Neighbors,

As the District experiences the last weeks of winter, my office is gearing up for the upcoming budget oversight process.  With hard economic conditions continuing to affect the District's tax base, there are difficult decisions ahead.  According to most recent projections, the Council may be called on to close a $473 million budget gap in fiscal year 2011.  Unfortunately, we are also facing executive overspending in the current budget, and the Council has asked the Mayor to submit a plan to resolve the matter.  My Committee, the Committee on Government Operations and the Environment, has oversight over 19 agencies and will begin performance oversight hearings and budget hearings in the next few weeks.  I’ll keep you informed as the budget process moves forward.

Ground Broken at Janney
I am happy to announce that the District has broken ground on the addition and renovation of Janney Elementary and the plans are magnificent.  I look forward to seeing this structure built and filled with students. The $25 million project will include construction of a 35,000 square-foot addition, modernized classrooms, cafeteria, and hallways.  The construction will be completed in stages to allow students to remain on-site during the renovation.  The project is slated for completion in the summer of 2011.  Special thanks are due to Mayor Fenty, Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization Executive Director Allen Lew, Chancellor Rhee, Principal Nora Lycknell, and the Janney SIT for their efforts so far.

WMATA Hearing
Last month I testified before the WMATA board to oppose service cuts that would negatively affect Ward 3 residents and businesses.  Specifically, WMATA proposed reductions in bus service along Massachusetts Avenue and the closing of the southern entrance of the Friendship Heights Metro station.  Since then, WMATA has announced that they have decided not to proceed with these particular service cuts.  To view a copy of my testimony, click here.

PACE Hearing
On January 25th, Councilmember Jack Evans and I held a joint public hearing on the “Energy Efficiency Financing Act of 2009”. The bill will establish a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program; to provide for the sale of revenue bonds and to authorize the District to use the proceeds from these bonds to provide funding for the initial installation of clean energy improvements for commercial and residential buildings.  The key to this program is that it allows property owners to make energy efficiency improvements that are amortized through a special assessment that remains attached to the land.  This program is a very exciting one and has the potential to open up new markets for energy efficiency projects in the District.

Vera Mayer
Although I am sorry to see her retire, it was a pleasure to celebrate with Vera Mayer, the outgoing Director of DC Coalition on Long Term Care, and with her many friends at a retirement party IONA Senior Services gave for her.  Along with Councilmember Phil Mendelson, I presented a ceremonial resolution that Councilmembers Catania, Wells, and I introduced to honor Vera’s work on behalf of the District’s seniors.

UDC Commencement
I had the distinct honor of giving the first ever winter Commencement address at the University of the District of Columbia.  As you might know, UDC is the only public University and community college in the District of Columbia and it is located in Ward 3. I look forward to continuing my support of UDC as it builds on its success and becomes more competitive with other State Universities.

Chat with Cheh
On January 9th, I held one of my Chats with Cheh at the Starbucks in the Tenleytown.  I hold these Chats on a regular basis to create opportunities to meet with you face to face and discuss any issues that I might be able to help with.  My next Chat will be Saturday, February 13th from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the Avalon Theatre Cafe (5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW).  I hope to see you there.

Stay in Touch
If you have any questions on these or any other matters, please contact my office at mcheh@dccouncil.us or (202) 724-8062.  

Thanks and best regards,

Mary M. Cheh