Author Archives: nextstoprp

Fridays through December 2025: New UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market

Posted by nextstoprp in Backus Urban Food Hub

Every Friday from 4pm to 8pm, UDC CAUSES hosts a farmers market at UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE. Enter parking lot off Galloway Street NE.

UDC is still accepting vendors for the market. If you are interested in vending, complete UDC’s Farmers Market Vendor Interest Form. For more info, contact the Farmers Market Manager Andy Blunk at andrew.blunk@udc.edu or call 202-274-7124.

For the first market on August 15, UDC had three food vendors along with a small produce stand. There was a nice turnout for the first market. I arrived at the market around 5:30ish. Some of the produce like tomatoes had already sold out. Chauna Price, the soil manager at UDC’s Lamond-Riggs urban food hub who oversees the stand, said that they hope to increase the produce offerings in the coming weeks.

The food vendors were pretty good, selling a variety of food like Peruvian dumplings and fried rice by Misky Wasy, empanadas and pastries by Sweet & Salty Bakery, and Colombian fruity treats by Fruity Side. It is nice to be able to pick up some eats and then walk across the street for the weekly Fridays at Fort Totten concert series at 6 pm.

Join your neighbors and support the new neighborhood farmers market at UDC Lamond-Riggs campus every Friday 4pm-8pm through December.

August 21: Main Street Jazz with Christopher Prince at Lamond-Riggs Library

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library, Main Street

The Main Street Jazz Series continues on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM with a special performance by Christopher Prince.

Hosted by The Parks Main Street and presented by the Greater Washington Urban League.

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue, NE

Ward 4 Town Hall Recap and Resources from CM Lewis George

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

Yesterday, the office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George shared a recap of her town hall meeting providing resources for dealing with recent federal actions in DC.

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From Office of CM Janeese Lewis George

Dear Neighbors,

On Friday evening, we held a Ward 4 town hall to discuss recent federal actions impacting District residents.  Thank you to every neighbor who attended, asked questions, and joined us in learning how we can come together to support our community during this challenging time. For neighbors who weren’t able to make it, you can view the slide presentation and watch the full recording.

Over the last week, we’ve continued to hear concerns from neighbors about federal law enforcement activity in the District. As this presence continues in our communities, we have created an online form where neighbors can report and document any concerning incidents involving federal agents. Reports can be submitted anonymously and will be reviewed by our team.

As always, we remain a resource for neighbors’ questions and concerns. 

Yours in service and solidarity,

—Team Janeese

Support Changes Planned for 3rd & Kennedy Street NE

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

The District Department of Transportation has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for proposed changes to 3rd and Kennedy Street NE (NOI-25-159-MSD). Submit comments to miheret.dirirsa@dc.gov by September 4, 2025.

Proposed changes

  • Add a 15-ft wide crosswalk on 3rd St NE at the intersection of 3rd and Kennedy St NE
  • Add no-parking zone per DDOT’s Design and Engineering Manual (DEM) to provide visibility
  • Install one speed hump and safety signages on Kennedy Street
  • Install RRFB (Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon) at the new crosswalk

This is years overdue. There are three schools in this tiny section of the neighborhood. School staff and parents often park along Kennedy as it curves around to 3rd Street creating a blind curve that is dangerous to people in cars, people on bikes, and pedestrians. A school bus was hit at the end of the school year.

Residents have been asking for years, literally, for DDOT to address this issue. We knew it was going to be a problem when DDOT requested that the Cafritz Foundation pay to open up 3rd Street and three charter schools opened up years ago. DDOT shrugged and insisted everything had to be funneled through their ever-changing 311 system. Glad this is finally being addressed, but city officials really need do a lot better about not waiting years to address foreseeable and known problems created by DDOT and development projects.

ANC 5A Medical Cannabis Shop Protest Motion for Reconsideration Denied

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

Clinical Health & Wellness is looking to open a medical cannabis shop at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE. The property sits in ANC 5A08 in North Michigan Park. Elaine Alston is the ANC commissioner for the area.

ANC 5A filed a protest against the medical cannabis license application. By order dated July 16, 2025, the ABCA Board dismissed the ANC’s protest for failure to specify statutory grounds for its protest.

ANC 5A then filed a motion for reconsideration of the Board’s dismissal. By order dated August 13, 2025, the ABCA Board denied the motion for reconsideration.

See ABCA Order Denying ANC 5A Motion for Reconsideration (August 13, 2025).

Unclear if the ANC will seek further legal review.

The shop seeks to open in the strip mall next to the McDonald’s where there is already a 24/7 Smoke Shop. Residents and the ANC have been more vocal about their displeasure with the property owner for leasing to undesirable tenants and failing to adequately maintain the property.

Tonight August 15: Ward 4 Town Hall on Recent Federal Actions Impacting DC

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety, Ward 4

From Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Tonight from 6:30pm-7:30pm, Councilmember Lewis George will host a Zoom webinar town hall for Ward 4 residents to share the latest information and resources around recent federal actions impacting DC and take questions from the community. Neighbors can RSVP to receive the Zoom link by clicking here.

Today August 15: Explore! Kids Maker Space Clay Workshop

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Today, 4pm-7pm, the Explore Museum Kids Maker Space is hosting a Clay Workshop with Ms. Clara! Work with with air-dry clay to create charming miniatures. Shape your creations on Friday, August 15, then return next week for a two-part follow-up:

Wednesday, August 20 – Paint your miniatures during new midweek open hours.

Friday, August 22 – Add magnets to turn your finished pieces into functional art!

Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE

Repost: MOCA/MOLA Immigrant Resources and Support

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

Ed. Note: Individuals were detained in the community yesterday. I am republishing these “Know your Rights” resources compiled for immigrant communities, originally published in February.

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Original Post, February 11, 2025

[Ed. Note: At last week’s North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting, NMPCA representatives noted that ICE has been in the community.]

Message circulated by North Michigan Park Civic Association

Please share this information with your neighbor. Everyone knows someone who may be impacted with the Immigration issues. There will be a representative from MOLA [Mayor’s Office of Latino Affairs] at the next NMP Civic Association Meeting to talk about resources. 

MOCA [Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs] has a repository of grantees that do work with immigrants through the community. 

Here is also a list of resources for immigrant communities: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WHdkVxfEtBt9l_BPDrNPTqRpp2ojPBuj

As well as the Know Your Rights: https://www.cliniclegal.org/resources/protecting-your-community/know-your-rights/know-your-rights-guide-your-rights-when

Upcoming Back to School Events/Giveaways

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

Ed. Note 8/15/2025: Given everything going on, I do not recommend that parents take their kids anywhere near police-sponsored activities.

Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Annual Backpack Giveaway

On August 16, 2026, 11am-1pm, the Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Rec is holding a backpack giveaway at Riggs-LaSalle Rec, 501 Riggs Road NE. Must be a DC resident.

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MPD 4th District Backpack Giveaway

On August 21, 2025, 4pm-6pm, MPD 4th District officers will offer free backpacks and free haircuts while supplies last, 6001 Georgia Avenue NW. Child must be present to obtain a backpack.

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Metro Transit Police Department Annual Back to School Bash

On August 23, 2025, 11am-3pm, the Metro Transit Police Department is holding its annual back to school bash at Fort Totten station, large parking lot. Enjoy free food, drinks, haircuts, school supplies, live music, and giveaways.

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Lamond-Riggs Library Back to School Uniform Swap

On August 23, 2025, 2:30 pm-5:30pm, Lamond-Riggs Library is hosting a back-to-school uniform swap, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.

Please bring any lightly used school uniforms to the library. All clothing should be clean and free of serious wear and tear.  Clothing should be sized to fit students aged 3-16.  Accepted items include khaki pants, school shirts, belts, and school shoes. All leftover clothing will be donated to the PTA of the appropriate school.  

While at the branch, get ready for the new school year by signing up your child for a Library card and registering for Beyond the Book!

Contribute to “Walk Thru Ward 5” Interactive Exhibit for Ward 5 Day

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

Ward 5 Day is coming up on September 20, 2025. For the celebration, the Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker is asking neighbors to contribute to an interactive exhibit called “Walk Thru Ward 5.”

From CM Parker’s newsletter:

New this year to our Ward 5 Day festivities will be an interactive exhibit we’re calling Walk Thru Ward 5. Community members will create presentations featuring the history and culture of Ward 5 neighborhoods, telling the stories that have shaped us. Each neighborhood is unique and has its own rich and deep history. This project will have participants work closely with their neighbors to learn and share their untold stories. Our main goal is to actively engage Ward 5 residents in different neighborhoods. Whether you’ve lived in Ward 5 for 20 years or 2, the goal is collaboration. Want to be a part of shaping the exhibits? Now is the time to sign up! Click here. 

Forthcoming Urban Land Institute Report on Fort Totten Station Joint Development

Posted by nextstoprp in Fort Totten Metro Development

The Urban Land Institute ULI) recently published a post on the convening of the Fort Totten Net Zero TOD Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) held on June 3–5, 2025. The TAP was convened to support Metro’s development of the large parking lot at Fort Totten station, taking into consideration new energy requirements for new construction. Metro has previously tried to develop the large parking lot at least three times. ULI will issue a TAP report in the coming weeks.

ULI shared an initial set of recommendations:

1. Reduce the required parking.

2. Create a sense of place.

3. Collaborate with local utility PEPCO to ensure a smooth development process.

4. Integrate the new development into the existing neighborhood fabric.

I found some of the initial short and long term recommendations interesting.

Additional short-term recommendations from the panel included deepened partnerships with local community groups to begin activating the Fort Totten space and investing in placemaking around the station. Panelists also recommended identifying “quick wins” to accelerate development opportunities, such as lighting improvements, pop-up retail, and artist activations.

Long-term recommendations included making both the site and station-adjacent areas more pedestrian friendly by prioritizing the pedestrian experience, as well as by formalizing a collaboration network with the city and the utility to ensure a development-friendly experience. Panelists also emphasized the need to consider framing the joint development in terms of housing, transportation, and climate change to maximize potential funding sources (e.g., REC monetization, DC Green Bank financing, TIFIA/WIFIA infrastructure loans) and to address the most pressing needs in the region.

I have lots of thoughts on Metro’s joint development program. The upcoming ULI report will not be the first report on joint development at Fort Totten station. I am looking forward to what this one will say.

Ramdass Pharmacy Closing August 31, 2025

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Ramdass Pharmacy, located at 475 Ingraham Street NE, will be closing permanently on August 31, 2025, according to a sign on the front door of the pharmacy.

The pharmacy, which opened around August 2018, was one of the very first tenants of the first phase of Art Place at Fort Totten. We covered the opening and featured a chat with the pharmacist, Anthony Ramdass. In 2020, Mr. Ramdass was featured in DCist for the vital role his pharmacy played in making house calls to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I appreciated having an independent pharmacy in the neighborhood, and I am sorry to see him go.

UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market Starting August 15, Accepting Vendor Applications

Posted by nextstoprp in Backus Urban Food Hub

From UDC CAUSES newsletter:

UDC-CAUSES’ Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education (CUAGE) and Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation and Infrastructure (CURII) expand their reach by connecting consumers to fresh seasonal produce and goods and promoting healthier lifestyles for D.C. residents. Together, these two centers will lead the newest edition to the College’s roster of farmers’ markets at the UDC Community College. The new farmers’ market will be located in the parking lot next to the urban food hub on the Lamond Riggs campus. Come out and enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables, freshly baked goods, world cuisines, and handcrafted arts and crafts every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more info, contact the Farmers Market Manager Andy Blunk at andrew.blunk@udc.edu or call 202-274-7124. If you are interested in vending at one of our farmers markets, click here to let us know.

5171 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC

Boys Town Redevelopment Large Tract Review Application

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A, North Michigan PArk

Urban Atlantic’s Large Tract Review (LTR) application for the redevelopment of the Boys Town campus is available on the DC Office of Planning (OP) website. Urban Atlantic is redeveloping the site located at 4801 Sargent Road NE with 166 semi-detached homes. Approximately 17 homes will be set aside for below market rate housing for households earning up to 80 percent of median family income. The property will be developed in phases.

The property sits in ANC 5A02. Timothy Thomas is the ANC commissioner for this area.

The property will be accessed via the single entrance on Sargent Road. The developer plans to open up the campus by removing the mounds of fill dirt in front and creating a network of internal roads and 6-foot sidewalks throughout the site. The LTR application states the developer plans to plant 225 new trees. (Note: During public meetings, they said they will plant 90 new trees). The developer is studying creation of a pedestrian path to access the North Michigan Park Recreation Center from the property.

The developer plans to keep the 8,000 square foot building in the center of the campus (Main Building). They do not know what they will do with that building yet. The LTR application indicates they are evaluating formal designation of the building.

As part of the LTR application, Urban Atlantic submitted a comprehensive transportation review (CTR). (Note: While the applicant’s statement indicates the site will have 166 homes, the transportation analysis states the site will have 174 homes). Because the developer has not decided what to do with the Main Building, the CTR analysis is based on the assumption that the space will be for office use.

For residential use, the AM peak hour trip generation is projected to generate 59 vehicle trips per hour, 15 transit trips per hour, two (2) bicycle trips per hour, and 13 pedestrian trips per hour. The PM peak hour trip generation is projected to generate 70 vehicle trips per hour, 18 transit trips per hour, two (2) bicycle trips per hour, and 15 pedestrian trips per hour.

If the non-residential use were utilized as office space, the AM peak hour trip generation would be projected to generate 12 vehicle trips per hour, 1 transit trip per hour, zero (0) bicycle trips per hour, and zero (0) pedestrian trips per hour. The PM peak hour trip generation would be projected to generate 15 vehicle trips per hour, one (1) transit trip per hour, one (1) bicycle trip per hour, and one (1) pedestrian trip per hour.

The CTR does not include a transportation demand management (TDM) plan because the homes are for sale and the use of the Main Building has not been determined yet. The property is about one mile from Fort Totten station and is close to a few bus lines.

The traffic analysis includes the background development at 801 Buchanan Street NE. When this background development is taken into consideration, there is a slight increase in delays during AM and PM peak hours. But overall, the CTR concludes that the redevelopment will not have a detrimental impact on the transportation network or “trigger mitigation measures based on established DDOT standards.”

The CTR notes that Sargent Road has sharrows and that 12th Street has unprotected bike lanes. The CTR states that bicycle parking is not required for the residential portion, but the developer is proposing 10 short-term bicycle parking spaces in the center green portion of the site. The bicycle parking requirement for the Main Building will be determined when the developer decides what to do with that building. The CTR indicates that the nearest CaBi station is 0.4 miles away at South Dakota & Decatur.

Each home will have one private parking space for a car. The application states that each home “will also contain space for bicycle parking within the home.” There will be 16 additional parking spots for “shared use between the residential and non-residential uses.” Currently, there is unrestricted parking along Sargent.

The developer plans to provide electric vehicle parking in accordance with DC law that requires “all new construction of single-family homes (for building permits issues after January 1, 2025) that include dedicated off-road parking in the permit include installation of electrical panel capacity and conduit during construction that can support electric vehicle charging and mark the space as electric vehicle-ready.”

We previously discussed the LTR process in this post: Boys Town Redevelopment Pre-Large Tract Review Update. ANC 5A provided a letter in support of the conceptual redevelopment plan. The LTR application does not include everything that has been discussed at meetings so far. I know that there have also been side conversations among Commissioner Thomas, residents, and the developer with a goal of formalizing some type of agreement. Unclear at this point whether the ANC plans to submit a formal response with a copy of any agreement now that the complete LTR application has been submitted. The ANC is on recess until the end of September.