Service (NPS) with support from the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and Bethune-Cookman University, will be Saturday, July 13.

Note: NPS expects large crowds and traffic, so they'll be running a shuttle from St. Coletta's to Lincoln Park and encouraging visitors to take the metro.

The rededication ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m. and mirror the original 1974 program, including speeches by leaders of NPS and NCNW, the reading of Mrs. Bethune’s Last Will and Testament by students from the Washington School for Girls, performances by the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band and the Bethune-Cookman University choir, and a grand unveiling and rededication of the memorial. 

At 5 p.m., DC Strings will kick-off the evening performances on stage. At 6 p.m., actor Leslie Jones will portray Mrs. Bethune, highlighting key moments in Mrs. Bethune’s life and selections from her most famous speeches. In keeping with the 1970s flavor of the dedication, “The Tribe Band” will perform R&B and funk music.  
 
In addition to the evening performances, there will be ranger tours, organizations tabling, hands-on activities, food trucks, and an area called “Legacy Lane,” where visitors can learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune, NCNW, Bethune’s statue, and the historic 1974 memorial unveiling event in Lincoln Park. The event will also feature a commemorative NPS “Passport to Your National Parks” stamp and a Bethune Birthday Junior Ranger Badge. 

Learn about DPR Projects Coming to Your Neighborhood & Next Steps for Randall Rec

What a good problem to have: there are so many Department of Parks and Recreation projects coming down the pike for Ward 6 that they're hard to stay on top of! Helpfully, DPR is hosting virtual meetings in every Ward to provide updates on capital projects in your neighborhood. You'll get an overview of Ward 6 projects at their meeting on Monday, July 29, at 6:30pm. Register here.

DPR's also hosting part two of a community meeting about next steps for Randall Recreation Center to get your feedback about what you'd like to see at the site. You can join them on Thursday, July 18, at the Southwest Library from 6:30-8pm. It's going to be an exciting renovation to deliver more rec programming, new pool facilities, updated fields, dedicated courts (adding pickleball), and improved connections to SW and SE neighbors. 

News from the Department of Energy and Environment

• DOEE has drafted a Racial Equity Action Plan as part of the commitment to achieving equity in the District. Please have a look and share your ideas on how to make services and programs more equitable for all residents and stakeholders regardless of race, income, or other backgrounds. 
• DOEE seeks eligible entities to advance the District’s climate and clean transportation goals through the development, installation, and operation of community charging facilities and multi-modal transportation hubs supporting a variety of clean transportation options, including electric vehicles, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, transit, walking, shared rides, personal electric vehicles, and more. DOEE will apply to the US Department of Transportation for between $500,000 and $15,000,000. Applicants should provide a proposed budget of between $100,000 and $2,500,000 and describe how they will contribute to the required 20% total project cost match for the grant. The deadline to apply for DOEE’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Round 2 is Monday, July 29. 
• Electrify DC, on behalf of DOEE, is proud to launch a hosting capacity survey to learn about DC residents' experiences, awareness, and needs regarding solar installation and home electrification. Help them plan the technical and social infrastructure needed for an electrified future! Complete the 5-minute solar survey. 

Department of Public Works’ Summer Updates

• Now through Sept. 6, DPW will begin trash, recycling, and food waste collections at 6 a.m. to beat the heat. On code-red days, collections will start at 5:30 a.m.
• DPW hosts 12 weekly, staffed Food Waste Drop-Off sites across the District, with one in front of Rumsey Pool and at the SW Farmers Market See the complete list of locations and hours here. 
• Special waste collection events are conducted twice quarterly. The next event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at Anacostia Skate Park. (DOEE still has E-cycling events.)
• Street cleaning, alley cleaning, mowing/grounds maintenance, and graffiti removal spring services are still running through Oct. 31. Contact 311 to request alley or street cleaning.
• Assigned Mechanical Street Sweeping service also runs through Oct. 31. Vehicles parked on Assigned Mechanical Street Sweeping streets during sweeping hours are subject to $45 tickets and $100 relocation fines. If your street is missed, contact 311 to submit a Signed Street Sweeping Missed service request.

Summer Ready DC Energy Efficiency Giveaway

The Public Service Commission will host a Summer Ready giveaway event from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at the Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place, SW. Register to receive a free home energy efficiency item (while supplies last), get information on utility assistance programs, and learn how to cut your energy costs throughout the warmer months.

Artists Can Apply to Perform Original Work

The Atlas Performing Arts Center's annual INTERSECTIONS Festival will return for its 16th year February 22 through March 16, 2025, and applications are now open for artists who look to explore the ideas and issues of our time through their work. Online submissions are due by 5 p.m. Friday, August 9.

Families Are Heading to Folger

Last newsletter, you read about how we cut the ribbon on the exciting modernization of the Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill. Now, there’s even more good news: the library is hosting Folger Family Takeovers every other Saturday this summer with hands-on activities, dance, poetry, and lots of energy. All are welcome to the free activities, which begin at 9 a.m. Learn more about what’s in store this summer.

New Investments Coming to Eastern Market Metro Park

If you can believe it, Eastern Market Metro Park opened just three years ago. In the years since, it's become a terrific gathering place for the community, both on the playground and metro sides. However, it hasn’t seen the maintenance and programming that residents need across the four parcels that make up the park. Part of this challenge comes from the age-old "who's-in-charge" problem, part from not enough recurring resources to keep up with maintenance problems that cropped up pretty quickly, and the biggest part from a failure of District government agencies to proactively stay on top of issues - or prevent them from happening in the first place.

In the past two budgets, I've added money for Barracks Row Main Street to program the metro side, and last year, to hire dedicated mental and behavioral health staff for residents who need to be better connected with resources. Together with a push for greater MPD presence, I think that's made a big impact in activating the metro side. But we need more funding and, importantly, we need more formalized coordination of the agencies, BIDs, Main Streets, and community organizations that all have roles to play.

In the budget we just passed, I added more funding for three specific investments in Eastern Market Metro Park, which will start to come online when the fiscal year begins this October:

• A new full-time parks manager
• Continued grant dollars for programming
• New dedicated capital funding for ongoing park maintenance and repairs

I think these investments will really help bring focus and dedicated oversight to the park so it becomes the beloved community hub we all envisioned it being - especially with a brand new library around the corner. We'll now have one point person to coordinate all the different players, make sure agencies stay on top of repairs and maintenance, and help grow our existing programming. If you have programming you'd like us to push for in the park, please let me know!

Watch my recent video for a full update.

ICYMI: A New Metro Entrance Planned for NoMa

As the Chair of the Council's Transportation and the Environment Committee, I'm happy to share the news that there's a new entrance to the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station on the way, albeit down the road a bit. NoMa is the system's 8th-busiest station, and you know there's always a crowd around the fare gates. This new station entrance will help keep up with neighborhood growth and better connect neighbors and businesses to the north side of the station. The project is funded in FY27-FY28, which the Council moved up in this spring's budget process from FY29. 

Learn more of what's to come.

Spirit Ticket Giveaway!

You made it to the end! Thanks for reading, and let's get to the fun part. In this edition, we're giving away Spirit v. Kansas City Current tickets for Sunday, August 25, at noon at Audi Field. Just reply to this newsletter to throw your hat in the ring!

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen