Guest Post

ANC 5A November 30, 2016 Meeting Recap

Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5A held its monthly meeting. All commissioners were present, except Mr. Frank Wilds (5A01) and Ms. Jasmine White, the former ANC 5A06 commissioner.

McDonald’s PUD Request

Mr. Harry Thomas, Jr. addressed the crowd on behalf of Mr. Raoul Alvarez, the owner of the McDonald’s restaurant at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE. Mr. Thomas described the restaurant as being the first in the District of Columbia, fortieth in the nation and minority-owned. He stated that the restaurant needs to expand, but the current R-2 zoning prevents further growth.

McDonald’s considered moving but the community rallied around the restaurant upon hearing about the move. Mr. Thomas has obtained support for expansion from neighbors within 200 feet of the restaurant. He has also met with the North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA). The new restaurant will feature the latest McDonald’s architectural design, a drive-thru and solar panels. In addition, McDonald’s has offered access to its training program and $3,000 for scholarships for NMPCA students. The ANC agreed to support McDonald’s zoning amendment request from R-2 (residential) to MU-3 (mixed-use).

Water Main Break: 1200 Block of Delafield Place NE

On Friday November 18, a major water main break occurred that flooded 24 homes with raw sewage.  During the meeting, some residents reported noticing the problem as early as 12:52 pm, but assistance did not arrive until 4:00 pm. The problem was repaired the next day by 6:00 am with the replacement of an 18-inch pipe and two water services.

Those affected were angered because while the city addressed the infrastructure, no one addressed the needs of the residents. During the event, many had no access to drinkable water or restroom facilities, especially the elderly — many of whom are homebound. Furthermore, many homes still require cleanup and remediation while others have no heat. Many consider this event as an emergency due to the scale of damage and suffering.

The residents are dismayed that their concerns are being addressed only now, nearly two weeks after the event. There is much work to be done that only the councilmember or mayor can authorize. Representatives from those offices promised to relay the community’s concerns and to review how the flooding in Bloomingdale was handled for guidance. Our prayers are with everyone affected by this tragic event.