From ANC 5A
ANC 5A Meeting
Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 5:30 pm
VIRTUAL ONLY
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84598095847?pwd=AHT87wtx8Dv7bdvxku3DfTC4BK5N4J.1
Meeting ID: 845 9809 5847
Passcode: 261899
Dial In: 301 715 8592
Agenda Item
Discussion of approval of funds for the ABCA protest
UDC offers free workforce development and lifelong learning courses for DC residents. There are several Open House dates during the month of July for residents to learn more information about admissions and enroll for fall 2025.
Open House Location
University of the District of Columbia
3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE
Open House Dates
July 10, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
July 17, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
July 24, 10:00am-2:00 pm
July 31, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm
Important Deadlines
August 8: New Student Application Submission Deadline
August 8: Continuing Student Enrollment Deadline
Required Documents
State ID
Proof of high school diploma/GED
Proof of DC residency
ANC Commissioners Elaine Alston (5A08) and Jack Hermes (5A04) are planning a protest of a potential medical cannabis dispensary looking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE. The protest will be 1pm-3pm on July 13, 2025. For questions, contact the commissioners at 5A08@anc.dc.gov and 5A04@anc.dc.gov.
A neighbor passed along this info.
Join DC Water’s Lead Free DC (LFDC) team for a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, July 9, from 6:00–7:00 PM to get the answers you need.
This session will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we prepare for lead pipe replacements—starting with door-to-door outreach, digging test pits, and inspecting pipe materials. You’ll learn how these steps help us plan safe, efficient replacements.
Get the latest updates on the LFDC program
Learn how we confirm lead lines and prepare for replacements
Ask questions and share your feedback
Agenda Highlights:
Where:
Join via Microsoft Teams: http://bit.ly/4k9Zqfl
Or call in: +1 202-753-6714, Phone Conference ID #: 748 459 077#
When: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on June 25, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 is vacant.
The meeting started late and was unnecessarily long, again. The ANC really should use a timer. This recap contains a little more personal commentary than usual because of the antics of Commissioner Holloway (5A06). This meeting was a lot, and we have 1.5 more years of this. Something has to change. This is why we really need reasonable people to run for ANC.
Commission Business
Looks like the ANC spent $1600 on a laptop for Commissioner Alston (5A08) and $1100 for a phone.
Sounded like the ANC voted to allocate $20,000 more for grants in the budget to total $30,000 that can be disbursed.
The ANC voted unanimously to have Commissioner Sosa Garnica (5A07) assume the role of secretary. Commissioner Lucio had been serving as chair and secretary since the beginning of the term.
For some inexplicable reason, the ANC voted (4-3) to make Commissioner Holloway (5A06) sergeant-at-arms. A sergeant-at-arms is not required under the ANC’s bylaws, and Commissioner Holloway is a perpetual violator of ANC norms, rules, and order. More on that later. Commissioners Thomas (5A02), Hermes (5A04), Holloway (5A06), and Alston (5A08) voted in support. Commissioners Sellars (5A01), Sosa Garnica (5A07), and Bocoum (5A09) opposed.
Grant for New Generation Training & Learning Center (5A08)
The ANC voted in favor of giving a $10,000 grant to New Generation Training & Learning Center for a “Community Day” tentatively planned for August 16 at Faith United Church. Apparently, Commissioner Alston is a principal officer of the organization, so she recused herself from the discussion and vote. Her daughter, Angel Johnson, who is an assistant director at the organization, presented on the grant application.
Apparently, the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) gave the okay for the ANC to give a grant to this organization where Commissioner Alston is a principal officer and her daughter is an employee. The OANC told them that they cannot use ANC grant funds for backpacks, so they will find other funding to purchase the backpacks and school supplies. There will be activities for kids, such as photo booth, face painting, and crafts.
A resident asked about the amount of the grant. The grant application and guidelines on the ANC’s website still list a $2500 funding limit. Commissioner Bocoum said this was changed. Unclear when the ANC plans to update the guidelines and application on the website.
Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget Presentation
DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum presented on the mayor’s proposed FY26 budget. The budget is very delayed. Budget information is available at budget.dc.gov. Director Kershbaum focused her presentation on DDOT’s proposed budget. I did not catch everything.
The Council is in the process of reviewing the proposed budget.
Boys Town Campus Redevelopment (5A02) (Teddy Swift & Vicki Davis, Urban Atlantic)
Boys Town Presentation to ANC 5A (June 2025)
Vicki Davis, founder of Urban Atlantic, presented on the Boys Town campus redevelopment project. The property is located at 4801 Sargent Road NE in North Michigan Park in ANC 5A02. They are planning to build 166-170 duplex homes. Ten percent of the homes (around 17) will be set aside as below market rate homes. Duplexes are permitted as a matter of right in this area, so there will not be a public hearing. Urban Atlantic has to go through a Large Tract Review process by the Office of Planning. We previously discussed that process in this post.
Consistent with zoning requirements, each home will have a minimum lot size of 2500 square feet, rear yard of 20 feet, and side yard of 8 feet.
They plan to open up the campus, remove the two mounds of dirt in front, build sidewalks throughout, provide pedestrian access to North Michigan Park Rec, and maintain the large 8,000 square foot building in the center of the campus.
They plan to retain two heritage trees and plant 90 new trees.
They are still looking at a second egress as part of their traffic study.
They are working with residents on Delafield Street, who apparently have taken to parking on part of the private campus grounds, on a parking solution.
They discussed other things they are planning with respect to preservation, neighborhood connectivity, and transportation/parking (see presentation linked above).
They plan to submit their Large Tract Review application soon.
Lots of residents raised questions that were not really addressed. Commissioner Thomas (5A02) then said he wanted the ANC to vote on supporting “the concept” of the proposed development. Residents questioned why the ANC felt the need to vote on anything at this stage. Commissioner Hermes kept talking about the need to build more housing (no one disagrees) and how developers have to jump through so many hoops to build housing.
The ANC ended up voting to support the proposed development concept. See ANC Letter of Support of Boys Town Redevelopment Concept.
The letter does not state the vote count, but all of the commissioners did not vote in support. Commissioner Sosa Garnica (5A07) questioned why the ANC was voting on this at this stage. Commissioner Holloway (5A06) rudely berated her for speaking up on behalf of residents, saying that Commissioner Thomas had done his due diligence. Commissioner Holloway launched into his standard tirade about how long he has lived in the District and owned his own business and how dare this commissioner question what Commissioner Thomas wants to do. It is hard to convey in words how wildly inappropriate his remarks and behavior were. Residents said as much in the chat.
It is not at all clear to me that the ANC knows what they are doing, but regardless, it was entirely appropriate to abstain from this unnecessary vote.
The developer plans to return to the ANC after submitting the Large Tract Review application.
Catholic University Marist Hall Historic Designation Application (5A04)
In 2022, the DC Preservation League submitted a petition for historic designation of Marist Hall on Catholic University’s campus. The building was designed by architect Lemuel Norris. See DC Preservation League Marist Hall Landmark Presentation to ANC 5A (June 2025).
The university opposes the application. See Catholic University Presentation to ANC 5A on Opposition to Marist Hall Landmark Application (June 2025).
The building was constructed in 1900 and became part of Catholic’s campus in 1975. Apparently the building is in serious disrepair. Catholic would like to eventually tear down the building and build something else. Catholic University representatives contend that the building is not a notable example of the architect’s work. Catholic and the Preservation League pretty much disagreed on every single point.
The ANC voted to support Catholic’s opposition to the application. The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) will consider the application this month.
65-85 Hawaii Avenue NE Renovation (5A06)
About four years ago, the ANC reviewed a matter involving several apartment buildings along Hawaii Avenue NE and Webster Street NE that were slated for renovation, addition, and conversion to condos. This renovation project was the subject of many ANC meetings. There ended up being an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General for DC.
As a result of the OAG lawsuit, there is an affordability covenant on the property.
There are now separate owners of the buildings. The owners of 65-85 Hawaii Avenue NE wish to modify and extend the original Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) order so that all of the 65-85 Hawaii buildings will be 16-unit buildings. Originally six of the buildings were to be nine-unit buildings and five were to be 16-unit buildings. A public hearing is scheduled for September 17, 2025.
Just like four years ago when this project originally arose, Commissioner Holloway (5A06) was ill prepared to discuss the subject. After the development team gave their short presentation, he could not even make a proper motion and made long wandering incoherent remarks. The whole situation was bizarre but also completely typical from this commissioner. Residents were openly wondering how the ANC could have voted him sergeant-at-arms. (He should be removed).
The ANC ended up voting in support of the BZA application. Commissioners Sellars (5A01) and Sosa Garnica (5A07) abstained because Commissioner Holloway neglected to send them the documentation ahead of time, so they did not have time to review it. Commissioner Holloway spent a lot of time alternately insisting that he sent the documents to all of the commissioners but then saying that he did not have all of their email addresses and that is why he could not send them to everyone. (The commissioners do not use personal email addresses; their addresses are listed on the ANC website).
A resident asked that the developer present to ANC 5A06 residents to let them know what is going on because the original project has taken a lot of twists and turns over the years. Commissioner Holloway objected and said that was unnecessary. Unclear if the developer will meet with residents in that area.
Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for CM Zachary Parker)
Councilmember Parker chairs the Council’s committee on youth affairs. Andrianna Lovelace, constituent services coordinator for CM Parker, stated that the committee markup of the proposed FY26 budget reinstated funding for lots of critical issues.
The Ward 5 Senior Advisory Committee had a meeting at Michigan Park Christian Church on June 26.
There will be a South Dakota Avenue study virtual public meeting on July 9 and an in-person meeting at Sojourner Truth Public Charter School on July 12.
Commissioner Updates
5A08
The ABCA hearing for Clinical Health & Wellness to open a medical cannabis shop at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park is on August 13, 2025. The roll call hearing is July 14, 2025. The ANC previously voted to send a letter of opposition to ABCA outlining concerns with the application.
A resident asked for an update on the McDonald’s rebuilding. Commissioner Alston (5A08) said there were no updates and that she discussed it at her SMD meeting. Turns out she actually had not discussed it at her SMD meeting. The president of the North Michigan Park Civic Association said that the building was not being built to proper specification (unclear what she was referring to but something did start going up and has since come down recently). After some back-and-forth, Commissioner Alston finally agreed to Chair Lucio’s suggestion to add McDonald’s to the special meeting planned for July 30. It took an unnecessarily long time to get to this point.
5A09
Commissioner Bocoum (5A09) shared information about the Riggs Park clean up day and the Heritage Wall companion book author talk, both held on June 28.
The ANC normally breaks for June, July and August, but they plan to hold a special meeting on July 30.
Late Night Hype at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center
July 11, 2025
7pm-11pm
501 Riggs Road NE
Join DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) & MPD for Late Night Hype at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center featuring carnival-style event with food, music, games, dancing, and more. Registration required to enter.
A solid crew of 25 neighbors came out on a humid but not too too hot Saturday on June 28 to pick up trash around the neighborhood and help beautify the green space on the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. A member of One Life Fitness who lives in Langdon saw the flyer in the gym and came out to join us. A high schooler from McKinley Tech who lives in Capitol Heights heard about the clean up and helped out to get community service hours. Altogether, neighbors collected about 30 bags of trash. Thanks to everyone, including our youngest clean up leaders in training, who came out to lend a hand.
Shoutout to ANC 4B & 5A commissioners Keith Sellars (5A01), Shelagh Bocoum (5A09), Garrett Moore (4B08), and Danielle Geong (4B09) for organizing the event; getting donations of food, snacks, and water; and generally being cheerleaders for the community.
And thanks to The Parks Main Street Executive Director Edwin Washington for supplying grabbers and bags and arranging to have the Clean Team mulch the trees around the green space with a little help from Liam with Casey Trees. The Clean Team was excited to learn something new.
From District Department of Transportation (DDOT)
South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Project Public Meeting Notice
(WASHINGTON, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in partnership with Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, invites you to attend public meetings for the South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Project from Riggs Road NE to Bladensburg Road NE. DDOT will be hosting two meetings: a virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and an in-person meeting on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
DDOT staff will provide an update on the progress of the study, present data and community feedback collected, and outline the next steps in the process. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with DDOT representatives.
Virtual Meeting:
DATE: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
TIME: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Virtual on WebEx
Meeting Link: https://tinyurl.com/SDakotaAveMtg
Webinar number: 2316 060 6677
Webinar password: YXjx9762HQN (99599762 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Dial-in option (audio only):
1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)
1-650-479-3208 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
Access code: 231 606 06677
In-person meeting:
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: The Sojourner Truth School (1800 Perry Street NE)
For questions about the meetings, please email: sayra.molina2@dc.gov.
Can’t Make a Meeting?
Materials from this meeting will be made available on the study website within 72 hours of meeting conclusion. Those who would like to leave a comment about the study can do so by leaving a comment on the project website
DPR Jazz in the Park series returns this summer Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6pm-8pm. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music with neighbors.
North Michigan Park Recreation Center – July 8 & August 28
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center – July 22
Aldi is open at 5300 South Dakota Avenue NE. A van caught on fire in the parking garage yesterday. The parking garage was closed this morning. Unclear how long the parking garage will be closed.
[Ed. Note: Looks like ANC 4B has scheduled a special meeting on a holiday weekend. Unclear if it will be rescheduled but for right now it is scheduled for July 6.]
ANC 4B July 2025 Special Meeting and Strategic Planning Meeting
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Hybrid meeting at Sassy Nails, 6910 4th St NW
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
Special Public Meeting 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Working agenda –
Presentation:
Consent Agenda:
Planning Meeting 2:00 – 5:00 pm. Purpose: Strategic planning and brainstorming for the ongoing effectiveness of Commission 4B for the second half of calendar year 2025.
The Cafritz Foundation is seeking input on the new kids pop up space at Art Place at Fort Totten located at 395 Ingraham Street NE (former interim library space).
Please complete the short survey to share your ideas about what you would like to see for kids in the space as soon as possible: Art Place Kids Pop Up Space Survey.
They held a pop up event on June 20 and June 27. If your child did not attend the pop up on June 27, please just fill in your child’s age and answer the rest of the questions.
Be sure to share with neighbors. The more responses, the better. This is your opportunity to shape what the space could look like!
Reposting with correct date
Ward 4 Summer 2025 Public Safety Meeting with Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
July 2, 2025
6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Emery Heights Community Center
5701 Georgia Avenue NW
The neighborhood will be hopping with activities today through Saturday.
Details below
June 26, 2025
Main Street Jazz Series featuring Oren Levine & Friends
Time: 6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
Check out the Oren Levine & Friends jazz session tonight at 6:30 at the library.
June 27, 2025
Kids’ Art Space Pop Up at The Modern
Time: 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE (former interim library space at The Modern)
Friday afternoon, join the Cafritz Foundation at their next kids’ pop-up event in their community maker space at The Modern — a creative hub for local kids and families to build, explore, and imagine together.
Explore the railroad that built Fort Totten: the Washington Branch of the B&O Railroad, still running today as the Metro’s Red Line. Kids will work together to build the iconic Thomas Viaduct and an iron truss bridge.
All materials provided. Free and open to all ages.
Families will also be invited to fill out a short survey to help shape future programming.
—
Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series featuring Frank Viele
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Location: Corner of South Dakota Avenue & Galloway Street NE
Later Friday evening, enjoy live music featuring Frank Viele at the Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series. Bring a chair & chill with neighbors.
June 28, 2025
Riggs Park Clean Up & New Park Plan Review
Time: 8:30 am – Noon
Location: Meet at Green Space on the southwest corner South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE
Start the day early with a neighborhood clean up with your Riggs Park ANC Commissioners. Tools, trash bags provided.
—
Lamond-Riggs Library 3rd Anniversary Celebration
Time: 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
Celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the new library. Children’s activities take place throughout the day.
At 12:30 pm, join neighbors Michelle Lisa Herman and Deborah Grimstead, two of the three co-authors of “Fort Totten and Lamond-Riggs: A Historical Tapestry,” for an author talk to discuss the companion book for the Heritage Wall designed and installed by Herman at the Lamond-Riggs Library.
—
Cafritz Foundation Children’s Festival – Field Day Fun
Time: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Location: The Modern, 400 Galloway Street NE
Kick off this summer’s children’s festival series of free, community-centered fun for the kids. Join DC Fray + The Cafritz Foundation to play games like kickball, cornhole, jenga, bouncy balls, sack race; or get cool temporary tattoos. This festival series is always a good time.
Advisory Effective: 6/28/25 – 6/29/25
Hours: Sat 6 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sun 6 a.m. – midnight
| Red Line | Free shuttle buses replace trains between Rhode Island Avenue and Takoma. No Red Line service at Fort Totten Station and Brookland-CUA Station closed. Normal Service frequencies between Shady Grove and Rhode Island Avenue stations and between Takoma and Glenmont stations. |
| Silver Line | Normal Service |
| Blue Line | Normal Service |
| Green Line | Normal Service |
| Yellow Line | Normal Service |
| Orange Line | Normal Service |
Come Celebrate the 3rd Anniversary of the Lamond-Riggs Library, June 26 & 28, 2025. Events take place at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.
Oren Levine & Friends Jazz Concert
Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Family Events
10:00 am until 2:00 pm
Adult Events
12:30 pm – The Making of the Companion Book for the Heritage Wall.
Our own Deborah Grimstead and Michelle Lisa Herman will lead this author talk.
They will discuss “Fort Totten and Lamond-Riggs: A Historical Tapestry,” a written compilation that illuminates the stories behind the 42 Heritage Wall images.
After the event, each panelist is available to discuss the book with interested patrons, and light refreshments are available. This event is hosted in Conference Room 1.
1:30 pm – 3rd Anniversary Celebration Reception
ANC 5A will have Urban Atlantic at the next public meeting on June 25, 2025, to discuss the Boys Town redevelopment project. The property sits at 4801 Sargent Road NE in ANC 5A02.
The only reason I am writing a post now is so that residents can be prepared to ask questions and provide initial feedback on this project because I am not sure if the ANC has a plan in mind for dealing with this project.
Vicki Davis, founder/president of Urban Atlantic, has briefly introduced the project to ANC 5A, and has presented to the North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) and at the single member district meeting for ANC Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02). Joel Lawson from DC’s Office of Planning attended the 5A02 meeting to answer questions about the Large Tract Review process.
Boys Town has been closed for about one year. They have a contract to sell the property to Urban Atlantic. The property is going to be sold to someone, if it is not Urban Atlantic (people should keep that in mind).
The property is zoned R-2 so duplexes and triplexes can be built as a matter of right. Urban Atlantic will be building duplexes in conformity with the zoning restrictions for the R-2 zone. So that means it will be a matter of right development. Therefore there will not be a public hearing.
Initial Proposal
Because the property is over three acres, the project has to go through Large Tract Review by the Office of Planning (OP). ANCs and civic associations receive notice of Large Tract Review applications. ANCs and civic associations can and should submit responses to Urban Atlantic’s Large Tract Review application. As of June 18, Urban Atlantic had not submitted their application yet. They are working on their traffic study and plan to submit their application by the end of the month.
From Office of Planning:
What is Large Tract Review?
What are the Goals of Large Tract Review
What Does the Large Tract Review Assess?
Notification:
The Office of Planning is supposed to produce a final report within 60 days of the application submission. Urban Atlantic stated they intend to submit their LTR application at the end of June. So the ANC really should have a plan for how they intend to address this application. They do not have time to dilly-dally.
Feedback
I recommend that nearby residents who care about what is happening here share written feedback with the following people:
Honestly, people should probably just email all 8 commissioners on the ANC (ANC 5A05 is still vacant). It is not at all clear how the ANC intends to handle this application. It is not clear to me that Commissioner Thomas understands that the ANC should in fact provide written feedback to the development team and OP. I think it would be beneficial for neighbors close to the site to band together to provide written feedback with reasonable suggestions, keeping the goals of Large Tract Review in mind, because there is no assurance that the ANC will pass on feedback to Urban Atlantic.
Issues I have heard raised at meetings and passed on to me by residents so far. I imagine a lot of this will be addressed in the Large Tract Review application.
Retail
The property is zoned for residential use not retail use. There is not going to be retail on the site.
Stormwater runoff
This is the biggie and people should look to see how Urban Atlantic addresses stormwater runoff in the Large Tract Review application. The two mounds in front of the campus were constructed by fill dirt brought in during the construction of Fort Totten Metro station. Apparently those two mounds of dirt cause all sorts of runoff problems for neighbors along Sargent. In addition, North Michigan Park Recreation Center also has a big issue with runoff from Boys Town. The mounds of dirt will be removed, but otherwise no real details just yet about how they will address the drainage issues in the area.
Other Environmental Issues
Residents have asked about tree canopy, how many trees will be removed/retained, new trees planted, etc. Urban Atlantic stated they have already met with a forester and will comply with DDOT guidelines. The initial site plan presented so far shows large planting areas along the perimeter of the site. Urban Atlantic said they will meet and likely exceed the required Green Area Ratio.
In response to questions, Ms. Davis said they are doing soil testing now and so far sampling has not indicated any big issues.
Transportation Demand Management
This is another biggie. We know the planned redevelopment will have a tremendous impact on neighborhood streets. The Providence campus down the street will also be redeveloped in a few years, so we know there needs to be a robust transportation demand management plan.
Sargent Road Entrance
Urban Atlantic is planning to keep the main entrance/exit on Sargent Road with the long driveway between the row of trees. They currently plan to have just that single entrance/exit. NMPCA asked them to consider having a second exit elsewhere on the campus in case of emergency. Urban Atlantic said this will be addressed in their traffic study/Large Tract Review application.
A resident shared with me that the traffic study should address the impacts of the development at the Sargent Road entrance and whether certain measures are warranted:
Bus stop
There is a bus stop near the entrance to the campus in the 4800 block of Sargent Road NE. A resident shared with me that it would be useful if Urban Atlantic could upgrade the stop with a bus shelter to help encourage new residents to ride the bus. And if there is not room for a bus shelter in the existing right of way, perhaps an easement on the property for one could be granted.
Bikeshare station
There is a thought a bikeshare station could go near the campus somewhere.
One-time SmarTrip or Bikeshare membership & Information about transportation options provided to homebuyers
Urban Atlantic could be asked to provide these membership options and information to each initial homebuyer. And when they finally figure out what to do with the Main Building, they should ensure that similar provision be made for tenants/employees of that building as well.
Pedestrian Access to North Michigan Park Recreation Center
Urban Atlantic has noted that they have agreed to OP’s recommendation that they install a pedestrian walkway to access the North Michigan Park Recreation Center, which abuts the rear of the property.
Trails
Ms. Davis has stated they are opening up the campus and will build one mile of sidewalks throughout the site. She sometimes has described these as trails, other times as sidewalks. They are sidewalks. One suggestion has been to maybe build an actual walking trail around the campus.
Community Benefits
Community benefits are typically associated with planned unit developments (PUDs). This is not a PUD. It is a matter of right project. That has not stopped nearby residents and the NMPCA from asking for community benefits.
Urban Atlantic has previously stated they are looking at building a playground on the site that would be open to the public. Residents have pointed out that the rec center is basically in the backyard of the campus, so there is probably less of a need for public access to a new playground in that location. I do not know where they will land on this.
Other things I have heard tossed around include a pool (no), refresh of North Michigan Park signs, one-time enhancements to the small triangle green spaces in the area.
If people want community benefits, I think they should propose reasonable benefits in writing.
Historic Preservation
Ms. Davis often starts her presentation talking about the history of Boys Town, which was founded by Father Edward Flanagan. Before it was a school for boys in need, it was a school for girls. Residents, OP, and the ANC so far have all mentioned recognizing the historic use of the site.
Urban Atlantic plans to keep the 8,000 square foot Main Building, but at this point, it is unclear if they plan to go through the process of formally seeking historic designation of the building or if OP will suggest that they consider doing so. Perhaps there is some way to meaningfully mark the historic nature of the property besides the small plaque that is in front of the campus.
ANC Commissioner Jack Hermes (5A04) has asked Urban Atlantic to somehow recognize the Catholic history of the property.
One resident has suggested to the ANC that Urban Atlantic be asked to pay for (1) a historian to write a history of Boys Town DC, St. Gertrude’s School, and the earlier history of the site; (2) a photographer to thoroughly document the campus before its demolition, and (3) a small print run to provide copies to the DC Public Library, DC History Center, local university libraries, etc.; and (4) the historian’s expenses to present at the DC History Conference.
Main Building
Urban Atlantic said they are still accepting suggestions for how to use the 8,000 square foot Main Building. Ideas thrown around include a daycare center, affordable housing (I would be curious if this is something OP opines on), clubhouse (Ms. Davis said no). Ms. Davis mentioned that it may be some time before they decide what to do with the building. For purposes of the traffic study, she said they will assume worst case scenario. If you have ideas about the building, reach out to Urban Atlantic.
I am sure I am forgetting some things. A lot of this will probably be repeated tomorrow at the ANC meeting. For residents who care about this project, I suggest speaking up and requesting that the ANC and civic association provide concise written feedback to the Large Tract Review application once it is submitted. That may require having a special meeting over the summer.
From ANC Commissioner Jack Hermes (5A04) & ANC Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08)
ANC 5A04 & 5A08 Joint Community Meeting
June 24, 2025
7:00 pm
UDC Community College, Room 300
5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
Zoom info
Meeting ID: 874 7611 8896
Passcode: 441543
Dial In: 301 715 8592
Agenda
Contact Commissioner Alston at (202) 481-2115 or 5A08@anc.dc.gov
From ANC Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08)
ANC 5A08 Community Meeting
June 24, 2025
7:00 pm
UDC Community College
5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
Agenda
Contact Commissioner Alston at (202) 481-2115 or 5A08@anc.dc.gov
DC Youth Meals Program Summer 2025
Youth 18 years old and younger can eat free meals at a number of sites across the city, including a few in the neighborhood and nearby.
View the Ward 4 Summer Meals sites here
Open June 23, 2025 through August 15, 2025
Meals served Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 9:00 am-10:00am
Lunch: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Open June 30, 2025 through August 15, 2025
Meals served Monday-Friday
Breakfast 8:00 am-10:00 am
Lunch: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
View the Ward 5 Summer Meals sites here
Open June 23, 2025 through August 15, 2025
Meals served Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 7:00am-9:00 am
Lunch: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Open June 23, 2025 through August 15, 2025
Meals served Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 7:00am-9:00am
Lunch: 12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Open July 7, 2025 through August 9, 2025
Meals served Monday-Friday
Breakfast: 8:30 am-8:50 am
Lunch: 12:15 pm-1:10 pm
Next Stop...Riggs Park 