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I hope you're staying cool with friends and family as we transition into mid-summer. We're still a few weeks away from the start of school, so there's plenty of time to hit up your local pool or enjoy some time exploring the nooks and crannies of DC. I also hope you've been able to join me and my team for Ward 6 Week! It's been a wonderful week with neighbors in every corner of Ward 6.

And speaking of Ward 6, there are still a few Advisory Neighborhood Commission seats with no candidates running. As a reminder, these are non-partisan elected positions to help represent and lead on many local issues. I think we have some of the best Commissioners that exemplify public service and dedication to their community. Seats are filled during the general election in November, but to run for the seat, you need to sign up and collect a few signatures for ballot access. Click here for more information, and if you have any questions about the process or what the job looks like, please let me know! 

From public safety to the Circulator and the best restaurants, there are plenty of updates below. Let's get to it.

Quick Links: Public Safety | Ward 6 Week | Better Bus Recommendations | DC Circulator | COG Retreat | Drought Watch | DC Green Bank | Climate Ready 2.0 | Best of Food & Drink | DPW Reminders | Kingsman Field & Dog Park | DPR Construction | 2nd Street NE Improvements | DC Water Survey | Hill Family Biking

Public Safety

As we head into August, the District's crime trends continue to show encouraging and significant reductions in both violent and property crime. In fact, we're currently below 2019 crimes for the same eight-month window (a good measure of where we were pre-pandemic) in most categories. This is positive, but there's still a lot of progress to be made to ensure every neighbor can feel safe in their neighborhood at any time of day or night. That's the goal.

We recently held a public safety walk in Southeast: Be on the lookout for when we have similar opportunities for conversations throughout Ward 6.

Washington City Paper Report on Federal DC Court Social Services: Regular readers of this newsletter are likely familiar that our public safety system is divided between federal and local control in a way that is needlessly complex and actively undermines our public safety efforts. That includes the split between federal and local responsibility for children and adolescents in the juvenile justice system. The federal agency - Court Social Services - is run out of the DC Superior Court and, generally, is responsible for children and young people prior to sentencing. The reporting confirms what's largely plain to see, and it's well worth a read. 

Amazon Lockers Available at All District MPD Stations: If you worry about Amazon package thefts from delivery, MPD has announced the installation of Amazon lockers at every District MPD station, where you can have orders shipped safely. More information here. 

National Night Out is Tuesday, Aug. 6: Join MPD, DC government agencies and leaders, and your neighbors as part of National Night Out, an annual event meant to bring communities together during a summer evening to drive home a shared sense of purpose in making our neighborhoods safer. The First District event will be at Lansburgh Park in Southwest from 5 to 8 p.m.

Ward 6 Public Safety Updates

• Arrest Made in July 28 Burglary
• Real-time Crime Center and MPD helicopter assist with carjacking arrest: While this didn't take place in Ward 6, I've written previously about the important steps taken by Chief Pamela Smith and MPD to expand their response to crimes quickly. Here's a good example of that paying dividends.
• Suspects wanted for robbery in Southwest: Photos from a July 26 robbery included.

Ward 6 Week Celebrates Our Neighborhoods

It’s been so much fun to see neighbors for our Ward 6 Week events. We’ve been doing Ward 6 Week for a decade now, and the opportunity to celebrate what makes our neighborhoods wonderful never gets old. Here’s how we’ve spent the week:

• Firehouse Tour: Kiddos (and their adults) got to learn about Engine 18 on Barracks Row. 
  
  
• Lemonade Stand Contest: My team and I biked across the Hill, stopping at lemonade stands, where we got to see the decorations, try soooo much lemonade, and visit with our littlest entrepreneurs raising money for good causes.
  
  
• Mini-Golf: Ward 6 residents got a sneak peek at the newly renovated mini-golf course at East Potomac Golf Links on Hains Point. They'll be opening to the public soon. Check it out here.
  
  
• Office Hours: My team and I met with dozens of residents who stopped by Good Company Doughnuts in Southwest to talk through constituent issues they encountered or help they needed.
  
  
• ARTECHOUSE: Residents got to experience this immersive digital art gallery - this season's show was the best I've seen yet.
  
  
• Tunes in the Triangle: We had a great time at this weekly live music performance hosted by the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District.
  
  
• Two Girls Trivia: A special DC- and Ward 6-themed trivia night came to Fight Club at Eastern Market. I had a lot of fun leading a Ward 6-themed round, and the onion rings were also fantastic.
  
  
• Wine, Cheese & Books: An evening office hours took us to Capitol Hill Books, and thanks to local Ward 6 business Paste and Rind, we had delicious treats to share.
  
  
• Strolling on the Streetcar: Residents joined us on H Street NE, where we rode the DC Streetcar to check out Binge Bar, Fresca Taqueria, the brand new Hakuna Matata Kitchen + Bar, and the Pug.
  
  
• And Friday, 250 Ward 6 residents joined me at Nats Park to cheer on our favorite Ward 6-adjacent baseball team!

Thanks to all who joined us - I had a blast!

My Letter to WMATA on the Better Bus Proposal

In case you missed it: after talking with a lot of Ward 6 neighbors, I sent formal comments to WMATA on its latest Better Bus proposal. It’s a massive and historic opportunity to expand bus service, but there are still some decisions I'm fighting for and against and gaps in service we need to close. Here are the CliffsNotes:

• Let’s start in Southwest: The 74 and P6 are vital links. The proposed routes dramatically alter where the 74 goes. While connecting to Union Station is a plus, where and how it gets there (especially with the looping routes) means long waits and slow headways. I’m pushing for changes.
  
  
• Next, there’s a huge hole in service around Lincoln Park: Eliminating the 96 route through Hill East is a bad idea, and I’ve told WMATA this has to change. Leaving a 10x10 block area with no bus service is a nonstarter and plainly not good transit.
  
  
• Let’s check out the crosstown D6: Last year, this was a big focus area, and I was able to get WMATA to keep our routes through the neighborhood, but the agency is still looking to split it in two. For crosstown rides, that could complicate things. And for students, they could see more crowding.
  
  
• The proposal includes no planning to cover the transit routes of the closing Circulator. There’s more work to do – now, urgently – before this is finalized and takes effect. All of this begs the need for more urgent collaboration between DDOT and WMATA. The Mayor decided to shut down the Circulator bus without coordinating with WMATA for coverage in advance, and now they’re playing catch up. But that means Better Bus didn’t anticipate the loss of that service. (More on the Circulator below.)

There are several more recommendations in my letter, which you can read in full. Thanks to everyone who contributed thoughts and ideas!

Updated Timeline for Circulator Ending

Earlier this week, DDOT announced an updated timeline for phasing out the Circulator. The Mayor had eliminated funding for the bus system in next year's budget. The Circulator offers routes not currently replicated by WMATA service, and it does so at a very affordable price point, but there was simply no available funding to restore the cuts to service. They Mayor had stated her plans were to run the Circulator through spring of next year, but they have now announced that the Circulator will now be phased out beginning Oct. 1 and ending by Dec. 31. I've been very critical that they are making this move with no coordination and transition plan with WMATA to ensure bus service and jobs would be maintained through Metro and other routes. I will continue the oversight needed on this wind down of services and keep pushing to have WMATA take over some of these critical routes. 

Starting Tuesday, Oct. 1, the following route adjustments will be implemented:

• Termination of Rosslyn-Dupont Circle
• Elimination of late-night service on Woodley Park-Adams Morgan and Georgetown- Union Station
• Remaining routes will operate on 20-minute headways, a 10-minute increase from current arrival times
• Woodley Park-Adams Morgan, Georgetown-Union Station, Congress Heights-Union Station, and Eastern Market – L'Enfant Plaza routes will end service at 9 p.m. daily, rather than midnight. The National Mall route will continue to operate until 7 p.m. daily.

Riders who need assistance navigating alternative travel options are encouraged to use WMATA's Trip Planner feature. For current routes and DC Circulator updates, visit dccirculator.com.

COG Retreat Sparks Strategic Long-Term Solutions

Earlier this month, I gathered with elected leaders from across our region to work together on shared priorities. As this year's Chair of the Council of Governments, I led sessions focused on how we work across state lines – DC, Maryland, and Virginia – to tackle some of the problems we all face. We spent time with public safety leaders to outline ways the region can better report and respond to violent crime, trends, and solutions. We also met with federal representatives to ensure the DC area is designated an economic development region and can gain access to federal funds and grant opportunities for our local businesses.

But we spent most of our time focused on working together to solve WMATA's long-term financial crisis. We know failure is not an option and that our region depends on thriving transit for everything from getting to work to getting to school, from the grocery store to the doctor's office. You'll remember earlier this year, I worked with colleagues to head off a "doomsday budget" by WMATA that would have dramatically cut service for our city. We found a short-term fix, but we need a long-term solution. I'm confident we can do it, and getting together and leading those conversations with my counterparts in Maryland and Virginia was a great start.

COG Declares Regional Drought Watch

Due to persistent dry conditions, area jurisdictions and water utilities via the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments have issued a drought watch. Residents and businesses in the region are asked to take measures to conserve water and help reduce demand on the region's water supply systems.

Here are some simple tips residents can use to limit indoor and outdoor water use:

• Monitor watering lawns, plants, and shrubs
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways (instead of using a hose)
• Avoid washing your car, or instead use a commercial car wash that recycles water
• Fix any plumbing leaks – especially toilets and faucets
• Reduce shower length to under 5 minutes
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth
• Wash full loads of dishes and clothes

DOEE Receives Funding for Affordable Housing Greening Efforts

Good news! The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) $4.6 million to establish an innovative loan fund led by the DC Green Bank to boost energy efficiency improvements in affordable housing. The loan fund will help make affordable housing greener and help the District achieve its ambitious sustainability and equity goals by providing lower-cost capital for energy-efficiency upgrades. Making our homes more energy efficient is the low-hanging fruit we can do in our urgent need to head off the climate crisis.

Be Part of Climate Ready DC 2.0

We know the climate is changing, as precipitation, flooding, and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and extreme in DC. As the District strives to reduce our contributions to global climate change by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, we must also prepare for a new climate future. DOEE and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) are revising Climate Ready DC and the Climate Action chapter of Resilient DC. When completed, these updated documents will create a roadmap for how the District government can best ensure that District residents, businesses, infrastructure, and the environment can thrive in the face of climate change.

Community feedback is an important part of hearing how these changes affect life in the District and understanding what the government can do to help the city and its residents prepare: Be part by taking the Climate Ready DC 2.0 survey. 

Best of the Best

It's no secret that DC has a fantastic food and drink scene, especially throughout Ward 6. Congratulations to all the teams recently recognized!

Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington's RAMMY Awards in Ward 6

Winners

• Favorite Gathering Place: Mi Vida
• Best Bar: Bar Chinois
• Hottest Sandwich Shop: Colada Shop
• Pastry Chef of the Year, Rochelle Cooper: The Duck & the Peach (pictured)

Finalists

• Best New Restaurant: Hiraya Cafe & Restaurant
• Best Wine Program: Irregardless

Honoree

• The Dubliner Restaurant: Recognizing 50 years as a true Irish landmark

Washington City Paper's Best of Food & Drink in Ward 6

• Best Charcuterie: Paste & Rind
• Best Charcuterie:  The Eastern (runner-up)
• Best Bagel: Call Your Mother
• Best Bagel: Bullfrog 
• Best Bar Food: Barrel (runner-up)
• Best BBQ: 2Fifty
• Best Brewery: Red Bear (runner-up)
• Best Caribbean: Cane (runner-up)
• Best Cuban: Colada Shop
• Best Dive Bar: The Pug (runner-up)
• Best Doughnut: District Doughnut (runner-up)
• Best Ethiopian: Ethiopic (runner-up)
• Best Filipino: Hiraya Cafe & Restaurant (runner-up)
• Best Ice Cream: Jeni’s
• Best Indian: Indigo (runner-up)
• Best Irish Pub: The Dubliner
• Best Laotian: Laos in Town (runner-up)
• Best Late Night: Andy’s Pizza (runner-up)
• Best LGBTQ: as you are.
• Best Mocktail: Binge Bar
• Best Mussels: Granville Moore’s
• Best Mussels: Belga (runner-up)
• Best Vietnamese: Pho Viet
• Best Pie: Pie Shop (runner-up)
• Best Pizza: Andy’s Pizza (runner-up)
• Best Place to Buy Candy: Capital Candy Jar
• Best Ramen: Toki Underground
• Best Sports Bar: Union Pub
• Best Tater Tots: Union Pub
• Best Trivia: Union Pub (runner-up)
• Best Whiskey Selection: Barrel (runner-up)
• Best Wine Selection: Eastern Wine Bar

Editors' Picks

• Best Unexpected Collabs: Hill East Burger
• Best Bar in a Venue: Pie Shop

Reminders from the Department of Public Works

• Through Sept. 6, the Department of Public Works (DPW) begins trash and recycling and food waste collections at 6 a.m. to beat the heat. On code red days, collections start at 5:30 p.m.
• Make sure to check where your car is parked for signs indicating street sweeping is coming: DPW is sweeping the streets, and vehicles must be moved at the designated times, or there’s a $45 fine and a $100 fee.

Kingsman Field and Dog Park Meeting

After working to add the needed funding to renovate the DPR spaces at Kingsman Field, I've joined our neighbors and ANC Commissioners on the designs to see an improved dog park, basketball courts, and field improvements. They're getting close to a final design, and I want to invite neighbors to join the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a virtual meeting on the future of Kingsman Field and Dog Park from 6 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Register to learn the full update.

Catch Up on All Ward 6 Parks & Recreation Construction

Want to know about all construction coming to Ward 6 parks and recreation centers, fields, and green spaces? DPR held a Ward 6 Construction Update meeting on July 29. If you missed it, you can see a recording and the PowerPoint presentation from the meeting. DPR plans to hold another capital projects update meeting next quarter.

Notice of Roadway Improvement Along 2nd Street NE

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will begin a Roadway Improvement project along 2nd Street NE, between E and F streets NE, and between Constitution/Maryland Avenue and C Street NE, on or about Monday, Aug. 5. This work will include concrete repair of curbs and gutters and resurfacing of the asphalt pavement. It is estimated to take approximately two weeks to complete, weather permitting. Curbside parking will be restricted at this location during construction, and at least one traffic lane will be maintained throughout the construction area. Please note the temporary “EMERGENCY NO PARKING” signs displaying the date and time of the construction work, and move your vehicle if necessary.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact engineer Delante Toyer at [email protected] or 202-673-6813.

DC Water Wants to Hear From You

DC Water is inviting customers to take part in the utility’s 2024 Voice of the Customer Survey by Sunday, Aug. 11. DC Water will use the feedback to identify areas to enhance its services. The 5-minute survey is an opportunity for you to express your views and suggest improvements.

Upcoming Hill Family Biking Events

Hill Family Biking is a great way to explore your neighborhood on bike, without having to worry too much about the route ahead. And don't let the name fool you: it's not just for people with kids. All are welcome!

• Saturday, Aug. 31, 10:30 a.m. to noon: Back to School Ride
• Saturday, Oct. 26: Halloween Ride

Ticket Giveaway!

Well done! You made it to the end. For that, you get neighborhood news AND the chance to see the Nats play the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Just reply to this email for a chance to score tickets.

Stay cool, and see you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen