ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on May 27, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Chair; Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

The first hour of the meeting was interrupted by audio issues. Simple fix, commissioners who are not speaking need to mute their mics.

Commission Business

The ANC spent money on equipment for hybrid meetings. The ANC purchased a phone for the office on Galloway Street. This office is provided free of charge as a community benefit in the Art Place development and phone service is included in the lease at not cost.

Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08) stated that she is hoping to get a student employee through the summer youth employment program to answer the phone in the office. Unclear who would supervise the student and what exactly the student would be doing in the office because the commissioners all have cell phones paid for with ANC money.

Draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM)

Commissioner Jack Hermes (5A04) drafted a resolution regarding the draft FLUM released by the Office of Planning. The ANC did not share a copy of the draft before the meeting. Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) read it aloud during the meeting. Ultimately, the ANC decided that they will rework the resolution. Unclear if residents will see a draft of the resolution before the ANC votes on it and also unclear when they intend to vote on it.

Taylor Street NE Bike Lane Project

Commissioner Lucio (5A03) did not have any real updates regarding the Taylor Street bike lane project. The joint ANC 5A/5B committee continues to review the options presented by DDOT. Residents can send comments on the options to Commissioner Lucio.

Unlit Galloway-Gallatin Path (5A09)

The issue of the unlit path between Gallatin & Galloway was a last-minute addition to the agenda, but no one had any updates on it. Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) stated that he emailed National Park Service about the issue and also stated that he invited them to his next SMD meeting on June 23.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Lacy Davis, Ward 5 MOCR)

Mayor Bowser’s emergency juvenile curfew is in effect until June 6. Outdoor pools and spark parks are open on weekends citywide and will open during the week on June 22.

New federal SNAP work requirements begin June 1 for certain individuals without dependents.

During summer months, trash pickup will begin at 5:30am to beat the heat. Residents may place their bins out the evening beforehand.

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

CM Parker’s office held spring community clean ups on May 30. CM Parker attended Riggs Park Day on May 30.

DPR held a Ward 5 capital projects update on June 4.

Feedback on the draft FLUM was due June 7.

FY2027 budget markup is ongoing with a vote scheduled for June 9 and a second vote on June 23.

CM Parker plans to send a formal letter to UDC to request more transparency regarding plans for the Lamond-Riggs campus.

MPD 4D has a new commander, David Hong, who will be a guest on the next Ward 5 public safety call.

Two DDOT notices of intent in ANC 5A. One closed on June 8. The other closes June 29.

Commissioner Updates

In response to a resident who has repeatedly asked about community benefits related to the project, Commissioner Lucio stated that the project is still a ways off, that the benefits discussed to date are listed in the presentations on the project website. She also mentioned that the latest holdup concerns disagreement about whether to retain the pedestrian bridge on the campus. Commissioner Lucio (5A03) had an SMD meeting on June 2.

Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02) mentioned issues with trash/dumping at the Avondale shopping center.

Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08) stated she is working with McDonald’s and to address rat infestation issues around the property. A resident mentioned again how dark it is by the McDonald’s. Commissioner Alston stated again that they will not keep their lights on in the parking lot after the restaurant closes.

Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) is planning an SMD meeting on June 23 with NPS. He has also invited DDOT and UDC President Dr. Maurice Edington, PhD.

UDC Community Engagement Office Update

UDC Community Engagement Director Juanita Gray stated that President Edington approved the design for the updated 9/11 memorial at the Lamond-Riggs campus. They need to provide a higher resolution image to the company producing the marker. They hope that will be done in time for 9/11 events this year. Ms. Gray also stated that over 500 students received their associate degree at the community college graduation in May, the most number of graduates for the university. Ms. Gray repeated that President Edington will attend a meeting in the community. Unclear when that will happen.

The next ANC 5A meeting is scheduled for June 24.