Building a livable, walkable city means creating a mix of neighborhood amenities, like the spectacular Barracks Row, within minutes of your home.
Since joining the D.C. Council, Tommy has won support throughout Washington for his fundamental goal: creating a livable and walkable city for all. He brings the skill to forge the kind of collaboration that translates great ideas into real improvements. Whether bringing Ward 6 residents back to their neighborhood schools or creating the next generation of public transportation, Tommy works with the leadership and communities in every corner of Ward 6 — from the Southwest Waterfront to the H Street Corridor, from Penn Quarter to Capitol Hill — to guide development that focuses on neighborhood needs.
Latest News
May 14, 2012 Eastern Market Preservation & Management Legislation: Hearing Scheduled, Revised Copy of Bill Available
The Council's Committee of the Whole announced today that it has scheduled a public hearing for the "Eastern Market Preservation and Development Amendment Act of 2011" for Thursday, June 7th, at 1:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW.
You can read some of the history of the initial legislation and the research that went into it by clicking here.
In the continuing effort to build consensus for the needed improvements in managing Eastern Market for the neighborhood and the city, many stakeholders provided Councilmember Wells feedback and recommendations on the initial draft of the bill introduced several months ago. Those conversations, with entities such as the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, Eastern Market Community Advisory Council, market merchants and vendors, and many others, were incorporated into a revised bill. This revised version will be the focus of the June 7th hearing and you can download a copy of the revised legislation here: 2012-05-14, Eastern Market Preservation and Development REVISED.pdf
The Committee of the Whole added that it will consider an additional measure at the same hearing, B19-0640, the "Closing of Public Alleys in Square 901, S.O. 11-5228, Act of 2012" that had been previously introduced by the Mayor.
The Council's Committee of the Whole announced today that it has scheduled a public hearing for the "Eastern Market Preservation and Development Amendment Act of 2011" for Thursday, June 7th, at 1:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW.You can read some of the history of the initial legislation and the research that went into it by clicking here.
In the continuing effort to build consensus for the needed improvements in managing Eastern Market for the neighborhood and the city, many stakeholders provided Councilmember Wells feedback and recommendations on the initial draft of the bill introduced several months ago. Those conversations, with entities such as the Advisory Neighborhood Commission, Eastern Market Community Advisory Council, market merchants and vendors, and many others, were incorporated into a revised bill. This revised version will be the focus of the June 7th hearing and you can download a copy of the revised legislation here: 2012-05-14, Eastern Market Preservation and Development REVISED.pdf
The Committee of the Whole added that it will consider an additional measure at the same hearing, B19-0640, the "Closing of Public Alleys in Square 901, S.O. 11-5228, Act of 2012" that had been previously introduced by the Mayor.
May 2, 2012 Committee Unanimously Approves Wells' Budget Recommendations to Support DC Public Libraries and DC Neighborhood Parks
Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation and Planning Approves FY2013 Budget
Budget Recommendations Include Major Initiatives to Support DC Public Libraries and DC Neighborhood Parks
Earlier today, the Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation and Planning, chaired by Councilmember Tommy Wells, unanimously approved its budget recommendations for fiscal year 2013.
"Today's action is a major step in rebuilding the commitment to our neighborhood public libraries and puts a new emphasis on activating our public parks and spaces," stated Wells.
While many of the Mayor's proposals were adopted by the Committee, including recreation center staffing and programming, as well as the Office of Planning's sustainability initiatives and neighborhood planning summits, the Committee made several significant changes to the DC Public Library budget and the efforts within the Department of Parks and Recreation related to parks and public spaces.
The Committee added significant funds to end the years' long cuts to the library's budget for the purchase of new books and materials, to prepare several libraries undergoing renovations to be prepared for opening day, to make needed physical improvements to neighborhood libraries awaiting full renovation, and to provide staff training for the first time in many years.
The Committee also addressed multiple needs within the Department of Parks and Recreation by placing a new emphasis on improving and activating the District's parks and green spaces. The most significant change is the creation of a new high-level division within the Department to prioritize parks improvements and community partnerships. In addition, the Committee identified resources to support efforts to improve downtown parks and needed recreation center repairs.
A detailed summary of the Committee's actions is attached below.
FY2013 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation and Planning approved a FY2013 budget report today with several significant changes to the Mayor's proposal. Below is a summary of those changes:
REBUILDING THE COMMITMENT TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS IMPROVEMENTS & ACTIVATING DC'S PUBLIC SPACES
Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation and Planning Approves FY2013 Budget
Budget Recommendations Include Major Initiatives to Support DC Public Libraries and DC Neighborhood Parks
Earlier today, the Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation and Planning, chaired by Councilmember Tommy Wells, unanimously approved its budget recommendations for fiscal year 2013.
"Today's action is a major step in rebuilding the commitment to our neighborhood public libraries and puts a new emphasis on activating our public parks and spaces," stated Wells.
While many of the Mayor's proposals were adopted by the Committee, including recreation center staffing and programming, as well as the Office of Planning's sustainability initiatives and neighborhood planning summits, the Committee made several significant changes to the DC Public Library budget and the efforts within the Department of Parks and Recreation related to parks and public spaces.
The Committee added significant funds to end the years' long cuts to the library's budget for the purchase of new books and materials, to prepare several libraries undergoing renovations to be prepared for opening day, to make needed physical improvements to neighborhood libraries awaiting full renovation, and to provide staff training for the first time in many years.
The Committee also addressed multiple needs within the Department of Parks and Recreation by placing a new emphasis on improving and activating the District's parks and green spaces. The most significant change is the creation of a new high-level division within the Department to prioritize parks improvements and community partnerships. In addition, the Committee identified resources to support efforts to improve downtown parks and needed recreation center repairs.
A detailed summary of the Committee's actions is attached below.
FY2013 BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS
The Committee on Libraries, Parks, Recreation and Planning approved a FY2013 budget report today with several significant changes to the Mayor's proposal. Below is a summary of those changes:
REBUILDING THE COMMITMENT TO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
- The funds needed to purchase materials for our neighborhood libraries have declined 58% in the last four years -- with a 40% reduction last year alone. After several years of cuts to the DC Public Library budget to purchase the books, electronic downloads, and other materials our residents need to participate in life-long learning and enrichment, the Committee increases the book budget by $2.2 million over last year.
- Next year, two libraries currently undergoing significant renovations will re-open to the community. However, funding was not included to ensure those two branches would have the materials they need on opening day. The Committee has dedicated funds for the much needed opening day book collections for the Northeast Library and Woodridge Library.
- Where renovations are not taking place, many of the District's neighborhood libraries lack basic general improvements such as needed security, ADA compliance, and HVAC. The Committee has identified $2 million for these needs to ensure that these libraries can meet the needs of the communities they serve.
- Over the last 4 years, DC Public Libraries has not been provided a training budget to keep library staff on pace with emerging trends, new research, and the latest technology. The Committee has increased the employee training budget by $300,000 to ensure the library staff is at the leading edge and best able to serve residents using our neighborhood libraries.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS IMPROVEMENTS & ACTIVATING DC'S PUBLIC SPACES
- The District has a wealth of public parks and resources, but the Department struggles to partner with communities to improve and activate parks with innovative programming. To this end, the Committee is creating a new unit within the Department, the "Park Policy and Programs Division," to prioritize infrastructure and improvement projects, build community partnerships, and activate neighborhood parks and green spaces. In addition to the staff support for this new division, the Committee is dedicating $750,000 in capital funding to support these projects.
- The District's downtown neighborhoods have dramatically changed in the last twenty years. With a growing population and a need for children and seniors to have playgrounds and parks, the Committee has worked with the National Park Service to identify partnerships and opportunities. This budget supports funding for the first stage of planning for an improved Franklin Square - a unique opportunity to create a destination park in the city center - as well as downtown playground.
- The Committee has also worked with community leaders to identify several urgent recreation and parks improvement needs and identified resources to support efforts such as needed repairs at the Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center and Twin Oaks Community Garden, general park improvements in Lansburgh Park and a Southwest playground, planning support for a new recreation center to serve Kenilworth-Parkside residents, and staff support for the District's senior Olympians.
- In addition, the Mayor's proposed budget includes funding for a new DPR/DYRS headquarters at the former Gibbs School. The Committee believes a renovation and relocation, so soon after DPR moved into a new headquarters building two months ago, needs further evaluation and planning. The budget includes planning support to explore co-location at a planned recreation facility or as part of a new project.
April 30, 2012 Ward 6 Senior Wellness Center Starts Registering for New Programming Today, April 30, 2012
The DC Office on Aging announced that Senior Wellness Programs at the Ward 6 Senior Center are to begin April 30, 2012. This is a great addition to the facility located at 500 K Street, NE. As you may recall, the city held a groundbreaking for the full rehabilitation of the building in December 2008. The center opened as the new Office on Aging headquarters last fall, but did not have senior wellness programs in place at the time. The addition of services will provide a great amount of health, fitness, and education programming, including a teaching kitchen.
Here's their full announcement:
The DC Office on Aging announced that Senior Wellness Programs at the Ward 6 Senior Center are to begin April 30, 2012. This is a great addition to the facility located at 500 K Street, NE. As you may recall, the city held a groundbreaking for the full rehabilitation of the building in December 2008. The center opened as the new Office on Aging headquarters last fall, but did not have senior wellness programs in place at the time. The addition of services will provide a great amount of health, fitness, and education programming, including a teaching kitchen.Here's their full announcement:
Seniors may begin registering for wellness programs beginning April 30
The DC Office on Aging has selected an entity to operate the Hayes Senior Wellness Center in Ward Six. Howard University Geriatrics Division has been awarded the grant to operate fitness and wellness programs at the Hayes Senior Wellness Center, located at 500 K Street, NE.
"I am pleased with the recommendation of the external review panel and feel confident that Howard University will provide an excellent core of programs to assist Ward 6 seniors as they begin living healthier lifestyles through fitness and exercise. Howard University is a leader in administering evidence based wellness programs that have been proven to improve health outcomes," stated John M. Thompson, Ph.D., executive director, DC Office on Aging. "We expect that seniors will begin registering for programs at the center by April 30," he added.
District and federal funds in the amount of $170,555 were awarded to Howard University to operate the newly constructed facility for the remainder of FY 2012. Operations will include services that promote healthy habits, enhance social, mental, spiritual and physical well-being and help to prevent unnecessary and costly medical problems associated with the aging process. Currently there are approximately 11,000 senior citizens who reside in ward 6.
The features of the Hayes Senior Wellness Center include:
• Nutrition Counseling and Instructional Kitchen
• Aerobic Room and Total Fitness Area
• Massage Area
• Computer Training Center
• Multipurpose Room
• Offices for Wellness Center Staff
• Locker Rooms with shower and bathroom facilities
In 2000, the DC Office on Aging requested and was granted capital authority to construct a multipurpose senior wellness center in ward six and a new office headquarters for the DC Office on Aging. The old Rutherford B. Hayes Elementary School property was purchased and acquired for the project from DC Public Schools in 2001. After several community meetings and approval by the Historic Preservation Office, the building plans were developed and approved. Upon completion, the Office on Aging relocated to the site in October, 2011.
For more information, or to register for the program, interested persons may call (202) 727-0357 beginning April 30.
April 26, 2012 Latest Newsletter from Tommy
Earlier today, Tommy sent out his latest email newsletter. In case you missed it, it's posted below. If you're looking to sign up for newsletters, please fill out "Join Our Email List" on the top left of our homepage: http://www.tommywells.org/.
Dear Friend,
Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival THIS Saturday
Please join me this Saturday, April 28th, for the 3rd Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Festival features DC's best local bluegrass bands for a day of music, food and exploration on Kingman Island to celebrate the revitalization of the Anacostia River.
The annual event springs from a great partnership with Living Classrooms. In addition to some of region's best in live bluegrass, several other activities will take place, including free tours of the river by canoe provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society, tours of the island and several bicycle-related activities and prizes hosted by BicycleSPACE, and nearly a dozen of DC's top food trucks will be on hand to feed hungry visitors.
To learn more about this popular festival and to see the full schedule of bands and events, click here: http://bit.ly/IouT5e.
Youth Bullying Prevention Effort Moving Forward
Last week, I moved through committee the "Youth Bullying Prevention Act of 2012."
The bill delivers a strong message that this city will not tolerate bullying - especially for our LGBT youth - in our schools, libraries, recreation centers and where the city serves its youth.
The legislation is rated as one of most comprehensive anti-bullying bills in the country. In addition to a city-wide bullying prevention task force, it goes further by requiring each agency, educational institution, and grantee that works with youth to establish and implement a bullying prevention policy that specifically covers all youth, including youth of color, LGBT youth, and youth with disabilities.
To learn more about the legislation, click here: http://bit.ly/IqPE01. You can also read some recent media coverage of the youth bullying prevention effort by clicking here: http://bit.ly/JCdZ8U and here: http://bit.ly/IiGbOW.
Connection Made for the Anacostia River Walk
Earlier this week, I joined Mayor Gray and several city officials on a beautiful morning to cut the ribbon and officially open the bridge on the Anacostia River Walk trail. The bridge connects two significant portions of the trail by crossing over the railroad tracks.
Cyclists and pedestrians can now take the trail from Benning Road, NE and Kingman Island, and connect to the trail that follows the Anacostia River along Boathouse Row, through the Navy Yard and to Yards Park and the baseball stadium. You can see more pictures from the event by clicking here: http://bit.ly/Joc7wL.
Other Upcoming Events:
Thanks and hope to see you soon,
Tommy Wells
Dear Friend,
Kingman Island Bluegrass & Folk Festival THIS SaturdayPlease join me this Saturday, April 28th, for the 3rd Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Festival features DC's best local bluegrass bands for a day of music, food and exploration on Kingman Island to celebrate the revitalization of the Anacostia River.
The annual event springs from a great partnership with Living Classrooms. In addition to some of region's best in live bluegrass, several other activities will take place, including free tours of the river by canoe provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society, tours of the island and several bicycle-related activities and prizes hosted by BicycleSPACE, and nearly a dozen of DC's top food trucks will be on hand to feed hungry visitors.
To learn more about this popular festival and to see the full schedule of bands and events, click here: http://bit.ly/IouT5e.
Youth Bullying Prevention Effort Moving Forward
Last week, I moved through committee the "Youth Bullying Prevention Act of 2012."
The bill delivers a strong message that this city will not tolerate bullying - especially for our LGBT youth - in our schools, libraries, recreation centers and where the city serves its youth.
The legislation is rated as one of most comprehensive anti-bullying bills in the country. In addition to a city-wide bullying prevention task force, it goes further by requiring each agency, educational institution, and grantee that works with youth to establish and implement a bullying prevention policy that specifically covers all youth, including youth of color, LGBT youth, and youth with disabilities.
To learn more about the legislation, click here: http://bit.ly/IqPE01. You can also read some recent media coverage of the youth bullying prevention effort by clicking here: http://bit.ly/JCdZ8U and here: http://bit.ly/IiGbOW.
Connection Made for the Anacostia River WalkEarlier this week, I joined Mayor Gray and several city officials on a beautiful morning to cut the ribbon and officially open the bridge on the Anacostia River Walk trail. The bridge connects two significant portions of the trail by crossing over the railroad tracks.
Cyclists and pedestrians can now take the trail from Benning Road, NE and Kingman Island, and connect to the trail that follows the Anacostia River along Boathouse Row, through the Navy Yard and to Yards Park and the baseball stadium. You can see more pictures from the event by clicking here: http://bit.ly/Joc7wL.
Other Upcoming Events:
- Lansburgh Park Open House, Saturday, April 28th, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, King-Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N Street, SW.
- NoMa Block Party, Saturday, April 28th, 2:00 - 8:00 pm, Loree Grand Field at 2nd & L Street, NE.
Thanks and hope to see you soon,
Tommy Wells
April 25, 2012 Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival Returns
Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells will join residents for the 3rd Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival on Saturday, April 28, 2012, 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Festival brings residents together with some of the DC area's best local bluegrass bands for a day of music, food and exploration on Kingman Island to celebrate the revitalization of the Anacostia River.
In addition to some of region's best in live bluegrass music, several other activities will take place, including free tours of the river by canoe provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society, tours of the island and several bicycle-related activities and prizes hosted by BicycleSPACE, and nearly a dozen of DC's top food trucks will be on hand to feed hungry visitors.
By hosting the Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Music Festival, Councilmember Wells hopes to encourage more residents to enjoy the Anacostia River and to discover Kingman Island Park.
When is the Festival?
Saturday, April 28th, from 1:00 - 8:00 pm.
How to get to the Kingman Island Festival?
• The entrance to Kingman Island is off of the Anacostia River Walk Trail near parking lot # 6 at RFK Stadium.
• Free shuttles will run between Kingman Island and Stadium/Armory Metro Station (blue/orange lines).
• Abundant bicycle parking is available on Kingman Island and at the entrance (provided by DDOT and BicycleSPACE).
• MetroBus routes X1, X2 and X3 have a nearby stop located at the intersection of Benning Rd. NE and Oklahoma Ave. NE. The entrance is a short walk across the parking lot.
• Free car parking is available in RFK parking lot #6.
What does it cost?
The event is FREE. Food and beverage will be sold at the event. There is also a suggested donation of $5 to support Living Classrooms, a non-profit that manages the island and provides environmental education to children in the DC metro area.
How do I learn more?
Follow us on Twitter @KIBluegrassFest
Visit us online: http://www.facebook.com/KIBluegrassFest
Thanks to our Title Sponsor, DC Events and all the other sponsors that make this event possible, including Office of Councilmember Tommy Wells, Living Classrooms, BicycleSPACE, Sierra Nevada, Safeway, WAMU Bluegrass Country, Create DC and Scott McCarthy Design.
What's the schedule of participating bands?
1:00 - 1:50: King Street Bluegrass (http://www.reverbnation.com/kingstreetbluegrass)
2:00 - 3:30: Patuxent Partners (http://www.patuxentpartners.com/)
3:45 - 4:45: Split String Soup (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Split-String-Soup/151385041542722?sk=app_178091127385)
5:00 - 6:00: Hollertown (http://www.myspace.com/hollertowndc)
6:15 - 7:15: By and By (http://www.myspace.com/byandbyband)
7:30 - 8:00: Closing jam session
Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells will join residents for the 3rd Annual Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival on Saturday, April 28, 2012, 1:00 - 8:00 p.m.The Festival brings residents together with some of the DC area's best local bluegrass bands for a day of music, food and exploration on Kingman Island to celebrate the revitalization of the Anacostia River.
In addition to some of region's best in live bluegrass music, several other activities will take place, including free tours of the river by canoe provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society, tours of the island and several bicycle-related activities and prizes hosted by BicycleSPACE, and nearly a dozen of DC's top food trucks will be on hand to feed hungry visitors.
By hosting the Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Music Festival, Councilmember Wells hopes to encourage more residents to enjoy the Anacostia River and to discover Kingman Island Park.
When is the Festival?
Saturday, April 28th, from 1:00 - 8:00 pm.
How to get to the Kingman Island Festival?
• The entrance to Kingman Island is off of the Anacostia River Walk Trail near parking lot # 6 at RFK Stadium.
• Free shuttles will run between Kingman Island and Stadium/Armory Metro Station (blue/orange lines).
• Abundant bicycle parking is available on Kingman Island and at the entrance (provided by DDOT and BicycleSPACE).
• MetroBus routes X1, X2 and X3 have a nearby stop located at the intersection of Benning Rd. NE and Oklahoma Ave. NE. The entrance is a short walk across the parking lot.
• Free car parking is available in RFK parking lot #6.
What does it cost?
The event is FREE. Food and beverage will be sold at the event. There is also a suggested donation of $5 to support Living Classrooms, a non-profit that manages the island and provides environmental education to children in the DC metro area.
How do I learn more?
Follow us on Twitter @KIBluegrassFest
Visit us online: http://www.facebook.com/KIBluegrassFest
Thanks to our Title Sponsor, DC Events and all the other sponsors that make this event possible, including Office of Councilmember Tommy Wells, Living Classrooms, BicycleSPACE, Sierra Nevada, Safeway, WAMU Bluegrass Country, Create DC and Scott McCarthy Design.
What's the schedule of participating bands?
1:00 - 1:50: King Street Bluegrass (http://www.reverbnation.com/kingstreetbluegrass)
2:00 - 3:30: Patuxent Partners (http://www.patuxentpartners.com/)
3:45 - 4:45: Split String Soup (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Split-String-Soup/151385041542722?sk=app_178091127385)
5:00 - 6:00: Hollertown (http://www.myspace.com/hollertowndc)
6:15 - 7:15: By and By (http://www.myspace.com/byandbyband)
7:30 - 8:00: Closing jam session