Hi neighbors and 1617 U Street watchers,
Here’s a quick update on where things stand.
1. ANC 1B Still Waiting for Transparency from DMPED on 1617 U Street
Back in September, ANC 1B passed a resolution asking the Mayor and DMPED to engage directly with the community before taking further steps on the future of 1617 U Street. The resolution highlights the need for real outreach, study, and planning for the 2 acres of public land that currently house our police and fire stations—critical first-responder services for the entire U Street corridor, including Dupont and Adams Morgan.
DMPED received the resolution in mid-September (link: https://tinyurl.com/anc1b-res-1617-u-sep-2025), but as far as we know still has not responded.
The resolution underscores that:
“Effective community engagement … would help to advance racial equity goals by actively engaging longtime residents, families, small businesses, churches, and community organizations along the U Street corridor … many of whom have historically been excluded.”
ANC 1B asks DMPED to create a structured, well-resourced engagement process before any RFP is issued, including:
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A community survey
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2–3 open houses
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Partnership with a community-based organization connected to longtime residents
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Use of the Zoning Commission’s Racial Equity Tool
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Ensuring community input—on affordable housing, displacement concerns, local business needs, and community benefits—is built into the RFP itself, not tacked on afterward
We expect DMPED to respond in writing with great weight to the Commission and neighborhood, and we have included Daniel Lyons and the general DMPED email in the to field to ensure they know we are expecting a response.
2. Seaton Street Block Party Recap
In October, neighbors organized a great block party on Seaton Street to bring neighbors together at the foot of 1617 U Street. Huge thanks to Amanda Liaw, Liana Steinberg-Casper, and all the neighbors who made it happen.
Our friend Karen Gaal from the 3D CAC also hosted a tour of the Third District Police Station, giving residents a chance to meet the new Commander and learn more about the station’s operations right at the foot of the site.
3. Sign Up: Tour of Engine 9 Fire Station – December 6
Mark your calendars! On December 6, 2025, neighbors are invited to tour Engine 9, our own fire station serving the U Street corridor.
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/bdfcafby
It’s a great chance to meet the firehouse staff who help save us, learn more about the station, and understand what’s at stake as the future of 1617 U moves forward.
THANKS FOR STAYING KEYED IN!
You can always get the latest news here:
www.SaveDCPublicLand.org/the1617project/alerts
Debby and the team!
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