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This has been a difficult week for so many, and the tragedy on the Potomac River Wednesday night is heartbreaking for us all. I know we're all holding the family and friends of the 67 lives lost in our thoughts, and looking for answers to how this happened. I'm also incredibly proud of our first responders who braved icy and dark waters in the middle of the night to search for survivors. As the hours passed, the hope for survivors dimmed, but their work on recovery continued. And while our first responders train and drill for major catastrophes, the reality of events like this take a lasting toll on the people who conduct the searches and handle the recoveries. I've spoken with public safety leaders, the Fire and EMS Chief, and the union that represents the FEMS crews about ensuring they get the support and recovery assistance they will need as well.

The investigations, coordination, and impact will continue for some time. And as Ward 6 and our waterfront are no strangers to a lot of helicopter traffic in close proximity to the airport, as I shared in interviews this week, I want to ensure that an independent and thorough investigation identifies what errors were made and reviews any changes needed for flight paths and safety coordination. In the more immediate term on Buzzard Point in Ward 6, I want to share that the area will continue to be impacted with temporary road closures for a bit longer as the MPD heliport has been converted into a temporary casualty receiving center with the Chief Medical Examiner. It's grim work and they need to have a secure perimeter. I've coordinated with neighbors and businesses in the area to ensure access as needed, and I will update as conditions change.

I know it's been a difficult and heavy week for many - not just with this horrible tragedy, but as I've talked with constituents that are concerned about their careers in federal agencies or scared for the safety for immigrant neighbors in the District, I know it weighs on the minds of many and I hope this weekend can provide some quiet and calm if you need it.

QUICK LINKS: Southeast Library | Public Safety | Performance Oversight Hearings | PoliticsHour | the New Administration | New Bills for Park & Rec | Transit Equity Day | Apply for an E-Bike Voucher | Help Shape Metro's Budget | Youth Can Apply for Summer Work | Closer to Cobb Park | What's Next for Watkins | Community Meeting in Southwest | Neighborhood Office Hours | Black History Month | Upcoming Events

Did you miss the last Ward 6 Update, with news of new legislation, snow cleanup, and honored teachers? Check it out.

An Updated Look at Southeast Library's Modernization

Friday afternoon, I joined team members from the DC Public Library and Whiting-Turner to get an up-close look at the progress of our Southeast Library. It's been a year since this community spot closed for major renovations, and the team has achieved incredible work, creating two new floors beneath the main floor (but saving the historic columns and fireplace). While the library isn't planned to reopen until well into 2026, I could see spaces begin to take shape, including an incredible children's area, a universally accessible entrance, amazing reading rooms and meeting halls, and more space for books, computers, education, and fun — all while preserving the historical elements of this 1922 Carnegie library. I plan to share more next week in a behind-the-scenes video. Be sure to keep an eye on my Instagram for that.

Public Safety Updates

At the Council, the Performance Oversight Hearings for the Metropolitan Police Department, the Office of Unified Communications, Office of the Attorney General, the Fire and Emergency Services (hearing link not yet up), and the Department of Forensic Sciences (hearing link not yet up) are where a lot of the focus is currently on how each agency is performing. These are hearings that benefit tremendously from testimony from residents who can testify in-person, remotely, or in writing — and it's a great opportunity to hear from the heads of each agency on their work. I will be focused especially on the ongoing issues with our 911 call center and the status of the Fire Department's boat, the John Glenn, which has been in dry dock for repairs since 2022.  A few other specific notes for the Ward: 

• Another Illegal Pot Shop Shut Down: The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) shut down another Ward 6 illegal pot shop, Friends Smoke Shop (1223 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). That makes 22 illegally operating businesses in DC padlocked since Council passed my enforcement law. We know DC has a legal, trusted, and tested cannabis market, while these illegal shops put residents at risk of selling an unregulated product, operating outside the law, and undermining every legal business in the regulated space.
  
  
• Arrest in Stolen Auto in Southwest: MPD First District officers made an arrest after a driver fled a traffic stop in what turned out to be a stolen auto near Nationals Park. The car fled officers but crashed later on and officers made an arrest. 
  
  
• MPD seeking assistance after carjacking in Southeast: MPD Units are investigating an armed carjacking that occurred at 11th and K Streets SE in the middle of the night on Monday, Jan. 27. MPD is seeking any video or witnesses to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information can always text MPD anonymously or otherwise by calling 202-727-9099 or texting 50411.
  
  
• Jan 24 Shooting in Southwest: On the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 24, a shooting took place on the 300 block of K Street SW. MPD is sharing clear photos of a suspect. Please share widely. Anyone with information can always text MPD anonymously or otherwise by calling 202-727-9099 or texting 50411.
  
  
• MPD Scam Alert: The Metropolitan Police Department is warning the public about ongoing phone and email scams involving individuals posing as MPD members. As a reminder, MPD will never solicit payment by phone or email. If you have been a victim of this scam in DC, contact MPD at 202-727-9099.

Improve DC Government: Testify this Month!

As referenced above, the Council's Performance Oversight Hearings have begun — and that's true for every agency and issue in the District's purview, not just public safety. As Chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, our oversight hearings begin on Wednesday. I'll be chairing those committees and attending hearings for others, as well. Curious how these work? I have a quick explainer to give you an idea of the process.

If you're ready to have your voice heard, you can send me a message about what you think of a specific DC agency's work or sign up to testify/submit written testimony for a hearing (which you can do in person or virtually so you don't have to leave work or the home).

Friday on the Politics Hour

Yesterday, I had the chance to join Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood for the weekly Politics Hour on WAMU. We discussed the immense tragedy on the Potomac River this week and reviewed the incredible response of our first responders and the local impacts of the early moves by the new federal administration. We also touched on the exciting run by the Commanders through the post-season, what the future of the RFK stadium site could hold (hint: let's think bigger and imagine how to build more housing!), and more. It was also fun to be there with my Prince George's colleague Wala Blegay. Take a listen here.

Two Weeks In: Pardoning J6ers, Freezing Federal Funding

I know it feels like it happened a year ago, but it's been just 10 days since I issued a response to the blanket pardon of those who attacked the Capitol, our officers, and our neighbors on Jan. 6, 2021, which feels deeply personal for Ward 6. It is horrible, and everyone who endured that day deserves better and deserves to know dangerous people who broke the law attacking police and trying to overthrow our government. 

Whether it’s the thousands of people who work in the Capitol, the responding officers (with more than 140 injured that day), or the families who feared for their loved ones – they all deserve better. I’m deeply disappointed this was one of the first acts of the new President, and I’ve already heard from many others who feel the same. This happened in our backyard. The rule of law should apply to everyone and the broad pardoning of everyone, including those convicted of violence against our city and officers, is wrong.

I'd also like to respond to this past week's on-again, off-again, on-again announcement that funding for many federal programs would be frozen. As of the writing of this newsletter, $2.3 billion in federal funding for transportation and environmental work is at risk, including necessities such as Metro, clean drinking water, lowering utility bills for working families, healthy air we breathe, roads, sidewalks, bridges, and more. Families were thrown into confusion about everything from health insurance to college tuition to funding for cancer research. Honestly, the impacts are too widespread to even list, and I know it has had a massive impact on many Ward 6 neighbors. I wish we had more certainty to share.

There may be what feels like countless orders, statements, and more that can cause us all to express a grand reaction. It may be a new month, but there's no doubt more to come. I hope you remember to continue to seek and facilitate physical community with your friends and neighbors. I remain committed to protecting our rights, supporting our residents, and upholding our shared values in DC.

 Bills Filed to Expand Rec Center Hours & Open More Fields to Kids' Sports Leagues

Ward 6 residents are active people — we like to run, play, and compete. I am re-introducing two bills from last Council period that will make it easier to access the District's recreation centers and playing fields. 

Why Are Our Rec Centers Closed on Sundays?

Right now, you know if you need to release from a long week with a swim, you're unable to get your laps in at Rumsey Aquatic Center on a Sunday. Kids who need a safe place to get out of the house on Sunday can't go to the rec center. Seniors who want to gather with friends have to do so outside their favorite community center. That's why my Department of Parks and Recreation Hours Expansion Amendment Act of 2025 would set minimum operating hours for its facilities on the weekend, requiring centers to be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. When I introduced this bill last Council period, DPR proactively expanded its Saturday hours, which is great! 

These proposed hours mirror standard times for our DC Public Library locations, which also serve as places where all can feel welcome. Right now, we're preventing people from being active and together in publicly funded facilities – for a city that gets celebrated for its parks, we really should be doing better with our recreation.

More Field Access for Youth Sports Leagues

Another challenge happening in DC is that it's hard for youth sports leagues to get permits for games and practices on District-owned fields. There's simply not enough field space being made available, so kids are squeezing two, three, or even four teams onto one field for practices and struggling to reschedule rainouts. In a hearing last year, we heard from Sports on the Hill that teams would be packed onto a playing space while they could see an open field empty of any play. We're limited in how many new playing fields we can add in the District — but we can do a better job making more fields available and making a judgment call that after school hours and weekends, priority should go to leagues serving all DC kids.

The Department of Parks and Recreation Field Priority Access Amendment Act of 2025 takes two approaches to increasing youth sports leagues’ access to DC-owned fields. First, it gives priority for permits to youth sports leagues serving DC kids *that do not cut kids from participating based on ability.* Second, it makes DC Public School outdoor fields more readily available. The bill includes ways to ensure DCPS fields are still first and foremost available for school athletics while making these taxpayer-funded fields more consistently available when they are otherwise sitting empty.

Transit Equity Day Is Tuesday, Feb. 4

This Tuesday, we have an important reminder that we have tremendous work to continue when it comes to providing quality transportation for all people. Feb. 4 is Transit Equity Day for no random reason: It's the birthday of Rosa Parks, who in 1955 was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a public bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her action — along with several other courageous but largely unrecognized Black women — would lead to the landmark Montgomery Bus Boycott, which underscored the need for justice and equity in public transportation systems.

As Chair of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, I want to advance the goal of a transit system that can get anyone to any point in the city at a fair price. We've got plenty of work to do, but that goal will not only deliver us a fairer system, but one that better serves all residents anyway!

Next week, I'll introduce a ceremonial resolution to formally recognize DC's commitment to equitable, accessible, and sustainable transportation. Feb. 4 and every day, we're working to get closer to making public transportation work for everyone.

Need an E-Bike? Applications for Vouchers Open Today

Last-minute reminder from my last newsletter: DDOT has reopened applications for the District E-Bike Incentive Program! Any District resident can apply for a voucher toward an e-bike plus a helmet and a bicycle lock to be redeemed at select authorized bike retailers from Feb. 1 to 21. Voucher recipients will be randomly selected once the application window closes. Not all applicants will receive a voucher, but I wish you luck in your application. Learn more and apply today.

Go Ahead, Tell Metro What You Think

Metro is gathering public comments for its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which totals $4.9 billion between capital and operating. Fares are expected to stay the same, but you can give your feedback on issues such as paying with a credit/debit card or mobile wallet, service routes for different lines, and capital investments. An easy way to share your thoughts is to fill out the survey. There will also be a hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 6 p.m. at Metro L'Enfant Plaza Headquarters, 300 7th St. SW. For more ways to participate, scroll toward the bottom of this page. Here's a quick look at what WMATA is proposing:

Applications Are Open for the Mayor Marion S. Barry, Jr. Summer Youth Employment Program

The Office of Youth Programs invites youth to apply for the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP), a summer job program where young people can land paid summer work in government or the private sector. Open to DC youth ages 14-24. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, March 6. Youth orientation begins Monday, April 14, and the program runs from Monday, June 23, through Friday, Aug. 1. Learn more and apply here.

Cobb Park to Begin Construction

Last Monday, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services held their final meeting before the construction of Cobb Park. 

Per the project team, Cobb Park is on track to begin construction in the spring, with substantial completion anticipated for early fall of this year. The final park design features a full perimeter of trees planted on four-foot “berms” intended to increase privacy and reduce sound from within the park, the Star Court Pavilion shaded seating structure, and a playground area that is nearly double the size of the original plan.

I've been working with Mt Vernon Triangle neighbors & the Community Improvement District for a long time to make this a reality, and I'm excited to see it get underway! You can stay up to date with the project here.

Watkins Meeting Shows Progress for Plans

Thursday, the community around Watkins met with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services to hear updates on the upgrades coming to Watkins Recreation Center and playground. Several months ago, I walked the site with DPR and several neighbors and playground users (the kids themselves!). We got great feedback from both parents and students that helped inform these plans, and they weren't shy to share even more feedback to try and make sure this project is a big success for what the community needs. We're getting closer to permitting with construction around the corner.

Community Conversations in Southwest

Last Monday, I joined Marjorie Lightman and ANC 6D Chairman Gottlieb Simon for a panel hosted by the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly. While we began discussing the rich history of DC statehood and what it means to celebrate 50 years of Home Rule, the questions from the audience also produced a conversation about how people can communicate and come together more, traffic safety, the STEER Act, and other issues affecting Southwest and beyond. Before we got to all of that, we had a great start with the sounds of the Richard Wright choir! Thank you for having me, SWNA.

Let's Meet at Office Hours on Friday!

We're back with our first Neighborhood Office Hours of 2025, this time in Mount Vernon Triangle. My team and I will be at A Baked Joint from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, and I hope to see you there. Bring your questions, concerns, or celebrations, or just feel free to stop by for breakfast! Please RSVP to let us know you're coming, and I'll see you there.

Honor Black History Month

While it may have felt like January was endless, we're finally to February. With that comes Black History this month, an opportunity for us to celebrate the contributions, history, and achievements of Black Americans. How will you honor the month? One great way is to explore events throughout the District — our DC Public Library system is a good place to start — and support Black-owned businesses (which is really a good mission for every month).

Upcoming Ward 6 Events

• DC Camp Fair — Saturday, Feb. 1 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Stuart-Hobson Middle School, 410 E St. NE
  The J.O. Wilson Elementary School PTA once again hosts this annual event (BUT please note that it is being held at Stuart-Hobson this year due to JO Wilson's modernization construction) that brings together camps in the DMV, ranging from traditional camps to academic, arts, music, and special interest camps. 
  
  
• Hill Family Biking Tween Ride & Ice Skate — Friday, Feb. 7 | 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Starting at Maury Elementary, 1250 Constitution Ave. NE
  Take a ride to Canal Park for free ice skating and pizza. This 4-mile ride is for adventurous t(w)eens, sixth grade and up. Lights, water bottles, and helmets are required.
  
  
• Meet the Ombudsman — Tuesday, Feb. 11 | 6 to 7:30 p.m. | Zoom
  Discover the role of the Ombudsman, the responsibilities of the Ombudsman office, and the resources it offers (including the DC Special Education Hub) to support families and communities in DC. You'll also have the chance to meet the newest Ombudsman, Ms. Kimberly R. Humphrey.
  
  
• Ward 6 DPR Construction Update — Thursday, Feb. 13 | 6:30 p.m. | Zoom
  The Department of Parks and Recreation is holding ward-by-ward virtual meetings These virtual meetings for residents to engage with the DPR and gain insight into construction projects coming to their wards.

Maybe You'll See a Win?

This week, your possible prize for reading the full Ward 6 Update is some tickets to see the Washington Wizards play the Atlanta Hawks. Now, I know what you may be thinking, but hey, two of the Wizards' six wins this season were against the Hawks!

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen