Monthly Archives: October 2017

ANC 5A October 25, 2017 Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A, Backus Urban Food Hub, Met Branch Trail, Transportation

On Wednesday, October 25, 2017, ANC 5A held its monthly community meeting.

Present: Commissioners Grace Lewis (5A02); Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03); Isaiah Burroughs (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); A. Jamaal Lampkin (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon Fletcher (5A08)

Police Report

PSA 405 October 2017 Crime Stats

Crime was up slightly for the month of October. See PSA 405 Oct 2017 Crime Stats.

Cellphone thefts are up, so be careful walking and using your cell phone, especially now that it is getting dark earlier.

Be on the lookout for an all-black tow truck with no identification that is stealing vehicles during the early morning hours between midnight and 4:00 am. Hondas in particular are being targeted.

National Park Service – Fort Totten Park

Rock Creek Park Superintendent Julia Washburn, Civil War Defenses Project Manager Kim Elder, and Rock Creek Park Chief of Resource Management Nick Bartolomeo gave both good and mixed news related to Fort Totten Park.

First the good news. An asphalt path between Gallatin Street and Galloway Street NE in Fort Totten Park near Fort Totten metro station will be constructed likely next summer. The path is a long time coming and should be really useful for residents of North Michigan Park to access the metro station. See the project website for details.

Separately, lighting and the trail by the Mamie D. Lee community garden near the western edge of Fort Totten Park will be upgraded as part of the construction of the Metropolitan Branch Trail Brookland-to-Fort Totten extension. DDOT has awarded a design-build contract for this extension. Construction will begin some time next year.

The mixed news. NPS is testing soil samples from a hillside near the access road for Aggregate Industries concrete company on the western side of Fort Totten Park. When Metro’s green line was under construction, NPS permitted Metro to use that area of the park for staging. Metro was required to rehabilitate the area after construction and did so by bringing infill dirt from Spring Valley, a superfund site in Northwest DC. NPS only recently discovered that soil from Spring Valley was brought into the park all those years ago. They say that out of an abundance of caution they have hired a contractor to test the soil to find out if there are any contaminants. They mentioned possibility of an herbicide that is present in the Spring Valley area, but they stressed they simply do not know what the soil may contain and that they are testing out of an abundance of caution. They do not believe there will be any health effects because of the topography of the land. They said that waterways in that area of the park are scarce, so they are not concerned about leeching into any waterways. Work will begin around November 9 and last approximately nine months. This area is not near any pedestrian access paths or trails.

In other Rock Creek Park news, NPS plans to improve the Rock Creek Park visitor center located at 5200 Glover Road NW. An information meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the visitors center.

Basilica of the National Shrine

The ANC passed a resolution to support the Basilica’s request for a special exception from the Board of Zoning Adjustment for continued use of its accessory parking lot, which is across the street from the Basilica. The exception is necessary because the parking lot is not on the same lot as the Basilica.

Marriott

Marriott has appeared before the ANC several times for support of its long planned project consisting of a hotel (160-room Residence Inn and 100-room Courtyard by Marriott), ground floor retail, and residences near Michigan Avenue and Irving Street NE. The property is federal property which was transferred to the District for hotel “and other compatible uses.” The developer and District officials had assumed all this time that residential use would be considered a compatible use, but apparently GSA does not believe residential use is a compatible use with a hotel. Marriott is working with District officials and Congresswoman Eleanore Holmes Norton’s office to get GSA to permit residential use. The Commission passed a resolution to send a letter to Congresswoman Norton in support of the project, including residential use as a compatible use.

Marriott has made a couple of changes to their plan since its last iteration. They have moved the residential portion to the front of the site on Michigan Avenue and moved the hotel portion to the rear of the site. Access will be off Irving Street and they plan to reconfigure the slip lane on Irving Street to a T-intersection. They reduced the height of the project from 90 feet to 75 feet. They will need to establish a zoning district for the project and anticipate a hearing on this in February or March 2018. All of this though is contingent on getting approval to build residential in the first place.

Price Grocery

The ANC passed a resolution to support Price Grocery’s alcohol license renewal application. Price Grocery is located at 5018 Rock Creek Church Road NE.

Trinity Deli

The ANC passed a resolution in support of Trinity Deli’s alcohol license renewal application. The Class B grocer sells beer. It is located at 200 Michigan Avenue NE.

UDC CAUSES Bertie Backus Food Hub

UDC’s Bertie Backus Food Hub, located at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE, is opening a community garden. They are looking for residents interested in serving on a management committee for the garden. If interested, contact Matthew Gardine at matthew.gardine@udc.edu.

Council Report

The Ward 5 holiday party will be on December 13, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Dock 5 at Union Market. Bring an unwrapped toy.

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie has introduced three bills (see Councilmember McDuffie 2017 Bills (pdf)).

  1. The Accessible and Transparent Procurement Act of 2017 (B22-0395) would require District government to put all solicitations for over $25,000 on a single website.
  2. The Quick Payment Amendment Act of 2017 (B22-0439) would require District government to disburse payment to contractors within 15 days of receiving an invoice.
  3. The Government Contractor-Subcontractor Dispute Resolution Act of 2017 (B22-0440) would permit the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development to conciliate disputes between District government prime contractors and subcontractors.

Mayor’s Office Report

The Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement has opened in Ward 7. The mayor’s office is offering a number of MPD recruitment tools, such as six-month rental assistance, student loan forgiveness, and zero percent interest loans up to $20,000 for housing. An Uber driver resource center has opened in Ward 7. The mayor’s office offered $3 million in grants to support additional grocery options for Wards 7 and 8.

Reinvest DC

DC Reinvest Flyer (pdf)

A coalition of grassroots advocacy groups called DC Reinvest sought ANC support for its initiative to get the District to divest from Wells Fargo, which the group says funds the Keystone pipeline and the private prison industry. The ANC tabled consideration of a resolution to do more homework on the initiative.

New Lamond-Riggs Library

President of the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends group Robert Oliver announced that the deadline for LRLF’s survey on the new library was extended to October 27. Councilmember McDuffie will select two residents to serve on the official advisory panel for the rebuilding project. An interim library is planned during construction. Ideally the space should be 3,000 square feet and move-in ready with electrical and plumbing in place.

Mr. Oliver asked for the ANC’s help because about $45,000 in an inactive bank account held by the former Friends group is in jeopardy of being forfeited unless the former leader permits the new group to access the funds. The former group had been defunct for several years before a new group was formed this past summer.

USPS

The postal service was listed on the agenda but no representatives attended the meeting.

Next ANC meeting

The next ANC meeting will be on November 29 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

 

 

Backus Compost Project & Community Garden

Posted by nextstoprp in Backus Urban Food Hub

We have a dedicated page for UDC’s Bertie Backus Food Hub, located on UDC’s Backus campus at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE. The compost project at the Food Hub is now ready to accept individuals interested in composting. Training is required. The project needs enough volunteers (15 or more) to really be successful. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity to participate in a compost project close to home, contact Dr. Kamran Zendehdel at kamran.zendehdel@udc.edu or (202) 274-7161. See UDC Backus Compost Project flyer (pdf)

The Food Hub also has 40 raised bed garden plots for the community. Anyone interested in a raised bed plot or interested in volunteering at the Food Hub should contact Matthew Gardine at matthew.gardine@udc.edu

October 21: Neighborhood clean-up

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

From ANC Commissioner Tischa Cockerel (4B09)

—

Please Join Us for the

Riggs-LaSalle Helping Hands Neighborhood Clean Up
  • When: Saturday, October 21, 2017
  • Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Where: Meet in front of the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center 501 Riggs Rd. NE
Hello Neighbors!  
Come out and help us clean and beautify our community.  We will have rakes, shovels, brooms, and trash bags provided to us by DC Department of Public Works (DPW).
Hope to see you there!
Commissioner Tischa Cockrell, ANC4B09

 

Tonight: Community Happy Hour at Hellbender

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

From Riggs Park resident David:

—

Good day neighbors,

The leaves are changing colors and beginning to fall. The temps are (hopefully) cooling off. Sweaters are coming back into fashion. But with all this change, the monthly Lamond-Riggs neighborhood gathering remains the same! … and you’re invited!

What: Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering

When: Thursday, October 19, 2017 starting around 6pm

Where: Hellbender Brewery – 5788 2nd St NE

Who: All the cool people in the Lamond-Riggs and surrounding neighborhoods

Why: because our neighborhood ties get stronger with each pint

Never come out to one of these before? Well, we hope you can join us this time! Tell a friend. Tell a neighbor. Tell your family. All are welcome.

Have any questions? Just ask!

Lamond-Riggs Library Rebuilding

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

Get excited for a new neighborhood library! In 2021, we will have a new $20 million Lamond-Riggs neighborhood library to replace the existing library located at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE. Following the rebuilding kickoff meeting on October 5, 2017, DC Public Library officials established a dedicated website for the project at https://dclibrary.org/newlamondriggs. Bookmark the site to stay abreast of community meetings and information about the new library.

Residents will have several opportunities to provide input on what the new new library should look like and what services it should offer. DCPL will work with Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie to appoint two community members to an advisory panel. Typically those members are the president of the library friends group and the advisory neighborhood commissioner of the area in which the library sits. Robert Oliver is president of the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends group and Commissioner Frank Wilds (5A01) is the commissioner for this area. If you have not already done so, please fill out the survey from the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends by October 20, 2017. DCPL will issue a separate survey during the community engagement process.

Milestones from DCPL to keep in mind:

Fall 2017: Due diligence
Winter 2017-18: RFP for design/build contract
Spring 2018: Design/build selection
Summer 2018: Design kick-off
Fall 2019: Close for construction
Fall 2019: Interim library opens
2021: New library opens

DCPL contacts for the project:

Martha Saccocio, martha.saccocio@dc.gov or 202-727-1188
Archie Williams, archie.williams@dc.gov or 202-727-1437

ANC 5A September 27, 2017 Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A Monthly Meeting Recap

Guest post

On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, ANC 5A held the first monthly community meeting of its 2017-2018 meeting schedule. Below are highlights from that meeting.

ANC 5A Administration

  • The September 2017 monthly community meeting, which was held at the Backus Campus of UDC’s Community College, was called to order at 6:58 p.m. All Commissioners attended; the minutes of the June 14, 2017 monthly community meeting were not yet available for the Commissioners’ review and approval.
  • The ANC unanimously approved ANC 5A Treasurer Sandi Washington’s (5A07) request for approval of the ANC’s 3rd-quarter FY 2017 financial report.
  • The ANC unanimously adopted Commissioner Gordon Fletcher’s (5A08) resolution regarding the vacant land on the southwest corner of the intersection of Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue, NE. The Commission wants ownership of the land to be transferred from DDOT to DPR for the purpose of converting the land into a DPR-managed public park of some sort (specifics as to type-of-park to be determined much later). Currently, the land — which borders the east side of the Food and Friends facility — is a multi-acre leftover green space that resulted when highway-style ramps were removed from the Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue intersection in 2011.

Ward 5 Activities

Laisha T. Dougherty, Staff Assistant for Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office, reported on the Councilmember’s numerous legislative efforts as follows:

  • DC Council Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017 on Legislation to Honor Historic Contributions of Native Washingtonians of Color and Women:

In June, Councilmember McDuffie introduced “The Charles Hamilton Houston and Other Diverse Washingtonians Commemorative Works Amendment Act of 2017,” (B22-0346) a bill to direct the Commemorative Works Commission to erect statues in each of the City’s eight wards that: (a) highlight native Washingtonians who are women and minorities, and (b) allow the Council itself to sponsor a commemorative work on public space in the District. The bill identifies legal scholar Charles Hamilton Houston as the first Washingtonian to be honored with a memorial statue. The bill is designed to memorialize seminal native Washingtonians, educate residents and visitors about them, honor their legacy, and increase representation of native Washingtonian women and minority historical figures lauded throughout the city. If you are unable to testify at the October 5th hearing, written statements received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2017, will be made a part of the official record.

  • The Proper Planning for Future Growth Act of 2017 (written testimony deadline is October 9, 2017):

In March, Councilmember McDuffie introduced the “The Proper Planning for Future Growth Act of 2017” (B22-0181) to proactively plan for transportation growth needs by ward in DC. The legislation will require DC to produced a biennial report analyzing each ward’s current transportation infrastructure and future needs. On September 25, 2017, the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a hearing on the proposed bill. The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be considered by all 13 members of the DC Council.If you were unable to testify at the September 25th hearing, written statements received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2017 will be made a part of the official record.

  • Managing Outdoor Work for Seniors Act (M.O.W.S. Act) (B22-0235) – Hearing October 5, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

This bill would create a program to provide landscaping services to senior residents. Testimony submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 19, 2017, will be part of the official record.

Reclaiming Our Community —  Ms. Dougherty said that in light of recent tragic murders in Ward 5, Councilmember McDuffie and other community leaders will hold a “Reclaiming Our Community” event at 8:00 pm on Friday, September 29 in the Brentwood park at 13th and Downing Streets, NE (the location of Zaire Kelly’s murder). Ms. Dougherty said that the event, which includes a press conference and a peace walk, will end with a “Sleep Out For Peace, Solidarity, & Solutions.”

Police Service Area (PSA) 405

MPD Fourth District’s Lt. Ashley Rosenthal presented her quarterly report on PSA 405. See PSA 405 crime statistics for the past 30 days and year-to-date: PSA 405 September 2017 Crime Stats

Community Outreach — Some of the recent property thefts are the result of youth stealing snacks from the 7-11 store. If you are interested in setting up a forum at which Lt. Rosenthal and youth can talk about MPD and community policing, please contact her (email: ashley.rosenthal@dc.gov; office number: (202) 730-0606).

In August, PSA 405 held a “Meet ‘n’ Greet” at the park shelter across the street from the 1000 block of Galloway Street, NE providing an opportunity for residents and officers to mingle. The officers patrolling PSA 405 during the day and evening tour of duties dropped by to meet informally with residents. Lt. Rosenthal said that a “hot-chocolate” meet-and-greet event is being planned.

Reminders — MPD has numerous safety and crime-prevention brochures available for download from its website. Lt. Rosenthal made a number of suggestions about reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime, and about taking precautions to ensure physical safety. Tips include:

  • Don’t leave stuff visible in your car.
    As per MPD’s brochure titled “Protecting Your Vehicle”: “Theft from auto is strictly a crime of opportunity that can be prevented if you take away the opportunity. Thieves generally won’t waste their time breaking into autos that don’t have valuables in plain sight. Never leave briefcases; or cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them inside the glove compartment or trunk — all the time, every time!”
  • If you see something, say something, even if you think it’s minor.
    Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see suspicious persons or activity. MPD will prioritize which calls need to be handled first. In your description of suspicious persons, mention not only distinctive facial features, but also distinctive clothing such as colorful shoes (for example, designer sneakers or athletic footwear).
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
    Lt. Rosenthal said that there were 3 robberies over the previous weekend. As per MPD’s palm-card titled “Tips for Reducing Your Chances of Being a Crime Victim”: “Be vigilant of activity around you and attentive to individuals approaching. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by activity such as talking on your cell phone, listening to music, or reading.”

Update on Rebuilding of McDonald’s

See: McDonald’s zoning change request summary sheet (pdf)

As previously reported, Raoul Alvarez, the owner/operator of the McDonald’s at 4950 South Dakota Avenue, NE (at Delafield St.), plans to rebuild the restaurant. Harry Thomas, Jr., spoke on the owner’s behalf. Counsel for McDonald’s (Jessica Bloomfield, Holland & Knight) and a McDonald’s corporate representative also attended. Mr. Thomas said that instead of submitting a Planned Unit Development (PUD) request to the DC Zoning Commission, Mr. Alvarez has submitted a proposed amendment to the DC Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map. Such an amendment must be approved by the DC Council.

Mr. Alvarez is requesting a change in the land use designation from low-density commercial to moderate-density commercial in order to rebuild the 1960’s-era McDonald’s restaurant with a drive-thru. Currently, the restaurant is grandfathered as a nonconforming use under the existing zoning designation. The amendment application also requests changes to the land use designation for the other properties that make up the commercial strip mall so that those owners can make changes to their shops if they desire. Subsequent to the DC Council’s approval, Mr. Alvarez will need to ask the DC Zoning Commission for a re-zoning that allows the 1960’s-era restaurant building to be rebuilt.

As Mr. Thomas requested, the Commission voted unanimously to send Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie an ANC 5A letter-of-support for the change in land use designation. Mr. Thomas stated that Mr. Alvarez will continue to be a good neighbor to North Michigan Park, and that the design of the new McDonald’s will be a “community-driven process.”

ANC 5A’s New Website: https://www.dcanc5a.org/home

Commissioner Fletcher premiered the new ANC 5A-funded website, which will facilitate communication with residents of ANC 5A. The brand-new portal includes links to DC agencies, an ANC 5A calendar, and biographies and contact information for ANC 5A Commissioners, along with ANC 5A documents such as meeting notices and minutes, and Commission resolutions (forthcoming).

Update on Plan to Rebuild Lamond-Riggs Library

As previously reported, funding has been allocated in the DC budget for rebuilding the Lamond-Riggs Library.

The Lamond-Riggs Library Friends (LRLF) group — a non-profit organization that advocates for our local library — has recently been reactivated and is seeking new members and supporters. For more information, email LRLFriends2017@gmail.com or call Robert T. Oliver, President LRLF (202-215-1679), or Rodney Foxworth, Vice President LRLF (202-997-1875).

LRLF President Oliver said that on Thursday, October 5, 2017, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., DC Public Library is holding its first public meeting for the community to learn about plans to rebuild the library, including the project timeline and the process for community engagement. This meeting will be held at the library, located at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.

Also, LRLF President Oliver said that the LRLF group has posted an online survey to collect input on the vision for rebuilding the library.

Upcoming Events

Monday, October 2, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m.

DDOT’s Open House for Its Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

The STIP is a statewide, prioritized funding program of transportation projects covering a four-year period consistent with DC’s Multimodal Long-Range Transportation Plan. DDOT’s Open House on October 2nd is public meeting to receive feedback on DC’s STIP for Fiscal Years 2018 to 2022. The meeting will be held at the Shaw Neighborhood Library, located at 1630 7th Street NW, 20001.

At the Open House, DDOT will present the Draft FY 2018 to 2022 STIP Project List, which includes information for each project on the type, funding sources, and estimated schedule. In addition, DDOT will provide an overview of the STIP and the STIP development process.

If you are unable to attend the Open House, or if you want to submit feedback online, visit the DC STIP website, where the Draft FY 2018 to 2022 Project List will be posted.

Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

DDOT ANC Fall Open House

DDOT invites the city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners to engage with DDOT staff and learn more about the agency. DDOT’s Fall Open House will be held at DC’s Old Council Chambers at 441 4th Street NW (Judiciary Square).