Author Archives: nextstoprp

DPR Master Planning Process & New Community Playground

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Ready2Play DC DPR Master Plan

The District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is undertaking a 20-year master planning effort called Ready2Play DC. Information is available at https://ready2playdc.com. There you will find links to FAQs, surveys, and meeting information. Importantly, this effort is not just for DC/DPR-owned parks and centers. It will also address National Park Service (NPS) parkland, of which we have plenty in this community. The first priority in the planning process is the Statewide DC Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). The SCORP project page states:

As part of this Master Plan process, DPR will be drafting and submitting a new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) to the National Park Service. This SCORP is a requirement of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act. It is a 5-year planning document that sets high-level goals and a prioritizing framework (called the Open Project Selection Process) for how DC will select future projects to be submitted for LWCF matching grant dollars.

On the Ready2play site, you can also suggest parks for vacant or green spaces in the neighborhood or suggest improvements for existing rec centers and parks. share “big” ideas, and tag existing rec centers and parks that you love and share why.

Over the years, there have been efforts to get traction behind implementing elements of the neighborhood’s adopted area development plan related to green space in the neighborhood. In 2017, ANC 5A passed a resolution that I helped draft to preserve the green space in front of Food & Friends for neighborhood recreation. On this blog, I have catalogued efforts regarding the NPS parkland at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE (formally known as the Civil War Defenses of Washington; informally known as Fort Circle Park). I personally submitted comments during the Comprehensive Plan process and budget process to advocate for a two-phase approach for the NPS parkland, starting with a paved trail around the perimeter of the park and adding amenities from there. Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie included funding for an environmental impact assessement of a paved trail at Fort Circle Park in his budget request letter to the mayor before she submitted her budget to the council.

As a neighborhood, we can all bolster these efforts by submitting comments during the DPR master planning process noting that these efforts are all in alignment with the neighborhood’s area development plan. (Aside: Before anyone asks, I am not that concerned about dog parks because a dog park is part of the plan for the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten). And you can also share whatever other comments you may have regarding recreation in the neighborhood or DC in general. Please take a moment to participate by adding your comments at the Ready2play site or participating in an upcoming community meeting.

Upcoming Ready2Play Meetings – Registration Required

Wednesday 7/15 12-1pm

Meeting link: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=e9ed1346354db2246359d9fed10f757c7

Thursday 7/16 6-8pm

Meeting link: https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=e891809de900d82f9509a2c6b0039e7ea

Friday 7/17 12-1pm

Meeting link:
https://dcnet.webex.com/dcnet/onstage/g.php?MTID=e037eae21fbdae8fda53b24420e819681

New Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Playground

Earlier this week, I received an email from DPR stating the agency has awarded a design-build contract for a new playground at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE) that will be located on the Nicholson Street NE side of the center. The existing playground was reopened to the community last year after being closed to the public for several years. During the time we were working to get the playground reopened, there were discussions about getting a new playground because there seemed to be a general consensus that the existing playground could be much better. Eventually funding became available for a new playground. There will be a community meeting scheduled in the upcoming weeks to review initial concept ideas and to gather community feedback on what residents would like in a new playground. Project scope, timeline, and community impacts will also be discussed. That is all of the information I have right now. I do not know if the idea is to supplement the existing playground with additional amenities or what. So stay tuned for information on when that meeting will be scheduled and start thinking about what you would like to see in a playground at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center.

North Michigan Park-Fort Totten Metro Station Pedestrian Trail Construction

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

By Robert Oliver (Contributor)

At long last, work has begun on the pedestrian trail connecting Gallatin and Galloway Streets NE across Fort Circle Park east of the Fort Totten Metro station. I noted work was imminent in this post. On July 11, 2020, a field surveyor from GORDON, a land development consulting firm, staked out the pathway.

GORDON field surveyor at work on pedestrian path

Today, workers from Autumn General Contractors, the primary contractor, arrived to begin the construction process. I spoke to the construction supervisor, who stated that this project will be completed in 120 days or less, depending on weather conditions.

General contractor at work

The construction supervisor stated the path will be fenced off while under construction, but the remaining parkland will not be restricted.

The National Park Service should be commended for finally addressing this longstanding community concern. By this fall, North Michigan Park and its neighboring communities will have a paved, lit, and safe path to the metro station.

July 15: Listening Session with Ward 4 Candidate Janeese Lewis George

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4
Lawc-riggs-park_1v2-07-09-20

Janeese Lewis George won the Democratic primary nomination to represent Ward 4 on the DC Council. Ahead of the general election in November, she is holding a series of virtual listening sessions throughout Ward 4. The first will be geared towards Lamond-Riggs residents on July 15, 2020, at 7:00 pm. RSVP at the link.

Lamond-Riggs is one of the few areas that Ms. George did not carry in the primary election, but it was close. This listening session is an official campaign event, so keep that in mind. This post is not an endorsement of Ms. George. I am posting it here for residents on the Ward 4 side of the neighborhood who might be interested in speaking with the candidate. To learn more about her platform, visit https://www.janeese4dc.com.

Perry Redd of the DC Statehood Green party will also appear on the ballot for the Ward 4 Council seat in November.

EYA St. Josephite Townhome Project Gets Green Light

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

Bisnow DC reports that the DC Court of Appeals upheld the Zoning Commission’s order approving the St. Josephite townhome project in Michigan Park. I mention it here only because that project, which will be about one mile from the neighborhood at 12th Street and Allison Street NE, was previously the subject of several ANC 5A meetings. And EYA, which is developing Riggs Park Place here in the neighborhood, is also the developer for the St. Josephite project.

The article notes that townhome sales for Riggs Park Place began in June and EYA already has contracts on 20 of the 90 homes for sale. Construction for Riggs Park Place is anticipated to begin this month.

Social Justice School Charter Fully Approved

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten, Education, Uncategorized

On June 29, 2020, the DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) voted to fully approve a 15-year charter for the Social Justice School, effective July 1, 2020. School officials have attended several ANC 5A meetings over the past year to inform residents about plans. The school will be located at 5450 3rd Street NE. The school has a three year lease agreement with Rocketship Public Charter School to co-locate at the site, with a one-year option to extend. Construction to renovate the old warehouses at this location to house school facilities is ongoing.

According to documents on file, Social Justice School will operate a middle school serving grades 5 through 8. For its first year of operation in school year 2020-2021, the school has a target enrollment of 65 students–maximum 75 students–in grades 5 and 6. Its goal is to grow the student population to a total of 300 students in grades 5 through 8 by school year 2023-2024. On June 16, 2020, the day after the school enrollment deadline, the school had 41 enrolled students. Because enrollment lags target, the DCPCSB required the school to develop a contingency budget. See the contingency budget here and the contingency budget narrative here. The DCPCSB determined that the school will be financially viable with an enrollment of 41 students and that the school will have sufficient resources to deliver its programs:

Based on the review of the contingency budget, DC PCSB staff concludes that, at an enrollment of 41 students:
● The school will be financially viable. The budget shows a positive net income of $59,558 and 112 days of cash on hand. To help offset decreased revenue, Social Justice PCS has secured a $500,000 credit enhancement from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and a $250,000 loan from CityBridge for facilities-related costs if required. Also, NewSchools Venture Fund has promised an additional $160,000-grant pending its full charter approval (see Attachment B).
● The school will have sufficient resources to deliver its program. The budget maintains appropriate levels of staffing, including one English language arts teacher, one math teacher, one science/wellness teacher, and one liberatory design thinking teacher. Some key personnel positions have been reimagined. For example, the executive director will assume the responsibilities of the principal, while the previously identified principal will serve as the founding math teacher. Also, the director of student supports with [sic] oversee both case management and service delivery for the projected four English learners and nine students with disabilities.

It is still too early to know what school will look like for DC students in the fall. If in-person classes are scheduled, with Rocketship, AppleTree, and Social Justice School at the campus at 3rd Street and Kennedy Street NE, we will have quite a few new students in this corner of the neighborhood.

Ramdass Pharmacy & Health Equity in Washington Post

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten, Uncategorized

Dr. Anthony Ramdass, owner of neighborhood pharmacy Ramdass Pharmacy, discusses his work assisting vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 pandemic in this column by Courtland Milloy in the Washington Post. Dr. Ramdass visits homes of seniors to deliver prescriptions and vaccinations. This is one column by Mr. Milloy that I am happy to promote. Learn a bit about our neighborhood pharmacist and why health equity is so important.

Chick-fil-A Curb Cut Closures Approved with Conditions

Posted by nextstoprp in Chick-fil-A

On June 25, 2020, the District Department of Transportation’s Public Space Committee approved by a vote of 4-0-1 Chick-fil-A’s application to close two curb cuts for its planned new restaurant at 220 Riggs Road NE. Recall Chick-fil-A plans to tear down the KFC/Taco Bell located at the corner of 3rd Street NE and Riggs Road NE along with the former Dakota Liquors building next door and build a new 3,900 square foot Chick-fil-A restaurant with 42 interior seats and outdoor seating. Chick-fil-A wants to close two curb cuts on 3rd Street, including the curb cut closest to the 3rd Street/Riggs Road intersection, as well as one of the curb cuts by the Dakota Liquors building. It will retain a curb cut on 3rd Street and reconfigure the curb cut on Riggs Road. I wrote about Chick-fil-A’s traffic study in this post.

The Public Space Committee voted to approve the application with conditions. DDOT noted that the traffic study indicated adequate space for queueing on site except for Saturday afternoons. The agency stated it was satisfied with the proposed overflow queue lane. The agency requested that Chick-fil-A observe and collect data on movement and ingress and egress around the site for three months after the restaurant opens, particularly with respect to U-turns on 3rd Street near Walmart’s driveway. Before obtaining its permits, Chick-fil-A will need to collect a bond in order to ensure payment for any traffic mitigation measures, such as adjustments to the median on 3rd Street, signage, and striping. In addition, Chick-fil-A will have to work with DDOT’s Urban Forestry division on tree protection and to determine the best placement for new street trees around the site. Chick-fil-A agreed to these conditions.

ANC 4B supported the application. The ANC has also requested removal of one parking space near Walmart’s driveway along with installation of flexiposts to prevent future illegal parking in order to improve sightlines and traffic circulation.

It will be helpful to see how traffic circulates when the restaurant opens. Removal of a parking space will also be helpful. But I still think additional improvements are necessary and maybe it would make sense to wait until the restaurant opens. As already noted, there will be a lot of U-turns around the area. The immediate area would benefit from improved sidewalks and marked crosswalks. The 2nd Street/3rd Street intersection needs to be adjusted. Though Chick-fil-A stated that DDOT indicated the 2nd Street/3rd Street intersection is too far from the restaurant to have an impact on traffic circulation, that intersection still needs to be addressed. Some people will eventually figure out that it might be easier to travel down 3rd Street from Chillum Place to the restaurant rather than trying to make a U-turn into the site. The intersection at Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue, reconfigured in 2011, needs to be reconfigured again because it is poorly designed.

In any case, approval of the public space permit application gets the neighborhood one step closer to having a Chick-fil-A.

June 24, 2020 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Catholic University; Art Place; Public Safety; Census; Alley Repairs; Grants

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on June 24, 2020. Commissioners present: Grace Lewis (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Claudia Barragan (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon Fletcher (5A08)

(Note I did not provide an ANC 5A meeting recap for May 2020 because the commission’s secretary Commissioner Emily Lucio (5A03) produced minutes that were very detailed. Based on discussion at the June meeting, I do not expect that the ANC will continue to provide this level of detail).

The District Department of Public Works was on the agenda but did not attend due to a conflict.

Ward 5 Councilmember Report

Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, noted a couple of council office personnel changes. Barbara Mitchell and Nolan Treadway have departed. Ms. Mitchell was the deputy chief of staff and Mr. Treadway was the communications director.

The DC Council has passed a series of emergency bills related to COVID-19. One piece of legislation requires utilities and telecommunications/cable providers to offer payment plans to residents.

Catholic University Residence Hall

The ANC voted 5-0-1 to support construction of Catholic’s new residence hall. Commissioner Claudia Barragan (5A06) abstained. View Catholic’s presentation here.

The Zoning hearing for the residence hall will be held in July (case number 12-01C). The residence hall is part of Catholic’s approved Campus Plan. The four-story building on John McCormack Drive NE will have 360 beds. In response to previous questions from ANC 5A, Catholic provided a list of its contractors, including local contractors. In addition, the university noted that it maintains a database of contractors so that when contracting opportunities arise, those on the list will have first opportunity. The university asked for names of local contractors who would like to be added to the database.

Commissioner Barragan expressed her belief that Catholic has not done adequate outreach, and she also expressed concerns about equity. She asked for information about how many residents in her SMD work at Catholic. She thought one good idea would be for Catholic to share employment opportunities to her SMD first before the general public.

Catholic makes up a single SMD in ANC 5A and typically does not have an ANC commissioner representing the SMD. A student served as commissioner from approximately 2016 to 2019, but the seat has been vacant since then. Two SMDs, 5A06 and 5A07, border the campus. Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) has been a commissioner for many years, while Commissioner Claudia Barragan (5A06) is new to the commission this year and has lived in the neighborhood for four years. It is clear that Commissioner Washington has an established working relationship with Catholic and a lot of institutional knowledge regarding Catholic, while Commissioner Barragan is just starting to build her own relationship with the university. This dynamic has led to a few testy exchanges at recent ANC meetings. One neighbor noted to me after the meeting that it would be a good idea for the ANCs to help one another, as it is unclear if that is happening.

Unrelated to the residence hall, in response to a question from Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08), Catholic representatives noted they are still working on a plan for fall classes. They will need to submit a reopening plan to DC for approval. Currently, they are thinking about having in-person classes with capability for online connection for students who cannot be present in person. They would like to have the semester start earlier than usual by August 24 so that students can be dismissed by the Thanksgiving holiday and not have to worry about traveling back and forth between Thanksgiving and the end of the semester.

ANC 5A08 Public Safety Task Force

The ANC previously approved the establishment of a resident task force to address public safety issues in ANC 5A08. At the June meeting, after discussion of the national climate around policing, the ANC decided it wants to have a larger community discussion on public safety and policing over the summer. Catholic University representatives stated they want to be part of the conversation. They noted Catholic has a new public safety chief who lives in the surrounding neighborhood and also noted that campus security officers are unarmed.

Edit: The ANC also voted to table a motion to support a statement on policing drafted by the DC Chapter of the NAACP.

Art Place at Fort Totten

24 Hour Fitness has rescinded plans to open at the Modern at Art Place, the first phase of Art Place at Fort Totten that was completed in 2017. Preparation is taking place to tear down the remaining Riggs Plaza apartment buildings for construction of the second phase of Art Place. Accordingly, know that 4th Street NE between Ingraham Street and Kennedy Street will be closing at that time, so people used to parking on that street will have to find somewhere else to park. View the most recent construction notice here.

At the next executive meeting, the ANC will discuss what to do with allocated office space for the ANC at the Modern. Art Place is a planned unit development (PUD), which required public benefits. One of the approved public benefits was free office space for the ANC. The ANC has yet to utilize the space though because there has been disagreement over which party is responsible for utilities and insurance. The Modern is requiring the ANC to have insurance in order to occupy the space and has asked the ANC for a self-insured document so that the Modern will pay utilities.

The ANC enjoys free office space at UDC-CC’s Backus campus. At the time the first phase of the Art Place development was approved, the ANC did not have office space, and therefore the commission at that time determined that it was a good idea to request office space from the developer of Art Place. Commissioner Washington, treasurer for the ANC, stated that the Office of ANC will not provide a self-insured document for a non-government building. And the Office of ANC questions why the ANC would want to give up free space in a government building. The ANC is not allowed to have two office spaces. At this stage, Commissioner Fletcher would like the ANC to resolve once and for all what it would like to do with the space at the Modern. It sounds like the ANC will not be using the office space and may instead ask that it be used for some other public purpose.

ANC 5A06 Reopen Plan

At a previous ANC meeting, Commissioner Barragan noted she wanted to work on a neighborhood-level reopening plan because she believed that the District-wide plan did not take into consideration needs and vulnerabilities of particular neighborhoods. At that time, ANC 5A Chair Ronnie Edwards told Commissioner Barragan to develop a timeline and framework for the plan and to ask for any help she needed. It appears Commmissioner Barragan has a draft document available on the ANC’s website, but it is unclear what exactly is supposed to happen from here. If you live in Commissioner Barragan’s SMD and would like information on her plan, please contact her.

Respond to the 2020 Census

There is still time to participate in the 2020 Census. The Census determines funding allocations at all levels of government, including for ANCs, so it is important for residents to respond. The Census questionnaire takes just a few minutes to complete.

DDOT Alley Repairs

DDOT is planning its next round of alley restorations. If your alley is in need of repair, let your ANC commissioner know. The ANC needs to submit the list to DDOT by July 6, 2020.

Mutual Aid Grant

A resident who volunteers with a Ward 5 mutual aid group is working with Commissioner Barragan to apply for a grant from the ANC. The volunteer noted that the mutual aid group is not a 501(c)(3) organization. The volunteer stated that other ANCs have suspended any requirement that grant applicants be 501(c)(3) organizations in order to support mutual aid efforts.

At a previous ANC meeting, Silas Grant noted that Councilmember McDuffie wanted to work with Ward 5 ANCs to make them aware of mutual aid groups and to help direct aid where needed. At that time, Commissioner Barragan expressed hesitancy about supporting mutual aid groups because in some cases, these groups are not 501(c)(3) organizations and so she thought there would be liability and accountability issues.

Anyhow, with respect to this grant application, there was discussion about the need to make sure the mutual aid benefits the entirety of ANC 5A. Commissioner Barragan apparently told the applicant that she wanted to make sure the mutual aid focused on residents of SMD 5A06 because there are many residents in need in that SMD, but Commissioner Washington noted DC law requires that grants benefit the ANC as a whole.

Finally, there was some discussion about the maximum amount the group could receive. The group would like to request $5,000, but according to Commissioner Washington, the award may not exceed $2,000.

The ANC will discuss the grant application at its next executive meeting.

Donations may be made to the Ward 5 mutual aid group via venmo (@ward5mutualaid) and cashapp ($w5mutualaid). To volunteer with the group, apply at this link.

Next ANC meeting

The ANC anticipates holding a special meeting in July.

To be added to the ANC 5A email list in order to receive meeting notices and announcements, visit https://www.anc5a.org.

24 Hour Fitness out at Art Place (UPDATED)

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

Update 7/2/2020: The developer contacted me to let me know that 24 Hour Fitness has not rejected the lease and still might be coming to the Modern.

Original Post

At last night’s ANC 5A public meeting, ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) announced that 24 Hour Fitness has backed out of its contract to anchor the first phase of Art Place at Fort Totten due to the financial impact of COVID-19. The first phase, called the Modern at Art Place, was completed in fall 2017. As noted in this post, the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy so this result is not too surprising, though disappointing. Notably HR Retail, the leasing agent for the development, has an updated brochure and site plan for Art Place that do not list 24 Hour Fitness (though 24 Hour Fitness is still listed as a confirmed tenant on HR Retail’s website). It looks like those marketing materials were updated on June 23, 2020.

With DC’s move into Phase Two of reopening on June 22, 2020, gyms are now permitted to reopen at reduced capacity. But this comes after months of being closed. Other gyms and fitness companies have also filed for bankruptcy or permanently closed locations.

I for one was really looking forward to having a decent gym in the neighborhood and I still am. I thought perhaps one benefit of not having the gym built out at Art Place at this point would be that by the time the gym finished building out the space, we would be further along in managing COVID-19, so we would have the benefit of time. It is unclear if the developer is now negotiating with another gym.

MBT Fort Totten to Takoma

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, Met Branch Trail
MBT Fort Totten to Takoma extension. Source: http://metbranchtrail.com/wp-content/uploads/ANC4BMeetingPersentationJune22.pdf

At ANC 4B’s public meeting on June 22, 2020, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) presented design plans in progress for the Metropolitan Branch Trail extension from Fort Totten to Takoma. View the presentation here.

A more detailed presentation of the design plans released in May 2020 is available on the MBT Fort Totten to Takoma extension website at http://metbranchtrail.com/met-branch-trail-fort-totten-to-takoma. The 100% final design plan is expected to be completed by winter 2020 with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2021.

DDOT plans to expedite installation of a full traffic signal at Riggs Road and 1st Street NE. DC Bilingual Public Charter School is near this intersection and residents and school staff have long advocated for pedestrian safety improvements along this corridor. The traffic signal will be installed in early 2021 and DDOT will later add bike specific signals when the MBT extension is constructed. There will also be a full traffic signal installed at New Hampshire Avenue NE/South Dakota Avenue NE/McDonald Place NE as part of the extension.

ANC Commissioner Alison Brooks (4B08) noted that some residents continue to express concern about the plan to have the trail along 1st Street NE and along McDonald Place NE. DDOT noted that separate from this design plan, the agency continues to look at an alignment closer to the red line train tracks through National Park Service land.

ANC Commissioner Geoff Bromaghim (4B07) commented about the need to look at east-west connections to the trail and to make the experience riding through a fairly industrial area a little more friendly. DDOT noted that the agency has worked with the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities to commission public art along completed portions of the trail and so that could likely be an option for the extension as well.

There are still design decisions the agency needs to make. I have always thought the plans for the segment along Blair Road look more like an extra wide sidewalk rather than a trail, but there are a lot of driveways that the agency has to take into consideration. DDOT is considering an alternative that would remove the northbound curb lane along Blair and put a protected bike lane on the street, but there are drawbacks to that option.

In early June 2020, the Washington Area Bicyclist Association distributed communication about the design plan for the Fort Totten to Takoma extension with four recommendations:

Full time Parking for Blair Road at Rittenhouse Street (Option 3) – North of Kansas Ave, speeding is a chronic problem on Blair Road. To help calm traffic, create parking for local businesses, add new safe crosswalks and make a more pleasant trail experience, DDOT should convert the extra northbound travel lane into full-time parking, add curb extensions, and add new crosswalks starting at Rittenhouse Street

Trail Priority at Driveways – Frequent driveway crossings are the biggest challenge to a low-stress and safe trail along Blair Road. DDOT must take great care in designing how and where vehicles are permitted to cross the trail, so that trail users are always given priority. Where possible DDOT should:

1. Close curb cuts to eliminate conflicts entirely
2. Shrink the width of driveway entrances and reduce turn radius to reduce speeds
3. Use striping, different paving materials, and signage to highlight the trail’s path across a driveway and communicate that trail traffic has priority

Keep the Trail in Met Branch Trail – On Blair Road, DDOT proposed an alternate design which would send walkers onto an existing sidewalk and people on bikes onto a new curbside protected bike lane. While it may be simpler to build, this design will be too stressful for kids or less confident bicyclists as iit puts people on bikes right next to car traffic and leaves them completely exposed at every driveway.

Aggressive Traffic Calming on First St NE – To ensure the trail is actually safe and low-stress, First St NE needs far more than speed bumps to slow car traffic and discourage non-local trips. DDOT should explore mini-roundabouts, chicanes, diverters, and traffic calming techniques.

If you have thoughts about specific segments of the extension, let your ANC commissioner know. In addition, written comments may be sent to metbranchtrail@dc.gov.

Run for ANC

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, ANC 5A

Advisory Neighborhood Commission nominating petitions for the November 3, 2020, general election will be available this Friday, June 26. Advisory neighborhood commissioners (ANCs) are hyperlocal nonpartisan elected representatives. The ANC is a voluntary, noncompensated position. Each ANC represents a single member district (SMD) of roughly 2,000 residents. Each term is two years. Because the position is nonpartisan, generally government employees can serve (of course accounting for individual circumstances that may require recusal or prohibit participation). To get on the ballot, a candidate needs only 10 signatures from voters residing in the same SMD as the candidate.

Having an effective ANC is really important. Our neighborhood is seeing a lot of development and change. Our neighborhood straddles Wards 4 and 5 and therefore is represented by two different commissions–ANC 4B and ANC 5A. There are a certain number of monthly meetings that each commission must hold, but otherwise as with any voluntary position, it is as much work as one wants it to be.

I try to keep things positive on the blog, so I will just make a general observation that in recent years, some of our ANCs have been missing in action or are otherwise sowing division in the community. So I appeal to reasonable, sensible residents who care about the community to consider serving. I have made this appeal periodically over the years. Maybe you like researching, maybe you have ideas about DC’s budget, maybe you have specific ideas about how to improve the neighborhood, maybe you would like to advocate for the community before DC agencies. Maybe you have asked yourself, “Did anyone think of this or that?” when it comes to development. Maybe you have a list of things you wish DDOT were doing in the neighborhood. Well serving as an ANC is a chance to serve in a position that matters because views of the commission are given great weight.

For those wondering, no I am not interested in running. So if there is anyone who lives in ANC SMD 5A01 in particular who is interested, I say go for it. It does not matter how long one has lived here (except one has to have lived in the SMD for at least 60 days) or what one’s cultural background may be. Anyone who is willing to listen, be respectful, and treat the position seriously would be good.

Find more information about ANCs at https://anc.dc.gov. For information on getting on the ballot, visit the DC Board of Elections website.

Officially Official: Riggs Park Place Deal Closed

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

Press release from the mayor’s office announcing long-awaited closing on financing for Riggs Park Place:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 19, 2020

CONTACT: 

LaToya Foster (EOM) – (202) 727-5011; latoya.foster@dc.gov

Jessica Carroll (DMPED) – (202) 550-6845; jessica.carroll@dc.gov

Mayor Bowser Closes Deal on Long-Awaited New Housing Community in Fort Totten Neighborhood

New Development in Ward 4 to Deliver Homeownership Opportunities, Apartments for Seniors, and Retail Options

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), announced the closing of financing on Riggs Place Park in Ward 4, a long-awaited 171-unit housing community of townhomes, apartments, and retail located at the intersection of Riggs Road and South Dakota Ave, NE.

“These types of projects are helping to continue our commitment to delivering a variety of housing options – rental and home ownership – for all different income levels and family sizes across the District,” said Mayor Bowser. “Despite the current financial challenges, we are pressing forward with economic development opportunities and creating new affordable housing further setting up the District up for an equitable recovery.”

The first phase of Riggs Park Place will feature 90 new townhomes for sale, five of which will be designated as affordable homeownership opportunities. Phase two will be a mixed-use senior apartment community with at least 30 affordable units. The 90 townhomes will be modern, two, three, and four-bedroom floor plans close to Fort Totten Metro Station, a café and shopping across Riggs Road, the newly renovated Lamond-Riggs Library, as well as cultural and art experiences at Art Place, an adjacent mixed-use development offering apartments, retail, a new fitness center, a children’s museum, and more.

“Ward 4 is known as one of the most desirable places to raise a family, live, work, and shop with a vibrant and diverse community,” said Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd. “The city’s public private partnership with EYA brings for-sale townhomes and senior rental housing for a broad range of incomes and supports neighborhood revitalization.”

The Lamond Riggs Citizens Association and ANC4B expressed support for the project, particularly for senior affordable apartments and neighborhood-serving retail.

“This project is a long time coming – in fact, Mayor Bowser was working towards this goal when she was an ANC Commissioner herself,” said Acting Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. “Who would have thought that in these uncertain times, our team would push this over the finish line bringing new housing opportunities to families of all income levels in Ward 4. It’s a proud day for DC.”

Other financial partners for Riggs Place Park include EYA, JBG Smith and Paramount Development, with its lender, Eagle Bank.

“Riggs Park Place and our partnership with the city exemplifies EYA’s ability to effectively work with residents, local jurisdictions, and our financial partners to both create value and bring meaningful projects to life,” said Aakash Thakkar, EVP at EYA. “We are moving forward even in these uncertain times because there is tremendous demand for high-quality, attainably priced new housing in the region. The public-private nature of the project, its revitalization impact on the neighborhood, and its delivery of missing middle townhomes that address a broad demographic are all core tenets of our mission. We appreciate the partnership with JBG Smith, the District, and the community that enabled us to move the project forward.”

The closing of Riggs Place Park follows other recent closings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including Spring Flats, The Hartley on the Parks at Walter Reed and the Karin and Anna Cooper Houses. Mayor Bowser reaffirmed her commitment to investments in affordable housing with her Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal, recognizing that both short- and long-term efforts must be ongoing to preserve housing affordability and stability for all District residents. The Mayor’s FY21 budget proposal includes an investment of $100 million in the Housing Production Trust Fund – for the sixth consecutive year – and a $1 million investment in the Housing Preservation Fund.

June 24: ANC 5A Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A Monthly Meeting
June 24, 2020
6:45 pm

ANC 5A’s monthly meeting will be held online only in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with Mayor Bowser’s Stay-At-Home Order. 

Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89005991346?pwd=RzY1cUNYR2NiaGUveWRIMXcyWUNxdz09 

Meeting ID: 890 0599 1346 
Password: 012471  
Call in number: 929 436 2866 

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

Agenda Items 

1. Police Reform Resolution
2. DPW Update on Cleaning during COVID-19
3. Reopening Neighborhood Plan
5. 5A08 Community Requests

Full agenda and minutes from May meeting are available on the ANC 5A website

June 22: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting
Monday, June 22, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting Details:

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://bit.ly/ANC4BJune2020. Meeting ID: 856-6848-7792. Password: 237111.

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 856-6848-7792. Password: 237111.

To watch (but not participate) via YouTube: https://youtu.be/wdsE74ytMuY.

Agenda

1. Call to O​rder & Roll Call

2. Administrative Items:

A. Consideration and Approval of June Agenda Instructions regarding Participation in Virtual Meeting
B. Instructions regarding Participation in Virtual Meeting
C. Approval of May Regular Public Meeting Minutes
D. Treasurer’s Report
E. Commissioner Updates (if applicable)

3. Presentation: Ellen Peterson & Caroline Fehr, Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia, COVID-19-Related Legal Information (Commissioner Palmer – 10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)

4. Presentation: Michael Alvino, Samer Alhawamdeh, & Sayra Molina, District Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Branch Trail (Commissioner Yeats – 10 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion)

5. Reports:

A. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes)
B. Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (3 minutes)
C. Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
D. Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative Frazier O’Leary (3 minutes)

6. Consent Calendar: 

Resolution 4B-20-0601: Requesting Traffic Calming and Safety Measures on Piney Branch Road NW from Eastern Avenue to Georgia Avenue NW (Commissioner Yeats)

Resolution 4B-20-0602: Calling on MPD and DDOT to Address Speeding on Riggs Road, NE (Eastern to Nicholson) (Commissioner Huff)

Resolution 4B-20-0603: Supporting Funding in FY2021 for Public Housing Repairs (Commissioner Palmer)

Resolution 4B-20-0604: ReOpen DC Recommendations regarding Phased Opening of Schools and Childcare Centers (Commissioner Johnson)

7. Letter of Support for Renaissance Healthcare (Commissioner Knickerbocker – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)

8. Resolution 4B-20-0605: Calling for Divestment of Local Police Funding and Reinvestment in Community-Based Supports and Services (Commissioner Palmer and Commissioner Johnson – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)

9. 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 m​​​eeting.* This is the time for questions or statements from mem​​​bers 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.

10. Adjournment

Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, July 27, 2020, 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 Scot Knickerbocker (4B03@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B04 Brenda Parks (4B04@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B05 Perry Redd (4B05@anc.dc.gov); 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)