DC Water provided updated materials for the neighborhood’s sewer system evaluation. We first wrote about the study in this post. Part of the evaluation will involve a smoke test. Smoke testing is expected to begin in April 2021. DC Water will provide notice before smoke testing is done.
The Commission is now seeking applicants for Committee membership. You must be a resident within the Commission’s boundaries to be a member. Check if you reside within the Commission’s boundaries here: https://anc4b.com/about-the-anc/.
If you are interested in serving as a member of the Committee, please email a statement of interest, including any relevant experience, by April 30th. The Commission will not be monitoring responses to the listservs. Please send any statements of interest directly to the Chair of the Committee, Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson at 4B06@anc.dc.gov.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on March 24, 2021. Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie, Sr. (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio – Secretary (5A03); Ronnie Edwards – Chair (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Sandi Washington – Treasurer (5A07); Gordon Fletcher – Vice Chair (5A08)
ANC Business
The ANC has signed a contract for services to update and maintain the ANC website. While the work is taking place, the website will be offline. Meeting notices will be posted at https://anc.dc.gov/events.
The ANC will report on action steps that came out of the ANC’s public safety meeting held on March 18, 2021. Commissioner Fletcher stated the goal is to have quarterly public safety meetings. The next one will be in June. The DC Office of the Attorney General and DC Department of Behavorial Health will be invited.
Resolution on Heavy Trucks
Comissioner Lucio presented two resolutions concerning heavy trucks on prohibited streets. The first was to request a heavy truck camera on Sargent Road NE where it becomes 13th Street NE. The resolution will likely be modified in some way for the other commissioners to add other areas where heavy trucks are a problem.
The second resolution was a letter to request more funding for MPD’s motor carrier unit in order to get more truck cameras. The city only has a few truck cameras that get rotated throughout the city. That resolution was not seconded, so Commissioner Edwards told Commissioner Lucio that she can present it again at a future meeting after the commissioners have reviewed it.
MPD Police Report
MPD Fourth District Lt. Patrick Schaut stated that in the last 30 days in ANC 5A, there were only 24 crimes and all of them were property crimes. The numbers for the 4th District as a whole are different though. He mentioned a shooting near Turkey Thicket/ in Brookland that resulted in arrest of suspects and a shooting on Sheridan Street in which a suspect has been arrested.
All of the Fourth District officers are back from their details to the US Capitol following the January 6th insurrection.
There has been an increase in thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles. Lt. Schaut said it appears that Hondas and Toyotas are being targeted. It takes about two to three minutes to remove the part. There is not much that anyone can do, but if you see someone fiddling under your car, you might want to check it out.
Commissioner Edwards asked if Lt. Schaut had any thoughts about Commissioner Lucio’s request for more funding for MPD’s motor carrier unit. Lt. Schaut responded that he does not really get into MPD budget issues.
If you know any seniors who need the coronavirus vaccine, contact Ward 5 MOCR Nokomis Hunter at nokomis.hunter@dc.gov so that the MOCR office can assist the senior.
Ward 5 Council Report
Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, repeated that Councilmember McDuffie sent a budget priorities letter to Mayor Bowser for fiscal year 2022. The letter has requests for a guaranteed income program; reparations study; violence interrupters for Riggs Park; and a new library in the Eckington area. Councilmember McDuffie has also requested more funding for the Pathway Programs, a transitional employment program run by the DC Office of Neigborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE). Mr. Grant mentioned this program at ANC 5A’s public safety meeeting as a promising tool to address public safety in a holistic way. If you know anyone who would benefit from this program, reach out to Mr. Grant.
Councilmember McDuffie will host a townhall on COVID-19 next steps soon.
Councilmember McDuffie is also looking at planning a townhall on recreational cannabis and social equity. A resident asked what can be done about the amount of marijuana smoking being done in public that makes it hard for residents to enjoy fresh air. Mr. Grant responded that smoking marijuana in public is prohibited and therefore it is a law enforcement issue. (I will note here as I noted in the chat at the meeting that MPD officers have told me they have been instructed by the mayor to stand down on marijuana enforcement). Mr. Grant also stated that the Council office has received complaints of smoke from attached homes and that the District Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) is looking at studying air quality in homes of seniors in attached houses as a result of smoking by neighbors, or something like that.
DC Bilingual School Expansion
Rendering of DC Bilingual school expansion
DC Bilingual Public Charter School was back to discuss its building expansion at 33 Riggs Road NE. View the presentation here. The website for the expansion is https://dcbilingual.org/growth.
The school is looking to add a 27,000 square foot expansion to serve more students (I think they said roughly 234 more students). There was a lot of discussion about traffic. Pepco’s Capital Grid project is going on in that area. Even before the Capital Grid project made its way to that location, traffic was really terrible along that stretch of Riggs Road NE during morning and evening rush hour. One of the commissioners asked for a copy of the school’s traffic study, which the school will provide when it is completed. One possibly good thing is that DDOT is planning to install a traffic signal at Riggs Road NE and 1st Street NE (the signal is part of the planned Metropolitan Branch Trail but it will be installed before the rest of the trail from Fort Totten to Takoma is constructed). The school plans to lease space at two nearby parking lots for use during construction and afterwards.
Catholic University Nursing School Expansion
The ANC voted to support Catholic University’s nursing school expansion. The zoning case number is 12-01D.
Capital Bikeshare for All Program
Capital Bikeshare for All flyer
The Capital Bikeshare for All program provides an annual bikeshare membership for $5 for eligible individuals 18 years old and older (regular annual membership costs $85). Program participants get unlimited 60-minute rides. In addition, there are no usage fees for ebikes for program participants. The program is open to residents that receive assistance, such as SNAP, WIC, TANF, SSI/SSDI Supplemental Security Income, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Medicaid. Ordinarily, individuals must have a credit or debit card to enroll, but if an individual is unbanked, there may other options for getting enrolled. A webinar for interested community partner organizations will be held March 30, 2021. For questions, contact Lester Wallace at lester.wallace@godcgo.com.
There was a bit of a mixup because Commissioner Lucio thought DDOT would be discussing a bikeshare station that will be installed near South Dakota Avenue NE and Decatur Street NE. DDOT will discuss that at a future meeting.
Miscellaneous
Commissioner Fletcher will hold a single member district (SMD) meeting for his area on April 27, 2021. He also announced that around 40 to 50 students have returned to Rocketship’s Infinity Community Prep campus in Riggs Park for in-person instruction. Rocketship may present on its reopening plans at a future meeting.
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, located at 4611 Sherriff Road NE, has lots of COVID-19 vaccination appointments available through Five Medicine on March 29 and March 30. The Moderna vaccine will be administered.
Open to
Individuals 65 years old and older living in Wards 5, 7, & 8
Individuals 18 to 64 years old with a qualifying medical condition living in Wards 5, 7, & 8
You may want to keep an eye on this website. It looks like there is also an ability to be added to a vaccination waitlist and there may be appointments available at different churches on different dates.
At last night’s ANC 4B public meeting, AARP presented on a plan for a “FitLot,” an outdoor fitness space, at Lamond Recreation Center (20 Tuckerman Street NE). View the presentation here.
AARP is sponsoring installation of one FitLot in every state, DC, Puerto, and the US Virgin Islands. AARP will cover the cost of installation as well as up to three years of instructor-led courses. The total value of the amenity is around $170,000.
AARP is waiting for a final agreement from DPR, but construction is anticipated to begin in May or June of this year. ANC Commissioner Geoff Bromaghim (4B07) will discuss this a bit more at a single member district meeting for that area, tentatively scheduled for April 7, 2021.
Neighbors if you live in Lamond-Riggs, it is time to pay dues for the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) if you have not done so. The LRCA will be holding its next election for officers and trustees on May 3, 2021. Each term is two years. We are fortunate that Barbara Rogers has decided to run for LRCA president again. In order to vote for her in the election, you must pay dues by April 2, 2021. Pay dues at https://lrcadc.org/join-lrca. It is only $10 for individual membership and $15 for family membership. When you pay, be sure to enter your address so that that LRCA has a record showing that you live in the neighborhood.
I know some of this blog’s readers live in North Michigan Park and elsewhere outside of Lamond-Riggs. Take a look at the boundaries for LRCA to make sure you live within the boundaries before you pay. Donations are always welcome, but only those living inside the boundaries of LRCA will be able to vote in the election. LRCA’s boundaries are Galloway Street NE to the south, Eastern Avenue NE to the east, Underwood Place NE/NW to the north, and the Metro tracks to the west. Edit: To be clear, if you do not live inside the boundaries of LRCA, you will not be able to be a member of LRCA.
LRCA Boundary Map
Many of you know Barbara served two terms as LRCA president from 2013 to 2017, immediately before I served as president of LRCA. I served on the board with her when she was president and she was really fantastic for the board and for the neighborhood. She was so welcoming to all neighbors, new and old. During her tenure, she revived several working committees for LRCA. A number of active committees did great work–education, membership, scholarship, newsletter, nominations, communications, youth development/recreation, senior, public safety, and development task force. LRCA obtained its 501(c)(3) status under her leadership. In addition, LRCA’s website and social media platforms were all created during her tenure as president. Under her leadership, the board did a great job keeping everyone informed about what was happening in the neighborhood. She fostered professional, collegial, and respected relationships among neighbors, elected and District agency officials, and those wishing to do business in the neighborhood. I cannot emphasize enough how meaningful her strong leadership was for the neighborhood.
And on a personal note, I really think kindness matters, and I cannot overstate how kind Barbara is as a person. A lot of good things happened under her leadership because she is a kind person and people were willing to do the work alongside her.
Many asked Barbara to run for LRCA president again and she answered the call. Check out her flyer and pass it along to your neighbors. Pay dues by April 2.
From Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s Office:
Johns Hopkins Medicine is partnering with the DC Housing Authority to vaccinate Ward 5 residents this Saturday at Edgewood rec center starting at 9 AM. Ward 5 Residents who are eligible (65 and older, possess a qualifying medical condition, or are a qualifying essential worker) can call 202-964-3650 to get registered.
2. Administrative Items: A. Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting B. Consideration and Approval of March Agenda C. Approval of February Regular Public Meeting Minutes D. Treasurer’s Report
3. Commissioner Updates (if applicable)
4. Community Concerns: *Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak during community concerns. The Commission will provide additional details regarding how to present community concerns via the virtual meeting at the start of the meeting.* 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. You may also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.
5. Reports: A. Anthony Mitchell, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes) B. Tamira Benitez, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 minutes) C. Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative (3 minutes) D. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes)
6. Presentation: Louis Davis, Jr., State Director, AARP District of Columbia, Proposal to Install an AARP Fitlot at Lamond Recreation Center, 20 Tuckerman Street, NE (5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)
7. Presentation: Casey Auch, Client Services Manager, goDCgo, Go Far with No Car Campaign (2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
8. Presentation: Lester Wallace, Community Outreach Coordinator, Capital Bikeshare, Capital Bikeshare for All Program (2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
9. Presentation: James Waller, Chief of Schools; Lee Chaffin, Consultant to Friendship; and Tony Newman, Director of Architectural Operations at Michael Marshall Design, Proposed Expansion of Friendship Public Charter School’s Ideal Campus, 6130 North Capitol Street, NW (5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)
10. Presentation: Masaley Kargbo, Director, Academy of Health Sciences, Coolidge Senior High School (2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
11. Consent Calendar: ● Resolution 4B-21-0301: Requesting Installation of Speed Humps on the 7100 Block of 9th Street, NW (Commissioner Palmer) ● Resolution 4B-20-0302: Supporting Proposed Concept Design for The Parks at Walter Reed Building WXY (Commissioner Bromaghim)
12. Resolution 4B-21-0303: Supporting Proposed Improvements to Intersection of Piney Branch Road, Whittier Street, and 8th Street, NW (NOI #21-6-TOA) (Commissioner Palmer – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)
13. Resolution 4B-21-0304: Establishing Public Safety Committee (Commissioner Johnson – 2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
14. Letter re Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Priorities (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Johnson & Commissioner Yeats – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)
15. Adjournment
Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, April 26, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
ANC 5A Public Safety Meeting March 18, 2021 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Guests Randy Griffin, Commander, MPD 4th District Judi Jones, Chair, MPD 4th District Community Advisory Council Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie Kelly Jeong-Olson, Ward 5 Liaison, District Department of Transportation Kimberley Pinkney and Kecia Barnes, DC Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement
As we head into budget season at the Council I want to invite you to my virtual Ward 4 Community Meeting on the DC Budget this Saturday, March 6 at 1pm – 2:30pm to discuss Ward 4 budget priorities. At the event we will explain DC’s budget process, share how you can plug in, and gather your ideas on what should be included in the budget.
DC is in the midst of a pandemic that has been devastating to our communities and continues to pose big risks, particularly to our most vulnerable residents. At the same time, our fiscal forecast is improving and we could receive nearly $2 billion in federal aid from the next stimulus bill. We can also consider new targeted, responsible taxes to provide greater equity and support to our most impacted residents and small businesses. The budget gives us an opportunity to address the profound impact that COVID has had on public health, housing, health, education, jobs, businesses, community safety, and social services in Ward 4 and across DC.
Last month I shared my budget priorities letter outlining some key investments I believe we need to ensure a just recovery in the District and lift up working families in our Ward. This is just the start of our budget engagement. I want to build on and expand these recommendations with your input. The DC Council will receive the Mayor’s proposed budget on April 22, when we will officially begin our budget hearing, markup and vote process.
DC has a nearly $17 billion budget that impacts so many aspects of our lives. My team and I will work to ensure these funds address the needs of our communities, but I’m also encouraging all of you to get involved directly with the budget process by testifying at a budget hearing, submitting public comment, or sharing your budget input directly with us and other Councilmembers.
So join us this Saturday at 1pm – 2:30pm to share what you want to see in next year’s budget. Please RSVP at this link to receive the Zoom link and dial-in information: bit.ly/Ward4BudgetMeeting
The District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) sent out communication regarding next steps for Ready2Play, DPR’s master plan for parks and recreation in the city. If you have not participated in the process yet, there are still lots of opportunities to advocate for parks and rec in our neck of the woods. The deadline for the citywide survey has been extended again. Go ahead and let them know your wishlist for the rec center. Let them know you’d like a walking path in the neighborhood and a trail (and pother amenities) at Fort Circle Park at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE. Let them know you’d like community space on the District green in front of Food & Friends. Remind them that these items are part of the neighborhood’s area development plan so it should not come as a surprise that residents are mentioning these items.
DPR’s message below
—
Thank you to those who were able to join us at our Ward by Ward Ready2Play meetings. It was great meeting many of you and receiving your valuable feedback. We wanted to let you know that the notes, presentation slides, video recordings, and Q & A sheets of all questions received through the chat or breakout sessions from all 8 of our Ward meetings are now available and posted on our website: ready2playdc.com. For those who were unable to join, or those interested in reviewing the feedback from other wards across the city, we invite you to explore the content on these pages and leave any additional ideas or feedback using the tools provided.
We also wanted to highlight a number of ongoing ways to engage in the plan.
Ready2Play Citywide Survey reopen until April 4, 2021
We have reopened the Ready2Play Citywide Survey until April 4th 2021. If you have not yet had a chance to complete it, you can do so here: ready2playdc.com/citywide-survey. We’ve also attached two digital survey flyers to this email (one in English, one in Spanish). If you are able and willing to help spread the word among your local networks and listservs, we would greatly appreciate it!
New Opportunity to leave feedback on Key Priorities
Ready2Play developed 8 Key Priorities as part of its SCORP planning process last summer. We have now launched individual pages for each of these priorities that provide more context and invite you to leave your feedback and suggestions on how you would like to see these priorities addressed. You can find these by scrolling down on our homepage, right below the section on ward by ward engagement.
Ready2Play telephone line available for voice messages
For those who face technological challenges or lack regular access to technology, Ready2Play has also launched a new voicemail box number (202) 282-2198, which is available 24/7 for residents to share their thoughts, suggestions and priorities for the future of parks and recreation in the District. Suggestions received through this line will be integrated into our overall engagement analysis. If you are able, please help spread the word to others in your community who may benefit from this low-tech opportunity to engage.
Finally, feel free to reach out to us over email anytime at ready2play@dc.gov, or, if you prefer social media, tag us at @DCDPR and use #Ready2PlayDC and #DPRisListening.
Once again, thank you for your interest in Ready2Play. We look forward to continuing to engage with you in the months ahead.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on February 24, 2021. Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie, Sr. (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio – Secretary (5A03); Ronnie Edwards – Chair (5A05); Sandi Washington – Treasurer (5A07); Gordon Fletcher – Vice Chair (5A08)
(Just a note, I was multitasking a lot during this meeting, so I might have missed some things.)
ANC Business
Commissioner Lucio recommended vendor Eyeth Studios to update and maintain the ANC’s website. I did not quite get all of the costs associated with the contract down. It sounded like she said it would cost $60-80/hour to develop the site, $40/hour to help with the site once developed, and $100/year for web hosting. They anticipate costs of up to $1800 to develop the site and $40/year for assistance. But don’t quote me on those numbers.
Public Safety Report
Commissioner Fletcher said there will be an ANC 5A public safety meeting on March 18 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Anticipated guests include MPD Fourth District Commander Randy Griffin, Councilmember Robert White’s office, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office, MPD 4th District Citizens Advisory Council Chair Judi Jones, and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Ward 5 liaison Kelly Jeong-Olson (invited). Commissioner Washington recommended inviting the Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (ONSE). She noted ONSE representatives were at Commissioner McDuffie’s recent single member district (SMD) meeting that was focused on the increase in violent crime in the area and both she and Commissioner Lucio thought the ONSE staff provided useful information at that meeting.
Ward 5 Council Report
Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, stated CM McDuffie is prioritizing funding for the ONSE office for a violence intteruption team in Riggs Park. CM McDuffie had a meeting with Interim DDOT Director Everett Lott about a number of issues in Ward 5. New Samaritan Baptist Church will be a vaccination site, partnering with Five Medicine and Learning Undefeated.
Some students have returned to the classroom at Dunbar and at McKinley Tech. The students are not receiving in-person instruction. They are doing individual instruction on their laptops with cohorts in a classroom with an adult present to assist students with connection or other issues. The students alternate the days in which they are in the classroom, and there is a cleaning day on Wednesdays.
Councilmember McDuffie sent a fiscal year 2022 budget priority letter to Mayor Bowser with a focus on racial equity and protecting legacy businesses. (Ed note: In addition to a request for a violence interruption team in Riggs Park, there are requests related to streetscape and Bertie Backus campus improvements). That letter will be refined based on the over 1,000 responses the councilmember’s office received to the Ward 5 budget survey. In reponse to a question about funding for community use of the closed Crummell School and recreation in Ivy City, Mr. Grant stated that CM McDuffie had a meeting with stakeholders and that Mayor Bowser and DC’s Department of General Services (DGS) will ultimately decide what to do with Crummell. In the interim, DC’s Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is looking at transforming some of the black top to have temporary recreation. In addition, there is discussion about revitalizing a park around the corner from Crummell.
DDOT Ward 5 liaison Kelly Jeong-Olson shared an overview of how the agency operates. She stressed the importance of submitting 311 service requests before reaching out to the agency about issues. Also, certain items such as traffic safety requests (stop sign requests, speed hump requests, automated camera enforcement requests, and the like) require working with an ANC commissioner. You can follow DDOT’s paving work at http://www.ddot.dc.gov/pavedc.
Timeline for DDOT to complete service requests
DDOT Traffic Safety Assessment Process
Please complete DDOT’s MoveDC survey to give input on DC’s long-term transportation priorities by March 31, 2021. The survey is available at http://www.wemovedc.org.
In response to my question about the status of a sidewalk on the south side of Galloway Street NE between South Dakota Avenue and 4th Street NE, Ms. Jeong-Olson responded:
Sidewalk/trail on Galloway St, it’s NPS property but DDOT has a role in it: DDOT is in the process of transferring funding for design to the Federal Highway Administration, Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFL). Additionally, FHWA/EFL is in the process of awarding the task order for design services to a consultant. The project scope continues to be a 10′ wide sidepath on the south side of Galloway Street NE between aproximately South Dakota Avenue NE to 4th St NE; street lighting has been added to the project limits.
The project is a little unique in that EFL is responisble for the design and construction. Here’s the general timeline we have as of now:
Preliminary Engineering – 12 months Final Design – 5 months Acquisition – 2 months Construction – 8 months
A resident asked if something can be done about the speed bumps that are at the stop signs at Sargent Road and Emerson Street NE. When buses or large trucks drive over the bumps, his house and his neighbors’ houses shake. Ms. Jeong-Olsen noted the history of those speed bumps (they were installed several years ago after a child was killed by a driver while crossing the intersection) and noted that residents in other neighborhoods have asked DDOT about installing these bumps at intersections in their neighborhoods. In any case, DDOT will discuss the issue with residents.
Catholic is expanding its nursing school. The expansion is part of the university’s approved campus master plan. Approval of each part of the plan is necessary as it gets implemented. A hearing will be held on April 19, 2021 (zoning case number 12-01D). Catholic representatives came prepared for usual questions about what local businesses the university is using for contracting. They also mentioned that Catholic has a scholarship for Ward 5 residents and there is also a Conway Scholars full-ride scholarship for first-year students at the nursing school. ANC Chair Edwards said the ANC would likely support Catholic, but the commissioners tabled the issue in order to review the documents more fully.
Miscellaneous
Commissioner Lucio stated she is working to address the runoff that has been a long-standing problem near South Dakota Avenue and Delafield Street NE. Also she mentioned that the cleaners and counseling center have left the strip mall there and that a pizza/gelato shop is interested in taking over those spaces, but it is still too early to know for sure if that will happen.
Below is communication from DC Public Library’s Jaspreet Pahwa to the ANC commissioners and myself regarding Lamond-Riggs Library construction:
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Library project. Here is a quick update on construction progress from your Library rebuild and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
Construction progress update:
The building has been demolished and debris hauled off.
Building Permit received Feb 19, 2021.
Soil borings under the footprint of the old building ahead of foundation work complete
What to expect in the weeks ahead?
Construction will continue within the permitted hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday.
All work will continue to take place within the enclosed construction fence.
Deep foundation work will be the major activity over the next month. This work will have construction noise associated with it.
Vibration monitoring equipment is onsite and all readings to date are well within the threshold; alarms are set to alert if vibration approached near the limit of the safe thresholds.
Following the completion of the deep foundation work, typical concrete foundation work will commence.
There will be additional excavators as well as concrete trucks & pumps onsite
Trucks will still enter and exit the site via South Dakota Avenue into the construction enclosure from Kennedy St.
All trucks will be completely stationed within the site enclosure to limit the disruption to adjoining South Dakota, Kennedy & Jefferson Streets.
Underground utility, electrical, and plumbing work is slated to overlap foundation work.
The sidewalk on South Dakota, Jefferson St & Kennedy St. will continue to remain open for the foreseeable future.
Consigli Construction is taking all necessary measures to run a safe operation, and as with all construction projects, construction-related noise will be part of the process as the team builds your new library.
As shared previously, as the Library’s Design & Construction lead, I will continue to send updates your way and remain available to answer any technical questions that arise.
Any general questions you receive from the community can be directed to Library’s Community engagement liaison Martha Saccocio at her email: Martha.Saccocio@dc.gov.
Any time-sensitive Construction Safety Issues can be reported to Consigli Construction Superintendent- Michael Davis at 202.570.3375.
Here are a few shots of the building completely gone and soil boring equipment onsite:
Image of boring equipment for Lamond-Riggs Library Rebuild. Photo: DC Public LibraryImage of empty lot after raze of Lamond-Riggs Library. Photo: DC Public Library
Metro is soliciting input on its proposed fiscal year 2022 budget, available at wmata.com/budget. Complete Metro’s budget survey by March 16, 2021. The survey walks you through the proposed rail changes, which are easier to digest. Metro proposes keeping rail service at current levels for the remainder of 2021 and proposes an alternative plan beginning January 1, 2022, if additional funding is not secured. The alternative rail plan includes options for service frequency, operating hours (with system closing at 9:00 pm instead of 11:00 pm), turning back trains on the red and yellow lines, and closing some metro stations (Archives, Arlington Cemetery, Cheverly, Clarendon, Cleveland Park, College Park, East Falls Church, Eisenhower Ave, Federal Center SW, Federal Triangle, Greensboro, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Judiciary Sq, McLean, Morgan Boulevard, Mt Vernon Sq, Smithsonian, Van Dorn St, Virginia Square, Innovation Center*, Loudoun Gateway*, and Reston Town Center* – *Pending opening of Silver Line Phase II).
If you are interested in commenting on bus changes, look at the links for proposed bus changes on Metro’s budget website before completing the survey.
ANC 4B recently passed a resolution addressing Metro’s proposed budget. One of the ANC’s recommendations is that Metro “reopen the public comment period for the FY2022 budget before the final six months ‘fiscal cliff’ budget period that results in substantial service cuts in January 2022, especially if there is a possibility of additional federal or jurisdictional funding.” It is worth looking at some of the other recommendations in that resolution as well.
Metro is facing a significant budget shortfall due to a decrease in ridership caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A second relief package from Congress in December 2020 allowed Metro to avoid layoffs, continue providing essential travel service and prepare for transit ridership to return. However, even with the additional funding there is not enough money to fill the entire budget gap for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2021.
Metro is working with our Congressional delegation to secure additional funding to continue providing service as the region comes back to work. But service cuts remain a looming threat, and Metro must plan accordingly.
Metro’s budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) is under consideration now, and Metro is requesting your feedback. Metro’s Board of Directors and management will consider your feedback when making difficult decisions this spring.
Tell us what matters to you
Public feedback is vital in helping Metro’s Board of Directors and management make decisions about pandemic recovery. Let us know what you think by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
Because of the ongoing pandemic, Metro will be hosting all Public Hearings virtually. To provide oral testimony at a hearing, participants must call toll-free 512-580-8850 and enter the four-digit meeting code for the Public Hearing you’d like to attend.
Below is a list of dates, times and meeting codes for each of the virtual Public Hearings: Date/Time: Monday, March 8, 2021, 11 a.m. Host: Board Member Paul Smedberg Meeting Code: 9476
Date/Time: Monday, March 8, 2021, 6 p.m. Hearing will focus on proposed changes in DC, but is open to everyone. Host: Board Member Stephanie Gidigbi-Jenkins Meeting Code: 3811
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 6 p.m. Hearing will focus on proposed changes in Maryland, but is open to everyone. Host: Board Member Michael Goldman Meeting Code: 9131
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 6 p.m. Hearing will focus on proposed changes in Virginia, but is open to everyone. Hosts: Board Members Paul Smedberg and Walter Alcorn Meeting Code: 9141
Watch or listen live Watch or listen to the Public Hearings live on this page, on YouTube.com/MetroForward or by calling toll-free 512-580-8850 and entering in the four-digit meeting code.
Public feedback will be provided to Metro’s Board of Directors in April 2021 as part of the final decision-making process. Any Board-approved changes will begin after Board approval in April 2021.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 