Ward 5 Report (dated 01-11-2018): Rebuilding a Park, Upcoming Council Hearings, & Catch The DMPED Economic Development Cluster Open House This Afternoon

From: Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie [mailto:kmcduffie=dccouncil.us@mail37.atl111.rsgsv.net] On Behalf Of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie

Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2018 11:04 AM
Subject: Ward 5 Report: Rebuilding a Park, Upcoming Council Hearings, & Catch The DMPED Economic Development Cluster Open House This Afternoon

View this email in your browser Neighbors, When tackling an issue as far-reaching and critically important as public safety, true progress can only be achieved when we bring together residents, government agencies, the private sector, and community organizations alike.   Last summer, a young man with a promising future, Zaire Kelley, was senselessly murdered while walking home from a College Bound program.   In response, I convened a Peace Walk and Sleep Out to engage community members on the solutions they wanted to see and to demonstrate solidarity in standing against violence. During that time, we learned that the grassy area where Zaire died was a forgotten piece of property that has become a breeding ground for crime.     We immediately went to work.  My staff and I worked with community leaders and residents to compile a punch list of issues that needed to be resolved, including lighting, broken sidewalks, overgrowth of bushes, damaged chain links, and infrequent trash pickup.  We called on District agencies to remedy these seemingly minor issues that were causing a major, negative impact on the community. While working with the agencies, we were approached by a Ward 5 business looking for an opportunity to give back to the Ward 5 community. My staff gave them an extensive list and they were immediately drawn to helping improve this park.  They gave an immediate assessment of the lighting issue and even offered to cover the cost of installation.  This ultimately proved unnecessary as D.C.'s Department of Transportation had agreed to have the lights installed in the park.  We convened a final meeting just yesterday and I am proud that the installation is beginning today.   This lighting is step one in a true partnership. The Ward 5 MOCRS will be leading the short term beautification effort for the park and my office will be taking the lead to work with the community to come up with a long-term concept for this green space that will make this a place befitting of the great neighbors that surround it.  Several Ward 5 businesses have already offered to commit time and resources to make this happen and, at the suggestion of a community leader, we are engaging the universities located in Ward 5 with the hopes of holding a design competition for the space.   My staff and I look forward to continuing to work with the Brentwood community and advocating on behalf of the residents to have the vibrant and safe community they deserve.  But most importantly, continuing to work with the residents, businesses, and community leaders to create a better Ward 5. In Service, Kenyan In this issue of the Ward 5 Report: Legislative Update Drug-Related Nuisance Abatement Act Hearing Council Roundtable on Leaf Collection D.C. Government Econoimc Development Cluster Open House - Today, January 11 Christmas Tree Pickup Begins January 13 Legislative Update Drug-Related Nuisance Abatement Act Hearing   On Thursday, January 25, at 9:30 AM the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety will hold a hearing on Councilmember McDuffie's Drug-Related Nuisance Abatement Act of 2017 [B22-0189]. This legislation is the direct result of a suggestion made by Ward 5 resident Verna Clayborne at the Ward 5 Emergency Public Safety meeting hosted by Councilmember McDuffie on March 7, 2017. Ms. Clayborne and the Franklin Street Area Neighborhood Association residents live in the Brookland neighborhood, behind a small retail shopping center at Rhode Island Avenue NE, 13th Street NE, and Brentwood Road NE that has been a concern in the community for years. Councilmember McDuffie introduced the legislation on March 21, 2017. Council Roundtable on Leaf Collection Residents have raised concerns about the annual leaf collection by the D.C. Department of Public Works. The Council Committee on Transportation & the Environment will hold a Public Oversight Roundtable on Monday, January 22, 2018, at 11:00 AM on the topic of leaf vollection. This is an opportunity to put your concerns on the record and hear directly from the agency's leadership. Details and instructions to testify or submit testimony can be found on the Council website. D.C. Government Econoimc Development Cluster Open House - Today, January 11 This afternoon, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development will host its second annual Economic Development Cluster Open House featuring dozens of agencies in the Economic Development Cluster of the Government of the District of Columbia.   At the event, you can learn about our programs for residents, engage with senior leadership and staff, and engage with dozens of agencies all in one place. The event takes place from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m at the Convention Center, Room 146 B/C. DATE: Thursday, January 11 TIME: 4:00 - 7:00 PM LOCATION: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 146B/C 801 Mount Vernon Place NW Christmas Tree Pickup Begins January 13 The D.C. Department of Public Works (DPW) asks residents to put their trees and greenery out where their trash and recycling is collected between January 13 and February 2. These items will be collected on residents’ regularly scheduled recycling days during this period. This collection service is only available to residents who are serviced by DPW. DPW collects trash and recyclables from single-family homes and apartment/condo buildings with three or fewer living units. You may also bring you trees and greenery to either of the District's transfer stations.