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.

One idea I’ve talked about for the last several months is how we can encourage residents to have home security camera footage used to help MPD with investigations. I’ll be introducing legislation this week to create a tax credit for residents who purchase and install security cameras to help MPD in their efforts to keep neighborhoods safe. It’s just one idea of many needed, but after seeing the number of investigations that rely on home security cameras to identify suspects and aid the police, I’m convinced it’s an approach we need to explore.

Ward 6 Week!

We had a lot of fun with our first ever Ward 6 Week. It was a big success with the Nationals pulling out a win, The Beach opening early, and the Shakespeare Theatre putting on a great show. If I could have changed one thing, it would have been to be able to give away more tickets! I had over 2,500 requests for tickets and demand far outpaced supply. We’re already thinking of ways to improve next year's Ward 6 Week and add some additional events. Thank you to the Nationals, the National Building Museum, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company for providing tickets for their annual Ward nights – not just for Ward 6, but for every ward in the city.

Back to School

For most students, school has been back in session for a couple of weeks. My own daughter is getting into the swing of the school schedule. I hope everyone has settled in and is off to a great school year. As schools opened, my staff and I made visits around the Ward to check in on Opening Day and welcome students, parents, and teachers back. One special stop was joining the celebration to re-open Van Ness Elementary School in Southeast. With great leadership, an active parent group, and classrooms full of eager students, it’s just one example of what’s in store this school year. 

A few other quick items you might be interested in:

WMATA is considering several changes and reductions to about a dozen bus routes that run through Ward 6. You can have your voice heard at either a public meeting on September 17^th, or an online survey.

Ward 6 has a long tradition of excellent teachers winning Rubenstein Awards. Want to give your child's DCPS teacher, school, or leader a Standing Ovation for their outstanding work? Nominate them to receive a 2016 Rubenstein Award.

Pope Francis will be visiting DC during September 22-24. Combine that with the Nationals-O’s series and several major concerts at the Verizon Center, and we’ve got the recipe for major impact on transportation across the city. The Department of Transportation has been working to coordinate the traffic mess that is almost sure to occur. The short version: try to avoid driving downtown, plan ahead, and have a back-up plan. Here are all the details you need.

Lots of upcoming events!

Wednesday, Sept 16, 6-9pm: EventsDC Community Meeting on Future Use of RFK
Friday, Sept 18, 8-9:30am: Ward 6 Community Office Hours in Southwest
Saturday, Sept 19, 12-7pm: H Street Festival
Thursday, Sept 24, 5:30-7pm: Ward 6 Evening Office Hours at Hill Center/Bayou Bakery
Saturday, Sept 26, 11am-5pm: Barracks Row Fall Festival
Sunday, Sept 27, 2:30-4pm: Hill Center Family Fun Festival
Friday, October 2, 8-9:30am: Ward 6 Community Office Hours in Shaw
Saturday, October 17, 6:30-11pm: Capitol Hill Community Foundation's Literary Feast
Saturday, November 7, 6-10pm, Hilly Awards

Upcoming Legislative Hearings of Note

Wednesday, Sept 16, 5pm: Public Hearing on Violent Crime in the District of Columbia
Friday, Sept 18, 10am: Public Roundtable on Draft 2015 District of Columbia Wildlife Plan
Monday, Sept 28, 12pm: Public Hearing on Interagency Council on Homelessness 2015-16 Winter Plan
Wednesday, Sept 30, 10am: Public Hearing on DCPS School Food and Nutrition Services Programs
Friday, Oct 2, 2pm: Public Hearing on Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2015
Wednesday, Oct 14, 1pm: Public Hearing on Public Charter School Fiscal Transparency Amendment Act
Monday, Oct 26, 10am: Public Roundtable on Strategy for Economic Development Along the Anacostia River

As always, thank you for your support and please let me know if there’s anything I or my staff can do to help you or your neighborhood.

Charles Allen