the 02-15-2013 Ward 5 Report

The Ward 5 Report:

Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie

February 15, 2013

Ward 5 Highlights:

Councilmember McDuffie Toured the Historic Armed Forces Retirement Home

On Monday, Councilmember McDuffie toured the historic Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) with Chief Operating Officer Steve McManus.  The two discussed future plans for the site and how they can work together to maintain and respect the site`s character.  The AFRH is a premier retirement community that sits on the western edge of Ward 5.  It was established in 1851 and once housed four U.S. Presidents, including Abraham Lincoln.

Councilmember McDuffie Joins the Board of Directors at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

       

Councilmember McDuffie was recently named to The Board of Directors at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).  The COG is an independent, nonprofit association that brings area leaders together to address major regional issues in the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia.  COG`s membership is comprised of 300 elected officials from 22 local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress.

``I am honored to be a part of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments,`` said Council McDuffie.  ``I look forward to working with each of my colleagues to develop comprehensive solutions on how we address issues facing the metropolitan area.`` 

As a member of the board, Councilmember McDuffie will join other members in governing the COG body and be responsible for its overall policies, functions, and funds.  The COG Board takes action on committee recommendations, discusses current and emerging regional problems, and receives briefings on issues facing the region.

Councilmember McDuffie Tours D.C. General Shelter for Homeless Families

Last week, Councilmember McDuffie joined advocates from the Fair Budget Coalition to tour and view conditions of the D.C. General Shelter for Homeless Families.

``Recently, there were reports of children without heat, hot water and cribs at the D.C. General Shelter,`` said Councilmember McDuffie.   ``As Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, which as oversight of the Department of General Services, and as a member of the Committee on Human Services, I take reports like these very seriously. It was important that I see the conditions first-hand in advance of the committee`s oversight hearing.``

The Committee on Human Services will hold a public oversight hearing on the Services and Facility Management of the D.C. General Shelter for Homeless Families.  The hearing will be held Thursday, February 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the Activity Room of the Main Building at D.C. General Shelter.

Legislative Updates:

Performance for the Committee on Government Operations

Next week, the Committee on Government Operations has scheduled the following annual performance hearings for the agencies under its purview:

·         Advisory Neighborhood Commissions

·         Office of the Inspector General

·         Board of Ethics and Government Accountability

·         District of Columbia Board of Elections

·         Office of Campaign Finance

The hearing will be held on Thursday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 412 of John A. Wilson Building Room.

Announcements:

DMV Opening Rhode Island Service Center

On March 19, the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) will open its Rhode Island Avenue Center in Northeast. Located in Rhode Island Row at 2350 Washington Place, NE, Suite 112N, the service center will be open for business Tuesday – Saturday from 8:15am – 4pm.

With the opening of the Rhode Island Avenue Service Center, the Temporary C Street Service Center located at 301 C Street, NW will close on Friday, March 8. Adjudication Services, which is in the same building as the Temporary C Street Service Center, will remain open.

Ward 5 Events:

Tuesday, February 19 – ANC 5E will hold its monthly meeting at The Summit, located at 116 T Street NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 20 – ANC 5C will hold its monthly meeting at the 5th District Police Station, located at 1805 Bladensburg Rd NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

                                  

Thursday, February 21 – The Fort Lincoln Civic Association will hold its Board of Directors Meeting at the Wesley House Senior Apartments, located at 3400 Joshua Barney Drive NE, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 23 – Councilmember McDuffie will join Commissioner Nolan Treadway, community stockholders, and representatives from MPD, DPR and DGS for a walkthrough on the updates for Langdon Park Recreation Center beginning at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, February 26 – Councilmember McDuffie will host his Community Engagement Office Hours from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Additional details will be provided at a later date.