Monthly Archives: January 2020

February 8: DDOT Ward 5 Open House

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

DDOT Ward 5 Safety Improvement Open House

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host an Open House for residents in Ward 5 to learn about current and future safety improvement projects that are advancing Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero and infrastructure goals.

At the event, DDOT project managers and staff will be available to discuss safety and infrastructure projects in Ward 5, including the Florida Ave NE project, Florida/New York Ave intersection (also known as “Dave Thomas Circle”) project and the Metropolitan Branch Trail (Brookland – Fort Totten) project among other improvements in the Ward.

This Open House is an opportunity for residents to engage directly with DDOT staff to facilitate one-on-one conversations and receive answers for specific questions. There will not be a formal presentation, so residents can come and go when they are able without missing any of the content. Residents should click here.to register for this event.

WHAT:       DDOT Ward 5 Open House
WHEN:      Saturday, February 8, 2020
                  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:   Trinidad Recreation Center
                  1310 Childress St NE
                  Washington, DC 20002

January 22, 2020 ANC 5A Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on January 22, 2020. Commissioners present: Frank Wilds (5A01); Grace Lewis (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon Fletcher (5A08).

ANC Business

The ANC voted by acclamation to keep the same officers: Chair – Commisioner Edwards; Vice Chair – Commissioner Fletcher; Secretary – Commissioner Lucio; Treaurer – Commissioner Washington; Parliamentarian – Commissioner Lewis.

The ANC approved the 1st quarter FY 2020 financial report and its 2020 meeting schedule. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the November meeting will likely be November 18, 2020. The ANC approved spending $25.00 to participate in the ANC Security Fund.

MPD Report

Due to recent changes in the Yahoo Groups platform, MPD has switched outreach communications from Yahoo Groups to Google Groups. To join the Google Group for MPD’s 4th District (4D), contact Derek Staten, MPD 4th District Community Outreach Coordinator, at derek.staten@dc.gov. The google group is a good way to stay informed about what is happening in MPD’s 4th District, and MPD is pretty good about responding to questions from residents. The 4th District roster is here. Mr. Staten also shared a handout on MPD stops. The full stop data report is available at mpdc.dc.gov/stopdata.

The 4th District is accepting gently worn and new winter coats as well as new socks throughout the month of February. The 4th District headquarters is located at 6001 Georgia Avenue NW.

As for crime, here are the latest stats provided by Lt. Patrick Schaut. Lt. Schaut stated a UPS driver was hijacked on 11th Street NE earlier this week. MPD apprehended three suspects and believe a fourth is still out there. An individual was held up at gunpoint on the social trail between Gallatin and Galloway earlier this week. MPD discourages residents from using the trail, particularly in the evening hours. National Park Service has previously stated there is funding to install a paved trail with lighting some time this year, but no word on when that will actually happen. MPD is still investigating the robberies at Ramdass Pharmacy. One incident was clearly a professional job, so MPD is doing what it can to identify the culprits. The 7-Elevens in the neighborhood have also been the target of thefts.

A few residents and Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) raised the issue of communication between private security guards for the apartment communities by Fort Totten metro station, Metro Transit police, U.S. Park Police, and MPD. All of these entities can really only operate within their own jurisdiction, which makes things a little complicated around the metro station. Continue to share your suggestions and concerns with Commissioner Fletcher.

There was some discussion about how MPD handles patroling along the borders of police districts. Lt. Schaut stated MPD will share informationa about serious crimes (for example, “be on the lookout (BOLO)” requests), but decisions about allocation of officers are made by lieutenants for those police districts. The 4th District lieutenant is not going to tell the 5th District lieutenant how officers should patrol the 5th District. So if you live close to the border of the 5th District and want to get alerts about crimes that may be happening close to the border of 4D and 5D, then you might want to join the 5th District Google Group and sign up for 5D alerts as some of the commissioners do.

Other than that, the usual advice about theft from autos, which remains a problem across the District. Do not leave anything in your car. It will be taken and you will have a busted car window. If you are purchasing/selling online, make arrangements to meet at a police station. Lt. Schaut stated there is an unlicensed carshare service operating in DC called getaround. According to Lt. Schaut, individuals are using the service to commit crimes, so MPD recommends not signing up your vehicle for this service. If your neighborhood is experiencing package thefts from porches, have your packages delivered to a secure location. Consider using the District’s security camera incentive program for your home.

Comprehensive Plan Update

The ANC went through comments submitted by residents as well as the comments that came out of the ANC’s public meeting held on January 11. (Disclosure: I submitted comments to the ANC for consideration in their review). There will likely be a follow-up special meeting in February for the ANC to share the final draft of what the ANC will submit to the Office of Planning before the February 14th deadline. As an aside, I do want to thank the ANC for taking the time to gather resident input and commit to submitting a formal letter to the Office of Planning regarding the proposed amendments. While the ANC did request more time beyond February 14 to submit comments, and residents understandably remain dissatisfied with the way this process is being handled by the Office of Planning and the mayor’s office, at least the ANC is taking steps to submit comments to the Office of Planning before the deadline.

The Parks Main Street Grant Request

Edwin Washington, Executive Director of The Parks Main Street, submitted a grant application to the ANC for $2,000 to help bring Events DC’s Jazz in the ‘Hoods, a feature of the DC Jazz Festival, to the neighborhood. The concert does not have a location in Ward 5, so the Main Street met with the Jazz in the ‘Hoods team to propose a few different venues/spaces along the South Dakota Avenue/Riggs Road NE corridor. ANC 5A treasurer Commissioner Washington (5A07) stated she wants to make sure the ANC’s grant funds can be used for this purpose and make sure that the proposal will benefit 5A. Seems to me that this will very clearly benefit the communities in 5A, but Commissioner Fletcher stated he will reach out to the Office of ANC to get guidance. The ANC asked Mr. Washington to come back in February when the ANC has a special meeting to follow up on the request.

Ward 5 Councilmember Report/Budget Survey

Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, distributed paper copies of the councilmember’s budget survey. That survey can be completed online at https://kenyanmcduffieward5.com/budget2020. If you have thoughts about how public dollars should be prioritized, complete the survey. Councilmember McDuffie will hold a meeting with ANCs and civic association leaders on January 29, 2020, to discuss the budget and updates to the Comprehensive Plan.

Social Justice School

The ANC voted (5 yes, 1 no) to provide a letter of support to the Social Justice School to open a middle school at the Rocketship Campus at 5450 Kennedy Street NE in fall 2020. The school will have a DC Public Charter School Board hearing in March of this year.

Providence Medical Center

The ANC voted (5 yes, 1 no) to approve a letter in support of Providence Medical Center’s certificate of need application to operate a diagnostic imaging center. Providence indicated to Commissioner Lucio (5A03) that this should be the final certificate of need it requests and that its next announcement will be its plans for the full campus.

Mayor’s Office Report

The mayor’s office will be holding budget engagement forums around the city. One will be held in Ward 5 at Edgewood Recreation Center on February 18, 2020, at 6:30 pm.

DDOT Ward 5 Open House

DDOT will hold an open house for Ward 5 at the Trinidad Recreation Center on February 8, 2020, from noon to 2:00 pm. Stop by to share any transportation concerns, requests for sidewalk repairs, speed bumps, etc.

Miscellaneous

Commissioner Fletcher will hold an SMD meeting on February 4, 2020.

North Michigan Park Civic Association will hold a Community Information Expo on February 5, 2020, at North Michigan Park Recreation Center from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm. ANC commissioners and representatives from Disrict agencies, the mayor’s office, and Councilmember McDuffie’s office will be present.

Commissioner Lucio will hold an SMD meeting on February 6, 2020. Approval was granted to remove a seemingly abandoned boat on Decatur Street NE. District officials are working on it.

January 30: Congresswoman Norton National Park Service Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Congresswoman Norton’s district office is hosting its third quarterly meeting of D.C. residents and representatives of the National Park Service in order to better understand the issues that constituents are having with national parks in the District.

The pertinent details are below:

Who: All D.C. Residents
What: Quarterly National Park Service Meeting
Where: Cleveland Park Library Meeting Room, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW
When: Thursday, January 30, 2020
Time: 6:30 pm-8:00 pm

This event is open to the public. 

Next Stop Neighbors: Dr. Kenny Gibbs

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Park

By David Kosub (Contributor)

What happens when you get two biomedical scientists together in the community? Well, the next edition of Next Stop Neighbors of course. Kenneth Gibbs, Ph.D., joins us today to tell us about his research career, how he encourages folks from all backgrounds to pursue a career in science, how he ended up in Riggs Park, and what’s on his reading list. We hope you enjoy the conversation. And, if there are any budding scientists out there, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!  

Click here to listen (running time: 10 minutes)

David Kosub and Kenny Gibbs

Background on Next Stop Neighbors:

Welcome to Next Stop Neighbors where we get an opportunity to hear the voices behind the faces and places in Lamond-Riggs and the surrounding communities. Through this podcast series, you will meet some friendly neighbors and hear their perspectives on the community through civil, casual conversations. From the small business owner who just opened up, to the non-profit organization trying to make a difference, to the community leader describing their vision for the neighborhood, and the resident around the corner who has lived here for 50 years, we all have a story to tell. We welcome recommendations and, better yet, your own 10-minute interviews too!

Can’t get enough Next Stop Neighbors? Check out these past conversations for more:

Jamal Gray with Meow Wolf (November 2019)
Robert “The Library Guy” Oliver (October 2019)
Soon-to-Be Moms and Soon-to-Be Dads (September 2019)
Explore! Children’s Museum (August 2019)
Troka Insurance (July 2019)
Ms. V and Culture Coffee Too (July 2019)
Bertie Backus Urban Food Hub (June 2019)
LRCA Forward Team (April 2019)
Ramdass Pharmacy (March 2019)

January 27: ANC 4B Monthly Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

Regular Public Meeting

Monday, January 27, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

MPD 4th District Station, 6001 Georgia Ave., NW

Agenda

1.        Call to Order & Roll Call 

2.        Administrative Items:A. Election of Officers
B. Appointment of Representative to Walter Reed CAC
C. Approval of 2020 Meeting Schedule (4th Monday, except May [26th]; recess in July, August, December)
D. Approval of ANC Security Fund
E. Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Quarterly Financial Report for the First Quarter 2020
F. Approval of Rules of Procedure
G. Approval of November Regular Public Meeting Minutes
H. Consideration and Approval of January Agenda
I. Commissioner Updates (if applicable)

3.        Reports: 

A. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes)

B. Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (3 minutes)

C. Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)

D. Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative Frazier O’Leary (3 minutes)

4.        Community Concerns: 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 one minute.

5.        Presentation: Just Pay Coalition, “Pay Stub” Clinic (Commissioner Redd – 3 minute presentation; 4 minute discussion)

6.        Presentation: Rocketship Public Charter School Expansion (Commissioners Yeats & Huff – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) [invited]

7.        Consent Calendar:

Resolution 4B-20-0101: Supporting Increased Funding and Expansion of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Motor Carrier Unit (Commissioner Yeats)

Resolution 4B-20-0102: Resolution Supporting Accessory Garage Structure at 6223 8th Street, NW (BZA 20202) (Commissioner Knickerbocker) 

8.        Letter of Support: Renaissance Healthcare Services to Establish Pediatric Home Care Service Agency in Ward 4 (Commissioner Brooks – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)

9.        Letter of Support: Proposed Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (Commissioner Huff – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)  

10.     Presentation: Sassan Gharai, SGA Companies, and Resolution 4B-20-0103: Providing Initial Community Input and Requesting Extended Review Period for Proposed Development at 300-308 Carroll Street, NW & 325 Vine Street, NW (Commissioner Bromaghim – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)

11.     Resolution 4B-20-0104: Providing Feedback on Proposed Changes to the Comprehensive Plan (Commissioner Palmer – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)

12.     Adjournment 

Please Note: Anyone in the audience may speak on any subject during “Community Concerns.” You may also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings. Discussion on other agenda items will generally be limited to Commissioners. Finally, the meeting may not last beyond 9:00 p.m. unless extended by a two/thirds vote of the Commission.

Next Regular Public Meeting:  Monday, February 24, 2019, 7:00 p.m., MPD, 4th District Station, 6001 Georgia Ave., NW

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner: ANC 4B01 Evan Yeats(4B01@anc.dc.gov);ANC 4B02 Erin Palmer (4B02@anc.dc.gov);ANC 4B03 Scot Knickerbocker (4B03@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B04 Brenda Parks (4B04@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B05 Perry Redd (4B05@anc.dc.gov);ANC 4B06 Tiffani Nichole Johnson (4B06@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B07 Geoff Bromaghim(4B07@anc.dc.gov);ANC 4B08 Alison Brooks(4B08@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B09 LaRoya Huff (4B09@anc.dc.gov)Erin Palmer, Secretary, ANC 4BANC 4B02 Commissioner

January 16: Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

By David Kosub (Contributor)

It’s a new year, and with that comes new opportunities to connect with your neighbors and friends all around you in the community. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s gather up already!

What: Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering

When: Thursday, January 16, 2020, starting around 6:30 pm

Where: Hellbender Brewery – 5788 2nd St NE. We’ll likely be around a circle table – just ask for Thirsty Third Thursday peeps

Who: Everybody is welcome. That includes you (yes, even you!), your family, your retired neighbor down the street, block captains, that new person who just moved in yesterday, folks with hidden agendas, your friend visiting from out of town, and all those babies who have recently entered the world (they know who they are)

Why: Because it’s fun to get to know folks living around you and share stories, unwind, support a local business, and there may even be some trivia too!

Never been to a Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering before? Well, don’t let that stop you now! It’s totally chill, welcoming, and a good respite from the workday.

Share your budget priorities with Councilmember McDuffie

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

Message from Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office:

—

Budget season at the Council is ramping up, and Councilmember McDuffie wants to hear your budget priorities for Ward 5 and the District of Columbia. At the link directly below, you will have the opportunity to give your feedback and priorities for the upcoming budget. Councilmember McDuffie and staff will also be bringing this to ANC and civic association meetings for the rest of January and early February. 

Share your budget priorities with CM McDuffie here: http://kenyanmcduffieward5.com/budget2020

In addition to sharing your priorities with Councilmember McDuffie, residents are also encouraged to share them with the entire Council by testifying at a performance oversight or budget oversight hearing. Performance oversight hearings review the performance of District agencies over the past year and run through March 6, 2020. Budget oversight hearings look at each agency’s budget for the upcoming year and are held March 23 through April 9, 2020. For the schedule of hearings, check the links below and/or the website of the Council Budget Office.

Schedule of performance oversight hearings (PDF): https://www.dccouncilbudget.com/s/12-3-19-2019-2020-Performance-Oversight-Hearings.pdf

Schedule of budget oversight hearings (PDF): https://www.dccouncilbudget.com/s/12-3-19-Fiscal-Year-2021-Budget-Hearing-Schedule.pdf.

DC Council Budget Office website: https://www.dccouncilbudget.com

DC Council hearing/meeting calendar: https://dccouncil.us/events/

Overview of the entire budget process from the Council Budget Office: https://www.dccouncilbudget.com/budget-process

January 2020 Development Roundup

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten, Chick-fil-A, Lamond Riggs Library, Met Branch Trail, Neighborhood Development, Riggs Park Place (formerly Fort Totten South)

Here is a new year roundup with the status of a few neighborhood development projects to the best of my knowledge.

1. Art Place at Fort Totten

I have received a lot of questions about Art Place at Fort Totten, particularly regarding the first phase, which was completed in late 2017 at South Dakota Avenue NE between Galloway and Ingraham. Ramdass Pharmacy and Shining Stars Pediatric Dentistry have been open for a while now. Here is what we know or have been told so far about the rest of the retail spaces. The gym (24 Hour Fitness) and daycare (Love & Care Child Development Center) are under construction with completion anticipated the end of June this year. No word on when the urgent care center might open. A number of other retail spaces are under negotiation, but the developer is not prepared to share information at this stage about what those retailers might be. If you have specific retailers that you either have a connection to or want the developer to reach out to, please let the developer know (seriously).

As for the second phase, which will be located on South Dakota Avenue between Ingraham and Kennedy, as we know, it will be anchored by Meow Wolf, and will have an Aldi grocery store, Explore! Children’s Museum, food hall, maker spaces, around 270 rental units, and ground floor retail. Meow Wolf held community meetings last year and will continue its community outreach this year. The DC Council held a first vote on the closure of 4th Street NE between Ingraham and Kennedy on January 7, 2020, for this phase of the project. Construction is anticipated to begin first quarter of this year, but considering the DC Zoning Commission has not yet entered an order for this phase, it is unclear when we will start to see construction on the site.

2. Fort Totten South

What we have known as the Fort Totten South project, or the second phase of Fort Totten Square planned for the southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE, should finally be breaking ground this year. The “Coming Soon” sign and webpage for what they are now calling “Riggs Park Place” are up. This is the project that started out as mixed use rental apartments above retail that changed to a back-to-back townhome project with ground level retail that then changed to traditional townhome units with retail. As of June 2019, the project changed again to traditional townhomes with rental apartment units for seniors above ground floor retail. Look for activity likely around spring of this year.

3. Rocketship Charter School

Interior renovation of the warehouses at 5450 Kennedy Street NE is ongoing for Rocketship Charter School. In addition to elementary instruction provided by Rocketship, AppleTree Learning Center will provide pre-kindergarten instruction, and the Social Justice School will provide middle school instruction. The campus is scheduled to open in fall 2020

4. Chick-fil-A

Stay tuned for more details about the Chick-fil-A planned to replace the KFC/Taco Bell on the corner of 3rd Street and Riggs Road NE. We have it on good authority that Chick-fil-A now plans to have interior seating. They are working on revised plans and hopefully will have those ready along with their traffic study in time for ANC 4B’s February meeting.

5. Lamond-Riggs Library

The design team is finalizing the design for the new Lamond-Riggs Library. An interim library will be housed at the Modern at Art Place on Ingraham Street NE. Given the regulatory and permitting processes required, DC Public Library officials cannot say exactly when the existing library will close, but they anticipate closing the existing library mid-year 2020 with the interim library opening a few weeks afterwards. View the planned design on the project website at https://www.dclibrary.org/newlamondriggs.

6. Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT)

Projected completion of the MBT extension to Fort Totten has been pushed back to September 2020 due to project delays.

Residents will likely get updates on these projects from ANC 4B and ANC 5A as the year progresses, so be sure you are signed up for email notification for your ANC.

GoFundMe for Family Affected by Fire

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Park

A GoFundMe has been established for the Caviness-Bey family, who was displaced by a fire at their home in the 400 block of Madison Street NE over the weekend. The GoFundMe link is here.

Yesterday, the family thanked the generosity of so many who donated clothing, toiletries, and other essentials for the donation drive organized by ANC Commissioner LaRoya Huff (4B09). James Caviness-Bey shared that his wife Edwina Caviness-Bey had surgery yesterday and continues to receive treatment in the hospital for her injuries suffered from going into the burning home to rescue her grandson. Another donation drive will be organized by Commissioner Huff later in the month. Any questions can be directed to Commissioner Huff at (202) 704-2427. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts and assist as you can.

New Ward 4 & Ward 5 Mayor Office Liaisons

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4, Ward 5

We have a new team of mayor office liaisons (also known as MOCRS) for Ward 4 and Ward 5. MOCRS are community outreach specialists typically seen at community meetings. They are helpful when residents need assistance with receiving services from District agencies. Some issues can be resolved through submission of 311 service requests, so it is helpful to go that route first and then follow up with the MOCRs if the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved. MOCRS can work long hours–late night shootings they’re there, late night fires they’re there, the dozens of community meetings they’re there –and in my experience they are quite patient and pleasant to work with. On that note, I have to give a shout out to the previous Ward 4 MOCR KeShawn Harris because he was just fantastic. Below is contact information for the new MOCRS.

Ward 4

Yamileth Escobar, Ward 4 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 4A & 4D
Cell: (202) 603-7182
Email: Yamileth.Escobar@dc.gov
Twitter: yamiescobar_w4 (unofficial)

Anthony Mitchell, Ward 4 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 4B & 4C
Cell: (202) 436-2087
Email: Anthony.Mitchell@dc.gov
Twitter: @ward4mocrs (unofficial)

Ward 5

Nokomis Hunter, Ward 5 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 5A & 5E; split ANC 5D (Carver-Langston)
Cell: (202) 251-5049
Email: Nokomis.Hunter@dc.gov
Twitter: @nokomishunter (unofficial)

Brittany Butler, Ward 5 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 5B & 5C; split ANC 5D (Trinidad)
Cell: (202) 394-4399
Email: Brittany.butler1@dc.gov

Yes, More Thoughts on Chick-fil-A, with a Side of the Comprehensive Plan

Posted by nextstoprp in Chick-fil-A, Neighborhood Development

By David Kosub (Contributor)

Many words have already been written about the forthcoming Chick-fil-A development at the current site of the KFC-Taco Bell at Riggs Road NE and 3rd Street NE (see here, here, here, here, and this entertaining Next Door rant here). Well, I had some more after reading the District of Columbia’s proposed Comprehensive Plan, currently open for public comment. As the Chick-fil-A development is expected to be discussed at the January ANC 4B meeting, I would like to provide a few more thoughts for consideration related to the visual character and environmental impact of this project in our neighborhood.

As I previously wrote about, the 2009 Small Area Development Plan for the South Dakota Avenue NE and Riggs Road NE corridor refers to the existing KFC-Taco Bell as an “opportunity site” for future development. Opportunities exist, as the plan notes, to have future development set back from the street allowing for a visually strong corner to be created with aesthetically unified, pedestrian-friendly, street-facing retail. Furthermore, as the plan goes on to say, future development should  consider accommodating aesthetic “landmark elements,” such as public art, open space, and vegetation, to “truly create a sense of place and assist with reestablishing the intersection as the heart of the neighborhood.”

To fully be the “heart of the neighborhood,” this intersection must be considered for streetscape improvements. Any future development should recognize this too. Similar to what is touted in Policy UNE-1.2.1 of the Upper Northeast Element of the Comprehensive Plan, such streetscape enhancements would make this intersection more visually appealing, professionally landscaped, pedestrian friendly, clean, safe with appropriate lighting, harmonious and respectful of existing structures, as well as convey a sense of local charm and culture. This goes for buildings and amenities that currently exist, together with those that are being planned for future development.

The aesthetics of the property must flow and connect with adjacent public assets, such as the triangle park on the southwest corner of the intersection, and future planned developments, such as the EYA project on the southeast corner. Wherever possible, native plants, shrubs, trees, and other vegetation should be installed to help address environmental objectives established by the District, such as mitigating storm water run-off, water and air quality improvement, and habitat restoration (Policy UNE-1.2.8), which also has the added benefit of beautifying our surroundings. Undergrounding power lines would also serve to enhance the visual character too. Any outside seating areas affiliated with the restaurant should be inviting, buffered from street noise, and a welcoming place to eat and socialize. Finally, the developers and operators of the facility should work with the South Dakota Avenue Clean Team to ensure this site remains clean as well as free from graffiti and other urban detritus.

The Comprehensive Plan also recognizes the value of green and open spaces in our city. For instance, in Chapter 8 focused on Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS), it notes “the need for parks may be more critical in some areas of the city due to…denser development patterns without the aesthetic amenities afforded by open space.” Though I understand the developers are not looking to create a new park at this site, the need for green and open space still exists and can be addressed with their project.

In Policy PROS-1.4.3, for example, green space could “enhance the connectivity of parks and open spaces throughout the city [and could] be an important planning and design consideration, particularly where multiple large adjacent sites are being redeveloped,” such as in our neighborhood. The plan goes on to say that “small pocket parks, plazas, and other open spaces should be created [in employment growth areas[ to provide visual relief and space for outdoor seating” (Policy PROS-1.4.6). If indeed the new Chick-fil-A will have a walk-up order option for pedestrians, then perhaps it could be encouraged to develop “outdoor plazas…for public benefit and to encourage tree planting, public art, sculpture, seating areas, and other amenities” (Policy PROS-4.3.2). The District government may even provide “incentives for new…buildings to include green roofs,” rain gardens, landscaped open areas, and other common open space areas that provide visual relief and aesthetic balance” (Policy PROS-4.3.3).

Improving the visual character of this site aligns with the overarching goal of the Urban Design (UD) element of the Comprehensive Plan. This element aims to “enhance the beauty and livability of the city by…reinforcing the identity of its neighborhoods, harmoniously integrating new construction with existing buildings and the natural environment, and improving the vitality, appearance, and security of streets and public spaces” (Urban Design Goal 901). South Dakota Avenue NE, where the new restaurant will look out upon, could be an opportunity for the developers to help “reinforce the form and identity of the city, connect its neighborhoods, and improve its aesthetic and visual character” (Policy UD-1.4.1), with particular priority on higher design standards and a positive image. Such higher standards would contribute to activating this commercial area, “create visual interest through well-designed building facades, storefront windows, and attractive signage and lighting” (Policy UD-2.2.5). Finally, the plan does recommend requiring “streetscape improvements by the private sector in conjunction with development or renovation of adjacent properties” (Policy UD-3.1.11).

To further enhance the visual character of this site, I encourage the developers to partner with the community wherever possible to help provide needed resources to reactivate the triangle park on the southwest corner of the intersection. Private financial support [could help[ the District’s park and recreational facilities” (Policy PROS-2.2.6), such as through public-private partnerships for recreational purposes (Policy PROS-2.2.7). I recognize this is a by-right project replacing one fast food restaurant with another, so something like a community benefits agreement is unlikely, but having Chick-fil-A provide resources to improve the green space nearby would benefit all involved. Moreover, as noted in Policy UD-3.1.8, such public spaces could be activated through “the design of adjacent structures; for example, through the location of shop entrances, window displays, awnings, and outdoor dining areas,” which is also important for the developers to consider.

Paraphrasing the Comprehensive Plan one final time, open and green space provide many benefits to the form and flow of a neighborhood. A balance between development and open space is critical for our neighborhood to continue thriving, the psychological wellbeing of current and future residents, and the aesthetic qualities of the city. If you plan to attend the January ANC 4B meeting and/or reach out to your ANC Commissioner about this project, I appreciate your support to ensure this project, and any others in our neighborhood, consider these important green, environmental visual enhancements to neighborhood development as well.  

How to help family displaced by fire

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Park

A family in the 400 block of Madison Street NE has been displaced by a fire that completely destroyed their home. The fire was covered by local news here, here, and here. ANC Commissioner LaRoya Huff (4B09) has organized a donation drive to assist the family. Donations will be accepted at the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE) on January 8, 2020, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please keep the family in your thoughts and assist as you can. I will provide information on other efforts as I hear of them.

Below is the notice from Commissioner Huff with specific donation information. Contact Commissioner Huff at (202) 704-2427 if you have any questions:

Greetings Everyone,

The latest update on on our neighbors in Riggs Park who experienced the devastating fire yesterday at 445 Madison Street NE is that Mrs. Caviness-Bey is still recuperating in the hospital and needs our love and prayers. As for the children Laylaa who is 7 years old, Quinten 2 years old and Lamecia “Mi-Mi” who is 14 years old are doing well and came to visit their dog today at the neighbors Ms. Dee Dee’s house and had dinner with their other neighbor Ms. Judy. Mr. Caviness-Bey is still at his wife’s side, taking care of his family and managing his business affairs. So many people have reached out to support the family and as promised the following are the sizes needed for family of eight (8):

Laylaa – Girl: Size 6/7 clothes, shoes 2 or 3
Uniforms: Red polo top, Black pants
Coat: 6X, 8

Quinten – Boy: Size 3T – 4T
Shoes 9 or 10
Diapers: Size 5 or Pull Ups
Coat: 4T, 4

Lamecia – Girl:
Tops XS, Pants Size 5 (Tall Slim)
Shoes: 8 or 8.5
Coat: Small, Size 5
Uniform: White Polo, Navy Blue Pants

Mrs. Caviness-Bey – Female
Size: 18
Shoes: 10.5
Coat: 20, 2X

Mr. Caviness-Bey – Male
2X Clothes, 38 pants
Coat: 2X, 40
Shoe: 10.5

Zaid – Male
Clothes: Large, 34 waist
Shoes: 10, 10.5
Coat: XL

Tarsha – Female
Clothes Size 0-2 Shoes: Size 7
Coat: 5, Small

Tiara – Female
Clothes Size 10, Shoes: Size 8.5, 9
Coat: Size 12, Large

TShirts, Belts, Pocketbooks, Wallets, Underwear, Sweaters, Cosmetics and Toiletries. Toys for the smaller children are welcomed.

The family says Thank You for the Love and Prayers extended to them. I want to also say Thank You 🙏 to you ALL as well. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, January 8th. Donations accepted between 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center at 501-B Riggs Road NE. I’m looking to have the family join us and present their gifts to them between 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Please continue to pray for the family and our community. Forever For the ❤️ of RIGGS Park! God Bless you ALL.

Sincerely,

Commissioner LaRoya A. Huff
ANC 4B-09