March 23, 2026
Hello neighbors,
This newsletter should look a little different moving forward as I'm now sending directly from Ghost, the site where all these newsletters are stored. You should now be able to find previous posts directly at the bottom of the email and unsubscribe if you'd like. Don't forget to check out the Calendar of Events to see all events that were sent in previous newsletters.
Last week at the RTCO monthly meeting, there was one question I promised I'd find an answer to: what does a fire hydrant with a blue stripe mean? According to DC Water, the different colors of stripes indicate the flow rate for the water, so this hydrant is currently in service. As a reminder, please do not park in front of hydrants so they are always accessible for firefighters.
Keep reading to learn about:
• A survey from The 51st - tell them what kinds of news stories you'd like to see about Ward 7
• The Annual River Terrace Plant/Seed/Stuff Swap
• Upcoming construction
• and more!
Have a great week,
Katie
The 51st Survey
Local news organization The 51st wants to hear from you!
The 51st is a worker-led nonprofit local news source for D.C. They believe that all D.C. residents deserve a more equitable and just place to live, and their reporting is rooted in our conviction that local journalism is meant to make people’s lives better.
This survey is to get insights from D.C. residents to understand what you would like to see from local news.
Construction: Benning Road NE from 15th Street NE to 21st Street NE, Beginning March 25, 2026
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is scheduled to begin resurfacing work including concrete work on Benning Road NE from 15th Street NE to 21st Street NE starting on or about Wednesday, March 25, 2026, weather permitting. The roadway project is anticipated to be completed by Friday, May 29, 2026. Temporary Lane closures are to be expected with one travel lane remaining open.
The contractor is authorized to work Monday through Friday, (daytime) from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.The contractor may work Saturdays (daytime) with prior DDOT approval.
River Terrace Spring Seed/Plant/Stuff Swap
River Terrace Park
Saturday, Apr 25 from 1:30 pm to 4 pm
Join your friends and neighbors in River Terrace Park to swap seeds, plants, and clothing/accessories for a full spring refresh! Join us in person at the River Terrace Spring Seed/Plant/Stuff Swap for a fun and friendly exchange. It's a two-part event with something for everyone: trade seeds, plants, and gardening things with your green-thumbed neighbors, and refresh your wardrobe by passing on items in good condition that you no longer need, and perhaps picking up a new-to-you piece as well!
It’s a great way to refresh your garden, meet neighbors, and share the love of all things green. Don’t miss out on this laid-back springtime hangout. Please register using the link above so we know how many people will be joining!
If you'd like to volunteer, please fill out this form.
Candidate Forums
D.C. Mayor: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
University of the District of Columbia, Student Center Ballroom, 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW. Metro accessible (Van Ness, Red line) and parking available with parking entrance on Van Ness Street.
D.C. Delegate to U.S. Congress: Thursday, April 30, 2026
THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Ave, SE. Metro accessible (Southern Avenue, Green line), and free parking on grounds and additional street parking.
Approximate schedule for both forums:
Doors Open: 6 p.m.
Forum: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Reception/Meet and Greet with Candidates: 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
2026 Ward 7 Juneteenth Parade Volunteer Sign Up
Please be sure to look over the form and select all the opportunities that most interest you or that best aligns with your time and talents. Someone from the team will be in contact with you. If you have questions or concerns please contact Parade Project Manager, Toya Carmichael (carmichaeltoya@gmail.com or 202-677-5294).
Calendar of Events