- Police Report. Lt. Johnson reported 11 thefts in the past 30-day period, four of which were at the CVS. Overall, 7 of the 11 crimes were reported online. Lt. Johnson urged people to call the police while the crime is in process or has just happened so that MPD can send officers out immediately rather than make an online report. Reporting in person gives MPD a much better chance at catching a perpetrator and collecting fresh evidence. For example, 3 of the 4 thefts at CVS were committed by the same person. It is CVS corporate policy to not report a theft until after the perpetrator has left which they often do online. If the crime was reported in person, MPD would have a better chance at apprehending the suspect. There is good video of the suspect, but they were long gone before MPD was alerted. The Lieutenant was also asked how policing has change recently. He said there have been a lot of changes, some good, some bad. In the second district, regular police activities have not changed much. The Federal entities are working with the Crime Suppression Teams. Those officers go out with the FBI, ATF, ICE, the Park Police and the Secret Service. They do a lot of warrants and searches as well as traffic stops, and they respond to level 1 offences like robberies.
- Discussion and Resolution on Lifting Rush Hour Restrictions on Westside of Wisconsin Avenue, NW from 36th Street to Calvert Street. Commissioner Turmail introduced a resolution clarifying the resolution 3B passed in May regarding streateries. That resolution urged DDOT to continue existing streateries and allow for new ones to be developed. DDOT asked for more specificity regarding parking restrictions. This amended resolution urges DDOT to waive all rush hour restrictions on the west side of Wisconsin Avenue between 36th Street and Calvert Street. A motion was made to approve the resolution. It was seconded and passed unanimously.
Discussion of Persistent Water Leak in Public Space at 3101 New Mexico Avenue, NW. Commissioner Rodriguez discussed a water leak in public space at 3101 New Mexico that was first reported to DC Water in February 2024. DC Water did finally come out an evaluate the issue, determined it was on DC Water’s “side of the meter,” and that they were responsible for fixing it. It is still not fixed, and people are growing concerned that if it is not fixed before winter sets in that the problem will create hazardous conditions in that area. Commissioner Rodriguez has tried consistently to locate a project manager to get some definitive schedule but has not been able to do so. Owen Cox from MOCRS has a contact at DC Water and will reach out to them. It was also suggested that Commissioner Rodriguez reach out to Councilmember Frumin’s office. - Discussion and Resolution Condemning Federal Overreach in DC Policing and Demand for Return of Local Funds. Commissioner Lavezzo introduced the subject resolution calling for Congress to end Federal troop deployment in DC and the return of $1 billion of DC tax money that they withheld from the FY 25 budget. The deployment is in direct violation of the DC Home Rule Act which places control of the police force with the DC government. A motion was made to approve the resolution. It was seconded and passed unanimously.
- Updates. Commissioner Rodriguez was asked by a constituent to have a bus stop restored for the C85 at New Mexico and Cathedral. He has contacted WMATA. They are receptive to the idea but the request has to go through the full WMATA internal process.