Following her successful re-election for a third term, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has set up a transition website at https://together.dc.gov. There you can find members of her transition team and instructions on how to apply for jobs with Mayor Bowser’s administration and District government.
Mayor Bowser’s team is also seeking “transformational” and “big” ideas for the mayor’s third term, with a focus on:
Expanding democracy
Fighting for the middle class
Ending gun violence
Reimagining our downtown
Getting all students on pathways to success and
Positioning DC as a strong, sustainable, and resilient city
Early last year, I shared a news article on social media about the completion of the city’s homeless shelter in Ward 1, which capped a multiyear effort to replace DC General with smaller shelters throughout the city. I wrote then that the the mayor’s first-term plan to open homeless shelters in each ward was truly masterful and that if she had that kind of vision and commitment in addressing so many issues in the District, the city would be well served. The urgency of the plan was of course heightened by the disappearance of eight-year old Relisha Rudd from DC General, which is still disturbing to me to this day.
All that to say, it can be easy to be deeply cynical about politicians and government, but we also have the ability to be courageous and create better functioning, humane communities. And sometimes even “small” things can have great impact.
If you have thoughts, big or small, about how government should better function over the next four years, it is worth sharing them at https://together.dc.gov.
There will also be an in-person engagement forum on December 3, 2022, at 10:00 am.
From Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton invites you to participate in a Town Hall Meeting with the National Park Service. Congresswoman Norton will host representatives from the National Park Service to provide updates and respond to your questions, comments, and concerns about federal park lands and issues under their jurisdiction in Washington, DC.
The pertinent details are below:
Who: All DC Residents
What: Town Hall Meeting with the National Park Service
Join me at 10 am this Saturday in Fort Circle Park to clean up trash and litter! Stay for five minutes or an hour – it’s up to you! I’ll have plenty of industrial trash bags, reusable gloves and a small number of trash “picker-uppers” (or whatever those stick things are called!) for everyone who wants to join in.
WHEN: 10 am to Noon(ish), Saturday, Nov. 5
WHERE: Fort Circle Park (meet at the unfinished trail between Galloway and Gallatin streets NE
I plan on making eliminating litter in the parks in our area a crusade of mine if and when I’m elected. I’d like to see more trash cans installed in and around the parks, increased maintenance and trash removal by the National Park Service, and would like to use part of the ANC 5A budget to install anti-littering education signs in the parks in our area, among other things. If you have any other ideas on how to tackle this issue, please contact me, I’m all ears!
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on October 26, 2022.
Commissioners present: Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair
Mundo Verde/Providence Deal(5A03)(Kristin Scotchmer, Executive Director, Mundo Verde)
Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School needs more space for 4th and 5th graders at its 8th & Varnum Street NE campus (Calle Ocho campus). Commissioner Lucio put Mundo Verde leadership in touch with the owners of Providence Health, which is across the street from Mundo Verde. Mundo Verde is in engaged in due diligence to puchase a building on Providence’s campus at 817 Varnum Street NE. This purchase would allow Mundo Verde to have 4th and 5th graders nearby instead of somewhere farther away in the city. The plan is to have an additional 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of property for 10 classrooms.
At the time of the ANC meeting, the DC Council was in the process of approving a bond resolution to support the purchase of the property by Mundo Verde. A public hearing was held on October 5, 2022, and the committee report was published on October 26. The resolution was approved November 1, 2022.
During the ANC meeting, there was a lot of discussion about traffic and parking issues in the surrounding neighborhood. A resident stated that when Mundo Verde first came to the community about its plans for the Calle Ocho campus several years ago, it was understood then that the school would need more room eventually and residents thought they would expand elsewhere outside of the immediate neighborhood.
Kristin Scotchmer, executive director of Mundo Verde, acknowledged the traffic/parking concerns. In response to a question about shuttle buses, she said the pandemic made using shuttle buses to transport students less feasible.
In response to a question about making bike transportation to the campus easier, Commisioner Lucio said protected bike lanes are planned for Taylor Street NE.
A task force comprised of residents from ANC 5A and ANC 5B (the neighboring ANC) has been formed to address issues with the expansion. If you have questions/concerns, contact Commissioner Lucio.
The Kennedy School/801 Buchanan Street NE Project (5A03)
At a public hearing on October 19, 2022, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) approved reconstruction of The Kennedy School at 801 Buchanan Street NE (BZA case No. 20749).
The BZA continued the hearing for the townhome portion of the project (BZA case no. 20751) to November 2, 2022. The BZA asked the townhome developer to specify whether a variance is needed.
Counsel for the developer presented at the ANC’s October meeting and stated that they determined a variance is not needed because they have adjusted the plans to account for 24-foot wide alleys. (See presentation to BZA; see also response to OP/DDOT request for conditions in case file).
A resident asked how conflicts over the planned green space will be handled–if residents will be expected to deal with it themselves or if the ANC or some other Distict entity will assist. Counsel for the developer said HOA documents will include a covenant regarding maintaining public access to the green space. Commissioner Ronnie Edwards said he imagined the ANC could assist if any conflicts arose. Commissioner Lucio stated she has gotten involved with a similar issue happening with playground access by the new Michigan Park townhomes. She is working with the developer, the homeowners, and the wider community to clarify that the issue was about age limits for certain playground equipment and that the playground remains open to the general public.
Ward 5 Council Report (Laisha Dougherty, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie)
Commissioner Edwards asked again about a liquor store moratorium for North Michigan Park. Ms. Dougherty said she would follow up with the councilmember.
In response to a question about the councilmember’s position on the DC criminal code rewrite, she said she would follow up with the councilmember for a response.
Next Meeting
The November meeting is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving. At the beginning of this year, Commissioner Lucio asked the ANC to change the November meeting date. The ANC declined to do so at that time.
Because the ANC did not have a quorum at the October meeting, they could not vote to change the November meeting date. (Aside: The ANC had a hard time reaching quorum at the September October special meeting, but got there after a while).
Joining The Parks Main Street and Mayor Bowser in recognizing the life of Ms. Vanilla Beane. A life well lived. May she rest in peace.
–@TheParksMainSt honors the life and contributions of DC Maker, iconic small business owner of Bene' Millinery & Bridal Supplies in Historic #ManorPark Business District and "D.C. Hat Lady" Mrs Vanilla Powell Beane. Rest in Power! September 13, 1919 – October 23, 2022. #ward4pic.twitter.com/qC3ZIYvklO
Join Culture Coffee Too & the WALK Ward 5 Health Coalition as they walk to increase awareness of breast cancer and domestic violence.
October 30, 2022 9:00 am Meet at Culture Coffee Too (300 Riggs Road NE) Walk to the Metropolitan Branch Trail from Fort Totten to Brookland and back to Culture Coffee Too (approximately 4 miles).
Wear pink to represent breast cancer awareness or purple to represent domestic violence awareness.
Please consider supporting a great cause this weekend. In honor of the legacy of Silas Grant, Sr. (father of Silas Grant, senior advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie), there will be a 5k walk along the Metropolitan Branch Trail to support Reading Partners. Reading Partners is a really terrific organization in DC that supports children’s literacy.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592.
Meeting ID: 867 9092 5600. Passcode: 737103.
Agenda
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Administrative Items:
A. Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting
B. Consideration and Approval of October Agenda
C. Approval of September Regular Public Meeting Minutes
D. Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Quarterly Financial Report for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022
E. Approval of Community Grants
Resolution 4B-22-1001: Grant Award for Whittier Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization
Resolution 4B-22-1002: Grant Award for Takoma Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization
Resolution 4B-22-1003: Grant Award for LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Community
Resolution 4B-22-1004: Grant Award for Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association
Resolution 4B-22-1005: Grant Award for South Manor Neighborhood Association
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. Yamileth Escobar, 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)
6. Presentation: District Department of Transportation, Electric Vehicle Curbside Charging Station Program (10 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion) [invited]
Resolution 4B-22-1006: Supporting Application for Map Amendment for Elm Gardens, 7050 Eastern Avenue, NW (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Bromaghim & Commissioner Brooks)
Resolution 4B-22-1007: Supporting Construction of Apartment Building at 7050 Eastern Avenue, NW (HPA 22-487) (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Bromaghim & Commissioner Brooks)
Resolution 4B-22-1008: Supporting Application for Map Amendment for Berean Baptist Church Development Project, 924 Madison Street, NW (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Brooks & Commissioner Yeats)
Resolution 4B-22-1009: Calling for Maintenance & Hardening of Traffic Safety Improvements to Intersection at Piney Branch Road, Whittier Street & 8th Street, NW (formerly NOI #21-6-TOA) (Commissioner Palmer)
Resolution 4B-22-1010: Calling for Coordinated Approach & Action by DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment to Address Downed Wires in Public Space (Commissioner Palmer)
9. Resolution 4B-22-1011: Supporting & Providing Recommendations on B24-0802, Green New Deal for Housing Amendment Act of 2022 (Commissioner Palmer & Commissioner Yeats)
10. Resolution 4B-22-1012: Recommending Improvements to the District’s Kids Ride Free Program (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer & Commissioner Brooks)
11. Adjournment
Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, November 28, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Please note the Commission will be transitioning to an email list to notice Commission meetings. Individuals and listserv administrators can sign up here to be included: https://tinyurl.com/4BEmails.
Join the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) to share your thoughts and ideas for the forthcoming campus plan for UDC’s Bertie Backus Campus (5171 South Dakota Avenue NE).
This meeting will be held virtually. Click here to join.
More ways to join the meeting below:
Join by video: 26321193183@universityofdc.webex.com Meeting number/Access code: 2632 119 3183 Join by phone: +1-415-655-0003
For more information or questions please contact: Juanita Gray Email: Juanita.gray@udc.edu Phone: (202) 536-9605
ANC 5A held a special meeting on October 12, 2022, to take a final vote on the Kennedy School/801 Buchanan Street NE townhome project that will be developed in ANC 5A03.
Commissioners present: Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Vice Chair.
The ANC voted to support the project to rebuild the Kennedy School and build approximately 80 townhomes at 801 Buchanan Street NE. The Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) hearing on the project is scheduled for October 19, 2022.
Recall, the ANC tabled a vote at its September 28th meeting in order to give the development team time to make additional presentations to the North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) and the Michigan Park Citizens Association (MPCA). The proposed project sits in Michigan Park; North Michigan Park is across the street from the project. The developer met with North Michigan Park on October 5 and with Michigan Park on October 11.
At NMPCA’s meeting, the developer agreed to the civic association’s request for a $5,000 scholarship contribution. At the special meeting, ANC Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) asked why it was not more and NMPCA president Carmen Williams and the developer both stated that NMPCA only asked for $5,000. The developer said they would raise the scholarship contribution to $10,000. In addition, the developer stated they would contribute $25,000 to DC’s Housing Production Trust Fund to benefit projects in Ward 5. This is on top of the community benefits that the developer had already negotiated with ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) and residents that were discussed in previous ANC 5A meetings (preserving publicly accessible green space for future tot lot and dog park; RPP restrictions for HOA; vibration monitoring; and contribution to housing property tax relief fund).
A resident from Michigan Park noted that MPCA did not ask for more benefits because the townhomes are being developed in order to generate funds for the reconstruction of the school, which serves children with disabilities. He said the school has been in the neighborhood a long time and serves children and young adults of DC needing those specialized services.
This is a BZA project, for which technically the developer does not have to offer or provide these kind of benefits. Typically these kinds of benefits are offered with planned unit developments (PUDs), which are approved by the Zoning Commission.
There was also some discussion about building triplexes versus rowhomes. Apparently, DC Office of Planning and residents asked the developer to consider building triplexes for the row of homes facing the existing neighborhood homes. The developer responded that they thought triplexes were less than ideal because then people would see the rear of the second row of homes through the gap in the triplexes. Or something like that.
I think there was discussion of other things like making sure there were any necessary easements to access the future public green space so that it would in fact be publicly accessible.
After a very very long discussion and lots of grumbles, the ANC finally voted to support the project. The BZA hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2022.
(Aside: There was more prolonged discussion of whether Commissioner Lucio had done adequate outreach regarding this project. A reminder that residents should sign up for email distributions from ANC 5A by filling out the contact form on ANC 5A’s website or emailing Commissioner Lucio at 5A03@anc.dc.gov. Commissioner Lucio distributes meeting notices at least 7 days in advance and she typically puts her SMD meeting minutes and presentations on ANC 5A’s website. The presentation for this project can be found at https://anc5a.org/documents/#presentations in the “September 2022” folder. Also, Commissioner Lucio is one of the more reasonable commissioners on ANC 5A. I have reached out to her about projects in her SMD that are close to Riggs Park to offer what I think are helpful suggestions and she was always open to listening. People living within 200 feet of a project (so-called 200 footers) get hard copy notices of hearings, so they should be aware of what is happening. If people think hard copies of ANC meeting notices should be distributed to nearby residents, they can certainly suggest that and maybe even volunteer to help distribute them.)
