Additional Funding for Riggs & South Dakota Avenue Green Space

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Included in Tuesday’s legislation to fund several federal agencies for the remainder of the fiscal year was funding for several smaller community projects in DC, including additional funding for the green space at Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue NE.

Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a statement about the federal funding.

Community Project Funding Secured for the District in this bill includes:  

  • Solar Charging for Capital eBikes – $250,000 
  • Suitland Parkway Safety Enhancements – $850,000 
  • Carver Langston Park Upgrades – $500,000 
  • Riggs & South Dakota Triangle Park Upgrades – $600,000 
  • Lederer Gardens Facility Improvements – $850,000 
  • Duke Ellington Park Upgrades – $850,000

I for one was pretty vocal about the paltry sum of $337,000 originally allocated for the green space. Thank you to the offices of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Mayor Bowser, and Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker for advocating for this additional support.

DPR and DGS will be holding a Ward 5 parks capital project meeting tonight at 6pm via zoom. Register at DPR’s Ward Construction Updates page.

January 28, 2026 ANC 5A Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on January 28, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Jack Hermes (5A04); Dyanna Weston (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09).

ANC 5A05 finally has a commissioner after going without for a few years.

The ANC should use a timer during meetings. The ANC could also do with a code of conduct.

ANC Officer Election

The ANC conducted an election of officers that took a while, offering moments of drama and unprofessionalism by the usual suspects.

Results:

Chair – Commissioner Valeria Sosa Garnica

Vice Chair – Commissioner Jack Hermes

Secretary – Commissioner Elaine Alston

Treasurer – Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum

Sergeant at Arms – Commissioner Derrick Holloway

Parliamentarian – Commissioner Jack Hermes

ANC Business

The ANC voted on a calendar for the year. The November meeting will be held on December 2 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

The ANC voted to have hybrid meetings; they have purchased equipment to do so. They would like to rotate the in-person locations. They tentatively plan to have the February meeting at Catholic University.

For some reason, a couple of commissioners again raised the issue of having individual printers. Commissioner Sellars reminded them that OANC already emailed all of the 5A commissioners to say that the ANC cannot pay for printers for individual commissioners. There is already a printer in the ANC’s office. They will check to see if it works.

The ANC voted to apply for another legal assistance grant from OANC.

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

Lacy Davis is the new Ward 5 MOCR. He can be reached at lacy.davis@dc.gov. Mr. Davis said that DPW was focused on clearing residential streets; that the snow hero team continued to work to shovel for seniors; and that DPW will plow alleys where trash collection is serviced in the alley.

Mr. Davis fielded complaints about the city’s response to the storm. One resident stated that he and his neighbors had already paid a business $300 to have their alley plowed.

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

Ms. Lovelace stated that Councilmember Parker understood residents’ frustrations with the storm cleanup.

Councilmember Parker held a public safety call on January 27, joined by MPD, DC Fire & EMS, and DC Department of Behavioral Health.

DPR and DGS will hold a Ward 5 parks capital projects meeting on February 5 at 6pm via zoom.

The Ward 5 budget forum will be on February 11 at 6:30pm on zoom. Register in advance.

Testify about District agencies’ performance at performance oversight hearings. Flag agency performance issues with Councilmember Parker’s office at ward5.us/oversight.

Conflicting information about responsibility for alley snow clearing given, but Mr. Davis reiterated that the city will create a path in the alleys where trash collection is serviced via the alley.

Miscellaneous

The next ANC 5A meeting will be February 25, 2026. To receive ANC 5A meeting updates and other information from the ANC, sign up for ANC 5A’s email list.

February 11: Councilmember Parker FY2027 Ward 5 Budget Forum (Virtual) – Register in Advance

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

Join Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker for the annual Ward 5 Budget Forum, which will be held virtually on February 11, 2026, at 6:30pm.

Learn more about the budget process and share your priorities as the Council prepares to work through the FY27 budget proposal.

Register at ward5.us/budgetforum.

Questions? Contact CM Parker’s office at ward5contact@dccouncil.gov or at 202-724-8028.

February 10: Councilmember Lewis George FY2027 Ward 4 Budget Forum (Virtual) – Register in Advance

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4

On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 2pm and 7pm, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is hosting virtual budget forums to hear neighbors’ priorities for the upcoming FY27 budget process. This is your opportunity to speak about programs and projects that need funding and help guide Councilmember Lewis George’s work advocating for Ward 4.

To RSVP, visit janeeseward4.com/budgetforum.

February 2026 Events at Explore!

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

Check out Explore!’s February 2026 activities lineup.

Eventbrite: Explore! Fort Totten Events. RSVP encouraged.

Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE

Dance Loft Youth Classes: Mondays at Explore! (Winter Session January 12 – March 16, register at the link).

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Clay & Texture | February 5, 4pm-7pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Cardboard Creation | February 10, 4pm-7pm

Valentine’s Card Origami Workshop | February 12, 4pm

Candle Making Workshop | February 12, 6pm

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

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Clay Open Studio | February 19, 4pm-7pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Tile & Mosaic Play | February 24, 4pm-7pm

Bingo Day | February 25, 2pm

Kid’s Maker Space Activities: Mixed Materials Studio | February 26, 4pm-7pm

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

Tonight February 4: North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, February 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.

Swearing In of Executive Board Officers – Councilmember Zachary Parker

Shameek Robinson – 1st Vice President

Debra Whitford – Treasurer

John Lucio – Parliamentarian

Civic Association Committee Reports 

Financial Report – Debra Whitford

Membership – Aritha Whitford – Nikitta Dixon

T-Shirts 

Introduction of the NMPCA Website – Shameek Robinson

Senior Committee – Carmen

Community Update

Snow removal (17 residents) 

Opening of McDonald’s

Construction completion of the Conway Center

GUEST SPEAKERS

Kelly Clark – Conway Center

Q & A   

Ward 5 Council member Zachary Parker

Q & A 

Community Leader Reports

Mayor’s Office – MOCR –  Christian Starghill / Anthony Black

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

February 7-8: Modified Green & Yellow Line Service

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

From Metro

Metrorail weekend service for Saturday, February 7 through Sunday, February 8

Advisory Effective: 2/7/26 – 2/8/26

Hours: Sat 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sun 6 a.m. – midnight

Red LineTrains single track between Dupont Circle and Van Ness. Trains run every 9 min between Farragut North and Glenmont and every 18 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont.  
Orange LineNormal Service 
Silver LineNormal Service 
Yellow LineTrains run every 8 minutes between Huntington and Greenbelt. 
Green LineTrains single track between Anacostia and Navy Yard. Trains run every 18 minutes between Branch Av and Mt Vernon Sq.
Blue LineNormal Service 

Lamond-Riggs Library Friends 2026 Black History Month Events

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

The Friends of Lamond-Riggs Library invites neighbors to celebrate Black History Month with three special events hosted in Meeting Room One at the Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.

Download Lamond-Riggs Library Friends 2026 Black History Month Flyer

Saturday, February 7 at 3pm – Mrs. Lavonda Broadnax discusses the writings of African American Women during the Civil War Era

This project capitalizes on the discovery of lesser-known works by African American women of the US Civil War era (1861-1865). The documents, all available in digital format, consist of an array of various types of fiction and nonfiction. Their writings provide a unique perspective on the trials and triumphs of the enslaved. Their texts also reflect their post-slavery politics, spirituality, and activism. This remarkable collection of documents enables users to acquire new information regarding African Americans that has traditionally been omitted. The current project expands the initial compilation, which won the Zora Neale Hurston Award given by the American Library Association.

Tuesday, February 10 at 5pm – Mr. Hans Charles – Cinematographer/Producer

Hans Charles is an Emmy-nominated and three time Peabody winning cinematographer/producer. His recent work includes cinematographer and one of the executive producers of the Showtime documentary feature, The Honey Trap, and cinematographer of the CW’s television series All American: Homecoming, Showtime’s docuseries We need to Talk about Cosby,Bitchin: The Sound and Fury of Rick James, Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men, and Mr. Soul!  and Netflix’s 13th. Hans’s photography practice centers around the history and application of portraiture. 

Hans is the co-creator and co-host of a film and pop culture podcast called “Back Of The Theater.” He is also a film associate professor at George Mason University in Virginia. He is a principal partner at Align Pictures and currently resides in the Mid-Atlantic of the United States.

Tuesday, February 17 at 3pm – DC Office of Planning (OP) – Commemoration of Sterling A. Brown

Join the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends and the DC Office of Planning during Black History Month for a program honoring the legacy of poet and scholar Sterling A. Brown. Representatives from OP’s Commemorate DC initiative will share an overview of the commemorative project, including the design process and community engagement that informed it. The program will feature members of Sterling A. Brown’s family and the project artist team, who will reflect on his life, local ties to the neighborhood, and the significance of commemorating his legacy in public space.

DPW Trash Collection Update Week of February 2

Posted by nextstoprp in Environment

DPW is working to get back on track with trash collection this week. Residents with alley collection should put trash/recycling containers out on their regularly scheduled day. If it is not picked up on your regular day, leave it out. If it is not picked up two days after collection day, report it to 311.

Also, I was informed by the Ward 5 MOCR that residents in ANC 5A may also dispose of trash at the Fort Totten transfer station 10am-2pm today, Tuesday, February 3.

Other reminders:

  • Shovel snow and ice off sidewalks.
  • Residents aged 65+ may request a snow shoveling exemption.
  • Please help clear storm drains so that water will drain as temperatures rise & keep salt away from storm drains.

February 2: LRCA Meeting Update – Virtual Only

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Topic: LRCA General Body Meeting
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87281846421?pwd=wbGs3MLxaIzo84fmFJYsWbJxAcpOhI.1

Meeting ID: 872 8184 6421
Passcode: LRCA

One-Tap Mobile:
+1 646 558 8656,,87281846421#,,,,*040654# (US – New York)

📝 February 2026 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome / Invocation
  • Approval of Minutes
  • Treasurer’s Report / Membership Information
  • Updates from Elected Officials
  • National Park Service Presentation
  • Closing

❄️ Winter Reminder

Please continue to check on neighbors and follow DC snow removal guidelines. Assistance is available for seniors and residents who need support.

Free Salt Distribution Locations this Weekend – Advanced Registration Recommended

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Mayor Bowser announced 5 pop-up salt distribution locations Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

Bring a bucket, a wagon, a box—anything to come pick up salt to address icy and hazardous conditions near your home.

Pick-up times:

  • 9-11am
  • 12-2pm
  • 3-5pm

Locations:

  • Deanwood Rec
  • Greenleaf Rec
  • Kennedy Rec
  • Turkey Thicket
  • Wilson Aquatic

Edited to add: Availability is offered in designated time windows, and advanced sign-up is recommended.

DPW to Begin Frontside Household Trash and Recycling Collections this Weekend

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09) passed along the following press release from DPW.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 30, 2026

CONTACT:

Nancee Lyons (DPW) – (202) 368-7622; nancee.lyons@dc.gov

DPW to Begin Frontside Household Trash and Recycling Collections this Weekend

Residents Should Expect More Updates on Sunday Evening Based on Progress Made Clearing Pathways through Alleys

(Washington, DC) – The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced that sanitation collections, which were delayed this week due to the winter weather, will resume on Saturday, January 31.

Residential collections will also resume this weekend for households that normally receive frontside trash and recycling collection on Mondays and Tuesdays.

  • Households that normally receive Monday frontside collection are asked to put their trash and recycling bins out front by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31 for pickup on Saturday.
  • Households that normally receive Tuesday frontside collection are asked to put their trash and recycling bins out front by 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 1 for a Sunday pickup.

Starting today, the District is bringing on additional bobcats that will start clearing pathways through the alleys. These pathways will allow DPW collections teams to walk into the alleys. Throughout the weekend, teams will prioritize clearing pathways in alleys that normally get Monday and Tuesday collection.

The goal is that by Monday, DPW can resume household collections on the regular schedule for alleys and frontside. For this coming week, the same trucks will take trash and recycling; households with space in their recycling cans may choose to wait for regular recycling collections to resume before putting their recycling out.

Based on the progress that the Snow Team is able to make in clearing pathways through alleys over the weekend, DPW will provide another collections update on Sunday evening.

DPW teams have also been out doing two 12-hour shifts per day to collect waste from public litter cans. Those two 12-hour shifts will continue throughout the weekend. 

For more information regarding DPW services, visit dpw.dc.gov. To report a concern or request service, residents can call 311, visit 311.dc.gov, or use the DC 311 mobile app.

Below Market Rate Retail Space Available at Riggs Crossing (January 2026)

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Crossing Senior Residences

The Riggs Crossing team at True Ground Housing Partners shared an updated retail flyer.

Riggs Cross Retail Flyer (January 2026)

Inquiries are open for retail space in Riggs Park (Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE) near the Fort Totten metro station. The team is seeking local and unique DC tenants for an exclusive under-market lease. Please contact True Ground Housing Partners to submit interest at Info@truegroundhousing.org.

Riggs Crossing Senior Residences was completed in early 2025 at 307 Riggs Road NE. The mixed-use building features 93 apartments (fully leased) above ground floor retail. Happy Violet DC Natural Nail Salon occupies the retail space at 305 Riggs Road NE with plans to open soon.

Total available retail space = 5,407 sq ft.

  • Space A = 2,035 sq ft.
  • Space B = 3,372 sq ft.

One tenant can lease the entire 5,407 sq ft space or the spaces can be leased separately.

Please share with interested parties.

Riggs Crossing Retail Tenant Layout (January 2026).

February 5: DPR Ward 5 Parks Construction Update Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

From DPR

Please join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for a virtual community meeting regarding the upcoming capital construction projects coming to the Ward 5 community. 

Meeting details: 

Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026 

Time: 6:00 PM 

Location: Virtual 

For more information and to RSVP, please visit: https://wardupdates.splashthat.com.

February 1-21: E-Bike Incentive Application Period

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is once again administering the District E-Bike Incentive Program. The application cycle will run February 1, 2026, through February 21, 2026.

This application cycle is open only to District residents enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, or the DC Healthcare Alliance.

Eligible residents can apply online at ddot.dc.gov/ebikes or at in-person application events held during the application window at various community partner locations. All applicants must reapply regardless of whether an application was submitted during a previous application cycle. Details about application events will be listed on the District E-Bike Incentive Program’s website.

Selected applicants will receive a voucher of up to $1,500 that can be used toward the purchase of an e-bike, helmet, and bicycle lock at authorized retailers. Recipients will be chosen at random.

February 2: Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

[Ed. Note: The National Park Service will be at this meeting. If you have questions for NPS, please plan to attend.]

Update 1/31/2026: The meeting will now be virtual only.

From Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

Date: Monday, February 2, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: Virtual

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87281846421?pwd=wbGs3MLxaIzo84fmFJYsWbJxAcpOhI.1

Meeting ID: 872 8184 6421
Passcode: LRCA

One-Tap Mobile:
+1 646 558 8656,,87281846421#,,,,*040654# (US – New York)

February 2026 Meeting Agenda

  • Welcome / Invocation
  • Approval of Minutes
  • Treasurer’s Report / Membership Information
  • Updates from Elected Officials
  • National Park Service Presentation
  • Closing

Complete the DC Comprehensive Plan Self-Guided Virtual Workshop by January 31

Posted by nextstoprp in Planning

The DC Office of Planning (OP) is working on DC 2050, the rewrite of DC’s Comprehensive Plan, that will guide how the city grows and develops. With DC 2050, OP aims to “align land use policies and investments to make the District more equitable, affordable, and resilient.”

OP is currently in Phase 2 of the process. The agency is giving residents an opportunity to explore the city’s land use policy and let District officials know how and where you think the city should grow.

It is worth taking a few minutes to look at OP’s initial thinking about how to accommodate growth in the city (e.g., downtown, near Metrorail stations, and/or along bus priority corridors).

The deadline to share your input through the DC 2050 Self-Guided Virtual Workshop has been extended to January 31, 2026.

In addition, residents are invited to join musicians for a songwriting program, “Imagine Our City’s Next 250 Years,” at Woodridge Library on January 31 at 12pm. The DC 2050 team will be on hand to chat about the Comp Plan process.

Visit OP’s DC 2050 website for a helpful list of resources and ways to get involved in the planning process.