Author Archives: nextstoprp

April 1: Explore! Children’s Museum April Fools Fest

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Another family friendly event from Explore! Children’s Museum of Washington DC:

April Fools Fest
Saturday, April 1, 2017
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
5455 3rd Street NE

We’re hosting our third FREE backyard fest – and this time we’re celebrating spring! Enjoy family-friendly activities, meet new neighbors, and learn what Explore! has in store for the Spring! Families and children of all ages welcome; dress for outdoor weather and bring your own smock or old t-shirt for wall painting. We will also be partnering with the Lamond-Riggs Library who will join us with exciting programming!

Activities to include:

  • A saxophone demo with Herbert Scott
  • Music and storytelling with Sylvia Zwi
  • Storytime about Spring and a matching craft activity with the Lamond-Riggs Library
  • Weaving on the collaborative loom
  • Fundred Dollar Bill project
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Snacks and Drinks

RSVP and info at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/april-fools-fest-tickets-32435484407

To volunteer, contact Irina Rubenstein at irina@exploremuseum.org or (202) 248-3490.

LRCA Scholarship Fundraiser

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Support scholarships for neighborhood high school students!

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association invites you to its Spring 2017 Scholarship Fundraiser featuring Riggs Park resident and vocalist Shirleta Settles.

Date: May 20, 2017
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: People’s Congregational UCC (4704 13th St. NW)
Price: $30

Every year, the LRCA awards academic excellence scholarships ranging in amount from $500 to $1000 to deserving neighborhood students to support their pursuit of higher education.

Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of blues, jazz, and gospel with acclaimed singer and Riggs Park resident Shirleta Settles, while helping to support scholarships for deserving high school students in our community. To preview the wonderful voice of Ms. Settles, visit shirletasettlessings.com.

The cost of your ticket ($30/ticket + online fees) provides table seating and light refreshments, so gather a few friends and neighbors and come on out!

Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lamond-riggs-citizens-association-spring-2017-scholarship-fundraiser-tickets-32593712672

 

 

March 22: Employment Readiness Workshop

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Mar 22: Employment Readiness Workshop
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Riggs LaSalle Rec Center (501 Riggs Rd. NE)

From the Mayor’s Office:
In the last few months the Mayor’s Office and ANC commissioners have heard many concerns from the community with the #1 concern being lack of employment. After working on implementing hiring events and job fair events we realized that more emphasis needs to be spent on preparing for employment. This is the reason we are partnering with DCHR, OSSE, UDC and other agencies on March 22nd in hopes to prepare individuals for an upcoming DCHR hiring event next month.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to create or update a resume, learn best practice interviewing skills, dress for success and much more!

I have attached a flyer for the event in hopes you will help spread the word to as many neighbors, friends, relatives and young people you may know or come in contact with. Let’s work together to make this happen! Spring and Summer is around the corner and we want to make sure to get as many individuals prepared for employment in hopes they will obtain a permanent job which in turn makes a safer community.

Run for a position with the LRCA

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Dear readers, this is an election year for executive board positions for the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, the neighborhood civic association. The election takes place at the May meeting on May 1, 2017. Officer and trustee positions are elected two-year positions. There are eight officer positions: president, first vice president, second vice president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, financial secretary, treasurer, and parliamentarian. The parliamentarian is appointed by the president. There are 10 trustee positions. The official duty descriptions are contained in Article VI of LRCA’s bylaws, which are available on LRCA’s website.

Time commitment

Executive board members should be present for LRCA’s monthly public meetings, which are held the first Monday of each month during the months of October through June. Ideally, every executive board member should chair a committee. There are 12 committees. Executive board meetings are typically held the second Monday of each moth during the months of September through June. At the executive board meetings, we discuss meeting topics, committee activities, and neighborhood issues that need to be addressed. So official time commitment consists of two Monday evenings each month. Of course, work takes place outside of meetings, so you can count on spending a few more hours per month on LRCA activities.

My experience

I serve as a trustee for the 2015-2017 term. I was sort of recruited by LRCA President Barbara Rogers, who has done an amazing job leading the organization over the past few years. The official duties of a trustee are nebulous, so I made it my own. I chair the communications committee. Mostly, that meant creating and maintaining a website, email, social media accounts (facebook.com/lrcadc; @lrcadc), and listserv for the organization. With the help of some awesome volunteers (residents Harrison Beacher, Iyanna Holmes, and Aaron White), we were able to create a website that we hope is beneficial to residents. I also serve on the scholarship committee, working with committee chair Barbara Carter to get LRCA’s scholarship program up and running again. We were really excited to award three $1000 college scholarships to three very deserving neighborhood students last year. And I have spent a lot of time working with the development task force ably chaired by Gwen Cofield and others, reviewing documents for proposed development, drafting responses, soliciting resident input, making sure residents are informed about what is happening with development in the neighborhood, etc.

Really, you can do as much as you want to. It is a great way to meet neighbors, get to know your elected officials, and have a positive impact in the community.

Become an LRCA member in order to vote/run

In order to vote or run for an executive board position, one must be a paid member of the LRCA at least one month prior to the election in May. That means you have until the April meeting to become a member. Annual membership is only $10 for individuals, $15 for families, and $50 for corporate membership. Fortunately, it is easy to make online payments (thanks to resident and trustee Paul Garcia). Or you can pay in person at a public meeting. The next LRCA meeting is on March 6, 2017, at 7:00 pm at LaSalle Backus Education Campus, located at 501 Riggs Road NE (enter on Madison Street).

Seriously, please consider serving

If you have ever thought to yourself, “Gee I wish we had this in the neighborhood,” “We should do X,” “I have a great idea for a fundraiser,” or “I’m good with budgets or planning events,” then please consider running for a position. If you see a community need and think you have a solution or a better way of addressing an issue, then please consider running. What better way to make sure we have the community we want than to serve. If you think executive board membership might be a little more commitment than you want to take on, then please consider getting involved with a committee. The great thing about this neighborhood is that we have long had active residents. But, some of our most active, longest serving residents are ready to pass the torch on to other residents.

So think about serving in an official capacity. If you’re not an official LRCA member, become one today. If you want to chat or have questions, please feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading.

ANC 5A February 22, 2017 Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

Guest Post

On February 22, 2017, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5A held its second meeting of the year. All of the commissioners were present:

Frank Wilds (5A01); Grace Lewis (5A02); Keisha Colefield-Lynch (5A03); Isaiah Burroughs (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Jamaal Lampkin (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); and Gordon-Andrew Fletcher (5A08).

Also, Mr. Gottlieb Simon, Executive Director, Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, attended.

Police Report

Lieutenant Ashley Rosenthal and Sergeant Dowling, the evening shift manager, gave the PSA 405 crime report. Lt. Rosenthal said the crime statistics were good overall, but robberies have increased by one compared to this time last year. Property crimes such as break-ins, burglary and theft from auto are increasing.

Lt. Rosenthal said that mobile apps are used by some criminals to lure their victims. She stressed three key points to remain safe: 1) Never give your home address. 2) Never go alone. 3) Arrange to meet in a safe, neutral area like the 4th District Police station.

Lastly, Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) said the negligent dog owner discussed in previous meetings has been involved in another incident. Another dog has been attacked.

Congressional Update

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton cited a list of her recent accomplishments and priorities. As the ranking committee member, Congresswoman Norton cited her role in using the new Surface Transportation Bill to help Metro. Also, she mentioned her role in ensuring full DCTAG funding and in hosting the Affordable Care Act Town Hall (held on February 23, 2017).

Congresswoman Norton allayed community fears over the recent political uncertainty. She explained that any changes to DC and its laws are not done at the presidential level, but rather through Congress. Attacks on DC sovereignty have been blunted so far. The Congresswoman explained that DC and other sanctuary cities are coordinating efforts to rebuff federal actions. Also, the Secretary of the Navy has honored DC by adding the ‘Columbia’ class of submarines to its fleet.

Lastly, Congresswoman Norton responded to local concerns. Her comments follow:

  • Playground on Fort Circle parkland – the law requires pristine conditions but other types of equipment may be allowable. Her office will follow up on this issue.
  • Bike Trail from Brookland to Riggs Road – The National Park Service (NPS) is open to this idea. (Editor’s note: We think Congresswoman Norton is referring to the MBT, for which DDOT recently issued an RFP for design-build contract for trail between Brookland and Fort Totten.)
  • Sidewalk construction on the southern portion of Galloway Street NE between 4th Street and South Dakota Avenue – Construction starts in FY 2018.

Other issues such as postal service in the Art Place development and CSX train vibrations require more research.

Trinity Washington University

Mrs. Patricia McGuire, the 14th President of Trinity Washington University, briefly discussed Trinity’s student body, tuition and construction program. She said Trinity has over 2,000 students. The majority of students are women, with half from Wards Four, Five, Seven and Eight of Washington DC.  Mrs. McGuire discussed tuition and financial aid programs, including DCTAG.  Tuition is $33,000, but a 40% tuition discount is available.

Mrs. McGuire cited that the 2017-2027 Campus Master Plan has no new construction. However, the school will implement a campus-wide restoration program to upgrade its aging facilities.  In addition, Mrs. McGuire requested a letter of support from ANC 5A. The DC Zoning Commission requires this letter from both Trinity’s home and adjacent ANC. Only the letter from ANC 5A, the adjacent ANC, is needed. The ANC 5A commissioners approved a motion to provide this letter.

(Mrs. McGuire recently gained Internet fame when her comments on Mrs. Kellyanne Conway, Trinity Alumnus and Counselor to President Trump, went viral.)

DC Council

Mr. Demetris Cheatham, Deputy Chief of Staff for Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, reported the following:

  • Councilmember McDuffie has drafted regulations on Airbnb activities.
  • Councilmember McDuffie plans to discuss the vibration issue with DDOT Director, Mr. Leif A. Dormsjo.
  • $160,000 remains of the $240,000 earmarked for vibration mitigation.
  • A HAWK system will be installed at the intersection of South Dakota Avenue and Decatur Street NE, but no install date has been given.
  • The Office of Attorney General can declare nuisance property. Please call and report on aggressive activities by dog owners.

Mayor’s Office

Mr. Lionell Gaines, Ward 5 MOCR reported:

  • The Mayor is supporting immigrant justice.
  • Clean Teams are  a means to keep commercial corridors litter free.

Note: The DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) issues grants to establish community Clean Teams.

ANC 5A Issues

The following actions were taken by ANC 5A:

  • Approved the December 2016 minutes with corrections;
  • Approved the January 2017 minutes;
  • Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03) requested and received ANC 5A approval of a homeowner’s request to pave a private driveway;
  • Approved 1st Quarter (Oct. – Dec.) Treasury report. It included a starting balance of $26,967.13, less 2,389.04 in expenses, and leaving a $24,578.09 closing balance.

McDonald’s Restaurant

Mr. Raoul Alvarez, the owner of the McDonald’s restaurant on 4950 South Dakota NE, and his counsultant Mr. Harry Thomas, Jr., addressed the audience. was also present. They described features of the new McDonald’s such as the 87’ x 45’ footprint of the building, the basement play area, and online ordering. Also, the owner commits to not operating a 24 hour restaurant. A resident within the 200-foot zone says she has received scant information on this project and would like more. Mr. Thomas will address this issue.

Community Concerns

An audience member asked what changes will occur when the new ANC Law is enacted in April.

DDOT issues RFP for MBT Fort Totten Extension

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

DDOT making progress on MBT extension from Brookland to Fort Totten

https://ddot.dc.gov/release/ddot-seeks-design-build-teams-metropolitan-branch-trail-fort-totten-extension

press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, February 6, 2017

 

Media Contacts

Terry Owens — (202) 763-8635, terry.owens@dc.gov

Michelle Phipps-Evans — (202) 497-0124, michelle.phipps-evans@dc.gov

DDOT Seeks Design-Build Teams for Metropolitan Branch Trail Fort Totten Extension

New trail section will connect Brookland to Fort Totten

(Washington, DC) –Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the design-build construction of the next phase of the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The Fort Totten section of the Metropolitan Branch Trail will connect from where it currently ends on John McCormack Drive in Brookland, to the Fort Totten Metro Station.

“This is the next major milestone in the District’s commitment to completing the construction of the Metropolitan Branch Trail,” said Leif Dormsjo, DDOT Director. “A design-build approach will help us engage the creativity of the construction community to bring their ideas to the final design and construction.”

The Metropolitan Branch Trail is an 8-mile multi-use trail that connects Union Station in the District of Columbia to Silver Spring Maryland. The new trail will provide a direct off-street route for bicyclists and pedestrians through the Fort Totten area.

The trail will include LED lighting, security cameras, and wayfinding signage. The design-build process will allow for a streamlined final design and construction process. The extension is expected to be complete within 18 months of awarding the contract.

Design for this section required support from DDOT’s partners at the National Park Service and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Administration.

This initiative complements other investments DDOT is making for the Met Branch Trail. In 2016, DDOT completed 30% design for the Fort Totten to Takoma section of the trail and will soon initiate final design on the final segment of the trail connecting Fort Totten to Takoma and the Maryland border.

In 2017, DDOT will replace lighting on the Met Branch Trail between Florida Ave and Franklin Street with new hard-wired LED lights. The NoMa Business Improvement District, in partnership with DDOT, recently added signage on the trail bridge over Florida Avenue to raise awareness of the trail.

There are also several exciting real estate development projects on the southern portion of the trail that will improve connections from surrounding communities as they build out.

The Met Branch Trail is part of DDOT’s efforts to expand and improve trails within the District of Columbia and connect to the regional trail network, including the recent completion of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail – Kenilworth Section.

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The mission of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment.

Follow us on Twitter for transportation-related updates and more; like us on Facebook and visit the website at www.ddot.dc.gov. Visit goDCgo.com for more information on transportation options in the District.

Neighborhood Compost Cooperative

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

DC Bilingual Public Charter School has extended an invitation to community residents to take advantage of their new community compost cooperative.

From DC Bilingual Operations Manager/Wellness Coordinator Lola Bloom:

I wanted to reach out to the ANC5A neighborhood about the garden and Community Compost at DC Bilingual Public Charter School, located at 33 Riggs Rd NE. We partnered with the Department of Parks and Recreation this past fall to construct a 3-bin compost system right outside of our school garden. Our students add to the compost from school meals and snacks as well as the garden refuse. We are opening up the compost to local community members who are interested. The requirement is to attend a short (1 hour) training and support the turning of the compost at least 3 times over the season.

For more information and to participate in the cooperative, contact Lola Bloom at lbloom@dcbilingual.org or (202) 870-8158.

ANC 5A January 25, 2017 Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

Guest Post

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5A Meeting Recap

On January 25, 2017, Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 5A held its first meeting of 2017.  All commissioners were present:

Frank Wilds (5A01); Grace Lewis (5A02); Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03); Isaiah Burroughs (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Jamaal Lampkin (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); and Gordon-Andrew Fletcher (5A08)

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The 2017 ANC 5A office holders are:

Ronnie Edwards (5A05), Chair
Frank Wilds (5A01), Vice Chair
Sandi Washington (5A07), Treasurer
Grace Lewis (5A02), Parliamentarian
Isaiah Burroughs (5A04), Correspondence

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie swore in the 2017 ANC 5A officers.  Mr. Edwards thanked everyone for his reelection as chairman.

REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS

Treasury Report

Commissioner Washington (5A07) asked her fellow Commissioners for a resolution to meet the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Act of 1975, which requires the annual bonding of ANC financial accounts.  The Commissioners passed a motion to obtain bonding.

Police Report

Metropolitan Police Department officers Lieutenant Ashley Rosenthal and Detective Lynn Rosenberg gave the latest crime statistics. Lt. Rosenthal said overall crime in the Fourth District is down by 18%, excluding assaults with a deadly weapon (ADW), which she attributes to domestic violence.

Det. Rosenberg addressed the matter of the aggressive dog owner who has terrorized the neighborhood for over a year. She assured everyone that this issue is a priority, but this individual has committed several offenses already based on witness testimony. Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) is coordinating a response. He pledges to consolidate the efforts of the citizens, police and prosecutors office to resolve this issue.

Lt. Rosenthal discussed the new sector concept initiated by MPD. The plan involves combining Police Service Areas (PSA). For example, the PSAs of Lt. Shane Lamond (403), Lt. Francis Martello (404) and Lt. Ashley Rosenthal (405) comprise Sector II, which Captain Juanita Mitchell commands. The sector concept will be transparent to the community, but it should enhance crime management, reporting and response times.

Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS)

Mr. Hakeem Rogers covered the latest crime statistics. He noted a 17% and 10% reduction of homicides and violent crime, respectively. He mentioned a troubling trend in which youth crime– involving teens aged 12 through 17–is growing.

District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Mr. Todd P. McIntyre, DDOT Deputy Chief of Staff, addressed the audience.  He covered the DDOT traffic review process and a list of ANC 5A traffic issues. Mr. McIntyre said about 20% of the developers submit traffic plans, with the majority filing a comprehensive traffic review  (CTR) plan to meet Zoning Commission mandates. DDOT reviews the CTR for overall traffic impact and ensures that the development’s access and egress points make sense.

Mr. McIntyre discussed a range of traffic issues with the audience. Issues such as alley repair, faded crosswalks, garbage vehicles blocking the street, missing stop signs, the outstanding request for a HAWK system and tree trimming were raised. The Art Place at Fort Totten project presented a major issue. Much of the free street parking has been consumed by the development’s footprint, leaving only pay-parking, which costs as much as $100 monthly.

McDonald’s

Mr. Harry Thomas, Jr. gave the latest report on the McDonald’s restaurant project at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE. He thanked the 200-footers and the wider community for supporting the project. Mr. Thomas said project construction could begin as early as July or August 2017. To do so, the owner is pursuing a Map and/or Text Amendment from the Zoning Commission. The map and text amendments allow changes to the zone district applied to the property and to the text of the zoning regulation, respectively.

Marriott Hotel

The developers of the Marriot Hotel at the intersection of Irving Street NE and Michigan Avenue NE requested a Planned Unit Development (PUD) extension of 2-years. The extension is needed to address an issue with the General Services Administration (GSA), which is the land owner. The dispute centers over the building of houses and retail during phase 2 of this project. The ANC 5A commissioners unanimously approved a motion granting the extension to Marriott.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

Casey Trees

Casey Trees is sponsoring a tree planting activity on March 18, 2017, from 9:00am until noon.  It will be held at Fort Totten Park near the intersection of Allison Street NE and Fort Totten Drive NE. This is an ongoing project in which the community can select the planting areas by contacting Casey Trees at caseytrees.org

January 28: Explore! Children’s Museum Pop-Up Opens at National Portrait Gallery

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

On January 28, 2017, Explore! Children’s Museum, which will be part of a future phase of the Art Place at Fort Totten, will open a temporary pop-up exhibit downtown at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibit will be free to the public.

The museum held a couple of neighborhood events last year to introduce staff and concepts for the museum. The year-long pop-up is another chance to showcase the museum and test out some exhibits in a cool collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. Tell your neighbors and friends.

Details from the website:

In Explore! with the Portrait Gallery, kids can experiment with portraiture in an age-appropriate way to answer questions such as “What is a portrait?” “How do I see myself?” and “How do others see me?”. Young visitors will be able to trace each other’s silhouettes, strike a pose for a projected video art piece, and experiment with expression and emotion by building faces out of illustrated blocks.

  • Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 am to 6:00 pm on the first floor of the gallery
  • Designed for children ages 18 months to eight years old
  • Text in English and Spanish

Check the website for additional details.

 

January 26: Ward 4 Councilmember Todd Office Hours

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

From Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd’s Office:

Dear Neighbors, 

I would like to invite you to join me at my office hours on Thursday, January 26 from 7:45 AM – 9:15 AM at the Takoma DC Starbucks (232 Carroll Street NW). This is an excellent opportunity for residents to sit down with me one-on-one for up to 15 minutes to discuss important issues in Ward 4 and the District of Columbia. Residents will be seen on a first come, first served basis, and are welcome to discuss any issues important to them and their neighbors.

If you have questions, please contact Jackson Carnes at jcarnes@dccouncil.us or (202) 724-8052.