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 1^st 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.