Last week, Metro released a 10-year strategic plan to guide development around Metro stations. View the plan here.
Plan for Fort Totten Metro Station
The plan includes short and long-term action steps to develop more of the area around Fort Totten Metro station. Specifically, Metro anticipates issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for Fort Totten in 2023. There are a number of steps Metro anticipates needing to do before issuing an RFP though.
Near-term actions (2022-2023)
(1) Complete feasibility study.
(2) Coordinate with District of Columbia on funding needs for a parking garage, MTPD precinct, and bicycle/ pedestrian improvements.
(3) Resolve technical barriers (i.e. 1st Place NE ownership).
(4) Complete due diligence & scoping materials.
(5) Conduct the Compact Public Hearing to Amend the Mass Transit Plan.
(6) Secure funding for changes to transit facilities.
(7) Issue Joint Development Solicitation.
Long-term actions (2024-2026)
(8) Execute Joint Development Agreement.
(9) Support developer’s planning & entitlement activities; approve plans.
Recall Aventine Fort Totten apartments was a joint development project. Since that project was completed, Metro has issued proposals for more joint development around Fort Totten Metro station. The first proposal did not get any takers. The second did generate interest and Metro selected Donatelli for the project. That project ended up getting cancelled. Maybe the third time is the charm. And maybe we will actually get to see the proposals before one is selected.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
Would love to see a redesign that included a path through the forest linking to North Michigan Park. As we all know, nothing is likely to come of the current plans…
Thank you for the thorough review of the Metro Joint Development Strategic Plan for Fort Totten. I hope that whoever represents SMD5A09 will be attentive to this important project.
Several issues are on the table. First, will the new housing support both singles and families. The last 10-years have shown that couples move to larger housing as their family grows. DC’s and Metro’s emphasis on 1-bedroom apartments only works if there are sufficient singles to replace these growing families.
Also, ridership levels greater than 400K are envisioned in this plan. This will require DDOT to step up and ensure the safety of pedestrians at all the Fort Totten Station feeder roads – especially South Dakota Avenue NE.
Lastly, the growing issue of crime must be addressed. So, the community should thoroughly involve itself in whatever project is selected and ensure our leadership does the same.