Neighbors,
Congress is at it again. Congressmen from Utah and other places where Washingtonians DO NOT live are trying to use the District of Columbia's lack of voting representation to score political points. Residents from all corners of the District stand up with one voice to tell Congress that the only people who should be making laws for D.C. are D.C. voters.
Please join me and my Council colleagues tonight as we gather outside the U.S. House of Representatives for a rally to tell Congress to keep their #HandsOffDC. RSVP or spread the word via Facebook here. I hope to see you tonight.
If you are not able to make it out tonight, there are other ways to make your voice heard. On Wednesday, Feburary 15 there will be a lobby day for D.C. Statehood on Capitol Hill. Or check the bottom of this email for contact information for key members of Congress. Call, visit, email or use social media to tell them that we do not appreciate their interference in our local affairs.
In Service,
Kenyan
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In this issue of the Ward 5 Report:
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Councilmember McDuffie speaks in front of affordable housing advocates at the introduction of the Short-term Rental Regulation and Affordable Housing Protection Act of 2017
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Short-term Rental Regulation and Affordable Housing Protection Act of 2017
D.C. is facing a serious shortage of affordable housing and a part of the reason is bad actors using short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. The result is that housing units are not on the market for long-term residents who need them. This bill updates the process for residents to obtain a license for short-term rental use in their home, and creates enforcement mechanisms to ensure that neighborhoods and housing are kept for D.C. residents. The need for regulation is clear – just last December there was a well-publicized case of an entire 21-unit apartment building in Columbia Heights being listed for rental on VRBO – essentially turning an apartment building into a “de facto hotel”. Learn more about this legislation on Councilmember McDuffie's website at www.KenyanMcDuffie.com/HomeSharing
Land Trust, District Residency, and Community Reinvestment Task Force Act of 2017
This bill will establish a Taskforce to examine underutilized and vacant land owned by religious institutions, colleges, and medical facilities. The task force will take a strategic look at the best uses for the land, things like preserving greenspace, offering affordable housing for District residents, or workforce housing for faculty and staff of the institution. Community based land trusts have been implemented in Philadelphia, Denver, and Memphis. [D.C. Council Bill B22-0086]
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Councilmember McDuffie swears in the new officers of the North Michigan Park Civic Association.
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Councilmember McDuffie tours Mess Hall, a culinary incubator, in Edgewood.
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Councilmember McDuffie visits a resident's home in North Michigan Park to personally experience some of the vibrations that neighbors are feeling.
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Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie meets with D.C. public safety leadership and 4th/5th District MPD leadership to discuss crime in Ward 5.
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Councilmember McDuffie stopping by Model Cities Senior Wellness Center to chat with our seasoned citizens.
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Councilmember McDuffie gives an update to ANC 5E.
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'Tactical Urbanism' at North Capitol Street and Lincoln Road Meeting Tonight
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a public meeting to discuss the Tactical Urbanism project at North Capitol Street and Lincoln Road, NE. The purpose of this project is to increase safety at the North Capitol/Lincoln Road, NE intersection through immediate, short-term improvements that will lead the way for a larger intersection safety project. DDOT will present a draft design concept and gather comments from the community at this public meeting.
DATE/TIME: TONIGHT, Monday, February 13, 2017, 6:30-8:00pm
LOCATION: NoMa BID Lobby, 1200 First Street NE
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New York Avenue Streetscape and Trail Project
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a public meeting to discuss the New York Avenue Streetscape and Trail Project. The purpose of this project is to develop design solutions for a streetscape and trail targeting multimodal, safety and aesthetic improvements along New York Avenue NE. DDOT will present design concepts and gather comments from the community at this public meeting.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, February 23, 2017, 6:00-8:00pm (brief presentation at 6:30pm)
LOCATION: Gallaudet University, I. King Jordan Student Academic Center - SAC,
800 Florida Avenue NE
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VRE and Ivy City Railyard Meeting
The purpose of the Virginia Railway Express Midday Storage Facility project is to replace the current storage space leased from Amtrak at the Ivy City Coach Yard in the District of Columbia. The project will include planning, designing, and constructing a permanent midday storage facility for VRE trains that travel to the District. The proposed facility will accommodate up to 20 trains, and will be used to store commuter trains on weekdays between the inbound morning commute and the outbound afternoon commute. VRE will work with members of the community, stakeholders, and property owners to assess potential impacts and determine ways VRE can be a good neighbor.
DATE/TIME: February 16, 2017, 4:00-7:30 PM (presentations at 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm)
LOCATION: Bethesda Baptist Church, 1808 Capitol Ave NE
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D.C. Bar Free Small Business Legal Clinic at Gallaudet
If you are an existing or an aspiring small business owner, come and meet one-on-one with attorneys at this brief advice clinic. You can get information on business formation, contracts, leases, taxes or any other questions you may have related to small business legal issues. Or, if you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys about your business—they can help you spot legal issues or give you general advice. This clinic is open to all, and will have American Sign Language interpreters available for our deaf entrepreneur community. This is a walk-in clinic; however pre-registration is encouraged. Please RSVP by clicking this link.
DATE/TIME: February 15, 2017, 5-7:30pm
LOCATION: Gallaudet University, I. King Jordan Student Academic Center - SAC,
800 Florida Avenue NE
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Call Congress to tell them #HandsOffDC
Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee:
Select Republican Congress Members of the House:
Oregon
Washington
Montana
California
Colorado
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