ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on October 22, 2025. Commissioners present: Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Secretary; Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 is vacant.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Eastern Avenue NE (5A02)
A resident is seeking to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at his home at 4826 Eastern Avenue NE. The resident said the ADU will be used for a family member. The resident needs setback relief from the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA case no. 21364). Commissioner Thomas held an SMD meeting to hear from residents. The ANC voted to support the application for BZA relief. A hearing is scheduled for November 5, 2025.
ANC Resolution Requesting Guidance on MPD Cooperation with Federal Immigration Agents
The ANC voted to support a resolution drafted by Commissioner Sosa Garnica (5A07) in response to disturbing incidents involving federal immigration agents and MPD near DC Bilingual Public Charter School. The school sits in ANC 5A07.
The letter requests clarification on guidance given to MPD around cooperation with federal immigration agents; reaffirmation of individuals’ right to peacefully protest; training for MPD on First Amendment activity; reaffirmation of community policing practices; clear, consistent communication to schools and MPD; and funding, resources, and guidance for schools as they navigate all of this. (I will update the post with a copy of the resolution once it is available).
Daniela Anello, CEO of DC Bilingual, thanked the ANC for taking a public stand and drafting this resolution that will be sent to Mayor Bowser, DCPS, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice, and MPD. A week before the ANC meeting, Ms. Anello addressed Mayor Bowser at a community meeting noting how traumatizing and disturbing it was and continues to be for 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds to witness the violent detainment of individuals outside of the school.
The pastor of Faith United Church noted that the church was holding a community event on October 25 that included a “Know Your Rights” training.
Clinical Health & Wellness Medical Cannabis Shop Update (5A08)
On October 9, 2025, six ANC 5A commissioners filed a lawsuit in the DC Court of Appeals against the ABC Board for the board’s dismissal and handling of ANC 5A’s protest against Clinical Health & Wellness, a medical cannabis retail license applicant seeking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue in North Michigan Park. The property sits in ANC 5A08. The case is Hermes, et al. v. D.C. Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Board, No. 25-AA-0927.
The ABC Board originally dismissed the ANC’s protest due to the ANC’s failure to specify statutory grounds for the protest. The ANC requested reconsideration twice. The board denied reconsideration both times. (See background here).
Commissioner Hermes (5A04), who has been helping Commissioner Alston (5A08) with the protest, explained that the lawsuit argues in part that the Home Rule Act requires that District agencies give great weight to ANCs, and that by dismissing ANC 5A’s protest before a hearing, the board violated the Home Rule Act. (The DC Council passed legislation that permits only abutting property owners/tenants, daycares within 400 feet, and ANCs to protest medical cannabis retail applications, unlike alcohol license applications where a party of 5 or more can file a protest.) They again spell out the notice deficiencies by ABCA. They also requested a stay of the ABCA application proceedings so that ABCA will not be able to approve a license before the lawsuit is resolved.
The ANC also sent a letter to the DC Council about the issue.
Commissioner Alston requested $500 for another protest in front of the shop. An ANC 5A08 resident objected. The ANC supported the request.
DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan Presentation (Nick Kushner, Senior Citywide Planner, DC Office of Planning)
The DC Office of Planning continues to hold community meetings and workshops to gather input for the District’s next Comprehensive Plan, called DC 2050. The Comprehensive Plan guides how the city will grow. There are two upcoming workshops at OP’s offices at 899 North Capitol Street NE:
November 6 at 6:00 pm
November 15 at 11:00 am
Providence Campus Redevelopment (5A03)(EYA Executive Vice President Evan Goldman)
To recap, EYA and Menkiti have teamed up to redevelop the Providence campus. There will be townhomes and apartments. A portion of the homes and apartments will be set aside for income-restricted affordable housing. The existing medical office buildings, parking garage, Carroll Manor nursing home, and the Police & Fire Clinic will remain on the campus.
The development team reached an agreement on the value of the land with the Office of Attorney General for DC (OAG), and $5 million will be held in trust for healthcare services. The team is working with the OAG to set up the trust agreement. The OAG will appoint community members to a board to oversee disposition of the funds. An urgent care facility is proposed to be part of the project.
The team expects to submit planned unit development (PUD) documents to the DC Zoning Commission in early 2026.
The team has not made many design refinements since the spring/summer. They are waiting for lease negotiations between Ventas and Ascension (owner of Providence Hospital) to conclude. Ascension owns the ground lease under the existing medical office buildings owned by Ventas. Part of the reason demolition will be complicated is that the medical buildings and old hospital buildings share utilities, so the team will have to build new utility infrastructure for the existing medical buildings that will remain before tearing down the old hospital buildings.
A resident noted that he and his neighbors near 12th & Buchanan Street NE are paying careful attention to the redevelopment. He told the ANC that residents want to have a transparent process for neighbors to weigh in on the project before the ANC takes any action before the Zoning Commission. He raised a few issues that neighbors are concerned about, such as the existing traffic during morning rush hour that makes it hard for residents on Buchanan to turn onto 12th.
An older resident asked if there would be single level condos available. Mr. Goldman stated that the apartments will be single level and that it is possible that some townhomes may have elevators, but they have not gotten that far in the design process to decide either way.
Chair Lucio noted that developers for the Kennedy School redevelopment at 8th & Buchanan Street NE, expect to finish the renovations for what is called the Conway Education Center by the end of this year. Once the renovations are done, the existing school will be torn down to build townhomes. The property borders the Providence campus so Chair Lucio has been working with the different development teams to collaborate on the green spaces between the two properties.
Office of Campaign Finance Presentation (Kalvanetta Peete, OCF)
The DC Office of Campaign Finance gave a presentation on campaign finance rules and the Fair Election Program (public campaign finance program). Criteria and reporting requirements for the FEP are on OCF’s website.
Ms. Peete also noted that ANC candidates have to file a summary financial statement within 60 days of election certification regardless of whether they have any campaign expenses.
Former Ward 5 MOCR Manager Anthony Black was recently promoted and is serving in a new role with the mayor’s office.
The mayor’s office has brought on new liaisons for faith institutions and the business community. Mariah Coilton, the faith institution liaison, can be reached at mariah.coilton@dc.gov.
Ward 5 rolloff day was October 25 at Trinidad Rec.
Leaf collection will begin November 3, 2025, and end February 7, 2026.
There are changes coming up to Medicaid. For questions, contact the public benefit call center at (202) 727-7355.
Federal workers impacted by furloughs/layoffs can find resources at fedsupport.dc.gov.
Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)
The next Ward 5 public safety call is on October 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Register for zoom info at ward5.us/publicsafety.
Councilmember Parker has introduced a 16-bill policy package to foster youth wellbeing in DC.
CM Parker is working on a letter to ABCA regarding ABCA’s handling of ANC 5A’s protest against Clinical Health & Wellness.
Miscellaneous
A resident asked if the ANC could inquire with DPW about the reason for delays with trash/recycling pickup. DPW notified ANC commissioners that there would be delays the past couple of weeks, but the ANC did not share that information with residents.
Irene Stephens is the Ward 5 representative to the WMATA (Metro) Advisory Council. She can be reached at irenestephens2011@gmail.com.
Location: UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE (inside parking lot on Galloway Street NE)
Join UDC CAUSES for their UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market Celebration to celebrate their inaugural market season. Enjoy fresh produce, small business spotlights, live entertainment, face painting, & more!
For more information, contact causesfarmersmarket@udc.edu or (202) 274-7124.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13017158592, 81406325863#
Meeting ID: 814 0632 5863
Call to Order & Roll Call
Administrative Items
Instructions for participation in virtual and in-person meetings
Consideration and approval of October 2025 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
Approval of September 2025 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
Vote to Remove Commissioner Doug Payton (ANC 4B01) from Walter Reed Laison Role (All ANC)
Vote on New ANC 4B Liaison for Walter Reed
Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Updates
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 contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.
Reports
Kelly Hunt, Chief of Staff, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George (5 minutes)
Leticia Acosta, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
4B Community Safety & Support Committee (2 minutes)
Presentations
Kisembe Namusyule – Takoma Elementary School PTA
Vincent Ubiera – DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Matt Volk – Young Playwrights’ Theater
Teresa Edmundson – Howard University
Paul Strzelczyk – Whittier Elementary School PTA
Eddie Sanders and/or Ms. Warnique “Niky” Wes – DPW Community Update
Tiffany Smith-Bell – Parking Enforcement Update and Appreciation
Resolutions
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1001: Takoma Elementary PTO Grant (Christian)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1002: Supporting Community Open Use Hours at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Field (Geong)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1003: Young Playwrights’ Theater Grant (Mayer)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1004: Historic Preservation Exemption for Whittier Elementary School (Courtland)
Letter on Behalf of Friendship Public Charter School – Cohen/Berry
Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com
All events at Explore! Museum, 395 Ingraham Street NE.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 (6 PM) – Candle Making with Tajaessentials
A cozy, hands-on evening for ages 12 and up. Materials provided. Bring home your hand-crafted aromatherapy for just $10 (+fees). RSVP here.
Thursday, Oct. 30 (4–7 PM) – Community Mosaic Workshop…with Treats!
Join Explore! for apple cider, pumpkin snacks, and crafts as they wrap up October at Explore! Costumes welcome! RSVP here or sign in at the door. FREE
New! Tuesday Evenings at Explore!
You asked for more days, and starting this month, Explore! will be open Tuesday nights (4-7 pm). Stay tuned for special workshops like candle making and sculpture.
Memberships Start in November
Explore!’s free events have been so popular that they’ve gone through supplies fast! To keep materials stocked and quality high, here are a few ways to support Explore!:
Pay-What-You-Can: Suggested $5 donation per event (cash or Eventbrite).
It’s time for the annual Blanket or Treat. Whats Blanket or Treat? It’s like trunk or treat, but neighbors sit on blankets in the park instead of car trunks and hand out candy. Feel free to come earlier or stay later. Don’t forget your costumes!
On Sunday, October 26th from 4:30 to 6:30pm, the Lamond Community Action Group will host a Halloween Parade starting at Milligan Point (Sligo Mill Rd & Rittenhouse) and ending at 60 Sheridan St NE. The parade will be followed by a potluck in the driveway between 56-60 Sheridan St NE. If you plan to participate or bring something for the potluck, or donate gift cards for the costume contest, email lcagdc@gmail.com with what you plan to bring.
October 31, 2025
From CM Lewis George newsletter:
On Friday, October 31st from 6 to 9pm, Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center (501 Riggs Rd NE) will host a night of frights and delights featuring a haunted house and family-friendly movie. RSVP here.
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites residents to join his next Quarterly Public Safety Call on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Topics: Recent Violent Incidents in Ward 5 & Onging Federal Surge.
Guests: MPD 5D Commander Shawn Rooney, MPD 5D Captain David Augustine, MPD 4D Commander Nikki Lavenhouse, MPD 3D Commander Sean Connors
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.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13017158592, 81406325863#
Meeting ID: 814 0632 5863
Call to Order & Roll Call
Administrative Items
Instructions for participation in virtual and in-person meetings
Consideration and approval of October 2025 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
Approval of September 2025 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
Vote to Remove Commissioner Doug Payton (ANC 4B01) from Walter Reed Laison Role (All ANC)
Vote on New ANC 4B Liaison for Walter Reed
Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Updates
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 contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.
Reports
Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George, Ward 4 DC Councilmember (5 minutes)
Leticia Acosta, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
T. Michelle Colson, Ward 4 State Board of Education (3 minutes)
4B Community Safety & Support Committee (2 minutes)
Presentations
Kisembe Namusyule – Takoma Elementary School PTA
Vincent Ubiera – DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Matt Volk – Young Playwrights’ Theater
Teresa Edmundson – Howard University
Paul Strzelczyk – Whittier Elementary School PTA
Randi Thorpe – DPW Community Update
Tiffany Smith-Bell – Parking Enforcement Update and Appreciation
Resolutions
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1001: Takoma Elementary PTO Grant (Christian)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1002: Supporting Community Open Use Hours at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Field (Geong)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1003: Young Playwrights’ Theater Grant (Mayer)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1004: Historic Preservation Exemption for Whittier Elementary School (Courtland)
Letter on Behalf of Friendship Public Charter School – Cohen/Berry
Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com
Celebrate Friends of the Library Week at the Lamond-Riggs Library Open House! Meet the friendly new library staff, explore what’s new on the shelves, and take a fresh look at all the amazing services your library has to offer.
Sign up for a library card (if you don’t already have one)
Join the Friends of the Library and help support programs, events, and more
Enjoy light refreshments, community connection, and maybe even a surprise giveaway!
Update 10/27/2025: Beginning the week of October 27, World Central Kitchen food trucks will distribute meals to federal workers. For more info, visit https://wck.org/news/first-alert-shutdown-25.
Federal Worker Solidarity Fund, hosted by the Community Services Agency of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, provides up to $500 in emergency financial assistance for eligible federal workers in the DC region impacted by the government shutdown. Donations may also be made at the link.
Beginning the week of October 20, Capital Area Food Bank will distribute food boxes of produce and shelf stable items to federal workers impacted by the government shutdown on the following days/times. Visitors will need to show government ID.
Anyone in need of food assistance can find the times and locations of additional food distributions among the Capital Area Food Bank’s partner network by visiting the Get Help page. If you have any questions about food assistance or these distributions, please call the Hunger Lifeline at (202) 644-9807.
Neighborhood Food Distributions
DC Bilingual Public Charter School Family Food Market (1st Friday monthly, October through June) 33 Riggs Road NE 11:00 am-1:00 pm Produce & shelf stable items For more information, email uejimofor@dcbilingual.org Sponsored by Capital Area Food Bank
Faith United Church of Christ (3rd Wednesday monthly) 4900 10th Street NE 9:00 am (food usually runs out by 11:30 am) Produce market and diaper bank
For more information, contact faithuccdc@gmail.com or 202-635-7777
LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Family Food Market(Typically 3rd Thursday monthly, October through June) 501 Riggs Road NE (enter on Madison Street side of campus) 3:30 pm-5:30 pm (people start lining up as early as 2:30) Produce & shelf stable items Sponsored by Capital Area Food Bank
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center(3rd Saturday monthly) 501 Riggs Road NE (enter on Nicholson Street side) 11:00 am Fresh produce, canned goods, & fresh quarter chicken Sponsored by Andre Lee (Lee Little League)/Feed My People Ministry)
The Commissioners will be meeting in-person. On Zoom, Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first. Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.
Agenda
Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET
Quorum
Agenda Review/Acceptance
Commission Business
Minutes from Sept. 24, 2025
Treasurer’s Report QFR 4
Commission Action Items/Updates
5A02: BZA Case 21364 4826 Eastern Ave NE
5A07: Resolution for the support of the safety of our schools
5A08: Update on ABCA
District Court of Appeals Petition for review
Letter to City Council
Protest Funds Request
Reports & Presentations
5A03: Evan Goldman, Providence Hospital Development Update
Alex Freedman, DC Office of Planning — DC 2025
Deloris K. Ramsey (Supervisory Training Officer) from the Office of Campaign Finance, DC Board of Elections
Community Comment Period
Announcements
Next Meeting – November 19th (Note: changed due to Thanksgiving)
Metrorail weekend service for Saturday, October 18 through Monday, October 19
Advisory Effective: 10/18/25 – 10/19/25
Hours: Sat 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sun 6 a.m. – midnight
Red Line
Free shuttle buses replace trains between Union Station and Rhode Island Av. NoMa-Gallaudet Station closed. Trains run every 8 minutes (daytime) and 10 minutes (evening) between Shady Grove and Union Station and Normal Service frequencies between Rhode Island Av and Glenmont. At Judiciary Square only, one track will be closed to customers, and trains will arrive every 16 minutes (daytime) and 20 minutes after 9:30 p.m. on the track available to customers. As an alternative, customers can board nearby at Gallery Place-Chinatown for a shorter wait time.
Silver Line
Trains single track between Addison Road and Morgan Blvd. Trains run every 12 minutes (daytime) and 15 minutes (evening) between Ashburn and New Carrollton with no service on the Silver Line Downtown Largo branch.
The North Michigan Park Fall Community Clean Up is scheduled for this Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Looking for volunteers to assist with the community clean up.
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Meeting Site – North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 13th and Emerson St NE
Main Street Clean Up Area
South Dakota Ave – From Gallatin Street NE to Webster St NE
Gallatin St – From South Dakota Ave NE to 16th Street NE
Sargent Road – From South Dakota Ave to Gallatin St NE
Next Stop...Riggs Park 