Author Archives: nextstoprp

This Week: Mayor Bowser Budget Engagement Forums

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser will be holding a series of FY2024 budget engagement forums this week. You can also share your budget ideas and priorities by completing the form at budget.dc.gov. This is the time to ask for what you want.

Mayor Bowser’s 2023 Budget Engagement Forums

Join fellow DC residents to share your values, priorities, and ideas with the Bowser Administration as the FY24 Budget is developed.

Senior Budget Engagement TeleTownhall

When: Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 12:00pm

Call-In Number: 844-881-1314

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/FY24SeniorBEF

Budget Engagement Forum #1

When: Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 6pm

Where: Jackson-Reed High School, 3950 Chesapeake Street NW

RSVP:https://tinyurl.com/FY24JacksonReed

Budget Engagement Forum #2

When: Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11am

Where: Eastern High School, 1700 East Capitol Street NE

RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/FY24Eastern

Other Ways to Participate

Leave a Voicemail

Call 202-442-4755 to share your ideas and priorities.

My Neighbor Mrs. Cobb & the Miracle of Hamilton Street

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Park

This morning, I attended the funeral service for my neighbor Mrs. Cobb. She lived a full 96 years. Mrs. Cobb and her family moved to Riggs Park on Hamilton Street NE around 1960, one of the first Black families to do so. She held a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Hampton (Institute) University and trained a generation of nurses in DC. She was active in her Michigan Park Christian Church community.

It was a treat to know Mrs. Cobb and to hear the tributes to her. Reggie and Chucky Royster, two brothers who grew up on Hamilton Street with Mrs. Cobbs’ sons–Benny, David, and the late Tyrone–shared that Mrs. Cobb was part of a group of families who all moved onto the 900 and 1000 blocks of Hamilton Street NE in the late 1950s and early 1960s. These families looked out for each other’s families, took each other’s children to school, fed each other’s children, and corrected each other’s children when they did something wrong. They worked in a number of different professions. Reflecting on their time growing up on Hamilton Street in the 1960s and ’70s, Reggie Royster said it was like being part of a miracle on Hamilton Street.

I always tell people one of the reasons I was drawn to this part of Riggs Park and Hamilton Street in particular was that when I was looking at my house, it reminded me of the neighborhood where I grew up. A neighborhood where neighbors knew one another, held block parties and parades, always shared a friendly wave and hello, and looked out for each other.

By the time I purchased my home on Hamilton across the street from Mrs. Cobb in 2010, she would have been 83 years old. One would not know it. I certainly did not. She was pretty active and spry well into her 90s. A neighbor and I joke that the women on the block all live into their 90s because of all the steps in these houses. Or maybe it is because they are some of the kindest people I know. In any case, Mrs. Cobb started slowing down probably around 93 years old. She would sit on her porch every day simply enjoying the fresh air and quiet.

Mrs. Cobb was part of a group of elderly Black women on the block whom I know only by last name. Only today did I learn her first name. Marianne P. Cobb. May she rest well and memories of her be a comfort and blessing to her loved ones.

February 6: LRCA Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting
February 6, 2023
7:00 pm

February 2023 Meeting Agenda

1. Welcome/Invocation
2. Officers Report, Minutes, Treasurer Report
3. Updates from Elected Officials & PSA
4. LRCA Budget Review
5. John Stokes, DC Department of General Services (DGS)
6. LRCA Development Taskforce presentation regarding greenspace project on land adjacent to Food & Friends
7. Community Concerns/Closing

To view the meeting online, click the following link.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81370798567?pwd=SlhqTlJrWVMyMVlOSEh0UUExbmMyQT09

Meeting ID: 813 7079 8567

Passcode: 881450

Dial into the meeting by phone:

Call: (301)715-8592

Meeting ID: 813 7079 8567

Passcode: 881450

Read LRCA’s February 2023 Newsletter.

Become a member of LRCA. View map of LRCA’s boundaries.

Tonight: North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

If you live in North Michigan Park and wish to receive North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting notices and updates, please email president Carmen Williams at carm8954@aol.com to be added to the distribution list.

North Michigan Park Civic Association 

Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

7:00 pm

Virtual Meeting

Meeting ID 882 7345 2110

Passcode 930240

Call In 1-301-715-8592

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

Unfortunately, no face-to-face meeting at the NMP Recreation Center – Recreation Center new hours of operation close at 8:00 pm

·         Call to Order

·         Opening Prayer – Silent

·         Roll Call of Officers

Meeting Protocol

  • 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.

Guest Speaker

Leila Batties – McDonald’s Update
Q&A

Community Leader Reports

Carlos McKnight – Ward 5 Councilmembers Office

Q&A

Guest Speaker

Officer Robert Hamrick – 4D Community Affairs
MPD Officer from the Weapons Unit

Community Leader Reports

Mayor’s Office – Christian Starghill

ANC Commissioners that represent NMP

    5A02 – Karlus Cozart

    5A03 – Emily Lucio

    5A08 – Gordon Andrew Fletcher

    5A09 – Zachary Ammerman

Civic Association Updates 

Open Discussion:

  • Bike Lanes for South Dakota Ave
  • Installation of Gas Pumps at the 4Mart on South Dakota Avenue
  • Face to Face meeting for monthly meetings in discussion with Faith United Church

 Coming Events in 2023

  • February – Scholarship application begins (2 $1,000.00 scholarships) applications available at the Recreation Center email to individuals on NMPCA registered listserve
  • May – Community Clean Up also with Bulk Trash pick up
  • June – Scholarship Night
  • June – Community Yard Sale
  • June – August – Community Day (date unconfirmed)
  • August – School Supplies and Backpack event
  • September – Community Clean Up with Bulk Trash pick up
  • November – Toy Drive
  • December – Holiday Party

Next Month Guest

  • Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker 
  • Board of Zoning
  • Tax and Revenue

McDonald’s Rezoning Request for Drive-thru Gets Final Approval by DC Zoning Commission

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

At its public meeting on January 26, 2023, the DC Zoning Commission took final action, voting (3-1-1) to approve a map amendment request for the McDonald’s property at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE to change the zone district from MU-3A to MU-7B (Zoning Commission case no. 22-19, recording at approximately 1:24:50 mark). The new zoning district permits a drive-thru as a matter of right, which is the reason McDonald’s pursued this rezoning. Zoning Commission Chair Anthony Hood, Vice Chair Robert Miller, and Commissioner Joseph Imamura voted in support. Commissioner Peter May opposed. One seat is vacant.

The zoning commissioners rested on the points they made at the initial vote, described in this post. Recall DC’s Office of Planning supported the rezoning request, while the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) objected to the request. In order to actually build a drive-thru, McDonald’s will have to go through DDOT’s public space permit process.

Brookland Metrorail Station Closed January 28 & 29: Shuttle Buses between Fort Totten & Rhode Island Avenue Metrorail Stations

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

From Metro:

Red Line Red Line

  • Trains every 10 minutes operating in two segments: Shady Grove to Rhode Island Ave; and Fort Totten to Glenmont.  

Scheduled Maintenance

Due to fiber-optic cable installation for radio and signal systems, service will be shut down between Rhode Island Ave and Fort Totten: 

  • Trains will operate in two segments: between Fort Totten and Glenmont; and Rhode Island Ave and Shady Grove. 
  • Brookland Station closed.
  • Free shuttle buses available between Fort Totten, Brookland and Rhode Island Ave. 

Reminder: Complete Ward 5 Needs (Budget) Survey Soon

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

Performance oversight and budget season is upon us. In preparation for DC Council performance and budget oversight hearings, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker office is asking residents to identify Ward 5 needs.

Complete the Ward 5 Needs Survey at ward5.us/oversightform.

The survey lists four areas (schools & rec; street safety & transportation; pollution, trash, & environmental justice; & violence reduction & community safety), but residents can also list other areas of concern.

CM Parker’s office is also accepting feedback in other ways. Copied from the survey:

We welcome emails and letters from residents, civic associations, parent-teacher associations, and advisory neighborhood commissioners highlighting concerns in more detail. Please send those materials to Conor Shaw (cshaw@dccouncil.gov) by February 3, 2023. If you’d prefer to relay your concerns via phone, please contact us at 202 724 8028.

This is the time to identify issues you would like Councilmember Parker to be aware of for oversight purposes and to advocate for budget items. I know neighbors have asked for support and funding for a number of things over the years that still need attention and funding, with a couple of more recent asks.

  • Attractive green space at the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. This is consistent with approved neighborhood area development plan.
  • Shade for the Riggs-LaSalle Rec playground.
  • Support/funding for neighborhood park/area recommendations in draft Ready2Play plan.
  • New Riggs Park-area pool.
  • Better coordination with National Park Service (NPS) to get things that neighbors would like to see at Fort Circle Park. This is consistent with approved neighborhood area development plan.
  • Metropolitan Branch Trail Fort Totten to Avondale segment. This is consistent with approved National Capital Trail Network
  • South Dakota Avenue NE Multimodal Safety and Access Study along the lines of the Bladensburg Rd. Multimodal Safety and Access Study that was funded in FY 2023. Longstanding issues at key intersections at Galloway Street, Hamilton Street, Ingraham Street, & Riggs Road in Riggs Park, but also points further south.
  • Taylor Street/Rock Creek Church Road bike lanes
  • Riggs Road NE cycletrack and trailhead
  • For Bertie Backus campus plan, ensuring that any plans/changes have a positive impact on the local neighborhood in addition to advancing institutional goals.
  • For Metro’s Joint Development program, ensuring that any further redevelopment of Fort Totten Metro station, as anticipated in Metro’s 10-year strategic plan, has a positive impact on the local neighborhood in addition to advancing Metro’s institutional goals.

Being as specific as possible, explaining how neighbors have advocated for items over a number of years, and providing cost estimates & number of people impacted to the extent possible, is always helpful. Connecting requests to approved plans, study recommendations, and initiatives, such as the Riggs Road/South Dakota Avenue NE Area Development Plan, moveDC, Vision Zero, and DDOT livability studies, is also helpful to provide justification for the request or context for the issue.

Even if you do not have a lot of time to spend on the survey, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with Councilmember Parker.

Upcoming DC Council Agency Performance Oversight Hearings

Posted by nextstoprp in Council

DC Council oversight hearings for District government agencies begin this week. Find the full draft schedule at https://dccouncil.gov/2022-2023-performance-oversight-fy-2024-budget-schedules.

Have issues with how an agency is performing? Have ideas about how to make things better?

Is there something that multiple neighbors are experiencing with an agency that remains unresolved despite multiple attempts at resolution?

Is there an agency doing something well that might be a useful idea for another agency?

Are there things that an agency is doing well but you just wish they were doing more of whatever that thing is?

Let the Council know.

Individual committee instructions on how to participate either by testifying orally or by submitting written comments are available at https://dccouncil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/DRAFT-Instructions-for-Public-Participation-PERFORMANCE-OVERSIGHT-01132023.pdf. (Note, this list is currently incomplete).

Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George chairs the Council’s Facilities & Family Services Committee. This is the committee that oversees DC’s Department of General Services (DGS), among other agencies. DGS is responsible for maintaining District-owned buildings and District-managed space. This includes traditional public schools and recreation centers. Instructions on how to sign up to testify for that committee are available at https://janeeseward4.com/testify.

Reminder: Submit Comments on DC Parks & Rec Master Plan by January 31

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Be sure to comment on the District’s draft parks and recreation long-range plan by January 31, 2023. Visit ready2playdc.com to read the draft plan and submit your comments.

From DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR):

The plan includes goals, strategies, actions, and an investment blueprint to guide DPR over the next two decades. There are policy-level planning, programming, design, and operations actions that DPR intends to undertake and track over the coming years, as well as specific site-based recommendations and an implementation plan of investment.

The draft plan is currently posted on the Ready2Play website, where you can submit comments directly in the document by clicking on the relevant area of the page and filling in the comment window that pops up. Additionally, there is a public comment survey where you can leave additional feedback or general comments on the whole document.

I previously discussed some elements of the draft plan in this post.

This is the time to support the items in the draft plan that you like and to continue to advocate for funding and implementation of the things neighbors want.

Want to see attractive community green space at the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE? Ask for it and remind officials that this request is consistent with the neighborhood’s area development plan.

Want shade at the new Riggs-LaSalle Rec playground? Ask for it.

Want a neighborhood walking track and tennis courts? Co-sign the recommendation in the plan.

Want better coordination with National Park Service for Fort Circle Park? Co-sign the recommendation in the plan & remind officials that the neighborhood’s approved area development plan contemplates recreation and a trail around the perimeter of the park.

Want “safe access” to include not just safe routes to the rec, but also safety in and around the rec? Let officials know.

Whatever it is that you support, let DPR know by January 31.

January 25: ANC 5A Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, January 25, 2022 at 6:45 pm
ANC 5A’s meeting will be held online only in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81870709297?pwd=WDRMMGpvaVVGSGc5amNSU003UDE0QT09

Meeting ID: 818 7070 9297
Passcode: 847136

Dial In: 301 715 8592

All residents will be muted. Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

AGENDA ITEMS 

      I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

    II. Quorum  

  III. Office Vacancy Declaration

  IV. Election & Swearing in of Officers Honorable Councilmember Zachary Parker

  III. Agenda Review/Acceptance  

  IV. Commission Business

A.    New Commissioner Orientation

B.    Budget & ANC Security Fund

C.    Minutes for Approval (December Special Meeting 2022) *

D.    Ward 5 Website Update – Domain

E.    Annual Calendar

F.     ANC 2nd Office Space

    V. Community Updates

A.    MPD  

B.    Mayor’s Office

C.    Councilmember Parker’s office  

  VI. Reports & Presentations

VII. Community Comment Period 

VIII. Next Meeting: February 22, 2023  

  IX. Adjourn

Duvalier Malone, SMD 5A01
Karlus Cozart, SMD 5A02
Emily Singer Lucio,  SMD 5A03
Diego Rojas SMD 5A04
Vacant, SMD 5A05
Kweku Toure, SMD 5A06
Vacant, SMD 5A07
Gordon-Andrew Fletcher, SMD 5A08
Zachary Ammerman, SMD 5A09

ANC 5A Commissioners 2023-2024

January 21:Fort Circle Park Cleanup with ANC 5A09 Commissioner Zachary Ammerman

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A, Fort Circle Park

Fort Circle Park Cleanup with ANC Commissioner Zachary Ammerman (5A09)
January 21, 2023
10:00 am-12:00 noon

Meet at the Galloway Street side of the Gallatin-Galloway pedestrian trail. Gloves, trash bags, and a limited number of trash grabbers provided.

Stay for five minutes or two hours, up to you. This is also a chance to meet Commissioner Ammerman, say hello, and discuss neighborhood issues.

This event and other news are in Commissioner Ammerman’s newsletter. Sign up to receive Commissioner Ammerman’s ANC 5A09 updates at ANC5A09.com.

Complete DDOT Survey on Truck/Bus Routes & Signage by January 31

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

ANC Commissioner Duvalier Malone (5A01) asked to share DDOT’s survey on truck/bus routes and signage. Message from DDOT with survey link below.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is conducting a Positive Truck/Bus Signage Study to understand the benefits and costs of installing new signage in support of a potential mandatory truck/bus route system, and develop recommendations for next steps. 

As part of this study, DDOT would like to hear from you and your constituents! Please open the linked survey below to let us know what you think of the District’s truck and bus routes and signage. 

Your input will inform the study’s recommendations and next steps, which will be developed by the end of the year. Please help spread the word by sharing with your constituents!

Please respond to this survey by Tuesday, January 31, 2023:  https://forms.office.com/g/rDU6D1eQum

January 22: Ward 4 CM Lewis George Listening Session for Lamond-Riggs

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4

Ward 4 CM Janeese Lewis George Listening Session for Lamond-Riggs
January 22, 2023
3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ
5301 North Capitol Street NE

Register at janeeseward4.com/listen or call (202) 724-8052.

Help inform CM Lewis George’s legislation, budget priorities, constituent services, and community initiatives. These listening tour sessions have been useful in the past, so please attend a session if you can. There is space on the registration form to enter questions/comments in advance of the session.

A virtual session will also be held on February 2 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (bit.ly/ward4-listen) for those who cannot or do not wish to attend an in-person session.

January 23: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting
Monday, January 23, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

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.

Meeting ID: 832 8769 6066. Passcode: 262224.

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

Meeting ID: 832 8769 6066. Passcode: 262224.

Agenda

  1. Call to Order & Roll Call
  2. Administrative Items:
    • Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting
    • Election of Officers
    • Appointment of Representative to Walter Reed CAC
    • Consideration and Approval of January Agenda
    • Approval of November 2022 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
    • Approval of 2023 Meeting Schedule
    • Approval of ANC Security Fund
    • Treasurer’s Report and Quarterly Financial Report for First Quarter FY2023
  3. Commissioner Updates (if applicable)
  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 of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
    • Jim Lewis, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 minutes)
    • Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative (3 minutes)
    • Housing Justice Committee (2 minutes)
    • Vision Zero Committee (2 minutes)
    • Community Safety & Support Committee (2 minutes)
  6. Presentation: Stephen Akyereko, Outreach Coordinator, DC Water, Lead Free DC (10 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion)
  7. Consent Calendar:
    • Resolution 4B-23-0101: Calling for Greater Transparency and Action to Address Sidewalk Repairs, Sidewalk Gaps, and Pedestrian Infrastructure (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Brooks & Commissioner Johnson)
    • Resolution 4B-23-0102: Highlighting History of Advocacy for and Requesting Stronger Centralized Resources for Successful Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Gilligan, Commissioner Walker& Commissioner Yeats)
    • Letter: Supporting and Providing Additional Feedback on Application of TM Associates, LLC, and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for Consolidated Approval of Planned Unit Development and Map Amendment at Takoma Metrorail Station (ZC Case #22-36) (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer & Commissioner Brooks)
    • Resolution 4B-23-0103: Expanding Membership of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B’s Housing Justice Committee (Commissioner Palmer)
    • Resolution 4B-23-0104: Calling on the Executive to Fully Implement the Neighborhood Engagement Achieves Results Act of 2016 (Commissioner Johnson & Commissioner Gilligan)
  8. Adjournment

Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, February 27, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

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