The Ward 5 Report: Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
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The Ward 5 Report:
Office of Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie
May 17, 2013
Councilmember McDuffie with his wife Princess and their two daughters at the Metropolitan Branch Trail 5K.
Councilmember McDuffie stops by Kool Smiles in Hechinger Mall to tour the campus and greet the staff.
Ward 5 Highlights:
Councilmember McDuffie Engages Ward 5’s ANC Commissioners
This week, Councilmember McDuffie held his quarterly meeting with Ward 5’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC). During the meeting, Councilmember McDuffie outlined his agenda and heard input from Commissioners on how his office could better serve their constituents. Additionally, Executive Director Gottlieb Simon from the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and Director Darrin Sobin from the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability were on hand to provide the Commissioners with updates from their agencies. Councilmember McDuffie would like to thank all the ANCs for their dedicated service and vigorous hard work.
Promoting Broadband Access for Our Students
Comcast and DC-CAP joined together to promote the importance of broadband adoption in our community. Earlier this year, they launched an essay contest for high school and college-bound students on “Why is the Internet Important in the 21st Century Home.” Students from each ward wrote essays detailing the importance of digital access and literacy in their lives.
This week, Councilmember McDuffie honored and recognized the Ward 5 winners and their achievements during a ceremony held at the John A. Wilson Building. The Ward 5 winners include: Symia McQueen of Perry Street; Rolanda Johnson of Phelps Architecture, Construction, and Engineering High School; Jerema Lovell of Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School; Rebekah Bibb of McKinley Technology High School; and Christian Carter of Dunbar Senior High School.
Celebrating Brand New Dahlgreen Courts
This week, Councilmember McDuffie joined the Dahlgreen Courts Tenants Association for a ribbon cutting for the recently renovated Dahlgreen Courts apartment complex in Brookland. The historic buildings were preserved as affordable rental housing through a partnership between the Dahlgreen Courts Tenants Association and Mission First Housing Development Corporation. Now, 96 units are fully renovated and the property is 90 percent occupied.
“It is important that as a city we provide quality affordable homes for current and future residents,” said Councilmember McDuffie. “Likewise, it is vital that we continue to see new development in affordable housing, like the Dahlgreen Courts projects – especially in Ward 5.”
Legislative Updates:
McDuffie Introduces Bill Allowing Electric Utility Customers to Opt Out of the Smart Meter Program
Councilmember McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, along with Councilmember Yvette Alexander, introduced legislation this week to provide electric utility customers with an opportunity to opt out of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Program – also known as “smart meters.” To read more about the “Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation and Cost Recovery Authorization Amendment Act of 2013”, click here.
Announcements:
2013 Housing Expo
The D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), in partnership with the Greater Washington Urban League, will celebrate National Homeownership Month by hosting the 5th Annual D.C. Housing Expo “Welcome Home.”
The expo will be held on Saturday, June 1st at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Expo will provide resources for all residents of the District, including information for renters, homeowners, potential homeowners, landlords and residents facing foreclosure. There will be special panel discussions starting at 10:30 a.m. that will help participants explore housing options as well as pragmatic solutions to address specific housing issues as seniors age at home in the community.
For more information, call (202) 442‐7200 or visit www.dhcd.dc.gov.
DCRA Building Safety Month Event
The District Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and Home Depot invite residents to a fun-filled day while learning about building permits this Saturday, May 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Home Depot located at 901 Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The event will include clinics offering practical tips and demonstrations to homeowners and how to complete projects without having to call a professional. DCRA and other District agency staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide one-on-one guidance on the permitting process.
For more information, please contact DCRA at 202-442-4400.
Reminder: Langdon Park Tree Care Event
Casey Trees will be holding a tree care event on Thursday, May 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ward 5 September 11 Memorial Grove located at Langdon Park. This is a volunteer event and all participants must register at http://caseytrees.org/event/thirsty-thursday-langdon-park/.
**Ward 5 Events:
Councilmember McDuffie, or a member of his staff, will attend the following events:
Monday, May 20th – The Bloomingdale Civic Association meeting will take place at the St. George’s Episcopal Church, located at 160 U Street, NW, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, May 20th – The Gateway Civic Association meeting will take place at the Victory Christian Church, located at 3100 Adams Street, NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21st – The Ward 5 Council on Education will hold its monthly meeting at the Lamond-Riggs Library, located at 5401 South Dakota Ave, NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21st – Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5E will hold its monthly meeting at the Summit, located at 116 T Street, NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 21st – Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5B will hold its monthly meeting at the ANC 5B Office, located at 1322 Irving Street, NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22nd – Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A will hold its monthly meeting at the Potomac Lighthouse PCS, located at 4401 8th Street, NE, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 28th – The Trinidad Neighborhood Association meeting will take place at the Joe Cole Recreation Center, located at 1299 Neal Street, NE, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
** Councilmember McDuffie’s public schedule is subject to change.