Civic Core Update & More
Hi Neighbors,
I hope this newsletter finds you well as we continue into the new year. Here are some key community updates.
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)
Friday, January 16, 2025, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced the selection of Rift Valley Chevy Chase, LLC (Rift Valley) to redevelop the Chevy Chase Civic Site. You can read the press release here: Mayor Bowser Selects Proposal to Deliver New Community Center, Library, and Housing at Chevy Chase Civic Site in Ward 3 | mayormb
As the ANC Commissioner for where this project is located, I am committed to working closely with residents, DMPED, and the developer, and other stakeholders to ensure this site becomes a space the community can truly come together around. I want to make sure the community knows that there are several important strengths of the selected developer worth highlighting. The project exceeds the space requirements outlined in the RFP for both the DC Public Library (DCPL) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). It also delivers twice the amount of outdoor space, along with underground and paved on-site parking, a significant benefit for the community. In addition, the proposal includes up to 30 percent affordable housing within the planned 177 residential units.
After the selection was announced, I spoke with several residents and want to collect more feedback. Please take a moment to complete this short survey: Civic Core Developer Selection Survey
Thefts from Autos
There has been an increase in thefts from autos in our neighborhood. Please see the links below to reduce the risk of thefts from autos. Auto Theft Prevention | mpdc, Protecting Your Vehicle_translations (ALL).pdf and Safety and Crime Prevention | mpdc
21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade
Monday, January 19 at 11 am, community members are encouraged to walk in this annual celebration honoring the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. You can learn more about the walk here.
Remembering Mr. Benab
Please join the Lafayette Elementary School community in honoring Mr. Afsheen Benab at a Remembrance Gallery. This will be a time to honor, reflect, and celebrate his amazing life. Stop by to view photos, memories, and reflections that capture Mr. Benab’s lasting impact on our school and community on Thursday, January 29, 2026, 4:00–6:00 p.m. Lafayette Elementary School Gymnasium. All are welcome to come together in gratitude and remembrance. Please bring a photo ID and enter through the Northampton Street gymnasium entrance.
The Lafayette Home and School Association also announced that in Spring 2026, the Lafayette Elementary School gymnasium will be formally dedicated in honor of Mr. Afsheen Benab, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Afsheen Benab Memorial Fund, which will be operated by the Lafayette HSA to install the gymnasium dedication and ensure all children have access to after school activities and sports for years to come. If you’re interested in donating, please see the link here: Remembering Mr. Benab - Lafayette Home & School Association Donation Link.
Department of Behavioral Health (D - Homeless Services & Housing Resources
The Department of Behavioral Health’s Homeless Services and Housing Resources website provides information and support for individuals and families in D.C. seeking emergency shelter, housing assistance, and related services. You can review the site here: (https://dhs.dc.gov/page/homeless-services-housing)
Access Helpline available 24/7 – 1-888-7WE-HELP (1-888-793-4357)
Community Response Team (CRT) 24/7 – 202-673-6495
Department of Public Works (DPW)
Holiday Trees & Greenery Collection: DPW will collect holiday trees and greenery from January 2 through February 28 from DPW-serviced homes for composting—please place items at the curb (not in food waste bins). If items are not collected within 7 days, residents may call 311 and request “Christmas Tree Removal – Seasonal.” After February 28, trees and greenery should be disposed of with regular trash and recycling.
Residents may also drop off items Monday–Friday at:
Bryant Street Sweep Shop (201 Bryant St NW), 8 AM–3 PM
Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert St NW), 8 AM–4 PM
DPW Salt Storage Facility (2700 South Capitol St SE), 8 AM–2:30 PM
For more information on Holiday Reduce & Reuse Tips, please visit Zero Waste DC website.
DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) News You Can Use: January 2026
Check out the DMV’s January newsletter here: DC DMV News You Can Use: January 2026
DC School Lottery is Open
The My School DC lottery for School Year 2026–27 is now open, with deadlines of February 2, 2026 for grades 9–12 and March 2, 2026 for grades Pre-K3–8. Families can apply to up to 12 schools at www.myschooldc.org.
Regards,
Karrenthya Simmons
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
3/4G, SMD 05
3G05@anc.dc.gov
www.ksimmonsanc.com