Media Contacts: German Vigil – (202) 306-1668, german.vigil@dc.gov
Metropolitan Branch Trail Closure for Resurfacing Between Brookland and Fort Totten
(WASHINGTON, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will temporarily close a portion of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) beginning Monday, October 5, 2026, to complete necessary resurfacing and pavement improvements.
The closure will extend from the Brookland-CUA Metro Station area north toward the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Work is expected to continue for approximately four weeks, through the first week of November 2026, weather permitting.
This section is among the earlier portions of the MBT to have been constructed, and the resurfacing work will restore the trail surface and provide a smoother, safer, and more comfortable experience for people walking, biking, and rolling along the corridor.
Detour Information During Construction:
Pedestrians will be detoured to the sidewalk on the west side of John McCormack Drive NE.
People traveling by bicycle or scooter should use John McCormack Drive NE as the designated detour route. Those who choose to use the sidewalk should travel cautiously, reduce their speed, and yield to pedestrians at all times.
Detour signage will be posted throughout the area to help guide trail users around the closure.
The parking lane along the east side of John McCormack Drive NE will be temporarily closed to accommodate construction staging.
DDOT recognizes the Metropolitan Branch Trail as an important transportation and recreation connection for communities throughout Northeast Washington. We appreciate the public’s patience while this work is completed and look forward to reopening this section with a renewed trail surface that will serve MBT users for years to come.
DDOT encourages all trail users to follow posted signs, remain alert near the work zone, and allow additional time when traveling through the area.
The GARD Lab, a group of psychology researchers led by Dr. Arianna Gard at the University of Maryland is leading an oral history project of neighborhoods in Wards 4 and 5, developed in partnership with the Greater Brookland Intergenerational Village, ANC Ra Amin, and HumanitiesDC.
Library Open House – Where Stories Meet and Friendships Begin (Hosted in Partnership with the Friends of the Lamond Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library) Thursday, October 22 | 5:30–7:00 PM Meeting Room 1 Join us for a special Library Open House during Friends of the Library Week. Meet library staff, explore the collection and services, learn about getting a library card and joining the Friends of the Library, and enjoy light refreshments and community connection. During this meeting, the Branch manager will provide a year in review for Lamond Riggs residents. All are encouraged to attend.
October Programs
Art at the Library!
Tuesdays | 4:00PM – 5:00PM
Enjoy fun, hands-on art projects for children ages 6 -12 and their caregivers.
Legos at the Library! Wednesdays | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM A fun, hands-on STEM activity for children ages 2–6 and their caregivers. Children can build, play, and explore with Legos while developing creativity and problem-solving skills.
Here’s the Stitchuation! Fridays | 3:00–5:00 PM Meeting Room 1 Residents of all experience levels are invited to bring knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, or another creative project. Beginners are welcome.
Mid-Day Games Galore Wednesday, October 21 | 12:30–2:30 PM Meeting Room 1 Teens can enjoy board games, card games, and other activities while connecting and socializing with other young people.
Down Syndrome and Friends Community Play Group Saturday, October 17 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM Meeting Room 1 Families with children ages 0–12, including children with Down syndrome, autism, and other developmental disabilities, are invited to play, read, socialize, and connect with local resources. Siblings are welcome.
A Story of Friendship
Thursday, October 22 | 5:00–5:30 PM
Chidren’s Story Time Area
Children ages 2- 6 enjoy a special story time about friendship before heading to Library Open House where children will enjoy pumpkin painting and light refreshments.
Black Girl Booked Tuesday, October 27 | 6:00–7:30 PM Meeting Room 1 A monthly book club celebrating the voices, stories, and experiences of Black women and girls through fiction and nonfiction.
Reading the World Book Club
Thursday, October 29 | 6:30–7:30 PM
Virtual
A monthly book club where readers explore works from authors around the world.
Trick or Treat at the Library
Saturday, October 31 | 3:00PM – 5:00PM
Stop by on Halloween to trick-or-treat among the stacks and show off your spooky — or not-so-spooky — costumes.
In addition, there are several technology trainings occurring at Martin Luther King Jr. Library throughout the month
For questions or additional information, please contact the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library at 202-541-6255 or lamondriggslibrary@dc.gov.
Urbanturf DC has an update on the redevelopment of the Boys Town campus at 4801 Sargent Road NE. The site is supposed to be redeveloped with 166 semi-detached homes. Apparently, developer Urban Atlantic has run into an issue with the zoning regulations regarding subdivisions and public access easements, so they have applied for a text amendment to the regulations. Check out the article for an understanding of what is going on.
The case number is 26-09. The Zoning Commission will consider the matter at a meeting on October 29, 2026.
ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) passed along a copy of a touching 9/11 tribute that was shared with UDC in memory of Sara Clark and Asia Cottom, a teacher and student at the former Bertie Backus Middle School, which now houses the UDC Community College, Lamond-Riggs campus. Ms. Clark and Asia were among DC Public Schools students and teachers traveling from DC to California on September 11, 2001, for an ecology conference sponsored by the National Geographic Society. UDC recently unveiled an updated memorial in honor of the two.
The students and teachers were to be guests of the Robert J. Frank Academy in Oxnard, California for an expedition to the Channel Islands. The Frank Academy created a 25th Anniversary Memorial booklet and held a memorial ceremony in honor of the DCPS students and teachers and National Geographic Society judges who lost their lives 25 years ago.
According to UDC Community Engagement Director Juanita Gray, the original booklet and photographs from the school will be sent to the Sumner Museum DCPS Archives.
The North Michigan Park Civic Association monthly regular schedule meeting will host a face-to-face Meet and Greet and Candidate Forum for the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) Candidates that will represent the North Michigan Park Community. Single Member District 5A02, 5A03, 5A08 and 5A09.
Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Faith United Church
4900 10th St NE
Washington, DC 20017
The session will be moderated and will feature pre-selected questions from members of our community. If you have a question(s) that you wish for the forum candidates to respond to, you may submit to us for consideration:
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.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13092053325,,81506605246#
Call to Order & Roll Call, 2 minutes
Administrative Items, 5 minutes
Instructions for participation in virtual webinar meeting, 2 minutes
Consideration of September 2026 Public Meeting Agenda, 2 minutes
Approval of June 2026 Regular Public Meeting Minutes, 1 minute
Treasurer’s Report, 15 minutes
Summary of bank balance and expenditures
Consideration and approval of FY26 Q3 QFR
Consideration and approval of FY27 proposed budget
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.
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)
4B Community Safety & Support Committee (1 minute)
Presentations, 10 minutes
Neighbors of Marietta Place presentation for block party grant request
Consent calendar, 2 minutes
ANC 4B Resolution 4B-26-0901 Traffic Calming Along New Hampshire Ave.
ANC 4B Resolution 4B-26-0902 Traffic Calming—3rd and Peabody Streets NW
ANC 4B Resolution 4B-26-0903 Supporting Neighbors of Marietta Place Grant Application
Letter of support for TBD Wines LLC
Letter of support for extension of time for PUD ZC Case No. 23-19A
ANC 4B Resolution 4B-26-0904 Supporting Special Exemption at 818 Tuckerman St NW for Rear Addition
Commissioner Updates, 20 minutes
Adjournment
Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com
5A09: Food & Friends Support Letter Request for Holiday Work
5A09: Artplace PUD letter
Reports & Presentations
(5 minutes) Rajon Miller, Student Retention and Workforce Specialist from Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School will share relevant resources for 5A residents
From the Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
Lamond Playground Construction Kick-Off Meeting on September 23
The Department of General Services will provide project updates for the Lamond Recreation Center Playground at their Improvements Community Meeting on Wednesday, September 23 at 6pm. You can register for the meeting on Zoom and read additional project information at this link.
Unveiling of new Bertie Backus 9/11 Memorial at UDC-CC Lamond-Riggs Campus, September 11, 2026. Pictured: Cathie Reid (l) and Martina Williams (center), both of whom attended the former Bertie Backus Middle School, and ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01). Video by Nia Evans.
On September 11, 2026, UDC officials, DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, community members, and individuals who attended the former Bertie Backus Middle School marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks by unveiling a new 9/11 memorial honoring former Bertie Backus teacher Sara Clark and student Asia Cottom who lost their lives on American Airlines Flight 77. As shared in an article about that day, DC Public School teachers and students were traveling to California to attend an ecology conference sponsored by the National Geographic Society when their plane was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon.
Following 9/11, a small memorial plaque was installed at the site of the former Bertie Backus Middle School, which now houses the UDC Community College, Lamond-Riggs Campus. Over the years, the memorial became faded and residents asked about updating the memorial. UDC included updating the memorial and making it more prominent as part of the university’s Lamond-Riggs campus plan. ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) made it a priority to get this done and earlier this year, UDC formed a working group to plan the new memorial.
Memorial planning committee members included Sequoyah Adebayo, Ed.D; UDC Archivist Chritopher Anglim; Tricia Clarke, PhD; Selam Daniel; Carolyn Dunlap; UDC Community Engagement Director Juanita D. Gray, M.S.Ed.; Jerry Johnson; Cathie Reid; and ANC Commissioner Keith J. Sellars (5A01).
By all accounts, the ceremony was quite moving. WTOP did a nice write-up on the event. I could not make the ceremony so I asked my sister Nia to attend and take photos. One of Ms. Clark’s former students, Cathie Reid, shared with me via email:
It was truly a privilege and an honor to pay tribute to Ms. Clark. She was such a meaningful part of my life, and I am forever grateful for the love, guidance, and encouragement she gave me. Her impact on my life is something I will carry with me always. I will forever cherish the memories we shared and hold close the beautiful person she was. I will never forget her, nor will I ever forget what she meant to me.
Photo gallery below.
Photos by Nia Evans
Updated 9/21/2026with additional photos by Debra Whitford
At its public meeting on September 10, 2026, the DC Zoning Commission voted unanimously (5-0-0) to approve a time extension for the third and fourth phases of the Art Place at Fort Totten development (known as Blocks C & D) (ZC case no. 06-10J).
On July 1, 2026, the Cafritz Foundation filed a time extension request for the final two phases of the project to seek more time to secure financing. These phases are supposed to include more apartments and cultural/civic uses. In approving the time extension, the Zoning Commission granted two waivers: one to permit more than two time extension requests (this is the third) and one to permit more than a one year extension (the developer requested two years). ANC 5A, ANC 4B, and the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA), which are all parties to the case, chose not to submit a response to the developer’s request.
Current deadlines to file second-stage PUD application:
December 31, 2026 (for either Block C or D)
December 31, 2030 (for remaining block)
Proposed deadlines to file second-stage PUD application:
December 31, 2028 (for either Block C or D)
December 31, 2032 (for remaining block)
The Zoning Commission previously approved sequential development of the second phase, known as Block B, located along South Dakota Avenue NE between Ingraham Street and Kennedy Street. Block B is supposed to include a family entertainment zone concept, more apartments, additional retail, and artist studios. Aldi grocery store opened in Block B in December 2024 but progress on this phase has been stalled since then. The housing component is supposed to be the next in line. The Foundation is still seeking financing to complete the housing portion. They are also in talks with retailers for Block B.
One of the proffered benefits of the project is a public dog park. The Foundation has stated in meetings that the dog park will deliver with the housing in Block B. In response to requests to consider building out the dog park at one of the vacant sites, at least temporarily while waiting to secure financing for the remainder of Block B, the Foundation has stated that that is too much to ask. The Foundation is also supposed to install electric vehicle charging stations for Block B. While they have constructed the parking garage for Block B, they continue to state in meetings that they will not install EV charging stations until the Block B housing is built because they say it does not make sense that people will have to pay to enter the garage to charge their vehicles.
The project was previously modified to permit the inclusion of schools as part of the development. Rocketship, an elementary public charter school, opened in 2020 at 5450 3rd Street NE. Social Justice School, a public charter middle school that previously sublet space from Rocketship, just opened up its new permanent home at 5455 3rd Street NE in time for the 2026-2027 school year after completing a full renovation of the last remaining warehouse space.
The Foundation’s filing notes that they continue to work on leasing up the remaining retail spaces in the first phase, known in previous filings as Building A, or The Modern at Art Place, which delivered in 2017 along South Dakota between Galloway Street and Ingraham Street. The first phase includes Hibiscus Medical internal medicine practice, DC Dental Studio general dentistry practice, Love & Care child development center, Shining Stars pediatric dentist, One Life Fitness gym, Tz’ikin Cafe pop-up coffee shop, and interim space for Explore! Children’s Museum which has offered children’s arts programming in the past and continues to offer youth dance classes in conjunction with Dance Loft. The filing states that “prospective tenants include a mix of fast-casual dining establishments, traditional sit-down restaurants, a coffee shop, and an upscale wine retail and tasting venue.”
In addition, the popular Fridays at Fort Totten summer concert series hosted by Art Place in conjunction with DC Fray and The Parks Main Street is wrapping up for the summer. This year they partnered with UDC’s Lamond-Riggs farmers market to have market vendors offer food and beverages during concert performances. The final make-up performance is scheduled for September 25 with performer Justin Trawick.
We have a new food waste compost smart bin in the neighborhood on the northeast corner of South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE. Drop off your food scraps 24/7. Residents asked and the city delivered. So pleased to have this resource in the neighborhood!
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 4 community.
By Edwin Washington, Executive Director of The Parks Main Street
Riggs Park Neighbors & Friends,
As many of you may remember, the outdoor portion of the Riggs Park Art Walk, originally scheduled for July 18, was canceled due to poor air quality. We’re excited to bring this community experience back and invite you to join us on Saturday, September 12.
Kick off the day with The Parks Main Street’s Guided Riggs Park Art Walk, led by Walk Ward 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Beginning outside the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, the tour will highlight public art, murals, sculptures, and artist-designed traffic control boxes that showcase the creativity, history, and spirit of the Riggs Park community.
Participants can pick up an Art Walk Passport at the start of the guided tour. Prefer to explore on your own? Self-guided participants may pick up a passport at the Art Place Pop-Up Market, open from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with passport distribution available until 3:00 p.m.
The Art Place Pop-Up Market will feature local makers, artisans, and vendors offering unique handcrafted goods, artwork, and creative products.Be sure to submit your completed Art Walk Passport by 4:00 p.m. for a chance to win a prize. Prize details and winner announcements will be shared at a later date.
After completing the Art Walk, spend the afternoon exploring the Art Place Pop-Up Market, supporting local makers and small businesses, and enjoying the creative energy of the neighborhood.
Then, return for Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents Art All Night, hosted by The Parks Main Street, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the UDC Community College Lamond-Riggs Campus Parking Lot. The evening celebration will feature live performances, visual artists, food vendors, interactive art experiences, and family-friendly activities.
Make September 12 a full day of art, culture, and community, from the Riggs Park Art Walk and Art Place Pop-Up Market to an unforgettable evening at Art All Night.
The Parks Main Street and Greater Washington Urban League look forward to seeing you there!
The University of the District of Columbia will be joined by community members and local leaders on Friday, Sept. 11 to unveil a memorial plaque honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom, a teacher and student at the former Bertie Backus school who were killed aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001. The event will include remarks from community leaders and invited guests, a moment of silence and the dedication of the plaque. Light refreshments to follow.
The plaque will be permanently installed at the former Bertie Backus school, now home to UDC Community College at Lamond-Riggs. The memorial was created through a partnership among community members, ANC 5A and UDC staff.
What: Memorial plaque unveiling honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at 9 a.m. Where: UDC Community College, 5171 South Dakota Ave. NE Who: Community members and leaders, UDC representatives and members of the Bertie Backus community
All events listed below are free and open to the public except for one—the Commanders Watch Party with National Links Trust at the Langston Golf Course for the Commanders season-opening game. CM Parker’s office has a very limited set of tickets to give away for free to neighbors, so if you are interested in attending the Watch Party on Sunday, September 13 at 4:00 p.m., sign up here now!
Ward 5 Week Schedule:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 @ 4:00 P.M. — COMMANDERS TAILGATE WATCH PARTY
Join CM Parker’s office and National Links Trust for a tailgate party at the Langston Golf Course to watch the Commanders in their season-opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles!
Sign up for the chance to get free tickets to the tailgate party here. You can also purchase tickets here.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 @ 6:30 P.M.— YOGA IN THE PARK
Join the Ward 5 Council Office and FlowWell for an accessible, fun, all-levels yoga class. Location: National Arboretum TBA. (updated 9/14/2026)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 @ 10:00 A.M. — KINSHIP CARE RALLY
Meet the Ward 5 Council Office on the steps of the John A. Wilson building to celebrate Kinship Care Month!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 @ 6:45 P.M. — WARD 5 DAY at NATS STADIUM
Join the Ward 5 Council Office and hundreds of Ward 5 neighbors at Nats Park for the Nationals game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
All tickets have been claimed, but you can add your name to the waitlist here!
Join the Ward 5 Council Office and DC Lottery for a fun few rounds of bingo with great prizes!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 @ 3:00 P.M. — MEETUP AT RITA’S ITALIAN ICE AND FROZEN CUSTARD
Meet us at Rita’s at Rhode Island Ave and South Dakota Ave NE for some sweet treats and conversation.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 @ 4:45 P.M. — BIKE RIDE & HAPPY HOUR
Meet the Ward 5 Council Office on the southeast corner of 17th St and Maryland Ave NE (there’s a Capital Bikeshare station there!), and then ride with the team through some of Ward 5’s newest bike infrastructure to Lost Generation Brewing in Eckington for happy hour (5:30 p.m.).
Maryland based Hip-Hop band fusing the sounds of Rap, Soul, R&B and more
Location: South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE
September 5
Cafe Con Salsa at Tz’ikin Cafe 8:00am-10:00am
475 Ingraham Street NE
Schedule of Events 8:00am: Beginner friendly Salsa Workshop 9:00am: Contemporary Salsa Choreography (Intermediate) 9:35am: Feature Performance by Tentacion Dance Company 9:45am: Social Gathering
Open to all ages and skill levels. Tickets: $20 – RSVP. Your ticket comes with one complimentary drink from Tz’ikin.
September 11
Unveiling of New 9/11 Bertie Backus Memorial at UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus
9:00am
5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
Memorial plaque unveiling honoring Sarah Clark and Asia Cottom, teacher and student at the former Bertie Backus Middle School, who lost their lives aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11, 2001
