Monthly Archives: January 2025

Give Input on Metro’s FY2026 Budget Proposal by February 10, 2025 – Public Hearings Begin February 3

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

[Ed. Note: I scheduled a few posts about mundane things to run today. I do want to acknowledge the terrible loss of life following the accident at National Airport and extend sympathies to everyone impacted.]

Metro is seeking input on its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. For details and to submit comments/complete the public survey, visit wmata.com/budget. Provide feedback by 5:00 pm on February 10, 2025.

Community Resources

Public Hearings

Metro is having hearings on the budget proposal during the first week of February. The Notice of Hearing contains instructions on how to sign up to testify.

  • Monday, February 3, 2025, 6 p.m. 

Metro Building at Eisenhower, 2401 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314  

Metro staff will be available at 5:30 p.m. for an open house.  

  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 6 p.m.  

Metro L’Enfant Plaza Headquarters, 300 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024  

Metro staff will be available at 5:30 p.m. for an open house. 

  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 12 p.m.

Virtual only (via telephone or video); no open house 

  • Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6 p.m. 

Metro Building at New Carrollton, 4100 Garden City Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20785  

Metro staff will be available at 5:30 p.m. for an open house.  

All hearings will be broadcast online at wmata.com/budget or youtube.com/metroforward.

Proposed Changes

Metro’s summary of proposed changes:

  • Extend half of Yellow Line trains to Greenbelt
  • Split Silver Line service between Downtown Largo and New Carrollton
  • Additional peak service on Red and Silver lines
  • Increase Weekend Hours of Operation
  • Implementing the Better Bus Network redesign
  • Introduce an open payment fare system, allowing taps from credit and debit cards

The big news is that Metro is proposing to run half of Yellow Line trains to Greenbelt, with the other half ending at their current terminus at Mt. Vernon Square. Please comment in support of this proposed change.

Metro is proposing to increase peak service on the red line during the busiest times:

Operate Red Line trains up to every 4 minutes, from every 5 minutes, during the busiest portions of weekday rush periods to provide additional capacity in both directions of travel. Red Line trains would continue to operate every 5 minutes during the remainder of peak service.

I personally think Metro needs to increase service more than proposed, given the constant drumbeat about workers returning to the office five days a week and the fact that trains are already crowded during rush hour right now.

Also, Metro seems to have a problem with red line trains overshooting the platform lately. When trains stop beyond the platform, trains end up getting delayed up and down the line. This has happened seemingly three days in a row now, and I saw it happen by a long shot while waiting for a train at Judiciary Square a couple of weeks ago. Metro is running a lot of six-car trains during rush hour for reasons and when there are delays, the trains get dangerously crowded. Rush hour service on the red line has been pretty bad every day this week.

The proposed budget would also implement the “Better Bus Network,” which includes changes to bus routes and bus stops in our neighborhood. We previously discussed those changes on the blog. The budget proposal states that bus service changes have already been approved by Metro’s board. People can still comment if they would like.

Finally, Metro still needs a dedicated source of funding.

Docket Materials

Submit comments by 5:00 pm on February 10, 2025, at wmata.com/budget.

Lamond-Riggs Library Friends 2025 Black History Month Events Schedule

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

[Updated 2/2/2025 to correct spelling of Nikki Giovanni]

The Lamond-Riggs Library Friends is hosting Black History Month events throughout February at the Lamond-Riggs Library (5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, 1st Floor Meeting Room). Light refreshments will be provided.

Lamond-Riggs Library Friends 2025 Black History Month Program (updated flyer)

  • Thursday, February 6, 2025: Commemoration of the Slaves who Built the US Capitol | 1pm – 2pm

The DC Office of Planning (OP) hosts “Foundations of Freedom: Recognizing the enslaved People who Built the US Capitol.” This interactive program features the Office of Planning Staff and the artist as they discuss the commemorative program process. A question-and-answer session follows.

  • Saturday, February 8, 2025: Helping to Bring Black History to Television | 2pm – 3pm

Nick Lindner, camera operator and Lamond-Riggs community member, will host a presentation on his participation in documentary work, the role and importance of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and his contributions to important PBS programming such as “Reconstruction” and “The Black Church.”

  • Sunday, February 9, 2025: Barry Farm Documentary | 2pm – 3pm

This documentary addresses the unfinished story of Barry Farm, founded in 1867. It is a portrayal of the people who built a community from nothing to its eventual succumbing to urban renewal in 2018. It is a must watch for those interested in DC history.

  • Sunday, February 16, 2025: Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project Documentary | 2pm – 4pm

Nikki Giovanni died, at the age of eighty-one, on December 9, 2024. She left a rich legacy of work ranging from children’s poetry to calls for Black Power. The documentary, as told by Nikki, follows her life from her earliest memories to her senior years.  It is funny, sad, and poetic.

January 22, 2025 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Vacant ANC seats; Community concerns about Yu Ying & Washington Latin

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on January 22, 2025. Commissioners present: Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09). ANC 5A01, 5A04, 5A05, and 5A07 are vacant.

Commission Business

The ANC elected the following officers.

Chair – Commissioner Lucio (5A03)

Vice Chair – Commissioner Thomas (5A02)

Secretary – Commissioner Lucio (5A03)

Treasurer – Commissioner Bocoum (5A09)

DC Zoning Commission Chair Anthony Hood conducted the installation of officers.

The ANC approved minutes from the November 2024 regular and special meetings.

The ANC adopted a calendar for the year. Public meetings will take place the fourth Wednesday of each month, except July, August, November, and December. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the November meeting will be moved to the first Wednesday in December.

The ANC will discuss at an executive meeting the meeting format for the year, whether virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Director of the Office of ANC Kent Boese attended the meeting. He said that the ANC could do a mix of meeting formats throughout the year so long as they provide the proper notice.

The ANC approved a budget. The ANC has a lot of money in the bank. Commissioner Lucio said that some of the money could be used to purchase equipment if the ANC decides to have hybrid meetings. In addition, the ANC may use some of the money to hire an assistant, which they approved doing last term but never did.

Screenshot of ANC 5A budget presented at meeting.

The seats for ANC 5A01, 5A04, 5A05, and 5A07 are vacant. The DC Board of Elections has information about running. The petition period ends February 3. Interested individuals may reach out to Commissioner Lucio for information.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Anthony Black, Ward 5 MOCR Manager)

The Ward 5 MOCRs are available to meet with residents and commissioners across the ward on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Contact Anthony Black at 202-251-5049 or at anthony.black@dc.gov. Contact Christian Starghill at 202-394-4399 or at christian.starghill@dc.gov.

DPW is getting back on schedule with trash and recycling pickup. If your collection was missed, submit a 311 request.

Residents are responsible for shoveling snow from the sidewalk in front of their homes. Mr. Black said residents are also responsible for shoveling the alley behind their home. A couple of residents asked about responsibility for alley shoveling, and Mr. Black stated he would get that information to the ANC. If you are a senior or person with a disability unable to shovel snow, you may apply for a snow shoveling exemption. If you need help with snow shoveling, contact Mr. Black at anthony.black@dc.gov. A few residents expressed appreciation for Mr. Black’s help with shoveling in their neighborhoods.

January 31 is the last day to sign up for health insurance through DC Health Link.

Ward 5 Council Office Report (Oliver Stoute, Director of Constituent Services for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Oversight hearings for agencies under CM Parker’s jurisdiction start January 29.

The Ward 5 public safety calls will now be held quarterly. The next one is on January 29 at 3:00 pm.

Councilmember Parker plans to hold a forum for Ward 5 ANC commissioners and civic association leaders on February 8 at Catholic University.

The Ward 5 awards ceremony has been rescheduled for February 11 at Ivy City Smokehouse.

If you need assistance with missed trash collection, submit a 311 request and send the service number to Mr. Stoute at ostoute@dccouncil.gov.

A few residents expressed appreciation for the council office’s help with snow shoveling in their neighborhood.

A resident asked about lack of prioritization of traffic safety input (TSI) requests submitted within ANC 5A under DDOT’s new model. Mr. Stoute asked for the request numbers and said he would look into it. Chair Lucio also recommended that residents work with their ANC commissioners (if they have one) when submitting 311 requests so that the commissioners can bunch similar requests and share with DDOT.

Sign up to receive CM Parker’s newsletter at ward5.us/newsletter.

Community Comments

Lots of comments from residents concerning construction of new campuses for Yu Ying and Washington Latin public charter schools at the former Kirov Ballet Academy on Harewood Road NE (Project Website). Residents noted issues with traffic congestion and parking. A couple of residents asked when Washington Latin will start having community meetings regarding construction of their new school building. The process was designed so that Yu Ying would finish construction first before Washington Latin proceeds. Part of the issue is that right now there is not an ANC commissioner for that area in ANC 5A05.

A resident suggested that residents on Urell Place, where there is a lot of concern about parking, look into getting resident-only permit parking on their street. Commissioner Holloway (5A06) offered to help.

Representatives from Yu Ying and Washington Latin were on the meeting to listen. Yu Ying held a meeting on January 16 to provide updates. Jose Sousa is serving as the point of contact for residents for Yu Ying. He can be reached at jose.souza@washingtonyuying.org.

Washington Latin representatives stated they will work to have a community meeting. They also noted that at their existing campus on 2nd and Hamilton Street NW, they use a bus service to transport about one-third of their students. So, they are looking at possibly using a bus service for their new campus to mitigate some of the traffic. Washington Latin reps can be reached at communication@latinpcs.org. Commissioner Lucio invited both schools to attend the ANC’s February meeting to give a formal presentation.

In response to a question about the McDonald’s on South Dakota Avenue, Commissioner Alston (5A08) stated that the new owners told her that the restaurant is scheduled to close on February 15. They are still waiting for raze permits, but they need to close in order to start cleaning the restaurant. Commissioner Alston said that the owners told her that flyers about the closure are inside the restaurant.

In response to a question about the marijuana dispensary planned next to the McDonald’s, Commissioner Alston stated that she has reached out to the owners, but they have not responded so far. A resident asked if there was a process for getting retail that residents want in the strip mall. Response was that it depends on the particular project and if the ANC has the opportunity to weigh in.

To join ANC 5A’s distribution list, fill out the form on the ANC’s website at anc5a.org. Reach out to your ANC commissioner to find out if they have a distribution list for their single member district. Find your ANC/SMD.

The next ANC 5A meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2025.

February 1-21: Application Period for DDOT E-Bike Voucher Program 

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

The application period for DDOT’s e-bike voucher program will be open February 1-21, 2025. District residents may apply for a voucher worth up to $1,500 to help purchase an e-bike. To participate in the Program, individuals must: 

  • Be a District resident; 
  • Be over 18 years old;
  • If applying as a Preferred Applicant, be enrolled in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or the DC Healthcare Alliance.
  • Not have received an e-bike voucher from this program in 2024.

Note, this year’s program will not include vouchers for cargo e-bikes. District residents must apply for a voucher in advance and be approved before buying an e-bike or other items

To learn more, visit ddot.dc.gov/ebikes.

January 30: Ward 4 Public Safety Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4

Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is hosting a public safety meeting with MPD on January 30, 2025, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Brightwood Education Campus (1300 Nicholson Street NW).

If you have any questions or accessibility requests for Thursday’s meeting, please send an email to Candace Nelson, Chief of Staff, at cnelson@dccouncil.gov.

January 29: Ward 5 Quarterly Public Safety Call – Register in Advance

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites residents to join his next Public Safety Call on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. These calls will now be held quarterly.

Invited guests are MPD Chief Pamela Smith and Director Kweli Sneed from the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE).

Register to receive the meeting link at ward5.us/publicsafetycall. The meeting will be livestreamed on CM Parker’s YouTube channel. It will be recorded, and slides will be shared afterwards.

January 22-March 7: DC Council FY2024-2025 Performance Oversight Hearings

Posted by nextstoprp in Council

DC Council performance oversight hearings will run from January 22 to March 7, 2025: Draft FY2024-2025 Performance Oversight Hearing Schedule.

Sign up to testify live or submit written testimony through the DC Council Hearing Portal.

Oversight hearings provide a good opportunity to let the Council know what District agencies are doing well and how they can improve. It is a good first step in advocating for budget funding. Worth taking some time to let those with the power to do something know about issues that residents have.

January 27: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

From ANC 4B

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting

Monday, January 27, 7:00 p.m. 

Virtual Meeting Details: 

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link:  

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/81406325863

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13017158592, 81406325863#  

Meeting ID: 814 0632 5863 

  1. Call to Order & Roll Call 
  2. Administrative Items 
    1. Instructions for participation in virtual meeting 
    2. Consideration and approval of January 2025 Regular Public Meeting Agenda 
    3. Officer Elections 
    4. Approval of November 2024 Regular Public Meeting Minutes 
    5. Treasurer’s Report/FY25 Q1 quarterly financial report 
  3. Commissioner Updates  
    1. 4B04 vacancy: Candidate petition circulation period 1.13.25-2.3.25 
  4. Community Concerns  

Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak. 

The Commission will provide details regarding how to present community concerns at the start of the virtual 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. 

  1. Reports (Invited)
    1. Yamileth Escobar, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)  
    2. Barbara Rogers, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 minutes)  
    3. T. Michelle Colson, Ward 4 State Board of Education (3 minutes) 
  2. Consent Calendar 
  3. Adjournment  

The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for February 11 at 6:30 p.m.  

The next ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for February 24 at 7:00 p.m.  

The next ANC 4B Community Safety and Support Committee meeting is scheduled for February 20 at 7:00 p.m.  

Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com

Draft – 4B Full Meeting Agenda – Updated-2

Art Place at Fort Totten Request for Extension of Time

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

The Cafritz Foundation is seeking a two-year extension of time to submit an application for the next phases of Art Place at Fort Totten (Zoning Commission case no. 06-10I). The project sits in ANC 5A09.

See Developer Statement in Support of Extension Request.

The Zoning Commission expects to discuss the request at its public meeting on January 30, 2025.

Background

We have gotten a lot of questions about timing for various aspects of the development. The project, a planned unit development (PUD), is being developed in phases along South Dakota Avenue NE between Galloway and Kennedy. The Modern at Art Place (referred to as Building A or Phase 1) opened in 2017. When the Zoning Commission approved the part of the project currently under construction (referred to as Block B or Phase 2), the commission requested that the developer “file a second stage PUD application for either Block C or Block D by December 31, 2024.” (ZC order 06-10D). The expectation was that Phase 2 would have been fully built out by now.

As most know, after the second phase was initially approved, the pandemic impacted plans for the project. They lost their big anchor Meow Wolf, and the retail environment dramatically shifted. So, they filed requests for modifications that were approved. They came up with a sequencing plan for the second phase, which has been discussed on the blog previously. The first sequence included construction of Aldi grocery store, which opened on December 5, 2024. They outlined further sequencing to round out the second phase to include potentially a children’s museum, housing, and additional retail.

Last year, we discussed that the new potential operator of the children’s museum, KID Museum, was taking time to evaluate the feasibility of opening a second location in this neighborhood. There is a KID Museum in Bethesda. At Aldi’s ribbon cutting, I was told that KID Museum is still going through their feasibility process. We also discussed plans by Social Justice School to establish a permanent home in the last remaining warehouse on Kennedy Street. The developer previously communicated that the development team continues to seek financing for the housing portion of Phase 2.

Extension Request

All that to say, there are no clear answers about timing for the remainder of Phase 2 and what could possibly be in store for future phases. And that is what the developer is saying they need time to evaluate. Their filing states:

The Applicant requests an extension of the First-Stage PUD approval for two years; that is, until December 31, 2026. This extension request will provide the Applicant the opportunity to review, potentially revise, and move forward with Second-Stage PUD applications for the development of the Property. The time extension request will also allow the Applicant to finalize a new development timeline and mix of uses, which better reflects the current and expected economic climate.

The DC Office of Planning filed a report recommending approval of the extension request but noted that if this is indeed the second request and not the first, then it may be granted for just one year (OP Report).

The developer notified ANC 5A and ANC 4B, as well as the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA).

(Full disclosure: Knowing that a request for an extension of time was likely forthcoming, I sent the development team and ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) correspondence about the property. Over the past couple of years, a few residents have regularly let the development team know about the need to be more diligent about maintaining the vacant lots, picking up trash, improving the overall appearance of the property, being creative and flexible regarding the vacant retail spaces and lots, and etc.)

The developer’s filing states:

In response to dialogue with representatives of ANC 5B, LRCA, and members of the surrounding community, the Applicant has agreed to undertake the following actions to enhance the physical appearance of the area around Blocks B, C, and D as follows:

• The Applicant has prepared a full design program for a new fence with signage and art images, as well as banner signs on new light poles throughout the site;

• The Applicant will install trashcans along South Dakota Avenue in front of Block B; and

• The Applicant will work with LRCA, ANC 5B, and members of the community to activate the site (in particular the South Dakota Avenue frontage) while the planning for the future development of Blocks C and D progresses.

(The ANC listed in the filing is a typo. The project is in ANC 5A and across the street from ANC 4B. Also, the first bullet point regarding banners is something they came up with on their own).

I anticipate that we will be hearing more about these interim plans in the next couple of months.

Riggs Crossing Senior Residences Interest Form Still Open (January 2025)

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Crossing Senior Residences

Riggs Crossing Senior Residences is a new income-restricted, affordable senior housing community currently under construction at 307 Riggs Road NE on the southeast corner of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE. The developer is True Ground Housing Partners (previously known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing or APAH). The development will consist of roughly 93 apartments above ground-floor retail. True Ground recently lowered the age of eligibility to 55 years old.

As of January 2025, apartments are still available, particularly the 2-bedroom units that require two leaseholders.

Individuals 55 years old and older may fill out an interest form through the Contact page on the website to determine if they meet the income restrictions and eligibility guidelines. Individuals may also call 771-223-9886. This is a voicemail inbox only. Leave a message. Calls will be returned in the order they are received. Please do not go to the location on Riggs Road as it is still an active construction zone. There is not a leasing office on site.

The residential portion of the project is expected to be completed in first quarter 2025.

True Ground is also still soliciting interest from potential retail tenants for below market rate lease opportunities. Contact Joanna Shin at jshin@truegroundhousing.org for retail inquiries.

January 22: ANC 5A Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A January 2025 Monthly Meeting: 01/22/2025 at 06:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86281825248?pwd=TMpbuYxbXwjq8EagXa1LGHlAaQKAme.1

Meeting ID: 862 8182 5248
Passcode: 590393
Call In: 301 715 8592 US

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum

III. Office Vacancy Declaration-ANC 5A01, 5A04, 5A05, 5A07

IV. Election & Swearing in of Officers Anthony Hood

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance

IV. Minutes for Approval (November Special Meeting 2024 and November 2024 Monthly Meeting)

IV. Commission Business
A. Meeting Announcements (Mailchimp and Website)
B. Single Member District Meetings as desired
C. Meeting Format- In-person or virtual
D. Website- Commissioner information and Notices
E. Office Space options
F. Treasurer Report
A. Budget
B. ANC Security Fund
C. Bank requirements
D. Approval of Q1 FY25 Quarterly Financial Report
E. Business Cards, phones and keys
G. Proposed Meeting Calendar

V. Community Updates
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office

VII. Community Comment Period

VIII. Next Meeting: February 26, 2025

IX. Adjourn

Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first.

Commissioners Still Needed for ANC 5A; One for ANC 4B – Petitions Available Starting January 13, 2025

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, ANC 5A

Reposting from last week with one addition.

Petitions for ANC vacancies are available starting today January 13, 2025. Petitions are due by 4:45 pm on February 3, 2025.

—

With the start of the new year comes the start of a new term for the city’s advisory neighborhood commissioners.

ANC 4B needs one commissioner for ANC 4B04 (Takoma) to have a full commission.

Map of ANC 4B04 boundaries from DC Board of Elections.

ANC 5A still has a lot of vacancies that need to be filled, including one covering part of the Riggs Park neighborhood. Four of ANC 5A’s nine seats are vacant:

  • 5A01 (Riggs Park)
  • 5A04 (Catholic University)
  • 5A05
  • 5A07 (west of Fort Totten Park, south of Riggs Road)

Each ANC commissioner represents a single member district (SMD) of approximately 2,000 residents for a two-year term. ANC 5A has a monthly public meeting typically the fourth Wednesday of each month, except in July and August. There is also typically a monthly executive (planning) meeting.

Petitions will be available starting January 13, 2025, and will be due on February 3, 2025. Instructions on how to run for a vacant ANC seat are available on the DC Board of Elections website. Also see DCBOE’s Overview for Filling ANC Vacancies.

Elected and agency officials often rely on ANCs to help get things done. Having a seat remain vacant for a long period of time can be disadvantageous to residents. So, think about it. Thanks in advance for serving.

ANC 5A01

Map of ANC 5A01 boundaries from DC Board of Elections.

ANC 5A01 includes UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus (including food hub) and the Lamond-Riggs Library. This is my SMD. I am not going to run for this seat. I think it is a nice manageable area. Big-ticket items for this area include UDC’s renovation of the Lamond-Riggs campus and a couple of transportation projects.

ANC 5A04

Map of ANC 5A04 boundaries from DC Board of Elections.

ANC 5A04 primarily covers Catholic University. Catholic has its fair share of projects going on. The area also abuts some of the large development projects happening in the Edgewood/Brookland areas. In the past, Catholic officials have assisted in getting a student to run. Hopefully they will do that again this year.

ANC 5A05

Map of ANC 5A05 boundaries from DC Board of Elections.

ANC 5A05 includes a mix of apartments, single family homes, and a few large institutions. The big-ticket items in this SMD include the ongoing construction of new campuses for Yu Ying and Washington Latin public charter schools, the protracted (non)development of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and a couple of transportation projects.

ANC 5A07

Map of ANC 5A07 boundaries from DC Board of Elections.

ANC 5A07 is the area just west of Fort Totten Park, south of Riggs Road NE. This seat was vacant for much of the previous term. It would be great to have someone fill this seat for the full term. The area includes National Park Service parkland, a few apartment buildings and single-family homes, the Metropolitan Branch Trail, Impact DMV Church, and a few public charter schools plus Mary’s Center. One of the big-ticket items is the forever stalled Metro redevelopment of the large parking lot at Fort Totten Metro station. Generally though, there are a lot of Metro property and NPS issues for which it would be nice to have a dedicated ANC representative to work with Metro and elected officials. Also, an affordable housing development is slated for the corner of Riggs Road & 1st Place NE.

Neighborhood Commissioners Still Needed for ANC 5A – Petitions Available January 13, 2025

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

a

With the start of the new year comes the start of a new term for the city’s advisory neighborhood commissioners. ANC 5A still has a lot of vacancies that need to be filled, including one covering part of the Riggs Park neighborhood. Four of ANC 5A’s nine seats are vacant:

  • 5A01 (Riggs Park)
  • 5A04 (Catholic University)
  • 5A05
  • 5A07 (west of Fort Totten Park, south of Riggs Road)

Each ANC commissioner represents a single member district (SMD) of approximately 2,000 residents for a two-year term. ANC 5A has a monthly public meeting typically the fourth Wednesday of each month, except in July and August. There is also typically a monthly executive (planning) meeting.

Petitions will be available starting January 13, 2025, and will be due on February 3, 2025. Instructions on how to run for a vacant ANC seat are available on the DC Board of Elections website. Also see DCBOE’s Overview for Filling ANC Vacancies.

Elected and agency officials often rely on ANCs to help get things done. Having a seat remain vacant for a long period of time can be disadvantageous to residents. So, think about it. Thanks in advance for serving.

ANC 5A01

Map of ANC 5A01 boundaries from DC Board of Elections

ANC 5A01 includes UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus (including food hub) and the Lamond-Riggs Library. This is my SMD. I am not going to run for this seat. I think it is a nice manageable area. Big-ticket items for this area include UDC’s renovation of the Lamond-Riggs campus and a couple of transportation projects.

ANC 5A04

Map of ANC 5A04 boundaries from DC Board of Elections

ANC 5A04 primarily covers Catholic University. Catholic has its fair share of projects going on. The area also abuts some of the large development projects happening in the Edgewood/Brookland areas. In the past, Catholic officials have assisted in getting a student to run. Hopefully they will do that again this year.

ANC 5A05

Map of ANC 5A05 boundaries from DC Board of Elections

ANC 5A05 includes a mix of apartments, single family homes, and a few large institutions. The big-ticket items in this SMD include the ongoing construction of new campuses for Yu Ying and Washington Latin public charter schools, the protracted (non)development of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and a couple of transportation projects.

ANC 5A07

Map of ANC 5A07 boundaries from DC Board of Elections

ANC 5A07 is the area just west of Fort Totten Park, south of Riggs Road NE. This seat was vacant for much of the previous term. It would be great to have someone fill this seat for the full term. The area includes National Park Service parkland, a few apartment buildings and single-family homes, the Metropolitan Branch Trail, Impact DMV Church, and a few public charter schools plus Mary’s Center. One of the big-ticket items is the forever stalled Metro redevelopment of the large parking lot at Fort Totten Metro station. Generally though, there are a lot of Metro property and NPS issues for which it would be nice to have a dedicated ANC representative to work with Metro and elected officials. Also, an affordable housing development is slated for the corner of Riggs Road & 1st Place NE.