Author Archives: nextstoprp

2nd Street/3rd Street NE Proposed Roundabout

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is considering placing a roundabout at the 2nd Street/3rd Street NE intersection just north of Riggs Road NE, along with a few other modifications, to deal with the longstanding issues of U-turns and left turns out of Walmart’s parking garage on 3rd Street. (View NOI-23-110-TESD). Submit comments on the proposal to kornelius.anderson@dc.gov by July 7, 2023.

DDOT proposes the following modifications:

  • Conversion of the intersection of 2nd and 3rd Streets NE to a roundabout configuration;
  • Installation of a raised lane separator with vertical flexible posts on 3rd Street NE between 2nd Street NE and the 310 Riggs Road NE (Walmart) parking garage on 3rd Street NW; and,
  • Installation of crosswalks at the intersection of 2nd and 3rd Streets NE.

The Notice of Intent (NOI) states:

[F]ield observations indicate that motorists frequently turn left from the Walmart garage or make U-turns to access southbound 3rd  Street NE. In support of Washington DC’s commitment to the Vision Zero goal, DDOT conducted a safety and operations study of 3rd Street NE between Riggs Road and 2nd Street NE,  to develop the proposed recommendations identified above and improve safety for all users.

As a result of the study, DDOT determined that the most effective way to address the mid-block safety issues is to install a raised lane separator with vertical posts from the raised median on 3rd Street NE to the intersection of 2nd and 3rd Street NE. To facilitate U-turns, DDOT will convert the intersection of 2nd and 3rd Streets NE to a roundabout configuration. Following the conversion, approximately 19 parking spaces will be removed from 2nd and 3rd Streets NE to accommodate the roundabout. Figure 1 shows the proposed signs, pavement markings and the raised lane separator along 3rd St NE.

Background

A bit of background on this proposal. Back in early 2018 when I served as president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, I created a spreadsheet of issues along the Riggs Road/South Dakota Avenue NE corridor and arranged a walkthrough of the corridor with representatives from DDOT, MOCRs, ANC commissioners, and representatives from councilmember offices. I suggested the idea of a roundabout for the 2nd/3rd Street intersection (even though roundabouts make me nervous) and asked for a bunch of other longstanding requests, such as crosswalks at 2nd/3rd Street, removal of parking near Walmart’s driveway, blocking left turns out of Walmart’s driveway, all-way stop at 3rd & Chillum Place NE, and blocking parking near the southwest corner of 3rd and Chillum. I opened service requests for all of these issues, kept track of communications with District officials, and gave that information to ANC 4B. ANC 4B in turn created resolutions regarding these issues.

So it has taken some years to get to this point and several issues remain unaddressed. DDOT did install a no parking sign close to Walmart’s driveway last year, but of course people ignore the sign and still park right up to the driveway. I think DDOT needs to physically prevent the ability to park there because right now drivers exiting the driveway still need to pull out pretty far to see if there is oncoming traffic. We also need a way to prevent people from parking right near the intersection close to 300 Riggs Road NE where a Wing Stop will replace the coffee shop. The parking shenanigans will only get worse once that restaurant opens. And the intersection at 3rd & Chillum needs to be addressed.

As for this NOI, with respect to the proposed lengthy raised lane separator, I was told that DDOT is taking this action because it is faster to install this separator than to actually extend the median. I was told that perhaps in the future the separator could be converted into an extended median.

The only other thing I will say about this is that it really does highlight the deficiencies in the large tract review process for projects that do not go through the planned unit development process. Much of this should have been taken care of during the design and construction of Fort Totten Square when we raised these issues. I raise shortcomings with the large tract review process whenever I can with District officials, also to point out why the constant changes to the traffic safety investigation process are kind of bogus.

In any case, ANC 4B has developed a draft resolution in support of the proposed modifications in this NOI.

Be sure to submit comments on the proposed modifications for NOI-23-110-TESD to kornelius.anderson@dc.gov by July 7, 2023.

June 26: ANC 4B Public Meeting Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

Agenda – June 2023

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting Agenda

Monday, June 26, 2023, 7:00pm

Virtual Meeting Details:

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83287696066?pwd=RWpZaEkvK01hQXY1N3NHeVJpWkVBdz09  

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

Meeting ID: 832 8769 6066. Passcode: 262224

  1. Call to Order & Roll Call
  2. Administrative Items
    • Instructions for Participation in Virtual Meeting
    • Election of Treasurer
    • Consideration and Approval of Agenda
    • Approval of May 2023 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
  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
    • Sophia Tekola, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 min)
    • Barbara Rogers, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 min)
    • Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education (3 min)
    • Representative, Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 min)
    • Housing Justice Committee (2 min)
    • Vision Zero Committee (2 min)
    • Community Safety & Support Committee (2 min)
  6. Presentations
  • Rosemary McDonnell, Program Manager, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, Agency Mission and Services (10-minute presentation; 5-minute discussion)
  • Arianna Gard, Director, Growth and Resilience Across Development Lab, University of Maryland, Result of Community and Resilient Environments Project (10-minute presentation; 5-minute discussion)
  • Gragg, Cardona, and Souadi, Affordable Assisted Living Facility, 7709 Georgia Ave, NW (Sq. 2961, Lot 810), Map Amendment from MU-4 to MU-10 (Case No. 23-11) (10-minute presentation; 5-minute discussion)
  • Planned Unit Development by NHPF and the Elm Gardens Tenants Association, 7050 Eastern Avenue NW, Elm Gardens (ZC #22-33) (10-minute presentation; 10-minute discussion)
  1. Consent Calendar
  • Resolution 4B-23-0601: Calling for Timely Maintenance and Stronger Coordination Among DC Government Agencies for Stormwater Management Facilities (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Gilligan, Commissioner Smith)
  • Resolution 4B–23-0602: Supporting Safety Improvements on 3rd Street NE Between Riggs Road and 2nd Street NE (NOI 23-110-TESD) (Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Huff)
  • Resolution 4B-23-0603: Requesting Additional District Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works Traffic Calming Measures in the 5900 Block of 2nd Street NW, 200 Block of Peabody Street NW, and 200 Block of Oglethorpe Street NW (Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Cohen)
  • Resolution 4B-23-0604: Calling for Better Maintenance of National Park Service Controlled DC Parks and Accountability to DC Residents (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Gilligan)
  • Letter: Requesting a Community-Driven Process for Park Programming and Design at the Takoma Metro Station Project (HPA-23-288) (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Palmer)
  1. Resolution 4B-23-0605: Opposing Weakening of Police Accountability Measures in B25-014, the Police Officer Recruitment and Retention Act of 2023 & Supporting Recommendations for Recruitment and Retention (Commissioner Johnson)
  2. Adjournment

ANC 4B is in recess for the month of July.

The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for August 8 at 6:30pm. 

The next Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for August 28 at 7:00pm.

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner:

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting Agenda_26JUN2023Download

June 26: ANC 5A02 Community Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

From ANC Commissioner Karlus Cozart (5A02)

Map of ANC 5A02 boundaries

ANC Single Member District 5A02 Meeting
Monday, June 26, 2023
6:15 pm
Virtual

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6187975861?pwd=dnshC6SprCDoMUDqiUyblEabKimBEL.1

Meeting ID: 618 797 5861
Passcode: 5A02SMD
Dial in:  • +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

                                          AGENDA 
i. Call to order @ 6:15pm
ii. Welcome 
iii. SMD Updates 
iv. Councilmember Parker updates
v. Presentation by Community Mediation DC
vi. Community Comments
vii. Adjourn

Karlus Cozart
Commissioner ANC 5A02
5A02@anc.dc.gov
202-577-7583
www.ANC5A02.com
https://anc5a.org/

June 25: Casey Trees Land Conservation Day at Hellbender

Posted by nextstoprp in Environment

From Casey Trees

Join Casey Trees as we celebrate Land Conservation Day at Hellbender Brewing Company!

Sunday June 25, 2023, 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Celebrate the end of Land Conservation month at Hellbender Brewing with:

🌳 Tree Tours

📝 Tree-via (Tree based trivia!)

🎸 Live Music

🎟 Raffles & Games

🚛 BBQ Food Truck

🍺 And try the exclusive Casey Trees seasonal beer!

Casey Trees’ land conservation program aims to restore fragmented patches of urban forest, enhance urban ecosystems and public health, and protect green space for trees to grow and neighbors to connect with nature. We work with local landowners to steward natural areas and improve the conditions of those sites.

Green spaces, such as our conservation easements, work as protective buffers to slow down and retain stormwater runoff, reduce ambient air temperatures, improve air quality, provide habitat for wildlife and reduce heating and cooling costs. In addition, they provide gathering places for communities to recreate and connect with one another.

Join us on our conservation easement “Hellbender Hill” to celebrate all the benefits of protected green spaces!

Note: This is a public event – you do not need a ticket. However, registering for a free ticket helps us predict attendance, and donating in the event checkout directly supports Casey Trees’ efforts to restore, enhance, and protect DC’s tree canopy.

Schedule

Event runs 1:00pm – 7:00pm.

Hellbender Beer Hall and outside patio open for the duration of the event, as well as BBQ food truck (Beef Space BBQ), raffles, partner tables, and several games all open 1-7pm. Exclusive seasonal beer, “Fruit for Thought” Serviceberry Saison served – a saison 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:

1:00pm – Tree Tour of Hellbender Hill (first tour)

2:00pm – Treevia in the Beer Hall

3:00pm – Live Music Starts (Half Pint Harry)

4:00pm – Tree Tour of Hellbender Hill (second tour)

6:00pm – Live Music Ends

Hellbender is located at 5788 2nd Street NE.

Explore! Children’s Festival Series June – September

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

From DC Fray

Join DC Fray and the Cafritz Foundation for the Children’s Festival Event Series at the Modern at Art Place for some free, community-centered fun every fourth Saturday, 1pm-3pm, from June to September!

Details at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cafritz-foundation-childrens-festival-event-series-tickets-658539067077.

June 24th – Field Day

Enjoy some summer fun for the whole family! Join DC Fray + The Cafritz Foundation for lawn games, races, a mini golf course + prizes as part of our community-centered Children’s Festival Event Series.

July 22nd – Carnival

Share your nostalgic carnival favorites with the whole family this summer! Join DC Fray + The Cafritz Foundation to win fun prizes; play games like ring toss, cornhole, Plinko and pin the tail on the donkey; or get your face painted – all as part of our community-centered Children’s Festival Event Series.

August 26th – Back to School Bash

Ready to kick off this next school year? Join DC Fray + The Cafritz Foundation to collect free school supplies and warm up your brains with our immersive instructional experiences including fun math games + a visit from a reptile expert – all as part of our community-centered Children’s Festival Event Series.

September 23rd – Harry Potter: Movie at The Modern

Calling all young witches and wizards! Show off your house pride by dressing up in your best robes and enjoy themed snacks, trivia, face painting, themed prizes + more. Join DC Fray + The Cafritz Foundation for free, all as part of our community-centered Children’s Festival Event Series.

The Freeway Revolts and Lamond-Riggs

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond-Riggs

By Gavin Baker (Guest contributor)

As the Commemorative Works Technical Assistance Program is soliciting ideas for important events and figures to memorialize in Wards 4 and 5, it’s a good moment to reflect on the freeway revolts and their impact on Lamond-Riggs and surrounding neighborhoods.

Post-War Context

The District’s population, both Black and white, boomed with the expansion of federal government and military jobs during the New Deal and World War II. The 1950 Census recorded DC’s highest population ever, more than 800,000, a number it has yet to reach since.

With the demobilization following WWII, more resources became available to build new housing for that booming population. In June 1950, the first ads appeared in the Washington Post and the Evening Star for a new development: “Live better… and more economically… in beautiful Riggs Park, Washington’s newest Subdivision!” The ads highlighted the offer for veterans to buy a house with just a $50 down payment.

The name “Riggs Park” appeared in the Washington Post for the first time in this ad on June 25, 1950. (via ProQuest Historical Newspapers)

The suburbs boomed, too, and in the 1950s, DC’s population underwent major changes. In 1950, the city’s population was 65% white; by 1960, it was 54% Black. The 1960 Census showed the first decline in the District’s overall population in its history, which would continue for each of the next four decades.

White flight to the suburbs was driven by both racial and economic factors, one of which was transportation. Automobile usage swelled: in the 1950s, American auto manufacturers sold one new car for every three residents. To serve them, U.S. governments embarked on efforts to extend and widen roads, including an influx of federal funding under the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, signed by President Eisenhower.

“White Man’s Road thru Black Man’s Home”

Against this context, officials developed plans to expand freeways in DC, which protesters would come to deride as “White Man’s Road thru Black Man’s Home.”

In Wards 4 and 5, planners aimed to build the North Central Freeway through neighborhoods such as Brookland, Michigan Park and North Michigan Park, Lamond-Riggs, and Takoma. Fort Circle Park would have been paved over to become the Northeast Freeway. If these plans had succeeded, today our neighborhood would be a highway interchange.

A 1966 map of proposed highways in DC.

They didn’t succeed – because of the freeway revolts. A multiracial coalition of activists banded together in the 1960s to oppose the destruction of neighborhoods, the pollution that would result from the freeways, and the prioritization of (largely white) suburban commuters over (largely Black) urban residents. The freeway opponents, by and large, won: most of the planned freeways, including the North Central Freeway and the Northeast Freeway, were never built. By the 1970s, the remaining plans were formally withdrawn.

Emergency Committee on the Transportation Crisis poster

Lamond-Riggs is not merely a footnote to this history. Simon Cain, president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, served as the first chair of the Emergency Committee on the Transportation Crisis, the focal point of opposition to the freeway plans.

1965 protest against the planned North Central Freeway

The freeway revolts were a watershed moment for racial and environmental justice in DC. If the freeways had been built, our neighborhoods would be radically different, with more traffic, more noise, more pollution (and related diseases like asthma), and more disinvestment. Lamond-Riggs would be somewhere to drive through, rather than somewhere to live.

There were other notable consequences of the freeway revolts. The protests were a launching pad for future leaders, including Marion Barry (who would later serve as Mayor of DC) and Sammie Abbott (who would later serve as Mayor of Takoma Park). In addition, the revolts led to the creation of Metrorail as an alternative to freeways. Today, Metro’s Red Line parallels the planned route for the North Central Freeway, serving Brookland, Fort Totten, and Takoma – without having paved them over.

June 14: Congresswoman Norton NPS Town Hall (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton National Park Service Town Hall
June 14, 2023
6:00 pm-7:30 pm

Join Congresswoman Norton to discuss NPS summer programming and events.

Register at http://bit.ly/3MeC5tZ. The registration form has a place to submit questions in advance.

Zoom Link: https://ushr.zoomgov.com/j/1600680732

For questions about the town hall, email Nortonevents@mail.house.gov or call (202) 408-9041.

Update on Fort Totten Park Soil Testing Issue

Posted by nextstoprp in Environment, National Park Service

A couple of updates on the soil testing saga at Fort Totten Park. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton is working with the National Park Service and the US Army Corps of Engineers to determine the scope of further soil testing in the park.

Recall back in 2017, National Park Service officials informed the ANC and elected officials in the city that a Metro contractor brought in soil from a toxic World War I munitions testing site in Spring Valley to rehabilitate NPS parkland on the west side of Fort Totten Park. That parkland had been used as a staging area for construction of Metro’s green line in the 1990s. NPS stated that the contaminated soil had been removed from the park and that soil testing in that area did not show any cause for concern.

In July 2020, an unexploded ordnance was found on the east side of the park where a pedestrian trail was planned between Gallatin and Galloway Street. Residents expressed concern that NPS likely did not know the extent of where soil from Spring Valley was taken in the park. Emails and concerns went unaddressed and residents simply received assurances that everything was okay.

In April 2023 two canisters were found on the west side of the park. The US Army Corps of Engineers is still testing those canisters and the area on the west side of the park remains closed.

The more recent discoveries of munitions in the park led Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, at the urging of residents and ANC Commissioner Zachary Ammerman (5A09), to start periodically requesting soil testing throughout the park. Commissioner Ammerman has created a timeline of events at https://www.anc5a09.com/trackers/fort-circle-park-toxic-waste-timeline.

On April 26, ANC 5A passed a resolution supporting further testing in the park. On May 10, 2023, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton sent another letter to NPS and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding soil testing. That letter requested a response by May 24. (See Congresswoman Norton letter dated May 10). Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker also sent to NPS a letter regarding soil testing. (See CM Parker letter dated May 19).

I reached out to Congresswoman Norton’s office on May 31 to find out if her office had received a response. On June 1, her office informed me that they did not receive a response but that they did receive a briefing on May 25. Her office sent another letter on June 1.

It appears there will be some type of investigation to determine what NPS lands were impacted by Metro’s green line construction and where soil from Spring Valley may have been delivered by Metro’s contractor. Congresswoman Norton’s office is still working with NPS, Metro, and District officials on the scope and timeline for getting all of this done. Her office is also working on a couple of different strategies for getting to the bottom of this issue. I offered a few suggestions to Congresswoman Norton’s office, one of which just involved better communication with residents. We should be getting more information about what is planned in the coming weeks.

June 7: North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
7:00 pm to 8:45 pm

FACE TO FACE MEETING
Location
NORTH MICHIGAN PARK RECREATION CENTER
1333 Emerson St NE

AND 

Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID 882 7345 2110
Passcode 930240
Call In 1-301-715-8592

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88273452110?pwd=dmZ3R1liOTRKY1FyS3hlYlBqWnBWUT09

Meeting Agenda 

·         Call to Order
·         Opening Prayer – Silent
·         Roll Call of Officers

Meeting Protocol

  • Meeting Protocol is Robert’s Rules of Order
  • Phone call should remain on mute unless asked to unmute. 
  • Respect others when speaking
  • Respect our guest.
  • Raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be acknowledged.

Presidents Update

NMP Community Yard Sale – Open to all –
Saturday, June 24th 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Rain Date July 1
Contact Susan Letherer 202-441-2076 or Lula King 202-635-7777
Fee $25.00 and $10.00 for table

Bulk Trash and Electronic Roll-off – NMP Residents 
Saturday, July 24, 2023 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Roll-off location 1333 Emerson St NE in front of NMP Recreation Center 2nd roll-off location is pending
Seniors 50+ and Disabled residents will need to register for home pick up 
To Register: Contact Carmen Williams 202-841-5256 or Debra Whittford 202-744-9082

NMP Community Day 
Saturday, August 12, 2023 – 12:00 noon until 7:00 pm
North Michigan Park Recreation Center
Vendor tables of information fun activities , food and music for the entire family

Community Development Task Force
First meeting was May 8th
There will be several meeting scheduled during the summer months to prepare for the Sept hearings for McDonalds and the gas station at Z Burger
The Task force is open to NMP residents who have paid their annual dues

Last Civic Association until September 2023

Community Leader Reports

  • Mayor’s Office – MOCR – Christian Starghill / Christopher Ingram
  • Ward 5 Council member’s Office –  Carlos McKnight

Scholarship Night – June 7, 2023

NMP awards two $1,000.00 scholarships per year for new or returning students
2023 Scholarship Recipients

Ciara Hargrove
University of Hartford, Hartford, CN
First Time Student

Nikitta DIxon
University of the District of Columbia
Returning Student

Guest Speaker
EYA – Evan Goldman
Providence Reimagined
Q&A

Guest Speaker
Faith United Church 
Q&A

ANC Commissioners that represent NMP

  •     5A02 – Karlus Cozart
  •     5A03 – Emily Lucio 
  •     5A08 – Gordon Andrew Fletcher 
  •     5A09 – Zachary Ammerman

 Coming Events in 2023

  • June – Scholarship Night
  • June – Community Yard Sale 
  • July – Bulk Trash pick up
  • Community Day Saturday, August 12, 2023
  • August – School Supplies and Backpack event
  • October – Community Clean Up with Bulk Trash pick up
  • November – Toy Drive
  • December – Holiday Party

Adjourn

Nominate a Subject for a Ward 5 Commemorative Work by June 28 & Public Meeting #2

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

Have ideas about an important person, place, or event in Ward 5 that should be the subject of a commemorative work such as a plaza, sculpture, plaque recognizing the significance/contribution of the individual or event to local history?

The Parks Main Street is partnering with the DC Office of Planning (OP) on a Ward 5 commemorative works project.

Nominate a Ward 5 subject for a commemorative work at https://publicinput.com/cwtap#3 by June 28, 2023.

Nominations should be:

1. Individuals, groups, events, or other significant elements of DC culture/history and of long-term, historic importance with a connection to Ward 5.

2. A person who has been deceased for at least 10 years or an event that has occurred at least 10 years ago.

The submission form asks for the name of the subject, the significance of the subject, a location in Ward 5 associated with the subject, and any photos/drawings/documents related to the subject.

The second public meeting for this project will be in person at Woodridge Library (1801 Hamlin Street NE) on June 24, 2023, 2:30 pm-4:30 pm. RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ward-5-commemorative-works-community-workshop-tickets-650852666847.

At the first public meeting held on May 31, planning officials explained that Wards 4, 5, 7, and 8 have the lowest number of commemorative works in the city, so OP is working with partners like The Parks Main Street to assist with the process for identifying subjects and sites for commemorative works and the design process for works in those wards. Some subject ideas mentioned in the first meeting were the freeway fights in the 1960s, the family behind a Black-owned piano manufacturing company called Shadd Pianos, the architects and the inspiration behind the original Lamond-Riggs Library (brothers Charles & Robert Bryant and Lillian Huff), and the impact of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association.

See Ward 5 Commemorative Works Project Meeting #1 Presentation

Timeline

June 2023: OP and partners work to identify subjects and sites.

July 2023: Visioning about possible ways to commemorate subject.

August & September 2023: Concept design, refinement, and review by the commemorative works committee.

Please let your neighbors know, especially elderly neighbors who might have valuable information to share about potential subjects so that they can be part of this process.

More information about the Ward 5 Commemorative Works project is available at https://theparksmainstreet.org/ward-5-commemorative-works-community-engagement-project.

First Fridays & Sunday Sounds at Hellbender

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street

We are being blessed with a plethora of live music options in the neighborhood. Fridays at Fort Totten kicks off today at the Modern. And Hellbender is also featuring live music at the brewery.

First Fridays at Hellbender

Check out Bad Luck Gold at Hellbender (5788 2nd Street NE) tonight and every first Friday of the month 8 pm-10pm. El Jefe Pizza will be in the house tonight.

Sunday Sounds at Hellbender

Hellbender is also bringing us Sunday Sounds. Summer is right around the corner. The weather is heating up and it’s the perfect time for That Sunday Sound. That Sunday Sound is a live music series sponsored by Hellbender Brewing Company and The Parks Main Street. Join Hellbender and The Parks Main Street for this FREE event, Sundays in June from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm to enjoy local musicians.

June Music Calendar

June 4: DJ Laura Lopez (soul/funk/city pop vinyl set)

June 11: The Potecasi Slade ‘Xperience (blues/funk)

June 18: The Pond (swamp rock)

June 25: Half Pint Harry (pop/rock)

DPW Fort Totten Transfer Station Reopens June 6

Posted by nextstoprp in Environment

On June 6, 2023, DPW’s Fort Totten transfer station will reopen at 4900 John McCormack Road NE for residential dropoff for bulk, trash, and recycling only (trash, recyclables, bulk items, yard waste, metal, tires, and appliance disposal). More info at https://dpw.dc.gov/service/fort-totten-transfer-station.

The Benning Road transfer station will be closed starting June 4, 2023, until further notice.

After June 3, 2023, residents can drop off household hazardous waste, electronics recycling, and documents to be shredded at RFK Stadium. See schedule and list of accepted electronic recycling items.

Comment on Redesigned Bus Route Framework by June 18

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Share your input on Metro’s Better Bus Visionary Framework of redesigned bus routes by June 18, 2023. Metro officials explained that this visionary framework is what Metro would implement if it had about 35 percent more funding. Some pieces of the framework may be implemented in the short term.

We previously covered several of the proposed routes around the Riggs Park neighborhood in this Better Bus post. Check out that post for details about proposed routes.

A few things worth mentioning to Metro:

  • Do not shorten the E4 crosstown route to Riggs Park (draft DC200 and DC203 routes). The routes should run more frequently than every 15 or 20 minutes. The existing E4 route on the Better Bus site does not even show the route to Riggs Park (and yes they are aware, I have mentioned this to Metro). Traveling east from Fort Totten metro, the existing route crosses South Dakota Avenue with stops at the Lamond-Riggs Library, South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road across from Walmart, and then travels along Chillum Place to Eastern Avenue. The westbound route takes a different path through the neighborhood. Tell Metro to keep the northern east-west crosstown route all the way to the Riggs Park neighborhood rather than cutting it off at Fort Totten metro station as contemplated in both the DC200 and DC203 routes.
  • Metro already cut the 80 route to Kennedy Center. The draft DC110 route likewise ends at McPherson Square. Metro officials said they are not bringing the Kennedy Center route back, but they should. It is good that this route would run 24 hours.
  • Support the new DC207. This route is stylized on the Better Bus site as a variant of the existing E2 route, but it is really an entirely new route altogether. The route would run from Fort Totten metro station down South Dakota Avenue to Fort Lincoln and continue on to Deanwood. It should run more frequently than every 20 minutes.
  • Support the new route between Fort Totten and Union Market (DC302). It should run more frequently than every 30 minutes.

On May 25, 2023, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker sent a letter to Metro with recommendations on the framework. Read CM Parker Better Bus Letter.

Let Metro know what you think by June 18.

June 5: LRCA Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Updated 6/5/2023 with newsletter link

The June 2023 LRCA Community meeting will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM EST.

This IN-PERSON meeting is scheduled to take place at the Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library, Meeting Room 1, located at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20011. Additionally, the meeting will be live-streamed on the LRCA’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@lrcadc.

Agenda Items include: 

  • Welcome/Invocation
  • Officers Report, Minutes, Treasurer Report
  • Updates from Elected Officials & PSA
  • Outgoing Board send-off/New Board Swearing in by the Mayor of DC
  • 2023 LRCA Student Scholarship Awards
  • LRCA Volunteer Certificate Awards
  • Closing and Fellowship with Neighbors

Read the LRCA May 2023 Newsletter

June 4: Ward 5 Open Streets

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Ward 5 Open Streets was a lot of fun last year. This year looks to be a fun time too.

From DDOT

DC’s next Open Streets event is scheduled for Sunday, June 4th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 12th Street NE from Michigan Avenue to Franklin Street.

Open Streets 12th Street NE

Location: Franklin Street NE to Michigan Avenue NE

Date: Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 9 am to 3 pm

Road Closure: 12th Street NE from 7 am to 5 pm

Open Streets is coming for the second time to 12th Street NE in the spring of 2023! The route was expanded from the 2022 event to allow for ONE mile of 12th Street NE to be closed to vehicles and allow people to safely walk, run, bike, and play. The route will feature hourly programmed classes and demonstrations, including yoga, dancing, and more! The event is free and suitable for all ages and abilities.

No cars, just people!

Check out the event page to learn more about the event details including programming and detours: https://open-streets-dcgis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/12th-street-ne-2023.

June 1: ANC 5A08 Community Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

From ANC 5A08

ANC Commissioner Gordon-Andrew Fletcher’s Spring/Summer Single Member District Meeting
When: Thursday June 1, 2023
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm

Agenda:
1. Welcome
2. Update from the Mayor’s Office
3. Update from Councilmember Parker’s Office
4. Update regarding Convenience Store/Gas Station
5. Update regarding McDonald’s Development
6. ANC 5A Committees
7. Community Concerns
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83489916308?pwd=dnJGMmFVQ0lFVitNVHlIbDBpTWFSUT09

Meeting ID: 834 8991 6308
Passcode: 191200
Dial in:  301 715 8592 

UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan: Updated Presentation & Draft Fact Sheet

Posted by nextstoprp in UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus & Expansion (formerly Bertie Backus Campus)

As previously noted, UDC renamed the Bertie Backus Campus the Lamond-Riggs Campus. The campus, located at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE, houses the university’s community college program. UDC is undergoing a campus plan process for this campus. The most recent campus plan presentation given at the joint ANC 5A01/5A09 meeting on May 22 reflects the updated name. UDC also passed along a fact sheet. I think having a sense of where they are going for our neighborhood campus is useful for organizing thoughts and thinking about any gaps that need to be filled.

UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan Presentation to ANC 5A01/5A09 (May 2023)

UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan Overview & Fact Sheet (Draft)

UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus Development Plan Fact Sheet (Draft)

Overall Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan Objectives

The draft campus plan has several overall objectives.

  • Establish the Lamond-Riggs Campus as a landmark community college hub emerging as an important economic engine for the District of Columbia and the region;
  • Create opportunities to enhance the student experience by creating a courtyard environment that will engage the students from both classroom wings and provide an outdoor place for activities;
  • Establish efficient space layouts within the campus to provide better access and circulation for students and improve operational effectiveness;
  • Accommodate future growth and implementation of new technologies while maintaining a commitment to the environment;
  • Reduce parking, recognizing that the University is in an urban setting with direct access to mass transit and may be accessed by multiple modes of transportation;
  • Design new lab space for flexible use to accommodate the interdisciplinary nature of education;
  • Improve the urban campus to effectively maximize the utilization of open areas with the aim to provide much needed green space and better pedestrian circulation through the new courtyard design; and
  • Strengthen the campus’ image and character by promoting the University’s distinct identity through wayfinding and placemaking.

The draft plan has five elements.

1. Campus Development Element

  • Outlines the renovation and modernization strategy for the existing academic building and describes a new built addition to provide more office space, academic space, and new student-oriented amenities such as a coffee station, student center, and media center.
  • The new addition would create a new student entrance and connect to Wing A to accommodate the anticipated increase in students based on an enrollment goal of 3,000 community college students by 2030.

2. Transportation Element

  • Seeks to enhance pedestrian safety, leverage the campus’ adjacency to the Fort Totten Metrorail Station, reduce automobile dependency, and improve circulation and connectivity in and around campus.
  • Proposes a Transportation Demand Management (“TDM”) plan for the campus intended to decrease reliance vehicular use and encourage multimodal transportation.

3. Sustainability Element

  • Strategizes ways for the University to provide additional green roof space and develop more sustainable stormwater management practices, install additional solar panels, and build upon existing sustainability initiatives such as the community garden and the AGPods.

4. Community Relations Element

  • Establishes a communications plan with the neighboring community and District at large to more effectively address any campus growth-related concerns.
  • Describes opportunities for the University to partner with local programs and organizations.

5. Campus Character Element

  • Describes strategies to improve the campus appearance and identity through distinct campus signage, streetscape improvements to activate South Dakota Avenue NW, and architectural features across campus that will express the flagship identity of the University as a Historically Black College or University.

Campus Development Plan

The campus development plan in the May presentation is similar to that provided to the full ANC in April. I covered the phased development plan in this post titled UDC Bertie Backus Campus Development Plan presentation – April 2023. To recap, UDC will undertake a phased modernization of the campus. Phase I will update the existing buidlings on campus. Phase II will include a new wing and courtyard. Currently, there is no funding for the second phase.

Phase One

  • Renovate and modernize the existing academic building (Wings A, B, and C) and facilities – no new exterior construction will occur in this Phase.
  • Upgrade mechanical spaces and HVAC facilities for more efficient heating, cooling, and overall energy use.
  • Upgrade the building’s structural elements to have the rooftop become solar-ready for the future installation of solar panels.
  • Improve and repair the building façade.
  • Improve the public realm along South Dakota Avenue NE to provide public seating, planters, and public art.
  • Develop a new green space between the three wings next to the Galloway Street NE parking area
  • Provide student-oriented amenities such as a coffee and food service station
  • Fully renovate the interior and unused space in Wing C to provide additional lab space and other academic capabilities
  • Renovate the parking areas to provide efficient stormwater management facilities such as bioretention areas and vegetation
  • Update parking facilities – the Hamilton Street NE parking area will provide 18 parking spaces, and the Galloway Street NE parking area will provide approximately 160 parking spaces.
Phase I rendering
Phase I rendering

Phase Two

  • Construct the new Wing D, which will facilitate an open courtyard condition by encircling and expanding the new green space provided in Phase I.
  • Provide additional academic and administrative space in the new Wing D, as well as modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment intended to support the University’s sustainability goals.
  • Provide additional amenity space, including a new student forum.
  • Provide pedestrian-oriented landscaping, seating areas, stormwater management facilities, and open grass areas for rest and relaxation in the expanded courtyard.
  • Construct a green roof on the new Wing D to support the University and the District’s sustainability goals.
  • Update parking facilities – the Hamilton Street NE parking area will maintain the 18 parking spaces, and the Galloway Street NE parking area will be modified to provide approximately 100 parking spaces.
Phase II rendering
Phase II rendering

UDC officials had time to answer a few specific questions about the proposal.

  • There is reference to a “new loading/service area” close to Hamilton Street. UDC said this not an entirely new loading area, but they acknowledged it might get more use and therefore they will have a loading management plan.
  • There are roughly 180 parking spaces on the Galloway side of the campus. The first phase will see a slight reduction to roughtly 160 spaces. In phase two, there will be a further reduction to 100 spaces.
  • The DOES American Job Center will be vacating the grounds at some point and UDC will use that space for the community college.
  • The existing buildings cannot support a green roof. That is why the development plan proposes a green roof only for the new wing that will be built in the second phase.
  • UDC clarified that they intend to replace the chain link fence with a more architectural fence similar to what was placed on the Hamilton Street side of the campus.

The May presentation details a bit more the priorities and considerations for the Lamond-Riggs campus related to buildings/facilities, campus wayfinding and programming, open space/urban design, transportation/circulation, sustainability, and utilities/infrastructure.

The May presentation also provides an updated timeline for this process.

Next Steps/Milestones

  • May 22: Present to OP
  • May 22: Present to SMD5A01
  • Present to ANC5A at their May 24 or June 28 meeting.
  • Summer 2023: Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan application intended be filed with the District’s Zoning Commission.
  • Summer/Fall 2023: Zoning Commission hearing anticipated
  • Fall 2023: Zoning Commission approval of Campus Plan anticipated

Given the timeline, I think it would be useful for neighbors to look at the fact sheets, especially the one for the overall campus plan to think about if there are important things that we want UDC to consider including before they actually file an application. I do not know the ANC’s plan for moving forward, but it looks like UDC plans to present one more time at the ANC’s June meeting. Probably a good idea to be prepared to give feedback there.

Send questions or comments to Juanita Gray at juanita.gray@udc.edu.