Newsroom

I've talked with neighbors almost non-stop for the last several weeks about the uptick in crime that has hit the 1st District. Like you, I'm frustrated with what I've seen and these crimes are unacceptable. I appreciate everyone who has reached out and is working toward solutions. I wanted to share a quick update on recent news and actions, and invite everyone to a community public safety meeting on Tuesday evening, 7pm, at Friendship Public Charter School - Chamberlain Campus (1345 Potomac Ave SE).

Today I introduced a Sense of the Council Resolution supporting a “Build First” model for reinvestment in Greenleaf Public Housing. Greenleaf is located in Southwest DC and makes up 455 essential units of public housing, much of which is dedicated to senior and disabled residents, as well as ever diminishing multiple bedroom family housing. Greenleaf Public Housing includes Greenleaf Gardens, Greenleaf Senior, Greenleaf Extension, and Greenleaf Addition, all in Ward 6.

We've discussed public safety and crime issues in Hill East in the past, and given the recent crimes in the neighborhood, I wanted to share an update with you. I’ve also heard from several neighbors directly over the last few days and I know it's a topic of conversation throughout the community.

At today’s DC Council legislative meeting, Councilmember Charles Allen introduced the Health Insurance Coverage for Autism and Other Special Needs Amendment Act of 2015 to increase mandatory coverage of medically necessary autism treatments.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the H Street Festival, Barracks Row Festival, or our Evening Office Hours over the last week or so! It's always a lot of fun to be able to talk with neighbors this way! As we head into the weekend, please stay tuned to weather updates and the latest information for the possible impact of Hurricane Joaquin. Here are several safety tips.

Councilmember Charles Allen offered his congratulations to Kalani Takamura, a 13-year old Ward 6 resident who has been selected to train with the US Soccer Boys National Team. Takamura is one of forty-eight players from across the country who received an invitation to train with the Under 15 Boys’ National Team in Carson, California. 

Dear Mr. Requa,

We write to share our concern and frustration with the deep and significant service cuts to the Stadium-Armory Metro station.

Following the recent transformer fire reducing available power for trains at the Stadium-Armory, we understand that WMATA is planning to make several service reductions. These cuts will have significant negative results for residents of Hill East, Rosedale, Kingman Park, and others that depend on this station. Further, this station is a lynchpin of transit for students traveling to Eastern High School, employees working at nearby facilities such as St. Coletta of Greater Washington, a school for persons with intellectual disabilities, and fans traveling to RFK Stadium and the DC Armory for special events.

Is summer officially over? Maybe so. But either way, the Council comes back into session this week. I’ve talked with many of you over the summer months about public safety and the response to the spikes in crime we’ve seen in several neighborhoods across Ward 6 and the city. One of the first things the Council will do is hold a hearing on public safety this Wednesday evening beginning at 5:00 pm. We’ll hear from dozens of residents about solutions and strategies to curb the violence. We’ll also hear from the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and others from the Mayor’s administration who will outline her plans to make improving public safety a top priority. You can watch live on Channel 13 or online.

We had a lot of fun with our first ever Ward 6 Week!