Latest news with #Ward5
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Uncertainty lingers over Dupont Circle's status ahead of WorldPride Parade
WASHINGTON () — With just two days left until the Parade in Washington, D.C., accessibility to Dupont Circle remains unclear, and city leaders are sending mixed signals about what to expect. Earlier this week, both D.C. and U.S. Park police over the weekend due to safety concerns. The decision stemmed from previous Pride weekends, when police said the area saw property damage, looting, underage drinking, and even reports of gunfire. The historic fountain at the center of the circle was reportedly damaged as well. PREVIOUS COVERAGE | DC police recinds request to close Dupont Circle park during WorldPride after pushback from DC community But following public pushback, including opposition from Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, D.C. police have backed off their initial request. While the National Park Service has not yet made a final decision, many residents are calling for a solution that balances celebration and safety. 'It's a symbol for the gay community. It's a symbol for this neighborhood. It's one of the best neighborhoods in the city,' said Richard Lewis, who has lived near Dupont Circle for more than 20 years. 'I was disgusted and embarrassed [by the behavior last year]. I thought, this is not how we treat our neighborhoods. It was a slap to the gay community, knowing fully well that the parade wasn't even there.' Instead of a full closure, some neighbors are advocating for a compromise — keeping the park open, but with increased law enforcement. WorldPride underway in DC for first time 'I understand both sides of the story,' added Lewis. 'I'd like to see it remain open with increased police presence so people know there's accountability and that they shouldn't be damaging public or private property.' In a statement, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith confirmed the department's shift, saying, 'After hearing from community leaders and residents, I am formally withdrawing MPD's request to close Dupont Circle Park… While US Park Police will make the final call, MPD will have resources available if needed.' As of now, with a little more than 48 hours until the start of the parade, no final word has come from the National Park Service or U.S. Park Police about whether the park will remain open or closed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
4 days ago
- General
- CBC
The city wants to hear your thoughts on a new community planned for Kitchener
Kitchener is a growing city and it will soon be home to more than 30,000 new residents. A new community is being planned in the city's southwest corner. People got their first look at the Dundee Secondary Plan last week. Ayo Owodunni, the Ward 5 councillor, told CBC K-W's Aastha Shetty more about how people can get involved in shaping what this new part of Kitchener will look like.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester state rep. announces run for Ward 5 alderman
A Republican state representative has announced her candidacy for Ward 5 alderman in Manchester. Kathleen Paquette launched her campaign for the Ward 5 seat Tuesday, one week after incumbent alderman Tony Sapienza announced he would not seek reelection this fall to the seat he has held for the past decade. Ward 5 school board member Jason Bonilla previously announced he is also running to succeed Sapienza. Paquette currently serves on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee at the State House. 'In Concord, I've worked to address the real challenges that impact our neighborhoods, especially when it comes to crime and safety,' Paquette said in a statement. 'I believe local government should reflect the values of the people it serves. That means being smart with taxpayer dollars, creating safer streets, and supporting the families and small businesses that make our community strong.' Paquette also thanked Sapienza for his decade of service and wishes him the best in his retirement. In announcing her bid, Paquette describes herself as a longtime Manchester resident, community advocate, proud mother and grandmother, and a strong supporter of 'neighborhood-focused leadership.' 'I'm proud to call Ward 5 home, and I'm thankful for the support and trust so many of you have already given me,' Paquette said. 'Together, we can keep building a city where families feel safe, businesses can grow, and every neighborhood has a voice.' For more information, visit
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Manchester Alderman Tony Sapienza won't seek reelection
Manchester Ward 5 Alderman Tony Sapienza announced Tuesday night he will not seek reelection to the seat this fall. Tony Sapienza Tony Sapienza 'I want to thank the people, the residents of Ward 5,' Sapienza said. 'I've been in this seat for 10 years as of this week, and I want to thank the people for the opportunity, for allowing me to represent them, and I want them to know that I do not intend to be filing for reelection in the upcoming filing period. 'We do have a young man named Jason Bonilla who has stepped up and is running for the seat. He's a fine young man, and I sure would like to see some young people on this board.' Mayor Jay Ruais thanked Tony Sapienza for his service. 'These are tough jobs, as you know, often they are thankless jobs, and anybody that puts their name on the ballot deserves a great deal of respect,' Ruais said. 'I look forward to finishing this term,' Sapienza said. Jason Bonilla, a school board member from Ward 5, announced in April he will run for the Ward 5 alderman seat in a video posted on social media. Speaking in both Spanish and English, Bonilla said he's ready to move 'on to the next chapter.' 'I'm running for alderman in Ward 5 to support all of our city departments, including our public schools, and to strengthen our businesses, especially our local ones,' Bonilla said. 'I will fight to keep our streets and parks clean and safe, to ensure our sidewalks are accessible and our roads are well-maintained, and work with law enforcement to remove fentanyl and opioids from our streets.' Bonilla said he is also committed to tackling the housing crisis, ensuring affordable options and reducing homelessness. 'I will do this by collaborating with local organizations and city departments, because no one in our community should be forgotten,' Bonilla said. Bonilla was appointed to the Board of School Committee in 2021, after Jeremy Dobson resigned his seat prior to moving out of the city. Bonilla was elected to the school board in 2023. Bonilla, a Salvadoran American, worked with AmeriCorps for two years in the Boston and Washington, D.C., public schools 'showing black and brown youth that we existed, that we were out here ready to advocate for them, to listen to them, and to push to them to follow their dreams.' Bonilla landed a career as a recruiter for City Year in Manchester, going from 'squeegeeing throw-up at Forest Hills' in Boston to recruiting young people of color across the region to serve as peer mentors in the Queen City. Bonilla was nominated for the Ward 5 school board seat by Tony Sapienza.
CBC
12-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Ward 5 councillor wants a ride-share license cap to create fair competition with taxi industry
Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal is bringing a notice of motion to the city's executive committee calling for council to approve a feasibility report to amend livery transport bylaw.
