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Friend —
The weather has been about pitch-perfect this past week! I hope you've been able to get out and about to enjoy it. Earlier this week, I got to welcome Jarrod Bennett (pictured), the new executive director of the Atlas Performing Arts Center. I was glad to see so many art leaders, supporters, and community members gather to celebrate him in this new role – congratulations, Jarrod! It's also been a week where we feel pulled in different directions, and I'll use H Street NE as an example of what I mean. We got good news with "Coming Soon" signage confirming the long-rumored grocery store Aldi at 8th and H Streets NE is on its way, then, neighbors were sent reeling by horrific gun violence midday a couple of blocks away (more on that below). It's a good reminder of the urgency of our work – as we strive to build neighborhoods that people love to call home, it can all be undermined if our public safety strategy isn't able to both respond immediately when needed with neighbors at risk and robust enough to take on long-running issues that led to that violence. I'm staying in close communication with MPD on their investigations and changes to patrols to tamp down on the illegal activity. On the legislative front, there are plenty of updates to share below from this week's legislative meeting. And if you live in a large building, don't miss my bill I just introduced to ban surprise utility fees in common areas. I don't want to leave you in suspense, so let's get to it.
Public Safety Update
Want to Know What DC's Doing About Illegal Cannabis Shops in Ward 6?
Join me for a Zoom panel discussion on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. about DC's new enforcement measures against illegal cannabis shops by hearing directly from the agencies involved. The webinar will be a chance to learn about the laws applying to legal and illegal cannabis businesses, enforcement in your neighborhood, and what comes next. Register here. We get a lot of questions about that illegal pot shop on the corner near your house, and this is your opportunity to get them answered! Agencies participating include:
The Rent Is the Rent: No More Surprise Utility Fees in Large Apartment Buildings
Recently, my office started to hear from Ward 6 residents living in large apartment buildings who've been seeing a problem when they go to pay their monthly rent: common area utility fees tacked onto their rent payment, sometimes as high as $400/month! Last week, I introduced legislation to ban these common area utility fees from being added to the monthly rent of DC residents living in large apartment buildings. These fees – often with little or no transparency and without disclosure of the fees when a resident signs a lease – can drastically alter someone’s monthly payment, and they artificially game the rental market by tricking prospective tenants to get them in the door. I believe that the rent is the rent, and when you sign a lease, that should be what it costs each month. Common sense says the rent already covers the cost of maintaining a building and its shared utilities, and we’re going to make that clear in the law. The bill also fixes another constituent problem brought to us by requiring housing providers to actually notify residents of any remaining balances associated with their apartment within 45 days after moving out – instead of surprising tenants with move-out fees they send directly to collection agencies. Legislation Passes First Vote to Increase Number of EV Charging StationsIn last week’s Legislative Meeting, we passed on first vote my massive electric vehicle infrastructure bill that we've been working on for the last two years. We have to be intentional to make sure people have confidence they'll be able to find a charging station for their EVs, whether it’s at their homes or commercial properties. We worked with DDOT and the entire region to really see how we can supercharge our ability to have adequate charging infrastructure for the future. This includes residents having the "right to charge," whether it's by a house owner receiving a supplement to cover the cost of purchasing and installing an EV charging station or a renter being able to install charging ports at a residence. This bill still needs to have a final vote, and it will need to be funded. Steps to Support Laid-Off Circulator Drivers
Washington Gas Needs to Get Serious About Gas LeaksWashington Gas has been in the headlines this week, and neither story is particularly flattering. First, the Washington Informer shared the ongoing challenges between Washington Gas and the Public Service Commission (PSC), the body that regulates utilities and approves any rate hikes or major infrastructure expenses footed by ratepayers. At the center of the debate are the increasing number of leaks (think about any time you smell gas while walking around) from Washington Gas pipes and the increased risk of disaster they bring. Washington Gas tried to convince the PSC to approve a gigantic project spanning decades to dig up and replace every single Washington Gas pipe ("Project Pipes"). The PSC, with the urging of the Council and many other entities (DCist has the history documented well), rejected that plan and sent Washington Gas back to the drawing board to come up with a plan that prioritizes pipes with gas leaks and safety hazards. The story is a good read on the very real safety issues gas leaks present to DC residents and Washington Gas' foot-dragging in addressing them. Second, Washington City Paper picked up and ran with a somewhat obscure filing made by Washington Gas to the PSC requesting $2 million from the District's Sustainable Energy Trust Fund to pay for research into "renewable gas." Right off the bat, there are two big issues with this:
Washington Gas is in a tough spot. It's a for-profit utility company whose product will one day be phased out in DC as part of hitting our climate goals. This is a fact that Washington Gas and its cadre of high-powered attorneys can't deny. We're shifting to electrification for as many aspects of our daily life as we can, and then powering those with renewably sourced energy. It'll take time to scale up to meet an increased demand (since many households split their utility services between Pepco and Washington Gas); there's not a clear path for Washington Gas to remain in the mix without a dramatic change in its business model. There will be challenges to tackle during this transition, in particular, how we ensure we keep rates for both utilities stable and affordable. My goal is to see that the District balances that transition to the benefit of residents, not international mega-corporations fueling climate change and indoor air pollution. WMATA Proposes Major Shift in How Governments Fund the SystemThis week, WMATA unveiled a proposed restructuring of how the subsidies from DC, Maryland, and Virginia would be calculated. This is pretty in-the-weeds stuff, but it's also a potentially huge shift in big-picture incentives for each jurisdiction to create ways for WMATA to be successful. The proposal shifts to reward jurisdictions based on paid ridership and divides cost-sharing in ways that more accurately reflect how the system operates. WMATA's board won't vote on the proposal until November, so we have time to digest and consider the implications this has. Overall, it's a significant shift, and I think one that moves in the right direction to incentivize WMATA's success. Read the proposal here (there's a PowerPoint presentation in the appendix if you're more of a visual person). The Post broke the news of the restructuring, and other outlets followed, keying in on a WMATA board member citing that as many as 70% of the system's bus riders aren't paying. Remember that WMATA chose to go fare-free during the pandemic; and ever since, it has had a difficult time getting most riders to start paying again (although, as a bus rider myself, I often see riders waved on and told not to pay so that the bus can keep moving quickly). Getting a lot less attention is that with the new fare gates installed at every Metrorail station in the system (as the Council recommended years ago!), fare evasion on Metrorail has plummeted to just around 3%! That's a massive win, and it backs up what I argued for with the previous Metro General Manager in 2018 when they spent tens of millions of dollars to replace and keep the old fare gate design rather than create a more challenging physical barrier. As a reminder, two years ago, the District tried to pay WMATA to make the bus fare-free. We did this because it's a lot harder to enforce payment on a bus without taking drastic or expensive steps. But WMATA's board said members wouldn't sign off on the buses being fare-free only in the District, so, here we are. What's Happening with ERAP & Affordable HousingAnother major topic in last week's Legislative Meeting was immediate changes to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). We have been confronted with two problems that are quite serious. First, housing affordability remains a huge issue for many neighbors, and the ERAP program is routinely out of money. Second, affordable housing providers have been raising the alarm that non-payment of rent is reaching crisis levels, and more and more providers are considering pulling out of the market, which would mean foreclosure on their properties. In doing so, their affordable housing loses its affordability covenants, and we can't just get that back. One challenge they point to: given changes to ERAP made during the pandemic to expand its coverage, it now takes a lot longer to evict someone who doesn't pay rent, and many tenants are getting so deep into debt that there's not a scenario where ERAP funding could help them get back into good standing (we're talking tens of thousands of dollars). So, we've made some changes and reforms on an emergency basis, and there will also be a permanent bill – we’ll have a hearing on that this fall. We have to pay close attention to make sure we get this right by both protecting people on the margins who are struggling to afford DC and making sure affordable housing providers can keep their buildings. It’s a complicated issue, and there’s a lot more to come. News About Your DPR FacilitiesGarfield Park As of Monday, Oct. 7, Garfield Park's playground, tennis courts, bocce courts, and volleyball court are closed for long-waited construction as the Department of General Services moves forward with funding I identified to enhance the space. Here's what you can expect when construction is finished (planned for this winter):
Construction hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can keep up with the project here. And remember that this is oddly a totally different project than the Garfield Park Connector, which is the space under the freeway connecting the park to Whole Foods. That's also funded and is moving forward, just with DDOT and not DPR. Lincoln Park Playground My office has heard from a number of residents about the playground needing repair at Lincoln Park, and this past week, the National Park Service responded that they’re getting to work on repairing wood retaining walls and gates. They expect the north playground to be closed for repairs through November. Yes, Lincoln Park requires the National Park Service to fix the playground – it's federal land! And relatedly, we've also asked NPS to make repairs to the Marion Park playground, but no timeline yet on that. Randall Recreation Center and Pool
My office will continue to coordinate with DPR and DGS on this project, and it's expected that they will host another community meeting in the spring just about the design. Keep up with the project here, and please let me know what you think by replying to this email. I have my own thoughts about how to make sure we get the most out of this opportunity and incorporate the many ways people want to play in the space. My initial review of the preliminary design has some pieces I love and some major components I want to see modified. Fall Means Piling Leaves
The Department of Public Works begins leaf collection service on Oct. 28 this year for residents who receive DPW trash and recycling services. You can stay up to date with DPW's leaf collection information page, which should provide weekly updates on where leaves will be collected next. I share this information with my annual caveat at the behest of my Constituent Services team: Leaf collection always falls behind schedule, and we often see city blocks reported as cleaned that did not get collected on their tracker. Please reach out to my office for any help you need, and residents can also call the Leaf Line at 202-671-LEAF (5323). Friendly reminder: Gasoline-powered leaf blowers haven't been legal in the District since 2022. They're super bad for the environment and air quality! If you witness someone violating this law, you can submit a complaint form. Walking, Rolling & Riding
I’m fortunate to live close to Union Station, where I can hop on the Streetcar, Metrorail, grab a Metrobus, or snag a Capital Bikeshare bike. Which means I can frequently manage to get around without a car. But from Sept. 30 through Oct. 6, I once again participated in a Week Without Driving, which meant every trip, no matter the destination, was made by bus, Metro, CaBi (old school and e-bike), the DC Streetcar, cargo bike, the DC Circulator, or walking. I also saw plenty of our ANCs and other electeds participating this week! To cap off a Week Without Driving, I walked through Open Streets DC in Ward 6, which closed off 7th Street NW, from Rhode Island Avenue to E Street NW, to cars. The free space was then opened to everything but cars to explore. This past Wednesday, I participated in Walk & Roll to School Day with the Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization’s celebration at Lincoln Park. It was the 28th year for this national event, which brings together school officials, families, and students to celebrate the importance of safe transportation options – particularly ones that are good for the planet. It was great to see a future generation who can make informed decisions to take care of our environment as they get around their neighborhoods. I also got to say hi to two great principals (pictured): Jasmine Brann of Shirley Chisholm Elementary School and Eric Fraser of Stuart-Hobson Middle School! Plan Ahead: Metro Will Close Downtown Stations Dec. 20-30WMATA is planning to close some Downtown Metrorail stations for the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines between Friday, Dec. 20, and Monday, Dec. 30. This will allow WMATA to improve tracks and signaling and make a smoother ride for customers. Work will be completed in two phases:
During the closure, shuttle buses will replace train service at affected stations, providing customers with alternate access to stations. Shuttles will also use the existing bus lanes on H and I streets to speed travel. Stations will reopen Dec. 31. Make a Plan to Vote Right Now!
Some key dates to keep in mind:
P.S. Did you get a mail ballot at your house for a former resident? Help out the Board by writing "return to sender - wrong address" on it and putting it back in the mail. This helps keep our voter rolls nice and clean. P.P.S. Remember these two often-overlooked items on the ballot: (1) you can vote for up to two At-Large Council candidates, and (2) don't forget to turn over your ballot for a proposed initiative question on the back! (Photo by Hill Rag) City Services for Indigenous People's DayThe District Government will observe Indigenous Peoples' Day on Monday, Oct. 14. While some services will be affected, many District employees will continue serving:
Public Bathrooms Work For Everyone
Find Fall Fun w/ Free Events
Come to My Next Office Hours!
Thank you to all who joined us at the Roost on Oct. 4 for some morning office hours in Southeast! Next up, we'll take Neighborhood Office Hours to Sticky Rice (1224 H St. NE), 5 to 6:30 p.m. There's no agenda: Just come by to share your thoughts, ask questions, or simply say hi. I hope to see you there! Cheer on the SpiritCheers for making it to the end of the latest Ward 6 Update! Now, are you up for scoring some tickets? Reply to this email for a chance to see the Washington Spirit take on the Chicago Red Stars at Audi Field at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20. See you around the neighborhood,
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Councilmember Charles Allen · 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW,
Suite 110, Washington, DC 20004, United States
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Last week, the DC Council approved my
legislation ensuring DC Circulator drivers – who have lost or will
lose their jobs as the system is wound down between now and the end of
the year – 
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