July 11, 2024

Dear neighbor,

On Tuesday, the Council held its final Legislative Meeting before the summer recess. During the meeting, the Council voted on board nominations, memorial designations, ceremonial resolutions, as well as bills regarding Nationals Park maintenance, reducing truancy, marijuana regulation, and more. Starting Monday, July 15, the Council will be on recess until September 15. There are many issues critical to Ward 3 we will continue to work on, and I have prioritized several topics to focus on during this time.

School Readiness

It is critical that our school facilities are equipped to provide safe learning environments for all students. As I discuss in this newsletter, I am joining site visits to Ward 3 campuses to help identify and address the needs of our public school facilities. My team and I will continue to work over the coming weeks to ensure schools are ready to welcome students back for the new year.

Finding Cost Savings

The FY2025 budget process has come to a close. That means it is time to start looking towards next year. Mayor Bowser suggested that her team intended to focus on ways to reduce costs and invited Councilmembers to work with her team on that effort. I fully intend to take them up on that offer. A number of Councilmembers have underscored the importance of this initiative. Just as we periodically step back and look at our tax structures, we need to take a hard look at our spending. Recess offers an opportunity work with the Executive to begin that process in earnest.  

Bus Network Redesign

WMATA is currently in the process of the first comprehensive redesign, known as the "Better Bus" initiative, of the entire Metrobus network since its creation. As I describe below, my team and I are actively engaged with WMATA and community members on this issue. I look forward to working together on feasible solutions that help achieve a network that works for all residents as this process continues.

Although the Council will be on recess, the important work of serving residents does not stop, and my team and I will stay on top of the issues important to residents of Ward 3 and the entire District.

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

On Tuesday, my team and I hosted the Ward 3 Better Bus Forum with WMATA staff and residents to discuss the impacts of WMATA’s redesign of the bus network. The goal of the forum was to allow community members the chance to hear directly from WMATA about potential changes and to give WMATA a chance to hear feedback from across Ward 3.

We received a lot of helpful feedback from community members. Over 130 attendees joined the forum. We were able to touch on many important issues during the forum, and my team and I also made sure to collect and review the comments submitted and shared them with WMATA.

A recording of the Ward 3 Better Bus Forum can be viewed and downloaded here.

Although not a complete list of the issues that were raised, some highlights of the main topics that were discussed during the forum included:

Specific Routes and Stops

• Regarding the N2/N4 bus routes, we received a significant amount of feedback that the bus stops on Cathedral Avenue NW between New Mexico Avenue NW and Massachusetts Avenue NW need to be reinstated. Commenters noted the difficult topography of that area and the high density of older residents, people with disabilities, and families who need these bus stops to reach doctors appointments, work, and downtown.
• Commenters from the interior of Glover Park felt they were not served by proposed bus network running down Tunlaw Road NW.
• Residents from Chevy Chase to Friendship Heights flagged the need for greater access to busses in their areas.

Frequency Issues

• Issues with too little bus frequency along Massachusetts Avenue between Wisconsin and Cathedral and Dupont Circle were flagged.
• Residents expressed the need for higher frequency routes in Western areas of Ward 3 near the Palisades.

Truncated Routes

• The 31 and 33 Wisconsin Routes were addressed, with residents weighing in on where they believe better cut-offs would be for these routes.
• Residents expressed the need to address the gaps in service regarding the 96 Crosstown and alternatives.

The public comment period on the Better Bus network is open until Monday, July 15^th at 5:00 PM ET. I will be submitting a formal letter with comments on the proposed changes that include all the important questions and concerns that we heard from Ward 3 residents. You can submit your comments on the network redesign at wmata.com/betterbus.

My team and I will also continue to meet with WMATA and community members during this process to discuss alternatives, trade-offs, and options to find resolutions to the concerns that have been raised.

Next, WMATA will review the feedback they receive and coordinate with DDOT, run bus tests, and develop options. I encouraged the WMATA team to continue to engage residents in their deliberations, and make sure to involve ANCs, community leaders, and other stakeholders on the frontlines of these issues.

I want to thank the WMATA team for their candor and openness during the forum. I also want to thank residents who took time from their busy schedules to be proactive community partners and provide feedback. I will continue to provide updates on the process in future communications. 

I am pleased to share that on Sunday, July 7, the Wilson Aquatic Center was reopened to the public by DPR and DGS. The facility is an important gathering place for our community. I am glad residents and their families can utilize and enjoy this public recreation space again.

My team and I, with support from the mayor’s office, remained in consistent communication with DPR and DGS leadership through this process to ensure that the necessary repairs were made and the pool was reopened as quickly as possible, including making multiple in-person visits. I thank DPR and DGS for granting my request to extend hours at Hearst Pool as an alternative to the Wilson Aquatic Center until it reopened. Hearst pool has returned to normal operating hours.

DPR released a statement noting:

“Significant upgrades have been made to the facility, including a new and redesigned HVAC system with rooftop units, fans, ductwork, and dehumidification components. We have also completed additional repairs and upgrades to the locker room plumbing, lighting, painting, flooring, and the CCTV system, all to ensure a better experience for our patrons.”

As noted in various of our communications, the Wilson Aquatic Center suffered from corners cut and design failures in the initial construction. It will be important going forward to aggressively review and do preemptive maintenance of the facility. 

The Wilson Aquatic Center hours are listed below. I extend my sincere thanks to you for your patience during the ongoing maintenance. I look forward to seeing everyone at the pool.

Wilson Aquatic Center Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The FY2025 budget process closed with the final vote on Tuesday, June 25th. As noted in our previous updates on the budget process, there were a couple of key issues that we had hoped to see changed, including the approach to income on out-of-state municipal bonds. The Tax Revision Commission (TRC) is now in the process of considering proposed changes for consideration in the FY2026 budget process. In hopes of drawing on what was learned in the FY2025 budget process, we sent a formal letter to the TRC this week. We know these issues are very important to Ward 3 residents. We will remain engaged with the TRC through this process, and we will provide updates in our future communications.

You can access and read the letter here.

Tenant Resource Fair This Sunday

The Housing Justice Committees of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions 4B and 1A are hosting a second annual Tenant Resource Fair on Sunday, July 14, from 11 am - 2 pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

This year’s Tenant Resource Fair will include tabling by government agencies, service organizations, and neighborhood groups, as well as subject matter panels - this year addressing the role of faith-based institutions in affordable housing, regional innovation in affordable housing strategies across the DMV, and tenant rights and resources. We are also adding new practicums - short sessions providing concrete and discrete information to tenants on things like tenant rights and addressing building code violations. Like last year, we will provide a free brownbag lunch.

You can visit the event page here for more information. 

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Hotline

The Department of For-Hire Vehicles’ (DFHV) new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) pilot program. This initiative aims to further improve accessibility and convenience for passengers who require wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs). Providing incentives to wheelchair-accessible vehicle drivers to be available at all hours of the day.    

To make it easier to find a WAV, dedicated hotline. Dial 202-977-4WAV, and you will be connected to our automated system. This system will use your location to provide you with information on the closest available WAV. You will then have the option to connect directly with the taxi company to arrange for a pickup. These vehicles are equipped with the necessary features to ensure a comfortable and seamless journey. Click here for more information

DOEE Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP)

The DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) has drafted a Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP) as part of the commitment to achieving equity in the District. I encourage you to have a look and give your ideas on how to make services and programs more equitable for all residents and stakeholders regardless of race, income, or other backgrounds.  

Click Racial Equity Action Plan or visit https://doee.konveio.com to share your ideas on how the agency can build stronger bonds with the community and better prepare staff to deliver programs equitably to all people. 

DC Senior Games

Registration for the DC Senior Games is OPEN. The games will take place across several venues from August 3 - September 22. DC residents, age 50 and over, as of December 31, 2024, are eligible to participate in the Senior Games. Click here to find out more information and to register. 

July Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

ANC3A: Tuesday, July 16, 7 pm, at the McLean Gardens Ballroom and Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, July 11, 7 pm, Zoom

ANC3C: Monday, July 15, 7 pm, Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, July 10, 7 pm, Zoom    

ANC3E: Thursday, July 25th, 7:30 pm, Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, July 16, 7 pm, Zoom  

ANC3/4G: Monday, July 8, 6 pm, at Chevy Chase Community Center and Zoom

Bastille Day at the Park

Tenleytown Main Street is hosting Bastille Day celebrations at Fessenden Park on Saturday July 13. There will be French music, food, and games. Tickets are on sale now and include all food, beverage, and activities. Proceeds benefit programming and maintenance of Fessenden Park. Advanced ticket sales for this event end at 12:00 PM EST on Friday, July 12. A limited quantity will be available at the welcome tent on a first come, first served basis. You can get tickets here, and find out more information on the event page here. 

Chevy Chase First Fridays

To accommodate the 4^th of July holiday, Chevy Chase Main Street is hosting the July edition their First Fridays series this week, on July 12. Enjoy music, business specials, and family-friendly activities along the Chevy Chase corridor! Visit the event page here for more information. 

Fix-It DC Community Repair Events

Fix-It DC offers free community repair events to all District residents. Learn how to repair your broken items like small household appliances, electronics and clothing with a coach at the Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave NW) on Wednesday, July 17 from 5:30pm-7:30pm! You can register for the event or find more information on the DOEE website here. 

Fort Reno Concert Series

Now in its 57th year, the annual Fort Reno Concert Series kicks off the summer season on Monday, July 8. The free outdoor concerts will be held on Mondays and Thursdays throughout July. All shows begin at 7 pm on the stage at Fort Reno Park, 4000 Chesapeake St, NW. A full schedule of bands is available online.

Jazz at the Kreeger

The Kreeger Museum presents the next Jazz at The Kreeger series show on Saturday, July 20, from 3 pm – 4 pm. The series supports and spotlights the wealth of musical talent in our metropolitan area. This upcoming show will feature music from the Eric Byrd trio. Click here for tickets and more information. 

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062