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:

• Morning presentations: DMPED Disposition Hearing CC Morning Presentations on Vimeo

• Afternoon public comments: DMPED Disposition Hearing CC Public Comments on Vimeo

• All eight proposals: Chevy Chase Civic Site - RFP Presentations | dmped.

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