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Safety Through Community

  • Peter Wood
  • Nov 13
  • 3 min read

Change is inevitable, but not all changes are equal. That is especially clear this year, as the federal government continues to force destructive changes onto the people of Adams Morgan and Washington, DC. The result has been broken families, lost jobs, furloughed workers, and expensive military personnel aimlessly roaming the streets. I've continued to join other commissioners and organizers throughout DC—including many of you reading this right now—to fight against this. It's challenging but necessary work. 



At the hyperlocal level, we are seeing both favorable and imperfect changes throughout the neighborhood. Several public works projects are slowly moving forward, which will improve our energy grid, transportation network, and parks. But there are always costs to change; I'm really appreciative of everyone who reflects on what those costs might be. To be a bit cliché, that's how democracy thrives.


I joined activists and community members in learning about the history and importance of Adams Morgan's Unity mural and other Latino murals in the neighborhood.
I joined activists and community members in learning about the history and importance of Adams Morgan's Unity mural and other Latino murals in the neighborhood.

Along with several other invitees, I served as a judge in the 12th annual Adams Morgan Apple Pie Baking Contest
Along with several other invitees, I served as a judge in the 12th annual Adams Morgan Apple Pie Baking Contest

Let's have a look back at October 2025, preview November 2025, meet our organization + business in focus, and see this month's video briefing.


WHAT WE DID

  • Approved (5-0) a grant allowing the Platform of Hope to obtain translation services for an organizational resource fair

  • Passed (5-0) support for the proposed installation of an electric vehicle charger at 2651 Mozart Place, near the Festival Center

  • Approved BID application to adjust parking and loading zones in front of the Green Zone

    • The Green Zone intends to keep their streatery following new regulations regarding streatery placement

    • This proposed change would allow the Green Zone to keep their streatery while improving access to the loading zone for delivery truck drivers

    • Due to expected future construction in the area, the Green Zone streatery may need to be temporarily removed until work on 18th St NW is complete

  • Signed letter from ANC commissioners across DC calling for DC Council to hold an oversight hearing investigating MPD collaboration with federal immigration enforcement bodies

  • Signed letter supporting legislation to make it easier for Porchfest hosts across the city to obtain block party permits

  • The driver responsible for killing Nina Larson was found guilty of two misdemeanor charges by the DC Attorney General

    • Nina was tragically killed in 2021 when crossing the street at the intersection of Biltmore St NW and Columbia Road NW

  • DPR announced a tentative schedule for Kalorama Park erosion mitigation

    • Project design to start during fall 2025

    • Construction expected to occur from summer 2026 to fall 2026

    • This project comes after advocacy by me and ANC 1C which ultimately secured $2m in funds for Kalorama Park erosion control

  • Wrote a transit diary published by Greater Greater Washington

  • Served as a judge in the Adams Morgan Apple Pie Festival

  • Participated in a Halloween-themed neighborhood cleanup, organized by commissioners Marie-Elise Diamond and Katherine Swanson-Palmer



WHAT'S UP NEXT

  • November 5: ANC 1C general meeting (agenda here, link to attend here)

  • November 15: Kalorama Park's Mariposa Garden welcomes volunteers to help prepare the garden for winter

  • November 21: Deadline to submit written testimony for roundtable on newly introduced streatery guidelines

    • I plan on testifying online during the live roundtable

    • If you want to help small businesses keep streateries, please send in a short statement before the deadline!


KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

Organization in focus: Ayuda

When they began: 1973

What they do: support migrants with financial restraints in the DMV area through legal, social, and translation services

How you can help: explore their volunteer opportunities or join their pro bono program


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Business in focus: Lapop

Industry: Food & beverage

Address: 1847 Columbia Rd NW

In Adams Morgan since: 2018

"Hidden" inside sister restaurant Lapis, remember to ask about their secret menu


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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 November's video update! Always about 1 minute long; this month's topic is music




 
 
 

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