National Park Service June 2026 Updates

Posted by nextstoprp in National Park Service

A few weeks ago, a reader shared that he spoke with an official-looking individual near the pedestrian path on Galloway Street who said that work on the new path would begin after October. That reminded that I never did post a National Park Service update from a June meeting held by ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) with Rock Creek Park Deputy Superintendent Shayna Scott. Also, I have a post in the works about the DC Neighborhood Parks Task Force report in the hopper. So I thought it would be helpful to go ahead and super belatedly share the updates from the June meeting. The parkland sits in ANC 5A02, 5A07, 5A08, and 5A09, not in ANC 5A01, but Commissioner Sellars has taken the initiative to engage with NPS.

Fort Totten Park Soil Testing

No real updates on a plan for more comprehensive soil testing after the discovery of unexploded ordnances in the park. NPS and every single elected official seem completely unbothered to do anything about this.

North Michigan Park Pedestrian Trail

At the end of June, NPS expected to award a contract to build the realigned North Michigan Park pedestrian within two to three weeks. They said once the contract was awarded, they would be able to share a construction schedule. This is the trail between Gallatin and Galloway streets NE that had to be realigned after they encountered infrastructure for Metro’s green line tunnel.

The gravel path where they originally began construction is not a formal path. NPS used to have a mobile light on the path but they said they removed it due to vandalism and the high price of diesel needed to run the generator. They also reminded residents that the park closes at dusk and they said the gravel path is not an official path, so they discourage residents from using it, especially at night.

U.S. Park Police

Ms. Scott said NPS planned to double the number of Park police officers. NPS coordinated with Park police for July 4th. They also planned waste management and ground conditioning for the holiday.

Galloway Street Sidewalk

Back in February, NPS shared that DC Water belatedly submitted comments questioning whether the soil in this location could support the weight of a new sidewalk. Ms. Scott said the scope of work for this project has since changed. It includes grading and concrete pour. She said the contract had not been awarded as of the June meeting date.

Mowing, Trees, and Litter

Ms. Scott said that there is a regional cycle for mowing. She said the mowing contract includes litter pickup, i.e., the contractor is supposed to remove trash/litter before mowing, not just mow over the litter.

Ms. Scott said NPS was piloting solar-powered compacting trash cans. She said she would see if one or two could be put in Fort circle Park. (NPS put two regular trash cans in the park back in July).

NPS is having a conversation about the old basketball court. It will likely be removed.

Civil War Defenses of Washington Management Plan

The formal name of Fort Circle Park is the Civil War Defenses of Washington. NPS has started using the formal name more for official documents. Ms. Scott said the National Capital Planning Commissioner approved amendments to the CWDW management plan. We wrote about the proposed update to the plan in this post and encouraged residents to submit comments.

My commentary: It would be great for NPS to install a trail around the perimeter of the park. I always remind people that this type of recreation is included in the neighborhood’s area development plan, which was approved by the DC Council in 2009. The recommendation states:

Work with NPS to establish active recreation, such as playground or trails at the edges of the Fort Circle Park near residential areas.

Residents have to advocate for the things they want. Residents should encourage the ANC to draft resolutions and get the support of the Council and mayor.

Commissioner Sellars thought he might be able to schedule another meeting with NPS in October. That did not happen. I think the ANC should make it a practice to email NPS at least quarterly for updates on these issues so that they have written responses to help them keep track of where things stand. We previously published updates from a February 2026 NPS meeting. From then to June to now, we can see how much progress has been made.

November 7: Upcoming Engagement Opportunities to Understand the Comprehensive Plan Process (DC 2050)

Posted by nextstoprp in Planning

[Ed Note: Sharing information provided by DC Office of Planning. Please take advantage of these opportunities to engage with OP to understand the process for drafting the next Comprehensive Plan. Please let your neighbors know.]

From DC Office of Planning

The DC Office of Planning is sharing upcoming events we’re hosting for DC 2050, the District’s next comprehensive plan.

Neighborhood Tours: Join the DC Office of Planning for a tour and explore different neighborhoods through the lens of a planner or urban designer. This is an opportunity to hear how we think about guiding residential development, ask questions about projects in your area, and envision how your neighborhood could grow and change.

  • November 7, 11am-1pm: Turkey Thicket Rec Center (1100 Michigan Ave. NE) – RSVP
  • November 14, 11am-1pm: Marshall Heights Community Development Org. (3939 Benning Rd. NE) – RSVP
  • December 5, 11am-1pm: Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW) – RSVP

Virtual Office Hours (Zoom links available by registration below): Have any comments or questions about DC 2050? Stop by our virtual office hours! These office hours aim to connect you directly with our planners, ask questions, and share what matters most to you. Whether you’re curious about what’s going on with DC 2050, have ideas for your neighborhood, or simply want to learn more about planning in the District, we’d love to hear from you.

  • November 19, 6-7pm: RSVP
  • December 2, 12-1pm: RSVP

November 2026 Events at Lamond-Riggs Library

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

November 2026 Events at Lamond-Riggs Library

WEEKLY PROGRAMS:

Family Story Time (Birth-5):

Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and
learning.

Here’s the Stitchuation! (All Ages):

Looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend your time? Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just getting started, our Stitching Group is the perfect place to connect, create, and unwind.

Legos at the Library (2-6):

Come play Legos at the Library! For children ages 2-6 and their involved caregivers.

Mid-Day Games Galore (13-19):

Come join us and enjoy various games! Board games, card games and more! Located in our conference room on the second floor.

Tech 101 with DC’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (Adults):

Join us to learn basic tech skills and get your questions about technology answered.

Tuesday Crafts (5-12):

Enjoy fun, hands-on art projects for children ages 5-12 and their caregivers.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS:

Black Girl Booked – A Vibrant Book Club Celebrating Black Brilliance (ADULTS) – 4th Tuesday of the Month:

Black Girl Booked is a vibrant book club dedicated to celebrating the voices, stories, and brilliance of Black women and girls. November 2026 book is The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw.

Down Syndrome and Friends Community Playgroup (5-12):

Families of kids with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and developmental disabilities, are invited to play, read, and create art together at the library! Online registration is required please see the Lamond Riggs webpage to register.

Reading the World Virtual Book Club (ADULTS) – Last Thursday of the Month:

Join us virtual (Via Zoom) for a warm and inviting community of readers as we discuss books published by writers outside the U.S.

Spectrum Friends Library Club (8-12):

Designed to be enjoyed by all kids ages 8-12, especially those on the autism spectrum! We will build LEGO, make art, and read together in a sensory-friendly
space.

MONTHLY MEETING:

Friends of Lamond Riggs Library Member’s Meeting (ADULTS) – 2nd Sunday of the Month:

Please attend the next Friends of Lamond Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library meeting if you are interested in becoming a member and discover how you can help. https://www.dclibraryfriends.org/Lamond-Riggs.

Art Place Fall 2026 Leasing & Other Updates

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

At the ANC 5A meeting on October 28, the Cafritz Foundation development team (Sean Cahill and counsel Christopher Cohen) shared leasing and other updates for Art Place at Fort Totten. They will aim to share quarterly updates moving forward. I will post a meeting recap later but thought it worthwhile to post this information separately here.

Leasing Updates

Menomale – Still building out space at 5184 South Dakota Avenue NE

  • The team said the owner of Menomale is acting as his own general contractor while also operating their two other locations in Brookland and Noma so it is taking a bit longer to open than anticipated. The Cafritz team is looking into helping out so that the restaurant can open more quickly, hopefully 1st quarter 2027.

Ms. Toya’s Kitchen – Lease signed with Miskiri Hospitality. I believe this will go in the old T-Mobile space but do not quote me on that.

  • Anticipated opening: 3rd quarter 2027

Sip Wine & Spirits – Lease signed. This is a wine store (not a wine bar) that will offer occasional wine tastings.

  • Anticipated opening: 3rd quarter 2027

Chipotle – At lease signing stage for space in same row as gym along South Dakota

Dunkin Donuts – In negotiation for space next to gym along South Dakota

Navy Federal Credit Union – Letter of Intent signed for big chunk of space near the corner of South Dakota & Ingraham

Hair & nail salon (not Phenix Salon Suites) – In negotiation for small space near corner of South Dakota & Ingraham. Did not mention name, but I believe they said the salon has a location in Prince George’s County and wants to open in DC.

Arts organization – In talks to take the point at South Dakota and Galloway. Walkthrough coming up

  • Idea here is to fold Tz’ikin Cafe into this space. If this works out, there will be outdoor seating for the cafe.

Explore! Museum – Located at 395 Ingraham Street NE, will expand into adjacent space to add another 2,000 square feet.

Sky Zone – Lease signed for large second-floor space above the Aldi along South Dakota.

  • Anticipated opening: Late 2027

Signage

The team also shared renderings of updated signage for The Modern. They will remove the 10+ vertical banners on the facade along South Dakota and replace them with a few blade signs. This is something that neighbors on Galloway and on Hamilton have been asking about for a few years now.

Solar Panels

They are also looking at installing solar panels on top of The Modern. With that, they will look into adding EV charging stations.

Rat abatement

The team said that there was a large bus used for storage at The Modern that became a home for rats. The property management company has exterminated the bus and plan to remove it. With the eateries anticipated to come online next year, they plan to increase the frequency of trash collection. The eateries will have sealed, refrigerated trash rooms.

Dog Park

Neighbors will still have to wait for the second phase housing to be built for the dog park.

Miscellaneous

Commissioner Sellars asked the team to move the fence along South Dakota at Kennedy back to match the setback of the buildings south of Kennedy to provide a better pedestrian experience. The team did not agree to that for liability reasons they said, but said they will limb up the trees on the vacant lot.

In response to a question about A/C at the establishments in Phase 1, the team said that commercial tenants are responsible for HVAC but they also said that they have provided larger areas to place equipment and the issues have been resolved.

When Meow Wolf was part of the project, the team offered as a community benefit occasional discount or community days. I asked the team if they would honor that proffered benefit with the new entertainment operators, like Sky Zone. The team said they have raised this with Sky Zone. The arts programming is already largely free or heavily subsidized. I also encouraged the team to reach out when the various operators are ready to begin hiring so that local residents can apply for jobs. Hopefully, they will do that.

Not mentioned, but I will just use this post as another opportunity to plug the new programming for youth and older adults at Art Place. Registration is open. Please let your neighbors know.

November 2: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

From Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association

The next LRCA General Body meeting will be held virtually on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

The library meeting room will be unavailable due to the General Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The library will be a polling center.

The Zoom meeting information is listed below.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82345746107?pwd=RknDVMe4zzTxXtIzO4Nqc5ciibxaht.1

Meeting ID: 823 4574 6107

Passcode: 736246

Mobile: 13052241968 or 13092053325 with the Meeting ID and Passcode

November 2026 Meeting Agenda

● Welcome/Invocation/Call to Order
● Officers Report, Minutes, Treasurer Report
● Updates from Elected Officials
● ANC 2026 Candidates

Read the LRCA November 2026 newsletter.

Map of LRCA boundaries

Registration Open for Art Place Arts District Fall 2026 Programming for Youth & Older Adults

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

The Cafritz Foundation has launched the Art Place Arts District, a new lineup of weekly theater, storytelling and leadership programs, brought to life with local arts organizations right here in Riggs Park. Programs run weekly now through mid-December.

Registration is open HERE.

For ages 11–15

• Mondays, 3:45–4:45 PM: Scenes & Stories: Myths

• Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:45–5:00 PM: Drama Club: A Page to Stage Workshop

• Wednesdays, 1:00–2:15 PM: R.O.Y.A.L. Voices (Readying Our Young Aspiring Leaders)

• Wednesdays, 3:45–4:45 PM: Scenes & Stories: Monsters

• Fridays, 3:45–5:00 PM: Play Lab

• Fridays, 5:00–7:00 PM: Playback Theatre Workshop

Designed for adults 55+

• Thursdays, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM: Community Shakespeare Read: Hamlet

Download the flyer and share with your neighbors! Link: Art Place Arts District Fall 2026 Programming Flyer.

Follow Art Place on social media (@artplacedc) for up-to-date programming information.

October 31-November 1: Metrorail Single Tracking between Petworth & Fort Totten

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

From Metro

Weekend: Impacted service

October 31 – November 1

Weekend Track Work for October 31 through November 1: Green, Orange, and Silver lines single track in segments; Yellow Line has modified service.

Yellow Line:

Green Line:

Orange Line:

Silver Line:

Food & Friends Construction Update – October 27, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Food & Friends Expansion

From Food & Friends

Construction Update | October 27

October 27, 2026

A required manhole is being installed over a three-week time on South Dakota Avenue outside the Food & Friends construction entrance. During this time, traffic will be one lane in each direction at this section of South Dakota Avenue from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

Dates for the planned work will be posted here as soon as we have them. All required signage, notice, and safety measures will be strictly adhered to.

October 28: ANC 5A Public meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Public Meeting

Time: 6:45pm

Dates:

Oct. 28, 2026

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 updated a week before meeting.

Agenda

  • Call Meeting to Order — 6:45 pm ET
  • Quorum
  • Agenda Review/Acceptance
  • Commission Business
    • Approval of Minutes from September 23rd, 2026
    • Treasurer’s Report
    • Queens Chapel Civic Association Grant Report
  • Commission Action Items and Updates
    • 5A02: Vote on Boystown Request for Letter of Support
    • 5A04: Update on CUA Campus Plan
  • Updates
    • Councilmember Parker’s Office
    • Office of the Mayor
  • Presentations
    • 5A09: Update on Art Place at Fort Totten from Sean Cahill and Christopher Cohen
    • Teddy Levy, Community Planner from DC Office of Planning, will provide a briefing on the DC OP Comprehensive Plan. Their team will share an overview of DC 2050’s policies to guide future growth and investments and highlight how commissioners and members of the public can provide input.
    • Joey Davis, AFGE Local will provide a brief presentation on current Comp 1 & 2 contract negotiations to inform ANC residents of the impact these negotiations will have on city services, neighborhoods, and DC workers.
    • Abree Peterson, Grid Alternatives, will provide a brief presentation on GRID Alternatives’ no cost solar program.
    • Dexter Humphrey, Lead Free DC will provide information regarding DC Water’s Lead-Free DC initiative.
  • Community Comment Period
  • Next Meeting: Dec. 2, 2026
  • Adjourn

October 28: Ward 5 Public Safety Call – Register in advance

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites residents to join his next Quarterly Public Safety Call on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.

Register to receive the meeting link.

This month’s call will highlight the recent incidents in and around the Turkey Thicket area and Edgewood area, along with situational updates from all three police districts that touch Ward 5 (3D, 4D, and 5D).

October 26: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Hybrid)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

From ANC 4B

ANC 4B Public Meeting

Monday, October 26, 7:00 p.m.

This meeting will be hybrid-offered both in-person and virtually. In-person and virtual meeting details are below:

In-Person Meeting Details:

Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Road NE, Washington, DC 20011

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link:

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/81506605246

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13092053325,,81506605246#

  1. Call to Order & Roll Call, 2 minutes
  2. Administrative Items, 5 minutes
    • Instructions for participation in virtual webinar meeting, 2 minutes
    • Consideration of October 2026 Public Meeting Agenda, 2 minutes
    • Approval of September 2026 Regular Public Meeting Minutes, 1 minute
    • Treasurer’s Report, 10 minutes
      • Summary of bank balance and expenditures
      • Consideration and approval of FY26 Q4 QFR
  3. Community Concerns, 30 minutes

Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak.

The Commission will provide details regarding how to present community concerns at the start of the virtual meeting. This is the time for questions or statements from members of the public about issues on the agenda or other areas of concern. Please limit your statement or question to two minutes. You may contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.

  1. Reports, 12 minutes
    • Barbara Rogers, Community Engagement Director, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George (3 minutes)
    • Dr. T. Michelle Colson, Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative (3 minutes)
    • Zoey Lewis, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
  2. Presentations, 25 minutes
    • DC Office of Planning, DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan, 15 minutes
    • Free DC, voting rights training, 10 minutes
  3. Consent calendar, 2 minutes
    • ANC Resolution 4B-26-1001 – DDOT 3rd Place NW Alley Repairs
    • ANC Resolution 4B-26-1002 – Trash Can at Madison & Kansas
    • ANC 4B Letter of Support Requesting Increased Enforcement to Improve Vehicle Registration Compliance
  4. ANC 4B Letter of Support for Extension of Time in BZA Case No. 21170 (723 Oneida Place NW), 2 minutes
  5. Commissioner Updates, 20 minutes
  6. Adjournment

Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner:

o      Doug Payton, 4B01@anc.dc.gov

o      Shamina Christian, Chair, 4B02@anc.dc.gov

o      Keenan Courtland, 4B03@anc.dc.gov

o      Charlie Mayer; 4B04@anc.dc.gov

o      Tamira Mon, 4B05@anc.dc.gov

o      Tiffani Nichole Johnson, Vice Chair and Treasurer, 4B06@anc.dc.gov

o      Michael Cohen, 4B07@anc.dc.gov

o      Garrett Moore, 4B08@anc.dc.gov

o      Danielle Geong, 4B09@anc.dc.gov

o      Vacant, 4B10@anc.dc.gov

The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.

Old Eastern Star Home Interior Photos

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond

Neighbor Gavin passed along a listing for the old Eastern Star Home building located at 6000 New Hampshire Avenue NE in Lamond. At this point, I have lost track of how many times this property has changed hands. Originally part of The Hampshires, a planned unit development consisting of large detached single family homes and townhomes built in 2006, the Eastern Star Home was long slated to be converted into condos.

The property is zoned R-1B. The building cannot be torn down, but the interior can be renovated. For a variety of reasons, developers have found it difficult to to redevelop the property.

The listing includes interior photos.

October 17: Mayor Bowser Ward 4 Family Day

Posted by nextstoprp in Mayor, Recreation

Join Mayor Muriel Bowser on October 17 for Ward 4 Family Fun Day!

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Location: Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE)

Join Mayor Bowser for Ward 4 Family Day. Enjoy activities for all ages, including games, music, and giveaways. Say farewell to the mayor in the neighborhood where she started her career in public office.

RSVP: https://s.dc.gov/Ward4FamilyFunDay

October 17: North Michigan Park Fall Clean Up

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

The North Michigan Park Fall Community Clean Up is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Looking for volunteers to assist with the community clean up. Students that need community hours are welcome.

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Time:  10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Meeting Site – North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 13th and Emerson St NE

Main Street Clean Up Area

  • South Dakota Ave – From Gallatin Street NE to Webster St NE
  • Gallatin St – From South Dakota Ave NE to 16th Street NE
  • Sargent Road – From South Dakota Ave to Gallatin St NE

Glove, Pickers, Trash Bags Provided

Aldi Beer/Wine License Renewal Application

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) notified ANC 5A that Aldi has applied for a renewal of its license to sell beer and wine with a tasting endorsement. A hearing is scheduled for December 21, 2026. Petitions or letters in opposition or support are due by November 30, 2026.

A placard notifying the public will be issued this Friday October 16.