DC Government

The Wendy’s at “the notorious” Dave Thomas Circle “transferred to the District by eminent domain”

By Prince Of Petworth

Dysfuntion Juncition Volume Four is gonna need an update!!!

And the miracles keep on coming!! From the Mayor’s Office:

“Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) achieved a major milestone in making one of the District’s most notorious intersections safer. The title for the property at the center of the intersection of New York Avenue, NE, Florida Avenue, NE, and First Street, NE – currently occupied by a Wendy’s restaurant – was transferred to the District by eminent domain.

Ed. Note: Bisnow reported the site was acquired for $13.1 million.

“Almost every Washingtonian has their own Dave Thomas Circle horror story. Now, we are taking the necessary actions to transform this confusing intersection into a multimodal project that supports the current and future needs of DC drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians,” said Mayor Bowser. “We are grateful to all of the input and advocacy from neighbors, local businesses and nonprofits, the Council, and federal partners, and know that more collaboration will be needed as we redesign and reimagine this important landmark.”

DDOT is redesigning the intersection, often referred to as “Dave Thomas Circle” or the “Virtual Circle,” to make it safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers in support of Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on the District’s roadways. Once complete, the redesigned intersection will: (more…)

“Ways to help seniors get vaccinated?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Bekah Richards

“Dear PoPville,

I keep reading about senior citizens having trouble getting vaccine appointments because it’s all online, and then they have to drive somewhere. There must be a way I (a healthy & capable internet user with a car) could help, but googling this has proven futile. Anyone have any ideas or resources? Orgs I could contact? #justwanttohelp”

“Vaccination Appointments Will Open for Child Care Providers and Independent School Teachers and Staff on Monday”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“DC Health and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) announced that beginning Monday, February 1 at noon, individuals who work in person for a licensed child care provider or an independent school that is located in the District will be eligible to book a vaccination appointment with One Medical. (more…)

Mayor Bowser Appoints the District’s first Gun Violence Prevention Director

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Rex Block

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Linda Harllee Harper, Director of Gun Violence Prevention

Linda Harllee Harper is visionary leader in social and criminal justice, currently serving as Senior Deputy Director to the Government of the District of Columbia’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) – the city’s cabinet level agency serving youth impacted by the DC Juvenile Justice System. Mrs. Harllee Harper started her career with DC Public Schools as a Substance Abuse Prevention Intervention Coordinator at the former Oak Hill Youth Center. For more than fifteen years, Mrs. Harllee Harper has successfully led and supported reform efforts in the District’s Juvenile Justice System, and is credited with launching a network of contracted local community-based providers designed to serve as an alternative to residential care or detention.”

From Councilmember Allen’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she would be naming Linda Harllee Harper as the District’s first Gun Violence Prevention Director, a position created and funded in last year’s budget by Councilmember Charles Allen, Chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety.

The following is a statement from Councilmember Allen: (more…)

Mayor Bowser: “When the time is right, the fencing around the White House and U.S. Capitol, just like the plywood we’ve seen on our businesses for too long, will be taken down.”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From Mayor Bowser:

“Based on conversations with federal partners, there are some potentially volatile events upcoming that will require extra security. Fencing and the presence of troops will be a part of that. But we will not accept extra troops or permanent fencing as a long-term fixture in DC.

When the time is right, the fencing around the White House and U.S. Capitol, just like the plywood we’ve seen on our businesses for too long, will be taken down. (more…)

“Mayor Bowser Thanks President Biden for Answering the Call for More Vaccine”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“This week, the Biden Administration committed to increasing the District’s vaccine allocation by 15% for the next three weeks. Mayor Bowser and DC Health, led by Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, recognized this announcement as a promising indicator of the new Administration’s commitment to increasing the supply of the COVID-19 vaccine. And while the Mayor will continue to advocate for Washington, DC to receive more doses, the District continues to make progress in vaccinating District residents and workers.

The following populations are now receiving the vaccine in Washington, DC: (more…)

“D.C. Statehood legislation, with historic number of original cosponsors, becomes one of the first bills introduced in the U.S. Senate during the 117th Congress”

By Prince Of Petworth

From Senator Tom Carper’s Office:

“U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC), is, once again, leading a group of Democratic senators in re-introducing legislation to grant Washington, D.C. statehood. The bill, which Senator Carper first introduced in 2013, would make Washington, D.C. the 51st state, finally give its citizens full representation in Congress, and also ensure that the citizens and elected leaders of the District of Columbia have full authority overlocal affairs, including crucial safety and security matters. The Washington, D.C. Admission Act (S.51) would also designate the areas surrounding the White House, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the National Mall as the seat of the federal government. That area would inherit the name the “Capital” and remain under the control of Congress, as mandated by the Constitution. (more…)

“Introduction of the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Rafa Aremu

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser released the following statement on the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act, which was filed with the Council of the District of Columbia. The legislation proposes several innovative approaches to help rebuild the District’s economy by providing businesses and patrons with expanded opportunities; bringing essential services, including new full-service grocery stores, to Wards 7 and 8; and maintaining the city’s reputation as a top destination to live, work, and dine out.

“I have charged my Administration with developing bold, innovative solutions to ensure our businesses and the workers they employ can thrive beyond this pandemic. As we continue to focus on boosting the District’s economy, this legislation will move us in the right direction by removing hurdles for businesses and providing new ways to bring in revenue. Since the public health emergency began last March, the District has led the nation in pivoting to support restaurants and food service establishments through various funding opportunities, including the $100 million Bridge Fund, the $33 million DC Small Business Microgrant Program, the Ward 7 and 8 Microgrant Program, the Small Business Resiliency Fund, and the Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program. As we move toward a new normal, we will continue creating more innovative programs that help local businesses make it to the other side of this pandemic.”

Proposed provisions in the Reopen Washington, DC Alcohol Act include:

Extending programs introduced on an emergency basis, including Streateries
Establishing a Commercial Lifestyle License that allows patrons to walk around and consume alcohol purchased from on-premises establishments within predefined boundaries
Creating a new 25 percent full-service grocery store Class A License to help attract new full service grocery stores to Wards 7 and 8; applicants interested in using this license to open a Class A grocery store in Wards 1-6 must first operate such a store in Wards 7 and 8 for at least six months
Amending several licensing operational requirements”

Indoor Dining is Back at 25% but “Several Activities to Remain Suspended”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by angela n.

From the Mayor’s Office:

“The pause on various Phase Two activities that began on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 will end on Friday, January 22, 2021, at 5:00 a.m. This means that beginning Friday, January 22, restaurants can allow indoor dining at 25% capacity or no more than 250 people, whichever is fewer people. Additionally, museums can open, but no more than 250 people allowed per floor and no guided tours.

DC Government services that were paused will remain suspended: (more…)

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