The Ward 5 Report
Ward 5 Highlights
On April 16th, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie joined his colleagues in recognizing the significance of Emancipation Day. The DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 ended slavery in Washington, DC, freed 3,100 individuals and offered the newly freed women and men money to emigrate. It is this legislation, and the courage and struggle of those who fought to make it a reality, that we commemorate every April 16, DC Emancipation Day.
This year, a commemorative breakfast was held and Councilmember McDuffie attended. Other Emancipation Day activities included a concert, debate and parade- all of the festivities engaged DC residents from all eight wards.
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Councilmember McDuffie’s staff joined with Casey Trees to plant more than fifty trees in celebration of Earth Day. Given DC government’s focus on sustainability and a green economy, Casey Trees’ efforts underscore the importance of creating environment-friendly spaces in our community.
For more information on how you can do your part, visit http://sustainable.dc.gov/.
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Councilmember McDuffie joined members of the Trinidad Neighborhood Association to discuss the District’s proposed zoning regulation changes. The Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the District of Columbia Council in 2006 and updated in 2010, includes instruction to comprehensively update our outdated 1958 zoning code, which will help achieve a more sustainable city with improved transportation options. After almost 7 years of meetings, research, and Zoning Commission hearings and meetings, Office of Planning submitted draft proposed Zoning Regulation Review text to the Zoning Commission on July 29, 2013.
Residents will have until September 15, 2014, to submit public comments to the DC Zoning Commission. For more information, please visit Office of Planning’s Review of the DC Zoning Regulations, http://www.dczoningupdate.org/.
Councilmember McDuffie toured DC’s innovative tech hub 1776 Ventures with Managing Director David Zipper. While touring, he discussed potential economic incentives that could assist in nurturing and retaining technology companies based in the District of Columbia. This meeting included an introduction to RideScout, a start-up company that uses technology to create friendlier routes and encourages alternative transportation methods.
Councilmember McDuffie is committed to supporting and diversifying the District’s economic base. By supporting existing businesses, while attracting new entrepreneurs to the District of Columbia, he hopes that the creation of more start-up hubs will further strengthen our business community and retain investment in our city.
Legislative & Committee Updates
The Council is holding Budget Oversight Hearings for all District Agencies, Offices, Boards, and Commissions. These hearings allow the Council to receive public input on the Mayor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2015 Budget.
Thus far, the Committee held Budget Oversight Hearings on April 14, 17, 28, and May 1. Councilmember McDuffie has inquired into the budget proposals for the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability, the Office of Risk Management, the Public Employee Relations Board, the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, the Office of the Inspector General, The Department of General Services, the Office of the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, the Office of the City Administrator, the Office of Employee Appeals, the Public Service Commission, the Office of the People’s Counsel, the Office of Community Affairs (including the associated Commissions, Boards, and Offices), the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia, and the Executive Office of the Mayor.
The Committee will conclude its Budget Oversight Hearings on May 1, when Councilmember McDuffie will hear from the Board of Elections, the Office of Campaign Finance, and the Department of Human Resources. If you would like to testify about the proposed budget for any of these agencies, please feel free to email Ronan Gulstone (rgulstone@dccouncil.us), or call the office at 202-724-8028
Once the Budget Oversight hearings are complete, each Council committee will vote on their proposed budgets for their respective agencies. These votes will occur between May 13, 2014 and May 15, 2014.
Finally, on May 28, 2014 and June 11, 2014 the Council as a whole will consider its version of the “Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Request Act of 2014” and the “Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Support Act of 2014.”
On April 8th, Councilmember McDuffie introduced legislation to increase pay equity and transparency by prohibiting retaliation against employees for discussing their wages and eliminating wage non-disclosure agreements, or so-called “pay secrecy” policies. “We are fortunate in the District to have the smallest pay gap between women and men, with women earning 90 cents, on average, for every dollar earned by men,” said McDuffie. “But when we look more closely, we see that the District fares much worse for certain populations: we rank 48th in the country for African-American women at 55 cents and 43rd for Latinas at 48 cents. There are many factors that contribute to this gap,” said McDuffie, “and unfortunately, a lack of wage transparency is one”. The bill was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety.
After months of collaboration by Councilmember McDuffie and the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission, at its April 9 meeting, the Commission approved a proposed regulation to restrict long-term parking in the area surrounding taxicab company property. The regulation is part of the Councilmember’s comprehensive strategy to preserve residential parking in adversely impacted neighborhoods. The proposed regulation will be published in the District of Columbia Register in the coming weeks. At that time, residents are encouraged to share their comments with the Taxicab Commission concerning on-street taxicab parking.
Announcements
During the month of April, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie presented three commemorative proclamations in recognition of the tremendous achievements in our community.
On April 8th, Councilmember McDuffie presented the Woodridge Warriors with a proclamation honoring their fifty years of existence. Ward 5 is proud of our local football team and celebrates its positive impact on our youth. The Woodridge Warriors instill values, teach character and promote sportsmanship while uniting Woodridge residents around a healthy competition. Our office salutes the Woodridge Warriors for fifty years of athletic excellence!
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Councilmember McDuffie joined Gallaudet University in celebrating a milestone year. Gallaudet University has been a pillar of academic excellence for over 150 years and continues to broaden its reach as the premier higher-learning institution for the deaf community. This year marks a historic occasion for GU- one which Councilmember McDuffie is glad to recognize.
Councilmember McDuffie is pictured with Gallaudet University President Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz.
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Lastly, on April 22nd, Comcast was honored by Councilmember McDuffie for the company’s swift assistance and humanitarian aid. During the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, Comcast offered victims and their families free services in an effort to facilitate greater communication in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Comcast realizes that our world is interconnected and its commitment to providing quality service to its customers is just one way that the company played a significant role in reuniting DC residents with their the loved ones in the Philippines.
Councilmember McDuffie applauds Comcast for this act of altruism.
The DC Department of Public Works announced today the May 2014 schedule for disposing of household hazardous waste, e-cycling and personal documents at the Ft. Totten Transfer Station.
District residents may bring household hazardous waste items such as pesticides, batteries and cleaning fluids to Ft. Totten, along with e-cycling items such as computers, televisions and other unwanted electronic equipment. For a list of all household hazardous waste and e-cyclables accepted by DPW, please check the DPW website (www.dpw.dc.gov). On the first Saturday only, residents may bring up to five boxes of documents to be shredded. No business or commercial material will be accepted.
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During the Department of General Services’ (DGS) “Green In Green” event, NDS Fix-It received a $10,000 contract award for small construction services. The event focused on sustainability and engaging the community in efforts to create a ‘greener’ DC. Owned and operated by Deatrice Simpson, NDS Fix-It is a Ward 5 based business.
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On April 23rd, the Office of Planning (OP) through the Brookland Beautification Small Grant Program recognized nine award recipients. As part of the Brookland Beautification Small Grant Program, approximately $23,000 of OP funds were allocated towards projects that increase the vibrancy and appeal of the Brookland neighborhood. This demonstrates the high level of interest in public art in Ward 5 and celebrates the diverse and creative talents of Brookland residents.
Ward 5 Events
Councilmember McDuffie, or a member of his staff, will attend the following events:
The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) invites you to join a networking event in Ward 5. Learn more about DSLBD’s resources and tools for community business leaders looking to start a business in the District of Columbia.
Date: April 30, 2014
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Gallaudet University
Sorenson Language and Communication Center (SLCC)
800 Florida Avenue, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002-3695
See the flier below for more details.
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Bates Area Civic Association 