Monthly Archives: March 2017

I’m running for president of LRCA

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

My name is Uchenna and I am running to be president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, the neighborhood civic association. Officer elections take place on May 1, 2017. In order to vote, you must be a paid member of the civic association, so I am asking you to do two things. (1) Pay dues online at lrcadc.org/join-lrca. Only $10 for individuals, $15 for families, and $50 for corporate members. (2) Show up at the LRCA meeting on May 1 to cast a vote. The meeting takes place at 7:00 pm at Lasalle Backus Education Campus, located at 501 Riggs Road NE (enter on Madison Street).

My desire to be president really comes from the simple desire to put community first when it comes to community affairs. As I mentioned in this post, I have been a trustee of the association for the past two years. As president, I will have the platform to continue focusing on the work I’ve done in putting the community first.

First, making sure we have an informed community. I created this blog to inform the community about what was going on in the neighborhood, particularly at a time when there was not much communication from those in positions inherently entrusted with the mandate to be transparent. That’s why early on I started posting ANC 5A meeting recaps. That’s why I helped to create and maintain LRCA’s website and social media presence. These things require time, research, attending neighborhood meetings, and getting to know elected and law enforcement officials. One outgrowth of creating this blog and establishing the LRCA website is that our community has an online presence. In this digital age, it is important for our community to have an online presence so that we are defining and shaping the view of our community. And it’s important that we continue to be informed.

Second, continue participating in the civic process. One thing I have done behind the scenes over the years is submit comments, letters, and testimony related to various items affecting the neighborhood, sometimes drafted on behalf of the association and sometimes speaking solely for myself. I think it is important that residents participate in the democratic processes available to us. So that means when the Zoning Commission is considering a proposed development, or the Comprehensive Plan is being updated, or a regulated industry has proposed to take action that impacts residents, we have to become informed and we have to participate.

Third, shaping how our community evolves. The neighborhood is evolving. Major development is occurring. The library needs to be updated. We have the ability to have a constructive voice in shaping how the neighborhood continues to evolve. Everything may not be for everybody, but there really can be something for everyone. That’s why in addition to having a neighborhood wish list on the blog, I had a hand in creating a community benefits survey for residents. Our neighborhood is diverse in many ways and I think we’ve embraced that diversity fairly well. We have an opportunity to capture the history of the neighborhood because we are fortunate to have residents who have lived here for 40, 50 years. We also have an opportunity to make sure all residents feel invested enough to make sure that our community is safe, is welcoming, and has the amenities and resources to support residents across generations.

All of these things require time and work. I enjoy doing the work because I live here and I think we all have to work to have the neighborhood we want. We have all benefited from the work of residents over the years who have made positive contributions to the neighborhood. By continuing to put community first when it comes to neighborhood affairs, we can continue to benefit far into the future.

I would appreciate your vote. If you live within the boundaries of LRCA, please be sure to pay your dues online today so that you can vote in the officer election on May 1.

Thanks for reading.

ANC 5A March 22, 2017 Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

Guest post

On March 22, 2017, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5A held its monthly public meeting. This one had the highest attendance of the year. All commissioners were present.

Frank Wilds (5A01); Grace Lewis (5A02); Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03); Isaiah Burroughs (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Jamaal Lampkin (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon-Andrew Fletcher (5A08).

Office of the Peoples Counsel

Representatives from the Office of the Peoples Counsel (OPC) encouraged the audience to attend the Pepco proposed rate increase hearing hosted by the DC Public Service Commission, located at 1325 G Street NW in Suite 800.  The hearing starts at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017.

Those who wish to give testimony should contact the PSC at either (202) 626-5150 or at psc–commissionsecretary@dc.gov by April 7, 2017.  Also, the PCS will accept written comments for the public record until April 25, 2017.

The OPC representatives asked the commissioners for a resolution on the proposed Pepco rate increase. ANC 5A passed a motion opposing the Pepco rate increase.

See: OPC Pepco Rate Request Info (pdf)

Annie’s Ace Hardware

Mr. Thomas Vedrody introduced himself and Annie’s Ace Hardware to the audience. Mr. Vedrody manages the Annie’s Ace Hardware store located at 3405 8th Street NE. The store is a DC Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) that is locally owned and operated.  Furthermore, the staff consists of local residents.

The commissioners provided Mr. Vedrody with the opportunity to address the community as an effort to showcase our neighborhood CBEs.

Annies Ace Hardware Coupon

Ward 5 City Council Update

Mr. Ronan Gulstone, Chief of Staff to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, addressed the following with the audience:

  • Councilmember McDuffie introduced a bill to modify the nuisance property laws to allow civil action an penalties against tenants who are community nuisances.
  • The councilmenber anticipates release of the FY 2018 budget to the Council by April 4, 2017. Councilmember McDuffie sent a letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser requesting that funding be made available to renovate the Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in fiscal year 2018 as opposed to fiscal year 2020 as currently planned.

 EYA Presentation

EYA presented on the latest modifications to the 12th and Allison Street project (St. Josephites development).  Some of the modifications include:

  • Reduced the number of homes from 150 to 80.
  • Introduced side yard and rear yard setbacks.
  • Included three acres of dedicated public space with a more formal playground in response to request from residents.
  • Introduced duplex and triplex dwellings on Sargent Road and Allison Street NE (replacing the prior 7-dwelling concept).
  • Removed from the plan the proposed parking lane along 12th Street.
  • Offer grants to offset property tax increase faced by seniors.

Commissioner Cofield-Lynch (5A03), the commissioner for the SMD in which the project sits, moved to support the project. The commissioners voted to approve the project with one commissioner abstaining. Several residents in attendance objected to the commission’s decision to take the vote, stating that at least three of the commissioners were new and Commissioner Lampkin (5A06) explicitly requested more time to review the project because he was not familiar with the details of the project. Commissioner Edwards (5A05) said ANC 5A has followed this project carefully over the past two years and that he personally reviewed all of the comments received. He said a majority of the comments are in favor of the project and that based on the evidence, the decision to take the vote was appropriate.

Cafritz Presentation

Mr. Mark Regulinski of the Cafritz Foundation discussed the Art Place at Fort Totten project. Mr. Regulinski said the facility will be available for build out by its retail tenants by mid-April or May 2017. There will be 520 residential units, with 141 units designated as affordable. Over 500 parking spaces will be available, around 264 for residential units and the remainder for retail.

Long-standing issues were raised by residents concerning the affordable units, parking, and a memorandum of understanding to govern relocation and tenancy of the legacy Riggs Plaza apartments tenants. Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) promised to host a meeting in April to address these and other issues.

ANC 5A Business

The following business was conducted:

  • Commissioner Washington (5A07) reported that ANC had a closing balance of $29,185.91.
  • Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) announced that the ANC would pursue developing another ANC website separate from its government-provided website at anc5a.org. The commission said other ANCs have taken this approach and have developed websites that meet legal scrutiny.
  • The audience suggested that two distribution points be setup for seniors to access official ANC 5A meeting minutes.
  • Lastly, a request to receive a copy of each motion before its enactment was made.

Mayor’s Office

Mr. Lionell Gaines, Ward 5 MOCR, reported that the Mayor will submit legislation to establish a Green Bank. According to the DC Department of Energy website, “Green Banks are innovative policy tools that seek to expand renewable energy, lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create green jobs.”

April 3: LRCA monthly public meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting

April 3, 2017

7:00 pm

Location: LaSalle Backus EC (501 Riggs Rd. NE, enter on Madison St.)

Guest speaker: Lou Durden, VP of Busines Development for Fresh Communities Holding Corporation, to discuss agricultural tech at UDC-CC Backus and possible neighborhood farmers market

Tickets will be on sale for LRCA’s Spring Scholarship Fundraiser $30/person or purchase tickets online at http://bit.ly/2nwCD1p

Pay dues in order to vote in LRCA officer election in May 2017

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Coffee Shop Culture Coffee Too Coming to Riggs Park Summer 2017

Posted by nextstoprp in Fort Totten Square

Culture Coffee Too owner Veronica Cooper (aka Ms. V) at Culture Coffee in Brightwood Park

This summer Culture Coffee is opening a second location, Coffee Culture Too, in Riggs Park at Fort Totten Square. Culture Coffee is a neighborhood coffee house that combines coffee and culture, hosting open mic nights, live music, and artist exhibits. We caught up with Culture Coffee Too owner Veronica Cooper at the original Culture Coffee, which she opened with her business partner on Kennedy Street NW in Brightwood Park in 2013.

Ms. Cooper (known as “Ms. V” to her regulars) anticipates holding grand opening events for Culture Coffee Too the week of July 10 through July 16, 2017, with a soft opening before then. A retired dressmaker, an accountant, a certified barista, Ms. Cooper hopes that Culture Coffee Too will be a community gathering spot for everyone. She will host sewing and arts and crafts classes for girls and looks forward to welcoming the neighborhood’s senior residents to Culture Coffee Too for activities as well. In addition to hosting art exhibits, Ms. Cooper wants to establish a jazz program for the new location, featuring jazz events on a weekly or monthly basis. The space will also be available to host meetings and private rentals.

Culture Coffee Too will serve coffee, tea, smoothies, wine, beer, coffee cocktails, pastries, and sandwiches. There will be outdoor seating. Some details, such as operating hours, may be adjusted over time. The coffee shop could be open as early as 6:00 or 6:30 am and as late as 10:00 or 11:00 pm depending on the pace of business.

We look forward to supporting a small, locally-owned business that will provide a true neighborhood gathering spot for coffee, culture, and conversation in Riggs Park. Culture Coffee Too will be located on the corner of 3rd Street and Riggs Road NE, occupying the last available retail space at Fort Totten Square. Stay tuned for the soft opening date and grand opening events.

 

 

April 1: Explore! Children’s Museum April Fools Fest

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Another family friendly event from Explore! Children’s Museum of Washington DC:

April Fools Fest
Saturday, April 1, 2017
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
5455 3rd Street NE

We’re hosting our third FREE backyard fest – and this time we’re celebrating spring! Enjoy family-friendly activities, meet new neighbors, and learn what Explore! has in store for the Spring! Families and children of all ages welcome; dress for outdoor weather and bring your own smock or old t-shirt for wall painting. We will also be partnering with the Lamond-Riggs Library who will join us with exciting programming!

Activities to include:

  • A saxophone demo with Herbert Scott
  • Music and storytelling with Sylvia Zwi
  • Storytime about Spring and a matching craft activity with the Lamond-Riggs Library
  • Weaving on the collaborative loom
  • Fundred Dollar Bill project
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Snacks and Drinks

RSVP and info at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/april-fools-fest-tickets-32435484407

To volunteer, contact Irina Rubenstein at irina@exploremuseum.org or (202) 248-3490.

LRCA Scholarship Fundraiser

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Support scholarships for neighborhood high school students!

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association invites you to its Spring 2017 Scholarship Fundraiser featuring Riggs Park resident and vocalist Shirleta Settles.

Date: May 20, 2017
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: People’s Congregational UCC (4704 13th St. NW)
Price: $30

Every year, the LRCA awards academic excellence scholarships ranging in amount from $500 to $1000 to deserving neighborhood students to support their pursuit of higher education.

Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of blues, jazz, and gospel with acclaimed singer and Riggs Park resident Shirleta Settles, while helping to support scholarships for deserving high school students in our community. To preview the wonderful voice of Ms. Settles, visit shirletasettlessings.com.

The cost of your ticket ($30/ticket + online fees) provides table seating and light refreshments, so gather a few friends and neighbors and come on out!

Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lamond-riggs-citizens-association-spring-2017-scholarship-fundraiser-tickets-32593712672

 

 

March 22: Employment Readiness Workshop

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Mar 22: Employment Readiness Workshop
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Riggs LaSalle Rec Center (501 Riggs Rd. NE)

From the Mayor’s Office:
In the last few months the Mayor’s Office and ANC commissioners have heard many concerns from the community with the #1 concern being lack of employment. After working on implementing hiring events and job fair events we realized that more emphasis needs to be spent on preparing for employment. This is the reason we are partnering with DCHR, OSSE, UDC and other agencies on March 22nd in hopes to prepare individuals for an upcoming DCHR hiring event next month.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to create or update a resume, learn best practice interviewing skills, dress for success and much more!

I have attached a flyer for the event in hopes you will help spread the word to as many neighbors, friends, relatives and young people you may know or come in contact with. Let’s work together to make this happen! Spring and Summer is around the corner and we want to make sure to get as many individuals prepared for employment in hopes they will obtain a permanent job which in turn makes a safer community.

Run for a position with the LRCA

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Dear readers, this is an election year for executive board positions for the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, the neighborhood civic association. The election takes place at the May meeting on May 1, 2017. Officer and trustee positions are elected two-year positions. There are eight officer positions: president, first vice president, second vice president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, financial secretary, treasurer, and parliamentarian. The parliamentarian is appointed by the president. There are 10 trustee positions. The official duty descriptions are contained in Article VI of LRCA’s bylaws, which are available on LRCA’s website.

Time commitment

Executive board members should be present for LRCA’s monthly public meetings, which are held the first Monday of each month during the months of October through June. Ideally, every executive board member should chair a committee. There are 12 committees. Executive board meetings are typically held the second Monday of each moth during the months of September through June. At the executive board meetings, we discuss meeting topics, committee activities, and neighborhood issues that need to be addressed. So official time commitment consists of two Monday evenings each month. Of course, work takes place outside of meetings, so you can count on spending a few more hours per month on LRCA activities.

My experience

I serve as a trustee for the 2015-2017 term. I was sort of recruited by LRCA President Barbara Rogers, who has done an amazing job leading the organization over the past few years. The official duties of a trustee are nebulous, so I made it my own. I chair the communications committee. Mostly, that meant creating and maintaining a website, email, social media accounts (facebook.com/lrcadc; @lrcadc), and listserv for the organization. With the help of some awesome volunteers (residents Harrison Beacher, Iyanna Holmes, and Aaron White), we were able to create a website that we hope is beneficial to residents. I also serve on the scholarship committee, working with committee chair Barbara Carter to get LRCA’s scholarship program up and running again. We were really excited to award three $1000 college scholarships to three very deserving neighborhood students last year. And I have spent a lot of time working with the development task force ably chaired by Gwen Cofield and others, reviewing documents for proposed development, drafting responses, soliciting resident input, making sure residents are informed about what is happening with development in the neighborhood, etc.

Really, you can do as much as you want to. It is a great way to meet neighbors, get to know your elected officials, and have a positive impact in the community.

Become an LRCA member in order to vote/run

In order to vote or run for an executive board position, one must be a paid member of the LRCA at least one month prior to the election in May. That means you have until the April meeting to become a member. Annual membership is only $10 for individuals, $15 for families, and $50 for corporate membership. Fortunately, it is easy to make online payments (thanks to resident and trustee Paul Garcia). Or you can pay in person at a public meeting. The next LRCA meeting is on March 6, 2017, at 7:00 pm at LaSalle Backus Education Campus, located at 501 Riggs Road NE (enter on Madison Street).

Seriously, please consider serving

If you have ever thought to yourself, “Gee I wish we had this in the neighborhood,” “We should do X,” “I have a great idea for a fundraiser,” or “I’m good with budgets or planning events,” then please consider running for a position. If you see a community need and think you have a solution or a better way of addressing an issue, then please consider running. What better way to make sure we have the community we want than to serve. If you think executive board membership might be a little more commitment than you want to take on, then please consider getting involved with a committee. The great thing about this neighborhood is that we have long had active residents. But, some of our most active, longest serving residents are ready to pass the torch on to other residents.

So think about serving in an official capacity. If you’re not an official LRCA member, become one today. If you want to chat or have questions, please feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading.

ANC 5A February 22, 2017 Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

Guest Post

On February 22, 2017, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5A held its second meeting of the year. All of the commissioners were present:

Frank Wilds (5A01); Grace Lewis (5A02); Keisha Colefield-Lynch (5A03); Isaiah Burroughs (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Jamaal Lampkin (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); and Gordon-Andrew Fletcher (5A08).

Also, Mr. Gottlieb Simon, Executive Director, Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, attended.

Police Report

Lieutenant Ashley Rosenthal and Sergeant Dowling, the evening shift manager, gave the PSA 405 crime report. Lt. Rosenthal said the crime statistics were good overall, but robberies have increased by one compared to this time last year. Property crimes such as break-ins, burglary and theft from auto are increasing.

Lt. Rosenthal said that mobile apps are used by some criminals to lure their victims. She stressed three key points to remain safe: 1) Never give your home address. 2) Never go alone. 3) Arrange to meet in a safe, neutral area like the 4th District Police station.

Lastly, Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) said the negligent dog owner discussed in previous meetings has been involved in another incident. Another dog has been attacked.

Congressional Update

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton cited a list of her recent accomplishments and priorities. As the ranking committee member, Congresswoman Norton cited her role in using the new Surface Transportation Bill to help Metro. Also, she mentioned her role in ensuring full DCTAG funding and in hosting the Affordable Care Act Town Hall (held on February 23, 2017).

Congresswoman Norton allayed community fears over the recent political uncertainty. She explained that any changes to DC and its laws are not done at the presidential level, but rather through Congress. Attacks on DC sovereignty have been blunted so far. The Congresswoman explained that DC and other sanctuary cities are coordinating efforts to rebuff federal actions. Also, the Secretary of the Navy has honored DC by adding the ‘Columbia’ class of submarines to its fleet.

Lastly, Congresswoman Norton responded to local concerns. Her comments follow:

  • Playground on Fort Circle parkland – the law requires pristine conditions but other types of equipment may be allowable. Her office will follow up on this issue.
  • Bike Trail from Brookland to Riggs Road – The National Park Service (NPS) is open to this idea. (Editor’s note: We think Congresswoman Norton is referring to the MBT, for which DDOT recently issued an RFP for design-build contract for trail between Brookland and Fort Totten.)
  • Sidewalk construction on the southern portion of Galloway Street NE between 4th Street and South Dakota Avenue – Construction starts in FY 2018.

Other issues such as postal service in the Art Place development and CSX train vibrations require more research.

Trinity Washington University

Mrs. Patricia McGuire, the 14th President of Trinity Washington University, briefly discussed Trinity’s student body, tuition and construction program. She said Trinity has over 2,000 students. The majority of students are women, with half from Wards Four, Five, Seven and Eight of Washington DC.  Mrs. McGuire discussed tuition and financial aid programs, including DCTAG.  Tuition is $33,000, but a 40% tuition discount is available.

Mrs. McGuire cited that the 2017-2027 Campus Master Plan has no new construction. However, the school will implement a campus-wide restoration program to upgrade its aging facilities.  In addition, Mrs. McGuire requested a letter of support from ANC 5A. The DC Zoning Commission requires this letter from both Trinity’s home and adjacent ANC. Only the letter from ANC 5A, the adjacent ANC, is needed. The ANC 5A commissioners approved a motion to provide this letter.

(Mrs. McGuire recently gained Internet fame when her comments on Mrs. Kellyanne Conway, Trinity Alumnus and Counselor to President Trump, went viral.)

DC Council

Mr. Demetris Cheatham, Deputy Chief of Staff for Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, reported the following:

  • Councilmember McDuffie has drafted regulations on Airbnb activities.
  • Councilmember McDuffie plans to discuss the vibration issue with DDOT Director, Mr. Leif A. Dormsjo.
  • $160,000 remains of the $240,000 earmarked for vibration mitigation.
  • A HAWK system will be installed at the intersection of South Dakota Avenue and Decatur Street NE, but no install date has been given.
  • The Office of Attorney General can declare nuisance property. Please call and report on aggressive activities by dog owners.

Mayor’s Office

Mr. Lionell Gaines, Ward 5 MOCR reported:

  • The Mayor is supporting immigrant justice.
  • Clean Teams are  a means to keep commercial corridors litter free.

Note: The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) issues grants to establish community Clean Teams.

ANC 5A Issues

The following actions were taken by ANC 5A:

  • Approved the December 2016 minutes with corrections;
  • Approved the January 2017 minutes;
  • Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03) requested and received ANC 5A approval of a homeowner’s request to pave a private driveway;
  • Approved 1st Quarter (Oct. – Dec.) Treasury report. It included a starting balance of $26,967.13, less 2,389.04 in expenses, and leaving a $24,578.09 closing balance.

McDonald’s Restaurant

Mr. Raoul Alvarez, the owner of the McDonald’s restaurant on 4950 South Dakota NE, and his counsultant Mr. Harry Thomas, Jr., addressed the audience. was also present. They described features of the new McDonald’s such as the 87’ x 45’ footprint of the building, the basement play area, and online ordering. Also, the owner commits to not operating a 24 hour restaurant. A resident within the 200-foot zone says she has received scant information on this project and would like more. Mr. Thomas will address this issue.

Community Concerns

An audience member asked what changes will occur when the new ANC Law is enacted in April.