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July Community News: Sewer Lining, Civic Core, Dine All Night & More

Hi Neighbors,

Summer’s heating up, and I hope you all are staying cool! With the ANC taking a break next month, I’m looking forward to a little downtime to recharge before the back-to-school season kicks in. I’ve purchased school supplies, and I just need some fall weather now! 😊

DC Sewer Lining Project Meeting

If you missed the DC sewer lining meeting, you can watch the recording here: Sewer Lining Project Discussion with DC Water & ANC 3/4G SMD 05, July 2, 2025
Key takeaways:

ANC Updates

The ANC held a special meeting on July 7 to discuss the community survey on the Chevy Chase Civic Core site. You can watch the meeting here: ANC 3/4G Special Meeting on the Chevy Chase Civic Core, July 7, 2025

The ANC voted 4-2-1 to request for housing be removed from the Civic Core site. You can read the resolution here: ANC_34G_Civic_Core_Resolution_Final_3_signed.pdf
I voted against the resolution because it asks the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development to eliminate housing from the plan. I did not agree with this position and I shared my view in a minority opinion, which you can read here  or starting on page 14 of the resolution document referenced above. My colleagues Commissioner Gosselin and Gore also submitted minority opinions that's included in the resolution.

The next ANC meeting is tomorrow, Monday, July 14 at 6:30 PM. You can register and view the agenda here: July 14, 2025 Regular Public Meeting: Virtual-only | Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G. I likely won’t send another newsletter before the July 28th meeting, but you can visit the ANC website for updates and meeting details: Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G

2025 Dine All Night

Applications are now open for the 2025 Dine All Night event, a weeklong celebration of DC’s culinary scene happening September 6–13. Restaurants, bars, food trucks, and more can apply by August 8, 2025 — spots are limited! You can learn more and register here: DINE ALL NIGHT 2025 REGISTRATION FORM

Department of Public Works (DPW)

Trash, Recycling, and Food Waste Collections: Due to sustained high temperatures during the summer months, pleas be prepared for early trash, recycling, and food waste collection starting at 5:30 am through September 5th, 2025. Residents are advised to place all waste materials at their point of collection the night before their scheduled collection day to ensure pickup.

DPW full complement of spring/summer services are in full swing. These services include Street and Alley Cleaning, Grass Cutting & Mowing, and Graffiti Removal. Service request submissions are now available via 311 for Street Cleaning, Alley Cleaning, Grass Cutting & Mowing services.

Container Delivery and Repair Update: All container service requests for repairs, removals, and deliveries will continue to be addressed on residents’ trash and recycling collection days across all wards. Please place containers at your collection point. For removals, turn containers upside down.

Exploring What’s Next: Opportunities Beyond Federal Service

The Partnership for Public Service is hosting a free, virtual career expo on July 24, 2025, designed for current and former federal employees exploring state and local government roles. The all-day event on the Radancy platform lets you meet agency representatives via booths or webinars, share your resume, browse openings, and connect directly with hiring teams. See this link for more information Career Expo for Current and Former Feds  • Partnership for Public Service

Lafayette Elementary School Summer Campus Improvements – 2025

DC Public Schools (DCPS), in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS), started campus improvement projects at Lafayette Elementary on June 23, 2025. These upgrades aim to enhance outdoor spaces and improve accessibility.

Planned Projects:

  • Playground surface recoating and painting (June 23 – August 1)

  • Stormwater management and track resurfacing (June 23 – November 1)

  • Construction of an ADA-accessible ramp to the field (Summer start, pending permit – December 30)

Some outdoor areas will be temporarily inaccessible, but efforts will be made to maintain partial access and ensure safety. Please keep yourself and especially children safe during these improvements.

Regards,

Karrenthya Simmons   

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD 05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com

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Commissioner Simmons’ Minority Opinion

Minority Opinion of Karrenthya Simmons

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, ANC 3/4G-05

Re: ANC 3/4G Resolution Opposing Development of Housing at the Civic Core Site

 Dear Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED),

 I am the Commissioner for ANC 3/4G-05, which includes the Civic Core site. I submit this minority opinion in support of redeveloping the site to include a new library, community center, green space, and housing.

 On July 7, 2025, by vote of 4-2-1, four Commissioners succeeded in passing a resolution requesting DMPED to exclude housing from the Civic Core site. Notably, these four Commissioners who supported that resolution do not represent areas adjacent to the site. In contrast, the two Commissioners representing 1) the Civic Core site itself (SMD05) and 2) the residents who live closest to it did not support that resolution (SMD06). SMD 05 and 06 also include local businesses that would benefit significantly from the addition of new residents, as well as increased foot traffic from people visiting a modernized library and community center.

 Excluding housing from the Civic Core site would be a missed opportunity for the District to address our city’s affordable housing crisis. Affordable housing should not be concentrated in just one area or ward, but it must be integrated throughout all neighborhoods of Washington, DC, including our community here in Chevy Chase. As stewards of public land, the District has both a duty and a rare opportunity to use this site as a means for improving its housing goals. Public land must be used to serve the public good—and one of the most urgent public needs in Washington, DC is affordable housing. That includes building homes for the people who keep our city running: teachers, nurses, transit operators, sanitation workers, childcare providers, DC government employees, and countless others who contribute to our city every day but are increasingly priced out of living in it. Using public land to help address this crisis is not just good policy—it is a public responsibility.

 Going forward in this letter, any reference to the ANC 2023 or 2025 surveys includes responses from all DC residents, including Ward 3 residents in 3E or 3F who may live closer to the site than some Ward 4 SMDs in 3/4G.

 In 2023, ANC 3/4G conducted a community survey[i] that asked whether residents supported redevelopment of the Civic Core site with housing: 

  • 39.7% supported redevelopment with housing

  • 47.3% supported redevelopment without housing

  • 9.4% opposed any redevelopment

In 2025, after the release of eight development concepts by respondents to the request for proposal and significant public engagement, the ANC conducted a follow-up survey[ii] and asked residents if they supported housing at the Civic Core site: 

  • 45.1% supported the addition of housing

  • 49.5% opposed the addition of housing

  • 5.4% had no preference

The increase in support of housing from 39.7% in 2023 to 45.1% in 2025 can be inferred that many residents responded positively after seeing how housing could be integrated with the library and the community center.  

In the 2025 ANC survey[iii], the responses below reflect support for or against housing from the SMD where the Civic Core site is located (SMD 05) and from the neighboring SMD with residents close to the site (SMD 06). Here are the responses to the question: “Do you support housing at the Civic Core site?” 

·       SMD 05

o   Yes 48.83%

o   No 47.78%

o   No preference 3.39%  

·       SMD 06

o   Yes 52.44%

o   No 44.72%

o   No preference 2.85%

 These survey results show a meaningful shift in community sentiment—while not every resident supports housing at the Civic Core site, acceptance has grown since 2023, especially among those living closest to it.

 It’s also important to recognize that, despite the recent ANC resolution opposing housing, ANC 3/4G has a well-documented history of supporting affordable housing at the Civic Core site. Over the past five years, the Commission has repeatedly endorsed adding affordable housing through the District’s processes for revising the Comprehensive Plan, developing a Chevy Chase Small Area Plan, and launching the request for proposal process. In a February 10, 2020 resolution[iv] regarding revisions to the Comprehensive Plan, ANC 3/4G voted 6-0 to advise the District that, "The Rock Creek West Area Element should include a policy that the District will use its publicly-owned property at the Chevy Chase Public Library for future development of a new library that also includes mixed-income housing, with emphasis on affordable and workforce housing."

At its March 22, 2021 meeting[v] acting on housing recommendations from its Task Force on Racism, ANC 3/4G voted 7-0 to call on "the District to build significant dedicated affordable housing and workforce housing with a focus on households earning 50% or less of median family income (MFI) above the Chevy Chase Community Center and Chevy Chase Library."

 The ANC's May 9, 2022 resolution[vi] (approved 5-2) said, "The Commission continues to support its March 22, 2021 resolution to include mixed-income housing in the Civic Core with a goal of at least 50% dedicated affordable housing . . . with a focus on households earning 50% or less of [median family income]."

 On May 8, 2023, the ANC voted 4-1-1 to approve a resolution[vii] calling for the removal of a 1909 deed restriction prohibiting construction of apartments on a portion of the Community Center-Library site in order to "demonstrate the Chevy Chase community's commitment to become more inclusive and remove impediments to creating affordable housing on the civic core site."

 Finally, in a resolution[viii] on December 11, 2023, ANC 3/4G recited that, "The Commission has consistently supported the idea that the Chevy Chase community should contribute to solving the District's affordable housing problem, including by developing affordable units as part of the redevelopment of the Community Center-Library and/or adjacent sites." After having surveyed the community, the ANC voted 4-2 to reaffirm its position that some housing should be built at the site in addition to the redevelopment of the Community Center and Library.

This five-year record of ANC support should not be overshadowed by one recent resolution. From 2020 through 2023, ANC 3/4G consistently affirmed that the Civic Core site is an appropriate and necessary place for affordable housing. These positions were informed by public input, driven by values of equity and inclusion, and aligned with the District’s long-term housing goals. DMPED should give greater weight to the ANC’s sustained commitment and continue advancing the Civic Core site with housing.

 Finally, I want to ensure that DMPED considers key community preferences reflected in the 2025 survey responses to the eight development concepts. These results provide insight into how residents envision housing, civic uses, and public space coexisting at the Civic Core site. Highlights include: 

  • 44.5% support affordable housing for households earning up to 50% MFI; another 44.6% support housing up to 80% MFI; only 27.7% wanted housing for people at or below 30%

  • 58.6% support housing that serves all ages, not just seniors; only 21.2% preferred senior housing

  • 70.8% prefer usable surface-level green space, rather than rooftop space

  • 55.2% prefer some surface-level parking

  • 54.9% support limited retail

  • 46.1% support 50–99 housing units[ix]

  • 29.95% had no preference on how the library, community center, and housing were physically structured while 24.98% preferred that the library and community center reside in one building with housing in a separate building

  • The top-ranked design concepts were Community Builders, followed by Rift Valley and Urban Atlantic.

These preferences reflect a community that may still be divided but is increasingly open to compromise—especially when it comes to moderate-density, mixed-use development that prioritizes good design, access to green space, and a new library and community center. 

Mayor Bowser’s FY26 budget proposal calls on the District to embrace a Grow DC agenda—one that retains residents, attracts new families, supports job growth, and expands housing supply. The Civic Core project directly aligns with these goals. By moving forward with this redevelopment, the District can welcome new residents, strengthen the local economy, support small businesses, and revitalize upper Connecticut Avenue. 

Based on all the reasons outlined in this letter, I strongly support DMPED moving forward with the redevelopment of the Civic Core site to include a new library, community center, meaningful open green space, and housing. I also request for DMPED and all other stakeholders to continue robust community engagement after a development team is selected, to ensure the project reflects local input. The success of this site is not only critical to residents and business owners in SMDs 05 and 06—it will also send a clear and powerful message that every part of Washington, DC, including Chevy Chase, is committed to doing its part in advancing affordable housing across the city. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Karrenthya Simmons
Commissioner, ANC 3/4G-05

[i] 2023 survey results https://anc3g.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/CCLS-Survey-

Overall-Summary-Data.pdf

[ii] 2025 survey results https://anc3g.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Civic-Core-Survey-All-Data-Final.pdf

[iii] 2025 survey results https://anc3g.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-Civic-Core-Survey-All-Data-Final.pdf

[iv] anc3g.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Comp-Plan-resolution-2-10-2021.pdf

[v] 2021 03 22 Final Meeting Minutes

[vi] ANC 3:4G Resolution on SAP 5-9-22 Final

[vii] 2023 05 08 lrg signed ANC 34G Resolution on Civic Core Deed Restriction - 2023 05 08 lrg signed ANC 34G Resolution on Civic Core Deed Restriction.pdf

[viii] 2023-12-11-v.FINAL-ANC-34G-CC-Library-Next-Steps-12_11_23-SIGNED.pdf

[ix] The responses favoring 50-99 units necessarily include hundreds of respondents who didn’t want housing at all. Because the survey allowed respondents who opposed housing to continue answering all questions, these results may be skewed due to this design flaw.

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SMD 05 Update: DC Water Meeting Tomorrow, Waste Collection Changes, and How to Get Involved

Community Meeting with DC Water for SMD 05

Several residents have reported basement backups related to DC Water’s sewer lining project. I have scheduled a meeting with DC Water and SMD 05 residents on July 2, 2025 from 7:00 – 8:00pm. You can register for this meeting here: DC Water Community Meeting. Please share this meeting with any neighbors who would like to talk about next steps.

DPW Summer Waste Collection Updates & Special Disposal Event Dates

Summer Schedule Alert: Early Morning Waste Collection Through September 5

Due to ongoing high summer temperatures, trash, recycling, and food waste collection will begin at 5:30 a.m. through September 5, 2025. Residents should place materials out the night before their scheduled collection day to ensure pickup. This change helps protect collection crews during extreme heat.

The Special Waste Collection Events: DPW Special Waste Collection Events for safe disposal and recycling of household hazardous waste, electronics, and secure document shredding will be conducted twice quarterly. Register at tinyurl.com/hhw-register. For more information on residential special waste, visit the District's Zero Waste

Here are the dates for the future special waste collection events:

Saturday, August 23, 2025 – 8 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)

Thursday, September 18, 2025 – 10 AM-2 PM – RFK Parking Lot 3 (2400 E. Capitol Street NE)

Lafayette Elementary School Summer Campus Improvements – 2025

DC Public Schools (DCPS), in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS), started campus improvement projects at Lafayette Elementary on June 23, 2025. These upgrades aim to enhance outdoor spaces and improve accessibility.

Planned Projects:

  • Playground surface recoating and painting (June 23 – August 1)

  • Stormwater management and track resurfacing (June 23 – November 1)

  • Construction of an ADA-accessible ramp to the field (Summer start, pending permit – December 30)

Some outdoor areas will be temporarily inaccessible, but efforts will be made to maintain partial access and ensure safety. Please keep yourself and especially children safe during these improvements.

Volunteer Opportunities

A neighbor may need help with lawn mowing. If you have a teen interested in earning some money and they have access to a lawnmower, let me know and I can make the connection.

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Communal Farms is looking for volunteers on Fridays and Saturdays to help complete a host of garden related tasks, including but not limited to plantings, harvesting, bed cleaning, watering, and composting. to help with gardening tasks like planting, harvesting, watering, and composting. if you are free on Fridays or Saturdays and feel like some good old fashioned farm work, please join us at Lederer Garden (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE) Fridays from 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Please email joshua.singer@dc.gov to confirm your participation.

ANC 3/4G Racial and Social Equity Committee (RASE)

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G is seeking expressions of interest from residents to participate in the Commission’s Racial and Social Equity Standing Committee (RASE). The Racial and Social Equity Standing Committee was established by the Commission to continue the work of its Task Force on Racism. Its purpose is to promote racial and social equity in Chevy Chase and the District of Columbia by advising policy, advocating for systemic change, engaging the community, and supporting education and data-driven decision-making. The committee is committed to ensuring fair treatment for those affected by systemic inequality. The RASE Committee typically meets on the third Tuesday of the month excluding the month of August with no meeting.

Deadline: Residents may acknowledge interest by E-Mail to Commission email address by August 17, 2025, at: 3G@anc.dc.gov 

Additional information: Racial and Social Equity (RASE) Standing Committee | Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G

ANC Draft Resolution on Task Force on Racism Recommendations v.3 Final LRG

PurpleAir Sensor Project

DC’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is expanding its air quality monitoring across the District by offering residents the chance to host free PurpleAir sensors, which track neighborhood-level air pollution. The program is simple: if you have a home with an exterior plug facing the street, you're eligible to receive a loaned air sensor from the District government. The sensor will enable you to check the local air quality outside your home 24/7 and will appear on the PurpleAir map. You can host the sensor as long as you'd like. If you’re interested, you can sign up at this link. Once you sign up, someone from DOEE will then reach out to set up a time to come by and install the sensor, which most often consists of simply plugging it in and zip tying it to a post or something similar. If you have any questions, please reach out to Henry Frishman at henry.frishman@dc.gov

Regards,

Karrenthya Simmons   

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD 05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com

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You're Invited: Upcoming Community Meetings

Hi neighbors,

I’m reaching out to share a few important updates and invite you to join several upcoming meetings that affect our community:

1.  WMATA’s New Metrobus Plan – June 24, 7–9 PM
Blessed Sacrament Church, 3630 Quesada St NW (enter from the parking lot)
WMATA’s redesigned Metrobus network goes into effect June 29, with new route numbers, stop changes, and updated service. Learn how this impacts routes like the M4, E4, L2, and L8. The event includes a short WMATA video, route insights from Friends of Bus Transit, and a live Q&A.

2. DDOT Community Meeting – June 25, 7 PM
Commissioner Gosselin and I are hosting this meeting to hear your transportation concerns. We’ll discuss the January Nevada & McKinley survey results and parking changes in response to WMATA’s new routes. Register here: DDOT Community Meeting

3. DC Water Sewer Project Update – July 2, 7–8 PM (via Zoom)
Some residents have reported basement backups linked to DC Water’s sewer lining work. I’ve organized a meeting with DC Water for SMD 05 residents to address these concerns.  Register for the meeting here: DC Water Community Meeting

4. ANC Civic Core Survey 
6 Days Left to Take the Civic Core Survey! ANC 3/4G is gathering final community input on the Chevy Chase Civic Site through an anonymous survey at this link: 3/4G ANC Survey. To compare the design concepts, view them here: Civic Core Survey Concept Designs. For more background, visit the full project page: Chevy Chase Civic Site . The Survey Working Group will meet on June 30 to review the results and discuss the next steps. You can register for the meeting here.

If you're new to the newsletter, please see this link for old postings.  Blog 1 — Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 3/4G SMD 05

Regards,

Karrenthya Simmons   

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD 05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com

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Staying Safe, Informed, and Connected This Summer – ANC & Community Updates

Hi Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are staying safe as we prepare for the upcoming heat and humidity. Please check in on neighbors, especially older adults, children, and anyone who may be more vulnerable during extreme temperatures.

To stay informed, I encourage you to sign up for AlertDC, which provides real-time updates on heat advisories and other emergencies. The District also shares helpful information on cooling centers, safety tips, and available resources at heat.dc.gov.

You can read more about the District’s updated Heat Plan here: Bowser Administration Announces Updates to the District’s Heat Plan | DC

ANC Meeting June 23, 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our June 9 meeting. I appreciated seeing new faces (names) and those who stayed through the full agenda. Our next ANC meeting is Monday, June 23 at 6:30 PM. If you’re interested in attending our next meeting, you can review the agenda and register here.

I would like to highlight that we will have a presentation by Ted Van Houten, Transportation Planner, DDOT, to provide an update on the Connecticut Avenue Multimodal Safety Improvement Project.

Transportation Meetings & Updates

WMATA’s new Metrobus network starts June 29, with new route numbers, stop changes, and updated service patterns. Learn how this affects routes like the M4, E4, L2, and L8 at “WMATA’s New Bus Plan Explained” on June 24, 7–9 PM at Blessed Sacrament, 3630 Quesada St NW (enter from the parking lot). The event includes a WMATA video, local route details from Friends of Bus Transit, and a Q&A session.

June 25, 7 PM: ANC Commissioner Gosselin and I will host a DDOT Community Meeting to hear your transportation concerns. Register here: DDOT Community Meeting I've shared results from the January Nevada & McKinley survey, as well as feedback on a request for parking changes to McKinley with the updated WMATA bus route.

ANC Survey on the Civic Core Site

11 Days Left to Take the Civic Core Survey! ANC 3/4G is gathering final community input on the Chevy Chase Civic Site through an anonymous survey at this link: 3/4G ANC Survey. To compare the design concepts, view them here: Civic Core Survey Concept Designs. For more background, visit the full project page: Chevy Chase Civic Site . The Survey Working Group will meet on June 30 to review the results and discuss the next steps. You can register for the meeting here.

Utility Alerts

Several residents have reported basement backups related to the sewer lining project. Would a short (30–45 minute) virtual meeting be helpful to share experiences and discuss how others have handled these issues? Let me know if you're interested. I'm also resharing this alert from the Office of the People’s Counsel on how to file complaints with DC Water:DC Water Construction Complaints.

Reminder about the upcoming electricity rate increase. The alert can be found here: Press Release: OPC Alerts DC Consumers of Upcoming Huge Electric Rate Increase.

Health Insurance Virtual Town Hall

DC Health Link is hosting a Health Insurance Virtual Town Hall and Enrollment event on June 26 @ 2:00 pm. Hosted in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA), this event will focus on impacted DC federal workers, contractors and grantees who have lost their jobs and need quality, affordable, private health insurance. During the town hall participants will have the opportunity to virtually enroll in coverage with FREE enrollment experts. Register Here: bit.ly/fedtownhall25

Volunteer Opportunities

A neighbor may need help with lawn mowing. If you have a teen interested in earning some money and they have access to a lawnmower, let me know and I can make the connection.

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Communal Farms is looking for volunteers on Fridays and Saturdays to help complete a host of garden related tasks, including but not limited to plantings, harvesting, bed cleaning, watering, and composting. If you are free on Fridays or Saturdays and feel like some good old fashioned farm work, please join us at Lederer Garden (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE) Fridays from 10am to 4pm, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. Please email joshua.singer@dc.gov to confirm your participation.

ANC 3/4G Racial and Social Equity Committee (RASE)

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G is seeking expressions of interest from residents to participate in the Commission’s Racial and Social Equity Standing Committee (RASE). The Racial and Social Equity Standing Committee was established by the Commission to continue the work of its Task Force on Racism. Its purpose is to promote racial and social equity in Chevy Chase and the District of Columbia by advising policy, advocating for systemic change, engaging the community, and supporting education and data-driven decision-making. The committee is committed to ensuring fair treatment for those affected by systemic inequality. The RASE Committee typically meets on the third Tuesday of the month excluding the month of August with no meeting.

Deadline: Residents may acknowledge interest by sending an email to the Commission's by August 17, 2025, to 3G@anc.dc.gov 

Additional information: Racial and Social Equity (RASE) Standing Committee | Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G

ANC Draft Resolution on Task Force on Racism Recommendations v.3 Final LRG

PurpleAir Sensor Project

DC’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is expanding its air quality monitoring across the District by offering residents the chance to host free PurpleAir sensors, which track neighborhood-level air pollution. The program is simple: if you have a home with an exterior plug facing the street, you're eligible to receive a loaned air sensor from the District government. The sensor will enable you to check the local air quality outside your home 24/7 and will appear on the PurpleAir map. You can host the sensor as long as you'd like. If you’re interested, you can sign up at this link. Once you sign up, someone from DOEE will then reach out to set up a time to come by and install the sensor, which most often consists of simply plugging it in and zip tying it to a post or something similar. If you have any questions, please reach out to Henry Frishman at henry.frishman@dc.gov

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ANC Meeting, Civic Core Survey, Air Quality Project & More

Hi Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are doing well! With summer break starting for some and DCPS wrapping up the school year on June 18, here are a few neighborhood updates and reminders to keep you in the loop.

ANC Meeting June 9, 2025

The ANC’s next meeting is Monday, June 9 at 6:30 PM. It’s been great to see new faces, and I hope more of you will join us! You can review the agenda and register here.

ANC Survey on the Civic Core Site

ANC 3/4G is currently gathering community feedback through an anonymous survey, available here: 3/4G ANC Survey. To help you compare the proposed concepts, you can view the reference designs here: Civic Core Survey Concept Designs. For additional background and to explore materials from earlier phases of the project, please visit the full project page here Chevy Chase Civic Site .

Thank you to everyone who has responded to previous surveys and already provided me with comments on this topic. The ANC asks that you please complete the survey to ensure your input is reflected. Additional opportunities to provide feedback are expected during engagement sessions with DCPL, DPR, and DMPED after a developer is selected and the next phase of the project begins.

PurpleAir Sensor Project

DC’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is expanding its air quality monitoring across the District by offering residents the chance to host free PurpleAir sensors, which track neighborhood-level air pollution. The program is simple: if you have a home with an exterior plug facing the street, you're eligible to receive a loaned air sensor from the District government. The sensor will enable you to check the local air quality outside your home 24/7 and will appear on the PurpleAir map. You can host the sensor as long as you'd like. If you’re interested, you can sign up at this link. Once you sign up, someone from DOEE will then reach out to set up a time to come by and install the sensor, which most often consists of simply plugging it in and zip tying it to a post or something similar. If you have any questions, please reach out to Henry Frishman at henry.frishman@dc.gov

Transportation Meetings & Updates

June 24, 7–9 PM at Blessed Sacrament (3630 Quesada St NW): “WMATA’s New Bus Plan Explained” — an informational event hosted by the Chevy Chase Community Association, Friends of Bus Transit, and WMATA.

June 25, 7 PM: ANC Commissioner Gosselin and I will host a DDOT Community Meeting to hear your transportation concerns. Register here: DDOT Community Meeting I've shared results from the January Nevada & McKinley survey, as well as feedback on a request for parking changes to McKinley with the updated WMATA bus route.

To report potholes, please submit a request via 311. DDOT's standard is to repair potholes within three business days (72 hours) of the time they are reported. You can call 311 or (202) 727-1000 if the pothole hasn't been repaired by the specified date of completion. Please reference your service request number. You can review information here: Pothole Repair | ddot

Utility Alerts

I’ve heard more complaints about the sewer lining project and wanted to flag again the Office of the People’s Council regarding DC water complaints. You can review the alert here: DC Water Construction Complaints.

The next alert is related to the upcoming electricity rate increase. The alert can be found here: Press Release: OPC Alerts DC Consumers of Upcoming Huge Electric Rate Increase.

Please forward the following message to anyone you may know: Contact OPC @ 202.727-3071 or info@opc-dc.gov if you need help with utility bills. OPC can refer you to bill payment assistance and negotiate with utilities for you.

DC Water has launched a redesigned online portal that makes it simpler and easier to donate to the SPLASH Program, which supports residents facing financial hardship. Fully funded by donations, SPLASH provides up to $350 in assistance to ensure access to essential water and sewer services. Please see the press release highlighting the new SPLASH program.

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SMD05 Updates: New Restaurant, Civic Core Feedback & More

Hi Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well and that you are having a restful or eventful Memorial Day weekend. I’m reaching out with several updates for SMD05, including exciting news about a new local restaurant, important opportunities for community input on the Civic Core Site, upcoming ANC meetings, and city information.

BirdSong Thai

Great news for the neighborhood and SMD05. Songbird Thai opened on Thursday, May 22! Their current hours are 5:00–9:00 PM on weekdays and 5:00–10:00 PM on weekends. Visit their website here: BirdSong and be sure to check them out for your next dinner night out.

Civic Core Site

On May 15, 2025, ANC 3/4G requested a 45-day extension from DMPED to allow time for a community survey and resolution. You can review the request here: 2025 05 13 DMPED Disposition Extension Request. DMPED granted an extension but confirmed the public comment period will still end on May 28, 2025. They also noted that a development team will not be selected before July 10, 2025, to give the ANC time to submit its response. Please share your comments with DMPED by May 28th.

ANC 3/4G is currently gathering community feedback through an anonymous survey, available here: 3/4G ANC Survey. To help you compare the proposed concepts, you can view the reference designs here: Civic Core Survey Concept Designs. For additional background and to explore materials from earlier phases of the project, please visit the full project page here Chevy Chase Civic Site .

Thank you to everyone who has responded to previous surveys and already provided me with comments on this topic. The ANC asks that you please complete the survey to ensure your input is reflected in our final resolution. Additional opportunities to provide feedback are expected during engagement sessions with DCPL, DPR, and DMPED after a developer is selected and the next phase of the project begins.

ANC Meeting May 12, 2025

At our May 12 meeting, the ANC 3/4G passed two resolutions: one on the National Park Service ANC-3_4G-Signed-Final-Resolution-on-Ending-Reversible-Lanes-on-RCPP.pdf, and another supporting statements from Lafayette’s Principal and Home and School Association (HSA) ANC-3_4G-Signed-Final_Lafayette_Resolution_5_18_25.pdf. You can watch the meeting here: ANC 3/4G Regular Public Meeting, May 12, 2025.

Our next ANC meetings will be on June 9th and June 23rd.

Office of the People’s Counsel

The Office of the People’s Counsel issued two Consumer Alerts. Please review these alerts for more information. DC Water has been conducting sewer lining work in our area and I’ve heard of a few complaints related to this work. You can see the Consumer Alert on DC Water Damage here: DC Water Construction Complaints. The next alert is related to the upcoming electricity rate increase. The alert can be found here: Press Release: OPC Alerts DC Consumers of Upcoming Huge Electric Rate Increase.

Please forward the following message to anyone you may know: Contact OPC @ 202.727-3071 or info@opc-dc.gov if you need help with utility bills. OPC can refer you to bill payment assistance and negotiate with utilities for you.

DC 2025

What You Need to Know About DC 2050 This Month: 

  1. In-Person Workshops on May 31 and June 4 

Register for workshops Saturday, May 31 from 11am-1pm at Ron Brown High School or Wednesday, June 4 from 6-8pm at Stuart-Hobson Middle School. Discussion on the essential elements of a neighborhood, including housing options, mobility, community facilities and the environment.  

  1. Ongoing Tabling (Check www.DC2050.com for the latest locations and times). 

Throughout the project, DC 2050 is coming to residents in their neighborhoods. Coming up, they will be at the following locations: 

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Support for Federal Workers, Diaper Drive, and Civic Core Site

Happy Monday, Neighbors,

I hope you're having a wonderful start to the week. Here are a few quick updates:

Resources for Navigating Federal Job Loss

For D.C. residents affected by federal job changes, check out the DC Federal Support for unemployment benefits, career help, housing aid, and more. Additionally, The Depot – Resources and help for former Federal employees is a new resource offering career coaching, financial guidance, and mental health support. Their mission is simple: to help fellow former Federal employees and contractors find support, rebuild, and move forward. Whether you need career advice, emotional support, or practical steps for the future, their slogan is We’ve Got You. The Depot was founded by two career civil servants who were impacted by the federal government's recent downsizing efforts.

Diaper Drive 

In honor of KIND (Kids in Need of Diapers) Day, the Lafayette Student Council and HSA are partnering on an effort to donate 10,000 diapers to families in need! One-third of DC families report running out of diapers for their children; let’s take the opportunity to help raise awareness and provide basic necessities for local families. 

Donations of disposable diapers of all sizes for the Greater DC Diaper Bank will be collected until Thursday, May 8th. You can donate diapers by sending donations in with your students, donating online here: donate online or placing your donations in the receptacles are located at school entrances. Thank you in advance for supporting those in need in our community!

Chevy Chase Civic Core Interviews

Catherine Brennan a student at American University is currently working on a story for a reporting class at American University about the plans for affordable housing in Chevy Chase. She’s looking to interview residents in SMD 05 to hear your perspective on this issue. If you are interested in speaking with her, please contact her at catherineb4604@gmail.com.

Civic Core Site

I am still seeking your feedback on the eight proposals designed to provide our neighborhood and Washington, DC with a new library, community center, outdoor space, parking, and housing. Your feedback is important. You can submit feedback to me via email at 3G05@anc.dc.gov or here: https://forms.office.com/g/U6ycFLkTFJ. Be sure to also share with DMPED at Daniel.lyons@dc.gov.

Check out the Civic Core FAQs at: CHEVY CHASE CIVIC SITE  FAQs

Last week we heard DCPL and DPR talk about their design requirements for their new facilities. You can review the meeting here.

The ANC is working on a survey to share with residents. More details to come.

Next ANC Meeting

The next virtual ANC meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2025 at 6:30pm. You can register for the meeting here: Meeting Registration - Zoom and you can review the agenda here: May 12, 2025 Regular Public Meeting – Virtual only | Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G

DC Water Sewer Cleaning and Lining Activities

Week of May 5: 4100 block of Military Rd NW, 3700 - 3800 blocks of Legation St NW, 5500 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW, 5400 block of 41st St NW, 3500 block of Legation Rd NW, 3900 block of Legation Rd NW, 5500 block of Nevada Ave NW, 5300 block of 39th St NW

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Earth Day Thanks + Let’s Talk Civic Core & Upcoming Community Engagement Events

Happy Earth Day!

Last Saturday, neighbors came together for a neighborhood cleanup. A big thank you to Oana for providing trash pickers, bags, and gloves. I would also like to thank our neighbors Ron, Carl, Sheila, Robin, and my Kindergarten for helping with pickup. And thank you to Mariah for letting us use her family’s trash can for the collected waste. I am happy that we were able to come together as a community for a common goal to help improve our neighborhood and our planet. I’ll be organizing a few more cleanups throughout 2025, stay tuned!  

ANC Special Meeting

The ANC will hold a hybrid special meeting on Tuesday, April 29th from 7:00–8:30 PM. You can attend in person at the Chevy Chase Library (5625 Connecticut Avenue) or join online. Register for the online meeting here.

The agenda for this meeting is to have a discussion with officials from DMPED, DCPL, and DPR about the vision and design guidelines for the proposed Chevy Chase Library and Community Center redevelopment. I hope to see you in person or online!

Civic Core Site

I am seeking your feedback on the eight proposals designed to provide our neighborhood and Washington, DC with a new library, community center, outdoor space, parking, and housing. Your feedback is important to shaping how the site is developed. You can submit feedback to me via email at 3G05@anc.dc.gov or here: https://forms.office.com/g/U6ycFLkTFJ.

Here’s an example of meaningful feedback I received last week:
“The site should have multiple access routes, not just focus on Connecticut Avenue.”
“Outdoor spaces should be placed in quieter areas and not near busy intersections.”

If you missed the March 29th hearing, here’s where you can catch up:

Community Engagement Opportunities

Starting this Friday, April 25th from 10:00–10:45 AM, I’ll be at the Chevy Chase Library, available to chat with SMD 05 residents. Find me on the first floor near the tables or computers—I’d love to hear from you.

And this Saturday, April 26th, Lafayette’s HSA will be hosting an outdoor movie night. The lawn opens at 5:30 PM with food trucks; the movie begins at 7:30 PM. Since many parents can’t attend ANC meetings, I think this event presents a great opportunity for the ANC to meet people where they are. I’ve invited my fellow Commissioners to join me for this community engagement opportunity. We will be setting up a table to connect with constituents and will be available to answer questions or hear your thoughts about the Civic Core site or any other issues concerning our neighbors. Please look for us along 33rd Street we should be there around 5:15 -7:15 PM.

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)
Join DPR for a virtual community meeting this Thursday, April 24th at 6:00 PM to learn about capital construction projects coming to Wards 3 & 4. RSVP here: https://wardupdates.splashthat.com To explore DPR projects across all eight Wards, visit: https://dgs.dc.gov/page/dpr-park-and-recreation-center-projects

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Spring Updates: Civic Core, Earth Day Events & More!

With DCPS spring break here and both Passover and Easter approaching, it’s a great time to pause and enjoy the signs of spring. Whether you're travelling with family, or simply appreciating lighter traffic, I hope the week brings a bit of renewal and happiness your way.

Earth Day/Spring Clean Ups

Earth Day is April 22, and this year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet” to emphasize the importance of renewable energy. To celebrate, I’m teaming up with ANC 3/4G SMD 05 resident Oana Leahu-Aluas for a neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, April 19, from 11 AM to 12 PM. We’ll meet at Livingston & Connecticut Ave NW, please join us if you can!

Join Mayor Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City Saturday, April 19, at 10am for DC's 8th annual Spring Cleanup—all about keeping our streets clear and our neighborhoods clean across all eight wards. You can register for the spring clean-up at: Serve DC

Through the Helping Hand Program, DPW helps community groups organize Saturday neighborhood clean-up projects. The program runs seasonally from March 1st to October 1st. Applications must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event. For more information visit: Helping Hands

Civic Core Development

On March 29th, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) hosted a public disposition hearing featuring eight proposals for the redevelopment of the Civic Core site. Plans include a new library, community center, parking, outdoor space, and housing.

In case you missed it, you can view:

I’ll be hosting community engagement events with SMD 05 residents after spring break—stay tuned for details. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the proposals. You can submit feedback to me via email at 3G05@anc.dc.gov or here: https://forms.office.com/g/U6ycFLkTFJ

Here’s a sample of a few comments I’ve received so far:

  • “Please ensure the new site maintains easy access to the library and community center for Northampton residents.”

  • “Wow, the GDCP one is absolutely gorgeous.”

  • “I love the outdoor space in the last presentation—I hope my kids can enjoy it while they’re still kids.”

  • “We live right across from the community center and are very concerned about the lack of planning and the unexpected increase in density.”

  • “I like the townhomes vs apartments and DC Central Kitchen from CBMG’s presentation.”

I ran for ANC on a platform focused on redeveloping the Civic Core into a multigenerational space that serves the whole community—and I remain committed to that vision. Your input is essential to shaping a space that works for all of us in ANC 3/4G and across DC.

DMPED is also collecting community feedback. You can share your thoughts directly with them by May 28, 2025 at:

Email: daniel.lyons@dc.gov or

Mail:
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 317
Washington, DC 20004
Attn: Daniel Lyons

Coming Summer 2025: The Louise on Western!

The Louise on Western is an affordable senior housing community for adults 62+ with incomes between 30–50% of the area median income. Join the early interest list here and start the pre-screening process here: Pre-screening Application.

Support for Unemployed Federal Workers

TheDC Federal Support site to connect federal employees with resources for career transitions, financial help, and family support can be accessed here: | dcfedsupport

Career Pivot Bootcamp: This self-paced bootcamp offers expert guidance, practical tools, and 30-day access to resources that support your transition to the private sector, nonprofits, higher ed, or local government. You can access the course here: https://fedsupport.org/resources/career-pivot-course/#form

DC Health Link Pop-Ups @ Cleveland Park Library:Location: 3310 Connecticut Ave NW; Date: Friday April 18th, 2025; Time: 10:30AM - 3:30PM

Events Around DC

Sunday, April 13th, 2pm-9pm: Details for the DC Emancipation Day Parade can be found here: DC Emancipation Day Parade | emancipation

Saturday, April 19th, 10am: 5K Walk & Green Expo on the National Mall, you can register here: DowntownDC | Annual Earth Day 5K Walk & Green Expo.

Sunday, April 27th, 2:00-2:30pm: The next WINDOWS 250 display session is on Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 PM, lasting 30 minutes. Held outside the CVS at Connecticut Ave. and McKinley St. The exhibit explores Chevy Chase’s history in the context of the 250th anniversary of the U.S., asking how the community can fulfill the ideals of the Declaration of Independence today. Posters are displayed in local businesses, with the full set visible in the CVS windows.

Saturday, May 3rd, 9:30am: Friendship Place Walk to End Homelessness is the annual walk in our nation’s capital aimed at bringing awareness and resources to end homelessness. You can register or donate here:  https://friendshipplacewalk.org/

Saturday, May 3rd, 8:00am-2:00pm:You're invited to DC’s Citywide Annual Truck Touch event — a fun, family-friendly day to explore the city’s essential vehicles like fire trucks and snowplows. Enjoy hands-on activities and learn about the vehicles that keep DC running! Location: RFK Stadium, Lot 8 (Enter via Independence Ave, SE)

The Special Waste Collection Events: DPW Special Waste Collection Events for safe disposal and recycling of household hazardous waste, electronics, and secure document shredding will be conducted twice quarterly. Register at tinyurl.com/hhw-register. For more information on residential special waste, visit the District's Zero Waste

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K Simmons K Simmons

Join Us Tomorrow for DMPED Hearing & Other Important Neighborhood News!

Happy Friday, Neighbors!

As March—and March Madness—is starting to wrap up, we’re riding the excitement from college basketball’s thrilling final moments of the tournament. For those in SMD 05 who proudly display a Michigan State University (MSU) Spartan flag, I’m sure your flags are flying even higher tonight after MSU’s big win, advancing to the Elite Eight! A huge shoutout to my alma mater for their victory tonight!

But the excitement doesn’t stop with MSU’s win. Tomorrow, right here in Chevy Chase, we have our own big win ahead, one that will impact both our neighborhood and Washington, DC. The highly anticipated DMPED disposition hearing for the Civic Core site development will take place tomorrow, Saturday, March 29th at the Community Center from 9 AM to 5 PM. This is a key opportunity to finally see and hear presentations from the respondents to the RFP and to learn how the Civic Core site can be transformed.

Representatives from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and DC Public Library (DCPL) will be on-site during the open house, along with the RFP respondents. I hope to see you there in person or online!

To find support and resources for federal workers, visit fedsupport.dc.gov.

DMPED Disposition Meeting: 

Details:

  • Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

  • Location: Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave NW, DC

  • Virtual Option: Register here

 Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation is evaluating the use of the children/leisure pool to improve the delivery of services and need your feedback.

Please  visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H3BZ2YV to complete a brief survey. Responses to this survey will be used by DPR to improve the aquatics operations. Please complete this survey by Friday April 25, 2025. 

Department of Public Works (DPW)

Click HERE to watch Interim Director Anthony Crispino Talk About DPW's Beautification Program and to see DPW Crews in Action!

Container Delivery and Repair Update:

Phase two of container deliveries will wrap up this week. Next week all service repairs, deliveries, and removals will be done on residents’ trash and recycling collection days across all wards.

Leaf Collection:

For any remaining locations that need leaf collection, please submit a Missed Street Sweeping 311 Service Request, and include in the notes that it is for Missed Leaf Collection.  

Spring Services:

Spring is here and DPW’s full complement of spring services will begin on April 1st. These services include Street and Alley Cleaning, Grass Cutting & Mowing, and Graffiti Removal.

Through the Helping Hand Program, DPW offers assistance to community groups that organize Saturday neighborhood clean-up projects. The program runs seasonally from March 1st to October 1st. Applications must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the event. For more information visit: Helping Hands Clean Up

Rock Creek Park

Rock Creek Park is planning for new annual events known as Driving Days. Driving Days are weekend dates, one in the spring and one in the fall each year, when the entire length of Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park will be open to motorized vehicles. These events are an opportunity for those who prefer to enjoy the park from a motorized vehicle or who are physically unable to hike or bike the area to experience the scenic beauty of Rock Creek Park from their cars. 

Having Driving Days in the park is a mitigation measure for the year-round closure to motorized vehicles, per the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) document for the Upper Beach Drive Management Plan / Environmental Assessment.  

With the exception of these two days each year, Upper Beach Drive will continue to be closed to motor vehicles.  

The date for the inaugural Driving Day is Sunday, April 27, 2025, from 11 am to 4 pm.  

Park rangers and staff from Rock Creek Conservancy will be stationed along Beach Drive at Picnic Grove #10 to talk about the event and provide information about #RecreateResponsibly.

Visit the website at go.nps.gov/ROCRDrivingDays to learn more. If you have any questions, please send an email at rocr_superintendent@nps.gov

MOM’s Organic

MOM’s Organic will be having their ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 4th at 2pm located at 4250 Connecticut Ave NW.

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DC Water Sewer Work & Health Insurance Enrollment for Impacted Workers

Hi Neighbors,

I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful weather this evening! I wanted to inform residents on Nevada and Oliver Streets that DC Water has encountered an issue with the sewer lining project. Work will likely continue past 7:00 p.m. tonight, though I don't have an exact completion time.

DC Water Sewer Cleaning Activities:

  • March 17-21:

3400 block Morrison St NW; 3600-3800 blocks Morrison St NW; 5400-5600 blocks Chevy Chase Pkwy NW; 3700-3800 blocks Legation St NW; 3700 block Livingston St NW; 5700-5800 blocks Nevada Ave NW; 3700 block Oliver St NW

  • March 24-28:

3300 block Military Rd NW; 3700-3900 blocks Military Rd NW; 4100 block Military Rd NW; 5600 block Nevada Ave NW; 3400-3500 blocks Oliver St NW; 5800 block Chevy Chase Pkwy NW; 3800 block Northampton St NW

Note: Construction schedules are weather-dependent.

Health Insurance for Impacted Federal Workers:
DC Health Link is offering a Special Enrollment Period for DC residents who have lost (or will lose) employer health coverage. You qualify if you're a DC resident or dependent (spouse, child) who lost or will lose coverage in the next 60 days.

DC Health Link is hosting two pop-up events at Cleveland Park Library to assist with enrollment:

  • Cleveland Park Library:
    3310 Connecticut Ave NW

    • Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

    • Friday, April 18, 2025, 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Free expert advisers will be available to help you explore your options.

National Park Service: Multimodal Safety and Operational Improvement Plans

The National Park Service (NPS) is developing a Multimodal Safety and Operational Improvements Plan for Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway (RCPP), aiming to improve safety and traffic flow along the corridor. The plan will focus on reducing congestion, enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety, and preserving the scenic and historic character of the area. Key improvements include ending reversible lanes, widening the Rock Creek Multi-Use Trail, and installing safety barriers. Public input is encouraged through a virtual meeting on April 2, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., and written comments can be submitted online or by mail from April 2 to May 2, 2025.

Virtual meeting details:

Date: April 2, 2025

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

To join: Join the meeting now

 

Submit written comments:

Visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/RockCreekParkway to submit online comments.

By Mail: Send written comments to:

Superintendent

Rock Creek Park

Attn: RCPP Multimodal

3545 Williamsburg Lane NW

Washington, DC 20008

 

Upcoming Events

CCAN invites you to our upcoming premiere event of "Electrifying the District" from 5-7pm on Sunday, March 30, hosted at the Festival Center! More info and RSVP here: https://ccan.link/electrifyingthedistrict. The film -- created by talented Howard University student filmmakers Mykal Bailey, Georgia Jenkins, and Natalie Scott -- tells the stories of four everyday DC residents reflecting on their journey to electrify their homes. After showcasing their stories, we’ll talk about how DC residents can get started with the process for themselves and hear from specialists at DCSEU, DOEE, and more about government programs and resources for electrification! 

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Commissioner Simmons' Update: ANC Meeting Follow-Up (March 10), Disposition Meeting (March 29), Congresswoman Norton’s Townhall (March 18), & Join Me at the Farmers Market Saturday

Hi Neighbors,

Thank you for attending the ANC 3/4G regular meeting on March 10, 2025. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.

As a follow-up, I’d like to address a few questions from the chat and provide some clarifications ahead of the Disposition Meeting scheduled for March 29, 2025. Please see the questions and responses below:

1. Can DMPED provide a more detailed schedule for the events on March 29th?
Some residents have mentioned that they may not be able to stay for the entire 9 AM to 5 PM timeframe and would like to know the schedule to attend specific portions of the event.

Answer: The schedule is tentative and may be subject to change. We will share the final run of show as the event approaches. For now, here’s the tentative schedule:

  • 8:30 AM – Doors open

  • 9:00 AM – Event begins

  • 9:25 AM – Presentations by bidders

  • 2:00 PM – Open house begins

  • 3:00 PM – Public forum begins

Please note that the times may shift slightly as DMPED finalizes the schedule.

2. Will the presentations by the bidders be recorded?
This would allow residents who are unable to attend in person to review the presentations later.

Answer: Yes, the presentations will be recorded. The recording will be posted to the project website as soon as it is available (likely the following week). Additionally, the individual presentations (in PDF format) will be available on the project website  on the day of the hearing.

3. Before transitioning to the open house format, will DMPED allow residents to ask questions, like a town hall session?
This would provide an opportunity for direct interaction and engagement with the presenters.

Answer: The primary purpose of the disposition hearing is to receive public comments. Residents will have the chance to engage directly with the teams during the open house, where they can ask questions. After the open house, there will be a public forum during which residents can offer additional comments.

Whether you attend the hearing in person or not, residents can submit written comments during the 60-day period the record is open (until May 28).

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s Telephone Town Hall
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton will host a telephone town hall on Tuesday, March 18th, from 5:00 - 6:30 PM to discuss the impact of the recent downsizing in the federal workforce and resources available to federal workers. You can join or register for the event here: : Live | Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

If you have any questions, feel free to email or call her office at 202-408-9041 or norton.casework@mail.house.gov.

Join Me at the Farmers Market this Saturday!
I’ll be at Chevy Chase Farmers Market (5701 Broad Branch Road NW) this Saturday at 10am and would love the chance to say hello and chat with you. Whether you have questions, concerns, or just want to share your thoughts, I’ll be there to listen and discuss important community matters. Stop by, say hi, and let’s connect! I look forward to seeing you there.

Best regards,
Karrenthya Simmons

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com

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Upcoming ANC Meeting, Spring Services, and Community Updates

Hi Neighbors,

Spring is almost here, which means we'll be moving our clocks forward tomorrow! I hope everyone is excited for longer days ahead.

Upcoming ANC Meeting
The next ANC meeting will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM virtually. If you plan to attend, you can register in advance here and see the agenda here. During this meeting, the ANC will discuss the approval of the liquor license for Birdsong, a Thai restaurant, which will occupy the former Blue 44 space at 5507 Connecticut Ave NW.

Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP)
ANCs across the district have partnered to draft resolutions in support of saving PKEEP. ANC 3/4G has drafted a resolution and plans to discuss it at our next ANC meeting. You can review the draft resolution here.

DMPED Disposition Meeting: Developer Presentations & Open House

This meeting will discuss plans for a new library, community center, outdoor space, and possible housing. I’m excited to see the developers' presentations.

Details:

  • Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

  • Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

  • Location: Chevy Chase Community Center, 5601 Connecticut Ave NW, DC

  • Virtual Option: Register here

Slow Down Yard Signs
Thanks to former SMD 05 Commissioner Connie Chang, I’ve received 21 ‘Slow Down’ yard signs. If any resident would like one, please feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to provide you with one. Otherwise, I will distribute the signs throughout the neighborhood in public spaces as a reminder to drivers to slow down.

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s FY26 Budget Engagement

Although the city aims to be responsive to all budget requests, some programs will inevitably face budget cuts in our current environment. While the annual Budget Engagement Forums have concluded, you can still share your budget priorities. Please take a moment to share your priorities here: Share your FY26 Budget Priorities! In the survey you also have an opportunity to share how you would allocate $100 to balance the budget.

Support for Unemployed Federal Workers

The District is consolidating resources at fedsupport.dc.gov. You can use this website to get information about enrolling in health care through DC Health Link, to learn more about Unemployment Insurance, to find mental health resources, and more.  

On Friday, March 14, the District is hosting a job fair at the Kellogg Conference Center. You can obtain details here. Attendees will be able to learn about job opportunities, receive resume support and interview coaching, and get support setting up a LinkedIn profile.   

DC is also conducting a survey of the private sector to gather insights from businesses on job openings and workforce needs across the city. Survey responses will help DC better understand employment trends, support local businesses, and connect job seekers with opportunities. You can take or share the private sector survey here.  

This week, the mayor hosted a tele-town hall to address the impact of federal job losses on workers and families in DC and across our region. If you were not able to join the town hall, you can watch it here and read through the situational update here.

DC Office of Planning: DC 2050

The DC Office of Planning is working alongside DC residents, community-based organizations, businesses, and elected officials to develop DC 2050, the District's next Comprehensive Plan. DC 2050 will guide where and how we build new housing, grow job opportunities, connect neighborhoods, preserve our rich history, and invest in amenities.  

Share your voice by taking the Vision Survey at dc2050.com

Department of Public Works

Container Delivery and Repair Update:

Next week, deliveries will begin in Wards 3, 4, & 2 for all service requests processed and approved by February 14, 2025. Approved requests from February 15 to March 7 will be delivered the week of March 17, 2025, with containers delivered over the next eight weeks in each ward.

For container repairs, please place damaged containers at your collection point on the scheduled collection day.

Leaf Collection:

Leaf collection is wrapping up citywide. If any areas are missed, please submit a Street Sweeping 311 Service Request with “Missed Leaf Collection” in the notes.

Spring Services:

Spring services start April 1st, including Street and Alley Cleaning, Grass Cutting, and Graffiti Removal. DPW's Helping Hand Program offers assistance for community clean-up events from March 1st to October 1st. Applications are due 2 weeks prior to events. More info here: Helping Hand Cleanup.

Information from EmpowerEd

1) Are you worried about how the new federal threats will impact our students, families and schools?  You can join the new Defend DC Public Education Coalition, facilitated by EmpowerEd, to help organize a proactive strategy to defend our school communities here in DC and ensure local government is protecting our students and families. We also need a captain for each school community to help us stay in the loop and distribute information. Sign up for however you'd like to be involved with Defend DC Education here.

2) Join EmpowerEd Saturday, March 22nd from 10:30am - 2:30 pm EDT for an action-packed day of teacher solutions at the 2025 DC Teacher Solutions Summit (please RSVP). We have so many pressing needs in DC's education scene and DC teachers have solutions to better serve our students, families, educators and schools. We'd love residents and families to come engage with teachers about their ideas. We'll have a great free lunch and free child care!

Educators will present poster presentations on a wide variety of education solutions and host four choice sessions on topics like educator wellness and retention, cell phones in schools, improving math outcomes, early childhood educator support and so much more. 

DC Water Projects

Small Diameter Water Main Replacement

Week of March 10

Connecticut Avenue NW

  • Monday, March 10 - Friday, March 14

    • This week, DC Water will be performing some roadway restoration activities at this location

  • Wednesday, March 12 and Friday, March 14

    • This week, DC Water is preparing to perform the tie-in of newly installed water main at Kanawha Street and Military Road NW

Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project Sewer Cleaning Activities (week of March 10):

5400 - 5500 blocks of 39th St NW; 5500 - 5600 blocks of Connecticut Ave NW; 3700 - 3800 blocks of McKinley St NW; 3700 block of Northampton St NW; 5500 block of Nevada Ave NW; 5700 - 5800 blocks of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW; 3700 block of Oliver St NW

3/4G ANC Racial and Social Equity Committee (RASE)
The RASE Committee is inviting the public to the second of six short gatherings (30 minutes each) through June. These will focus on the WINDOWS: 250 exhibit, which is part of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. The gathering will take place Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 2:00 - 2:30 PM in front of CVS at 5550 Connecticut Ave NW.

Learn more about the WINDOWS 250 project here: 250: A Neighborhood in the Nation's Capital, 1776-2026 | Historic Chevy Chase DC

3/4G ANC DCPS School Updates:

  •  Lafayette Elementary School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Murch Elementary School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Deal Middle School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Jackson Reed: Check out the current news and events here.

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Neighborhood Update: Resources for Federal Workers, Events, and Updates from DPW

Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you and your family well despite the many challenges our country is facing. As a federal worker, I understand the stress of worrying about potential layoffs and the uncertainty that comes with it. For those of you at USAID and other agencies affected by terminations, my thoughts are with you. Below is a quick recap of some neighborhood information you may need to know. 

Resources for Federal Employees Affected by Layoffs:

  • DC Department of Employment Services: A dedicated website for former federal employees offering guidance on unemployment compensation, career support, and DC government job opportunities. Visit: fedsupport.dc.gov.

Friendship Place Webinar: How to Find a Job in Difficult Times:

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, March 11th at noon ET

  • Details: Join Richard McKey and Martena Williams from the Aim Hire Employment Program as they share tips on navigating job listings, tailoring resumes, and job search strategies.

  • Register here: Zoom Registration Link

  • For more info, visit: FriendshipPlace.org

Community Development Meeting – Your Participation is Needed!

  • Date & Time: Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Location: Chevy Chase Community Center (5601 Connecticut Ave NW)

  • This meeting will discuss the future development of a new library, community center, outdoor space, and potential housing at the Civic Core Site. You can attend virtually by registering here.

Film Production in Chevy Chase

Here's a message from Commissioner Gosselin about the filming: "The film crew that notified residents it’s doing a project in our neighborhood has arrived — in force! The crew will be here through Thursday. If you encounter problems beyond the manageable, please let me know so I can connect the film crew. I’m reachable at peter.gosselin@anc.dc.gov or by cell at 202-251-3945."


WMATA Better Bus Initiative - Latest Updates:
Stay informed on the new network launch, bus stop upgrades, and more. Check out the latest news in the Better Bus Dispatch.

Department of Public Works (DPW) Updates:

  • Container Delivery and Repair Update: DPW is catching up on backlogged container delivery requests. DPW will be delivering cans for the next eight weeks in each ward.

  • Leaf Collection Update: Crews are still collecting leaves. If your leaf pick up was missed, submit a Street Sweeping 311 service request starting March 3rd.

  • Street Sweeping: Street sweeping begins March 3rd, with a two-week grace period (March 3–14) for parking violations. Enforcement starts March 17th.

  • Food Waste Bins: DPW has installed smart food waste bins across the city. Find a bin near you and learn more about composting: Zero Waste.

Special Waste Collection Events

  • Upcoming Dates:

    • Thursday, March 6, 2025: 10 AM - 2 PM

    • Saturday, April 19, 2025: 8 AM - 2 PM

    • Thursday, June 19, 2025: 10 AM - 2 PM

    • Saturday, August 23, 2025: 8 AM - 2 PM

    • Thursday, September 18, 2025: 10 AM - 2 PM

  • Registration Required: DC residents must sign up for a 15-minute arrival window. Only one ticket per vehicle. No commercial waste allowed. Register here.

Curbside Composting Pilot Program
Not in the Pilot Program but interested in participating in the future? Please fill out this waitlist form to be one of the first to hear about program updates and openings at: Fill out the waitlist form to stay informed.

Free Mulch/Compost Pickup

  • Location: Fort Totten Transfer Station (4900 John McCormack Rd NE)

  • Hours: Wed-Fri 10 AM-2 PM & Sat 7 AM-2 PM. Bring your own bags and shovel to fill up to five 32-gal bags.

Unified Communication Center (UCC) for DPW Services
For quicker service resolution, residents are encouraged to contact the UCC at (202) 673-6833 (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM) or via email: dpw@dc.gov.

DC Public Schools Boundary Study and Implementation Plan:

In 2023 and 2024, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) conducted a comprehensive review of the District’s public school student assignment policies and DCPS school boundaries. In March 2024, the DME released the final report that included recommendations made by the DC Advisory Committee on Student Assignment. In June 2024, the Mayor approved the Advisory Committee’s recommendations, which will act as the city’s roadmap for the next 10 years.

 The DME and DCPS have now released an Implementation Plan that outlines what steps will be taken to implement the recommendations made by the Advisory Committee (found on the study’s main page). The Implementation Plan includes the key actions, timeline, and agency owner for each of the recommendations. This Implementation Plan is a living document that will be periodically updated and revised based on progress, new developments, and feedback.

National Park Service Environmental Review of Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway:

In the spring of 2025, the National Park Service (NPS) will engage the public in an environmental review of the historic Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway. The project will address safety and operational issues along the roadway from Rock Creek Park to the National Mall, including widening the multi-use trail, improving intersections, ending one-way operations during rush hours, and enhancing center-lane safety. It also proposes pavement rehabilitation, replacing streetlights, and repairing guardrails. These concepts stem from a safety study by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Volpe Center. The project, which will be reviewed under an Environmental Assessment, emphasizes public engagement, with meetings to be held this spring. More details, including a study report, are available on the NPS website. Here: Elimination of Reversible Operations Along Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway and here: Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Multimodal Safety and Operational Improvements Plan/EA

Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Programs (PKEEP):

 This week, the Office of State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) instructed Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Programs (PKEEP) (Communikids Preschool and Children’s Language Center, Two Birds Tenleytown and the St Alban’s Early Childhood Center in Ward 3) to inform parents that it cannot confirm funding in the fiscal year 2026 budget for PKEEP, which provides free PK3 and PK4 seats for District residents. Councilmember Matt Frumin has already began meeting with key officials including the mayor and Chairman to urge that the city once again fully funds this important program.  I will keep the community updated as more information is available.

If you are new to the email list, you can see past email communications here: Blog 1 — Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 3/4G SMD 05

Regards,

Karrenthya Simmons   

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD 05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com


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Upcoming Disposition Meeting

Dear Neighbors,

I am thrilled to share some exciting news about a major development coming to our neighborhood! The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) has informed the ANC about the upcoming Disposition Meeting. This meeting is set to take place at 9 am Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Chevy Chase Community Center, and it marks a significant step forward in the development of a new library, community center, outdoor space, and potential housing. I’m beyond excited to see the ideas and plans that will be presented by the developers who responded to the Request for Proposals (RFP).

  • Meeting Details:

    • Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

    • Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

    • Location: Chevy Chase Community Center Auditorium 5601 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20015

    • Virtual Option: Please register in advance at the following link: https://forms.gle/pobMACFdak2rvfVeA

What to Expect at the Disposition Meeting:

  • Developer Presentations: Each developer will present their plans during the formal session. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about their vision for the community's future and see visual presentations of what the space at the Civic Core Site could look like.

  • Open House: Immediately following the presentations on Saturday, March 29, 2025, there will be an Open House where developers will be available to meet community members in various rooms on site. You’ll have the chance to ask questions about their presentations.

  • Extended Feedback Time: Thanks to the letter I drafted with Commissioners Gosselin and Gore on behalf of the ANC to DMPED, we have been granted an extended 60-day period to respond, rather than the usual 30 days. This provides us with more time to offer thoughtful and meaningful feedback about what we liked from the presentations by the respondents to the RFP. You can review the ANC's letter to DMPED here: 2025 02 20 DMPED Resolution Follow-up Letter. Lastly, I am committed to providing the community with advance notice of the ANC’s response to DMPED prior to the ANC meeting where we will discuss a potential resolution.

  • Hybrid Format: The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, meaning you can participate in-person or virtually.

DMPED is interested to know what the community likes about the RFP responses. In addition to attending the meeting, within 30 days after it, I plan to convene several focus groups with residents of our ANC to gather your feedback on the RFP responses. This will give you another opportunity to share what you liked from the respondents' presentations for the development at the Civic Core Site.

DMPED will be partnering with the community engagement consulting firm to facilitate the meeting. I would like to make sure the community is aware that this will be the first ever full day Disposition meeting. DMPED has listened to our concerns and is committed to meaningful engagement, and I would like to thank DMPED for their commitment to our request for more community engagement. If you're new to learning about this project, you can explore more details on the DMPED website dedicated to the development here: Chevy Chase Civic Site | dmped

As the Single Member District (SMD) Commissioner for the Civic Core Site, I’m very excited about the positive impact this project will have on our community and city. This is our chance to shape the future of the Civic Core Site in partnership with the city and create a space that benefits all generations of residents here now and to come.

I look forward to seeing you on March 29, 2025, and please do not hesitate to reach out to me or your SMD Commissioner if you have any questions about this upcoming meeting. If you don't know who your Commissioner is you can location them here: Locate Your SMD and ANC.

Regards,

Karrenthya Simmons   

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD 05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com

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Safety, Upcoming Meetings, Erosion Project, Film Production, & DC Water Construction

Hi Neighbors,

I hope you all doing well and staying warm! Here's an update on some important happenings in the neighborhood:

Safety Concerns Along Connecticut Ave
Commissioner Peter Gosselin and I hosted two community meetings to discuss safety concerns along Connecticut Ave. You can watch the videos here: ANC 3/4G (SMDs 05 and 06) Community Meeting on Public Safety, February 13, 2025 and here: ANC 3/4G (SMD05 and 06) Community Meeting on Public Safety, February 14, 2025. The second video includes a discussion with business owners. As a reminder, please avoid leaving valuables visible in your car, as this will attract criminals.

Two Upcoming ANC Meetings (Virtual Only)

  • Regular ANC Meeting: Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6:30 pm. You can view the agenda 2025-02-24-DRAFT-Agenda-.pdf and register for the meeting here.

  • Special ANC Meeting: Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 6:30 pm to discuss the future of ANC committees (Transportation and the Racial and Social Equity (RASE)). You can view the agenda here and register for the meeting here.

Erosion Project at Lafayette-Pointer Park - Zoom Meeting (Feb 20, 7 pm)
On Thursday, February 20, at 7 pm, Commissioner Laura Phinizy (SMD04) will host a Zoom meeting to discuss the upcoming DPR project aimed at mitigating erosion on the upper field and NW corner of Lafayette Pointer Park. The meeting will have three parts:

  1. A "picture-building" overview of the current conditions and the community engagement process.

  2. A Q&A session for clarifying questions.

  3. A discussion to gather community input on preferences for the project.

You can attend the meeting by accessing the link here (ID: 826 3680, 6811, passcode: 414137).

Parking Restrictions Due to Film Production (Feb 27 - Mar 5)
In case you haven't received a flyer yet, Smooth Sailing Productions will be filming in our neighborhood from February 27 to March 5, 2025. There will be 24-hour parking restrictions on the following blocks*:

  • 39th St NW (between the 5600 block of 39th and Northampton) - EAST SIDE

  • Northampton St NW (between Connecticut Ave and 3736 Northampton) - SOUTH SIDE

  • Morrison St NW (between Connecticut Ave and 3720 Morrison) - NORTH SIDE

  • Morrison St NW (between Connecticut Ave and 3810 Morrison) - BOTH SIDES (near the empty parking lot and PNC Bank)

  • Livingston St NW (between Connecticut Ave and 39th) - NORTH SIDE

*Please note that the list of restricted blocks may change. If you have concerns during filming, please email flaisherfilms@mac.com.

DC Water Construction Updates

  • Week of February 17:

    • Connecticut Ave NW

      • Friday, February 21: DC Water will perform a tie-in of the newly installed water main at Jocelyn and Jenifer Streets NW.

      • Monday, February 24 - Tuesday, February 25: Roadway restoration activities will take place at this location.

  • Week of February 17 - Sewer Cleaning:
    Monday, February 17 - Friday, February 21 at the following locations:

    • 5600 block of Western Ave NW, 3700 - 3900 blocks of McKinley St NW, 3700 block of Northampton St NW, 5600 block of 39th St NW, 5600 block of Connecticut Ave NW

  • Week of February 24 - Sewer Cleaning:
    Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28 at the following locations:

    • 3700 block of Northampton St NW, 3600 - 3700 blocks of McKinley St NW, 3700 block of Connecticut Ave NW, 5500 - 5600 blocks of Connecticut Ave NW, 5600 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW, 5500 - 5600 blocks of Nevada Ave NW, 5500 block of 42nd St NW, 3900 block of Morrison St NW

Please note that construction activities are weather-dependent.

3/4G ANC DCPS School Updates:


  •  Lafayette Elementary School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Murch Elementary School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Deal Middle School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Jackson Reed: Check out the current news and events here.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

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Snow Shoveling, Community Meeting on Safety, and More Updates!

Hi Neighbors,

I hope this message finds you well! While some of us are looking forward to the snow and the DCPS snow day tomorrow, others like me are already dreaming of spring. As we prepare for snow, I wanted to remind everyone of the importance of shoveling snow and ice from the sidewalks around our homes. Not only is it required by DC law, but it’s also vital to keep our community safe. DC law mandates that property owners remove snow and ice from sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after a storm ends. However, we also know that shoveling can be a challenge, especially for some of our neighbors. If you know someone who may need help with this task, please consider offering assistance or having them reach out to organizations like Serve DC, DC’s Volunteer Snow Team. You can find more information about their snow requester FAQs here: Snow Requester FAQs.pdf. You may also want to check out Snow Safety Tips For Shoveling Snow | snow for useful guidance.

Safety Concerns Along Connecticut Ave

Commissioner Peter Gosselin and I are hosting a community meeting this Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM via Zoom, to discuss safety concerns along Connecticut Ave. We’ll be joined by local business owners, as well as representatives from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This meeting is in response to several car break ins along the Avenue. Please join us to share your thoughts and concerns. You can register for the meeting using the link here: Zoom Registration Link

Community Engagement with DDOT

As mentioned last month, Commissioner Peter Gosselin and I will host a community engagement session with DDOT in late spring or summer. In the meantime, any resident can submit a Traffic Safety Input (TSI) to DDOT. To submit a TSI, residents can go to 311.dc.gov and select the "Traffic Safety Input" option. After providing all necessary details, including information, photos, and a description of the concerns, the TSI will automatically be populated in DDOT’s TSI dashboard under the "future consideration" tab. Requestors will receive an automated email stating that the 311 ticket is "closed." Please note that this simply means the request has been routed to DDOT’s system and is "closed" on the 311 interface side. You can view DDOT’s TSI dashboard here: Traffic Safety Input. The TSI Prioritization Model analyzes data based on several factors, including crash patterns, location on high-injury network, equity, proximity to schools, transit hubs, recreation centers/parks, and senior centers, roadway characteristics (engineering design of the street). The data is scored and used to create an internal ranking for selecting locations for safety improvements. Each quarter, about 200 locations are selected, with selection periods broken down as follows: FY25 Q1: October 2024, FY25 Q2: January 2025, FY25 Q3: April 2025, FY25 Q4: July 2025. If a location isn’t selected during a particular quarter, it remains in the system for future consideration. The prioritization model is dynamic, meaning that intersections will eventually be selected based on ongoing data analysis, but it’s difficult to predict exactly when each location will be addressed.

Nevada and McKinley - Safety Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey about safety at the intersections of Nevada and McKinley. I really appreciate your feedback! You can view the survey results here: Survey Results. The written responses from the survey are highlighted below with some ideas for improvement. We will share the feedback with DDOT in late spring or summer.

Written Responses to the Nevada and McKinley Intersection Survey:

Do you have any additional thoughts or suggestions about improving safety at this intersection outside of a stop sign camera?

  1. Curb extensions or raised crosswalks in lieu of a camera. Any traffic calming measures could possibly be folded into DDOT's work to accommodate Metro buses on McKinley Street—the buses eventually need stop closer to Lafayette Elementary after the detour down Nevada Avenue.

  2. Perhaps continuing the speed bumps that were installed on mckinley (they are currently only between broad branch and nevada)

  3. No, but the intersection at Morrison and McKinley is even more dangerous. Drivers on Morrison often don’t realize that drivers on Nevada have no stop sign. I have seen several accidents here and scores of near misses over the years.

  4. A stop sign camera would trigger incorrectly on many full stops and end up costing area residents significant amounts of money without any improvement in safety. As seen in the existing stop sign cameras in other wards

  5. Stop sign cameras are notoriously ineffective, leading to fines even when the driver has stopped. There is no need to create problems where none exist.

  6. The pedestrian walk areas should be painted brightly, double backed stop signs, raised crosswalks, stop signs at other intersections approaching this intersection (Morrison and Nevada for example) would help bc cars gain speed and this would lessen their speed approaching this intersection.

  7. Camera sounds like a great solution long term. Perhaps occasional police car parked at first to get people’s attention and write some citations. We’ve seen so many near crashes here, and a few actual crashes. Thank you!! Live at XXXX Nevada.

  8. I like the stop sign camera idea. I think people need to be hit with monetary fines in the form of tickets to get their attention. I live within X houses of this intersection and am shocked at how many people I have seen -- particularly adults, not teenagers -- blow through these stop signs. thank you!

  9. Accidents happen regularly -- a DC ambulance and a car collided this week, at 10:58 1/22/25.

  10. Consider traffic engineering to increase stopping and safety: raised crosswalks, double backed stop signs, flex posts, repaint cross walk, stop signs every block on Nevada to 1) prevent drivers from gaining too much speed and 2) have drivers be in routine of stopping at all intersections.  etc. 

  11. I personally do not think a camera is needed.

  12. One big issue is the house at the NE corner. The bushes are overgrown into the sidewalk, which makes things inconvenient for pedestrians (especially anyone with a stroller or in a wheelchair) and cuts down on visibility.

  13. One could consider raising the crosswalks on Nevada, like what has been done at the Northhampton/Broad Branch intersection. Raising them on McKinley would be more challenging I think because of the buses. "

  14. I would prefer that a stop sign camera is not installed at this location.  I have heard from those with similar cameras in their neighborhoods that the cameras are over-sensitive and they have received multiple tickets even though they did stop at the stop sign.  Perhaps a "children crossing" sign would help.  Or an advanced warning sign before reaching to stop sign that notes there is a stop sign ahead.  Another option would be flashing lights during the times children are going to/from school.

  15. Install a raised crosswalk similar to the ones that are at the intersection of  Northampton and Broad Branch. Remove the small tree in front of the stop sign going south on Nevada to make the stop sign more visible.

  16. We have a systemic problem with drivers not coming to complete stops at any and all stop signs in DC. It is not unique to that intersection. When I wait for the bus at McKinley and ChCh Pkwy, almost none of the cars come to a complete stop. I see it everywhere I go. I’d prefer more raised crosswalks.

  17. Speed bumps or intersection daylighting

  18. As a driver and pedestrian who frequents this intersection, I have observed many bikers blowing through the stop signs and not yielding to cars or pedestrians, usually at a very fast speed.

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ANC 3/4G SMD 05 Updates

Hello Neighbors,

I hope everyone’s February is off to a good start, despite the groundhog seeing its shadow!

Upcoming ANC Meeting
The next ANC meeting will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:45 PM virtually. If you plan to attend, you can register in advance here. The agenda for the meeting can be accessed here.

DPR Wards 3 and 4 Construction Update
Don’t miss the DPR Wards 3 and 4 Construction update TOMORROW, Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 PM. You can register here.

Upper Connecticut Avenue Development
ANC Special Meeting – January 29, 2024

On Monday, January 27th, the Commission held its first substantive meeting of the year. The vote was 6-1-0 in favor of scheduling a Special Meeting to discuss proposed actions related to the D.C. Zoning case for Upper Connecticut Avenue NW (from Livingston Street to Chevy Chase Circle). I voted against calling the special meeting as the previous ANC had already discussed this zoning issue multiple times. Additionally, I felt the less than 24 hours' notice was not enough time to prepare a thoughtful response to the zoning issue.

During the Special Meeting, the ANC passed a resolution which you can view here: Resolution-Upper-Conn-Ave-final20250129.pdf. On January 30th, the D.C. Zoning Commission voted to finalize the proposed rulemaking. You can review the proposal here: zoning proposal

Exciting Opportunity for the Chevy Chase Civic Core Site

Our neighborhood is about to have a fantastic opportunity to revitalize the library and community space at the Chevy Chase Civic Core site! Last summer, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) collected Requests for Proposals (RFP) from organizations interested in redesigning the site. We are now awaiting an update from DMPED to share the results of these RFPs. DMPED will provide the community with at least 30 days’ notice of the upcoming meeting, and once the ANC receives the details, we will share them with you. The goal of this meeting is for organizations to present their design they provided DMPED for the RFP process to the community. This will be a great opportunity to visualize what could be possible at the Chevy Chase Civic Core site.

I understand there are concerns regarding the development and neighbors have heard rumors of no parking, or the possibility of no new library. However, I want to reassure community members that no final plans have been made or shared yet, so these concerns do not reflect the outcome of the final development.

I encourage everyone to keep an open mind and actively participate in the upcoming meeting with DMPED. Together, we can create a world-class space that serves both current and future residents of Chevy Chase and the District. Let’s work together to make this project truly special for our community and city!

You can review documents from DMPED here: Chevy Chase Civic Site | dmped

DC Water Sewer Rehabilitation Project
DC Water is starting a sewer rehabilitation project in Chevy Chase as part of its Capital Improvement Program. The project will upgrade over 62,000 feet of sewer pipes, including repairs and manhole rehabilitation.

Project Details:

  • Start Date: February 3, 2025

  • Completion Date: July 2026

  • Work Hours:

    • Main Roads: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

    • Local Roads: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

    • Night/Weekend Work: May occur

  • Service Interruptions:

    • Water shut-offs will be announced 48 hours in advance

    • Sewer interruptions will be announced 7 days in advance

Week of February 3

  • Connecticut Avenue NW:

    • Monday, February 3 – Wednesday, February 5: Flushing and water quality sampling of newly installed water main

    • Thursday, February 6: Preparation and tie-in of newly installed water main at Jocelyn and Jennifer Streets NW

  • Sewer Cleaning Activities (Feb 3 - 7):

5800 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW; 3400 - 3700 blocks of Oliver St NW; 5700 block of Connecticut Ave NW; 3600 block of Patterson St NW; 5800 block of Nevada Ave NW; 3500 block of Northampton St NW; 3900 block of 39th St NW; 5600 block of Western Ave NW; 3900 block of McKinley St NW

Week of February 10

  • Connecticut Avenue NW:

    • Thursday, February 13 - Friday, February 14: Tie-in of newly installed water main at Jocelyn and Jenifer Streets NW.

    • Critical pipe connection work in this area.

  • Sewer Cleaning Activities (Feb 10 - 14):

5600 block of 39th St NW; 3700 block of Connecticut Ave NW; 5500 - 5600 blocks of Connecticut Ave NW; 3700 - 3800 blocks of McKinley St NW; 3700 block of Northampton St NW; 5600 block of Chevy Chase Pkwy NW; 5500 - 5600 blocks of Nevada Ave NW; 3600 block of McKinley St NW; 5500 block of 42nd St NW; 3900 block of Morrison St NW

Please note: Construction schedules are weather dependent.

3/4G ANC Racial and Social Equity Committee (RASE)
The RASE Committee is inviting the public to the second of six short gatherings (30 minutes each) through June. These will focus on the WINDOWS: 250 exhibit, which is part of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. The gathering will take place Sunday, February 23, 2025, from 2:00 - 2:30 PM in front of CVS at 5550 Connecticut Ave NW.

Learn more about the WINDOWS 250 project here: 250: A Neighborhood in the Nation's Capital, 1776-2026 | Historic Chevy Chase DC

3/4G ANC Transportation Committee
The Transportation Committee will hold its first meeting of the year on Thursday, February 6, from 7:15 - 8:30 PM via Zoom. All members of the community are welcome to attend. You can join via this link Transportation Committee Zoom

3/4G ANC DCPS School Updates:

  •  Lafayette Elementary School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Murch Elementary School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Deal Middle School: Check out the current news and events here.

  • Jackson Reed: Check out the current news and events here.

Regards,

Karrenthya Simmons   

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD 05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com

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WMATA Resolution

I forgot to include information regarding the Commission's draft resolution bus transportation in my communication sent yesterday. On Monday, January 27, the Commission will discuss a draft resolution prepared by Commissioner Gore regarding concerns with WMATA's Better Bus Network Redesign in its FY26 budget. While WMATA restored some service for Chevy Chase, the Commission and the ANC’s Transportation Committee is still advocating for improvements like direct service for Knollwood and Ingleside residents, better access to Friendship Heights, and more frequent service on the C83 and C85 lines for students to commute to Deal and Jackson-Reed. Commissioner Gore is seeking feedback on how the proposed changes might affect residents’ bus ridership. You can read the draft resolution and submit comments to the Commission. Commissioner Gore plans to testify before WMATA and would like to share real stories from the community. The C81, C83, and C85 lines will probably be most impactful, as will the D70 line. For more details on the proposed routes, including the C81, C83, C85, and D70 lines, click here: WMATA proposed routes. You can review the draft resolution here: Draft WMATA FY26 Budget Testimony. If you are unable to attend Monday’s ANC meeting to provide comments, you can send them to the Commission here: Submit Public Comments | Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3/4G, email me at 3G05@anc.dc.gov,or 3G@anc.dc.gov.

In my previous email, I forgot to include the date for RASE's Windows:250 program. Here's the updated information:

3/4G ANC Racial and Social Equity Committee (RASE)is inviting the public to the first of six short (30 minutes) gatherings on Sunday 26 January at 2:00PM. This gathering is the first of six, one per month through June, to discuss the RASE of the WINDOWS: 250 exhibit- a contribution of our neighborhood to the impeding 250th anniversary of the founding of our republic. The program will be held outdoors at the windows exhibit at CVS on 5550 Connecticut Ave NW from 2:00 - 2:30 pm. You can learn about the WINDOWS 250 project here: 250: A Neighborhood in the Nation's Capital, 1776-2026 | Historic Chevy Chase DC

Regards,

Karrenthya Simmons   

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

3/4G, SMD 05

3G05@anc.dc.gov

www.ksimmonsanc.com

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