SMD 05 Community Updates: Civic Core, DCPL & DPR Focus Groups, & DC Water Rates
Hi Neighbors,
See below a few updates for your review.
Chevy Chase Civic Core Update
Councilmember Frumin provided an update on the Civic Core legislation. The hearing for the Chevy Chase Civic Core is scheduled for November 12, giving residents nearly two months to review the legislation and share feedback. For more details, read Councilmember Frumin’s October 1 newsletter here: Councilmember Frumin October 1 Newsletter
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DC Public Library and DC Parks and Recreations are in the early stages of designing a new library and community center for the Chevy Chase community. This will replace the current library and community center on Connecticut Avenue, between McKinley and Northampton Streets.
The library Community Engagement team are interested in speaking with residents about what they would like to see in their new library and community center. They are interested in learning what kinds of programs, services, art and other ideas you may have for your new library and community center.
In leu of gathering this information, the library would like to hold a focus group with 10-12 residents per focus group. They can come in person, or it can be done virtually. If you're interested, please see the link below to take the focus group screening survey so a date and time, that works best for you, can be scheduled.
If you are not interested in a focus group at this time, you can share your thoughts with other residents so at least they can express your concerns about the project.
Link/QR code: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/fGet5Dwfwf
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To date DCPL and DPR has completed three focus groups with parents of school-age children and two focus groups with seniors. Please reach out to me if you are interested in being in touch with DCPL/DPR to participate in any upcoming focus groups.
DC Water
DC Water rates will increase by less than 6% starting October 2, 2026, raising the average residential bill by about $9 per month. The additional revenue will support major infrastructure improvements, while assistance programs remain available to help eligible customers manage higher bills. Please read DC Water’s press release here: https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/news/dc-water-rates-will-change-october-2-while-maintaining-affordability
DPR
DC Parks and Recreation has launched a new interactive Capital Projects Dashboard, allowing residents to easily explore ongoing funded projects across the District, including project phases, locations, descriptions, and budgets. Explore the dashboard to see how capital investments are shaping DC’s parks and recreation spaces here: https://ready2playdc.com/capital-projects-live-tracke
Regards,
Karrenthya Simmons
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
3/4G, SMD 05