Support Tz’ikin Cafe Pop-Up Coffee Cart at Art Place

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Tz’ikin had a strong opening day on May 3. Thank you to all of the neighbors who came out. Continue to support the pop-up coffee cart at Art Place.

Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE

Hours

Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 2 PM

Sun: 9 AM – 2 PM

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Pick up coffee on your way to work or, if you are home during the day, stop in for a brew. Let your coffee-drinking neighbors know!

From Art Place at Fort Totten

On Sunday, May 3 at 9am, local concept Tz’ikin Cafe will open a coffee cart pop-up, marking the first dedicated coffee purveyor at Art Place.

Founded by a husband-and-wife team hailing from El Salvador and Guatemala, respectively, the DMV-based cafe focuses on Central American coffee traditions and direct sourcing, with beans coming from a family-run farm in El Salvador. The menu features drinks like the Horchata Latte, an espresso made with horchata-infused milk, alongside seasonal flavors like honey lavender.

You can find the cart inside Explore! Children’s Museum

395 Ingraham St. NE

Hours:

Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 2 PM

Sun: 9 AM – 2 PM

Deadline Extended: Comment on Office of Planning’s Draft Future Land Use Map by June 7

Posted by nextstoprp in Planning

Update 5/16/2026: OP extended the deadline again to June 7, 2026. See this post for OP’s presentation to North Michigan Park. Change areas for Riggs Park & nearby.

Update 4/15/2026: Comment deadline extended to May 17, 2026. View the virtual workshop.

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Original post 3/31/2026

DC’s Office of Planning (OP) has released a virtual workshop to walk through its Draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM).

Visit OP’s Draft FLUM Virtual Workshop. Comment on the draft changes by April 30, 2026.

OP estimated the number of additional new homes necessary to keep housing cost increases below the inflation rate. With the Draft FLUM, OP seeks to quantify the number of housing units that would be created by each of the changes.

Draft Ward 4 Neighborhood Proposal

CHANGE AREA 4.4

Location: New Hampshire NW and Riggs Ave NE

Changes in this area include:

·        Small-scale residential neighborhoods to moderate-scale residential neighborhoods

These changes are estimated to add 1,050 housing units and 100 jobs.

Draft Ward 5 Neighborhood Proposal

CHANGE AREA 5.1:

Location: South Dakota Ave NE

Changes in this area include:

·        Small-scale residential neighborhoods to moderate-scale residential neighborhoods

These changes are estimated to add 60 housing units and 50 jobs. 

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I attended the spring workshop and I find OP’s draft changes for Riggs Parks (Change Areas 4.4 and 5.1) to be a bit random. If the goal is to say that we need additional housing units, I think we can look to where we know large institutional properties are going to be developed into new housing, such as the Boys Town and Providence campuses, rather than looking at random parcels of existing semi-detached homes, which is what the Draft FLUM is proposing.

OP Director Anita Cozart explained that they are targeting areas near Metrorail and high-frequency bus routes (I get that). She said the idea is to make way for gentle density like small apartments. When I pointed out that Faith United Church has been trying to build on its property for decades but no change is being proposed for that property, she said OP also wants to keep the areas with proposed changes contiguous and not do one-off changes to individual lots. I get that as well, though I suspect that is exactly what will end up happening for reasons.

I still think that if there are institutional properties that will likely be redeveloped into new housing in the future, then to me it makes sense for that to be reflected in the Draft FLUM. I guess the only reason they are not doing that is that theoretically the institutional use reflected in the FLUM would not preclude developing housing.

For example, Boys Town is shown as institutional on the existing FLUM but it is zoned R-2 which will allow development of semi-detached housing by right. Developer Urban Atlantic is planning to build 166 semi-detached homes there. And 166 homes is already more than the 60 that OP is showing for the random draft change in Change 5.1. Realistically Change 5.1 is not going to result in an additional 60 housing units and that is probably fine. We already have 166 semi-detached homes going in at Boys Town and hundreds more housing units going in at Providence eventually. Furthermore, we know that the 8,000 square foot Main Building on the Boys Town campus will likely need a zoning change or exception in the future for anything to be done with it. It is not going to be torn down. So I think there are missed opportunities here.

It is worth looking at the draft changes elsewhere in the city. I participated in one of the breakout meetings. One of the questions was where to build affordable housing (I assume they were referring to income-restricted affordable housing). Mysteriously one of the assumptions they made when asking the question was that if they continue to build affordable housing in areas well below the median family income, then somehow amenities would follow by adding more low-income households to the mix. I think if the goal is to provide access to amenities, then it makes sense to build/maintain affordable housing in amenity-rich neighborhoods like neighborhoods west of Rock Creek Park and to be very intentional about providing amenities in areas lacking them. Assuming that amenities will somehow simply follow with no thoughtful intentional action does not make a lot of sense to me.

Anyways, be sure to take the opportunity to review the draft map and submit your feedback to OP by April 30.

Complete Main Street Retail Survey by May 31

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street, Uncategorized

Passing along this retail survey from The Parks Main Street. Complete by May 31.

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Help guide the shops, restaurants, and services along the South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road corridor.  

Dear Neighbors,

The Parks Main Street (TPMS), a program of the Greater Washington Urban League, has been serving Riggs Park since 2019, working to strengthen our neighborhood commercial corridor—and your voice remains essential to shaping what comes next.

We appreciate the feedback shared by community members in the past—it continues to guide our efforts.

We invite you to take a short survey to let us know the types of businesses, restaurants, and services you would like to see in Riggs Park—particularly along South Dakota Avenue from Galloway Street NE (The Modern) to the intersection at Riggs Road NE (Riggs Crossing Senior Residences and Fort Totten Square), as well as other retail spaces along the corridor.

Take the survey (less than 3 minutes)

Survey closes: Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM

About The Parks Main Street

In addition to providing grants and technical assistance to small, local businesses—including $40,000 in grants awarded to seven local businesses so far in 2026—TPMS brings the community together through events and partnerships such as:

  • Fort Totten Summer Concert Series (June 5) — with DC Fray and Bozzuto
  • Riggs Park Art Walk (July 18) — with the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library and WALK Ward 5 Health Coalition 
  • Art All Night hosted by The Parks Main Street (September 12) — in coordination with the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and the Department of Small and Local Business Development
  • Main Street Jazz Series (in progress) — with the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library

This work also includes partnering with UDC Community College on the Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market and maintaining an ongoing collaboration with the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA).

Why Your Input Matters

Your feedback will help:

  • Guide the businesses we work to attract
  • Support local entrepreneurs
  • Shape a more vibrant, welcoming corridor

We want to understand what’s missing, what’s working, and what would encourage you to spend more time in the neighborhood.

Help Spread the Word

Please pass this along to neighbors, friends, and coworkers who live, work, or spend time in the area.

May 17: ANC 5A/5B Joint Committee Meeting on Taylor Street NE Bike Lanes

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A, Transportation

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A/5B Joint Committee on Taylor St Bike Lanes

This meeting is planned as an Open Meeting, but not a Public Meeting, so no agenda or voting is scheduled. The meeting will be recorded and a URL to the recording will be provided within 7 days of the meeting date.

Topic: Joint Special Committee on Taylor
Time: May 17, 2026 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/89121638949?pwd=FZ0ZPpddgPiEy0oRgOHaFKWOaJVJy5.1

Meeting ID: 891 2163 8949
Passcode: 486647

One tap mobile
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Office of Planning Presentation on Proposed Future Land Use Map Changes to North Michigan Park

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk, Planning

North Michigan Park neighbor Robert Oliver passed along the presentation that Office of Planning Associate Director Ryan Hand gave to North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) about draft changes to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM). These draft changes are just one step in OP’s Comprehensive Plan rewrite, which OP is calling DC2050.

See OP Draft FLUM Presentation to North Michigan Park Civic Association (May 2026)

Submit comments on the draft FLUM by May 17, 2026.

There is a tiny section of North Michigan Park just south of Fort Totten Park that OP wants to change from “small-scale residential” to “moderate-scale residential.” Residents at the NMPCA meeting on May 6 were not on board this proposal.

I noted in this post that OP Director Anita Cozart stated that the intent of the change is to possibly make way for small apartments or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) (though ADUs are already permissible). Mr. Hand echoed that rationale stating that OP sought to “up-FLUM” areas near Metrorail and high frequency bus corridors and also areas that have not grown as much over the past 20 years. At the same time, Mr. Hand noted that OP also wants to be cautious about making changes to areas too quickly that are at high risk of displacement.

Mr. Hand acknowledged concerns from residents that this change could incentivize developers to try to buy out homeowners to tear down the existing semi-detached homes and build multifamily buildings in their place. In response to a resident who brought up the explosive growth in Columbia Heights, Mr. Hand stated that the development that took place in Columbia Heights was a different situation at a unique moment in the city’s history. So OP does not seem too concerned about something similar happening in North Michigan Park (or nearby).

I noted in a previous post that I do not quite understand why OP is drawing the map the way they are. This meeting with Mr. Hand did provide confirmation that it really is kind of random. OP is targeting areas near Metrorail, hence the change to this small section of North Michigan Park. On the Ward 4 side, OP selected areas along Riggs Road to up-FLUM because they are along a high-frequency bus corridor. It is still puzzling to me that OP chose not to account for for-sale and rental housing that can be built in areas identified as institutional areas on the FLUM.

As it stands the amount of housing that OP is saying can be built in areas with existing, occupied semi-detached homes is a bit of fiction whereas there can be real numbers attached to institutional areas with vacant land on the map. Also, while I get the move to the new “place types” concept, I do think there is a bit of worthwhile distinction lost when one lumps semi-detached and rowhomes with apartment buildings in one category.

ANC Commissioner Bocoum (5A09) is having a virtual single member district (SMD) meeting tonight about the changes in this small section of North Michigan Park. I anticipate that ANC 5A will want to vote on the issue at their meeting on May 27. Mr. Hand told the commissioners at the North Michigan Park meeting that the ANC can submit their resolution to OP after this meeting. Mr. Hand noted that the Council changed the law so that OP has to give “great weight” to ANC resolutions at this draft phase (and not just at the final phase).

I do not know if OP plans to formally extend the deadline for everyone, so if you plan to submit individual comments, be sure to submit your comments by May 17.

To receive updates about the Comprehensive Plan process, join OP’s mailing list.

Submit Comments on Proposed Parking Changes Around 6th & Madison NE by May 28, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Public Safety, Transportation

ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09) passed along information about a Notice of Intent (NOI) with proposed parking changes around 6th Street & Madison Street NE. DDOT is proposing to daylight the intersection of 6th and Madison by installing pavement markings and flexposts within 25 feet of the existing crosswalk.

See NOI 26-129-TSA.

Commissioner Geong wrote:

DDOT issued a plan to update 4B09 residential parking signage and daylight the intersection at 6th/Madison St NE to improve safety (please reference attachment for details). This is the southwest corner by Riggs field, where a lot of W4-5 neighbors walk to LaSalle ES, the rec center etc. Parking in and around the intersection will be prohibited in accordance with existing city regulations if the NOI moves forward. 

Background: ANC 4B sent DDOT a traffic-calming resolution last year in response to a history of serious traffic accidents in the LaSalle-Backus ES school zone. LaSalle ES serves PK3-5 students in both ANCs 4B and 5A (5A01, 5A02, 5A07, 5A09).

To view and submit comments on this notice of intent (NOI 26-129-TSA Daylighting and Parking Change), visit DDOT’s NOI portal at http://noi.ddot.dc.gov by May 28, 2026.

May 14: ANC 5A09 Community Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

[Ed. Note: The ANC did not send out an agenda for this meeting but I have been told that the meeting will focus on the draft Future Land Use Map changes for North Michigan Park.]

From ANC 5A

Topic: SMD 5A09 Meeting

Time: May 14, 2026, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/85752173916

Meeting ID: 857 5217 3916

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Reminder: LRCA Scholarship Applications Due May 15, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship Award.

Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Application

LRCA will award Academic Excellence Scholarships of up to $2,000 to eligible graduating high school seniors and eligible college or trade school students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community impact. Must live within the boundaries of LRCA.

Download: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Flyer (updated)

Map of LRCA boundaries.

May 2026 Events at Explore!

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten, Uncategorized

Check out the events calendar for May 2026 events at Explore!

Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE

* Tz’ikin Coffee Pop-Up

Hours: Monday – Friday 7am – 2pm, Sunday 9am – 2pm

* Dance Loft Youth Classes & Summer Dance Camp (Register at the link).

  • Pre-Ballet
  • Baby & Me
  • Bilingual Creative Movement

Explore! Activities: Mixed Materials Studio | May 5, 4pm-6pm

Explore! Activities: Cardboard Building Lab | May 7, 4pm-6pm

Candle Making Workshop | May 7, 6pm

Explore! Activities: Clay Open Studio | May 12, 4pm-6pm

Explore! Activities: Paper & Texture | May 14, 4pm-6pm

Explore! Activities: Paint Studio | May 19, 4pm-6pm

Explore! Activities: Tile Design | May 21, 4pm-6pm

Explore! Activities: Clay & Form | May 26, 4pm-6pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Open Art Studio | May 28, 4pm-6pm

Recognition for Neighbor Debra Whitford

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk, Riggs Park
Debra Whitford at UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market, April 24, 2026.

I am super late in getting this post up but never too late to acknowledge the efforts of North Michigan Park neighbor Debra Whitford. Ms. Whitford was nominated for and recognized as “Volunteer of the Year” by residents at Councilmember Zachary Parker’s annual awards ceremony on April 1.

Ms. Whitford grew up in Riggs Park. Her family still owns the home they purchased on Riggs Road NE back in 1957. Ms. Whitford attended DC public schools and UDC before embarking on a career in information systems. Ms. Whitford retired from the federal government in 2017. Since then, one can find her at making sense at ANC meetings and volunteering in her local community, whether with North Michigan Park Civic Association, Food & Friends, passing out newsletters for the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, or helping out CM Parker’s office on Ward 5 Day.

Congratulations and thank you to Ms. Whitford!

May 2026 Events at Lamond-Riggs Library

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

From Lamond-Riggs Library

Lamond-Riggs Library has a full calendar of events designed to engage residents of all ages. Below are some of the key programs scheduled for the month of May:

In addition to these special programs, the library continues to offer weekly recurring events, including:

• Story Time, a beloved early-learning program for babies, toddlers, and young children  

• Here’s the Stitchuation!, a friendly drop‑in crafting and knitting circle that welcomes makers of all skill levels  

These ongoing programs provide consistent opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning for community members.

April 22, 2026 ANC 5A Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on April 22, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Jack Hermes (5A04) – Vice Chair & Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnia (5A07) – Chair; Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

Commission Business

Chair Soca Garnica stated the ANC signed a communications contract with an individual to work up to 10 hours/week for the ANC to do things like update the website, send out the newsletter, etc. I did not hear or follow everything about this contract. Commissioner Alston asked if the ANC could also have someone sit in the ANC office 20 hours/week to answer phones. Sounded like that is not something the ANC will do.

Boys Town (5A02)

Commissioner Lucio (5A03) moved and the ANC supported an amendment to the ANC’s letter of support for the Boys Town public space application. The ANC does not support DDOT’s request to install flex posts at South Dakota Avenue and Crittenden Street NE.  

DC 2050 Committee

The ANC’s DC 2050 (Comprehensive Plan rewrite) committee will be chaired by Commissioners Sellars (5A01) and Dyanna Weston (5A05). They did not share any updates.

Commissioner Updates

5A03

Commissioner Lucio (5A03) stated that DC Office of Planning (OP) will present at North Michigan Park Civic Association’s next meeting on May 6 and encouraged residents to attend that meeting.

5A04

Commissioner Hermes (5A04) stated that he planned to submit comments for just his single member district on OP’s draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM) to Councilmember Zachary Parker’s office or the Office of Planning (could not really hear). That led to other Commissioner Lucio and others commissioners stating that the ANC should submit a letter from the ANC as a whole in order to get great weight. Sounded like Commissioner Hermes agreed to draft the letter for the ANC. Unclear if residents will have the opportunity to see the letter and weigh in beforehand.

Commissioner Lucio reminded residents that there is an ANC 5A/5B Taylor Street Bike Lane joint committee for the Taylor Street bike lane project. A resident asked the ANC to form just a 5A committee, stating that ANC 5B supports bike lanes. Commissioner Lucio and Chair Sosa Garnica noted that the ANC voted some time ago to create the joint committee and that it is up to 5A commissioners to join that committee to represent 5A interests.

5A09 

Commissioner Bocoum (5A09) stated that she and Commissioner Sellars (5A01) met with city officials to review the art installation proposals for the new Riggs & South Dakota Park.

5A01

Commissioner Sellars stated that he is working to have a walkthrough on Riggs Road with District officials to address the gravel that has been in the cycletrack since it was constructed, the constant bird mess on the sidewalk, and the lack of lighting under the bridge.

NPS has cut the grass at Fort Circle Park and DPW has cut the grass at the green space on South Dakota & Riggs.

Commissioner Sellars stated that he continues to work with UDC on a new 9/11 memorial at the Lamond-Riggs campus. At that point he invited UDC’s community engagement director Juanita Gray to give updates.

Ms. Gray stated that the old 9/11 memorial has been removed and given to DCPS archives for preservation. UDC President Maurice Edington has been given the mockup for the new memorial and they are just waiting for his approval and signature. Once they get the signoff, it should take about 6-8 weeks to arrive.

UDC is working with Events DC on an embassy tour at the student center on May 2.

UDC is hosting a DC Delegate candidate forum on May 4, moderated by Kojo Nnamdi.

There is a food pantry at the Van Ness campus on Sundays, 1pm-3pm (?).

UDC’s budget oversight hearing was April 23.

There is a farmers market at UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus every Friday, 4pm-8pm.

The ANC hopes to have President Edington at the ANC’s May meeting to discuss the Lamond-Riggs campus. 

5A08

Commissioner Alston (5A08) thanked Faith United Church for holding a mobile market every month and for the foot clinic held earlier this month. I could not hear or follow everything she said after that point. Sounded like some discussion about the lights in the McDonald’s parking lot. McDonald’s said they do not and will not keep the lights on 24/7. Also sounded like McDonald’s has told its employees not to park in the lot while they are at work. Later on in the meeting, a resident asked Commissioner Alston to clarify because residents would rather have employees park in the parking lot rather than on the street all day in front of residents’ homes.

5A04 

Commissioner Hermes (5A04) stated that Catholic wants to present at the next ANC meeting about the Marist Hall historic preservation issue as well as the 2027 campus plan process.

DC Office of Campaign Finance (Kalvanetta Peete, OCF)

OCF gave overview of the fair elections program as well as ANC campaign expense reporting requirements. It was pretty much the same presentation they gave at the ANC’s October 2025 meeting.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Lacy Davis, Ward 5 MOCR)

Ward 5 MOCR Lacy Davis stated Mayor Bowser has submitted her budget proposal. At budget.dc.gov, you can see Ward 5 highlights (and highlights for other wards). Citywide spring clean events took place April 25. Mr. Davis recognized resident Bill Smith for his efforts cleaning up the lots by Faith United Church.

Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker) 

Budget oversight hearings began April 20. Regarding OP’s draft FLUM, CM Parker stated that he appreciates opportunities along Rhode Island Avenue NE but has concern about continued concentration of industrial uses in Ward 5.

Metro held a bus town hall at Metro headquarters on April 28.

MPD’s 5th District has a new foot beat initiative and they are asking residents for input on where they should patrol by foot.

Commissioner Alston asked for an update on the dispensary seeking to locate near the McDonald’s on South Dakota Avenue. Ms. Lovelace said she will get an update and report back.

The next ANC meeting will be May 27, 2026.

May 6: North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting – Comprehensive Plan Presentation (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

[Ed. Note: DC’s Office of Planning (OP) will be at this meeting to discuss DC 2050 (the rewrite of the city’s Comprehensive Plan) and OP’s draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM). Nearby residents are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting. Submit feedback on the draft FLUM by May 17.]

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

Virtual Meeting

Meeting ID 882 7345 2110

Pass code 930240

Call In 1-301-715-8592

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88273452110?pwd=dmZ3R1liOTRKY1FyS3hlYlBqWnBWUT09

Meeting Agenda

·        Call to Order

·        Welcome/Invocation

·        Roll Call of Officers

 Meeting Protocol

·        Meeting Protocol is Robert’s Rules of Order

·        Phone call should remain on mute unless asked to un mute. 

·        Respect others when speaking

·        Respect our guest.

·        Raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be acknowledged.

 Civic Association Committee Reports 

·        Financial Report – Debra Whitford

·        NMPCA Website – Shameek Robinson

GUEST SPEAKERS

1.     D.C. Office of Planning – Ryan Hand, Assoc. Director

Q & A

2.       D.C. Water – Lead Free D.C. – Sean Moore

Q& A

3.       D.C. Safe Streets Coalition – Introduce E-Bike Bill – Nicholas DelleDonne

Q & A

Community Leader Reports

·        Mayor’s Office – MOCR –  Lacy Davis

·        Ward 5 Council Member’s Office –  Adrianna Lovelace / Oliver Stoute 

·        ANC Commissioners –  Commissioners 5A02, 5A03, 5A08, 5A09

·        Faith United Church – Pastor Joseph K. Williams, Sr. 

Community Concerns:

Open to residents

Adjourn

May 4: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Monday, May 4, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:45pm)

Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, Meeting Room 1
5401 South Dakota Avenue NE

May 2026 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome / Invocation
  • Officers’ Reports (Minutes & Treasurer’s Report)
  • Updates from Elected Officials
  • Community Updates

Read the LRCA April 2026 Newsletter.