Author Archives: nextstoprp

August 28: ANC 4B Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting Agenda
Monday, August 28, 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
    • Consideration and Approval of Agenda
    • Approval of June 2023 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
    • Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Quarterly Financial Report for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2023
  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)
    • Housing Justice Committee (2 min)
    • Vision Zero Committee (2 min)
  6. Presentation: Colin Thomas, Principal, Thomas Development, 6634 & 6640 Georgia Ave, NW, Proposed Map Amendment to Rezone Property from RA-2 to RA-3 (Case No. 22-37) (10-minute presentation, 10-minute discussion)
  7. Presentation: Rodd Monts, Director of State Policy, SchoolHouse Connection, Student Homelessness and Opportunities for Support (10-minute presentation, 10-minute discussion)
  8. Presentation: Julio Valdez, JVS Project Space, “Takoma Taking Flight” Mural Proposal at Takoma Elementary School (10-minute presentation, 5-minute discussion)
  • Letter: Supporting “Takoma Taking Flight” Proposal for the Public Art Building Communities Grant Program (Commissioner Palmer)
  1. Consent Calendar
  • Resolution 4B-23-0801: Calling for Additional Hardening of Protected Bike Lane on Piney Branch Road, NW, Due to Repeated Damage (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Yeats & Commissioner Brooks)
  • Resolution 4B-23-0802: Calling for the District Department of Public Works to Conduct More Regular Collection of Public Trash and Recycling Cans and for Greater Transparency Regarding Location of Cans and Frequency of Collection (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Gilligan)
  • Resolution 4B-23-0803: Requesting Applicant Engagement with Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B and Highlighting Stormwater Mitigation Needs for 6817 5th Street, NW (HPA 23-364) and 6819 5th Street, NW (HPA-23-365) (Commissioner Palmer & Commissioner Yeats)
  1. Adjournment

The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for September 12 at 6:30pm. 

The next Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 26 at 7:00pm.

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner:

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting Agenda_August 2023Download

August 26: Explore! Children’s Festival – Back to School Bash

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.

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.

Fort Totten Metro Station Development Meeting Tonight

Posted by nextstoprp in Fort Totten Metro Development

Tonight, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker will hold a virtual meeting about Metro’s development plans at Brookland station and Fort Totten station (register for link). The meeting will present a 30,000 foot view of the plans as Metro begins the development process at both stations.

Fort Totten station

Metro recently authorized moving forward with a solicitation for joint development of the large parking lot at Fort Totten station (see this post on the authorization). As outlined in the board document, Metro believes there is potential for 750 housing units with retail and expanded Metro Transit Police precinct facilities, along with a parking garage for no loss of long-term Metro parking spaces (408 spaces). Metro plans to keep the small parking lot in front of the 7-Eleven (approximately 58 spaces, which I believe is more than the lot holds today). (Update 8/23: During the meeting, Metro officials stated that they do not plan to change or increase the number of parking spaces in the short-term lot, which is currently around 32 spaces). In the board document, Metro states, “A Compact Public Hearing is not required because there are no changes to the capacity of or access to transit facilities.”

My understanding is that a project at Fort Totten station will require some local funding in order to be viable. So realistically a project is some ways off (and may not happen at all).

There are some questions worth raising. I sent a few questions to Councilmember Parker’s office about Metro’s plan to keep and perhaps even increase the number of parking spaces in the small parking lot, needed site circulation improvements, the decision to cut yellow line service to Fort Totten, Metro’s retail plan, and the need for environmental improvements on the large parking lot, particularly if a development project does not move forward. I believe a representative from Metro will attend CM Parker’s tonight, but I do not know if they will be prepared to answer questions.

Voting open now for a Commemorative Works Project in our Ward – Vote by August 25

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4, Ward 5

Residents of Wards 4, 5, and 7 are invited to vote on the subject for a future commemorative work from now until Friday, August 25. The DC Office of Planning previously accepted nominations for commemorative works subjects and has now prepared information on each as well as a dedicated website for each ward to vote on. The selected subject will be the focus of artists and consultants hired by the Office of Planning to prepare a concept design of a work, with additional community feedback and updates informing the final design.

Read about the nominations and vote at https://publicinput.com/cwtap#4 by August 25, 2023.

Ward 4 Nominations

  • DC Caribbean Carnival on Georgia Avenue – Long-standing celebration held on Georgia Avenue NW showcasing the traditions and culture of the Caribbean islands.
  • Founding of DC Youth Orchestra – Organization providing access to musical training and the first youth orchestra to play at the Kennedy Center.
  • Highway Revolts – Integrated coalition of activists who prevented the construction of a highway system through DC.
  • Vanilla Beane – An influential milliner and small business owner who was inducted into the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers Hall of Fame.
  • Neighbors Inc. – Actively fought against discriminatory real estate practices and promoted integrated communities in DC.
  • Stephen Whatley – ANC Commissioner and veteran who fought for community participation in the redevelopment of Walter Reed.
  • United Blacks Against Discrimination (U-BAD) – Organization that protested working conditions and racial inequality at Walter Reed.

Ward 5 Nominations

  • Dr. Alexander Augusta – First African American medical professor and hospital leader in the US, highest-ranking African American officer in the Union Army, and civil rights activist.
  • Charles L. Bryant and Robert E. Bryant – Founders of the oldest Black owned architecture firm in the US and mentors to young architects and engineers.
  • Empower DC – Citywide non-profit focused on strengthening low-income Black communities.
  • Enslaved People Who Built the U.S. Capitol – Recognition of enslaved people forced to construct the Capitol.
  • Founding of Dance Place – Community institution providing access to movement arts regardless of means or background.
  • Hurd v. Hodge – Landmark Supreme Court case that struck down racial covenants in DC.
  • Integration of Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association – First integrated community association in DC and influential force fighting highways and advocating for Metro.
  • Lillian Huff – Community and Democratic political activist who served as the chair of the first Statehood Convention and was appointed to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services.
  • Mary Jane Patterson – First African American woman to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in the US and a prominent DC educator.
  • Shirley Horn – Grammy Award winning singer who performed at the White House, was honored by Congress, and named to the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters.
  • Sterling Allen Brown – Renowned poet considered an integral part of the Harlem Renaissance and DC’s first Poet Laureate.

Met Branch Trail Fort Totten-Takoma August 2023 Newsletter

Posted by nextstoprp in Met Branch Trail
Metropolitan Branch Trail - Fort Totten to Takoma is a multi-use trail from Fort Totten to Metro in NE, Washington, D.C to Takoma in NW, Washington, D.C. The trail begins at the termination of the Fort Totten section of the Metropolitan Branch Trail along 1st Place NE continuing to the intersection of 1st Place NE and Riggs Road NE, then continuing up Riggs Road NE to the intersection with 1st Street NE. Intersection improvements are proposed for Riggs Road NE at 1st Street NE and McDonald Place NE at New Hampshire Road NE. The off-road multi-use trail begins again at the intersection of McDonald Place NE and Blair Road NE. The off-road multi-use trail begins again at the intersection of McDonald Place NE and Blair Road NW continuing north along the northbound side of the roadway up to Aspen Street NW where it turns onto Aspen Street NW then ending at Sandy Spring Road NW.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) published a newsletter on the Met Branch Trail (MBT) Fort Totten to Takoma extension. You can sign up to receive the newsletter and email updates at https://forms.office.com/r/p4heFT9diL. This issue covers the general timeline and provides links to a few project resources, such as the pre-construction meeting recording and FAQs. It also provides information about Phase 1 construction staging (previously described in this post). The project website is https://mbt-forttotten-takoma.ddot.dc.gov.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 runs from Summer 2023 to Fall 2025 and will include construction beginning at Fort Totten Metro Station Parking Area to South Dakota Avenue NE. Phase 2 will run from Winter 2023 to Winter 2024 and include construction on South Dakota Avenue NE to McDonald Place NE to Blair Road NW. Construction on East side of roadway. Phase 3 will run from Winter 2024 to Spring 2025 and will include construction on Blair Road to Oglethorpe Street NW to Aspen Street NW. Construction on East side of roadway. Phase 4 will run from Spring 2025 to Summer 2025 and will include construction on Blair Road NW - Oglethorpe Street NW to Aspen Street NW. Construction on West side of roadway. Phase 5 will run take place in Summer 2025 and include construction on Blair Road NW – Oglethorpe Street NW to Aspen Street NW. Construction on roadway medians.

Phase 1: Summer 2023 to Fall 2025
Construction Begins Fort Totten Metro Station Parking Area to South Dakota Avenue NE

Phase 2: Winter 2023 to Winter 2024
Construction on South Dakota Avenue NE to McDonald Place NE to Blair Road NW
Construction on East side of roadway

Phase 3: Winter 2024 to Spring 2025
Construction on Blair Road – Oglethorpe Street NW to Aspen Street NW
Construction on East side of roadway

Phase 4: Spring 2025 to Summer 2025
Construction on Blair Road NW – Oglethorpe Street NW to Aspen Street NW
Construction on West side of roadway and Sandy Spring Road NW

Phase 5: Summer 2025
Construction on Blair Road NW – Oglethorpe Street NW to Aspen Street NW and Sandy Spring Road NW
Construction on roadway medians

August 22: Councilmember Parker Ward 5 Metro Station Development Community Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in Fort Totten Metro Development

[Ed. Note: Metro recently released a proposal regarding parking reconfiguration at Brookland Metro station in support of future development at that station. For details, visit Proposed Changes at Brookland-CUA Station. Metro will hold an open house and public hearing on the proposal on September 12, 2023. Public comments on the proposal are due by September 22, 2023. Regarding Fort Totten station, we previously described Metro’s intent to try again to redevelop the large parking lot at Fort Totten station in this post: Metro authorizes solicitation for Fort Totten Joint Development. Update 8/18/2023: View the board’s Fort Totten proposal here: https://www.wmata.com/about/board/meetings/board-pdfs/upload/3C-Approval-of-Seven-JD-Solicitations-and-Six-PHs.pdf (p. 17)]

Ward 5 Metro Station Development Community Meeting
August 22, 2023
6:00 pm

Description from Office of CM Parker

Councilmember Zachary Parker seeks to update Ward 5 neighbors about development opportunities at the Brookland Metro and Fort Totten Metro stations. As a champion for expanding affordable housing, the Councilmember seeks to build support for increasing Ward 5’s (affordable) housing supply and delivering long-needed amenities for our community. Join for an opportunity to learn more about Councilmember’s Parker’s vision for the future of the Brookland Metro and Fort Totten Metro stations.

Register at https://dccouncil-us.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdeqvrzMuEtFg9O1aeZtTHE7mLSUaZLNW#/registration

August 20-26: Councilmember Parker Ward 5 Week Activities

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

From Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker

Overview of Ward 5 Day (and Week!) Activities

  • Sunday, August 20:
    • The Official Ward 5 Day Kickoff: The Funset @ DewDrop Inn, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 
      • The very popular DJ Jahsonic will be spinning and my team will there to enjoy the evening with neighbors.
  • Monday, August 21:
    • 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Business Roundtable with EDENS @ Bidwell Restaurant (invite only)
      • I’m convening a select group of Ward 5 business leaders to discuss their needs and how we can continue to drive economic development in the Ward.
    • 7:30 p.m. – The Lion King, Public Outdoor Movie Showing @ Union Market
  • Tuesday, August 22:
    • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Drink Specials @ His and Hers
      • Enjoy select drink specials at this Ward 5 favorite.
  • Wednesday, August 23:
    • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Drink & Meal Specials @ Brookland’s Finest
      • Enjoy select drink and meal specials at this Ward 5 favorite.
    • 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Homeownership Seminar with HomeFree-USA @ Lillian J. Huff/Lamond-Riggs Library
      • Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the numerous resources available to neighbors to purchase a home in the District.
      • Join HomeFree-USA, District partners, and our team to learn more.
      • RSVP here!
  • Thursday, August 24: 
    • 5:00 p.m. – Bike Ride, starting @ Alethia Tanner Park
      • Join neighbors for a bike ride through Ward 5. The ride will end at metrobar.
    • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Happy Hour @ metrobar
      • Enjoy happy hour at this Ward 5 favorite. 
  • Friday, August 25:
    • 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. – The Spice Suite (at Black and Forth)
      • The first 25 customers with code “Ward 5 Day” will enjoy a buy-one-spice, get-one-spice free special.
    • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Happy Hour @ DCity Smokehouse
      • Enjoy happy hour at this Ward 5 favorite. 
  • Saturday, August 26:
    • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Ward 5 Day @ Turkey Thicket
      • We’re taking over the entire Turkey Thicket campus and our annual Back-to-School Supplies Giveaway will happen at Brookland Middle (free quality backpack and school supplies).
      • Confirmed activities include:
        • Massages and a workout class by Bikram Yoga Works – Ivy City 
        • Line Dancing 
        • Softball game by Woodridge Warriors 
        • Moon bounces, honey-making stations, and face paint for the kids
        • DJ and live band 
        • Taste of Ward 5 featuring some of your favorite Ward 5 restaurants 
        • Voter registration 
        • Government and community vendors including DC Health, Medstar, DC Water, and more
      • And of course there will be food!
        • Enjoy food from the grill and Rita’s
        • Food samples from Ward 5 restaurants and more 
    • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Ward 5 Awards Ceremony @ Trinity Washington University
      • RSVP here!
        • Please be sure to RSVP. We look forward to celebrating with you on August 26.

August 19: Back-to-School Events

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

There will be two back-to-school events in the neighborhood on August 19, 2023, one at Riggs-LaSalle Rec and one at Fort Totten Metro station.

Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Back-to-School Community Day
August 19, 2023
10:00 am-2:00 pm
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE)

Free backpacks, school supplies, snacks & ice cream. Hosted by Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation and Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association.

—

Metro Back-to-School Celebration & School Supply Giveaway
August 19, 2023
11:00 am-3:00 pm
Parking Lot at Fort Totten Station

Free backpacks & school supplies. Hosted by Metro Transit Police Community Services Bureau. Children of all ages are welcome from elementary to high school. There will be family-friendly activities, including a moon bounce, miniature train rides, a live DJ and band, and free food.

MBT Fort Totten to Takoma Extension – Q & A

Posted by nextstoprp in Met Branch Trail

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has added a question & answer document to the website for the Fort Totten to Takoma extension of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). In addition, DDOT emailed me separately about the questions I submitted. My questions and DDOT’s responses below.

1. Where will construction staging for Phase 1 be located?

DDOT Response:

The construction crew will initially be staging materials, within the DDOT ROW, on the East side of South Dakota Ave NE at the intersection of Madison St NE/First St NE/South Dakota Ave NE.  Additional potential staging areas will be looked at on an as needed basis.

2. Can DDOT send construction notices about closures impacting pedestrians/bus riders/drivers by email without requiring people to open an ArcGIS account?

DDOT Response:

You are able to sign up for email updates through the website at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/p4heFT9diL. There will be a newsletter sent out about the project on a regular basis. 

3. As part of Phase 1, can DDOT install the missing curb cut on 1st Place NE that will make it easier for those of us east of Fort Totten Metro station south of Riggs Road NE to get onto the MBT at Fort Totten station? I appreciate that DDOT will look into this. I raised issues about connections from the east when the Brookland-Fort Totten extension was being constructed & I raised the issue again after that section was completed. 

DDOT Response:

The team is continuing to investigate the issue regarding installing the missing curb cut on 1st Place NE, which is the property of WMATA. In order to add the curb cut, the incorporation of additional bicycle facilities may be required and/or a crosswalk that will direct bicyclists to and from the MBT. 1st Place NE doesn’t currently have bicycle facilities and features high volumes of buses coming to and from the Metro Station.  Further evaluation and coordination with WMATA is necessary to evaluate the design of 1st Pl NE and the potential impacts of the addition of a bike ramp. DDOT is currently discussing this with WMATA and in the context of future development at the Fort Totten Metro Station. The current plans for the MBT directs bikers to the existing curb cut further north on 1st Place which will be tied in with the next section of the MBT with proper crossings and signages visible to motorists and buses.

August 12: North Michigan Park Community Day

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

The North Michigan Park Civic Association along with the Michigan Park 4 Life Reunion and the Department of Parks and Recreation will host the annual North Michigan Park Community Day and Reunion Event

Date – Saturday, August 12, 2023
Time – 12:00 noon until 7:00 pm
Location – North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson Street NE

This is a family event, bring your chair, blanket and zest for fun. There will be food, music, and games for the entire family.

This is a timeline for some of the gaming events:

Gaming Events

Bingo 12:30 – 1:30
Simon Says – 12:30 -1:30
Musical Chairs – 1:30 – 2:00
Children’s Story Time – 2:00 – 3:00
Touch Fire Truck – 1:00 – 4:00 
Game Truck – 2:00 – 5:00
Bubble Bounce – 2:00 – 4:00
Moon Bounce 1:00 – 6:00
360 Camera – 1:00 – 6:00

Other Outside Games
Dodge Ball
Sack Race
Hop Scotch
Tug of War
Hula Hoop
Big Checkers

August 26: Ward 5 Day

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

From Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker’s Office:

Please mark your calendar for August 26 at Turkey Thicket for Ward 5 Day, and spread the word! It’ll be a day full of food, music, games, activities, a backpack giveaway, and traditions old and new including the first-ever Ward 5 Awards celebrating remarkable members of our community. There will also be pop-up events across the Ward during the week of August 20 – 25.

August 4: Backpack Giveaway

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street

Backpack Giveaway
August 4, 2023
4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Riggs Liquor (5581 South Dakota Avenue NE, across from Walmart on Riggs Road)

Sponsored by Symone Brooks, John Yoo/Riggs Liquor, Chick-fil-A, and The Parks Main Street.

Backpacks will be filled with school supplies and hygiene items. Over 300 backpacks available. Food and backpacks available on a first come, first serve basis. Children must be present to receive a backpack.

New MPD Fourth District Commander

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

MPD’s Fourth District (4D) has a new leader, Commander Nikki Lavenhouse. All of Riggs Park sits in MPD’s 4D.

Commander Lavenhouse’s message on 4D’s homepage states:

I am excited about building new partnerships and I am honored to have been selected to serve the residents and stakeholders of Wards 1, 4, and 5. I am committed to further strengthening our community partnerships as we work to reduce crime and ensure that everyone feels safe.

In the coming days I will be out in the community meeting with residents and stakeholders. I look forward to engaging with you all to assess and meet the needs of our community. 

The commander can be reached at nikki.lavenhouse@dc.gov.

Run for ANC 5A09 Seat

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

The seat for ANC 5A09 is now vacant. Interested candidates may pick up petitions starting today July 31 through August 21, 2023.

ANC 5A09 covers Art Place at Fort Totten, Aventine Fort Totten, Food & Friends, part of Fort Circle Park, and a few blocks in North Michigan Park. Information about how to run for the vacant seat is available in the vacancy notice and on the DC Board of Elections website.

ANC 5A09 boundary map from DC Board of Elections