The Cafritz Foundation has launched the Art Place Arts District, a new lineup of weekly theater, storytelling and leadership programs, brought to life with local arts organizations right here in Riggs Park. Programs run weekly now through mid-December.
Sip & Paint 10:00 am-1:00 pm • All materials: canvas + paint provided • Guided painting session by @cibellearcanjo (no experience needed!) • Specialty coffee, teas & refreshers to sip while you paint $25 per person Reserve your spot
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on October 28, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Jack Hermes (5A04) – Vice Chair; Dyanna Weston (5A05); Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.
Vice Chair Jack Hermes (5A04) led the meeting in the absence of Chair Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07).
It was a packed agenda, so entirely possible I did not get everything.
Commission Business
The grant report for the Queens Chapel Civic Association was listed on the agenda, but Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02) gave a brief update on the association’s community day instead.
Boys Town Campus Redevelopment (5A02) (Teddy Swift, Urban Atlantic; David Avitabile, Project Counsel, Goulston & Storrs)
Urban Atlantic is redeveloping the Boys Town campus located at 4801 Sargent Road NE with 166 semi-detached homes. They went through the large tract review process last year. In applying for permits, they said that in the last couple of months, they encountered an issue with the zoning regulations on public access easements for subdivisions. The project was considered a by-right project before the snafu arose. Unclear why the issue did not surface during the large tract review process. They are now seeking a text amendment before the DC Zoning Commission on an emergency basis so that they can get their permits and not lose more time. See Urban Atlantic’s Statement of Purpose for Text Amendment Request.
The ANC’s agenda said that the ANC would be taking a vote on the subject, but Vice Chair Hermes (5A04) let everyone know upfront that no vote would be taken at the meeting. Instead, ANC Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02) plans to hold a single member district (SMD) meeting tentatively scheduled for November 9 at Lamond-Riggs Library. Currently, the Zoning Commission hearing is scheduled for November 12. The ANC plans to take a vote at some point before the ZC hearing.
A few nearby residents on the call questioned the need for the matter to be considered on an emergency basis and encouraged the ANC to request that the SMD meeting and hearing be pushed back. The residents said that they support redeveloping the campus with semi-detached homes but said that that they had been asking Urban Atlantic for certain information and only recently received the info. So they said they needed more time to review.
(Note: The case record includes submissions from neighboring residents expressing concerns about Stormwater Management, Bioretention, and Rodent Concerns; Protected Trees, Arborist Report, and Loss of the Green Buffer; Alley Access, Fence Placement, and Existing Parking; Traffic and Construction Safety; and Long-Term Maintenance and Accountability).
Catholic University Campus Plan (5A04) (Sherry Rutherford, Catholic University)
Catholic University representatives gave a quick update on where they are in the process of updating the campus plan (not very far). They invited the ANC and residents to a community conversation on October 29. They will return to the ANC in 2027 when they are further in the process. Questions/thoughts may be directed to Sherry Rutherford at rutherfords@cua.edu.
[Note: The campus plan website link included in the presentation does not appear to be working at the moment, but I did find this page regarding the campus plan process, which includes a link to an input portal.]
Ward 5 Council Office Report (Kelley Cislo, Constituent Service Coordinator to Councilmember Zachary Parker)
Councilmember Parker held his regular Ward 5 public safety call on October 28. (Note: Slides from the call available here; recording available here).
On November 6, there will be a street designation ceremony for Union Wesley Church. Ward 5 rolloff day for bulk trash will take place at Arboretum Rec Center on November 7. DC Office of Planning (OP) is holding a DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan neighborhood tour at Turkey Thicket on November 7.
There was a veterans affairs resource symposium on October 29. Also a DC Bar small business help clinic was held on October 29. The Downtown holiday market returns November 13 through December 23.
Mr. Davis met with residents on Jefferson Street NE to discuss potential loss of 12 parking spaces due to plans for daylighting. As part of that walkthrough, Mr. Davis stated that he walked through alleys and saw plenty of very old supercans with holes. He encouraged residents to contact 311 to get rid of these cans so that they do not harbor rats. He also stated that he registered his pickup truck with the city so that he can assist with picking up old supercans for North Michigan Park’s rat brigade on November 21. Residents in that area may email him with their address if they have old cans that need to be collected. Place the cans upside down.
ANC commissioners and residents profusely thanked Mr. Davis for his diligent service as a Ward 5 MOCR.
Art Place at Fort Totten Update (5A09) (Sean Cahill, Cafritz Foundation representative; Christopher Cohen, Project Counsel, Holland & Knight)
The DC Office of Planning (OP) has pushed backed the timeline for releasing a draft of DC’s next Comprehensive Plan (called DC 2050) for public comment to early 2027. OP is holding neighborhood tours and virtual office sessions to discuss directly with residents how OP is thinking about the next Comp Plan. The next neighborhood tour will be in Ward 5 at Turkey Thicket Rec Center on November 7, 11am-1pm.
Neighborhood Tours
November 7, 11am-1pm: Turkey Thicket Rec Center (1100 Michigan Ave. NE) – RSVP
November 14, 11am-1pm: Marshall Heights Community Development Org. (3939 Benning Rd. NE) – RSVP
December 5, 11am-1pm: Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW) – RSVP
ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) reached out to DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) with a few questions about progress on the new Riggs & South Dakota Park. See DPR responses below.
1. What is the completion date for the new pocket park on the corner?
DPR Response: We anticipate substantial completion by December 2026
2. Is watering including in this contract with the vendor, if so, what time period?
DPR Response:We are following up with DGS to see how much more watering the vendor will do after completion.
[Ed. Note: During a community meeting, the contract team stated that the contractor would be responsible for watering in the first year following installation.]
3. What is the status of the Art Installation piece that was park of phase 1? We had one meeting and then the process stopped.
DPR Response: We will resume the art installation process in Phase II. An email was sent on June 30, 2026 notifying the group of this.
4. Can you provide update on funding for Phase II of the park?
DPR Response: We are still waiting for info about the funding.
5. In the short term can DPR work with Casey Trees and DDOT and plant additional conifers in the Green space.
DPR Response: We don’t recommend planting additional conifers until we begin the design for Phase II. Please note, we plan on adding a lot of trees as part of that phase.
6. Can you provide the dates of grass cutting for the park? I.e. April – Oct.
National Guard members 5500 block of Chillum Place NE on October 14, 2026.
Today the DC Council is holding a hearing on increased National Guard and federal law enforcement presence in the District and three permanent bills to address the issue. Individuals may submit written comments for the record until 5:30 pm on November 12. See Hearing Notice.
National Guard members have been in the neighborhood daily for several weeks now. I often see them walking around Chillum Place NE, Kennedy Street NE, South Dakota Avenue NE, and Hamilton Street NE. On Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker’s recent Ward 5 public safety call, an MPD official stated that the joint so-called “Safe & Beautiful Task Force” decides where Guard members patrol, not MPD. (Slides from the call available here; recording available here.)
It remains unclear why Guard members are in our neighborhood and in our city. State governors should call their Guard members home.
A few weeks ago, a reader shared that he spoke with an official-looking individual near the pedestrian path on Galloway Street who said that work on the new path would begin after October. That reminded that I never did post a National Park Service update from a June meeting held by ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) with Rock Creek Park Deputy Superintendent Shayna Scott. Also, I have a post in the works about the DC Neighborhood Parks Task Force report in the hopper. So I thought it would be helpful to go ahead and super belatedly share the updates from the June meeting. The parkland sits in ANC 5A02, 5A07, 5A08, and 5A09, not in ANC 5A01, but Commissioner Sellars has taken the initiative to engage with NPS.
Fort Totten Park Soil Testing
No real updates on a plan for more comprehensive soil testing after the discovery of unexploded ordnances in the park. NPS and every single elected official seem completely unbothered to do anything about this.
North Michigan Park Pedestrian Trail
At the end of June, NPS expected to award a contract to build the realigned North Michigan Park pedestrian within two to three weeks. They said once the contract was awarded, they would be able to share a construction schedule. This is the trail between Gallatin and Galloway streets NE that had to be realigned after they encountered infrastructure for Metro’s green line tunnel.
The gravel path where they originally began construction is not a formal path. NPS used to have a mobile light on the path but they said they removed it due to vandalism and the high price of diesel needed to run the generator. They also reminded residents that the park closes at dusk and they said the gravel path is not an official path, so they discourage residents from using it, especially at night.
U.S. Park Police
Ms. Scott said NPS planned to double the number of Park police officers. NPS coordinated with Park police for July 4th. They also planned waste management and ground conditioning for the holiday.
Galloway Street Sidewalk
Back in February, NPS shared that DC Water belatedly submitted comments questioning whether the soil in this location could support the weight of a new sidewalk. Ms. Scott said the scope of work for this project has since changed. It includes grading and concrete pour. She said the contract had not been awarded as of the June meeting date.
Mowing, Trees, and Litter
Ms. Scott said that there is a regional cycle for mowing. She said the mowing contract includes litter pickup, i.e., the contractor is supposed to remove trash/litter before mowing, not just mow over the litter.
Ms. Scott said NPS was piloting solar-powered compacting trash cans. She said she would see if one or two could be put in Fort circle Park. (NPS put two regular trash cans in the park back in July).
NPS is having a conversation about the old basketball court. It will likely be removed.
Civil War Defenses of Washington Management Plan
The formal name of Fort Circle Park is the Civil War Defenses of Washington. NPS has started using the formal name more for official documents. Ms. Scott said the National Capital Planning Commissioner approved amendments to the CWDW management plan. We wrote about the proposed update to the plan in this post and encouraged residents to submit comments.
My commentary: It would be great for NPS to install a trail around the perimeter of the park. I always remind people that this type of recreation is included in the neighborhood’s area development plan, which was approved by the DC Council in 2009. The recommendation states:
Work with NPS to establish active recreation, such as playground or trails at the edges of the Fort Circle Park near residential areas.
Residents have to advocate for the things they want. Residents should encourage the ANC to draft resolutions and get the support of the Council and mayor.
Commissioner Sellars thought he might be able to schedule another meeting with NPS in October. That did not happen. I think the ANC should make it a practice to email NPS at least quarterly for updates on these issues so that they have written responses to help them keep track of where things stand. We previously published updates from a February 2026 NPS meeting. From then to June to now, we can see how much progress has been made.
[Ed Note: Sharing information provided by DC Office of Planning. Please take advantage of these opportunities to engage with OP to understand the process for drafting the next Comprehensive Plan. Please let your neighbors know.]
From DC Office of Planning
The DC Office of Planning is sharing upcoming events we’re hosting for DC 2050, the District’s next comprehensive plan.
Neighborhood Tours: Join the DC Office of Planning for a tour and explore different neighborhoods through the lens of a planner or urban designer. This is an opportunity to hear how we think about guiding residential development, ask questions about projects in your area, and envision how your neighborhood could grow and change.
November 7, 11am-1pm: Turkey Thicket Rec Center (1100 Michigan Ave. NE) – RSVP
November 14, 11am-1pm: Marshall Heights Community Development Org. (3939 Benning Rd. NE) – RSVP
December 5, 11am-1pm: Cleveland Park Library (3310 Connecticut Ave. NW) – RSVP
Virtual Office Hours (Zoom links available by registration below): Have any comments or questions about DC 2050? Stop by our virtual office hours! These office hours aim to connect you directly with our planners, ask questions, and share what matters most to you. Whether you’re curious about what’s going on with DC 2050, have ideas for your neighborhood, or simply want to learn more about planning in the District, we’d love to hear from you.
If you are voting at LaSalle-Backus Elementary School on Election Day November 3, feel free to support the school’s Election Day Bake Sale in partnership with the PTO. The PTO’s goal is to raise funds for additional field trips and enrichment experiences for the students.
The bake sale will run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 pm or until they sell out, whichever comes first.
Promoting early literacy skills through books, songs, rhymes, and movement, Family Story Time is a great way to further your child’s lifelong love of reading and learning.
Here’s the Stitchuation! (All Ages):
Looking for a relaxing and creative way to spend your time? Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just getting started, our Stitching Group is the perfect place to connect, create, and unwind.
Legos at the Library (2-6):
Come play Legos at the Library! For children ages 2-6 and their involved caregivers.
Mid-Day Games Galore (13-19):
Come join us and enjoy various games! Board games, card games and more! Located in our conference room on the second floor.
Tech 101 with DC’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer (Adults):
Join us to learn basic tech skills and get your questions about technology answered.
Tuesday Crafts (5-12):
Enjoy fun, hands-on art projects for children ages 5-12 and their caregivers.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS:
Black Girl Booked – A Vibrant Book Club Celebrating Black Brilliance (ADULTS) – 4th Tuesday of the Month:
Black Girl Booked is a vibrant book club dedicated to celebrating the voices, stories, and brilliance of Black women and girls. November 2026 book is The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw.
Down Syndrome and Friends Community Playgroup (5-12):
Families of kids with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and developmental disabilities, are invited to play, read, and create art together at the library! Online registration is required please see the Lamond Riggs webpage to register.
Reading the World Virtual Book Club (ADULTS) – Last Thursday of the Month:
Join us virtual (Via Zoom) for a warm and inviting community of readers as we discuss books published by writers outside the U.S.
Spectrum Friends Library Club (8-12):
Designed to be enjoyed by all kids ages 8-12, especially those on the autism spectrum! We will build LEGO, make art, and read together in a sensory-friendly space.
MONTHLY MEETING:
Friends of Lamond Riggs Library Member’s Meeting (ADULTS) – 2nd Sunday of the Month:
Please attend the next Friends of Lamond Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library meeting if you are interested in becoming a member and discover how you can help. https://www.dclibraryfriends.org/Lamond-Riggs.
At the ANC 5A meeting on October 28, the Cafritz Foundation development team (Sean Cahill and counsel Christopher Cohen) shared leasing and other updates for Art Place at Fort Totten. They will aim to share quarterly updates moving forward. I will post a meeting recap later but thought it worthwhile to post this information separately here.
Menomale – Still building out space at 5184 South Dakota Avenue NE
The team said the owner of Menomale is acting as his own general contractor while also operating their two other locations in Brookland and Noma so it is taking a bit longer to open than anticipated. The Cafritz team is looking into helping out so that the restaurant can open more quickly, hopefully 1st quarter 2027.
Ms. Toya’s Kitchen – Lease signed with Miskiri Hospitality. I believe this will go in the old T-Mobile space but do not quote me on that.
Anticipated opening: 3rd quarter 2027
Sip Wine & Spirits – Lease signed. This is a wine store (not a wine bar) that will offer occasional wine tastings.
Anticipated opening: 3rd quarter 2027
Chipotle – At lease signing stage for space in same row as gym along South Dakota
Dunkin Donuts – In negotiation for space next to gym along South Dakota
Navy Federal Credit Union – Letter of Intent signed for big chunk of space near the corner of South Dakota & Ingraham
Hair & nail salon (not Phenix Salon Suites) – In negotiation for small space near corner of South Dakota & Ingraham. Did not mention name, but I believe they said the salon has a location in Prince George’s County and wants to open in DC.
Arts organization – In talks to take the point at South Dakota and Galloway. Walkthrough coming up
Idea here is to fold Tz’ikin Cafe into this space. If this works out, there will be outdoor seating for the cafe.
Explore! Museum – Located at 395 Ingraham Street NE, will expand into adjacent space to add another 2,000 square feet.
Sky Zone – Lease signed for large second-floor space above the Aldi along South Dakota.
Anticipated opening: Late 2027
Signage
The team also shared renderings of updated signage for The Modern. They will remove the 10+ vertical banners on the facade along South Dakota and replace them with a few blade signs. This is something that neighbors on Galloway and on Hamilton have been asking about for a few years now.
Solar Panels
They are also looking at installing solar panels on top of The Modern. With that, they will look into adding EV charging stations.
Rat abatement
The team said that there was a large bus used for storage at The Modern that became a home for rats. The property management company has exterminated the bus and plan to remove it. With the eateries anticipated to come online next year, they plan to increase the frequency of trash collection. The eateries will have sealed, refrigerated trash rooms.
Dog Park
Neighbors will still have to wait for the second phase housing to be built for the dog park.
Miscellaneous
Commissioner Sellars asked the team to move the fence along South Dakota at Kennedy back to match the setback of the buildings south of Kennedy to provide a better pedestrian experience. The team did not agree to that for liability reasons they said, but said they will limb up the trees on the vacant lot.
In response to a question about A/C at the establishments in Phase 1, the team said that commercial tenants are responsible for HVAC but they also said that they have provided larger areas to place equipment and the issues have been resolved.
When Meow Wolf was part of the project, the team offered as a community benefit occasional discount or community days. I asked the team if they would honor that proffered benefit with the new entertainment operators, like Sky Zone. The team said they have raised this with Sky Zone. The arts programming is already largely free or heavily subsidized. I also encouraged the team to reach out when the various operators are ready to begin hiring so that local residents can apply for jobs. Hopefully, they will do that.
The Cafritz Foundation has launched the Art Place Arts District, a new lineup of weekly theater, storytelling and leadership programs, brought to life with local arts organizations right here in Riggs Park. Programs run weekly now through mid-December.
A required manhole is being installed over a three-week time on South Dakota Avenue outside the Food & Friends construction entrance. During this time, traffic will be one lane in each direction at this section of South Dakota Avenue from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
Dates for the planned work will be posted here as soon as we have them. All required signage, notice, and safety measures will be strictly adhered to.
5A02: Vote on Boystown Request for Letter of Support
5A04: Update on CUA Campus Plan
Updates
Councilmember Parker’s Office
Office of the Mayor
Presentations
5A09: Update on Art Place at Fort Totten from Sean Cahill and Christopher Cohen
Teddy Levy, Community Planner from DC Office of Planning, will provide a briefing on the DC OP Comprehensive Plan. Their team will share an overview of DC 2050’s policies to guide future growth and investments and highlight how commissioners and members of the public can provide input.
Joey Davis, AFGE Local will provide a brief presentation on current Comp 1 & 2 contract negotiations to inform ANC residents of the impact these negotiations will have on city services, neighborhoods, and DC workers.
Abree Peterson, Grid Alternatives, will provide a brief presentation on GRID Alternatives’ no cost solar program.
Dexter Humphrey, Lead Free DC will provide information regarding DC Water’s Lead-Free DC initiative.
This month’s call will highlight the recent incidents in and around the Turkey Thicket area and Edgewood area, along with situational updates from all three police districts that touch Ward 5 (3D, 4D, and 5D).
New Generation TLC & ANC Commissioner Elaine Alston present the a Community Fun Day on Saturday, October 24, from 1–5 PM, at the UDC Community College Parking Lot.
Enjoy FREE food, music, moon bounces, games, face painting, and more
