Art Place Construction Notice 3/22/201
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Upcoming LRCA Election: Pay Dues & Vote Barbara Rogers for President
Neighbors if you live in Lamond-Riggs, it is time to pay dues for the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) if you have not done so. The LRCA will be holding its next election for officers and trustees on May 3, 2021. Each term is two years. We are fortunate that Barbara Rogers has decided to run for LRCA president again. In order to vote for her in the election, you must pay dues by April 2, 2021. Pay dues at https://lrcadc.org/join-lrca. It is only $10 for individual membership and $15 for family membership. When you pay, be sure to enter your address so that that LRCA has a record showing that you live in the neighborhood.
I know some of this blog’s readers live in North Michigan Park and elsewhere outside of Lamond-Riggs. Take a look at the boundaries for LRCA to make sure you live within the boundaries before you pay. Donations are always welcome, but only those living inside the boundaries of LRCA will be able to vote in the election. LRCA’s boundaries are Galloway Street NE to the south, Eastern Avenue NE to the east, Underwood Place NE/NW to the north, and the Metro tracks to the west. Edit: To be clear, if you do not live inside the boundaries of LRCA, you will not be able to be a member of LRCA.
Many of you know Barbara served two terms as LRCA president from 2013 to 2017, immediately before I served as president of LRCA. I served on the board with her when she was president and she was really fantastic for the board and for the neighborhood. She was so welcoming to all neighbors, new and old. During her tenure, she revived several working committees for LRCA. A number of active committees did great work–education, membership, scholarship, newsletter, nominations, communications, youth development/recreation, senior, public safety, and development task force. LRCA obtained its 501(c)(3) status under her leadership. In addition, LRCA’s website and social media platforms were all created during her tenure as president. Under her leadership, the board did a great job keeping everyone informed about what was happening in the neighborhood. She fostered professional, collegial, and respected relationships among neighbors, elected and District agency officials, and those wishing to do business in the neighborhood. I cannot emphasize enough how meaningful her strong leadership was for the neighborhood.
And on a personal note, I really think kindness matters, and I cannot overstate how kind Barbara is as a person. A lot of good things happened under her leadership because she is a kind person and people were willing to do the work alongside her.
Many asked Barbara to run for LRCA president again and she answered the call. Check out her flyer and pass it along to your neighbors. Pay dues by April 2.
March 25: Congresswoman Norton NPS Meeting
Who: All D.C. Residents
Speakers: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and National Park Service representatives
What: A joint community meeting with the National Park Service
Where: Please email NortonEvents@mail.house.gov to RSVP for the event and receive the Zoom link
When: Thursday, March 25
Time: 7:00 pm
This event is open to the public. Please feel welcome to share this information widely as you deem fit.
March 20: COVID-19 Vaccination for Ward 5 Residents at Edgewood Rec – Registration Required
From Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s Office:
Johns Hopkins Medicine is partnering with the DC Housing Authority to vaccinate Ward 5 residents this Saturday at Edgewood rec center starting at 9 AM. Ward 5 Residents who are eligible (65 and older, possess a qualifying medical condition, or are a qualifying essential worker) can call 202-964-3650 to get registered.
March 24: ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting (Virtual)
ANC 5A Public Meeting
March 24, 2021
6:45 pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84404462291?pwd=MkpjeWRTT1ZHQkk0NFcrTGk5SEdIZz09
Meeting ID: 844 0446 2291
Passcode: 641962
Dial In: 301 715 8592
Agenda Items
1. Catholic University of America Construction Update
2. Bike Share
3. DC Bilingual PCS
4. Serve DC
March 22: ANC 4B Monthly Public Meeting (Virtual)
ANC 4B Public Meeting
March 22, 2021
7:00 pm
Virtual Meeting Details:
For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://streetjustice-news.zoom.us/j/84214249196?pwd=c3E0bzJmMFpoQ1JwVWFtNmhsVkduUT09.
Meeting ID: 842 1424 9196.
Password: 964318.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592.
Meeting ID: 842 1424 9196.
Password: 964318.
To watch (but not participate) via YouTube: https://youtu.be/Iy_AGhSKoHk.
Agenda
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Administrative Items:
A. Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting
B. Consideration and Approval of March Agenda
C. Approval of February 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. Tamira Benitez, 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)
6. Presentation: Louis Davis, Jr., State Director, AARP District of Columbia, Proposal to Install an AARP Fitlot at Lamond Recreation Center, 20 Tuckerman Street, NE (5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)
7. Presentation: Casey Auch, Client Services Manager, goDCgo, Go Far with No Car Campaign (2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
8. Presentation: Lester Wallace, Community Outreach Coordinator, Capital Bikeshare, Capital Bikeshare for All Program (2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
9. Presentation: James Waller, Chief of Schools; Lee Chaffin, Consultant to Friendship; and Tony Newman, Director of Architectural Operations at Michael Marshall Design, Proposed Expansion of Friendship Public Charter School’s Ideal Campus, 6130 North Capitol Street, NW (5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)
10. Presentation: Masaley Kargbo, Director, Academy of Health Sciences, Coolidge Senior High School (2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
11. Consent Calendar:
● Resolution 4B-21-0301: Requesting Installation of Speed Humps on the 7100 Block of 9th Street, NW (Commissioner Palmer)
● Resolution 4B-20-0302: Supporting Proposed Concept Design for The Parks at Walter Reed Building WXY (Commissioner Bromaghim)
12. Resolution 4B-21-0303: Supporting Proposed Improvements to Intersection of Piney Branch Road, Whittier Street, and 8th Street, NW (NOI #21-6-TOA) (Commissioner Palmer – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)
13. Resolution 4B-21-0304: Establishing Public Safety Committee (Commissioner Johnson – 2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
14. Letter re Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Priorities (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Johnson & Commissioner Yeats – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)
15. Adjournment
Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, April 26, 2021, 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)
March 18: ANC 5A Public Safety Meeting
ANC 5A Public Safety Meeting
March 18, 2021
6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Guests
Randy Griffin, Commander, MPD 4th District
Judi Jones, Chair, MPD 4th District Community Advisory Council
Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie
Kelly Jeong-Olson, Ward 5 Liaison, District Department of Transportation
Kimberley Pinkney and Kecia Barnes, DC Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83761607283?pwd=dWJFZmJLWkRUR2VZRGRBMFA1bWh3QT09
Meeting ID: 837 6160 7283
Passcode: 421123
Dial by your location: 1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Art Place Construction Notice 3/8/2021-3/22/2021
March 6: Ward 4 Budget Meeting
From Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
Dear Neighbors,
As we head into budget season at the Council I want to invite you to my virtual Ward 4 Community Meeting on the DC Budget this Saturday, March 6 at 1pm – 2:30pm to discuss Ward 4 budget priorities. At the event we will explain DC’s budget process, share how you can plug in, and gather your ideas on what should be included in the budget.
DC is in the midst of a pandemic that has been devastating to our communities and continues to pose big risks, particularly to our most vulnerable residents. At the same time, our fiscal forecast is improving and we could receive nearly $2 billion in federal aid from the next stimulus bill. We can also consider new targeted, responsible taxes to provide greater equity and support to our most impacted residents and small businesses. The budget gives us an opportunity to address the profound impact that COVID has had on public health, housing, health, education, jobs, businesses, community safety, and social services in Ward 4 and across DC.
Last month I shared my budget priorities letter outlining some key investments I believe we need to ensure a just recovery in the District and lift up working families in our Ward. This is just the start of our budget engagement. I want to build on and expand these recommendations with your input. The DC Council will receive the Mayor’s proposed budget on April 22, when we will officially begin our budget hearing, markup and vote process.
DC has a nearly $17 billion budget that impacts so many aspects of our lives. My team and I will work to ensure these funds address the needs of our communities, but I’m also encouraging all of you to get involved directly with the budget process by testifying at a budget hearing, submitting public comment, or sharing your budget input directly with us and other Councilmembers.
So join us this Saturday at 1pm – 2:30pm to share what you want to see in next year’s budget. Please RSVP at this link to receive the Zoom link and dial-in information: bit.ly/Ward4BudgetMeeting
See you there, Ward 4!
More opportunities for input on DPR Parks & Rec Master Plan: Ask for what you want
The District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) sent out communication regarding next steps for Ready2Play, DPR’s master plan for parks and recreation in the city. If you have not participated in the process yet, there are still lots of opportunities to advocate for parks and rec in our neck of the woods. The deadline for the citywide survey has been extended again. Go ahead and let them know your wishlist for the rec center. Let them know you’d like a walking path in the neighborhood and a trail (and pother amenities) at Fort Circle Park at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE. Let them know you’d like community space on the District green in front of Food & Friends. Remind them that these items are part of the neighborhood’s area development plan so it should not come as a surprise that residents are mentioning these items.
DPR’s message below
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Thank you to those who were able to join us at our Ward by Ward Ready2Play meetings. It was great meeting many of you and receiving your valuable feedback. We wanted to let you know that the notes, presentation slides, video recordings, and Q & A sheets of all questions received through the chat or breakout sessions from all 8 of our Ward meetings are now available and posted on our website: ready2playdc.com. For those who were unable to join, or those interested in reviewing the feedback from other wards across the city, we invite you to explore the content on these pages and leave any additional ideas or feedback using the tools provided.
We also wanted to highlight a number of ongoing ways to engage in the plan.
- Ready2Play Citywide Survey reopen until April 4, 2021
We have reopened the Ready2Play Citywide Survey until April 4th 2021. If you have not yet had a chance to complete it, you can do so here: ready2playdc.com/citywide-survey. We’ve also attached two digital survey flyers to this email (one in English, one in Spanish). If you are able and willing to help spread the word among your local networks and listservs, we would greatly appreciate it!
- New Opportunity to leave feedback on Key Priorities
Ready2Play developed 8 Key Priorities as part of its SCORP planning process last summer. We have now launched individual pages for each of these priorities that provide more context and invite you to leave your feedback and suggestions on how you would like to see these priorities addressed. You can find these by scrolling down on our homepage, right below the section on ward by ward engagement.
- Ready2Play telephone line available for voice messages
For those who face technological challenges or lack regular access to technology, Ready2Play has also launched a new voicemail box number (202) 282-2198, which is available 24/7 for residents to share their thoughts, suggestions and priorities for the future of parks and recreation in the District. Suggestions received through this line will be integrated into our overall engagement analysis. If you are able, please help spread the word to others in your community who may benefit from this low-tech opportunity to engage.
Finally, feel free to reach out to us over email anytime at ready2play@dc.gov, or, if you prefer social media, tag us at @DCDPR and use #Ready2PlayDC and #DPRisListening.
Once again, thank you for your interest in Ready2Play. We look forward to continuing to engage with you in the months ahead.
February 24, 2021 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Public Safety; Ward 5 Budget Requests; DDOT Issues; Catholic University Nursing School Expansion
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on February 24, 2021. Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie, Sr. (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio – Secretary (5A03); Ronnie Edwards – Chair (5A05); Sandi Washington – Treasurer (5A07); Gordon Fletcher – Vice Chair (5A08)
(Just a note, I was multitasking a lot during this meeting, so I might have missed some things.)
ANC Business
Commissioner Lucio recommended vendor Eyeth Studios to update and maintain the ANC’s website. I did not quite get all of the costs associated with the contract down. It sounded like she said it would cost $60-80/hour to develop the site, $40/hour to help with the site once developed, and $100/year for web hosting. They anticipate costs of up to $1800 to develop the site and $40/year for assistance. But don’t quote me on those numbers.
Public Safety Report
Commissioner Fletcher said there will be an ANC 5A public safety meeting on March 18 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Anticipated guests include MPD Fourth District Commander Randy Griffin, Councilmember Robert White’s office, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office, MPD 4th District Citizens Advisory Council Chair Judi Jones, and District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Ward 5 liaison Kelly Jeong-Olson (invited). Commissioner Washington recommended inviting the Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement (ONSE). She noted ONSE representatives were at Commissioner McDuffie’s recent single member district (SMD) meeting that was focused on the increase in violent crime in the area and both she and Commissioner Lucio thought the ONSE staff provided useful information at that meeting.
Ward 5 Council Report
Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, stated CM McDuffie is prioritizing funding for the ONSE office for a violence intteruption team in Riggs Park. CM McDuffie had a meeting with Interim DDOT Director Everett Lott about a number of issues in Ward 5. New Samaritan Baptist Church will be a vaccination site, partnering with Five Medicine and Learning Undefeated.
Some students have returned to the classroom at Dunbar and at McKinley Tech. The students are not receiving in-person instruction. They are doing individual instruction on their laptops with cohorts in a classroom with an adult present to assist students with connection or other issues. The students alternate the days in which they are in the classroom, and there is a cleaning day on Wednesdays.
Councilmember McDuffie sent a fiscal year 2022 budget priority letter to Mayor Bowser with a focus on racial equity and protecting legacy businesses. (Ed note: In addition to a request for a violence interruption team in Riggs Park, there are requests related to streetscape and Bertie Backus campus improvements). That letter will be refined based on the over 1,000 responses the councilmember’s office received to the Ward 5 budget survey. In reponse to a question about funding for community use of the closed Crummell School and recreation in Ivy City, Mr. Grant stated that CM McDuffie had a meeting with stakeholders and that Mayor Bowser and DC’s Department of General Services (DGS) will ultimately decide what to do with Crummell. In the interim, DC’s Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is looking at transforming some of the black top to have temporary recreation. In addition, there is discussion about revitalizing a park around the corner from Crummell.
DDOT Agency Overview Presentation
View DDOT’s presentation here.
DDOT Ward 5 liaison Kelly Jeong-Olson shared an overview of how the agency operates. She stressed the importance of submitting 311 service requests before reaching out to the agency about issues. Also, certain items such as traffic safety requests (stop sign requests, speed hump requests, automated camera enforcement requests, and the like) require working with an ANC commissioner. You can follow DDOT’s paving work at http://www.ddot.dc.gov/pavedc.
Please complete DDOT’s MoveDC survey to give input on DC’s long-term transportation priorities by March 31, 2021. The survey is available at http://www.wemovedc.org.
In response to my question about the status of a sidewalk on the south side of Galloway Street NE between South Dakota Avenue and 4th Street NE, Ms. Jeong-Olson responded:
Sidewalk/trail on Galloway St, it’s NPS property but DDOT has a role in it: DDOT is in the process of transferring funding for design to the Federal Highway Administration, Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFL). Additionally, FHWA/EFL is in the process of awarding the task order for design services to a consultant. The project scope continues to be a 10′ wide sidepath on the south side of Galloway Street NE between aproximately South Dakota Avenue NE to 4th St NE; street lighting has been added to the project limits.
The project is a little unique in that EFL is responisble for the design and construction. Here’s the general timeline we have as of now:
Preliminary Engineering – 12 months
Final Design – 5 months
Acquisition – 2 months
Construction – 8 months
A resident asked if something can be done about the speed bumps that are at the stop signs at Sargent Road and Emerson Street NE. When buses or large trucks drive over the bumps, his house and his neighbors’ houses shake. Ms. Jeong-Olsen noted the history of those speed bumps (they were installed several years ago after a child was killed by a driver while crossing the intersection) and noted that residents in other neighborhoods have asked DDOT about installing these bumps at intersections in their neighborhoods. In any case, DDOT will discuss the issue with residents.
Catholic University Nursing School Expansion
View Catholic University’s presentation here.
Catholic is expanding its nursing school. The expansion is part of the university’s approved campus master plan. Approval of each part of the plan is necessary as it gets implemented. A hearing will be held on April 19, 2021 (zoning case number 12-01D). Catholic representatives came prepared for usual questions about what local businesses the university is using for contracting. They also mentioned that Catholic has a scholarship for Ward 5 residents and there is also a Conway Scholars full-ride scholarship for first-year students at the nursing school. ANC Chair Edwards said the ANC would likely support Catholic, but the commissioners tabled the issue in order to review the documents more fully.
Miscellaneous
Commissioner Lucio stated she is working to address the runoff that has been a long-standing problem near South Dakota Avenue and Delafield Street NE. Also she mentioned that the cleaners and counseling center have left the strip mall there and that a pizza/gelato shop is interested in taking over those spaces, but it is still too early to know for sure if that will happen.
Lamond-Riggs Library Construction Update 3/1/2021
Below is communication from DC Public Library’s Jaspreet Pahwa to the ANC commissioners and myself regarding Lamond-Riggs Library construction:
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Library project. Here is a quick update on construction progress from your Library rebuild and what to expect in the weeks ahead.
Construction progress update:
- The building has been demolished and debris hauled off.
- Building Permit received Feb 19, 2021.
- Soil borings under the footprint of the old building ahead of foundation work complete
What to expect in the weeks ahead?
- Construction will continue within the permitted hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday.
- All work will continue to take place within the enclosed construction fence.
- Deep foundation work will be the major activity over the next month. This work will have construction noise associated with it.
- Vibration monitoring equipment is onsite and all readings to date are well within the threshold; alarms are set to alert if vibration approached near the limit of the safe thresholds.
- Following the completion of the deep foundation work, typical concrete foundation work will commence.
- There will be additional excavators as well as concrete trucks & pumps onsite
- Trucks will still enter and exit the site via South Dakota Avenue into the construction enclosure from Kennedy St.
- All trucks will be completely stationed within the site enclosure to limit the disruption to adjoining South Dakota, Kennedy & Jefferson Streets.
- Underground utility, electrical, and plumbing work is slated to overlap foundation work.
- The sidewalk on South Dakota, Jefferson St & Kennedy St. will continue to remain open for the foreseeable future.
- Consigli Construction is taking all necessary measures to run a safe operation, and as with all construction projects, construction-related noise will be part of the process as the team builds your new library.
As shared previously, as the Library’s Design & Construction lead, I will continue to send updates your way and remain available to answer any technical questions that arise.
Any general questions you receive from the community can be directed to Library’s Community engagement liaison Martha Saccocio at her email: Martha.Saccocio@dc.gov.
Any time-sensitive Construction Safety Issues can be reported to Consigli Construction Superintendent- Michael Davis at 202.570.3375.
Here are a few shots of the building completely gone and soil boring equipment onsite:
Metro Budget Survey & Public Comment Period
Metro is soliciting input on its proposed fiscal year 2022 budget, available at wmata.com/budget. Complete Metro’s budget survey by March 16, 2021. The survey walks you through the proposed rail changes, which are easier to digest. Metro proposes keeping rail service at current levels for the remainder of 2021 and proposes an alternative plan beginning January 1, 2022, if additional funding is not secured. The alternative rail plan includes options for service frequency, operating hours (with system closing at 9:00 pm instead of 11:00 pm), turning back trains on the red and yellow lines, and closing some metro stations (Archives, Arlington Cemetery, Cheverly, Clarendon, Cleveland Park, College Park, East Falls Church, Eisenhower Ave, Federal Center SW, Federal Triangle, Greensboro, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Judiciary Sq, McLean, Morgan Boulevard, Mt Vernon Sq, Smithsonian, Van Dorn St, Virginia Square, Innovation Center*, Loudoun Gateway*, and Reston Town Center* – *Pending opening of Silver Line Phase II).
If you are interested in commenting on bus changes, look at the links for proposed bus changes on Metro’s budget website before completing the survey.
ANC 4B recently passed a resolution addressing Metro’s proposed budget. One of the ANC’s recommendations is that Metro “reopen the public comment period for the FY2022 budget before the final six months ‘fiscal cliff’ budget period that results in substantial service cuts in January 2022, especially if there is a possibility of additional federal or jurisdictional funding.” It is worth looking at some of the other recommendations in that resolution as well.
Bus routes near Fort Totten Metro station
Routes 60, 64
Route 80
Route E2
Route E4
Route F6
Route K2
Routes K6
Routes R1, R2
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Ed. Note: Information below is copied from Metro’s budget website:
Proposed FY22 changes
Proposed DC bus changes | Proposed MD bus changes | Proposed VA bus changes | Proposed rail changes | Proposed parking changes
Metro’s financial future
Metro is facing a significant budget shortfall due to a decrease in ridership caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A second relief package from Congress in December 2020 allowed Metro to avoid layoffs, continue providing essential travel service and prepare for transit ridership to return. However, even with the additional funding there is not enough money to fill the entire budget gap for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2021.
Metro is working with our Congressional delegation to secure additional funding to continue providing service as the region comes back to work. But service cuts remain a looming threat, and Metro must plan accordingly.
Metro’s budget for Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) is under consideration now, and Metro is requesting your feedback. Metro’s Board of Directors and management will consider your feedback when making difficult decisions this spring.
Tell us what matters to you
Public feedback is vital in helping Metro’s Board of Directors and management make decisions about pandemic recovery. Let us know what you think by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2021.
Take the survey and provide comments
Take the survey and submit written comments here or call toll-free 844-468-5748 and provide your feedback.
Participate in a Virtual Public Hearing
Because of the ongoing pandemic, Metro will be hosting all Public Hearings virtually. To provide oral testimony at a hearing, participants must call toll-free 512-580-8850 and enter the four-digit meeting code for the Public Hearing you’d like to attend.
Below is a list of dates, times and meeting codes for each of the virtual Public Hearings:
Date/Time: Monday, March 8, 2021, 11 a.m.
Host: Board Member Paul Smedberg
Meeting Code: 9476
Date/Time: Monday, March 8, 2021, 6 p.m. Hearing will focus on proposed changes in DC, but is open to everyone.
Host: Board Member Stephanie Gidigbi-Jenkins
Meeting Code: 3811
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 6 p.m. Hearing will focus on proposed changes in Maryland, but is open to everyone.
Host: Board Member Michael Goldman
Meeting Code: 9131
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 6 p.m. Hearing will focus on proposed changes in Virginia, but is open to everyone.
Hosts: Board Members Paul Smedberg and Walter Alcorn
Meeting Code: 9141
Watch or listen live
Watch or listen to the Public Hearings live on this page, on YouTube.com/MetroForward or by calling toll-free 512-580-8850 and entering in the four-digit meeting code.
Public feedback will be provided to Metro’s Board of Directors in April 2021 as part of the final decision-making process. Any Board-approved changes will begin after Board approval in April 2021.
Proposed Changes
- 2021 proposed service plan
- 2022 proposed service plan
- Proposed parking fee reductions
- Metro’s Capital Budget
Click on the links above to learn more details about each of these proposals.
February 24: COVID Testing Popup at Riggs-LaSalle Rec
Free COVID-19 testing will be available tomorrow, February 24, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm via a CORE Neighborhood Pop-Up at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE). No appointment necessary, but pre-registration is recommended. Pre-register at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/register. Bring your insurance card. More testing information is available at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
Today 11 am: Crush Funk Brass Band at DC Bilingual
Today at 11:00 am, the Crush Funk Brass Band will be playing on the front lawn at DC Bilingual Public Charter School (33 Riggs Road NE).
Art Place Construction Notice 2/22/2021-3/8/2021
MBT Fort Totten to Takoma Extension Design Update
On February 10, 2021, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) presented the 65% design plan for the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) extension from Fort Totten to Takoma. View the presentation here.
DDOT is accepting comments on this draft design plan until March 10, 2021. Send written comments to metbranchtrail@dc.gov.
There is a lot happening in this design that is a lot for a blog post, so if you care about this part of the project and missed the presentation, it is worth it to take some time to look at it. The design should be done this spring, with construction anticipated winter 2022 and project completion fall 2023.
A few highlights from the presentation
- Speed humps have been installed on 1st Street NE.
- DDOT anticipates construction on the new traffic signal at 1st Street and Riggs Road NE to take place some time this spring. The timing is dependent on the existing work that Pepco is doing for the Capital Grid Project on Riggs Road. When that signal is installed, it will not have a bicycle signal. The bicycle signal will be added later once construction on the trail begins.
- New traffic signal at McDonald Street NE/New Hampshire Avenue NE/South Dakota Avenue NE planned as part of the trail design.
- The plan includes a bunch of stuff around the Peabody Street NW/Kansas Avenue NW/Blair Road NW/North Dakota Avenue NW intersection to avoid conflicts between bicyclists and left-turning motorists from southbound Blair to Kansas.
- There will be a separate access trail for the community garden on Blair Road.
- There was a lot of discussion about impacts to parking along Blair Road and discussion about how DDOT will deal with the many driveways along Blair with signage, markings, and etc.
- The 6600 block of 3rd Street NW will become one-way southbound (at Whittier).
- A lot of discussion about Blair and Aspen Street NW. Really a lot of discussion about almost every intersection along Blair given that Blair is a well-traveled road, so take a look at the presentation for the details.
ANC 4B Draft Resolution
ANC 4B has a draft resolution regarding the design update on the agenda for its upcoming public meeting on February 22. View that draft resolution here. The ANC’s main takeaways, as copied from the resolution, are:
➢ As the design plans for the Fort Totten to Takoma section of the Metropolitan Branch Trail are finalized, the Commission requests that the District Department of Transportation include a turn signal and/or turn lane at the intersection of Aspen Street NW and Blair Road NW for vehicles on Aspen Street that are attempting to turn onto Blair Road.
➢ ANC 4B prefers relocating the 1st Street NE and McDonald Place NE sections of the trail to the nearby National Park Service land. The Commission requests that the District Department of Transportation expedite investigation of the alternative route with NPS, as the alternate route is safer for trail users and residents and has the support of the residents of 1st Street NE and McDonald Place NE currently impacted by the “temporary” route.
➢ The Commission supports the proposed enhancements that would turn the 6600 block of 3rd Street NW into a one-way, and further requests installation of a four-way stop at the intersection of 3rd Street NW and Whittier Street NW.
➢ At the intersection of Blair Road and Van Buren Street NW, the Commission requests inclusions of improved lighting under the adjacent rail corridor underpass.
My own thoughts about this portion of the trail are that while I still think this extension is pretty much an extra wide sidewalk with a portion being on the street, I am glad it is happening. It would be nice to have the trail aligned closer to the tracks through the South Manor neighborhood on 1st Street NE; hopefully NPS will approve that adjustment sooner rather than later. There are a lot of curb cuts on Blair Road. I travel that way from time to time, but it is unclear to me how active many of those driveways are. During the meeting, a representative from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association suggested placing maybe large planters or some other object to informally block off or narrow those driveways that are clearly not in use. Unclear if that is something DDOT will consider. Another person recommended public art along the wall on Blair Road to make it a little more attractive. More to come on that I suppose.
The project website for the Fort Totten-Takoma extension where you can find all project-related documents is http://metbranchtrail.com/met-branch-trail-fort-totten-to-takoma. The DDOT project manager/point of contact is Samer Alhawamdeh (email: samer.alhawamdeh@dc.gov).
Other MBT Section Updates
DDOT also took some time to provide a status report on other sections of the MBT.
- 8th Street NE: In design; completion anticipated December 2021
- Brookland to Fort Totten extension: Under construction, completion anticipated December 2021
- South Manor Off-street Alignment: Future environmental assesssment (ANC Commissioner Alison Brooks (4B08) requested a vigorous discussion with National Park Service to expedite this future alignment)
- Blair Road to Piney Branch Road: Planning and preliminary design to begin in 2021
- Eastern Avenue: Under construction; completion anticipated June 2021
MoveDC 2021 Transportation Plan Survey
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is updating its moveDC long-range transportation plan. You might have taken a survey for the 2021 update at the end of 2020 as highlighted in this post. DDOT is out with another survey for the 2021 update (also referred to as the second phase). This one is super short. Take advantage of the opportunity to leave comments by clicking on the comment icon in the survey. Complete the survey here by March 31, 2021.
The project website for the moveDC 2021 update is wemovedc.org. The first phase of the moveDC plan was rolled out in 2014. You can view implementation progress of the 2014 plan here. If you missed the February townhalls, you can view the presentations at wemovedc.org.
Reminder: Complete Budget Surveys
Seems like it is survey season. Please take a moment to complete Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s Ward 5 budget survey available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/McDuffie. Complete this survey by noon on February 19.
Also, please take a moment to complete Mayor Muriel Bowser’s budget survey at budget.dc.gov.
This is the time to request that specific neighborhood items and other items you believe are a priority be funded.
February 24: ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting
ANC 5A Public Meeting
February 24, 2021
6:45 pm
(Note: The “DDOT Refresher” referred to in item 2 on the agenda is a presentation from DDOT. The agency requested time to present to the new commissioners on how the agency works. The bikeshare station referred to in item 3 on the agenda is for a proposed location near South Dakota Avenue and Decatur Street NE.)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84404462291?pwd=MkpjeWRTT1ZHQkk0NFcrTGk5SEdIZz09
Meeting ID: 844 0446 2291
Passcode: 641962
Dial In: 301 715 8592
Agenda Items
- Catholic University of America Construction Update
- DDOT Refresher
- Bike Share
- DC Bilingual PCS
