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IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 

• Tonight & Tomorrow - Art All Night
• Tomorrow - Queens Chapel Community Day
• September 13-18 - Ward 5 Week!
• September 15 - Council Recess Ends
• September 17 - Brentwood Rec Modernization Meeting
• September 19 - Ward 5 Day!
• September 24 - DPR Ward 5 Capital Projects Updates Meeting
• ...and more!

There's a lot to talk about this week. The Council returns from recess next Tuesday, September 15, and that means the calendar of hearings and markups is getting full again. There is one markup in particular I want residents to pay attention to, but more on that in a moment. 

First, I want to make sure that no neighbor misses out on all the fun we have planned for Ward 5 Week (September 13-19) and Ward 5 Day (September 19)! There is something for everyone, all week long. Check out the schedule below and meet us at one, some, or all!

• Sunday, September 13, 4:00 p.m. — Commanders Season-Opening Game Official Tailgate + Watch Party @ Langston Golf Course
• Monday, September 14, 6:00 p.m. — Yoga in the Park @ The U.S. National Arboretum
• Tuesday, September 15, 10:00 a.m. — Rally for Kin Care Month @ The Wilson Building
• Tuesday, September 15, 6:45 p.m. — Ward 5 Day @ Nationals Park
• Wednesday, September 16, 10:30 a.m. — Senior Bingo @ North Michigan Park Rec Center
• Thursday, September 17, 3:00 p.m. — Meetup at Rita's on Rhode Island
• Friday, September 18, 4:45 p.m. — Bike Ride @ 17th and Maryland Ave NE, ends with Happy Hour @ Lost Generation Brewing (5:30 p.m.)
• THE BIG DAY! Saturday, September 19, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Ward 5 Day @ Turkey Thicket!

And the big day really is a big day! We're going to have live music—featuring a homegrown Go-Go band—and line dancing, multiple moon bounces, go-karts, food from Ward 5 restaurants, lots of giveaways, community resource tables, the Walk Thru Ward 5 exhibit, and more. Trust me, you won't want to miss it. Don't meet us there, beat us there!

Now, back to next week's markup. On Wednesday, September 16, the Committee on Human Services is holding a markup on a bill that would give development rights for Parcel 13 at St. Elizabeth's campus in Ward 8 to Buwa Binitie of Dantes Partners, also connected to Faria Management. What's the big deal? Why am I asking neighbors to pay attention to this markup? 

If you've been following along with my recent newsletters, the most recent podcast, and some of my social media posts, you know that Buwa Binitie is a name that has popped up frequently around issues with the 1400 Florida Ave NE property in Ward 5. Our District Attorney General is now suing Buwa for the deplorable conditions residents have endured there. This is the same Buwa that cost the District $35 million in federal funding due to a mismanaged DHCD contract. This is also the same Buwa who owns nearly 100 LLCs across the District, many of which are connected to properties and management companies where residents have been decrying poor living conditions. And this is the same Buwa that testified in July that if granted Parcel 13 for development, he could promise the same quality of living for residents there that neighbors have experienced at 1400 Florida Ave NE. 

This should be ringing alarm bells for District residents. Neighbors are tired of business as usual and repeating the same broken story lines over and over. Why would we grant huge development rights to someone who has cost the District tens of millions of dollars and is actively being sued by our Attorney General for mismanagement? 

I'm asking neighbors to join me in calling on my colleagues to press pause and to force Buwa to the table to find solutions for the numerous issues at his existing properties before we even consider giving him more. No more public dollars for private neglect. Ward 8 and all District residents deserve better. 

Ward 5 Wave Podcast

This week on the Ward 5 Wave, I highlight all the fun neighbors can look forward to during Ward 5 Week and Ward 5 Day. I also reflect on what 9/11 means to me 25 years after the attacks changed our city and our country forever. For most of the show, I dig a bit deeper into my concerns with next week's markup on the Parcel 13 at St. E's bill and why I think all residents should be alarmed about where it's headed. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts or click here!

In today's edition of the Ward 5 Weekly, you'll also find: 

public safety updates; Notices of Intent modifying traffic/parking requirements in Ward 5; a DPR meeting for the Brentwood Recreation Center Modernization on September 17; DPR's next Ward-by-Ward capital projects updates meeting for Ward 5 on September 24; the next Burroughs Elementary School Modernization Community Meeting on September 29; a recap of DPR's Langdon Park Community Center meeting; programs to benefit from featuring the Block-by-Block Walks with AgeFriendly DC; and community events including Queens Chapel Community Day tomorrow! Keep scrolling for more.

On Monday, my office was closed in observance of Labor Day. I am grateful for the wins secured by generations of labor organizers and am proud to stand with the city's many unions for fair construction contracts, fair wages, good working conditions, and the right to organize. 

Tuesday was full of back-to-back meetings that kept me and my team in the Wilson building most of the day. 

Wednesday morning, I joined DC Public Library Director Reyes-Gavilan, ANC 5F Commissioners Galvan and Hedlund, and members of the ANC 5F library task force to tour the potential location for the new Edgewood/Eckington branch library. The group discussed the importance of a direct connection to the MBT as well as some of the challenges posed by the site.

Also on Wednesday, my team joined a community walk with the Department of Health's rat abatement crew, DPW's SWEEP team, and a rodent patrol organized by ANC 5A03 Commissioner Lucio in the North Michigan Park neighborhood. The community has been battling serious rodent concerns and this walk provided the opportunity to point out issues directly to District agencies. 

Yesterday was full of more meetings before I headed to Collaborative Solutions for Communities (CSC) 30th Anniversary Gala. I was honored to receive a Community Impact Award, and left inspired to keep linking arms with neighbors, advocates, and organizations to build healthy communities through family support, youth engagement, violence intervention, and workforce development.  

This morning, my team joined the All for Allie bike ride with the Mundo Verde bicibus. I am deeply grateful for Jessica and Bryan Hart and for their tireless advocacy for safer streets following the loss of their daughter, Allie, to traffic violence. The pink flags, floating bubbles, and ringing bike bells were a beautiful tribute to her memory, and a reminder of why we must keep fighting for streets that are truly safe for all users. 

Also this morning, I joined the unveiling of a new memorial for two lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our country 25 years ago. Our country was forever changed that day, and two Ward 5 victims—Sara Clark and Asia Cottom of the Bertie Backus school—are honored with this new plaque at the UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus. May their memory inspire us to love our communities well and foster the change needed for peace.

Today I also toured The Gale - Eckington with residents to see first-hand longstanding issues with the property. My team has been working to escalate concerns here for over a year, and we will continue pushing for resolutions to issues with trash management, air conditioning, mold, pests, and other maintenance concerns. 

Fire in Stronghold

Over Labor Day weekend, a fire in the 2400 block of North Capitol St NE resulted in the displacement of two adults. DC FEMS located the cause of the fire as accidental/electrical. The parapet roof of an adjacent home was also minorly impacted. My team was in touch with first responders to ensure the displaced adults are connected to The Red Cross and receiving support. 

Crime Trends

You can find the latest crime statistics using MPD's Crime Cards here. Toggle the variables at the top of the page to zoom in on your own neighborhood. Public safety remains my top priority and if you ever have any concerns or questions, please reach out to my office directly at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov, 202-724-8028. 

On September 17 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. at the Brentwood Recreation Center (2311 14th St NE), the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) will share updates on the modernization slated for the rec center. Learn more and RSVP here. 

Join the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for their next Ward-by-Ward Meeting for Ward 5, where they will share the latest on capital projects at parks and recreation centers across the ward. The meeting will be held on Zoom on September 24 (new date!) at 6:00 p.m. Register here. 

DC Public Schools will hold the next community meeting to give updates on the Burroughs Elementary School Modernization Project on September 29 at 6:00 p.m. Join the meeting at this link to hear the latest construction updates and ask questions about the modernization's impact on the surrounding community. Questions? Email the project specialist, Melissa Pegram, at melissa.pegram@k12.dc.gov.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is required to give written notice of their intent to modify traffic and/or parking requirements to the Council and affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANCs) to allow for a public comment period on the modifications. The following Notices of Intent (NOIs) for Ward 5 are open for comment: 

• Closes for comment on October 15: Establishing a No Parking Zone at 1933 Montana Avenue NE - Read and comment here (NOI-26-229-TPA)
  
  
• Closes for comment on October 15: Signing for Thru Truck Restrictions in Eckington (at Summit Place and Rhode Island Avenue NE) - Read and comment here (NOI-26-230-TPA)
  
  
• Closes for comment on October 19: Establishing a No Parking Zone at 57 Hanover Place NW - Read and comment here (NOI-26-234-TPA)

On Tuesday, September 1, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) held a meeting to share new concepts for the Langdon Park Community Center redevelopment. I am excited to share that the new concepts include everything we fought for in this year's budget process: two large gyms (one for basketball and one for gymnastics), a large skatebowl equal in size to the current skatebowl, and open, public access 6 days a week. There is still more refining of the concepts to do before the next community meeting this winter—like a fitness center, and ensuring the center both protects the surrounding natural assets and maximizes amenities for the community—but I am grateful for DPR and DGS responding to the community's asks and the $15 million and legislative language included in the FY27 budget. Check out DPR & DGS' proposal from Tuesday evening here, and stay tuned for the next community meeting. 

ANC and civic associations meetings are picking back up! This week, my team attended the Woodridge Civic Association, ANC 5D, Arboretum Neighborhood Association, North Woodridge Citizens' Association, and ANC 5C meetings. Here's a brief recap:

• Woodridge Civic Association (September 8 at 6:00 p.m.):
  • My team joined to invite neighbors to Ward 5 Week and Ward 5 Day. They also shared updates on storm clean-up in the neighborhood, a transformer fire that occurred on Queens Chapel Rd, a reminder about the next Burroughs Elementary School Modernization Meeting, and a recap of the Langdon Park Recreation Center meeting with DPR. Sandra Wojahn gave an update about the association's new working group on ANC concerns. President Jeremiah Montague discussed upcoming elections, the DPR Langdon Park meeting, and association activities. 
    
    
• ANC 5D (September 8 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared with neighbors about Ward 5 Week and Ward 5 Day. They also expressed gratitude for the Attorney General acting against the owner and property manager of Delta Pearl in ANC 5D. DHS attended the meeting and gave an update on the men’s shelter on New York Ave moving down the road to the old Brandywine Valley SPCA location. The shelter is considered a “low barrier shelter “offering immediate 24/7 access to shelter for adults experiencing homelessness without the need for extensive screening or prerequisites. The project is currently undergoing budgetary adjustments as funding details are finalized, and as a result the anticipated competition date may change. DHS promised to come back to the October meeting with another update for the community. Noah Haggen from DDOT came and spoke about the DDOT 5D Safety & Mobility Study. Lastly, 5D05 Commissioner Salvador Sauceda-Guzman let neighbors this will be his last meeting, as he’s stepping down from ANC to focus on other government endeavors.  
    
    
• Arboretum Neighborhood Association (September 8 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team joined to invite neighbors to Ward 5 Week and Ward 5 Day. We are especially excited to share that as part of Ward 5 Week, we will host Yoga in the Park outside at the U.S. National Arboretum on Monday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m. We hope to see neighbors join us under the trees and stars for some relaxing stretching. Commissioner Shawn Nelson provided updates on the NPS Arboretum Bridge and Trail Project. This project will build a scenic ADA compliant pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Anacostia river connecting the U.S. National Arboretum with Kenilworth Park North and nearby neighborhoods. Commissioner Nelson also updated residents on the ANC 5C resolution this past spring for equitable Metrorail access for the Arboretum and surrounding communities. Attendees also heard from residents about delays with alley paving, water runoff, and parking concerns. My office will be assisting to help get traction on these matters.
    
    
• North Woodridge Citizens' Association (September 9 at 6:00 p.m.):
  
  • My team joined the association's annual Meet-and-Greet in the Park, where neighbors came together to introduce themselves, share where they live in the neighborhood, and discuss some their top concerns while enjoying snacks and conversation. The evening also featured music on the harp from talented young Ward 5 musician, Sarah-mari Ramson. 
    
    
• ANC 5C (September 10 at 7:00 p.m.):
  • My team shared with neighbors about Ward 5 Week and Ward 5 Day. Additionally, we discussed the work our office did in securing an additional $15 million and adding legislative language in this year’s budget to require DPR to go back to the drawing board and come up with a completely revised concept for Langdon Park Community Center for the center’s redevelopment. The commission had multiple presentations including: Community Mediation DC, Washington Gas on Brentwood restoration issues, WMATA Bladensburg Bus Garage Project, Monument Academy opening on Bladensburg Road, and Friendship PCS Woodridge opening the playground to the public. 
    
    

Here are the ANC and civic association meetings my team will attend next week:

• Monday, September 14
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • Eckington Civic Association
    • Queens Chapel Civic Association
      
      
• Tuesday, September 15
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5E
      
    • ANC 5F
    • Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association
      
      
• Wednesday, September 16
  • 6:30 p.m.
    • Hanover Civic Association
  • 7:00 p.m.
    • ANC 5B

You can always view the schedule of upcoming ANC and civic association meetings that my team will attend on my website here. Not sure which ANC is yours? Use this tool to look it up. We're here to help, so email us anytime with questions - ward5contact@dccouncil.gov. Have a need, or want to share important information for ANC and civic association meetings? Get in touch with one of our Constituent Services team members:

• 5A & 5B: Kelley Cislo, kcislo@dccouncil.gov
• 5C & 5D: Andrianna Lovelace, alovelace@dccouncil.gov
• 5E & 5F: Oliver Stoute, ostoute@dccouncil.gov

We are gearing up for a fall that promises to be full of public hearings and Legislative Meetings. This week marks the last official week of Council's summer recess period, which ends on September 15, 2026.

Next Legislative Meeting

The first and only Legislative Meeting currently scheduled for this month will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Upcoming Council Hearings

When a permanent bill is introduced by a Councilmember, a public hearing must be held. This gives the public a chance to weigh in on the bill, and the public gets to hear from government agencies who have some level of involvement with the bill. Once the hearing is held, the assigned committee then looks at all of the testimony and can make changes to the bill as it goes through the markup process with that committee. During the Committee Markup Meeting, councilmembers who are members of that committee vote on any proposed changes and decides whether to move the bill forward for consideration before the full Council.

Next week, there is one public hearing and one mark-up currently scheduled:

• Wednesday, September 16
  • 2:00 p.m.
    • Committee of the Whole (Public Hearing)
      • B26-0094 - Society for Science Real Property Tax Exemption Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0708 - Combined Reporting Amendment Act of 2026
    • If you would like to watch the hearing and/or find the link to testify or submit testimony, please click here.
      
      
  • 3:00 p.m.
    • Committee on Human Services (Markup)
      • Councilmember Parker is a member of this Committee.
      • B26-0121 - St. Elizabeths East Parcel 13 Extension of Disposition Authority Amendment Act of 2025
      • B26-0466 - St. Elizabeths East Parcel 13 Term Sheet Amendment Act of 2025
      • PR26-0671 - Board of Library Trustees Denise Rolark Barnes Confirmation Resolution of 2026
      • PR26-0672 - Board of Library Trustees Mary Early Confirmation Resolution of 2026

You can always access the full Council calendar by clicking here. 

This September and October, Age-Friendly DC invites you to join them for Block-by-Block Walks. These walks will provide the opportunity to hear issues, record the need for repairs, and make DC's streets and sidewalks more useable and inclusive. Interested in leading or participating? Learn more and sign up here. 

DPR Communal Farms Weekly Veggie Giveaways have started back up at locations across the city. From now until November 25, 2026, stop by the below locations on select days each week to get free, locally grown fruits, veggies, and herbs. For more information, including how to volunteer, email joshua.singer@dc.gov.

• Ward 5: Edgewood Rooftop Farm (301 Franklin St NE)
  • Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Ward 7: Lederer Garden (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE)
  • Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• Ward 1: Powell Communal Farm (3149 16th St NW)
  • Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Langdon/Woodridge:

Art All Night

September 11 - 6:00 - 11:00 p.m.

@ Woodridge Library (1801 Hamlin St NE)

It's time for DSLBD's Art All Night! Join a huge activation in Ward 5 at the Woodridge Library featuring interactive arts and crafts, design-your-own-sneakers, live music, food, face painting, line dancing, and more. 

Stronghold:

Hillman Experience

September 12 - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

@ Reservoir Park (10 Lower Service Ct NW)

Join DPR for the Hillman Experience, an immersive HBCU-inspired college and career fair that brings together students, families, educators, colleges, and community organizations for a day centered on education, empowerment, and opportunity. Learn more and register here!

Queens Chapel:

QCCA Community Day

September 12 - 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

@ 1600 Webster St NE

Join my team at the annual Queens Chapel Community Day. There will be music, food, moon bounce, games, and fellowship. 

Langdon:

Community Day Festival

September 12 - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

@ 2400 Franklin St NE

Join MPD, DC FEMS, and neighbors a Second New St. Paul Baptist Church for a fun community day festival, featuring a moon bounce, games, food, music, and more.  

Stronghold to Eckington:

Bike to DC Bike Fest

September 20 - 10:00 a.m.

Meet @ Reservoir Park (11 Lower Service Ct NW)

Join my team as they participate in Ward 5 Family Biking's family bike ride down to Alethia Tanner Park in Eckington for DC Family Bike Fest, featuring food trucks, free tune-ups, free snow cones, a kids bike parade, and more.  

Brookland:

FMGG 3rd Annual Fall Festival

October 17 - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

@ 3700 16th St NE

Mark your calendar to join my team at the Franciscan Monastery Garden Guild's 3rd Annual Fall Festival! This fun event features pumpkin patches, lamb mowers, a photo booth, and more!

Multiple Locations:

Art All Night!

September 11 & 12

Celebrate 15 years of Art All Night with activiations across the city. Made possible by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), check out all the locations, events, and activations here. 

Lincoln Heights:

Cooking & Art Day

September 12 - 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Lederer Gardens (4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE)

Join DPR and City Blossoms for a fun morning making herbal lemonade and paiting the youth area at Lederer Gardens. 

• Still Burning: A Quarter Century On, Six Locals Share Their Stories of September 11 (City Paper)
  
  
• DC Auditor Faults Schools' Plans for Student Medical Emergencies (WTOP)
  
  
• More Than 34,000 Salvadorans in the DC Area Fear for Their Future (The 51st)
  
  
• DC Police Used Flock Cameras to Investigate its Own Officer (City Cast)
  
  
• Trump Admin Sues to End In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrants in DC (The Washington Sun)

The highlight of my week was hearing former students of Sara Clark, one of the 9/11 victims on American Airlines flight 77, share stories of Ms. Clark's lasting impact on their lives. It was a reminder of the thousands of stories, connections, and loved ones forever impacted by the events of 9/11. It is my hope that those stories will shape our communities and our country to work for lasting peace. 

As always, I invite you to use this form to provide feedback on how we're doing. We'd love to hear from you anytime. 

Yours in service and community, 

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