Author Archives: nextstoprp

DC Infrastructure Survey

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

Take the survey!

From DC Office of Planning

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DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force Wants Your Input

Mayor Bowser’s Infrastructure Task Force’s Transportation Innovation Subcommittee is requesting community input on what transformational transportation changes they would like to see in the District, especially in the North Capitol corridor and along the neighborhoods touching I-295. Please join us on WebEx on June 22 from 4:00-5:00 PM or send us your thoughts on the survey at DC Build Back Better Infrastructure Task Force.

WebEx Meeting Details

Attendee Link: rebrand.ly/TransformationalTransportation

Webinar number: 2317 669 7209

Webinar password: June22!

Join by phone: +1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

Access code: 231 766 97209

Webinar Numeric Password: 5863220

Met Branch Trail Brookland-Fort Totten Extension Opening Celebration

Posted by nextstoprp in Met Branch Trail, Transportation
Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrating opening of Met Branch Trail Brookland to Fort Totten Extension

On June 18, 2022, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser officially celebrated the opening of the extension of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) from Brookland to Fort Totten Metro station. Residents have been enjoying the extension for several weeks now (I wrote about the extension in this post).

The celebration turned into an informal event after the mayor decided to jettison formal remarks. The National Park Service (NPS) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) project team and contractors were on hand to celebrate what is really quite an accomplishment. The northern part of the formal trail curves around the green line tunnel. The project required coordination with National Park Service (NPS), Metro, and private property owners.

Next up for DDOT is completing the extension of the MBT from Fort Totten to Takoma (construction anticipated to begin in winter 2023) and then from Blair Road to Piney Branch Road (design underway). People in attendance also pointed out to the mayor the need to close the 8th Street gap between Franklin and Monroe Street NE.

DDOT also noted that east-west connections of interest to residents, like the Avondale segment that will connect the MBT to the Anacostia River Trail, have been put on the backburner so that DDOT can finish up the main north-south trail. They hope to get to these east-west connections within the next 3 years and they fortunately have more trail/bike staff now to work on more projects.

One other tidbit DDOT noted is that they believe construction of a sidewalk on the south side of Galloway Street NE between South Dakota Avenue and 4th Street should start next year. (Note, this project on which DDOT is working with NPS, is a different project from the Gallatin Street-Galloway Street pedestrian path through Fort Totten Park). Design of the 10-foot wide multi-use segment is finishing up soon. This small stretch of missing sidewalk has taken literally decades to come to fruition, as is usually the case with projects requiring federal government coordination. But it sounds like this construction promise is a good one.

It really is nice to see this network being built out in and near Riggs Park to provide options for residents to move around the city.

June 27: ANC 4B Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting 
Monday, June 27 2022, 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/81677923881?pwd=bnVWUEM5L0VSZGltQzVNRGs0MENxQT09. Meeting ID: 816 7792 3881. Passcode: 897287. 

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 816 7792 3881. Passcode: 897287. 

Agenda 

1.         Call to Order & Roll Call  

2.         Administrative Items: 

A. Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting 

B. Consideration and Approval of June Agenda 

C. Approval of May Regular Public Meeting Minutes 

D. Treasurer’s Report 

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: 

A. Anthony Mitchell, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)  

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

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

D. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes) 

E. Housing Justice Committee (2 minutes) 

F. Vision Zero Committee (2 minutes) 

G. Community Safety & Supports Committee (2 minutes) 

6.         Presentation: Sharon Kershbaum, Deputy Director, District Department of Transportation, Discussion re Commission Issues and Community Concerns (20 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion)  

  • High Turnover of DDOT Community Engagement Specialists 
  • Lack of Transparency and Action for Traffic Safety Investigation Requests 
  • Difficulties with Traffic Safety Investigation Dashboard 
  • Closure of 311 Requests Without Action 
  • Lack of Responses to ANC Resolutions and Changing Standards for ANC Requests 
  • Inability to Seek Action on Neighborhood-Wide Traffic Calming 
  • Hardening of Short-Term Traffic Safety Infrastructure 
  • Placement and Replacement of Traffic Signs 
  • Sidewalk Gaps and Repairs 
  • Specific Outstanding Requests – Commission Resolutions, Traffic Safety Investigations; 311 Requests 

7.         Presentation: Christian Pineiro, District Department of Transportation, Georgia Avenue, NW, Livability Study (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 

8.         Presentation: Samer Alhawamdeh, District Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Branch Trail Project from Blair Road, NW, to Piney Branch Road, NW (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 

9.         Presentation: Thomas Pipkin and Kimberly Vacca, District Department of Transportation, Art in the Right of Way Installation, 5th Street, NW, Dahlia Street, NW, and Blair Road, NW (5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)  

10.     Presentation: Alyce McFarland, Program Analyst, Education and Outreach, DC Office of the Tenant Advocate, Tenant Services & Eviction Prevention (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 

11.     Presentation: Arianna Gard, Ph.D., Director, Growth and Resilience Across Development (GARD) Lab, University of Maryland, Results of Community And Resilient Environments (CARE) Project (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)  

12.     Presentation: R&A Health and Takoma Wellness, Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center License Applications, 6400 Block of Chillum Place, NW (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 

13.     Presentation and Letter: Caren Garfield, Evan Goldman, and Pamela Lee, Application by EYA Multifamily, LLC for a Planned Unit Development at the Takoma Metro Station (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer & Commissioner Bromaghim – 10 minutes presentation, 5 minutes discussion)  

14.     Adjournment 

Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, September 26, 2022, 7:00 p.m. 

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner: ANC 4B01 Evan Yeats (4B01@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B02 Erin Palmer (4B02@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B03 Jocelynn Johnson (4B03@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B04 Brenda Parks (4B04@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B05 Vacant; ANC 4B06 Tiffani Nichole Johnson (4B06@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B07 Geoff Bromaghim (4B07@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B08 Alison Brooks (4B08@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B09 LaRoya Huff (4B09@anc.dc.gov)

June 22: Ward 4 CM Janeese Lewis George CARE Day – Lamond

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond

This event has been rescheduled for June 24, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
Ward 4 CARE Team Outreach Day – Lamond
June 22, 2022
4:00 pm-7:00 pm
RSVP

Community Access, Resource & Engagement (CARE) Days will provide Ward 4 residents an opportunity to learn how their government is helping Ward 4 communities stay safe and vibrant. These events will encourage resident-centered conversation aimed at equipping residents with resources to directly engage DC agencies, services, and community groups to address the unique issues in their unique neighborhoods.

https://janeeseward4.com/care/

June 22: DDOT Virtual Public Meeting on Eastern Avenue NE Rehabilitation Project

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

From DDOT

DDOT Eastern Avenue NE Rehabilitation Project Virtual Meeting Flyer

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, for a presentation on the Rehabilitation of Eastern Avenue NE (from New Hampshire Avenue NE to Whittier Street NW) project. DDOT will share an update on the project and discuss the upcoming steps at this virtual public meeting.

Project website: https://ddot.dc.gov/page/rehabilitation-eastern-avenue.

DATE: Wednesday, June 22, 2022

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

VIRTUAL MEETING: WEBEX

To view the virtual presentation: rebrand.ly/EasternAveJune22

Event Number: 2313 398 4282

Event Password: June22!

Dial-in option (audio only): 1-202-860-2110 Access code: 2313 398 4282

The Webex system will prompt you for a Numeric Webinar Password: 5863220
Press the # key to join the meeting.

Having difficulties joining the meeting?

If you need technical support during the meeting, please dial 202-309-3491.

Project Background

Eastern Avenue is a boundary street between Washington DC and the state of Maryland. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in support of DDOT’s moveDC plan and Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero Initiative, is working to create a safer, more livable, sustainable and attractive corridor. This project is in the design; this June 2022 meeting will be the last public meeting before the final design is completed.

Project Overview

The project objective is to increase multi-modal (pedestrian, bicyclist and motorist) safety and to improve the corridor’s appearance and functionality with new pavement and granite curbs; new sidewalks; addition of bicycle lanes; improved lighting; improved drainage; and new landscaping, while reducing vehicular speeds with curb extensions, signal upgrades and pavement markings.

Key Improvements

DDOT has integrated the following key elements into this project since the public meetings based on community feedback:
• Signal modifications and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at the intersection of Eastern Avenue NE and New Hampshire Avenue NE
• Signal modifications and ADA improvements at the intersection of Eastern Avenue NE and Kansas Avenue NE
• New traffic signal and intersection reconfiguration at Eastern Avenue NE and Sligo Mill Road NE
• Full depth roadway pavement reconstruction for the entire length of the project
• Street lighting upgrade for the entire length of the project
• Granite curbs for the entire length of the project
• New inlets and replace and upsize damaged existing inlets
• New sidewalks and replace damaged existing sidewalks

Project Timeline

  • Public Meeting #1
    • December 2016
  • Public Meeting #2
    • September 2017
  • Public Meeting #3
    • June 2022
  • Design Completion
    • July 2022
  • Anticipated Construction
    • 2026

Project Contact
Stacee Hemby, Community Outreach
stacee@tbaconnects.com

June 22: ANC 5A Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A Public Meeting
June 22, 2022
6:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84468779532?pwd=VGJCRGhlQUxTdldqbDU2RXVEd2ZUUT09

Meeting ID:  844 6877 9532   Passcode: 097050

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Agenda Items

  • Commission Business
    •  Z.C. Case No. 22-19 (McDonalds Corporation – Map Amendment for property located at Square 3786, Lot 1 (4950 S. Dakota Avenue, N.E.) 5A03
  • Community Updates
    • MPD-Police Chief
    • Mayor’s Office
    • Councilmember McDuffie’s office 

June 22: ANC 4B Vision Zero Committee Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

From ANC 4B

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B’s Vision Zero Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Committee will be meeting virtually. Details about participating in the meeting are included below:

ANC 4B – Vision Zero Committee (June) 
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83644791758?pwd=YkM3TlBqMzZTdm5HYU5WSDB2RW5DQT09

Meeting ID: 836 4479 1758

Passcode: 608192

For participation via phone call 301-715-8592 and enter the meeting ID and passcode.

Additional information is available on the Commission’s website: https://anc4b.com/committees/vision-zero-committee/. 

June 18: Met Branch Trail Brookland-Fort Totten Extension Ribbon Cutting

Posted by nextstoprp in Met Branch Trail

From the District Department of Transportation (DDOT)

Join the Executive Office of the Mayor, NPS, and DDOT this Saturday to celebrate the opening of the Metropolitan Branch Trail from Brookland to Fort Totten. Event information can be found here:

Metropolitan Branch Trail Ribbon Cutting Tickets, Sat, Jun 18, 2022 at 10:30 AM | Eventbrite

Celebrate the opening of the District’s newest trail and enjoy a bike ride from Fort Totten to Brookland

About this event

Join Mayor Bowser to celebrate the completion of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) between Brookland and Fort Totten. The newest section extends the popular MBT, closing a gap in DC’s pedestrian and bicycle network. Following remarks from officials, participants are invited to walk or ride along the new section of trail.

Saturday, June 18, 2022
10:30 am
Fort Totten Park
5200 Block of First Place NE (Next to Fort Totten Metro Station)
Washington, DC 20011

Riggs Park Place Ribbon Cutting

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Park Place (formerly Fort Totten South)

New neighbors are moving into Riggs Park! On June 9, 2022, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon for Riggs Park Place, a new townhome community under construction by EYA on the southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE. The project broke ground in October 2020. The first few homeowners started moving in a couple of weeks ago, including Jimmy and Nyanda Alexis who gave a shoutout to Black excellence and introduced Mayor Bowser to give remarks to mark the occasion.

As many know, this project is a bit personal for the mayor. The seeds for this project were planted many many years ago when Mayor Bowser lived in Riggs Park and represented the neighborhood as an ANC commissioner. So the mayor has seen the project evolve through lots of twists and turns from her time on the ANC, then as a councilmember representing Ward 4, and finally now as mayor. From reconfiguring the South Dakota Avenue/Riggs Road NE intersection to eliminate the fly-bys, selling and shoring up the land, working through several design concepts, dealing with assorted red tape, and securing financing for this project during a global pandemic, it has been a journey. During that time in all of those roles, the mayor worked hand in hand with the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA). In his remarks, Aakash Thakkar, EYA Chief Acquisitions Officer, recognized the efforts of the LRCA in representing the community, particularly those whom I affectionately call the gang–Barbara Rogers, Gwen Cofield, former ANC 4B Commissioner Tischa Cockrell, and I.

Mayor Bowser also introduced the members of what she is calling a Black Homeownership Strike Force. DC Office of Planning Director Anita Cozart and Reverend Graylan Hagler (minister of Plymouth Congregational Church of Christ, which is just a few blocks away from Riggs Parks Place) are co-chairs. (Neighbors might also recognize in the pictures former neighbor Harrison Beacher, president of the Greater Capitol Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR), who was asked to be a member of the strike force). Mayor Bowser tasked the strike force with coming up with recommendations that can start to be implemented at the start of the new fiscal year on October 1, 2022. Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who chairs the Council committee on business and economic development, also gave remarks.

The 90 townhomes comprise the first phase of the project. The second phase will consist of a little over 90 affordable rental units for seniors in a multifamily building with ground floor retail. Groundbreaking on the second phase is expected in 3rd quarter 2023.

I know lots of people have lots of thoughts about this project. I for one think that one of the better decisions JBG Smith made with respect to this neighborhood is changing course from initially wanting to build roughly another 250 apartments as a companion to Fort Totten Square to teaming up with EYA, a builder that is known for being relatively responsive to community input, to build this project. With prices originally starting in the mid-$500,000 range, it was no surprise (to me) that the homes quickly sold. I always say one nice thing that I like about Riggs Park is that it really is a neighborhood of socioeconomic diversity and for the most part it works well. I look forward to seeing retail options follow suit.

Video of the ribbon cutting from the mayor’s office.

Photos below courtesy of Gwen Cofield

New Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library to Open June 27

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

From DC Public Library

Friday, June 10, 2022, 10:31 a.m.

News Release

New Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library to Open June 27

The new Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, located at 5401 South Dakota Ave. NE, will open Monday, June 27. District residents and library customers are invited to join the opening festivities starting at 11 am.

The new 23,500-square-foot library continues the DC Public Library’s Facilities Master Plan priority of building neighborhood libraries that are at least 20,000 sq. ft., are flexible enough to accommodate changing uses and new technologies and are environmentally friendly. It features:

  • Expanded space for adults, teens and children;
  • A variety of collaboration spaces including a living room-style seating area;
  • A large meeting room with a capacity for 100 people, dividable into separate smaller rooms
  • 7 additional reservable meeting spaces, one for up to 12 people, two for up to six people each, and four study spaces designed for 2 people; and
  • Outdoor spaces on each floor with comfortable seating.

The Lamond-Riggs Interim Library, located at 395 Ingraham St. NE, will close on Wednesday, June 15 at 8 p.m.

In preparation for the transition to the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, all due dates for books and other materials borrowed from the interim library have been extended to mid-July. During the move, Library customers can return books and other materials to any DC Public Library. Holds can also be picked up from any location customers select. The location closest to the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library is the Woodridge Library located at 1801 Hamlin St. NE.

Save the Date: June 22 – DDOT Virtual Public Meeting on Eastern Avenue NE Rehabilitation Project

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Nice to see there may be some progress on the Eastern Avenue NE rehabilitation project. The District Department of Transporation will be holding a virtual public meeting on the project on June 22, 2022. DDOT released preliminary plans way back in late 2016. Change in the project scope delayed things a bit. Looks like the last post I have on this project is from October 2020.

—

From DDOT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2022

Media Contacts:
German Vigil – (202) 306-1668, german.vigil@dc.gov
Mariam Nabizad – (202) 359-2678, mariam.nabizad@dc.gov

Public Meeting Notice: Virtual Meeting 
Rehabilitation of Eastern Avenue (from New Hampshire Avenue NE to Whittier Street NW) on June 22, 2022

(Washington, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, for a presentation on the Rehabilitation of Eastern Avenue NE (from New Hampshire Avenue NE to Whittier Street NW) project. DDOT will share an update on the project and discuss the upcoming steps at this virtual public meeting. For more information about the project please visit ddot.dc.gov/page/rehabilitation-eastern-avenue or contact the project manager Tesfalem Aim, email Tesfalem.Aim@dc.gov or 202-427-0851.

DATE: Wednesday, June 22, 2022

TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

VIRTUAL MEETING: WEBEX

To view the virtual presentation: rebrand.ly/EasternAveJune22

Event Number: 2313 398 4282

Event Password: June22!

Dial-in option (audio only): 1-202-860-2110 Access code: 2313 398 4282

The Webex system will prompt you for an Attendee ID, this is not required. Press the # key to join the meeting.

Having difficulties joining the meeting?

If you need technical support during the meeting, please dial 202-309-3491.

June 9: ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) Community Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) Spring/Summer Single Member District Meeting
June 9, 2022
6:30 pm-8:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85123053931?pwd=UTRvQkFKcDY4L0ZqWW9rSFBZMTJBdz09

Meeting ID: 851 2305 3931
Passcode: 842297

Dial by your location
 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Agenda

  1. DDOT Update – Alley Improvements & Speed Bump Request
  2. Update from DC Water
  3. Public Safety Update – MPD
  4. Update from the Mayor’s Office – Nokomis Hunter
  5. Update from Councilmember McDuffie’s Office
  6. Update from Art Place at Fort Totten
  7. Community Concerns

For more information contact Commissioner Fletcher. Send questions in advance.
Phone: (202) 556-5958
Email: 5A08@anc.dc.gov

June 7: Virtual Meeting – Met Branch Trail – Blair Road to Piney Branch Road Project NW

Posted by nextstoprp in Met Branch Trail

From DDOT

Friday, May 20, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts

Public Meeting Notice: Virtual Meeting – Met Branch Trail – Blair Road to Piney Branch Road Project NW 

(Washington, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a virtual public meeting to discuss the Metropolitan Branch Trail – Blair Road to Piney Branch Road NW. DDOT will present design concept updates and receive community feedback. This is the second public meeting for this project, and DDOT will share updates to the proposed design and project schedule. For more information on this project please visit metbranchtrail.com, or contact the project manager Michael Alvino at michael.alvino@dc.gov or 202-497-7153.

WHAT: Metropolitan Branch Trail (Blair Road to Piney Branch Road NW) Public Meeting

WHEN: June 7, 2022

TIME: 6:30 PM

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING:

Attendee Link: rebrand.ly/MBTBlair2PineyBranch

Webinar Number: 2300 263 1832

Webinar Password: June7!

Dial-in Option (audio only): 1-202-860-2110. Access Code: 2300 263 1832. The Webex system will prompt you for an Attendee ID, this is not required. Press the # key to join the meeting.

Can’t Make a Meeting?

Materials from this meeting will be made available at www.metbranchtrail.com within 48 hours of the conclusion of the meeting. 

June 3-August 26: Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Glad to see the Fridays at Fort Totten concert series is back this summer after a pandemic hiatus. It is always a fun time. Bring a chair & enjoy live music.

From DC Fray/District Fray Magazine

The Fridays at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series is back!

About this event

Every Friday, meet us at the corner of Galloway Street and South Dakota Ave. NE from 6pm-8pm for amazing live music and delicious food from local food trucks!

We hope to see you there! In partnership with The Modern at Art Place.

  • June 3rd | Emma G
  • June 10th | Marvillous Beats
  • June 17th | The Shane Gamble Band
  • June 24th | YML AND FRIENDS
  • July 1st | N Tyme Jazz Ensemble
  • July 8th | Pebble to Pearl
  • July 15th | DWQ Jazz Band
  • July 22nd | Groovalicious
  • July 29th | Shake the Room
  • August 5th | DANDY
  • August 12th | The Junior Bryce Band
  • August 19th | JWX: The Jarreau Williams Experience
  • August 26th | Dave Keller