Ward 6 Update: Tax Filing Changes, SW Farmers Market Move + New Solar Bill

Plus: Office Hours March 6

Two weeks ago, I made a trip over the border into Maryland to see firsthand the disastrous impact of millions of gallons of raw sewage being spilled into the Potomac River following the rupture of the massive Potomac Interceptor pipe that brings sewage and wastewater from Virginia and Maryland to Blue Plains for treatment. I wanted to see the repair work underway and better understand the impact on our rivers that flow downstream into the District - plus the hard work needed to repair the harm done. There's a lengthy update below so you have all the right information - especially important when there's a fair amount of misinformation or confusion about the issue.

I also want to thank the many Ward 6 neighbors for their advocacy with my team as I pushed on the city to catch up on snow removal and trash/recycling pickup. As you may know, I was right there with you, going weeks without trash collection in my alley just like so many others in Ward 6. I'm grateful for the hard work by our DPW crews who worked long shifts for weeks on end, including over weekends and holidays, to get most households caught up. My team was able to keep DPW and the administration informed about where service was falling short, thanks to your direct communication. Your trash, recycling, and food waste should be back to a regular collection schedule now. If you're still waiting, report it to 311, and let my office know.

And yes, while some forecasts for this weekend include snowflakes, we’re not expecting freezing temperatures to stick around afterward. However, if there is substantial snowfall, we can all mentally prepare for potential delays in trash collection. Hopefully, it won’t come to that – but if it does, my team and I will continue pushing for clear communication and timely service updates.

Before diving in: The words "cherry blossoms" are in this email, so don't despair – spring's around the corner! We can make it.

QUICK LINKS: Sewage Spill | Southwest Farmers Market Moves | Public Safety Update | Performance Oversight Hearings | Tax Filing Update | Hearing from Resident Leaders | Working to Lower Barriers for Solar | EV Charging Stations | Cobb Park Partially Opens | Kingsman Field & Dog Park | 8th Street Bus Priority Project | Sidewalk Palooza | Environmental Academy for Middle-Schoolers | Young Artists 🌸 | FrogWatch | Ward 6 Night at the Spy Museum | Office Hours | Events | ANC Meetings

Miss the last newsletter about the winter storm response, the Potomac River spill, and the Books from Birth anniversary? Read it here.

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Update on the Potomac River Sewer Spill + Environmental Response

On Tuesday morning, the Council received a briefing from DC Water and the Department of Energy and Environment on the sewer spill in the Potomac River. I want to walk you through what we know, what happens next, and what this means for DC residents.

First, our drinking water is unaffected and is safe. That's because the Washington Aqueduct intakes our drinking water above the spill site. 

The break occurred on what's called the Potomac Interceptor – a major wastewater pipe built in the 1960s that carries roughly 60 million gallons of sewage and wastewater each day from Maryland and Virginia to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in DC. The pipe collapse happened on Jan. 19 near Lock 10 in Maryland, but millions of gallons of raw sewage flowed into the Potomac River, creating significant environmental concerns for the entire region down river.

I’ve visited the site and seen the scale of the response underway. Crews are working to clear debris, stabilize the area, and install new pipe after the collapse caused boulders to fall into the line. Repairs are expected to take 2-4 more weeks, likely into mid-March. Because the break occurred outside the District, most repair costs are expected to be borne by Maryland and Virginia rather than DC ratepayers, with potential federal reimbursement, given that the pipe was built by federal authorities and it's located on federally controlled land.

After having been on-site and meeting with DC Water leaders, I'm convinced they're working hard and well to repair the break and pipe. But my biggest concern moving forward is the environmental and public health response. Cleanup of the river will take far longer than repairs to the pipe, and I expect remediation efforts to continue for months. Right now, raw sewage is being diverted into an open-air and dammed section of the C&O Canal, and multiple areas will require long-term cleanup planning, including the canal, the overflow site where sewage entered the river, and affected portions of the Potomac itself.

Water quality testing is ongoing, including monitoring for bacteria like E. coli. I’d like to see more frequent and expanded testing so we have a clearer picture of conditions across the river. Our Department of Energy and Environment will continue monitoring, and I’ll be pushing for transparency as results come in – early on, the communication has been poor. As of the publication of this newsletter, readings in DC are currently below unsafe thresholds. However, conditions can change, which is why caution remains important. The current guidance is to avoid contact with the Potomac River: no swimming, fishing, or touching the water for now. Your drinking water remains safe.

I'm asking DOEE and the National Park Service to put up signage sharing this guidance at popular fishing and access points within DC, as well as provide direct updates to Ward 6 neighbors in our liveaboard boat community. 

Because the Potomac runs through Maryland, DC, and Virginia, regional coordination is essential. I’ve asked the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to convene leaders from all three jurisdictions alongside DC Water to ensure clear, consistent communication and guidance for the public. We share this river, and we share responsibility for protecting it. I’ll continue pushing for strong oversight of both the repair process and the long-term environmental cleanup, and I’ll keep you updated as this work moves forward.

News coverage: The 51st | WUSA 9 | DC News Now

What About the Anacostia?

On Thursday, the Anacostia Riverkeeper shared that the Potomac Interceptor spill has not had a measurable impact on the Anacostia River. However, Feb. 18 sampling showed bacteria levels well above recreational limits, likely due to melting snow and associated stormwater runoff. The highest levels were detected at Kingman Island and Anacostia Park, both of which are receiving heavy impacts from melting snow and ice – including large snow piles melting near the RFK site. As you would after heavy rain events, please use caution while recreating on or near the river until the snowmelt has passed.

Southwest Farmers Market Finds a New Home

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, the Southwest Farmers Market has needed a new home after the property owners of the lot at 4th and M Streets SW abruptly announced they were closing the space and putting up a fence. The farmers market has become a beloved place to get fresh food and connect with neighbors over the last decade, so it's a priority for me to ensure we've got a new location before warmer weather arrives.

I helped lead a Southwest Neighborhood Assembly meeting of hundreds of neighbors to discuss a new market location last week. And I'm happy to share that since that conversation, we have a new location for the market, just a few blocks east, near 6th and M Streets SW, at M Street SW Landing at the Wharf.

I’m grateful to Diverse Markets for never wavering from its commitment to locate in Southwest, and to the leadership at The Wharf for being a willing and creative partner in quickly finding a solution in such close proximity to their historic location on M Street SW. Leaders across Southwest, especially from the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly, ANC 6D, and the SWBID, were strong advocates who demonstrated the importance of a solution to our community. I’m excited to see all our neighbors on April 4 for the first day of the new season!

Public Safety Update

As we make our way through the first two months of the year, crime has dropped steadily in almost every category reported out by MPD, continuing a multi-year trend here in the District that's very welcome, as it means lives have been saved and people feel safer moving throughout the city. That doesn't mean we take our foot off the gas. I've had several meetings with neighbors and businesses to continue to address hot spots in our neighborhoods. At ANC 6D, I was glad MPD shared they're proactively planning for warmer weather and how the city can keep young people safe.

Ward 6 Public Safety Updates

• MPD arrested two suspects in connection with a shooting that happened on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 6, near North Capitol Street and Massachusetts Avenue NE. The 15-year-old victim suffered a gunshot wound and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at an area hospital. MPD located the suspects, ages 16 and 17 years old, with the help of a K9 officer who located a firearm near the scene.
  
  
• MPD announced an arrest in a shooting in the 100 block of New York Avenue NW last March. Good work by MPD to stay on the case for nearly a year.
  
  
• This week, there was a homicide at 3rd and K St. SE – which is on the Ward 8 side of the Navy Yard neighborhood, but clearly will have traumatic impacts on Ward 6 neighbors and our community. Here's MPD's initial release on the incident.

Performance Oversight Hearings Enter the Final Stretch

We're approaching the final stretch of public hearings of agency performance oversight season at the Council, and we've had thoughtful and informative conversations throughout the process. I've both been holding hearings for the committee I chair, as well as spending time in other hearings that are critical for our Ward and city. For the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, we have the following hearings remaining:

• Thursday, Feb. 26: the Department of Energy and Environment, the DC Sustainable Energy Utility, the Green Finance Authority (DC Green Bank), and the Commission on Climate Change and Resiliency (all government witnesses)
  
  
• Friday, Feb. 27: Public Service Commission and the Office of the People's Counsel – if you're concerned about skyrocketing electric and gas bills, this is a great hearing to follow, as the Public Service Commission is the regulatory body for both Pepco and Washington Gas. This agency was added to my committee following the resignation of former Councilmember McDuffie, and I look forward to pressing them on the steps underway to lower costs for residents.
  
  
• Monday, March 2: District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) – given all of the challenges discussed above, this will be an important hearing to get updated information on all of DC Water's operations, including the Potomac Interceptor repairs and their ongoing work to replace lead pipes across the city.

Additional upcoming hearings in other committees include:

• Wednesday, Feb. 25: Metropolitan Police Department, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, and Office of Police Complaints
  
  
• Wednesday, March 4: Department of Public Works (government witnesses)
  
  
• Thursday, March 5: Department of General Services and Department of Parks and Recreation (both government witnesses)

For most hearings with public witnesses, you need to register to testify (in person or virtually) at least two days beforehand. Written testimony is typically accepted afterward for a period of time. You can always check the hearing calendar for all committees and details of individual hearings.

After performance oversight hearings conclude, we soon move to our budget process, with more hearings on all the same agencies. I'll be sure to share updates about the FY27 budget process and hearing schedule when we have them.

How Congress's Latest Interference with DC Has Upended Your Tax Filing This Year

I wrote in my last newsletter about Congress' latest foray into serving as local, unelected leaders on DC matters. As a quick recap: Last year, the Council (just like many other states around the country that reflect the full spectrum of political affiliation) took steps to decouple our local tax code from mirroring the federal tax code in the wake of the changes proposed by President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill, specifically in five categories. We did that and used the budget difference to create a Child Tax Credit and expand tax cuts for working families. Yes, that means Congress effectively took the extra step to lower taxes for large businesses and wealthy individuals while raising taxes on working families.

It was a move well within our rights to do regarding local taxes, and we're hardly the only state body to do so. However, since we aren't a full-fledged state, both the House and the Senate took steps to reverse our decoupling in the past two weeks, and the President signed legislation to do so this week. 

This has thrown a giant wrench into DC's ongoing tax filing season, because the Office of Tax and Revenue had been proceeding as if DC had decoupled from federal law, and now must instead provide updated guidance and materials. And, of course, some taxpayers have already filed! I wish I were able to write to you with more certainty about what this means for District taxpayers, but we don't have it yet - although I hope to soon. The only things we know for sure at the moment are: 

1. Your federal taxes aren't impacted at all (it is federal law after all...)
   
   
2. You can file your local taxes right now if you think you are unlikely to be affected by the change. We're awaiting guidance from the Chief Financial Officer on how this might impact local tax deadlines, as the tax code has changed mid-filing season. But if your taxes aren't impacted by the five tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill DC had decoupled from, including no tax on tips or overtime, it could be that your taxes won't be impacted either way. But I can't guarantee you won't have to amend or even refile if the situation changes.

As I shared in a video before the votes, these actions are harmful and paternalistic to DC residents and upend the District's ability to run our own government and make decisions about our own taxes based on our values and priorities.

Public Housing Leaders Share What’s Needed Right Now

I started my Thursday morning at the monthly Block-by-Block meeting – a resident-led gathering of District of Columbia Housing Authority Resident Council presidents from across DC. We talked through a range of city issues, including the upcoming budget and ongoing maintenance and construction needs across public housing communities.

I’m always grateful for the chance to hear directly from resident leaders, answer questions, and bring their priorities and concerns back to my work at the Council.

New Bill Alert: Meet the GRID Act, Aiming to Speed Up Solar Permitting (& End Crazy Fees) So You Can Lower Your Bills

On Monday, I'll formally announce legislation to overhaul Pepco's process for connecting new solar installations, including rooftop and community solar. The Guiding Renewable Interconnection and Distribution (GRID) Act will modernize and bring transparency to Pepco's process, which has grown slower, more expensive, and more unpredictable each year. Many states – including our neighbors in Maryland – are speeding up connections without the regulatory burdens or hidden costs. At a time when data centers and regional grid mismanagement have led to unacceptable spikes in electricity costs, DC residents should be able to tap into renewable energy to lower their bills. But that's not happening nearly as quickly as it should. Two points to emphasize why we need this bill: 

1. The best states are connecting new solar within 25 to 30 days from start to finish. Meanwhile, it takes Pepco, on average, 77 days to do the same work. 
   
   
2. My office has gotten many calls from Ward 6 neighbors trying to add solar to their homes, who were hit with fees as high as $100,000 by Pepco to connect, easily more than the cost of the panels and the labor! In some cases, Pepco has walked back those fees, but in other cases, it simply means the resident can't pursue solar, even though most of their neighbors might have it.

The GRID Act focuses on affordability by creating clearer, fairer cost-sharing rules (goodbye surprise fees), establishing an ombuds at the Public Service Commission to help residents navigate the interconnection process, and requiring transparent, up-to-date information on timelines and fees. And this wouldn't just benefit individual homes – community solar projects that allow many neighbors to tap into a single, larger solar project also face these same challenges and costs.

Finally, the bill would exempt small balcony solar installations from permitting requirements, opening the door for renters and condo residents to benefit from renewable energy right away. 

At a time when many households are getting hit with higher utility bills, expanding access to solar is a great way to lower costs while keeping DC on track toward our clean energy goals. I'll keep you updated on the bill's progress. 

In the meantime, if you're trying to install solar and Pepco's asking for an exorbitant fee to connect, please reach out to my office. There are real technical costs that come from adding to the grid, but Pepco has resisted and slow-walked solutions for too long. I'm happy to advocate on your behalf.

Curbside EV Charging Pilot to Roll Out Across DC

Last week, the District Department of Transportation launched its pilot for the Neighborhood Curbside Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. This brings EV charging to public spaces (RPP or two-hour parking zones), with up to four hours of charging-while-parking time to neighborhoods. The pilot began with an installation in Ward 1, with seven more planned - one in each remaining ward.

This is the result of my bill, which the Council unanimously passed back in October 2024, aimed at expanding our electric vehicle charging infrastructure and making it easier for more residents to consider switching to EVs.

During the agency's performance oversight hearing this month, DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum said the remaining pilot locations are still to be determined, but the expectation is that they will be installed within the next few months. Additionally, DDOT will have a new request for applications for EV charging on private property, thanks to the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, so please be on the lookout for that.

DC is seeing more and more drivers switch to electric cars, and moves like this make that decision even easier. I'm glad to see this pilot finally underway, but for the city to meet the need and demand from residents, it must move more quickly to build publicly available EV charging – and I'll keep working to make that happen. 

New Playground Alert! Cobb Park Open in Mount Vernon Triangle

Last week, the Mount Vernon Triangle CID and DPR partially opened the new Cobb Park at 2nd and H Streets NW! This new 1.2-acre park in Mount Vernon Triangle didn’t happen overnight: It’s the result of years of community planning, persistent organizing for more green space, and dedicated work to secure the capital funding to get it built. I was proud to support this effort and fight for funding because, as our downtown grows, we have to make sure we’re building community space, not just buildings.

The eastern half of the park is now open, which includes the fun, new playground. You should be able to enter the park during daylight through the gates along 2nd Street (there were a few hiccups with locked gates on the first few days it was open, and we're working to ensure DPR's Park Rangers have it on their daily rounds to unlock).

The west half of the park remains under construction as work continues on the Star Court Pavilion, and I'll share updates as we move toward a full opening celebration later this spring. This has been a longer, more drawn-out process than anyone would have imagined, but it's finally done, and I'm so glad there's a new park and playground to enjoy downtown.

Construction Moves Forward at Kingsman Field & Dog Park

Some permitting delays pushed back the start of construction, but as neighbors know, the long-awaited work we funded is now underway at the Kingsman Field and Dog Park on D Street NE, between 13th Street and Tennessee Avenue. Per the latest update, much of the work so far has been on the dog park, and temporary access to that space is expected in April. Construction will continue while a portion of the dog park remains open, and this upgraded space will be a welcome addition for neighbors heading into spring.

As a reminder, this project includes regrading to ensure proper drainage in both the dog park and basketball courts, new groundcover material aligned with the Department of Parks and Recreation's current standard for dog parks, new functional fencing, new grass for the field, additional lighting, and new wayfinding signage. DPR estimates the dog park and field will be substantially completed this summer.

8th Street Bus Priority Project: Near Final Public Meeting March 3

The District Department of Transportation will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, March 3, to share the latest updates and construction details for the 8th Street SE Bus Priority Project. Construction for this project, from East Capitol Street to M Street SE, is scheduled to begin in early spring. As I've written before, this is quietly one of the most important bus priority projects, as the bus lines it serves are among the most heavily used in the entire WMATA system. At the meeting, you can learn about the project's background, hear about the public feedback DDOT received, see key design features, and review the construction schedule. The meeting will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Webex.

Help Identify Sidewalk Safety Issues During Sidewalk Palooza

Sidewalk Palooza is coming in March, offering a week of neighborhood walkabouts to identify sidewalk safety and accessibility issues and submit 311 requests. The goal of the walks is to send clear, data-driven feedback to the District about pedestrian safety. This has been a priority of mine for several years, and to their credit, DDOT shared in oversight this week; they repaired or replaced more than 43 miles of sidewalks last year. Now is your chance to fix that uneven or hazardous sidewalk that's part of your daily routine. The more events that take place, the more requests are submitted. If you're interested in hosting an event from March 21-29, you can sign up. When the list of events goes live, I'll share that so you can join one, too.

Know a Middle-Schooler Who Wants to Learn Outside?

The Anacostia Watershed Society's Saturday Environmental Academy is now accepting applications for its free outdoor spring program for 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-graders. This program will run on Saturdays from March 28 through May 4 (no session on April 4), and offers students the chance to learn about their river and local environment while developing skills in team building, critical thinking, and scientific investigation. Students from Wards 5, 6, 7, and 8 are strongly encouraged to apply. You can learn more and apply here.

Young Artists Invited for Cherry Blossom Design Contest

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is inviting students in grades 5 through 8 across DC to participate in its Blossom Kicks for Kids program. Kids can create their own soccer cleat designs inspired by the beauty of our cherry blossoms and the spirit of international friendship. This year's theme is the Art of the Game. The deadline's approaching: Students can submit their designs through March 1.

It's FrogWatch Season

Yes, it’s really a thing: The Department of Energy and Environment and Living Classrooms host this annual spring and summer program where volunteers collect and submit data on calling frogs and toads during monthly field monitoring sessions on Kingman and Heritage Islands. The monthly sessions start next month, and staff will be available for part of the first session on March 19 to help new volunteers get started. Learn more.

SPY Community Night: Just for Ward 6!

The International Spy Museum is lifting its veil of secrecy exclusively for Ward 6 neighbors on Friday, March 6, from 5 to 8:30 p.m.! The museum has given our office limited, free tickets for you to explore the exhibits, meet former spies, and test your spy skills through tradecraft demonstrations. Advance registration is required, so get your tickets today.

Join Me for Office Hours in Southwest on March 6

I'm hosting my next office hours event in Southwest, this time from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe (1000 4th St. SW, Suite 125). Whether you have a question, feedback to share, or just want to stop by and chat, you're welcome to join me and my staff. If you can make it, please RSVP, and I hope to see you there.

Nearby Public Transportation

• Metrorail Stations: Waterfront (Green)
• Metrobus Routes: C55, C11, D50
• Capital Bikeshare Station: 4th & M Streets SW

Upcoming Events

• Ward 6 Middle School Principals' Panel: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., on Zoom
  The Ward 6 Public Schools Parent Organization will host their annual panel discussion with principals from Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan, Eliot-Hine Middle School, Jefferson Middle School Academy, Stuart-Hobson Middle School, and Eastern Senior High School. As families consider where to send their student for the coming school year, this is a great way to learn about your options for middle and high school right in your neighborhood. Register.
  
  
• Books from Birth's 10th Anniversary! Saturday, Feb. 28, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
  I'm so excited to celebrate 10 years of Books from Birth! My first bill when I was elected created this program – a partnership between the DC Public Library and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library that mails one free book each month to every child enrolled, from birth to age 5. Let's celebrate the more than 3.6 million books that have been sent to more than 103,000 little ones!

Upcoming ANC Meetings

• 6/8F: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 pm, hybrid
• 6E: Wednesday, Feb 25, 6:30 pm, remote
• 6B: Tuesday, March 10, 7 to 10 p.m. at 700 Pennsylvania Ave. SE and virtual

Finally, I want to take a moment to remember and note the passing of Rev. Graylan Hagler, who was Pastor Emeritus at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ in DC and a powerful advocate and regular presence testifying in hearings, speaking at rallies, leading working groups, and community meetings – all in addition to his ministry. He was always fighting for those who have been left behind and treated unfairly. His legacy is one of never being satisfied and always pushing for DC to do better for all of its residents through a wide range of efforts. He will be missed. The Washington Informer has a great obituary.

See you around the neighborhood,

Charles Allen