Neighbors,
This week marked a major milestone in the decades-long fight to close the W Street Trash Transfer Station and to improve the quality of life for Brentwood and Ward 5 residents. This Tuesday, the Council passed legislation that would use eminent domain to convert the trash transfer station to a District government facility.
When I took office over six years ago, one of my top priorities was addressing issues associated with Ward 5's industrial land. I began by introducing legislation that tightened regulations and increased fines for solid waste and vehicle paint facilities that released high levels of noxious odor and fumes. In order to create a vision for Ward 5’s industrial land use, I convened a task force. That effort brought about the “ Ward 5 Works” report that outlined an exceptional roadmap for industrial development and land use. Better use of industrial land is not limited to creative and innovative development, it includes taking on environmental justice issues such as the air quality and land use challenges created by trash transfer stations. To that end, earlier this year, a trash station in the Langdon neighborhood closed and now the last days of the W Street Transfer Station are in sight.
Although the work continues, together, we are building a better Ward 5.
In Service,
Kenyan
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