July 18: ANC 5A09 Community Meeting

From ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09)

5A09 SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT MEETING

Thursday 07/18/2024 at 06:00 pm

Special SMD 5A09 Meeting Agenda

Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87417402172?pwd=uD2EbYSUgRD4u0PmijR4jZTY0d1mOT.1

Meeting ID: 874 1740 2172
Passcode: 390073

Agenda (times are tentative)

6:00 Aldi alcohol sale license request

6:30 Planned one-block bike lane at Riggs and South Dakota

7:00 Possible future bike lane on South Dakota Ave

Anyone who lives in 5A09 or near Fort Totten Metro Station, please attend the meeting to discuss these issues. 

You can also email bike.lanes@dc.gov (please provide your address / distance from Fort Totten) so your opinions will be given more weight) and [copy Commissioner Bocoum at 5A09@anc.dc.gov]. 

Surveys regarding South Dakota Ave Safety Study can be found at South Dakota Ave Safety Study – Official Website of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker (zacharyparkerward5.com) 


[Ed. note: I am not sure why Commissioner Bocoum is having another SMD meeting about the alcohol license issue when the protest deadline is July 22. (The hearing was pushed back because Aldi did not post the placard until June 7). It seems Commissioners Fletcher and Lucio are telling her what to do, but neither of them is giving good advice. One or both told her that the license had been approved already, which was obviously not correct, and residents told her that was not correct. Then one or both told her she should have another SMD meeting, which does not make any sense and residents told her that does not make any sense. The full ANC should be having a special meeting to vote on a resolution. So, I am not sure what the ANC is doing and why other commissioners are telling Commissioner Bocoum things that do not make any sense.]

June 26, 2024 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Sahara Market; St. Anselm’s Abbey School Expansion; DDOT Studies

Catching up on posts

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on June 26, 2024. Commissioners present: Karlus Cozart (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Vice Chair, Secretary; Tyeron Boston (5A05); Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A06 & 5A07 are vacant.

This meeting was super long. Chair Fletcher left about halfway through, but there was still a quorum of commissioners present.

Commission Business

Commissioner Lucio was elected secretary, retroactive to February 2024. An official from the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions conducted the installation.

The ANC apparently previously approved drafting a job description for an assistant to the ANC. That was tasked to Commissioner Bocoum to complete by the ANC’s September 2024 meeting.

Public Safety Update

The ANC held a public safety summit on June 20. Commissioner Cozart, who is heading up the ANC’s public safety committee, stated the ANC had presentations by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Catholic University’s public safety office, and Carlos McKnight representing Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker’s office. Commissioner Cozart will submit a report on the summit at the ANC’s September 2024 public meeting. The ANC also wants to have a public safety summit in the fall.

Sahara Market & Cafe (5A02)

See Sahara presentation to ANC 5A (June 2024)

Owners of Sahara Market & Cafe presented on their alcohol license application. They have vague plans to open some type of eatery in the Avondale Shops strip mall at 1901 Michigan Avenue NE (near Eastern Avenue NE) in ANC 5B. The property sits across the street from ANC 5A02, so Commissioner Cozart has been communicating with commissioners in ANC 5B. The owners also have a restaurant in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Commissioner Cozart held a single member district (SMD) meeting prior to the full ANC meeting. At his SMD meeting, residents expressed concerns about hours of operation, proximity to the childcare center at YMCA, proximity to the church across the street from the proposed eatery, and about the patrons that a restaurant with late night hours serving alcohol in a residential neighborhood would attract.

In response, representatives of Sahara stated that they have changed hours to shut down at midnight, though that apparently had not been reflected in their actual application just yet.

Sahara reps said they want to work with residents to provide amenities that neighbors would support. They said they have heard from Queens Chapel residents that they do not want a liquor store and that they want a bakery or coffee shop. So the owners are bouncing around ideas for a space that will have a coffee component, provide a lunchtime option, and possibly sell fresh produce. They said they are not trying to bring a liquor store to the community.

The ANC voted to oppose Sahara’s applications for a Class B and Class C alcohol license.

Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator for Ward 5 CM Zachary Parker)

Carlos McKnight, constituent services coordinated for CM Parker, noted that residents shared concerns about buses idling on Galloway Street NE for Metro’s bus bridge. The buses will be in the neighborhood until the end of August 2024 to support Metro’s red line construction.

CM Parker reached out to Metro. Metro stated that they will send personnel to monitor idling and will provide a cooling bus for bus operators. Metro sent a letter to ANC 5A Chair Fletcher. Residents asked if someone could share the letter with residents. (Note: CM Parker’s office shared the letter in the Ward 5 newsletter). A resident asked if Metro could stage buses in the parking lots on Eastern Avenue by the Giant instead of on Galloway because of the poor sightlines created by having buses parked on both sides of the street. In addition, the resident expressed concern about the annual practice of people coming to the field to shoot fireworks.

The Takoma station has reopened. Red line closure from Takoma to Glenmont continues until the end of August. Sign up for red line construction alerts. For more information, visit wmata.com/majorconstruction.

The comment period for Metro’s proposed bus redesign network closes July 15, 2024. Give input at https://betterbus.wmata.com/share. CM Parker’s office produced a scorecard of the proposal.

The Council approved the FY2025 budget. Some Ward 5 wins include funding for improvements to the playground at the North Michigan Park Rec Center.

The comment period for the South Dakota Avenue NE corridor safety study project is open until mid-August. Give input: DDOT Questionnaire and at DDOT Public Input Map.

Councilmember Parker attended a public safety meeting at Social Justice School. Metro Transit Police Department representatives attended as well. CM Parker has reached out to Ramdass Pharmacy, which was robbed in mid-June.

(Aside: This was the last ANC meeting for Carlos. In the Ward 5 newsletter, CM Parker’s office notified residents Carlos is no longer with the Ward 5 office. ANC 5A residents should contact Oliver Stoute at ostoute@dccouncil.gov for constituent services requests. Carlos is a wonderful person & we wish him the very best.)

Safety improvements on Fort Drive NE & Taylor Street NE (Anne Welch, DDOT)

See DDOT Taylor Street NE presentation to ANC 5A (June 2024)

DDOT is studying bike lanes along Taylor Street NE and along Harewood Road NW. Construction on bike lanes on Taylor Street is anticipated in Fiscal Year 2025. Construction on bike lanes on Rock Creek Church Road/Harewood Road NE corridor is expected in Fiscal Year 2026

Currently, DDOT is in Phase 1, looking at needs assessment and interagency coordination

Commissioner Boston (5A05) asked if DDOT has taken into consideration that Washington Yu Ying and Washington Latin will be opening campuses on Taylor pretty soon. He asked if DDOT has decided which side of the road the bike lanes will be go on. DDOT responded that they are aware of the schools’ plans and that they are still assessing where the bike lanes will go.

A resident noted that ANC 5A06 is an impacted SMD and that they are without representation.

South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Study (Sayra Molina, DDOT)

See DDOT South Dakota Avenue Safety Study One Pager

DDOT is conducting a safety study of the South Dakota Avenue NE corridor between Bladensburg Road NE and Riggs Road NE with the goal of implementing a road diet. DDOT is conducting the first round of public meetings, gathering input, and developing concepts. Give input by mid-August, 2024: DDOT Questionnaire and at DDOT Public Input Map.

A project website is forthcoming.

St. Anselm Abbey’s School Expansion (5A02)

See St. Anselm’s Abbey School Expansion Presentation to ANC 5A (June 2024)

St. Anselm’s Abbey School is looking to expand on its existing campus. The plan is to build a new wing to house a new library, office space, a student chapel, and admissions office. The expansion will be served by the existing parking and existing driveway. The school needs BZA relief for the expansion. They are requesting a modification to their private school plan. They do not plan to increase enrollment.

Commissioner Lucio asked if the school could reconfigure the driveway. A representative stated that is currently not included in the scope of work.

Commissioner Lucio asked if St. Anselm had any interest in buying any property from Boys Town, which is being sold. A school rep stated that he did not see any current program needs for additional property and that the sale price will probably be too high, but he stated he will alert his board of the opportunity.

The ANC voted to support St. Anselm’s BZA application.

Community Concerns

I noted that the deadline for protesting Aldi’s beer/wine license application was approaching and that at Commissioner Bocoum’s SMD meeting, residents noted that this would be a good opportunity to pursue a friendly settlement agreement with Aldi. Commissioner Bocoum was misinformed that their beer/wine license application had been approved already, which created some confusion. The ANC agreed to have Commissioner Bocoum pursue a friendly settlement agreement. Commissioner Boston opposed. (Aside: The protest deadline for the application was pushed back to July 22).

The ANC is on recess during July and August.

July 12 & 13: Riggs Park Art Crawl

Join The Parks Main Street for the Riggs Park Art Crawl on July 12 & 13, 2024!

Vendors, live music, and family friendly activities taking in two locations:

  • Plaza area in front of 300 Riggs Road NE
  • Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE

Friday, July 12, 10 am-3 pm
Saturday, July 13, 10 am-6 pm

Hope to see you there!

Boil Water Advisory Lifted Effective 7:30 am, July 4, 2024

DC Water has lifted the boil water advisory effective 7:30 am, July 4, 2024.

https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/news/update-dc-water-lifts-boil-water-advisory-all-affected-customers-0

Copied and pasted from DC Water

UPDATE: DC Water Lifts Boil Water Advisory For All Affected Customers – Effective 7:30 AM July 4, 2024

July 04, 2024

All DC Water customers under the precautionary boil water advisory can use tap water for all purposes after it was confirmed that drinking water provided by the Washington Aqueduct never deviated from U.S. EPA established water quality standards as had been anticipated.

Under advice from the Washington Aqueduct, DC Water issued the precautionary boil water advisory as a conservative measure to protect public health, and we sincerely appreciate our customers’ patience while we took necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the tap water we deliver.

The advisory affected all customers in the District of Columbia, as well as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and Reagan National Airport. Arlington County customers were also impacted.

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this public notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

DC Water will work with customers to answer questions and respond to additional issues following the Boil Water Advisory. Questions can be directed to DC Water Customer Service at 202-354-3600 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400. Information is also available at dcwater.com and Bilingual FAQs are provided at http://www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.

Boil Water Advisory Issued for All of DC July 3, 2024

Copied and pasted from DC Water

https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/news/drinking-water-advisory-dc-water-issues-boil-water-advisory-all-customers

DRINKING WATER ADVISORY: DC Water Issues Boil Water Advisory For All Customers In The District Of Columbia, The Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery And Reagan National Airport

July 3, 2024

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) issued a Boil Water Advisory today for all customers in the District of Columbia, as well as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and Reagan National Airport, due to a drop in water supply from the Washington Aqueduct. This is a precautionary notice to all customers to boil water that may be ingested due to water of unknown quality. Customer should not drink the water without boiling it first. This advisory will remain in place until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe to drink.

Customers should:

•    Discard any beverages and ice made after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
•    Run cold water prior to boiling.
•    Run cold water for 2 minutes if known sources of lead are present prior to boiling. 
•    Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute and let it cool.
•    Store cooled water in a clean, covered container.

Cooled, boiled water or bottled water should be used for:

•    Drinking
•    Brushing teeth
•    Preparing and cooking food
•    Washing fruits and vegetables
•    Preparing infant formula
•    Making ice 
•    Washing dishes by hand
•    Giving water to pets
 

*Do not use home filtering devices in place of boiled or bottled water.

What happened (Background)
On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, DC Water was notified by the Army Corps of Engineers Washington Aqueduct that due to turbidity the Dalecarlia Water Treatment Plant reduced production and all water treatment operations were being conducted at the McMillan Treatment Plant. The current water treatment must be adjusted to meet current water demand for all our customers. To ensure there is enough water for firefighting activities, the Aqueduct resumed pumping water from the Dalecarlia Treatment Plant Wednesday evening. We anticipate the water could have increased turbidity and therefore providing this cautionary boil water advisory.

Turbidity as a measure of the cloudiness of water as described by the EPA. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (such as whether disease-causing organisms are present).

Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease-causing organisms. These organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea and associated headaches. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. 

The symptoms above are not only caused by microbes in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice. People at increased risk should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

We have no information that the water was contaminated by this incident, but we issue this advisory as a precaution while we test the water.  We will update you when the water supply has returned to normal production and meets water quality standards. 

Please share this information with all other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

Customers with questions can contact DC Water Customer Service at (202) 354-3600 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or the 24-Hour Command Center at 202-612-3400.

Information is also available at www.dcwater.com and Bilingual FAQs are provided at www.dcwater.com/boilwaterFAQ.

Run for ANC – Petitions due August 7, 2024

If you call yourself a reasonable, respectful person interested in improving where you live, consider running for a seat on the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC).

Starting today July 1, nominating petitions to run for ANC in the November general election are available from the DC Board of Elections. Petitions are due at 5:00 pm on August 7, 2024. Information about how to run for the ANC is available on the Board of Election website at https://www.dcboe.org/candidates/anc-advisory-neighborhood-commissioners.

Greater Greater Washington is hosting a virtual training on how to run for ANC tonight, July 1 at 6:00 pm. Register at the link.

Each ANC commissioner represents approximately 2,000 residents who make up a single member district (SMD). Find your ANC/SMD.

Maybe you like researching, have ideas about DC’s budget or how to improve the neighborhood, or want to advocate for the community before DC agencies. Maybe you have asked yourself, “Did anyone think of this or that?” when it comes to development. Maybe you have a list of things you wish DDOT were doing in the neighborhood. Well, serving as an ANC commissioner is a chance to serve in a position that matters because views of the commission are given great weight.

ANCs can weigh in on all sorts of matters that affect residents (planning and development projects, services by District agencies, etc.) so it really can make a difference to have proactive, reasonable people in these positions. If you are a reasonable, respectful person who would not mind doing some unpaid community work and would enjoy interacting with residents, District agencies, and neighborhood businesses to make our neighborhood a bit better, go ahead and run. We all thank you in advance.

Neighborhood boundaries and corresponding ANCs

The boundaries of Riggs Park generally are New Hampshire Avenue NE to the north, Eastern Avenue/MD-DC border to the east, Galloway Street to the south, & the Metro red line tracks to the west. (I don’t make the rules). Riggs Park is represented in part by commissioners in ANC 4B08, 4B09, 4B10, 5A01, 5A02, and 5A09.

Lamond is north of New Hampshire Avenue to about Underwood Place NE/NW. Lamond is represented is represented by commissioners in ANC 4B07 and 4B10.

I always like to put in a little plug for my SMD, which is ANC 5A01. It is a nice manageable area with the Lamond-Riggs Library and UDC Lamond-Riggs campus. I think the residents in this pocket of the neighborhood are pretty low-key, nice folks.

Map of ANC 4B07

Map of ANC 4B08

Map of ANC 4B09

Map of ANC 4B10

Map of ANC 5A01

Map of ANC 5A02

Map of ANC 5A09

Riggs Park Traffic Control Box Art Project Designs

From The Parks Main Street

The Parks Main Street (TPMS) is excited to share the six community selected designs for the Riggs Park Traffic Control Box Art Project.

Riggs Park Squirrel – Austin Morris @austindmorris

Bloom – Beezy Young @by.beezy

A Piece of the City – Britnee Scott @art.is.brit

Riggs Park – Sydney Buffalow @cr8tionrebel

Peace and Pirate – Tarika Campbell @tarika.art

Untitled – Trap Bob @trapxbob

Each artist will be paid $500 upon installation.

Note: All wording on designs must be removed before installation based on requirements from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

June 30: Land Conservation Day at Hellbender

Join Casey Trees for the annual Land Conservation Day at Hellbender Brewing Company!

Celebrate Land Conservation Day at Hellbender Brewing Company with:

  • Tree Tours
  • Live Music
  • Raffles & Games
  • BBQ Food Truck
  • Casey Trees Merch
  • And try the exclusive Casey Trees Serviceberry seasonal beer!

Tickets not required. Registration encouraged to help predict attendance. Also, there is a donation link in the event checkout to support Casey Trees.

Schedule

Event runs 2:00 pm-7:00pm.

Hellbender Beer Hall and outside patio open for the duration of the event, as well as BBQ food truck, raffles, partner tables, and several games all open 2-7pm. Exclusive seasonal Serviceberry beer brewed with berries picked from local Serviceberry trees. Proceeds from this beer support Casey Trees’ efforts to restore, enhance, and protect DC’s tree canopy.

Other activities are scheduled at:

2:00 pm – Live Music Starts (Half Pint Harry)

2:30 pm – Tree Tour of Hellbender Hill (first tour)

4 :30 pm – Tree Tour of Hellbender Hill (second tour)

6 :00 pm – Live Music Ends

Hellbender Brewery is located at 5788 2nd Street NE.

June 26: Ward 5 Monthly Public Safety Call – Register in Advance

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites residents to join his next Monthly Public Safety Call on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.

Guests will be representatives from Ward 5’s three Police Districts (3D, 4D, and 5D).

Register to receive the meeting link at ward5.us/monthlycall. The meeting will be livestreamed on CM Parker’s YouTube channel. It will be recorded, and slides will be shared afterwards.

June 26: ANC 5A Public Meeting (Virtual)

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6:45 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210460261?pwd=NnF5RElVd0orWWppd3FPRGlPMjRPZz09

Meeting ID: 862 1046 0261
Passcode: 869469

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first.  Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance

IV. Commission Business
A. Election and Swearing in of the Secretary
B. Secretary
i. Minutes (May 2024)
C. Treasurer
i. 3rd Quarter Financial Report
ii. Job Description
D. Public Safety Committee Update from June 20th (Commissioner Cozart)

V. Commission Action Items/Updates
A. Sahara Market (Ret B and CR) (5A02)

VI. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office

VII. Reports & Presentations
A. Dalando Baker (DDOT) South Dakota Ave Traffic Study- DDOT
B. St. Anslam’s Abby School Development (5A02)
C. Anne Welch (DDOT) Safety improvements on Fort Drive NE and Taylor Street NE from North Capitol Street NW to South Dakota Avenue NE. 

VIII. Community Comments

IX. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

X. Adjourn

June 24: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Virtual)

From ANC 4B

ANC 4B Public Meeting

Monday, June 24, 2024, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Meeting Details:

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86020046493?pwd=QLnf6bQdG6Ftzrd3vY6r9wX0XYakSG.1.

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592.

Meeting ID: 860 2004 6493. Passcode: 780988.

1.   Call to Order & Roll Call
2.   Administrative Items:

A. Instructions for Participation in Virtual Meeting

B.  Consideration and Approval of June 2024 Regular Public Meeting Agenda

C. Approval of May 2024 Regular Public Meeting Minutes

D.  Treasurer’s Report

3.   Commissioner Updates

4.   Community Concerns

*Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak during community concerns. The Commission will provide additional details regarding how to present community concerns via the virtual meeting at the start of the meeting. This is the time for questions or statements from members of the public about issues on the agenda or other areas of concern. Please limit your statement or question to one minute. You may also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.*

5.   Reports:

A.  Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)

B. Barbara Rogers, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 minutes)

C.  Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education (3 minutes)

D. Housing Justice Committee (2 minutes)

E. Vision Zero Committee (2 minutes)

F. Youth Advisory Committee (2 minutes)

G. Community Safety & Support Committee (2 minutes)

6.   Presentation: Japer Bowles, Director, Mayor’s Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs, Mission and Work of the Office (10-minute presentation; 10-minute discussion)

7.   Presentation: Clover Barnes, Senior Deputy Director, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), District Department of Health, Mission of the Administration and Available Resources (10-minute presentation; 10-minute discussion)

8.   Presentation: Sayra Molina, Transportation Specialist, Corridor Safety Projects Team, Traffic Engineering & Safety Division, District Department of Transportation, South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Project from Riggs Road, NE, to Bladensburg Road, NE

Christopher Berg, Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Specialist, Active Transportation Branch, Planning and Sustainability Division, District Department of Transportation, Riggs Road, NE, Protected Bike Lanes (NOI 24-150 PSD) (10-minute presentation; 10-minute discussion)

9.   Consent Calendar:

  • Resolution 4B-24-0601: Authorizing Commission Community Support and Outreach Expenditures (Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Yeats, and Commissioner Palmer)
  • Resolution 4B-24-0602: Supporting Application for Special Exceptions at 6629 Piney Branch Road, NW, for Rear Addition (BZA 21176) (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Yeats, and Commissioner Smith)
  • Resolution 4B-24-0603: Noting History of Requests and Calling for Installation of Speed Humps for East-West Roads (Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer, and Commissioner Smith)
  • Resolution 4B-24-0604: Noting Lengthy History of Requests and Calling for Additional Traffic Calming and Safety Infrastructure at the Intersection of Piney Branch Road, NW, and Dahlia Street, NW, and Around Takoma Elementary School (Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer, and Commissioner Smith)

10. Adjournment

ANC 4B is on recess and will not hold Regular Public Meetings in July and August.

The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for September 10 at 6:30 p.m.

The next ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for September 23 at 7:00 p.m.

The next ANC 4B Housing Justice Committee Meeting is scheduled for July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The next ANC 4B Youth Advisory Committee Meeting has not yet been scheduled.

The next ANC 4B Vision Zero Committee Meeting has not yet been scheduled.

agenda-24june2024-website-draftDownload

Riggs Road NE Cycletrack 90% Design Plan – Submit Comments by July 23

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is soliciting public comment on the 90% design of the Riggs Road NE two-way cycletrack (NOI #24-150 PSD; 90% design plan). This is the proposed cycletrack on eastbound Riggs using part of the existing dedicated right-turn only lane between South Dakota Avenue and 1st Place NE. DDOT is reissuing the NOI for this project after it stalled last year. The project sits in ANC 5A09. Send comments to bike.lanes@dc.gov by July 23, 2024.

DDOT states:

DDOT proposes to reconfigure the 100 block of Riggs Road between First Place NE and South Dakota Ave NE to remove the curbside eastbound travel lane for 800 feet and convert that space to a two-way protected bike lane as shown in the attached plans.

The purpose of this change is to assist cyclists in crossing under the railroad tracks to reach the Metropolitan Branch Trail.

We are re-issuing this NOI at the 90% design stage to solicit public feedback through the ongoing development stages of this project.

Rendering of proposed cycletrack from NOI

It is worth looking at the 90% design plan for details. For example, DDOT expects that people on bikes will follow the pedestrian signal rather than having a separate bike signal. It looks like DDOT plans to install a yellow flex post in the cycletrack at the corner of 1st Pl & Riggs that will hopefully stop cars from entering the cyletrack. Plenty of other details to comment on.

Send comments to bike.lanes@dc.gov by July 23, 2024.

DDOT South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Project & Ways to Give Input

DDOT and Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker recently held two kickoff meetings for the South Dakota Avenue NE Corridor Safety Study. DDOT is looking at ways to address issues on South Dakota from Bladensburg Road NE to Riggs Road NE.

See DDOT South Dakota Avenue Safety Kickoff Meeting Presentation Slides

Let DDOT know what you think about what is needed along the corridor by completing this questionnaire and providing information on this public input map (where you can identify important changes you’d like to see at specific intersections like more visible crosswalks, better pedestrian accommodations, etc).

Councilmember Parker earmarked funds in the FY2024 budget for a road diet on the corridor:

“fund efforts to improve safety on the corridor in the short term, preferably by constructing a road diet on a segment of the corridor […] the Committee recommends that DDOT consider either the segment between Bladensburg Road and Monroe Street NE or the segment between Sargent Road NE and RiggsRoad NE.”

Most agree speeding is a problem on South Dakota. There is a relatively low volume of vehicles during off-peak hours, which makes the wide road ripe for speeding. There are too many crashes and near misses. People feel unsafe crossing the street. Too many pedestrians have been injured or killed walking along the corridor. People want to be able to safely walk and bike to points along the corridor. Everyone wants the situation to be addressed. The question is how to get there.

Project Scope

DDOT is going to study the entire corridor, examine three concepts for a road diet, select one concept, and design and build the concept on one portion of the corridor. DDOT plans to start construction on the southern end (near Bladensburg) because they state that is where there is highest need.

DDOT is looking at three options for the corridor.

Option One: 3 lanes with full-time parking

Option one would have three lanes with parking on each side of the street.

  • Maintains one lane in each direction
  • Uses curbside space for full-time parking
  • Center space can be left turn lanes or pedestrian islands depending on needs

(Currently, no parking is allowed on South Dakota except for limited parking on the west side of South Dakota between Galloway and Ingraham (soon extending to Kennedy). A couple of churches closer to the southern end of the corridor use a lane for parking on Sundays.)

Option Two: 3 lanes with parking and two-way protected bike lanes

Option two would have three lanes with parking and a two-way protected bike lane:

  • Maintains one travel lane in each direction
  • Uses curbside on one curb face for protected bike lanes
  • Uses opposite curb for parking
  • Center space can be left turn lanes or pedestrian islands depending on need

Option Three: 3 lanes with protected bike lanes in each direction

Option three would have three lanes with protected bike lanes in each direction.

  • Maintains one lane in each direction
  • Uses curbside space for protected bike lanes
  • Center space can be left turn lanes or pedestrian islands depending on needs

Project Timeline

DDOT plans to gather data, explore concepts, and gather input before holding a second round of public meetings in fall 2024, having a third round of public meetings in winter 2024/2025, beginning work on design plans in spring 2025, and finally starting construction just on the southern end in summer 2025.

Ways to Give Input

Let DDOT know what you think about what is needed along the corridor by completing this questionnaire and providing information on this public input map (where you can identify important changes you’d like to see at specific intersections like more visible crosswalks, better pedestrian accommodations, etc).

Though DDOT is going to focus the limited construction money on the southern end of the corridor, please take the time provide input to DDOT about neighborhood issues through this public engagement effort.

(I am going to exercise restraint from getting too soapboxy about how it would have been amazing if our city agencies would have required safe street design while the streets have been torn up for all of the development plus the city’s own street reconfiguration on the northern end of the corridor the past several years. Would have been amazing if our planning agency did not greenlight a new drive-thru on South Dakota on the northern end. Please complete the surveys & advocate for funding to complete the entire corridor.)

Aldi Beer/Wine License Application

Aldi is anticipating opening at 5300 South Dakota Avenue NE (at Kennedy Street) around October 2024. They have applied for a new class B Full-Service Grocery store license with a Tasting Permit Endorsement to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption. Hours of beer/wine sales would be Sunday through Saturday 9am – 8pm.

The ABCA protest petition deadline is July 8, 2024. The roll call hearing date is July 29, 2024. The protest hearing date is September 18, 2024, at 1:30 pm.

The store sits in ANC 5A09. ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) will discuss the application at her single member district meeting on June 17, 2024.

CANCELLED – June 12: ANC 5A Special Meeting (Virtual)

ANC 5A just cancelled the special meeting scheduled for tonight.

From ANC 5A:

Please note, this meeting for tonight has been canceled.  The election noted below will be conducted at our regular public meeting on June 26, 2024.

[Ed. Note: A couple of months ago, the ANC decided that Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03), who had been installed as vice chair at the beginning of the year, would also take on the secretary role for the ANC. I have been told that this special meeting is for the ANC to follow the proper procedures to make her secretary role official.]

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A June 2024 Special Meeting: 06/12/2024 at 06:00 pm

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
ANC 5A Special Meeting

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:00 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business
A. Special Election
VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
IX. Adjourn

Topic: ANC 5A Special Meeting
Time: Jun 12, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88628162179?pwd=kOYbdwZ6TYZLwi7fxSOo0LddACB2cO.1

Meeting ID: 886 2816 2179
Passcode: 301369

June 17: ANC 5A09 Community Meeting (Virtual)

From ANC 5A09

5A09 SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT: 06/17/2024 at 07:00 pm

Quarterly SMD 5A09 Meeting Agenda

Monday, June 17th at 7:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87417402172?pwd=uD2EbYSUgRD4u0PmijR4jZTY0d1mOT.1

Meeting ID: 874 1740 2172
Passcode: 390073

Agenda

1. Aldi Updates

Alcohol sale license request

Request to add a turning lane on Kennedy St at South Dakota Ave.

2. Food and Friends Update

Request to add a curb cut on South Dakota Ave near Kennedy St.

3. South Dakota Ave Safety Project

Ways to improve safety on South Dakota Ave.

What is your opinion about bike lanes on South Dakota Ave?

Other Business

Do you live within the boundaries of SMD 5A09? (See map below.) If so, to join my listserv, please visit https://groups.io/g/SMD5A09

Proposed Metro Bus Stop Consolidation

As part of its bus network redesign, Metro is looking to consolidate some of its bus stops. View the full list of bus stops that Metro is proposing to eliminate: Metro Bus Stop Consolidation Report (May 2024). Metro states:

Metro used our Board adopted Service Guidelines, which provide guidelines of the average number of bus stops per mile for different kinds of service. We focused on stops that were about 660 feet apart or less and then assessed ridership at the stop and the availability of safe access for customers. For stops that were close together with low ridership or without safe pedestrian access were considered for consolidation.

Share your input with Metro

In this post, we discussed some of the neighborhood impacts of the 2025 Network Proposal. Residents should also comment on the proposed elimination of bus stops. Remember to provide input to Metro at https://betterbus.wmata.com/share by 5:00 pm on July 15, 2024.

Proposed Bus Stop Consolidation Neighborhood Impacts

Metro is considering removing several bus stops in the neighborhood and nearby.

Bus StopRoute
South Dakota Ave & 8th St NE80
Galloway St & South Dakota Ave NE80, E2, F6
Riggs Rd & Rock Creek Church NE60, 64, E4, K2, K6
Riggs Rd & Blair Rd NE60, 64, E4, K2, K6
Chillum Pl & Eastern Ave NEE4
New Hampshire Ave & Longfellow St NEK6
Nicholson St & Riggs Rd NEE4
New Hampshire Ave & Oneida St NEK6
New Hampshire Ave & Quackenbos St NEK6

I looked at closest bus stop info for a few routes.

Bus Stop  RouteClosest Stop
South Dakota Ave & 8th St NE80(Towards Fort Totten)
• South Dakota & Emerson
• South Dakota & Farragut  
(Towards McPherson Sq)
• South Dakota & Farragut
• South Dakota & Delafield  
South Dakota Ave & Galloway St NE80(Towards Fort Totten)
• South Dakota & Farragut  
(Towards McPherson Sq)
• Galloway & 4th
• South Dakota & Farragut  
South Dakota Ave & Galloway St NEE2(Towards Fort Totten)
• Gallatin & South Dakota  
(Towards Ivy City)
• Galloway & 4th
• Gallatin & South Dakota  
South Dakota Ave & Galloway St NEF6(Towards Fort Totten)
• Gallatin & South Dakota  
(Towards New Carrollton)
• Galloway & 4th
• Gallatin & South Dakota  
Chillum Pl & Eastern Ave NEE4(Towards Riggs Park)
• Chillum Pl & 11th St
• Jamaica & Eastern  
(Towards Friendship Heights)
• Jamaica & Eastern  
Nicholson St & Riggs Rd NEE4(Towards Friendship Heights)
• Nicholson & 6th
• Riggs Rd & Nicholson  
New Hampshire Ave & Quackenbos St NEK2(Towards White Oak)
• New Hampshire & Peabody
• New Hampshire & Rittenhouse  
(Towards Fort Totten)
• New Hampshire & Rittenhouse
• New Hampshire & Peabody

Metro Engagement on 2025 Network Proposal

Virtual Public Hearings

By phone: Call (206) 899-2028 and enter the meeting code.

By video: Email speak@wmata.com by 5:00 p.m. the day before the virtual Public Hearing.

All Public Hearings will be streamed online at youtube.com/MetroForward.

  • Virtual Public Hearing Tuesday, June 18, 2024, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Meeting Code: 490 122 856#
  • Virtual Public Hearing Monday, June 24, 2024, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Meeting Code: 787 960 816#

Metro is holding popup events about the 2025 Network Proposal around the region.

Pop-Up @ Rhode Island Ave Metro Station
Monday, June 17, 2024
3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Rhode Island Ave Metro Station
919 Rhode Island Ave NE
Washington DC 20018

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker cohosted a virtual Ward 5 meeting on June 3.

Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is cohosting a meeting with Metro on June 27 at 6:30 pm at Coolidge High School.

See more engagement events at https://betterbus.wmata.com/events.

Remember to provide input to Metro at https://betterbus.wmata.com/share by 5:00 pm on July 15, 2024.