Happy Violet DC Nail Salon is Open

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Crossing Senior Residences

Happy Violet DC natural nail salon is officially open at 305 Riggs Road NE in Riggs Park! Owner Renee Blair is a local Riggs Park resident who opened the business in homage to her grandmother whose favorite flowers were African violets.

Business hours are 10am-7pm Monday through Friday, and 9am-7pm on Saturday.

The salon focuses on providing a waterless manicure and pedicure experience featuring low tox nail products. I had a great pedicure experience on opening day on February 24. Instead of soaking nails in water, the salon uses warm towel wraps that feel heavenly. I am sensitive to strong fragrances so I am always a little worried about entering spaces that have an overpowering smell of chemicals and scents. No need to worry here. A clean interior with tall ceilings, artwork by local artists, and friendly staff made for a relaxing experience.

The day before the official grand opening, the salon provided manicures and pedicures for the residents of the senior building. As a local resident, Mrs. Blair is committed to serving her community and DC.

Check out pricing and services on Happy Violet DC’s website. A grand opening special is available. Purchase a $120 gift card for only $100 by clicking on “Book now” on the website & support local!

Happy Violet DC Owner Renee Blair
Modern interior
Vegan & low tox nail products available
Private room available
Local artwork featured
Large interior with high ceilings

February 25, 2026 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Ranked Choice Voting; Sidewalk Palooza

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on February 25, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Jack Hermes (5A04) – Vice Chair; Parliamentarian; Dyanna Weston (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Chair; Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

Ranked Choice Voting Presentation

A representative from Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund gave a presentation on how to fill out one’s ballot for the new ranked choice voting system that will be in effect for the upcoming primary election.

(Note: DC Board of Elections has set up an official ranked choice voting information page).

65-85 Hawaii Avenue NE (5A06)

One Hawaii Avenue was listed on the agenda but I think that might have been a mistake because the address listed was for the 65-85 Hawaii Avenue project (BZA case no. 20507C). Those are two different projects. One Hawaii Avenue is almost done, if not done already.

Commissioner Holloway (5A06) spoke mainly about the 65-85 Hawaii Avenue project, which is a planned renovation of a group of occupied apartment buildings. The ANC voted on a modification and extension of the BZA order last year following a change in property ownership.

The owner was listed on the agenda, but unclear if he attended, as he did not give the update. Only Commissioner Holloway gave an update, stating that residents are turning down offers of $30,000 to move from the apartments to begin the renovation process. He said residents have a right to return but that some are holding out for more money to temporarily relocate.

Sidewalk Palooza

Sidewalk Palooza is a resident-led citywide initiative to promote safe, accessible sidewalks. Events will take place March 21-29 this year. Residents are encouraged to walk their neighborhood and report sidewalks in need of repairs (and submit other 311 requests while you are at it).

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

DC Water hosted a meeting about the Potomac River sewage spill issue. The mayor held budget engagement forums.

With spring comes spring city services. DPW street sweeping started March 3. DPW’s Helping Hand services are available to assist with neighborhood clean-ups.

The mayor’s Herstory 5k will take place on March 7.

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

Congress recently took action to disapprove DC’s decoupling of some tax policies from the federal government. CM Parker’s office stated that if the disapproval stands, the impact will not be good for DC. DC government officials are exploring options on how to respond to Congress. The DC Office of Tax & Revenue has stated tax season is open and OTR continues to process returns. His office will share information if anything changes.

Regarding the sewage spill, CM Parker’s office repeated DC Water’s assertion that DC drinking water is safe. People should follow posted signs regarding recreation along the river.

Commissioner Alston (5A08) asked CM Parker’s office to help with fighting the cannabis dispensary seeking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park.

A resident asked CM Parker’s office to help with issues at the strip mall by the McDonald’s. Ms. Lovelace stated that she would follow up with residents and connect them with DLCP.

ANC Business

The ANC voted to request reimbursement from the OANC for legal expenses for the cannabis dispensary license application lawsuit.

I asked if the ANC submitted testimony regarding the ANC’s issues for ABCA’s oversight hearing. Commissioner Hermes (5A04) stated that he worked with ANCs around the city who decided on a single representative to raise issues at the oversight hearing.

The next ANC meeting will be March 25, 2026.

Update on North Michigan Park Strip Mall Site Visit

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

A few residents passed along an update regarding ongoing issues at the strip mall located by the McDonald’s in North Michigan Park. Residents have long complained about unkept grounds and businesses, rodent issues, illegal product sales at the convenience store, illegal signage, and more.

On March 3, 2026, officials from DC’s Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) conducted a site visit at 4944 South Dakota Avenue NE. ANC commissioners, leadership of the North Michigan Park Civic Association, staffers from Councilmember Zachary Parker’s office, and a few residents met with DLCP.

DLCP officials observed several issues that they intend to refer to appropriate District agencies for follow-up and resolution:

  • scattered trash, open dumpster lid, clear rat burrow holes around property;
  • unkept exterior in need of washing and painting;
  • window with cracked/shattered glass and blocked restroom at the Chinese food store.

The DLCP officials highlighted that they have cited the convenience store twice already in recent months for selling prohibited items, such as flavored tobacco products. They said they spoke with the store owner by phone and directed the store attendant to remove all of the prohibited items. DLCP will determine if further action is warranted.

Residents had also complained about the ABCA license application process for the cannabis dispensary seeking to open in the strip mall. DLCP officials noted that they have no role in that process.

Finally, DLCP officials stated that they will refer to DC-DHS the concern about whether the convenience store is in compliance with rules for participating in the SNAP program.

Overall, residents seem pleased with the progress being made to address issues at this property and expressed thanks to Councilmember Parker’s team for their assistance with contacting DLCP to set up the site visit.

March 2026 Events at Explore!

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

Check out Explore!’s March 2026 activities lineup.

Eventbrite: Explore! Fort Totten Events. RSVP encouraged.

Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE

Dance Loft Youth Classes at Explore! (Register at the link).

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

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Mixed Materials Studio | March 5, 4pm-7pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Cardboard Building Lab | March 10, 4pm-7pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Clay Open Studio | March 12, 4pm-7pm

Candle Making Workshop | March 12, 6pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Paper & Texture | March 17, 4pm-7pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Paint Studio | March 19, 4pm-7pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Tile Design | March 24, 4pm-7pm

Bingo Day | March 25, 2pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Clay & Form | March 26, 4pm-7pm

The best way to learn about Explore! events is to follow them on eventbrite and visit the Art Place Events Page.

Greater Washington Urban League College Scholarship Opportunity – Deadline Extended to March 6, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

The Greater Washington Urban League and Thursday Network are accepting applications for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 for the Fall 2026 college term. High school seniors and current undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: Monday March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

For full details, visit gwul.org/gwulscholarships or email your questions to scholarship@thursdaynetwork.org.

Traffic/Parking Changes Proposed Near Roots Public Charter School – Comments due April 10, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond

ANC Commissioner Garrett Moore (4B08) passed along a Notice of Intent (NOI) from DDOT for proposed traffic and parking changes around Roots Public Charter School located at 15 Kennedy Street NE in Lamond. These proposed changes are part of DDOT’s Safe Routes to School program.

See Roots Public Charter School NOI-26-59-PSD.

From DDOT:

DETAILED PROPOSED ACTIONS

To support these safety goals, the project will implement targeted infrastructure improvements within a 350-foot radius around Roots PCS. These enhancements include installing new signage, upgrading existing signs, and introducing traffic-calming measures to improve pedestrian visibility for students and community members. Additionally, we will apply daylighting and install flex posts in designated no-parking areas to eliminate illegal parking and reduce blind spots, ensuring drivers have a clear view of pedestrians. Daylighting will also be applied near fire hydrants to maintain emergency access. Further improvements include adding and updating crosswalks, installing speed humps and a speed table, and adding a pedestrian refuge island.

There are a lot of proposed traffic and parking changes, so if you care about this, please take a look at the detailed maps included in the NOI for a better understanding of what is proposed.

Submit comments on the proposed changes on DDOT’s NOI portal (NOI-26-59-PSD) by April 10, 2026.

Update on North Michigan Park 24/7 Shop Complaints

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

North Michigan Park neighbor Cheryl passed along the following from Councilmember Zachary Parker’s office regarding the 24/7 Tobacco & Convenience Store:

[The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection] DLCP has visited 4944 South Dakota Ave on 8/15/2025. At the time, they didn’t engage in the sell of tobacco to the minor and were not cited for any other violations during this visit.

On that same day, DLCP received a complaint for this location. A visit was conducted on 8/21/2025 and the business was cited for selling flavored tobacco and not having a registered trade name. The NOI was served on 9/10/2025 and is pending a hearing at OAH. The respondent has submitted a plea of Deny to both violations.

On September 18, 2025, DLCP received another complaint. A visit was with conducted on September 25, 2025 and the business was cited for selling flavored tobacco and not having a registered trade name. The NOI was served on 10/16/2025 and is pending a hearing at OAH. The respondent has submitted a plea of Deny to both violations.

DLCP has not received any new complaints through our online system since September 2025.  

Councilmember Parker is scheduling a visit soon to address this issue and will let you know the status of that soon. 

March 4: North Michigan Park Civic Association Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, March 4, 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

·       Membership – Dues  Aritha Whitford – Nikitta Dixon

o   T-Shirts 

Community Update

  • Strip Mall
  • March – New Tax Laws effective for 2026
  • April Civic Association Meeting
    • Wednesday, April 1, 2026
    • Face to Face
    • Rank Choice Voting with Sample Machines
    • Location TBD

GUEST SPEAKERS

Kelly Clark, Office Coordinator – Conway Center

Q & A

Paul Smith D.C. Tax Advocate – D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue

Q & A

Community Leader Reports

·       Mayor’s Office – MOCR –  Lacey Davis

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

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

  • Community Concerns:

Open to residents

Sidewalk Work Nicholson Street NE from 8th to Kennedy Starting March 9

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09) passed along a letter from DDOT that residents should have received regarding sidewalk work expected to start on March 9, 2026, on Nicholson Street NE from 8th Street to Kennedy Street.

Resident Notification Letter – Nicholson Street NE 8th to Kennedy.

The repairs will include sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and/or wheelchair ramps at Nicholson St NE from 8th St to Kennedy St. The contractor is authorized to work Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Note that the work may require residents to remove their vehicles from the street so please pay attention to posted signs.

Questions may be directed to Victor Nwabueze at (202) 369-9851 or victor.nwabueze@dc.gov.

March 2: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting Updated Agenda – Ranked Choice Voting Presentation/Equipment Demo

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

[Ed. Note: A representative from DC Board of Elections will present information about ranked choice voting and provide a demo on voting equipment. Please let your neighbors know, especially seniors.]

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Monday, March 2, 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

March 2026 Meeting Agenda

Read the LRCA February 2026 Newsletter.

If you are willing to volunteer to help distribute newsletters, please email LRCA president Shawaan Robinson at shawaan@lrcadc.org.

Also, the LRCA is seeking members interested in serving in leadership roles. At this time, the Recording Secretary position (responsible for preparing meeting minutes) and two Trustee positions are available. If you are interested in serving in one of these roles, please contact LRCA president Shawaan Robinson at shawaan@lrcadc.org. See LRCA’s bylaws for position descriptions.

March 2: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting; Open Board Positions

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Monday, March 2, 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

March 2026 Meeting Agenda

Read the LRCA February 2026 Newsletter.

If you are willing to volunteer to help distribute newsletters, please email LRCA president Shawaan Robinson at shawaan@lrcadc.org.

Also, the LRCA is seeking members interested in serving in leadership roles. At this time, the Recording Secretary position (responsible for preparing meeting minutes) and two Trustee positions are available. If you are interested in serving in one of these roles, please contact LRCA president Shawaan Robinson at shawaan@lrcadc.org. See LRCA’s bylaws for position descriptions.

Ward 5 2026 Award Nominations Due by March 2

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

From Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker:

Do you know a remarkable community member who makes Ward 5 a better place? Someone who has gone out of their way to help neighbors, build healthy communities, and represents the best of Ward 5? Nominate them for a Ward 5 Award using this form by March 2, 2026. And mark your calendar to attend the Ward 5 Awards Ceremony – April 1, 2026 (Location TBA)!

Proposed Changes for New Hampshire Avenue & Missouri Avenue NW Intersection

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

ANC Commissioner Garrett Moore (4B08) shared a Notice of Intent for proposed changes to the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and Missouri NW (NOI-26-04-MSED).

Document: NOI-26-04-MSED New Hampshire Ave & Missouri Ave NW.

Submit comments on the proposed changes through DDOT’s NOI portal by March 30, 2026.

Proposed changes:

No Turn on Red (NTOR) restriction at New Hampshire Avenue and Missouri Avenue NW (all approaches).

Lane reconfiguration on New Hampshire Ave NW: Currently on New Hampshire Avenue NW northeastbound, the existing right lane allows both through and right-turn movements. This lane will be reconfigured to “right-turn only.”

Parking changes on New Hampshire Avenue NW: Add full time parking spaces on New Hampshire Ave NW northeastbound, north of Missouri Ave NW (see green boxes in Figure 1) as this space is no longer needed to receive through-traffic due to the lane reconfiguration proposal above.

February 26: Riggs & South Dakota Park Community Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) for a community meeting to discuss the initial designs for improvements to the park at the intersection of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE. 

Meeting Details:

Date:         February 26, 2026 (NEW DATE)

Location: Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library, 5401 South Dakota Ave NE  (NEW LOCATION)

Time:          6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Individuals needing special accommodations, please contact Christopher Dyer via email at christopher.dyer@dc.gov or by telephone at (202) 702-9453.

Additional websites for the Riggs Road & South Dakota Ave Park project

For more information and to RSVP, please visit: 

https://riggsandsouthdakota.splashthat.com/.

To sign up for updates about this project, please visit: 

http://dpr.dc.gov/stakeholder.

For more information about the project, please visit: 

https://dgs.dc.gov/page/riggs-south-dakota-park1-0.

February 25: ANC 5A Public Meeting (Hybrid)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A February Monthly Meeting

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25th, 2026

Time: 6:45pm ET 

Location: Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064 

Join us In-Person

Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center

620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064

Join us over Zoom

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/82413855755

Call In Number

+1 305 224 1968 US

Webinar ID: 824 1385 5755

Agenda

  • Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET
  • Quorum
  • Agenda Review and Acceptance
  • Presentations
    • Presentation from Rank the District on DC’s new ranked choice voting system
    • Presentation from Chris Riddiough, a student from George Washington University regarding a project, Sidewalk Palooza. Sidewalk Palooza is organized to bring attention to the problems and hazards in and around sidewalks.
  • Commission Updates
    • 5A06: Update on project on One Hawaii Ave Project (BZA 2050765-85) from Kenneth Brown, property owner
  • Community Updates
    • Mayor’s Office
    • Councilmember Parker’s Office
    • Community Comment Period
  • Commission Business
    • Approval of Minutes from ANC 5A’s monthly meeting held on January 28th, 2026
    • Treasurer’s Report
    • Motion from Commissioner Jack Hermes (5A04) to submit reimbursement from OANC for legal costs from ABCA case
  • Commission Action Items
  • Next Meeting: March 25, 2026
  • Adjourn

Free Limited Tax Preparation Services at Lamond-Riggs Library

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

[Ed. Note: Passing along info from Lamond-Riggs Library Friends shared on February 18. I have no information about the impact of recent federal action regarding DC’s decoupling legislation on filing for tax year 2025.]

From Lamond-Riggs Library Friends

[Update from LRLF 2/21/2026: The AARP DC Tax-Aide Help Desk provided the following information: We are of course aware of the controversy over DC 2025 tax law and are monitoring the situation. Until DC tells us differently, we are continuing to prepare DC returns according to the law enacted by the DC Council last November. If that changes, we will decide what to do based on actions taken by the DC Government. As of now, DC continues to accept returns we prepare under the DC Council’s enactment.]

The Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library is offering free limited tax preparation services for eligible residents. AARP Foundation Tax Aides are available 11am-4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays until the end of tax season.

Document: AARP Foundation Tax Support Information.

To make an appointment for tax assistance at Lamond-Riggs Library:

  • Email 20051013@aarpfoundation.org; or
  • Sign up in person at the library.