September 19, 2024

Dear neighbors,

This Tuesday, the Council reconvened for our first legislative meeting following the summer recess. As part of a robust agenda, we took action on a number of important pieces of legislation as described below.

• Passed emergency legislation to make it easier for the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) to hire retired police officers and firefighters as 911 call-takers. 911 is our lifeline as residents of the District, but an ongoing series of unacceptable outages and other issues have plagued the OUC. This legislation is an effort to help OUC achieve a well-staffed emergency response system that is equipped to be effective. I recognize the gravity of the situation and arranged for key members of my staff to tour OUC last week. Meanwhile, I fully intend to engage in the probing OUC oversight hearings this fall.
• Approved permanent legislation on the regulation of cannabis sales. That legislation expands the distance medical dispensaries must be from schools and recreation centers from 300 to 400 feet and gives standing to neighbors adjacent or across the street from a proposed dispensary standing to oppose an application. On second reading there likely will be amendments to regulate packaging and to give standing to nearby childcare centers in an application proceeding. The changes relating to location will not affect dispensaries that have already been approved. It is my hope that we can create incentives for dispensaries that are located in sites that would not be approved under the new rules to move to sites that would be compliant. The legislation also gives ABCA more authority to shut down unregulated “gifting shops,” while allowing the heavily regulated medical cannabis industry to operate. These unsafe gifting shops operating outside the regulated market can make it harder for legal medicinal cannabis shops to do business and can put our residents in danger. We must close the gifting shops as soon as possible and allow regulated medical cannabis shops to operate with proper processes and oversight.
• Approved other bills including: requiring schools to develop cardiac emergency response plans and train staff in first aid, CPR, and AED use; creating a standard license and living wage requirements for home health aides; and eliminating a patient’s out-of-pocket costs for prostate screenings.

While I am disappointed by the circumstances that necessitated reorganizing the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs, I am excited to assume the chairmanship of the new subcommittee on Recreation & Community Affairs following Tuesday’s legislative meeting. The subcommittee has oversight of several of the offices and commissions serving various constituencies, including Latino Affairs, Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, and Caribbean Community Affairs. The subcommittee will also oversee the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, and the Public Access Corporation. This appointment as chair of the subcommittee is effective through December 31, 2024. The Council will approve committee assignments for the new Council Period in January.

DPR will be a major focus for me as chair of the subcommittee. I am a strong advocate for youth sports, previously led a task force on park permitting, and very much value the parks and recreation resources in our communities. I expect to use my time as subcommittee chair to explore how the Council can partner with DPR to ensure we get the most out of our parks and recreation assets. If residents have questions or comments regarding DPR, contact my legislative assistant Joe Dweck at jdweck@dccouncil.gov or (202) 724-8062.

In addition to my work as Recreation & Community Affairs chairman, my legislative priorities include education, housing, and public safety. Fully funding our public schools so they have the staff and resources students need to thrive is at the top of my agenda. The District is also facing tremendous challenges in the housing sector. As I have said many times, there is significant opportunity and need to add more housing, including more affordable units, and I remain committed to supporting new housing in Ward 3 and across the District. Additionally, as I wrote in my August 8 newsletter, while crime is down in nearly every measured category this year, the levels are still too high. I will continue to work toward data-backed solutions that address the root causes of crime.

Council hearings and roundtables are held at the Wilson Building. You can see the full calendar at https://dccouncil.gov/events/ and you can watch on the DC Council Channel at https://entertainment.dc.gov/service/dc-council-channel-dcc. Stay tuned to my office’s channels including X, Instagram, and future newsletters for legislative updates.

Sincerely,

Matt Frumin

Ward 3 Councilmember

Save the date! My next Workday in the Ward is Thursday, September 26 at Dolan Uyghur Restaurant, 3518 Connecticut Ave NW, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Neighbors can chat directly with me, share concerns with my constituent services team, learn about legislative priorities, meet agency partners, and support a local small business. My team will be available throughout the day to meet with constituents, answer questions, and provide connections to government and community resources. The schedule for the day is below:

• 8:00 to 10:00 am: Coffee with the Councilmember
• 8:00 to 11:00 am: District of Columbia Public Schools
• 10:00 to 11:00 am: Office of the Attorney General
• 10:00 to 11:00 am: Metropolitan Police Department
• 10:00 to 11:00 am: Department of Behavioral Health Community Response Team
• 2:00 to 3:00 pm: Department of Public Works: SWEEP Team
• 2:00 to 3:00 pm: District Department of Transportation
• 3:00 to 4:00 pm: Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
• 3:00 to 4:00 pm: Department of Buildings
• 4:00 to 5:00 pm: Mayor's Office of Community Relations

WMATA has announced it will start phasing out Circulator routes in October, and the service will officially end on December 31, 2024. I was disappointed that DDOT released plans to transition away from the Circulator just days before the WMATA board voted on them. I have engaged with stakeholders to share input I have heard from constituents, including the need for MetroBus coverage in areas losing Circulator access, and concerns over the future of Circulator drivers and employees. I have met with WMATA and urged them to strengthen routes losing service, particularly the Woodley Park to Adams Morgan route. I also stressed that Circulator drivers are skilled workers, and WMATA should respect that training by incorporating drivers and employees into the WMATA team while accounting for seniority and experience. I will continue to push DDOT to offer services where routes are being cut, as well as resources to ensure that contracted employees have opportunities for new jobs.

The DC Department of Aging and Community Living’s Safe at Home program provides in-home preventative adaptations to reduce the risk of falls for income-qualified residents ages 60 and older and those 18 and older living with disabilities. Examples include handrails, grab bars, bathtub cuts, shower seats, and stair lifts. Residents with an annual household income at or below 100% of Area Median Income (AMI), currently $99,600 for an individual or $113,850 for a household of two, can qualify. For more information on how you can apply for the Safe at Home Program, call (202) 724-5626, or visit dacl.dc.gov/service/safe-home.

DC Water Maintenance

DC Water has ongoing infrastructure maintenance projects that need to be completed, but I understand can be disruptive to nearby residents. I spoke with DC Water to voice the concerns I have heard, including construction hours, noise, location, and insufficient communication.

Small Diameter Water Main Replacement Project

DC Water is replacing existing 12-inch and smaller cast iron water mains in the Chevy Chase, Barnaby Woods, and Hawthorne areas. The contractor is permitted to perform work at night due to traffic concerns on this major roadway during the day. I have received assurances that DC Water is moving the most disruptive work to be done earlier in the evening, at 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, to reduce the impact of construction noise. DC Water told me this week that the current estimate is that the majority of the nighttime activities will be completed by October 3. According to DC Water, the contractor has requested approval by DDOT for the remaining water main installations, connections, and tie-ins on Jocelyn St NW, Kanawha St NW, Jenniffer Street NW, and Military Rd NW to be completed during daytime working hours, and they await DDOT’s decision. DC Water also assured me that the contractor is relocating the storage area from Jocelyn Street NW to be relocated to Chevy Chase Parkway NW and has posted DDOT “No Parking Signs” to relocate the storage area.

For more information, please contact DC Water Project Manager John Ingle at (202) 313-1541 or john.ingle@dcwater.com.

Sewer Rehabilitation Project

DC Water is in the final chapter of its Soapstone Valley Park Sewer Rehabilitation project and appeared at several ANC meetings this week to update the community. While a construction timeline circulated recently that reflected a longer closure of Albemarle St NW between Connecticut Ave NW and 32nd St NW than the originally anticipated two months, DC Water assured me they still aim to complete the work within two months. The construction timeline built in a buffer to account for extenuating circumstances that could cause unanticipated delays.

The language used in the timeline that refers to “water line shutdown” also raised concerns whether residential water service would be interrupted for extended periods. The term refers to the act of cutting and then reconnecting the water main to make it possible for construction crews to dig a big enough hole around a manhole to safely perform the upgrade work. DC Water stated publicly that water stoppages during cutting and reconnection will take a maximum of around 4 hours, but likely even less time. Any resident who will be impacted will receive a door hanger providing notice well in advance of water interruption. I have been assured by DC Water that due to the design of water mains, there will not be any sustained periods without water service.

For more information, please contact DC Water Construction Project Manager Peter Tinubu at (202) 787-4337 or Peter.Tinubu@dcwater.com.

In-person IEP training for the 2024-2025 school year

The DC Special Education Hub will host "All about IEP Goals: Appropriate, Ambitious and Attainable", on Saturday, September 21, at the Cleveland Park Library, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW, from11:00 am to noon. This training will walk community members through creating SMART goals for their student's Individualized Education Program (IEPs) and other academic progress goals. It’s the perfect opportunity to prepare for the new school year as many families approach their annual IEP meetings.

If your child currently has an IEP, have a copy on hand so you can review their current goals during the training.

Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency Informational Meeting

The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and the DC Sentencing Commission are hosting an information webinar on September 25 at 6:00 pm. Attendees can learn more about what these agencies do and how they work within the District’s criminal justice system. Join the meeting via Zoom with Meeting ID: 161 931 3846; Passcode 395519. For more information, contact Valana Mulheron at valana.mulheron@csosa.gov or Elba Gonzalez at elba.gonzalez@csosa.gov.

City Wide Clean Energy Forum: Programs and Funding

The Office of the People’s Counsel is hosting a Citywide Clean Energy Forum on Wednesday, September 25 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Learn about federal funding for energy projects and rebates, legislation, and environmental justice. Click here to register.

Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is charged with enforcement of the Winter Sidewalk Safety Act (“WSSA”), which requires District residents to remove snow and ice from the paved sidewalks, curb ramps, and curb cuts abutting their property after a snowstorm. The Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program (SSEP) exempts qualified residents who are disabled and/or 65 or older from enforcement by DPW for not removing snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight after the end of a winter storm. The exemption is valid for two consecutive snow seasons. Once approved, residents must apply every other year to DPW to continue to receive the exemption.

All individuals who are accepted into the 2024-2025 exemption program will receive a certificate of acceptance from the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP) for the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program period November 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025. Any resident found to be ineligible for exemption last year must re-apply by October 31, 2024, to be considered for the current exemption period. Residents who fill out an application will be considered for the next exemption period. Click here to apply for the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption.

MPD Winter Coat Drive

MPD's Second District is hosting a winter coat drive for unhoused men and women in our community. Please donate your unwanted, gently used coats to help others stay warm this winter. The coats will be provided to men and women at the Downtown Day Services Center. A collection box is located at the Second District Station, 3320 Idaho Avenue NW, through October 1st. 

DDOT Notices of Intent to Modify Traffic and/or Parking Requirements in Ward 3

• NOI-23-13-IPMA: Removal of Parking within ANC Single Member District 3/4G07
• NOI-23-12-IPMA: Removal of Parking within ANC Single Member District 3/4G06
• NOI-23-11-IPMA: Removal of Parking within ANC Single Member District 3/4G05
• NOI-23-10-IPMA: Removal of Parking within ANC Single Member District 3/4G04
• NOI-23-09-IPMA: Removal of Parking within ANC Single Member District 3/4G03
• NOI-23-08-IPMA: Removal of Parking within ANC Single Member District 3/4G02
• NOI# 24-185-PSD: 44th St NW & Jennifer St NW Protected Bike Lanes

IFC Unity Walk

I was honored to speak at the opening of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington’s Unity Walk on September 8. As I said in my remarks, in Ward 3 and across DC, we are blessed to have neighbors from many different faith backgrounds, and we are stronger when we respect and celebrate that diversity. The Irish-Catholic civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, John Hume said “Difference is the essence of humanity… and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict.” This event serves as a reminder that regardless of our different beliefs and traditions, we can coexist in peace. Thank you to IFC for hosting this meaningful event!

9/11 Anniversary Commemoration and Memorial Ceremony

It was an honor to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the 9/11 23rd Anniversary Commemoration and Memorial Ceremony hosted by Mayor Bowser and the Council to show our gratitude to first responders. Along with Chairman Phil Mendelson, I introduced and presented a ceremonial resolution recognizing the contributions and sacrifices our first responders made on 9/11 and every day. I also continued the tradition of visiting Ward 3 firehouses to express our thanks.

Nationals Host Ward 3 Residents

On Friday, September 13, the Washington Nationals hosted Ward 3 residents for their game against Miami. I was humbled to be recognized on the field ahead of the game. Thanks to the Nationals for a great night of baseball and fireworks!

DCPS Back to School Block Party

On September 14, I attended the DCPS Back to School Block Party. It was great to talk with educators, families, and students, and to help get kids ready for success in this new school year. It was a perfect way to celebrate returning to classrooms! As I wrote in previous newsletters, I conducted school readiness tours in August at Ward 3 public school campuses to talk with administrators about their respective challenges and needs. I have been engaged in working with our schools for more than 20 years, and this year’s return to school was one of the smoothest I have seen. By and large, Ward 3 schools are meeting enrollment goals, are appropriately staffed, and facilities were prepared to welcome students back to school. Thanks to the Department of General Services, DC Public Schools, as well as Councilmember Janese Lewis-George who chairs the Committee on Facilities and Family Services, and all those who helped to make this year’s return to school a success!

Business District Celebrations

On September 9, I attended the Friendship Heights Alliance’s first annual meeting. The Alliance has helped to provide an emerging cooperative spirit and bring stakeholders together around a new vision to become a more dynamic and inclusive mixed-use commercial district to meet challenges unique to Friendship Heights. Congratulations to Alliance on the work of the past year!

On September 11, Glover Park Main Street celebrated five years of service to the small, local businesses of Glover Park. It was great to talk with neighbors and friends about the progress that has been made and our goals for the future of this vibrant community.

On September 14, Van Ness Main Street hosted a celebration featuring music and dancing, movies in the park, and local restaurants and small businesses. The event was a wonderful celebration of Van Ness, its many amenities for residents, and its great opportunities for businesses.

Upcoming Advisory Neighborhood Commission Meetings

ANC3A: Tuesday, October 15, 7 pm, at the McLean Gardens Ballroom & Zoom 

ANC3B: Thursday, October 10, 7 pm, Zoom

ANC3C: Monday, October 21, 7 pm, Zoom 

ANC3D: Wednesday, October 9, 7 pm, Zoom    

ANC3E: Monday, September 23, 7:30 pm, Zoom 

ANC3F: Tuesday, October 15, 7 pm, Zoom  

ANC3/4G: Monday, September 23, 7 pm, at Chevy Chase Community Center & Zoom

Chevy Chase DC Day September 21

Chevy Chase DC Day will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Chevy Chase Community Center Commons. Music, art exhibits, dance performances, yoga, face painting, and more activities. Visit the event page for more details.

Art All Night 2024 on September 27 and 28

Art All Night returns on September 27 and 28, including in Ward 3! The festival offers an array of visual and performing art experiences, including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, fashion, music, dance, theater, film, and poetry, to indoor and outdoor public and private spaces, including local businesses and restaurants. To learn more, visit DCArtAllNight.org.

Join the party in Glover Park on September 27 for family fun including live music, great eats, and a Taylor Swift dance party. The events will take place along the 2200 to 2500 blocks of Wisconsin Ave NW near Calvert St NW. For more information, visit the event page here.

Cleveland Park Curiosities, also on September 27, will include activities from tarot readings to Snake Charmers. Performances and entertainment will take place throughout the Cleveland Park commercial corridor around the 3400 Block of Connecticut Ave NW from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. See the event page here for more information.

Join Tenleytown Main Street on Saturday September 28 from 7:00 pm to midnight to celebrate the visual and performing arts, showcasing the diverse talents of the city’s creative community. For more information, see the event page here.

My office is happy to welcome our new policy fellow, Nora Charles. Nora is a proud native of DC and a graduate of Ward 3 public schools. Before joining the Council in September 2024, she worked as a project director for a nonprofit organization that worked with youth on volunteer projects in rural regions of Costa Rica. She is a former teacher, having taught both third and fourth grade. After leaving the classroom, she trained early childhood educators in digital literacy in central Tennessee in a statewide effort to bridge the digital divide. She holds a master’s degree in education (MEd) from Lipscomb University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Virginia. She is overjoyed to be serving constituents in her hometown on all school-related matters.

Councilmember Matt Frumin

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Suite 408

202-724-8062