Our neighborhood has an area development plan that was initiated by the LRCA, completed by the DC Office of Planning in 2008, approved by the DC Council in 2009, and fully incorporated into the DC Comprehensive Plan in 2021.
One element of the plan envisions “parks and open space” for the District-owned green space (“District Green”) on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE near Food & Friends.
This Saturday September 24, 2022, the LRCA invites neighbors to the District Green to Look & SEE.
“SEE” stands for “Site Experience Event.”
At your own pace and in no particular order, walk the land, see information displays, talk with your neighbors, have light refreshments, and envision what you would like to see in this community open space.
Come as you are & come-and-go as you please any time between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Note: To enter the Food & Friends facility, you must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Masks are optional.
Art All Night showcases the visual and performing art talents of DC’s creative community, while supporting local businesses!
About this event
The Parks Main Street (TPMS) is excited to bring to the communities of Riggs Park and Manor Park a live, in-person end of year celebration during Art All Night. Private spaces throughout our business corridors transform into galleries, vending booths and performances for an evening of art in all its forms.
Grab your lawn chair and hang out with us all night (well most of the night)!
Come visit small businesses, shop, dine, see local art, and experience live performances by artists from Riggs Park, Manor Park and surrounding communities in Wards 4 and 5.
Art All Night is the perfect stimulant for Art, Community, and Commerce!
All registrants will automatically be entered in drawing for gift certificates from local small businesses in Riggs Park and Manor Park! Registrants must check-in at a TPMS WELCOME CENTER to confirm eligibility.
DPR is giving away free tickets to a Washington Nationals game for tonight, September 13th at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis.
Please contact Ms. Shirleta Settles at our Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center at shirleta.settles@dc.gov or go directly to the community center at 501 Riggs Road NE to receive the tickets.
RSVP to join me in knocking doors Thursday, September 15th from 4-7pm to connect with neighbors in Riggs and South Manor Park to share resources, problem solve with DC agencies, and bring our community closer together. Meet up location will be the Riggs-LaSalle Community Center – you’ll also find our agency partners stationed here that evening to bring your neighborhood service needs and concerns to directly.
Metro has been distributing pamphlets to riders letting people know that there will not be any yellow line Metrorail service from September 10, 2022 to May 2023. If you usually take the yellow line to National Airport, give yourself extra time to take the blue line to the aiport instead during this time.
There will be no Metrorail service at all south of National Airport from September 10, 2022 to October 22, 2022.
ANC 5A Public Safety Task Force Wednesday, September 14, 2022 6:30 pm
Providence Health 1150 Varnum Street, N.E. Ground Floor Lecture Hall
ANC 5A is launching a new task force to work together to help address public safety issues in ANC 5A. We welcome anyone in the community to participate.
For more information, please contact Commissioner Gordon Fletcher 5a08@anc.dc.gov
ANC 5A held a special public meeting on August 31, 2022.
Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Vice Chair.
At the top of the meeting, the commissioners removed discussion of the Riggs Road NE cycletrack from the agenda and replaced that item with discussion of a new school zone parking program. The cycletrack will be on the agenda for ANC 5A’s public meeting in September.
ANC 5A Public Safety Task Force Draft Budget
Image of proposed ANC 5A public safety committee budget from Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) presentation
Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) presented a proposed budget for ANC 5A’s public safety task force (public safety committee). The request is to spend a little over $2,000 for reflective safety vests, flashlights, batteries, and whistles. My understanding is that this budget request is just a starting point for discussion. Robert Oliver, a resident in Commissioner Fletcher’s SMD who apparently is chairing the committee, said the idea is for residents to be able to walk around their neighborhoods to report safety concerns or things that need to be addressed by District government, such as sidewalks that pose a tripping hazard. Previously, Commissioner Fletcher talked a lot about bringing back the “Orange Hats.” Mr. Oliver said he does not expect that people will want to do exactly what the orange hats did in the past as far as walking the neighborhood during all times of day including late night hours, but they might be willing to do occasional walks to report things that need city attention. Unclear if the expectation is that ANC 5A residents will simply borrow the items. Right now, Commissioner Fletcher anticipates that the items will be housed in what he calls the ANC’s satellite office at The Modern at 402 Galloway Street NE. (The Ward 5 Mutual Aid group has been operating out of the ANC’s office for several months so there will need to be some discussion about how that group will continue operating out of the space).
The ANC voted to form a public safety committee a couple of years ago, but there always seems to be confusion about what exactly the committee is doing. In response to feedback, Commissioner Fletcher stated that he will work on developing goals and priorities for the public safety committee in order to align spending with those priorities. He plans to have a meeting on September 14, 2022, to discuss the issue.
Trinity Social Bar & Grill ABRA Application (5A05)
The owner of Trinity Social Bar & Grill, located at 200 Michigan Avenue NE, is now requesting a Class C alcohol license in order to have outdoor seating (what is known as a “summer garden” endorsement). Previously the owner was seeking a Class B alcohol license (originally covered in this post). The plans call for approximately 5 to 6 two-seater tables along the walkway outside the restaurant. There was some discussion about making sure there was enough space to be ADA compliant. Also, the owner will need to get a public space permit from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
According to the hearing notice, the applicant is also requesting an entertainment endorsement for indoor live entertainment.
The petition deadline was September 6, 2022. The ANC voted to support the application with no comment on the summer garden endorsement. Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) abstained.
DDOT has rolled out a new school zone parking program in response to DC Council legislation. The program allows schools to request school zone parking permits for purchase by school employees to park on RPP blocks near the school so that those employees do not get parking tickets. ANCs can pass a resolution in support of a school’s application in order to expedite the process, but schools can also get school zone permits without ANC support. The ANC just has to be notified. The program website has a handy guide outlining program requirements (school transportation coordinator, school commuter survey, and a school sustainable transportation plan) and a list of FAQs.
Haley Peckett, DDOT’s director of cubside management, explained that the program is new and the idea is that perhaps some residents will use their cars during the day, freeing up on street parking for school employees to park. (Admittedly, I do not understand that reasoning at all because city officials are also encouraging people to use alternatives to driving and certainly many residents take public transportation to work during regular business hours). DDOT will determine the number of permits the school receives based on a formula. Schools will receive permits for the ANC in which they are located. Schools located near an ANC border may receive permits for more than one ANC.
The discussion was prompted by an application for parking on RPP blocks by Bridges Public Charter School (PCS), located at 100 Gallatin Street NE near Fort Totten Metro station. Bridges is just one in a cluster of public charter schools in that location, along with Mary’s Center Fort Totten location. With the nearby apartments, condo buildings, and rowhouses, there is already a lot of demand for on-street parking for cars in that area.
Ms. Peckett said that DDOT welcomes feedback from ANCs about how the program is working. For example, Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07), in whose single member district Bridges sits, asked whether the application process could include requiring the school applicant to explore other parking options first before requesting parking permits for RPP blocks. She noted that DC Bilingual PCS, which recently expanded, and Briya PCS, are both located near Bridges PCS and those schools are renting parking spaces in nearby off-street parking lots. (The application does ask what parking the school already provides, such as in commercial garages or remote lots, but it does not specifically ask whether the school has sought out other nearby parking options before submitting the application).
There were some questions about why school employees get what is seen as a special privilege as opposed to other DC government employees. (I can understand why there may be some sympathy from District officials for teachers, in particular, who might want to drive to their school sometimes. They often have to schlep a lot of items to their classroom and can sometimes work well into the evening hours). In response to a question, Ms. Peckett did note that school employees in DC are eligible for free Capital bikeshare memberships and they are also eligible for a small subsidy towards the purchase of a bike. A resident noted that it would be useful to have bikeshare stations and bike parking by school campuses so that school employees can more easily use personal bikes or bikeshare to get to their school campus. Also the school zone program is designed to nudge schools towards reducing reliance on car trips by school employees by gradually reducing the number of approved school zone permits over time.
Bridges PCS and DDOT will return to the ANC’s regularly scheduled September meeting to discuss the application from Bridges more. In the interim, Commissioner Washington will continue talking with the leadership of Bridges about their plan.
The annual Riggs Park & Michigan Park Reunion event will take place this Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Fort Circle Park (South Dakota Avenue NE & Galloway Street NE).
The event is pretty popular so expect a lot of cars and traffic around the park during this time.
Local election season is still going on. All eyes are on the race for the DC Council At-large seats. Voters will be able to pick two choices among the list of candidates.
Tonight, several organizations have partnered to host a public safety forum moderated by Tom Sherwood for the at-large candidates. Details and livestream information at the link.
Next week on September 14, 2022, DC for Democracy will be holding a candidate forum moderated by Kim Perry. Register and send questions in advance at bit.ly/at-large-22.
Greater Greater Washington has a handy visual of candidate answers to a questionnaire about various topics.
The DC Board of Elections will start sending ballots to voters on October 3, 2022. Ballot drop boxes will open on October 14, 2022, so I imagine there will be lots more opportunities to learn about the candidates before then.
I do not usually post North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) meeting notices on the blog, but I know there are new residents who find the blog from time to time and do not realize that they live in the North Michigan Park neighborhood (generally Gallatin Street NE south). Please contact NMPCA president Carmen Williams at carm8954@aol.com to be added to her distribution list to receive meeting notices.
Summer is winding down and that means community meetings are starting up again. Fun times!
Now is a good time to make sure you are on the distribution list for your neighborhood and Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) so that you can stay abreast of meeting notices and neighborhood happenings.
Also, other elected officials and District government agencies have email lists to which you can subscribe if you like getting lots of information in your inbox.
Lamond-Riggs
The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) meets at 7:00 pm the 1st Monday of each month from October to June.
Coverage area is generally east of Fort Totten Metro red line tracks, from Galloway Street NE to Underwood Street NE/NW.
You can easily join LRCA’s distribution list by filling out the form at the bottom of the organization’s website at https://lrcadc.org.
North Michigan Park
The North Michigan Park Civic Association meets at 7:00 pm the 1st Wednesday of each month from September to June.
Coverage area is generally from Gallatin Street NE to points south.
To join NMPCA’s distribution list, email NMPCA president Carmen Williams at carm8954@aol.com.
NMPCA is having a public meeting tonight September 7.
ANC 4B
ANC 4B meets at 7:00 pm the 4th Monday of each month except July, August, and December.
ANC 4B does a nice job of posting meeting notices & information on its website at http://anc4b.org.
ANC 4B also has a number of committees. Meeting notices for those committees are posted on the ANC’s website.
Commissioner Alison Brooks (4B08) has a single member district (SMD) distribution list. Email her at 4B08@anc.dc.gov.
I understand the ANC is putting together a distribution list.
ANC 5A
ANC 5A meets the 4th Wednesday of each month except July & August.
To join ANC 5A’s email list, you can either –
(1) Email ANC 5A Secretary Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) at 5A03@anc.dc.gov.
OR
(2) Fill out the contact form on ANC 5A’s website at https://anc5a.org and say you wish to be added to the ANC’s distribution list.
Individual commissioners have their own distribution lists as well, so I recommend reaching out to your commissioner to find out if they have an SMD distribution list. I know that these commissioners have SMD distribution lists:
Commission Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – email 5A03@anc.dc.gov
Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – email 5A08@anc.dc.gov
I have not inquired about other commissioners in ANC 5A, so feel free to reach out to your commissioner to ask.
Also, Commissioner Lucio helpfully posts notice of her SMD meetings on ANC 5A’s website so you can also look for her meeting notices and minutes there. Commissioner Lucio is having an SMD meeting tomorrow September 8.
Each of the DC At-large Councilmembers and the DC Council Chair distribute a newsletter.
DC Muriel Mayor Bowser & District government agencies
If you find yourself often having questions about certain District government agencies, it is a good idea to subscribe to the distribution lists for those agencies. Visit mayor.dc.gov to subscribe to newsletters and email updates for Mayor Bowser as well as a long list of District government agencies. You can also subscribe to individual agency newsletters by visiting the agency’s website.
DC mayor office liaisons (known as MOCRs) typically have a distribution list. There is regular turnover in the MOCR office, as each MOCR typically serves around two years. Reach out to your Ward 4 or Ward 5 MOCR to be added to their list.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
The police department has a google group for the Fourth District.
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
Join by phone
+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)
1-650-479-3208 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
Access code: 231 096 28531
Agenda
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Approval of September meeting agenda
3. Presentation & Discussion re Social Housing: Zachary Marks, Chief Real Estate Officer, Housing Opportunities Commission, Montgomery County & Rachel M. Cohen, Senior Policy Reporter, Vox Media
From Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
Please join AARP DC, DPR, and Councilmember Lewis George on Thursday, September 8 at 1pm at Lamond Recreation Center to celebrate the new Fitness Park (Fitlot) donated by AARP DC to our community. And please let your neighbors know about this event and this excellent fitness resource.
From Zachary Ammerman, candidate for ANC 5A09, which will include The Modern at Art Place, Aventine at Fort Totten, and part of North Michigan Park.
Map of ANC single member district 5A09, effective January 2023, from DC Board of Elections.
My name is Zachary Ammerman, I’m a first-time candidate for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in the brand-new single member district 5A09 which, as you may already be aware, will cover the area just east of the Fort Totten metro including part of Riggs Park, Fort Totten and North Michigan Park. 5A09 was largely carved out of the old 5A08 as a result of population changes following the 2020 Census.
For those that aren’t familiar with the position, ANCs serve as a sort of liaison between a neighborhood district (each with about 2,000 people) and its residents and the DC government, helping to get services like trash removal, potholes filled, or a stoplight put in, among countless other things, and also advocate more broadly on behalf of the neighborhood.
I just wanted to briefly introduce myself and let you know about some of my priorities I’ll be hoping to tackle if elected.
I’m a full-time artist and mapmaker (you can see some of my work here and here) and a former French Embassy Economic Department staffer running as a first-time candidate for ANC with three top priorities in mind:
traffic safety, particularly on South Dakota Avenue, but also on some of the side streets in the SMD like Galloway and Gallatin. I plan on pushing for DDOT to take an “all-of-the-above” approach to calming traffic on South Dakota, including speed and red light cameras, installing new stop lights at intersections that don’t currently have them, considering a road diet long-term, as well as considering putting in protected bike lanes (as identified in the 2015 Move DC plan), and potentially bus lanes.
I am also not waiting until I get elected to start pushing for these changes: I’ve already filed multiple requests for traffic safety investigations (which have a wait time of around 130 days, so right around the time I would be taking office) for multiple different intersections and stretches of road in our district in the hopes that DDOT will be getting around to them early next year. See my website for more details on this;
putting pressure on NPS to take better care of the parks in our area, including finishing the trail between the Fort Totten metro and North Michigan Park, as well as just generally doing better maintenance like mowing and trash removal;
and supporting more housing density in places like surface parking lots near the metro in order to help alleviate the region’s housing affordability crisis and contribute to DC’s climate/sustainability goals.
You can find more detailed information about me and all of my proposals on my website, www.zachforanc5a09.com. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have via the contact me section of my website, or via email at zammermanANC@gmail.com or on Twitter at @ZachANC5A09. I’ll be campaigning more as the election gets closer and look forward to meeting many more residents in person in the next few months.
Ed. Note:Passing along information I was asked to share about an upcoming event benefitting Calvary Women’s Services. Find Calvary Women’s Services on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
For over 20 years, Calvary Women’s Services (CWS) has worked to end homelessness, inspire hope and transform the lives of women in the District of Columbia. CWS ensure women throughout DC have access to the proper trauma-informed healthcare and educational support they need to take positive steps toward independence. These programs include transitional and permanent housing, personalized case management, life skills and education opportunities, job training, health and wellness services, on-site therapy, and daily addiction recovery meetings. At Calvary, we believe every woman has the strengths and gifts she needs to be successful. Each woman in our programs identifies and builds on her strengths, meeting her goals for safe housing, good health, and financial independence.
