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The crisp autumn air, front porch decorations, and clear blue skies are some of my favorite parts of this season. And on top of that, it feels like the social calendar is full of block parties and fall festivals! I hope you're enjoying it as well and getting a lot of time outdoors.

I recently had the pleasure of showcasing the fantastic Food Prints program at Watkins Elementary during the Council of Governments' annual regional FARM tour. I've worked closely with Food Prints for years, and our students shared how meaningful it is to gain hands-on experience in both the garden and kitchen (and leaders from the region and USDA got a firsthand look at how we’re incorporating urban farming and fresh food into our schools). Special thanks to COG’s FARM Committee for highlighting DC’s urban farming success. I was also glad to see my colleagues, Councilmembers Frumin and Parker (the latter helped organize the tour), and brag about how our Watkins students are leading the way. Budget watchers from this spring will also remember that my office had to step in yet again this year to save Food Prints' budget after it was cut by the Mayor, and I'll continue to champion the program – now with even more colleagues as allies! 

Now, on to the updates — including my next office hours on Friday. I hope to see you there!

Quick Links: Public Safety | Cannabis Businesses | OUC Staffing | EV Charging | Preparing for Inauguration | Office Hours | Lead Free DC | H Street Repairs | Watkins Rec Meeting | Kentucky Ave. Construction | Penn-Potomac Update | Eastern Market Metro Park | Prather's Plaza | Taft Bridge Barriers | Ensure Your Vote | Be Ready for Winter | 2024 Brickies | Free Events | St. Coletta

Public Safety Update

• 8th & H Streets: MPD’s First District has ramped up its presence on H and I Streets (700-800 blocks) to address illegal activity. A five-day Drug-Free Zone is in place until Sunday, Oct. 27. Since my last update, MPD announced they have made several additional arrests in the immediate area for drug distribution. 

• Arrests in Alleged Drug Trafficking Conspiracy: On Oct. 16, six people were arrested for their roles in a large-scale fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine distribution conspiracy centered in Southeast DC. The indictment comes from a long-term investigation by the FBI, MPD, and the Montgomery County Police Department into drug and firearms trafficking that was based out of a home in the Potomac Gardens community. This type of targeted action takes time and collaboration, and will have a positive impact to reduce deadly and dangerous drugs from a group operating across DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Read more.
  

• Deadly Gun Violence: Two communities are left reeling after acts of gun violence in the last week and a half. Last Tuesday, a homicide took place near 7th and I Streets NE, and earlier this week, a separate homicide took place on the 800 block of Kentucky Avenue SE. MPD has shared some information about these shootings, and I'm told has several leads they are working but cannot share publicly at this stage. I met this week with neighbors near I Street NE alongside MPD leaders to answer questions and outline plans of action to stop the violence in that community. I've also spoken with several neighbors along Kentucky Avenue about the homicide that took place there, and I'm working with ANC Commissioners on a larger conversation. The toll each instance of gun violence creates – lives lost, security shattered, and families left devastated – underscores how much more work remains to stay focused on improving public safety across the board. MPD has outlined plans to increase presence in each of these communities, and we need to see the same commitment from all DC agencies to bring their resources to bear.

Cracking Down on Unlicensed Cannabis Businesses

Last week, I hosted a panel discussion on cannabis enforcement in the District, where representatives from the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, MPD, the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Buildings, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, DC Health, and the US Attorney’s Office joined me to explain the relevant laws and the enforcement process and answer my and the attendees’ many questions. You can watch the full discussion in the recorded meeting.

I’m encouraged to see the enforcement legislation I passed in January leading to action, although it hasn't been fast enough. But just last week, ABCA and MPD closed the third illegal cannabis business in Ward 6: Capitol Budz (607 Pennsylvania Ave. SE) was issued a closure order and padlocked after continuing to operate in violation of a cease and desist order.

Addressing Staffing Issues at OUC

On Wednesday, I joined the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee at another oversight hearing on the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) and its ongoing challenges with our 911 call center. In September’s hearing, I shared accounts of constituents having trouble getting through to 911, including one example of constituents running to the fire station to get help for a fire because they knew that would be faster than calling 911 and sitting on hold.

This week’s hearing focused on staffing shortages. OUC currently has 68 vacancies — more than double what we saw two years ago. Despite this, the Executive recently moved $2.8 million in funding, which had been set aside for new hiring, out of the agency. This couldn’t come at a worse time, and it's extremely worrisome, indicating to me that the situation has only worsened with our staffing and recruitment efforts at the agency. Our residents deserve a reliable 911 system, and we must address staffing, recruitment, and retention to restore public confidence and reliability.

EV Charging Expansion in DC

From 2022 to 2023, electric vehicle registrations in DC jumped 37%. More residents are making the switch, but our charging infrastructure isn’t keeping pace. Without action, that progress could slow as drivers worry about finding a charging station as easily as a gas pump. But on Oct. 15, the Council passed my bill that sets ambitious requirements for public and private charging stations. This means we’ll see thousands more charging stations added across the city and in homes in the coming years, ensuring we keep up with the growing demand. There’s a lot in this bill, which is why I dove into it in a recent video. Check it out to learn more.

Preparing for the Upcoming Election and Inauguration

As DC prepares for the Nov. 5 General Election (more on that below) and the following weeks through the Jan. 20 Inauguration, the District is preparing with local, regional, and federal officials to plan security measures around the Capitol and across the city. The Mayor and Council met this week to discuss the preparations.

I've already talked with a lot of anxious neighbors. And for good reason. On Jan. 6, 2021, it wasn't just the Capitol that was attacked, but our entire community was assaulted. Hundreds, if not thousands, of neighbors that work in the Capitol and associated offices sheltered in place or fought to protect the Capitol. That experience and trauma is real, and as we approach this next election and transition of power, we have fresh memories and legitimate concerns about ensuring preparations are made. To help ensure the District is prepared for the Electoral Count Certification on Jan. 6, 2025, it has been designated a National Security Event for the first time, and that comes with more resources and impact (in other words, law enforcement and security precautions will look and feel like the Inauguration or State of the Union).

I have asked the Mayor to work with me to coordinate communications and planning around any potential impact on schools (several schools may be inside or adjacent to security perimeters), to ensure enforcement agencies, such as DPW's parking enforcement, will be coordinated and in operation in the residential areas around the Capitol, and much more. The Chief of the US Capitol Police and I have been in touch, and we will also meet soon to discuss their preparations and how we can best work together to ensure clear communications with all the nearby neighbors.

While some details of security planning cannot be shared publicly, I want to be blunt that we should see an increased federal law enforcement presence following the election, and certainly throughout January. While no announcement has been made, I think it's safe to assume we will see fencing go up around the Capitol complex prior to the Jan. 6 certification and remain until after the Jan. 20th Inauguration. And on those key dates, we will see road closures and restricted areas. 

As we get closer to these dates, my office and I will be diligent in sharing this information with you. I also encourage you to check out the DC Inauguration website for more details at inauguration.dc.gov. And if you're looking for more, sign up for AlertDC to stay up to date with real-time information.

Join Me for Office Hours Next Friday

My team and I are taking the office to Good Company Doughnuts in Southwest next Friday, Nov. 1! Join us between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at the cafe (1000 4th St. SW, Suite 125), where you can ask any questions or share thoughts or concerns. I hope to see you there! 

DC Water Lead Pipe Replacements

Drinking water with any amount of lead is harmful to everyone, particularly infants, young children, and pregnant people. This is why you’ve seen DC Water digging up streets, sidewalks, and front yards: At no cost to customers, DC Water is replacing lead service lines, the pipes from the water main in the street to the home. I recently joined a crew at a Southeast home where work was being done, and they walked me through the process of determining a lead pipe, prioritizing addresses to replace, and executing the work.

One topic we talked about was communication between DC Water and the property owner/resident. As we watched a contractor dig in the yard, I was told how the property line ends at the end of the porch, which means the four-foot hole being created was on public property and doesn’t necessarily require notice or cooperation by the resident. I made clear that while most front yards are actually public space, common sense says a front yard, which a resident could landscape and invest in, certainly feels like personal property, and that perception can make this necessary work incredibly invasive, especially without a lot of notice. DC Water committed to improving its communication efforts, but that said, if someone wearing DC Water branding knocks on your door, they may be coming to speak to you about lead pipes on your block. And, at the end of the day, these replacements are necessary for everyone’s safety.

To learn more about Lead Free DC and the lead service line replacement programs, visit dcwater.com/lead – which has an inventory map and construction dashboard – call 202-787-4044, or email [email protected].

Expect Some Repairs on H Street NE

DDOT scheduled work to begin this week on H Street NE, from 4th to 6th Street NE. The concrete work and milling and paving are expected to be completed by Wednesday, Dec. 4. Expect temporary lane closures with one travel lane remaining open. The emergency “NO PARKING” signs will provide details of the hours of construction operations, dates, duration of the work, and information on the engineer in charge.

Tuesday: Watkins Rec Improvements Meeting

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Department of General Services (DGS) will host another community meeting to discuss future renovations to the playground and park at Watkins Recreation Center. This is a project I identified funding for several years ago, and we've experienced delay after delay. I added more money to the project in this fiscal year's budget so we can get the modernization the neighborhood deserves, and I'm happy the agencies are finally moving forward.

This meeting will be an opportunity to meet the design/build team, learn about the budget and general project timeline, and share your ideas for what you'd like to see in the renovation and new playground design. The meeting will be in person at the site, 420 12th St. SE, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Learn more and RSVP.

Kentucky Ave. Construction Update

DC Water is working on Kentucky Avenue SE, around South Carolina Avenue to D Street SE. Creating an uneven surface, particularly in the middle of the road, this work is disruptive, but it’s expected to be complete and restored by mid-November. My office will continue to engage with DC Water until the project is complete. If you drive or bike on this stretch normally, it might be a good idea to seek an alternate route for now.

Getting Closer to a New Intersection in Hill East

After nearly five years since the project kicked off, the improvements the Council funded coming to the Pennsylvania and Potomac Avenues SE intersection could begin before the end of the year. DDOT has told us it's in the process of awarding the contract for the work, and it expects construction to begin in December.

The final design for the intersection, the ellipse park, was selected in 2017 following an environmental assessment and public review of several designs. The proposed project will remove conflicting pedestrian crossings and replace them with safer routes for pedestrians. This means the project aims to:

• Create direct pedestrian paths with new crosswalk locations and median areas
• Improve pedestrian connections to transit
• Implement traffic control measures to improve traffic circulation
• Improve pedestrian street features such as crosswalks, lighting, and signals

Construction is expected to last 18 months, and I'll share more updates as I receive them. I'm so excited for this transformative project to get underway!

Repairs at Eastern Market Metro Park

If you've seen some caution tape around the southwest corner of Eastern Market Metro Park, that's for the crew making some repairs over a couple of weeks. They're expanding the drainage system to address some stormwater runoff issues, improving seating areas, and doing more around the area. I'm working on getting DGS to repair the broken lights and outlets, as well. All of this is part of the $400K I secured in this fiscal year's budget to address deferred maintenance for this park, which opened just three years ago.

Additionally, I have continued to work with DPR in better managing illegal vending in the park, and I will continue to push the department to handle unlicensed/unpermitted activity in the park.

Now Open: Prather's Plaza

The newest community gathering place in Mount Vernon Triangle is now open! According to the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District, Prather's Plaza (4-1/2 & K Streets NW) will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily (inclement weather dependent) and is a space for people to sit and enjoy their lunch, wait for a rideshare, or spend some time catching up with friends or colleagues.

Suicide Prevention Barriers on Taft Bridge

I wanted to share an update on the construction of suicide prevention barriers on the Taft Bridge. The bridge itself may not be in Ward 6, but the lack of prevention barriers has directly impacted residents, families, and friends across the District, including the Ward 6 community, as recently as July. The bridge has needed these barriers for a long time, but in February 2023, frustrated with the slow pace to get this job done and following another death by suicide, I moved emergency legislation through the Council to accelerate the work.

I’ve been getting regular updates from DDOT about its efforts, and the delays now fall squarely on the lengthy federal process to review and approve the needed work. After a nearly year-long effort, the federal Commission on Fine Arts has given its approval. Next, DDOT expects to gain approval from the National Capital Planning Commission in December. Following those approvals, DDOT will finally be able to solicit construction bids, and the improvements (fully funded in the budget previously) will likely begin work in spring of 2025. The length of time it takes to make these improvements is infuriating. And as I sadly said in February when I advanced the legislation, any delay could cost our community lives.

I will continue to push these agencies to aggressively get the work done once these final federal agency approvals are complete. Several ANC Commissioners and I are also working on advocacy to these federal panels to create expedited and faster reviews. Every loss that has taken place creates a trauma that radiates to all who knew them. If this update or any loss you’ve experienced triggers any concern or crisis, please remember the 988 crisis lifeline – a free and confidential, 24/7 resource for anyone in crisis or struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

A Note About Ballots

I've heard from a few neighbors that they still haven't received their ballots from the Board of Elections by mail. One of the best ways to find your ballot is to use BallotTrax, the Board of Elections' system for tracking ballots as they move from the Board through the US Postal Service and back to the agency. BallotTrax can also send you alerts for future elections if you’d like. But if you haven’t received your ballot by mail at this point and BallotTrax still shows it as en route, it's time to make another plan to vote, as in-person early voting begins on Monday, Oct. 28.

I've also heard from a handful of residents that they haven't received an acknowledgement that their ballots have been processed by the Board after being dropped in a drop box. I looked into this, and the Board has now shared they've experienced a slight processing backlog, but they plan to catch up by end of this weekend.

If you can't or don't prefer to vote by mail or drop box, in-person Early Vote Centers will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 28, through Sunday, Nov. 3., and you can vote at any Vote Center city-wide. And of course, the last day for casting your ballot is on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5. If you’re still having trouble tracking your ballot or have any other questions, please contact the Board of Elections directly at 202-727-2525. We're also happy to help.

As a reminder, here are key dates to keep in mind:

• Friday, Oct. 11 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5: Mail ballot drop boxes are open across the city. You can drop off your ballot at any drop box in DC (including the six in Ward 6), and here's a handy map to find one near you.
  
  
• Tuesday, Oct. 15: Deadline for the Board to receive voter registration applications online or by mail. (Reading this email after that? Don’t worry! Eligible residents can still register in person at the Board's office or with proof of residency at Early Vote Centers or on Election Day.)
  
  
• Monday, Oct. 21: Deadline to request mail ballots. If for some reason you didn't get one in the mail, you can ask for another from the Board until this date. After that, go to a Vote Center during Early Voting or on Election Day.
  
  
• Monday, Oct. 28 - Sunday, Nov. 3: Early Voting! Find your nearest Early Vote Center here (and remember, you can now go to any EVC District-wide). The Ward 6 EVCs are Walker-Jones MS, King-Greenleaf Rec, and Sherwood Rec. Rosedale Rec and Arthur Capper Community Center are also nearby.
  
  
• Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election Day! The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and you can go to any Vote Center in the District, including nine in Ward 6. And put those mail ballots in drop boxes by 8 p.m.!

Fall & Winter Weather Updates

The Department of Public Works (DPW) plans to start collecting leaves next week. Keep up with its tracker, and call 202-737-4404 or 311 to report a missed collection. Remember that weather can impact pickup, too. 

Also: District residents are required to remove snow and ice from the paved sidewalks, curb ramps, and curb cuts abutting their property after a snowstorm. The Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program exempts qualified residents from enforcement by DPW and is valid for two consecutive snow seasons. Once approved, residents must apply every other year to continue to receive the exemption.  Any resident found to be ineligible for an exemption last year must re-apply by Thursday, Oct. 31 to be considered for the current exemption period. 

The Brickies are Back!

If you can believe it, it's nearly time to celebrate the best of Ward 6 at our annual "Brickie" Awards! Save the date for Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m. We’ll announce the location soon, and next week, you’ll be able to start submitting nominations for the following award categories:

• Neighbor Award
• Community Organization Award
• Business Award
• Public Service Award
• Civic Pride Award

Stay tuned to charlesallenward6.com for more details coming soon!

Upcoming Events

• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Saturday, Oct. 26 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | MPD First District Station, 101 M St. SW & Southwest Library, 900 Wesley Place SW
  This is an opportunity for the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes to prevent medication misuse and opioid use disorder.
  
  
• Hill Family Biking Halloween Ride: Saturday, Oct. 26 | 4 to 5:30 p.m. | Starting at Lincoln Park, 11th and East Capitol Streets NE
  The group is using the Spooky Hill is Home map as a guide ! The ride will end at Eastern Market Metro Plaza for some spooky fun, including live music from the Knox Engler Band and a costume contest.
  
  
• Halloween Safe Haven: Tuesday, Oct. 29, through Thursday, Oct. 31 | 5 to 9 p.m. | MPD First District Station, 101 M St. SW
  MPD is holding a series of child-safe, family-friendly events for Halloween.
  
  
• Halloween Party: Thursday, Oct. 31 | 3 to 7 p.m. | Northeast Library, 330 7th St. NE
  Calling monsters of all ages! The Northeast Library will have a spook-tacular Halloween bash full of creepy crafts, ghoulish games, and fang-tastic treats. Dress up, bring your spooky spirit, and get ready for a monstrously good time!
  
  
• Southwest Spooktacular: Thursday, Oct. 31 | 4 to 6 p.m. | Lansburgh Park, 1098 Delaware Ave. SW
  Join the Southwest Business Improvement District for a Halloween bash with food, activities, music, and more.
  
  
• Día de los Muertos: Saturday, Nov. 2 | 4 to 7 p.m. | The Wharf, 35 Sutton Square SW
  In partnership with the Mexican Cultural Institute, this family-friendly afternoon will include live music by La Unica, cultural performances, a beer garden, face painting, sugar skull decorating, a community lantern procession, and more.

St. Coletta Continues to Serve

This past week I spent an evening with students, teachers, and supporters of St. Coletta of Greater Washington. I'm grateful for the recognition and honor they provided, and I'm proud to be a strong supporter of the school's dedication to students with intellectual disabilities and the community it builds.

Our First Wizards Tickets of the Season!

You made it to the end! That means you've got a chance to score free tickets to see the Wizards play the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m.! Just reply to this email to enter into the raffle.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen