There has been quite a lot of activity in Adams Morgan this past month, but one key concern stands out: public safety. While not exactly a new issue, recent trends in criminal activity show how what began as a possible anomaly has become significantly more widespread. This includes many burglaries of businesses on 18th St NW and Columbia Rd, theft in multiple residential buildings, and several cases of violent crime on or near 18th St.
Although it's been a very stressful few weeks because of all this, I've been encouraged to see neighbors work together and assess the situation with clarity. I'm especially grateful for all the comments and questions I've gotten from members of the greater Adams Morgan community. Please keep them coming as we continue to build an ever stronger neighborhood.
Let's have a look back at February 2023, look ahead toward March 2023, meet our organization + business in focus, and see this month's video briefing.
WHAT WE DID
Voted in support (6-0-0) of zoning relief for the residential conversion of the Universal building at 1825-1875 Connecticut Ave NW
Postponed (6-0-0) consideration of a resolution regarding the expiration of the Adams Morgan Moratorium Zone to the ANC's March meeting agenda
Hosted a neighborhood cleanup for Kalorama Park and surrounding side streets
Signed letter to Mayor Bowser and Council Chair Mendelson on the importance of advocating for DC statehood
Helped organize and signed letter to National Park Service opposing the eviction of residents at McPherson Square
While located in Ward 2, similar concerns are continuously relevant for Adams Morgan and other DC neighborhoods
Testified at a Committee on Public Works and Operations performance oversight hearing
I called for increased resources to ensure DC's LGBTQ population thrives
Testified at a Committee on Health performance oversight hearing
I gave constructive feedback regarding DC's response to the ongoing opioid overdose crisis
Spoke with 7News about the recent rise in property crime in Adams Morgan
I was also interviewed by DCist and The DC Line for articles on the same subject
Quoted in HillRag article about cannabis sales in the District of Columbia
Completed ANC ethics training organized by BEGA
Joined the Washington Area Bicyclist Association's Vision Zero Caucus
WHAT'S UP NEXT
Oversight season is here! I'll be testifying on budget priorities to several DC government offices and welcome your thoughts
Ongoing: DC Water is beginning the replacement of lead pipes on Columbia Rd NW
This is a continuation of the project that replaced pipes on Wyoming and Kalorama in 2022
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
Organization in focus: Joseph's House
When they began: 1990
What they do: Create and maintain community and nursing/support services to unhoused individuals with advanced HIV and terminal cancer
Mission: "We nurture and support our volunteers and staff members with as great an intention as we care for our residents. We learn to find a place of rest in the middle of things; just as it is, just as we are."
How you can help: Consider becoming a sponsor, and also attend their fundraiser on May 11
Business in focus: Isshin Asian Bistro
Industry: Food and beverage
Address: 2418 18th St NW
In Adams Morgan since: 2010
A sushi staple, don't skip out on their lunch specials
If you would like to nominate an Adams Morgan business or DC organization (including your own!) to be featured in a future month's update, message me here
See a reference or abbreviation you don't understand? Look it up in my ANC key term index
Don't miss March's video update! Always about 1 minute long; this month's topic is resilience
