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Office Hours are Back!!!
I’ll be holding Office Hours on Sunday, April 5th to talk through neighborhood priorities and hear what’s on your mind.
📅 April 5, 2026
🕒 1pm
📍 Ididos Coffee & Social - 201 Kennedy St NW
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April SMD Meeting!!!
I’ll be hosting my monthly single member district meeting on Monday, April 6th to talk through neighborhood priorities and hear what’s on your mind.
📅 April 6, 2026
🕒 7pm
📍 Virtual (scan the QR code to join)
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🌿 Join Us for the April 18th Manor Park Community Clean‑Up!
Neighbors, we’re coming together again to take care of our blocks and keep Manor Park looking its best. Join us on Saturday, April 18th for a community clean‑up focused on litter removal, alley beautification, and supporting a cleaner, safer neighborhood for everyone.
🗓️ Saturday, April 18
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Meet‑Up Location: Fort Slocum Park Pavillion
I'll provide:
• Limited supplies
• Youth service‑hour sign‑off
• Light refreshments
Whether you can join for the full two hours or just stop by to help on your block, every bit makes a difference. Let’s show what community care looks like in ANC 4B.
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Kansas Avenue Bike Lane Update
Pavement marking work is currently underway and will be the final step for the segments adjacent to homes in the 5600 and 5700 blocks (between Nicholson and Longfellow Streets). In the remaining sections, the pavement markings will be followed by installation of flex posts and concrete barriers. Weather permitting, we expect all work to be completed by the end of the month.
We are also working to schedule a meeting with the National Park Service to discuss the potential for a shared‑use path on the west side of Kansas Avenue, between Madison Street and Blair Road. Because the existing sidewalk already reaches the boundary of DDOT’s public right‑of‑way, any widening of the sidewalk into Fort Slocum Park would be on National Park Service property and would require National Park Service coordination, approvals, environmental review, and permitting. We will provide an update after that meeting.
Request for Traffic Calming Assessment on Peabody Street NW
The TSI team has completed their evaluation, and below is a summary of the findings and recommendations:
- DDOT confirmed that 100-300 blocks of Peabody Street NW already have properly installed traffic calming measures, including speed humps, speed tables and a raised crosswalk.
- No additional traffic calming measures are recommended at this time.
- DDOT noticed that two intersections—2nd/Peabody and Peabody/N. Dakota—have incorrect parking restriction signs, which currently allow vehicles to park too close to the intersections.
- DDOT recommends relocating the parking signs to meet required clearances: 40 ft from a signalized intersection and 25 ft from a stop-controlled intersection.
- In addition, DDOT will daylight both intersections using pavement markings and flexpost. An example photo is attached.
- The improvements are expected to address many of the pedestrian safety concerns caused by vehicles parking or stopping illegally near or within crosswalks.
Regarding the potential one-way conversion on the 100 block of Peabody Street NW: based on our preliminary evaluation, DDOT does not recommend moving forward with this change. A one-way configuration would likely divert additional traffic onto 2nd St and increase alley cut-through behavior during school pickup and drop-off. It would also create a wider travel lane, which can lead to higher vehicle speeds.
Based on these findings, DDOT does not believe a Notice of Intent (NOI) is required. However, we are happy to work with the community to finalize the recommended improvements prior to installation.
I have reached out to DDOT on a proposed timeline for the relocation of the signage and placement of the flexposts.
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Proposed BZA Order for 11 Nicholson Street NW (BZA Case 20390)
The DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) has issued a Proposed Order regarding an application from Potomac Venture Group, LLC, which sought permission to convert an existing cellar space into an additional dwelling unit at 11 Nicholson Street NW—a 19‑unit, nonconforming apartment building located in the R‑1‑B residential zone.
What the Applicant Requested:
The property owner applied for a use variance to legalize a 20th unit within the building’s cellar. This space has historically been used intermittently by maintenance staff but has never been legally recognized as a dwelling unit.
Key Findings in the Proposed Order:
• The BZA determined that the applicant did not demonstrate the “exceptional condition” or “undue hardship” required for a use variance.
• The Board emphasized that nonconforming apartment buildings in R‑1‑B zones may continue to operate but cannot expand in use or intensity, including by adding units to spaces not previously authorized.
• The Board also concluded that approving a new dwelling unit would conflict with the purpose of the R‑1‑B zone, which is intended for low‑density, detached‑house neighborhoods.
• While the Office of Planning and ANC 4B supported the application, the Board ultimately disagreed that the evidence met legal standards for granting a variance.
Outcome:
The BZA voted 3–2 to deny the request. A Proposed Order documenting this decision has been issued, and affected parties now have an opportunity to submit written exceptions.
Next Steps for the Community:
Written exceptions must be submitted by April 10, 2026, to the Office of Zoning. The community may submit comments to bzasubmissions@dc.gov.
More information about the application can be found on the BZA website.
I will continue monitoring this case and keep ANC 4B06 residents updated on any further developments.
Ward 4 Dispatch
Takoma Locker Room Renovations Complete!
The Takoma Aquatic Center locker room renovations are finally complete! This project has been long in the works, and I'm grateful neighbors will finally be able to take advantage of this new space. I was proud to secure $482,000 in the DC budget for this project, and am glad to see the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of General Services bring it across the finish line. Here's some of what the new locker room includes:
- New stainless steel lockers with electronic locking systems
- Plumbing system upgrades and ADA improvements
- Electrical system improvements including LED lighting
- New ceramic tile with waterproofing and finish work
Spring Cleanups and Easter Events in the Community
Spring is here, and that means Ward 4 is buzzing with plenty of neighborhood events! Here are a few of the upcoming Easter weekend events and spring cleanups happening over the next few weeks:
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Neighborhood Easter Party at Petworth Playground: On Saturday, April 4th from 11am to 1pm, Grace Meridian Hill is hosting their annual Easter Party at Petworth Playground (801 Taylor St, NW)! Join for community togetherness, to meet neighbors and have enjoy fellowship together. Sign up to volunteer here!
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Extreme Cleanup at Broad Branch: On Saturday, April 4th, join Rock Creek Conservancy and the National Park Service for a litter removal restoration event in Rock Creek Park. This event is part of the Annual Rock Creek Extreme Cleanup, a month-long push to remove litter throughout the Rock Creek watershed! RSVP and find more info here.
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Brunch with the Bunny at Zion Family Life Center: On Saturday, April 4th from 11am to 3pm, join Zion Family Life Center (4817 Blagden Ave NW) for their "Brunch with the Bunny" event. This is a great opportunity to come together and share in the festivities.
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Spring Cleanup Week: 2026 Spring Cleanup Week is here! From April 12th until April 19th, neighbors, students, and local businesses are coming together to host a week of community cleanups from Takoma to Manor Park, to Brightwood, and many more locations. Here are the details on just a few of the cleanups happening around Ward 4:
- On Saturday, April 11th at 4pm, join the Ida B. Wells and Whittier PTOs, along with The Parks Main Street at 405 Sheridan St NW to clean the neighborhood, followed by food and drinks at Peaches Kitchen.
- On Monday, April 13th at 10am, join the Spring Cleanup Week Team and neighbors for a spring cleanup at Emery Heights Recreation Center, followed by drinks at Three Whistles.
- On Sunday, April 19th at 3pm, join the South Manor Neighborhood Association and UDC's National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association Chapter for a cleanup at 1st St and Riggs Rd, NE, followed by a social at La Mia Italia.
- On Saturday, April 18th from 9 to 11am, the Lamond Community Action Group is organizing an Earth Day cleanup at Milligan's Point (Rittenhouse St NE and Sligo Mill Rd). Bring your gardening tools and help spruce up the neighborhood for spring!
- On Saturday, April 25th at 10am, the Mayor's office is organizing community cleanups across the District, including a Ward 4 cleanup at Emery Heights Recreation Center (5701 Georgia Ave, NW). Roll-off containers will also be available to help residents dispose of bulk waste.
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DPW Service Level Updates
Spring Services
Spring is almost upon Us, and our full complement of spring services will begin the first Monday in April. These services include Street and Alley Cleaning, Grass Cutting & Mowing, and Graffiti Removal. For additional information regarding our Spring Operations, please visit our website https://dpw.dc.gov/spring
Street & Alley Collection Division teams will complete any remaining leaf collections during the transition to Spring Services. Residents are encouraged to rake leaves into the tree box area or place them in paper bags and set them out in front of their residence, then submit a Yard Waste Collection 311 service request for pickup.
Mechanical Street Sweeping
Mechanical Street Sweeping has resumed. Vehicles parked during posted Street Sweeping hours will be subject to ticketing and relocation.
Helping Hand Program
DPW offers assistance to community groups that organize Saturday neighborhood clean-up projects through the Helping Hand Program. The program runs seasonally from March 1st to October 1st. Applications must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event. For more information visit: https://dpw.dc.gov/page/Helping%20Hand%20Neighborhood%20Cleanup
DC’s Annual Truck Touch Returns! Mark your calendars — Truck Touch 2026 is rolling in!
On Saturday, May 2, 2026, RFK Stadium’s Lot 8 will rev up with excitement from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the District of Columbia’s annual "Truck Touch" celebration — a high-energy, hands-on experience for all ages.
Hop in a dump truck, cheer on student EV racers, enjoy games & free lunch for kids!
Reserve your spot: DC’s Annual Truck Touch Tickets, Saturday, May 2 from 8 am to 2 pm | Eventbrite
Food Waste Collection Program & Food Waste Drop-Off Sites:
UPDATE for DC Composters that attend Weekend Food Waste Drop-off Events:
All of DC DPW's Weekend Food Waste Drop-offs citywide will operate as normal this weekend, March 21 – March 22, 2026, with a slight location change in SW DC to the Southwest Duck Pond.
Southwest Duck Pond: The SW DC Food Waste Drop-off Event will occur this weekend and next weekend at the Southwest Duck Pond, but will move to the Wharf DC on Saturday, April 4th.
Why the move? The Farmers Market SW has announced its new home for this year at the M Street Landing of The Wharf DC, and the food waste drop-off event will follow the market.
The SW DC food waste drop-off will continue to offer its normal hours of operation, on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm at the new location.
For the latest information about DC DPW’s food waste drop-offs citywide, visit zerowaste.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff.
Notices to DC DPW’s Food Waste Smart Bin Users-
- All food waste smart bins are operating as normal
- Before you leave home with your food waste towards a smart bin, please check its fullness level on the MetroKEY app before leaving home to ensure there is capacity in the bin.
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If you arrive at a DPW food waste smart bin and find it is too full, please do not drop off materials at a full bin; instead, please find the next closest food waste drop-off bin or store them in your fridge or freezer until the smart bin is serviced, which you can observe on the MetroKEY app (the fullness level (%) will drop). Collection crews service the smart bins daily.
DC DPW’s Special Waste Collection Events:
DPW Special Waste Collection Events for safe disposal of household hazardous waste, recycling of electronics, and secure document shredding will be conducted twice quarterly. Register for them at tinyurl.com/hhw-register.
For more information on residential special waste, visit the District's Zero Waste
DC DPW’s Special Waste Collection Event has been moved slightly to RFK Stadium’s Lot 8, the entrance is off of Independence Ave SE, through September 2026. Registrations as well as proof of DC residency will be required to enter the event.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO PARTICIPATE:
Eventbrite registration is now open for:
- Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10 AM - 2 PM, at RFK Parking Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE)
- Saturday, May 9, 2026, 8 AM - 2 PM, at RFK Parking Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE)
Eventbrite registration will open soon for the following events:
- Saturday, Sep 12, 2026, 8 AM - 2 PM, at RFK Parking Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE)
- Thursday, Sep 24, 2026, 10 AM - 2 PM, at RFK Parking Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE)
To accommodate everyone in a safe and timely manner, DPW is now requiring registration to participate in the Special Waste Collection Events District residents can sign up for a 30-minute arrival period, arrive anytime during the period, and a DPW staff member will be there is assist you. There are also walk-up and bike-up tickets available for attendees without vehicles. The nearest metro station is the Stadium-Armory Metro Station.
Please note that the time selected is the arrival window, not necessarily the time of service. Open to DC residents only. Only one ticket is required per vehicle. No entry will be allowed after 2:00 pm. Please bring proof of residency (e.g., driver's license, utility bill, lease agreement) and Eventbrite registration. No bulk trash, construction & demolition waste, or commercial waste will be allowed.
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