June 2019

The Ward 5 MOCRS are Dominique Chestnut (202-394-4399: dominique.chestnut@dc.gov and Malik Miller 202-251-5049: malik.miller2@dc.gov.

Monday & Wednesday Weekly – Free Strength/Tone & Yoga Classes at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1100 Michigan Ave NE; Senior Water Aerobics on Mon & Wed from 8-9AM & 9-10AM (DC Residents 55 Plus ONLY.
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Monday, June 3rd, 7PM – 9PM – Stronghold Civic Association (SCA) meets at the Inspired Teaching Public Charter School (200 Douglas St NE) every 1st Monday of each month unless it falls on a holiday, then it’s on the 2nd Monday.  POC:  Laura Jackson, President).  SCA listserv:  strongholdcivicassociation@yahoogroups.com.  
Next Door website:  https://stronghold.nextdoor.com/news_feed/.  E-mail: StrongholdCivicAssociation@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 4th, 6:30 PM, DC Water Townhall.  Each year, DC Water conducts town hall meetings in all 8 wards, which provide customers an opportunity to learn about the water authority’s proposed rates and fees for the next year while allowing the public to share concerns, comments, and ideas.  The meetings are intended to provide customers with an opportunity to comment on new rates for the fiscal year that begins October 1st.  Location:  Trinidad Recreation Center, 1310 Childress St NE

Friday, June 7th, 6PM – 8PM at MHCDO.  Have you RSVP’d for DC First Fridays, yet?  Attention all Small Business Owners, the next “DC First Friday” event will take place from.  Special Guest & Director of the DC Office of Planning will be Andrew Trueblood.   Location: Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc. 3939 Benning Road NE 20019.  POC:  202-396-1200; www.mhcdo.org

Saturday, June 8th, 2PM, March in the Capital Pride Parade:  You’re invited to walk with Councilmember McDuffie and your Ward 5 neighbors in the annual Capital Pride Parade.  All are invited and encouraged to attend this fun and diverse event.  Location:  Meet at the corner of 23rd Street NW and N Street NW.

Tuesday, June 11th; Sept 17th; and Nov 12:  MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Community Health Department invites you to attend the AARP Smart Driver Course.  In this course, you will learn:  Safe ways to merge with traffic, change lanes, make turns at busy intersections and proper following distance; Proper use of seat belts, air-bags and getting your best seating position for driving; New technologies to assist in accident prevention such as anti-lock brakes, skid control, blind-spot monitoring and collision avoidance; Effects of medications and distractions on driving; New laws &  challenges of driving in Washington DC such as bicycle lanes, scooter, traffic circles & road changes.
 Location: MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital, Tele-Center & Tele-Conference Room, 102 Irving St NW; Cost:  AARP Members: $15 & Non-members: $20 – Payment is required via cash or check at the time of class.  Register:  Call Scott Hunt @ 202-431-5107 (before 9PM.).  Certification will be provided upon completion of the course, which can be used to receive discounts on car insurance.  Please check with your insurance company about their policy.

Monday, June 17th, 7PM-9PM - Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) meets at St George’s Episcopal Church, 2nd and U Streets NW.  BCA meets every 3rd Monday of the month but if a holiday falls on the 3rd Monday, it meets on the 4th Mon.  (bloomingdalecivicassociation.org, POC:  Teri Quinn, President)

Tuesday, June 18th, 7PM–9PM - ANC5E Public Meetings meets at Friendship Armstrong Public Charter School; ANC 5E meets every 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 1400 P Street NW (corner of 1st and P St NW). (www.anc5edc.org – twitter @anc5e).  POC:  Bradley Thomas, Chair.
OPC In Your Neighborhood
 
OPC will be out at the following events:
 
Community Presentation to Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Senior Ministry
4606 16th Street NW
Friday, June 7
1:00 - 3:00 PM
 
Constituent Services Day
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Wednesday, June 19
9:15 AM - 2:15 PM
 
Outreach Event with Feed My Sheep
601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
Saturday, June 29th
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
 
Are you hosting an event and would like OPC to attend? Drop us a line!
OPC attends dozens of events across all eight wards each year. Whether at a neighborhood block party extravaganza, or a small gathering at the dog park, OPC goes anywhere to provide consumers with valuable information about your utilities.

Connect With OPC!
 
Do you have feedback or an idea for an article that could be featured in an upcoming edition of the OPC Connection? We want to hear from you! Just drop our editorial team an email @ info@opc-dc.gov or tweet us @DCOPC

OPC Stunned by PEPCO’s Request to Increase Rates by $162 Million over Three Years:  OPC will thoroughly vet application to ensure DC Consumers are protected.
Washington, DC -May 30, 2019, Pepco filed an application with the DC Public Service Commission (DCPSC) requesting to increase rates by $162 million over the next three years. As part of the request, Pepco seeks to change its ratemaking design from asking the DCPSC each time it wants to increase its rates, to a multi-year rate plan in which rates would increase automatically each year over the three-year plan. If approved, Pepco estimates average monthly residential customer rates would increase by $8.57 after May 2020, an additional $3.69 in 2021, and $3.19 by 2022.  
 
With the multi-year rate plan, Pepco is also asking the Commission to approve several incentive mechanisms that would allow the Company to earn more money if it hits certain annual performance metrics which could raise rates even further in 2021 and 2022 than what is estimated. In case the Commission does not approve the multi-year rate plan, Pepco asks in the alternative to increase its rates by $88.6 million which would increase the average monthly bill by $9.55.
 
"OPC is shocked and dismayed by the size of Pepco's rate increase," said People's Counsel Sandra Mattavous-Frye. "Pepco is proposing a fundamental change in how rates are calculated in the District. OPC will continue its unwavering commitment to be a strong and thorough advocate for ratepayers and will advocate vigorously to ensure that Pepco's rates are reasonable, and that Pepco is only authorized to collect from its customers those costs that are necessary for the delivery of safe, reliable, resilient, affordable, and environmentally sustainable service. OPC will thoroughly analyze Pepco's application. My goal is to ensure that any rate plan authorized by the DCPSC both generates real, tangible benefits for District consumers and supports the District's environmental goals and modernization policies," People's Counsel Mattavous-Frye further stated.


Since merging with Exelon in March 2016, Pepco has filed two separate requests for rate increases, both were reduced substantially by the DCPSC as a result of OPC's zealous advocacy. "OPC is particularly concerned with the timing of Pepco's proposed rate increases. They may be implemented in the same time-frame as several new energy-related initiatives go into effect and prior to the implementation of the DCPSC's MEDSIS grid modernization plan, which all have potential customer bill impacts. In reviewing Pepco's application, OPC is committed to minimizing any rate shock that customers may experience."
 
OPC will continue to keep consumers up-to-date throughout these proceedings and invites any consumers that have concerns with today's proposal to share their concerns with the Office at (202) 727-3071 or info@opc-dc.gov.
 
DC Community Health Needs Assessment Survey:  As part of the health improvement planning process for the District of Columbia, DC Health in partnership with the DC Hospital Association, created a survey to better identify the needs and strengths of our city and residents. The information collected in the survey will be used in creating the 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment, as well as planning for future services, programs, policies, and better coordination among organizations. Please visit https://ourhealthydc.org/survey-community-needs/ to take the survey now.

Filling out the survey is voluntary and your responses are anonymous. You will not be asked for your name, address, or any other information that can identify you. The survey will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. At the end of this survey, there is information on how you can enter a raffle for three chances to win a $100 gift card as a thank you for your time.  Take the survey today!
 
Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project:  R Street NW Construction Site Newsletter

May 31, 2019
 
This newsletter provides an update of mobilization construction activities for the R Street NW
Construction Site.
Mobilization of the R Street NW Construction Site


On June 4, 2019, DC Water's contractor will begin mobilizing on the R Street, NW construction site, which will become a major construction component of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project (NEBT). The site is in the park area bounded by 6th Street, NW to the east, R Street, NW to the south and Rhode Island Avenue, NW to the north. Here, crews will construct a shaft that will serve as the exit point of the Tunnel Boring Machine “Chris” when it arrives sometime in early 2021. Commuters, pedestrians and cyclists are advised to follow all warning signs and flaggers.

Before mobilizing to the site, it will be necessary to remove the trees surrounding the Cooper Gordon Park as well as the trees, bushes and other features within the park. After preparing the site for mobilization, crews will begin locating construction equipment on the site for use in creating the shaft. When work is completed, the park will be restored to its original or better condition.

Travel and Parking Restrictions
The following travel and parking restrictions will remain in place 24 hours per day, 7 days a week through early 2022.
 
Rhode Island Avenue, NW

• Eastbound traffic on Rhode Island Avenue, NW will merge left into two lanes beginning at 7th Street, NW around the construction site, returning to three travel lanes just after 6th Street, NW.
• Parking will be restricted along the south side of Rhode Island Avenue from 7th Street, NW to the west side of the 6th Street, NW.

R Street, NW

• Westbound traffic on R Street, NW will find lanes shifting left just before 6th Street, NW around the work site while maintaining one lane of travel to Rhode Island Avenue, NW.
• Parking will be restricted along the south side of R Street, NW from just before 6th Street, NW to Rhode Island Avenue, NW. 

6th Street, NW

• Southbound traffic on 6th Street, NW will merge into one lane around the construction site, where it will shift right just and return to two travel lanes.
• Northbound traffic on 6th Street, NW will maintain two lanes, but the pattern will shift to the right with the far-right lane becoming a right turn only lane at Rhode Island Avenue, NW. The left lane of 6th Street, NW will continue north through the intersection with Rhode Island Avenue, NW.  Parking will be restricted northbound just before R Street to Rhode Island Avenue, NW along the east side of 6th Street, NW.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Detours

• Pedestrians wishing to access 6th Street, NW heading north must walk along the sidewalk on the south side of R Street, cross 6th Street then walk north along the east side of 6th Street.
• Pedestrians traveling south on the west side of 6th Street, NW will cross at Rhode Island Avenue then continuing southbound travel on the east side of 6th Street.

Cyclists traveling westbound on R Street, NW will turn left onto 6th Street, NW; right onto P Street, NW; left onto 7th Street; and then left onto R Street beyond the intersection with Rhode Island Avenue, NW.

Additional Information

• People who live or work near the affected locations will notice additional construction equipment and personnel as well as noise associated with construction activities.
• Commuters and pedestrians will notice road signs and/or flagging personnel directing them safely around the work site.
• Pedestrians will notice signage for the closed sidewalk restricting access.

Project Details
The Northeast Boundary Tunnel is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project. It begins south of RFK Stadium and will extend north to Rhode Island Avenue, NE and west to 6th Street NW. When complete, the approximately five-mile long tunnel will significantly reduce chronic flooding in areas it serves, as well as reduce the amount of combined sewer overflows into the Anacostia River by 98%.
 
Contact Us:  24/7 Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project Hotline: (800) 988-6151;
Email: dccleanrivers@dcwater.com
Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project Webpage: dcwater.com/NEBT
 
NEBT Project Overview
The Northeast Boundary Neighborhood Protection Project was launched in 2012 to address historical flooding issues in Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park.  This multi-step effort will reduce the pressure on the undersized section of the Northeast Boundary Trunk Sewer that serves these neighborhoods by:

• Adding 3 million gallons of stormwater storage from a stormwater line that runs east of the McMillan site, using existing and new facilities on the site itself. (Completed: Spring 2014)
  
  
• Installing bioretention at 15 sites along the Irving Street NW corridor between Michigan Avenue and North Capitol Street to capture, infiltrate and treat stormwater runoff before it enters the sewer system. (Completed: Spring 2014)
• Adding 8 million gallons of stormwater and wastewater storage from a combined-sewer line that runs west of the Washington Aqueduct McMillan treatment plant, in a new tunnel under First Street NW. (Completed October 2016)
  
  
• Re-aligning the Northeast Boundary section of the Clean Rivers Project, to make it more effective in preventing flooding and require tunneling under less private property, and accelerating construction of this section. (Estimated completion: 2023)

Long-Term Mitigation
DC Water began construction on the massive $2.6 billion Clean Rivers Project in 2011 to build large storage tunnels from Blue Plains all the way up to the Northeast Boundary district. The Authority is changing the alignment of the system to provide better drainage for the affected area. DC Water has also accelerated project plans to reach this area sooner than originally scheduled, so that in 2023 the tunnel system to the south will meet up and tie into the First Street Tunnel. At that time the lift station can be removed as drainage will be achieved through gravity.

Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project
The century-old combined sewer system in the District of Columbia is not equipped to handle the population growth experienced during the last 100 years.  The sewer system is undersized and has caused chronic flooding in the Bloomingdale and LeDroit Park neighborhoods, at the Rhode Island Metro Station area, and on Mount Olivet Road NE for decades. 

To address the problem, DC Water has initiated construction of the Northeast Boundary Tunnel (NEBT) to connect with the existing sewer system, significantly mitigating sewer flooding while improving the water quality of the Anacostia River. The NEBT is the largest component of the Clean Rivers Project and will start just south of RFK Stadium and extend north to Rhode Island Avenue and west to R Street NW.

Please remember to watch for our workers and your neighbors as you proceed by the construction sites.
 
Ward 5 Priorities:

• Allocates funding to create a Biotechnology Academy within McKinley Technology High School.
• Enhances the District’s Clean Team program with an expanded Fort Lincoln Clean Team, a new residential clean team in the Trinidad neighborhood, and a roving Ward 5 clean team.
• Adds an additional $3.5 million in funding for the Arboretum Recreation Center, which will include a new half-court gym and multipurpose room.
• Identifies $250,000 for lighting at the Langdon Park Dog Park long sought by the community and supported by ANC 5C.
• Protects $19.7 million in funding for renovation of the Langdon Park Recreation Center, set to begin in Fiscal Year 2023.
• Retains $4 million in funding for improvements to Fort Lincoln Park and $13.18 million to renovate the adjacent Theodore Hagans Culture Center.
• Keeps modernization of Browne Education Campus on track with nearly $40 million in modernization funds that will become available in Fiscal Year 2023.
• Invests $2.6 million in the Brentwood Recreation Center in Fiscal Years 2020 and 2021.
• Funds reconstruction and redesign of the intersection of Florida Ave NE and New York Ave NE (“Dave Thomas Circle”), including acquisition of the private fast food restaurant located at the Circle.
• Funds an additional $6.9 million in renovations for Burroughs Elementary School, set to begin in Fiscal Year 2025.
• Includes $600,000 for replacement of the playground at Bunker Hill Elementary School.
• Funds replacement of the football field shared by McKinley Technology High School and Middle School.
• Continues funding for planning, design, and building of the Arboretum Bike and Pedestrian Bridge, to connect the U.S. National Arboretum to the Anacostia River Trail on the east side of the river.

Support for Small Businesses:

• Supports small businesses and neighborhood retail through expansion of the Main Streets program, including new main street organizations for U Street and Upper Georgia Avenue.
• Enhances funding for the DC Anchor Partnership, an innovative demand-driven initiative to connect DC's universities and hospitals with District-based small businesses.
• Funds Dream Grants, which support the growth of micro-businesses in Wards 7 and 8.

 
Representation:

• Commissions a statue of a native Washingtonian woman, to memorialize and reflect the District's diverse population.

Violence Prevention:

• Funds $3 million to support violence prevention and intervention initiatives using the NEAR Act’s Cure Violence model within the Office of the Attorney General. This funding, secured by Councilmember McDuffie, will allow the public health-based approach to violence prevention program to build on its early successes.
• Protects victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, or stalking, as well as their family members against discrimination by employers or labor organizations.

Education and Health:

• Increases the at-risk weight of the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula.
• Fully funds a new building for Banneker High School; the District’s highest performing high school.
• Supports healthy development for babies and toddlers by funding the Birth-to-Three for All DC Act.

Supporting Seniors, Families, and Vulnerable Citizens:

• Funds Aspire to Entrepreneurship Program which trains returning citizens through a specialized curriculum on topics including financial literacy, marketing, and business management and development.
• Funds implementation of the Senior Strategic Plan, a comprehensive ten-year plan to serve as a blueprint for the District’s senior community.

Affordable Housing:

• Directs $24.5 million in reserve funds from DC’s convention authority, Events DC, to make much needed repairs to the District’s public housing stock.
• Expands funding for Schedule H vouchers, which assist low- and moderate-income residents who face high property taxes or rents compared with their income.
• Increases funding for Permanent Supportive Housing, which provides long-term housing and intensive case management to individuals experiencing homelessness.

 
Protecting our Environment:

• Funds a study to identify and map District springs and streams that likely have been covered or piped underground but still produce or carry water. The report will also discuss the benefits and feasibility of returning these springs and streams above ground.
• Funds implementation of the Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2018, which puts the District on the path toward 100% sustainable energy by 2032 and includes strong provisions for workforce development and support for certified business enterprises (CBEs).
• Maintains funding to close the W Street Trash Transfer Station by eminent domain, putting it on the path to closure and providing Brentwood residents with relief from its detrimental impacts.