News from Muriel, 6-22-11
District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 06/22/2011 04:19 PM EDT
Letter from Muriel
Emergency Preparedness Seminar, tonight at 7pm
Bowser opens more affordable housing in Ward 4, June 29
Annual Senior Picnic, June 30
Youth Summer Kickoff Block Party, June 30
Volunteer with Metro on Advisory Committee
Grass cutting reminder
District regulations prohibit property owners (commercial and residential) to allow grass on their property to grow more than 10 inches in height. Failure to adhere to this rule could lead to fines of more than $500. Between May 1 and October 31, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) can immediately mow properties and issues fines. DCRA will hang “door knocker" reminders at properties where the grass height is getting close to the threshold to encourage voluntary compliance before the city has to intervene. Tall grass can trigger respiratory problems such as asthma and allergies. Rats and other vermin are also drawn to the over-growth.
Failure to comply with a Notice of Violation during the growing season will likely result in DCRA cleaning the property and billing the owner for cost of the cleanup. Residents should report suspected violations to DCRA at (202) 442-9557 (choose option 6). Click here: DPW Vacant Lot Complaint Contact Information for information on how to register a complaint with the Department of Public Works about an overgrown vacant lot.
Bicycle Advisory Council appointment
I am pleased to appoint Jameel Alsalam as the Ward 4 representative to the Bicycle Advisory Council (BAC). The BAC not only makes recommendations for bicycle safety and on matters pertaining to bicycling in the District, it also provides advice to the District’s Bicycle Coordinator on the budget. Mr. Alsalam has a background not only in biking for work and recreation he has started a volunteer organization to train individuals to fix their bikes and understands the need for bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists to share the road. I am pleased he has joined our Ward 4 team.
The Bicycle Advisory Council meets on the first Wednesday of odd numbered months. Meetings are held in room 1117 of One Judiciary Square (441 4th Street, NW) from 6 to 8 pm. Because of the Independence Day holiday, the July meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 13. All meetings are open to public. For more information, visit http://dcbac.blogspot.com.
Broad Branch Road update
On June 21st, the temporary bridge over Broad Branch Rd between Brandywine and Ridge road opened for traffic. This is a one lane bridge scheduled for southbound traffic only in the morning and northbound in the evening rush hours. At all other times, traffic will share the bridge. Vehicles must stop before using the bridge will alternate between south and north bound traffic. The temporary bridge will be removed in late July in order to allow construction of the permanent bridge, which should take about 30 days.
Caribbean Day Parade, Saturday 6/25, 11 am
This Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 am, join me at the Caribbean Day Parade. We will line up at 10:00 am at Georgia & Kansas Avenues NW and toss multi-colored beads to parade-goers along the route. Contact Brandon Todd on my staff at btodd@dccouncil.us or 202-724-8052 if you are able to participate.
Muriel
Emergency Preparedness seminar, tonight at 7pm
The District’s Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency is holding a series of Emergency Preparedness Seminars for District residents in every Ward. The Ward 4 Emergency Preparedness Seminar will be held this evening at 7:00 pm at the Ft. Stevens Senior Center, 1327 Van Buren Street NW. To RSVP for this event, or for more information, contact hsema.outeach@dc.gov or call 202-481-3015.
Bowser opens more affordable housing in Ward 4, June 29
On Wednesday June 29 at 10:00 am, join Councilmember Muriel Bowser, Somerset Development Company, and THC Affordable Housing to celebrate the completion and ribbon cutting of the rehabilitated, historic Fort View Apartments located at 6000 & 6030 13th Place, NW. Please RSVP to rsvp@thcdc.org by June 24.
On Thursday, June 30 from 10 am- 2 pm at Oxon Run Park (Valley Avenue and Wheeler Road S.E.), the District Department of Parks and Recreation will host their annual city-wide senior picnic. Seniors from across the District can socialize with each other while enjoying live entertainment, music, board games, health exhibits and lunch. For additional information call 202-664-7153 or e-mail at Jennifer.Hamilton@dc.gov.
Youth Summer Kickoff Block Party, June 30
Join Councilmember Muriel Bowser and Fiesta DC 2011 for the Youth Summer Kickoff Block Party on Thursday, June 30 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Come on out to the park at 14th and Quincy Streets NW and enjoy live music and performances, a moon bounce, face painting, BBQ and so much more. For additional information contact Brandon Todd at 202-724-8052 or btodd@dccouncil.us.
Volunteer with Metro on Advisory Committee
Metro is seeking senior citizen passengers or those with disabilities to fill 14 available positions on its Volunteer Accessibility Advisory Committee. Positions are available for District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, Arlington County and City of Alexandria residents. The committee’s efforts have resulted in numerous service upgrades, including gap reducers which make it easier for riders who use wheelchairs to board Metrorail trains.
Metro is looking for customers who ride Metro bus, Metrorail and Metro Access, and are not Metro employees, contractors or elected officials to fill the vacancies. All positions are unpaid. Metro’s Board of Directors will make the final selection of candidates. Applications can be found online at www.wmata.com/aac or in person at Metro Headquarters located at 600 Fifth Street, NW, and at Metro Sales Centers at Pentagon, Anacostia, and Metro Center Stations, or by calling 202-962-6060.
Muriel Bowser
Councilmember, Ward 4
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 110
Washington DC 20004
202-724-8052-voice
202-741-0908- fax
mbowser@dccouncil.us
www.murielbowser.com
Please remember to call 311 for all your city service requests such as tree trimming and bulk trash removal. Call 911 for all police, fire or ambulance requests.