DC Government

“The Future of Housing in Downtown DC”

By Prince Of Petworth


unrelated photo from downtown that I like a lot :) by Mr.TinMD

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) celebrated the future of housing in downtown DC at the conversion ceremony of the old Vanguard building into the new Elle Apartments. The Vanguard building opened in 1965 and, for years, was home to the Peace Corps. The conversion of the building marks a significant step in reimagining the downtown area as a more vibrant mixed-use community, where residents can live, work, and play. At the event, Mayor Bowser also highlighted her Housing in Downtown Abatement Program, which will encourage new residential conversion projects downtown.  

“As we continue our comeback, we are very focused on how we reimagine downtown,” said Mayor Bowser. “We have seen how mixed-use communities are more resilient in the face of adversity. By converting vacant offices into homes, we can put these spaces back to productive use, add much-needed housing, and create a vibrant downtown where people live, work, and play.”

Expected to open in May 2024, (more…)

The 2020 Visitor Parking Passes (VPP) are now valid through April 2023

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Michelle for sending from DDOT:

“The 2020 Annual Visitor Parking Passes (paper placards) are still valid through April 15, 2023. Residents are encouraged to sign up for ParkDC Permits and access their new digital Visitor Parking Permit.

For help with ParkDC Permits, please view our FAQs and How-to Guides. If you have any questions about ParkDC Permits or need assistance signing up, please call our call center at (202) 671-2631. Our representatives are ready and available to assist you.”

“Community Rupture in Crestwood”

By Prince Of Petworth


“Triangle Park, located at 18th and Argyle, in Crestwood has long served as a multi-use gathering space for residents of all ages. DC government has allocated $250,000 to convert the park to a ‘nature themed playground for toddlers aged 1-6′”

“Dear PoPville,

How would you spend $250,000 of taxpayer money to best serve DC residents?

In a city where every penny counts, I bet you wouldn’t spend a quarter million dollars of public money on privileging the privileged by building a park on top of a park for the convenience of nanny meet-ups and toddler playdates – would you?

This very thing is happening in Crestwood and most residents don’t want it. The government administered a survey and sponsored two neighborhood meetings. They all resulted in overwhelming opposition to building a toddler playground on the neighborhood’s only open green space.

Located at the corner of 18th and Argyle Streets, the green space is the kind of park that most neighborhoods envy. It features large, two-hundred-year-old heritage trees, oaks, and magnolias that attract owl, fox, deer, squirrels, hawks, snakes, frogs, and even an occasional eagle. The open area is a gathering space for the neighborhood’s annual picnic, annual Turkey Trot, jazz festivals, food truck night, and yoga lessons. Families host birthday parties in the park, couples picnic, kids and parents play ball, dogs romp and fetch… On snow days, kids of all ages sleigh, have snowball fights, and build snowmen. During the pandemic, when city playgrounds were under lock and key, Crestwood residents were able to organize pod meet-ups. In 2020, the neighborhood used the area to host a moving vigil for George Floyd.

Residents wish to preserve city dollars and ensure equitable use of the space by keeping it as-is – a gathering place for neighbors of all ages. The community envisions a farmer’s market, more seasonal events, movies-in-the park, and camp outs -not a sprawling play structure that crowds out these possibilities for the benefit of a select few. (more…)

“Council Passes Metro For DC Bill…paving the way for free buses operating in the District as early as July 2023 and a $100 monthly balance on a registered SmarTrip card for DC residents beginning in 2024.”

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by nevermindtheend

From the office of Councilmember Charles Allen last night:

“The DC Council unanimously passed Councilmember Charles Allen’s Metro For DC bill, paving the way for free buses operating in the District as early as July 2023 and a $100 monthly balance on a registered SmarTrip card for DC residents beginning in 2024.

“Today’s vote on this transformational bill shows the District is ready to be a national leader in the future of public transit,” said Councilmember Allen. “We will balance making transit a public good with ensuring world-class service continues to return to our metro system. This bill has the support and excitement of District residents, District businesses, the union representing transit workers, and WMATA itself. That’s because it’s going to make a major difference in people’s lives almost immediately when buses become free as soon as July.” 

The second, and final vote, will take place on December 20. Below are the four main parts of the bill, ordered on priority for funding as it becomes available: (more…)

“Mayor Bowser Re-issues Frank D. Reeves Center EquityRFP”

By Prince Of Petworth


14th and U Street, NW

From the Mayor’s Office Friday:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the re-issuance of the Frank D. Reeves EquityRFP. It was revised and updated to eliminate complexities that created potential barriers to entry that might hinder the EquityRFP initiative’s goals to increase access to development opportunities for entities or organizations owned or majority controlled by individuals determined to be part of a socially disadvantaged population, particularly for Black, Brown, and people of color. The new Reeves EquityRFP process is structured to create these opportunities for equitable development while ensuring the project stays on track with the initial timeline.  

“Together with our partners on the Council, we have invested in the future of the Reeves Center site and removed some of the complexities that created a high barrier to entry and deterred potential respondents,” said Mayor Bowser. “The new Reeves EquityRFP makes space for more partners to compete for this historic project while staying on track with the initial schedule.” 

DMPED acknowledged that this process has taken more time than initially expected and expressed appreciation for the community’s patience as multiple agencies coordinated the relocation of complex mission-critical IT and data center infrastructure. (more…)

Today in Contradicting Signage

By Prince Of Petworth

stovegaich asks: “I am a zone 2 permit holder and got a ticket on 11th/T St NW…both zones are allowed according to these signs right?! This city is a mess and most confusing with signage”

“Metro For DC Bill to Advance to Committee Vote With Major Additions: All DC Bus Service Will be Free and Major Bus Routes Will Now Have Overnight Service”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the office of Councilmember Charles Allen:

“Today, DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) are holding a joint press conference to announce Councilmember Allen’s Metro For DC bill will include two major additions when it comes up for a vote next Tuesday, December 6. 

The bill makes all WMATA buses operating in the District free to riders beginning next summer. 

In a major win for DC’s nightlife and service sector, the bill funds overnight service for 12 major bus lines.

The bill still establishes a $10 million bus service improvement fund dedicated to annual investments in bus lanes, shelters, and other improvements to make bus service itself faster, more reliable, and more enjoyable. 

The bill still provides a $100 monthly subsidy for all DC residents to use on Metrorail, buses outside of DC, or anywhere else SmarTrip is accepted. This is similar to what was previously announced. (more…)

Task Force Report recommends “Transforming the North Capitol Street corridor into an urban boulevard that is safer and more inviting for pedestrians and bicyclists.” and more

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser released the DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force report, which outlines key recommendations for how the District can use the more than $3 billion in funds coming to DC from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The report also provides updates to the public on the task force’s work, including 17 project proposals. The recommendations will guide the District in planning and implementing transformative, equitable, sustainable, and achievable projects.

“When I convened the task force earlier this year, I asked members to think big so that we can continue building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive city,” said Mayor Bowser. “Through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have an opportunity to transform our city and ensure DC is prepared for whatever comes at us in the future. Of course, in neighborhoods across DC, we are already getting dollars out the door, and I want to thank all the people who are working with us – locally, regionally, and at the federal level – to build a safer, stronger, and greener DC.”

Specific recommendations in the task force report include: (more…)

“Councilmember Allen Introduces Bill To Install At Least 7,500 Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations By 2027”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the office of Councilmember Allen:

“Recognizing the growing demand for electric vehicles and the need for charging stations, today, Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6) introduced legislation charting the path forward to at least 7,500 public charging stations in the District of Columbia in the next four years. (more…)

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