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 BlairModern interiorVegan & low tox nail products availablePrivate room availableLocal artwork featuredLarge interior with high ceilings
DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is updating its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and needs input from residents.
From DPR:
The SCORP is used to prioritize and select outdoor recreation projects in the District to receive funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the National Park Service. DPR wants to know more about how you enjoy the outdoors, what outdoor activities you do, and what activities you wish you could do through DPR. Your insights will shape the SCORP priorities and help plan the future. Complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/scorp.
On February 26, 2026, the DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) held a final design and pre-construction community meeting for the park space on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE. The property sits in ANC 5A09, currently served by ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09). It looks like DPR may now being calling it South Dakota and Riggs Park (they used to refer to it as Riggs & South Dakota Park). They anticipate construction starting this spring, ending this fall.
First thing to know is that thanks to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office, there is $600,000 of new federal money for the green space, but District officials do not know when that money will become available. So they are proceeding with the design as planned with the budget of $337,000. When the additional funding becomes available, they will return to the community to begin planning for the next phase.
Final design for the first phase:
Concrete platform of 830 sq ft with native planting surround
Total native planting of 1,374 sq ft
Art installation
Trash and recycling receptacles
Two benches
Bike racks
Lighting
The presentation contains the plant palette, which should provide lots of visual interest.
Art Installation
DGS will handle solicitations for the art piece. Commissioner Bocoum along with ANC Commissioners Keith Sellars (5A01) and Danielle Geong (4B09) will assist DGS with reviewing applications. They will recommend the artist and the location for the installation. If a more interactive installation is selected, that will be placed more in the interior of the green space.
Water Source
Lots of time spent discussing the fact that the team does not plan to provide a water source to help maintain the plant or provide a drinking fountain. A water source has been a clear ask from the community from the beginning. The project team said providing a water source would cost about one-third of the $337,000 budget so they opted not to go that route.
The contract team said they as the contractor will be responsible for watering the plants the first year following installation. After that, DPR would love a community partnership to help maintain the plants, but without a water source, that will be a bit more challenging.
Construction Timeline & Maintenance
Lots of time spent discussing maintenance more generally. Sounded like DPR/DGS committed to putting together an info sheet identifying agency maintenance responsibilities, i.e., DPW, DGS, DDOT, DPR, etc.
The public space application was approved at the Public Space Committee’s meeting in January earlier this year (application #481392). I believe the project team will notify the ANC commissioners when they obtain all of the necessary permits and construction is imminent so that people are not surprised when fencing pops up.
Construction hours will be 7am-3pm, Monday-Friday. Delivery hours will be 10am-2pm (outside of rush hour). The construction entrance will be on the South Dakota side. Currently, they do not anticipate a need for lane closures.
Direct any questions to Brittany Hughes (DGS) at brittany.hughes@dc.gov and Christopher Dyer (DPR) at christopher.dyer@dc.gov. And please copy ANC Commissioners Bocoum (5A09), Sellars (5A01), and Geong (4B09): 5A01@anc.dc.gov; 5A09@anc.dc.gov; 4B09@anc.dc.gov.
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.
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).
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.
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.
ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09) passed along information about a new Casey Trees pollinator program. Individuals in certain areas may receive a free pollinator garden installation and/or a new tree.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
[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
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.
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.
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)!
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).
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.
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
Next Stop...Riggs Park 