Dear Ward 8 Residents,

During Tuesday's legislative meeting, we discussed "St. Elizabeths Parcel 13 Surplus Declaration and Disposition Approval Act of 2021" ([link removed]) , a bill that would sell District property for $1 a year for 99 years, giving the developer $19.6 million of DC tax dollars to make developers rich during a housing crisis.

To say that I am concerned is an understatement.

These kinds of housing programs are not working for everyone in our city.
In this project, out of 421 units, there are no 3-bedroom units, and only 32 units are deeply affordable.

I asked my colleagues to vote no against this bill and to support my amendment that would provide 3-bedroom units to accommodate larger families and would seek deeper affordability to residents at 30% and 60% MFI for low and working-class people.

Unfortunately, the amendment I introduced failed with an 8 to 5 vote. Those against the bill were Chairman Mendelson, along with Councilmembers Bonds, Henderson, Pinto, Allen, Nadeau, McDuffie, and Cheh.

I, along with Councilmembers Gray, Robert White, Lewis-George, and Silverman, voted in favor of the amendment.

I listen to the cries of our residents. Residents cannot afford to live in this city anymore. It is why I fight so hard to ensure that our government does right by our people.

The fight is not over. I will continue writing legislation to protect Ward 8 residents that ensure affordable housing, improve amenities, and slow down gentrification in our city.

Ward 8, I hear you. DC, I hear you. The fight is not over.

In solidarity,
Trayon White, Sr.
Councilmember, Ward 8

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[Click to Watch]

Councilmember Trayon White urges the Council to vote in favor of real affordable housing for District residents.

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As youth prepare to go on Winter Break, DPR is providing fun and engaging activities with TEEN BREAK TIME from December 23 - 30.
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Among the events and programs you will find on the Teen Break Time website ([link removed]) are:
* Teen swim and special aquatic classes including Water Meditation, Aquatic Kickboxing, and Aquatic HydroSpin
* Field trips to ENCHANT at Nats Park and ice skatingat Canal Park
* Video game play at our Gaming Lounges
* Extended open rec hours
* Open recording sessions
* Glow-in-the-dark roller skating party

Also, visit DPR.events ([link removed]) for other events for all ages.


** Follow @DCDPR on Social Media:
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Holiday Hours

In honor of the holiday season, DC Public Library will be open online Saturday, Dec. 24 through Monday, Dec. 26. From all of us here at DC Public Library, we wish you a safe and happy holiday!


As a reminder, the DC Public Library is open 24/7, 365 days a year online! You can sign up for a Library Card ([link removed]) , watch virtual programs ([link removed]) , check out books and magazines ([link removed])
, stream movies ([link removed]) and music ([link removed]) , work on your resume ([link removed]) , get homework help
([link removed]) and so much more.
Start your year off strong and join the 9th Annual FITDC #FreshStart5K ([link removed]) !

January 1, 2023
11:00 AM
1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004 (Freedom Plaza)

Register at: [link removed] ([link removed])
Join DC Health representatives as they share important information about Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. Tune into DC Health’s Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for the live conversation on Thursday, December 22, at 12:00 pm.
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CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT COMMENT FORM ([link removed])
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** Quick Links
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* Need a Test? Get a Test: Learn more about COVID-19 testing sites ([link removed])
* Check out the 2020 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])
* Check out the 2021 Ward 8 Progress Report ([link removed])

The Ward 8 Holiday Toy Giveaway Served 1,200 Kids From Ward 8.

On Friday, December 16th, Councilmember Trayon White, in partnership with WC Smith, THEARC, and sponsored by Amerigroup DC held his annual toy giveaway. This year, this event served 1200 children in Ward 8 with toys and bikes in anticipation of the holidays.

Thank you to all the parents for your patience at the event and to all of our volunteer organizations that helped with the distribution of toys and bikes.

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The Ward 8 Health Council Celebrates The Holidays and Recognizes Former Chairperson Calvin Smith.

On Wednesday, December 13th, Councilmember celebrated the Ward 8 Health Council's work and recognized former Chairperson Calvin Smith for his leadership. Chairperson Jaren Hill-Lockridge took over as the chair one year ago.

The work of the Ward 8 Health Council is to remove the barriers to access for residents and ensure that residents east of the Anacostia feel a part of a healthcare system that specifically meets their needs.

Councilmember White thanked the Ward 8 Council for consistently meeting the calls of his office through initiatives like Resources to the Block and looks forward to continuing the fight for equitable healthcare East of the River.


COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBER TRAYON WHITE, SR., WARD EIGHT

For Immediate Release

December 14, 2022

Contact

Julia Jessie, 202.724.8045
Communications Director
[email protected]

Supporters Rallied in Favor of Renaming of Good Hope Road to Marion Barry Avenue During Public Hearing

(Washington, DC) — Supporters rallied in favor of renaming Good Hope Road, SE to Marion Barry Avenue, SE at the December 13th public hearing on Bill 24-1064, the “Marion Barry Avenue Designation Act of 2022.” One hundred forty-one witnesses signed-up to testify for the hearing.

“Thousands of residents signed a petition to change Good Hope Road, SE, to Marion Barry Avenue, SE, as a symbolic way to honor Marion Barry,” recounted Councilmember Trayon White in his opening remarks. “Today is a formality that would delay our aims until the next council period. Nevertheless, we are here. Over one hundred in number waiting for the opportunity to be heard,” stated Councilmember White.

On October 24, 2022, Councilmember White introduced the “Marion Barry Avenue Designation Act of 2022.” The bill was co-introduced by Councilmembers Lewis George, McDuffie, Nadeau, Gray, Bonds, Henderson, Pinto, Allen, R. White, and Councilmember Silverman joined later as a co-sponsor. Only Chairman Mendelson and Councilmember Cheh did not support the legislation. On October 27, 2022, Councilmember White introduced the “Marion Barry Avenue Designation Emergency Act of 2022.” Subsequently, a public hearing notice was circulated on October 31, 2022, to hear from residents regarding the name change.

Most of the witnesses primarily spoke on Mayor Barry being a transformative figure woven into the foundational fabric of Washington, DC. Witnesses spoke about Barry’s contributions as a former mayor, a councilmember for Ward 8, his previous work as a civil rights activist, and his leadership role in SNCC. Additionally, witnesses highlighted the economic impact Barry provided to black and brown residents in the district and felt the street naming was just a start to recognizing his lifetime work and contributions to the city.

“Renaming Good Hope Road is a dedicated effort to remind people of his sacrifices and contributions to this city, specifically in Ward 8,” stated Councilmember White.

“Because we are at the end of Council Period 24, this bill will have to be reintroduced; however, another public hearing will not be necessary to bring it to the Council for a final vote.”

To watch the full public hearing, please visit [link removed]
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Residents testify in favor of renaming Good Hope Road to Marion Barry Avenue.


** Meetings & Hearings Schedule
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Winter recess begins on December 23rd and the next business day will be January 3rd. Legislation may not be filed during recess.

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