ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on March 25, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Jack Hermes (5A04) – Vice Chair; Dyanna Weston (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnia (5A07) – Chair; Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

Commission Business

The motion regarding electric vehicle charging stations at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE was removed from the agenda. Apparently, Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08) had a super last-minute “emergency” SMD meeting that very few people knew about where this issue was supposed to be discussed. The plan is to discuss the issue at a properly noticed meeting in the future.

The ANC voted to create a DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan committee. Unclear who will chair the committee. Residents interested in participating on the committee should email Commissioner Sosa Garnica at 5A07@anc.dc.gov.

Boys Town Public Space Application (5A02) (Vicki Davis, Urban Atlantic)

The ANC voted to support Urban Atlantic’s public space application associated with their redevelopment of the Boys Town campus located at 4801 Sargent Road NE in North Michigan Park. There will be 166 semi-detached homes, with 10 percent set aside for below market rate purchase.

DDOT asked Urban Atlantic to pay for several traffic pattern changes. There will be a new crosswalk where the bus stop is located, new bus signage and other changes. One big change DDOT wants to do is close off the cut-through on Crittenden between Sargent and South Dakota. Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) asked if flex posts would be placed around the crosswalk to prevent people from parking too close to the crosswalk. Vicki Davis of Urban Atlantic responded no, right now the plan is just to have “No parking” signs even though we know that if there is a space big enough for a car in front of and behind the crosswalk, someone will park there.

In response to a repeated request from Carmen Williams, the president of North Michigan Park Civic Association, Ms. Davis stated that the developer will leave space near Sargent Road for a second entrance/exit. She explained that DDOT did not determine that a second entrance/exit was necessary but they are leaving that space available just in case. She stated that there way to develop a second egress at the rear of the property.

For details about the proposed public space changes, view Urban Atlantic’s Boys Town campus public space application.

One Hawaii Avenue (5A06)

A ribbon cutting for the One Hawaii Avenue affordable housing project is scheduled for April 15. The rebuild will be larger than the previous building. A resident stated that surrounding neighbors are worried about parking. Commissioner Derrick Holloway (5A06) noted that the previous building did not have parking and that it is not expected that many of the returning residents or new residents will have cars. He said he wants to invite DDOT and Department of Buildings (DOB) to the next ANC meeting.

Social Justice School (5A09) (Myron Long, Founder)

See Social Justice School Presentation to ANC 5A (March 2026).

The ANC voted to approve Social Justice School Public Charter School’s request for holiday construction work and to support the school’s facility request before the DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB). Commissioner Sellars (5A01) abstained. The DCPCSB hearing is in April and a vote will be held in May. The goal is to be completely open in time for the 2026-2027 school year at 5455 3rd Street NE. This is the last remaining warehouse owned by the Cafritz Foundation that is being renovated for the school’s new long-term home. A resident and Commissioner Sellars (5A01) asked about the need to work on the Juneteenth holiday. School founder Myron Long stated there might not need to be construction on that holiday, but they would like to have the approval in case.

The school is currently occupying temporary facilities at 333 Kennedy Street NE and at Impact DMV Church. They previously subleased from Rocketship Public Charter School.

The school is a standalone middle school. Current enrollment is 99 students. At capacity, the school will have 210 students. Mr. Long stated that the school is currently meeting all of the conditions for its conditional charter approval.

DC Water Lead Pipe Replacement Program (Sean Moore, Communications Manager, DC Water)

See DC Water Lead Free DC Presentation to ANC 5A (March 2026)

DC Water has a program to replace lead service lines called Lead Free DC. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Residents should have received door hangers and information in the mail about the Lead Free DC program to provide DC Water with consent to dig a test pit to determine if the home has lead service pipes. There are several blocks in ANC 5A with a less than 30 percent response rate, so DC Water is asking the ANC to help with sharing information about this program and getting people to sign up. For more information, visit DC Water’s Lead Pipe Replacement Program webpage.

UDC Community College Relocation Feasibility Study (5A01)

Unclear why this topic was on the agenda. UDC Community Engagement Director Juanita Gray did not have a presentation about the topic, had no information to share, and incorrectly stated that a consultant had not been hired yet to assess the feasibility of moving the community college program from the Lamond-Riggs campus to the Van Ness campus. (The day after the ANC meeting, she acknowledged in an email that a consultant had been hired already and a report is expected in May, stating that she referenced “outdated” information during the meeting). UDC President Maurice Edington will attend an ANC meeting at some point to discuss the campus.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Ward 5 MOCR Lacy Davis)

Mayor Bowser has introduced a hospitality bill.

Citywide spring clean events are scheduled for April 25. The Ward 5 location is Crummell School. Ward 5 Rolloff Day for bulk disposal is scheduled for July 25 at North Michigan Park Recreation Center.

The DC childcare subsidy program will have a waitlist after April.

Metro is seeking feedback on bus improvements and its revised FY2027 budget proposal. Survey opens March 27 and closes April 6. Visit www.wmata.com/budget.

Ward 5 Council Office Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Councilmember Parker sent his FY27 budget request letter to Mayor Bowser. The DC Office of Attorney General is seeking trustee nominations for the healthcare fund that will be established in association with the Providence Hospital sale. An info session was held on April 2 at Lamond-Riggs Library. Submit nominations by April 8: DC Healthcare Access Trust Nomination Form.

The Ward 5 awards ceremony was held on April 1 at Ivy City Smokehouse.

DDOT held an open house for the Taylor Street NE bike lane project.

Materials from the February 2026 Riggs and South Dakota Park pre-construction meeting are on the Riggs & South Dakota Park project website. Construction kicks off this spring.

Reminder about Metro’s revised FY2027 budget survey.

Commissioner Updates & Community Concerns

Commissioner Sellars (5A01) held a clean up with Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09) on March 28. Also, Commissioner Sellars noted the challenges with getting a commitment from District officials to install a water source for the new Riggs & South Dakota Park. Commissioner Sellars also shared shared that Councilmember Parker and Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George are scheduled to attend LRCA’s meeting on April 6.

Commissioner Holloway (5A06) stated that he and Commissioner Dyanna Weston (5A05) plan to have a meet-and-greet SMD meeting on April 22.

Rhonda Hamilton of The Dap Project shared information about a new project called Dementia Stories. A session was held at Michigan Park Church on March 28. The last one will be held on April 4 at Chevy Chase Library. Sign up on eventbrite.

I asked the ANC commissioners to share public space applications on the ANC’s website. The commissioners have access to the applications but the public does not. There have been multiple significant Public Space Committee hearings that residents did not know about because the ANC did not inform residents.

The next ANC 5A meeting will be on April 22.

From ANC 5A

NOTICE: ANC 5A Monthly Meeting

Date: March 25, 2026

Time: 6:45pm 

Location: Hybrid

Zoom: https://bit.ly/ANC5A2026 

In-Person Location:

Washington Yu Ying PCS, Early Years Campus

4350 First Street NE

Washington, DC 20011

Agenda  

• Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET 
• Quorum  
• Agenda Review/Acceptance 
• Commission Business
  • Minutes from Previous Monthly Meeting 
  • Treasurer’s Report
• Commission Action Items/Updates
  • 5A: Motion to create a committee for DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan
  • 5A02: Motion to submit Letter of Support for Boystown Public Space — Vicki Davis will be present to answer any questions or concerns
  • 5A04: Motion to submit Letter of Support for Marist Hall 
  • 5A06: One Hawaii Ave Grand Opening Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 12-2pm (inclement weather date on Thursday, April 30; noon-2pm)
  • 5A08: Motion to submit letter to request change of hours for Smoke Shop on South Dakota Ave. 
  • 5A08: Motion to submit letter supporting electrical charging stations at ZBurger and Gas Station on South Dakota Ave.
  • 5A09: Motion to submit letters of support for Social Justice School for work on holidays, SJS will give a brief presentation
• Reports & Presentations
  • Presentation from Lead Free DC regarding DC Water’s Lead Free DC Initiative
• Community Comment Period/Updates
  • Mayor’s Office
  • Councilmember Parker’s Office
  • Councilmember Henderson’s Office
• Adjourn

From ANC 5A

NOTICE: ANC 5A Monthly Meeting

Date: March 25, 2026

Time: 6:45pm 

Location: Hybrid

Zoom: https://bit.ly/ANC5A2026 

In-Person Location:

Washington Yu Ying PCS

220 Taylor St NE, Washington, DC 20017

Agenda  

• Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET 
• Quorum  
• Agenda Review/Acceptance 
• Commission Business
  • Minutes from Previous Monthly Meeting 
  • Treasurer’s Report
• Commission Action Items/Updates
  • 5A: Motion to create a committee for DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan
  • 5A02: Motion to submit Letter of Support for Boystown Public Space — Vicki Davis will be present to answer any questions or concerns
  • 5A04: Motion to submit Letter of Support for Marist Hall 
  • 5A06: One Hawaii Ave Grand Opening Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 12-2pm (inclement weather date on Thursday, April 30; noon-2pm)
  • 5A08: Motion to submit letter to request change of hours for Smoke Shop on South Dakota Ave. 
  • 5A08: Motion to submit letter supporting electrical charging stations at ZBurger and Gas Station on South Dakota Ave.
  • 5A09: Motion to submit letters of support for Social Justice School for work on holidays, SJS will give a brief presentation
• Reports & Presentations
  • Presentation from Lead Free DC regarding DC Water’s Lead Free DC Initiative
• Community Comment Period/Updates
  • Mayor’s Office
  • Councilmember Parker’s Office
  • Councilmember Henderson’s Office
• Adjourn

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on February 25, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Jack Hermes (5A04) – Vice Chair; Parliamentarian; Dyanna Weston (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Chair; Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

Ranked Choice Voting Presentation

A representative from Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund gave a presentation on how to fill out one’s ballot for the new ranked choice voting system that will be in effect for the upcoming primary election.

(Note: DC Board of Elections has set up an official ranked choice voting information page).

65-85 Hawaii Avenue NE (5A06)

One Hawaii Avenue was listed on the agenda but I think that might have been a mistake because the address listed was for the 65-85 Hawaii Avenue project (BZA case no. 20507C). Those are two different projects. One Hawaii Avenue is almost done, if not done already.

Commissioner Holloway (5A06) spoke mainly about the 65-85 Hawaii Avenue project, which is a planned renovation of a group of occupied apartment buildings. The ANC voted on a modification and extension of the BZA order last year following a change in property ownership.

The owner was listed on the agenda, but unclear if he attended, as he did not give the update. Only Commissioner Holloway gave an update, stating that residents are turning down offers of $30,000 to move from the apartments to begin the renovation process. He said residents have a right to return but that some are holding out for more money to temporarily relocate.

Sidewalk Palooza

Sidewalk Palooza is a resident-led citywide initiative to promote safe, accessible sidewalks. Events will take place March 21-29 this year. Residents are encouraged to walk their neighborhood and report sidewalks in need of repairs (and submit other 311 requests while you are at it).

Mayor’s Office Ward 5 Report (Lacy Davis, Ward 5 MOCR)

DC Water hosted a meeting about the Potomac River sewage spill issue. The mayor held budget engagement forums.

With spring comes spring city services. DPW street sweeping started March 3. DPW’s Helping Hand services are available to assist with neighborhood clean-ups.

The mayor’s Herstory 5k will take place on March 7.

Ward 5 Council Office Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Congress recently took action to disapprove DC’s decoupling of some tax policies from the federal government. CM Parker’s office stated that if the disapproval stands, the impact will not be good for DC. DC government officials are exploring options on how to respond to Congress. The DC Office of Tax & Revenue has stated tax season is open and OTR continues to process returns. His office will share information if anything changes.

Regarding the sewage spill, CM Parker’s office repeated DC Water’s assertion that DC drinking water is safe. People should follow posted signs regarding recreation along the river.

Commissioner Alston (5A08) asked CM Parker’s office to help with fighting the cannabis dispensary seeking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park.

A resident asked CM Parker’s office to help with issues at the strip mall by the McDonald’s. Ms. Lovelace stated that she would follow up with residents and connect them with DLCP.

ANC Business

The ANC voted to request reimbursement from the OANC for legal expenses for the cannabis dispensary license application lawsuit.

I asked if the ANC submitted testimony regarding the ANC’s issues for ABCA’s oversight hearing. Commissioner Hermes (5A04) stated that he worked with ANCs around the city who decided on a single representative to raise issues at the oversight hearing.

Updated to add: Community Comments – I mentioned that UDC has engaged a consultant to look at the feasibility of moving the community college from the Lamond-Riggs campus to the Van Ness campus.

The next ANC meeting will be March 25, 2026.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A February Monthly Meeting

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 25th, 2026

Time: 6:45pm ET 

Location: Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, 620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064 

Join us In-Person

Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center

620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20064

Join us over Zoom

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/82413855755

Call In Number

+1 305 224 1968 US

Webinar ID: 824 1385 5755

Agenda

• Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET
• Quorum
• Agenda Review and Acceptance
• Presentations
  • Presentation from Rank the District on DC’s new ranked choice voting system
  • Presentation from Chris Riddiough, a student from George Washington University regarding a project, Sidewalk Palooza. Sidewalk Palooza is organized to bring attention to the problems and hazards in and around sidewalks.
• Commission Updates
  • 5A06: Update on project on One Hawaii Ave Project (BZA 2050765-85) from Kenneth Brown, property owner
• Community Updates
  • Mayor’s Office
  • Councilmember Parker’s Office
  • Community Comment Period
• Commission Business
  • Approval of Minutes from ANC 5A’s monthly meeting held on January 28th, 2026
  • Treasurer’s Report
  • Motion from Commissioner Jack Hermes (5A04) to submit reimbursement from OANC for legal costs from ABCA case
• Commission Action Items
• Next Meeting: March 25, 2026
• Adjourn

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on January 28, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Jack Hermes (5A04); Dyanna Weston (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09).

ANC 5A05 finally has a commissioner after going without for a few years.

The ANC should use a timer during meetings. The ANC could also do with a code of conduct.

ANC Officer Election

The ANC conducted an election of officers that took a while, offering moments of drama and unprofessionalism by the usual suspects.

Results:

Chair – Commissioner Valeria Sosa Garnica

Vice Chair – Commissioner Jack Hermes

Secretary – Commissioner Elaine Alston

Treasurer – Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum

Sergeant at Arms – Commissioner Derrick Holloway

Parliamentarian – Commissioner Jack Hermes

ANC Business

The ANC voted on a calendar for the year. The November meeting will be held on December 2 due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

The ANC voted to have hybrid meetings; they have purchased equipment to do so. They would like to rotate the in-person locations. They tentatively plan to have the February meeting at Catholic University.

For some reason, a couple of commissioners again raised the issue of having individual printers. Commissioner Sellars reminded them that OANC already emailed all of the 5A commissioners to say that the ANC cannot pay for printers for individual commissioners. There is already a printer in the ANC’s office. They will check to see if it works.

The ANC voted to apply for another legal assistance grant from OANC.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Lacy Davis, Ward 5 MOCR)

Lacy Davis is the new Ward 5 MOCR. He can be reached at lacy.davis@dc.gov. Mr. Davis said that DPW was focused on clearing residential streets; that the snow hero team continued to work to shovel for seniors; and that DPW will plow alleys where trash collection is serviced in the alley.

Mr. Davis fielded complaints about the city’s response to the storm. One resident stated that he and his neighbors had already paid a business $300 to have their alley plowed.

Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Ms. Lovelace stated that Councilmember Parker understood residents’ frustrations with the storm cleanup.

Councilmember Parker held a public safety call on January 27, joined by MPD, DC Fire & EMS, and DC Department of Behavioral Health.

DPR and DGS will hold a Ward 5 parks capital projects meeting on February 5 at 6pm via zoom.

The Ward 5 budget forum will be on February 11 at 6:30pm on zoom. Register in advance.

Testify about District agencies’ performance at performance oversight hearings. Flag agency performance issues with Councilmember Parker’s office at ward5.us/oversight.

Conflicting information about responsibility for alley snow clearing given, but Mr. Davis reiterated that the city will create a path in the alleys where trash collection is serviced via the alley.

Miscellaneous

The next ANC 5A meeting will be February 25, 2026. To receive ANC 5A meeting updates and other information from the ANC, sign up for ANC 5A’s email list.

Update 1/27/2026: This meeting will be virtual only.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Monthly Meeting Agenda — Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026: 01/28/2026 at 06:45 pm

Join the ANC 5A Mailing List

Please join us on Wednesday, Jan. 28th at 6:45 PM for ANC 5A’s Monthly Meeting

The Commissioners will be meeting in-person. On Zoom, Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first. Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.

Join us In-Person: University of D.C Lamond Riggs Campus 5171 S Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017

Join us over Zoom: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/83242634657

Call In Number By Phone: +1(305) 224-1968 Password: 83242634657#

Agenda

• Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET
• Quorum 
• Agenda Review/Acceptance 
• Commission Business
  • Minutes from November 19, 2026
  • Treasurer’s Report
    • Budget
    • Bank requirements
    • Approval of Q1 FY26 Quarterly Financial Report
    • Business Cards, phones, laptops and keys
  • Meeting Format (In-person or virtual) and location
  • Proposed Meeting Calendar
    • February 25, 2026
    • March 25, 2026
    • April 22, 2026
    • May 27, 2026
    • June 24, 2026
    • September 23, 2026
    • October 28, 2026
    • November 18, 2026 or December 2, 2026
  • Vote on paying ANC 5A’s outstanding balance to Verdi Ogletree
  • Vote to apply for an EAF grant of $5,000 from OANC
  • Vote to pay an additional $3,500 beyond our first $5,000
• Commission Action Items/Updates
• Community Updates
  • Mayor’s Office
  • Office of the Councilmember Zachary Parker
• Community Comment Period
• Next Meeting 
  • Feb. 25, 2026
• Adjourn

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on November 19, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

Commission Business

The ANC re-approved the budget. The ANC approved spending up to $1,000 for tablecloths and a tent for events.

Commissioner Hermes (5A04) will head up an ANC bylaws review committee with Commissioners Bocoum (5A09), Alston (5A08), and Holloway (5A06). They will aim to have a draft for review by the ANC’s February 2026 executive meeting

Mundo Verde Public Charter School Holiday Work (5A03)

Mundo Verde wants to work on certain holidays in 2026 in order to open its Calle Ocho campus building expansion in time for the fall 2026 school year. Commissioner Lucio held an SMD meeting where residents supported the holiday work. The full ANC voted in support.

Clinical Health & Wellness Medical Cannabis Shop Update (5A08)

Commissioner Alston (5A08) asked Commissioner Hermes (5A04) to give an update on Clinical Health & Wellness, the medical cannabis retail shop seeking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park. Commissioner Hermes said that the ANC recently filed a motion for stay of the ABCA proceedings while the ANC’s litigation against the ABC Board’s dismissal of ANC 5A’s protest proceeds.

Commissioner Hermes said that the DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG) agrees with ANC 5A’s view that the Board improperly restricted ANC 5A’s right to great weight (my paraphrase). Commissioner Hermes said that the OAG will recommend that the parties settle so that the ANC can submit documentation that will be afforded great weight by ABCA. Commissioner Hermes said that this issue is a problem for ANCs across the city and that Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker will likely have a public hearing about everything that ABCA is doing wrong.

Ward 5 Council Update (Andriana Lovelace, Ward 5 Constituent Services Coordinator for CM Parker)

CM Parker had a Thanksgiving grocery giveaway on November 20.

On November 4, the Council voted to decouple DC’s tax code from federal code in order to preserve revenue. A portion of the expected revenue will go towards funding a child tax credit as a result of a bill amendment introduced by Councilmembers Parker and Frumin.

On November 20, DPR held a Ward 5 capital projects meeting,

ERAP is reopening on November 20 at 9am.

Seniors and people with disabilities may apply for snow shoveling exemption by December 2. The exemption is valid for 2 consecutive snow seasons.

A resident stated that the 24/7 Tobacco & Grocery shop at 4944 South Dakota Avenue NE was caught selling illegal flavored vapes & loose cigarettes from out of state. Chair Lucio asked him to work with Ms. Lovelace and North Michigan Park Civic Association President Carmen Williams on issues regarding the smoke shop.

Catholic University 2027 Campus Plan (5A04)

See Catholic University Preliminary 2027 Campus Plan Presentation to ANC 5A (Nov. 2025).

See Catholic University 2027 Campus Plan Website.

Catholic University officials gave a preliminary presentation on the university’s 2027 Campus Plan, which the university is in the early stages of drafting. They expect to have a DC Zoning Commission hearing in spring 2027. They are engaging early and plan to have frequent engagement with ANC 5A and neighboring ANC 5B. For questions, contact Deborah Natua-Rodriguez at nautarodriguez@cua.edu or Sherry Rutherford at rutherfords@cua.edu.

UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus 9/11 Memorial (5A01) (Juanita Gray, UDC Director of Community Engagement)

UDC Director of Community Engagement Juanita Gray let residents know that the university plans to update the 9/11 memorial that is located near the entrance of UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus. The property previously housed Bertie Backus Middle School. The memorial honors Bertie Backus student Asia Cottom and teacher Sara Clark, who lost their lives in the 9/11 Pentagon attack. The existing memorial is in terrible condition. (Aside: The university mentioned updating the memorial during the 2023 campus plan process).

Ms. Gray said the university wants community involvement in what the new plaque looks like and says, but she did not outline a plan for community engagement. Commissioner Alston (5A08) stated that the Ward 5 Leadership Council has been working on the memorial but did not say exactly what they are doing.

Ms. Gray said that UDC wants to have an updated memorial in time for the university’s 175th anniversary in fall 2026. Commissioner Sellars (5A01) asked if the university could speed up the timeline for replacing the memorial because it has been in terrible condition for a while.

Washington Gas Infrastructure Project (Monica West, Director of Community Engagement & Public Policy, Washington Gas; Hal Khalef, Director of Construction, Washington Gas) 

Monica West, Washington Gas Director of Community Engagement, let residents know that the utility company has a major gas pipeline replacement infrastructure project coming up in April 2026 in the area around Bunker Hill Road NE between 18th & 22nd, Randolph, Shepherd, and Varnum. This area is near but not in ANC 5A, so Washington Gas is letting residents know because residents will be impacted as they travel around. They wanted to start community engagement early. They will return in 2026 with detailed maps and more information.

The project will take eight months to a year. They will coordinate with Pepco and DC Water so that those utility companies can immediately do their work after Washington Gas finishes instead of repaving and then having to dig up the roads again. Washington Gas expects to start in April and Pepco in September. Ms. West stated that Metro may need to temporarily move bus stops when the work begins. All of that will be communicated to residents.

Community Concerns/Commissioner Updates

A resident asked what happened to the plan for McDonald’s to repave the parking lot of Faith United Church. Commissioner Alston (5A08) previously stated that McDonald’s would repave the lot. She said the person from McDonald’s who promised that has left and that McDonald’s did not park vehicles on lot so McDonald’s does not plan to repave the lot.

DDOT is hosting a Ward 5 bikeway plan public meeting on December 9, 2025, at Bunker Hill Elementary (1401 Michigan Avenue NE).

Commissioner Sellars (5A01) noted that he has been working with the National Park Service (NPS) to clean up Fort Circle Park along Sargent Road & Galloway Street NE, which sees frequent dumping. Part of the parkland sits in Commissioner Thomas (5A02) & Commissioner Alston’s (5A08) SMDs, not in ANC 5A01, but Commissioner Sellars has taken the initiative to work with NPS on this. NPS officials, on their own, reached out to the DC National Guard for assistance and Guard members helped to clean up the area as well as Fort Totten Park.

A resident noted that there was dumping in Fort Totten Park along Rock Creek Church Road/Fort Totten Drive NE. This area is ANC 5A07. Commissioner Sellars said he would let NPS know. Commissioner Sellars said he plans to have a cleanup on December 6.

The next ANC meeting will be January 28, 2026. Chair Lucio said the January meeting will mainly focus on ANC business.

.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Monthly Meeting Agenda — Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025: 11/19/2025 at 06:45 pm

Join us In-Person
University of D.C Lamond Riggs Campus 5171 S Dakota Ave NE,Washington, DC 20017

Join us over Zoom
https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/83242634657

Call In Number
Phone: +1(305) 224-1968Password: 83242634657#

One-Tap Mobile
+13052241968,,83242634657#

Agenda

1. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET

2. Quorum

3. Agenda Review/Acceptance

4. Commission Business
a. Minutes from Oct. 22, 2025
b. Annual Report
c. Treasurer’s Report
d. Re-Approving FY 26 Budget
e. Purchase Approvals
f. Creation of a Bylaws Review Committee

5. Commission Action Items/Updates
a. 5A03: Holiday Work from Mundo Verde
b. 5A08: Update on ABCA

6. Community Updates
a. Mayor’s Office
b. Office of the Councilmember Zachary Parker’

7. Reports & Presentations
a. Catholic University Presentation
b. UDC Presentation (Bertie Backus 9/11 Memorial)
c. Farmers Market
d. Dwanda Glenn-Woodward, Washington Gas: Briefing on upcoming infrastructure project that will affect the Bunker Hill area in Spring 2026

8. Community Comment Period

9. Next Meeting
Jan. 28 – Please note this meeting will be primarily Commission Business

10. Adjourn

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, Nov. 19th, 2025 at 6:45 PM

Join us In-Person

University of D.C Lamond Riggs Campus 
5171 S Dakota Ave NE,
Washington, DC 20017

Join us over Zoom

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/83242634657

Call In Number

Phone: +1(305) 224-1968
Password: 83242634657#

One-Tap Mobile

+13052241968,,83242634657# 

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on October 22, 2025. Commissioners present: Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Secretary; Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 is vacant.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Eastern Avenue NE (5A02)

A resident is seeking to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at his home at 4826 Eastern Avenue NE. The resident said the ADU will be used for a family member. The resident needs setback relief from the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA case no. 21364). Commissioner Thomas held an SMD meeting to hear from residents. The ANC voted to support the application for BZA relief. A hearing is scheduled for November 5, 2025.

ANC Resolution Requesting Guidance on MPD Cooperation with Federal Immigration Agents

The ANC voted to support a resolution drafted by Commissioner Sosa Garnica (5A07) in response to disturbing incidents involving federal immigration agents and MPD near DC Bilingual Public Charter School. The school sits in ANC 5A07.

The letter requests clarification on guidance given to MPD around cooperation with federal immigration agents; reaffirmation of individuals’ right to peacefully protest; training for MPD on First Amendment activity; reaffirmation of community policing practices; clear, consistent communication to schools and MPD; and funding, resources, and guidance for schools as they navigate all of this. (I will update the post with a copy of the resolution once it is available).

Daniela Anello, CEO of DC Bilingual, thanked the ANC for taking a public stand and drafting this resolution that will be sent to Mayor Bowser, DCPS, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice, and MPD. A week before the ANC meeting, Ms. Anello addressed Mayor Bowser at a community meeting noting how traumatizing and disturbing it was and continues to be for 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds to witness the violent detainment of individuals outside of the school.

The pastor of Faith United Church noted that the church was holding a community event on October 25 that included a “Know Your Rights” training.

Clinical Health & Wellness Medical Cannabis Shop Update (5A08)

On October 9, 2025, six ANC 5A commissioners filed a lawsuit in the DC Court of Appeals against the ABC Board for the board’s dismissal and handling of ANC 5A’s protest against Clinical Health & Wellness, a medical cannabis retail license applicant seeking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue in North Michigan Park. The property sits in ANC 5A08. The case is Hermes, et al. v. D.C. Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Board, No. 25-AA-0927.

The ABC Board originally dismissed the ANC’s protest due to the ANC’s failure to specify statutory grounds for the protest. The ANC requested reconsideration twice. The board denied reconsideration both times. (See background here).

Commissioner Hermes (5A04), who has been helping Commissioner Alston (5A08) with the protest, explained that the lawsuit argues in part that the Home Rule Act requires that District agencies give great weight to ANCs, and that by dismissing ANC 5A’s protest before a hearing, the board violated the Home Rule Act. (The DC Council passed legislation that permits only abutting property owners/tenants, daycares within 400 feet, and ANCs to protest medical cannabis retail applications, unlike alcohol license applications where a party of 5 or more can file a protest.) They again spell out the notice deficiencies by ABCA. They also requested a stay of the ABCA application proceedings so that ABCA will not be able to approve a license before the lawsuit is resolved.

The ANC also sent a letter to the DC Council about the issue.

Commissioner Alston requested $500 for another protest in front of the shop. An ANC 5A08 resident objected. The ANC supported the request.

DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan Presentation (Nick Kushner, Senior Citywide Planner, DC Office of Planning)

See OP DC 2050 Comp Plan Presentation to ANC 5A (October 2025).

The DC Office of Planning continues to hold community meetings and workshops to gather input for the District’s next Comprehensive Plan, called DC 2050. The Comprehensive Plan guides how the city will grow. There are two upcoming workshops at OP’s offices at 899 North Capitol Street NE:

• November 6 at 6:00 pm
• November 15 at 11:00 am

Providence Campus Redevelopment (5A03) (EYA Executive Vice President Evan Goldman)

See Providence Campus Redevelopment Website

See EYA ANC 5A Providence Presentation (October 2025)

To recap, EYA and Menkiti have teamed up to redevelop the Providence campus. There will be townhomes and apartments. A portion of the homes and apartments will be set aside for income-restricted affordable housing. The existing medical office buildings, parking garage, Carroll Manor nursing home, and the Police & Fire Clinic will remain on the campus.

The development team reached an agreement on the value of the land with the Office of Attorney General for DC (OAG), and $5 million will be held in trust for healthcare services. The team is working with the OAG to set up the trust agreement. The OAG will appoint community members to a board to oversee disposition of the funds. An urgent care facility is proposed to be part of the project.

The team expects to submit planned unit development (PUD) documents to the DC Zoning Commission in early 2026.

The team has not made many design refinements since the spring/summer. They are waiting for lease negotiations between Ventas and Ascension (owner of Providence Hospital) to conclude. Ascension owns the ground lease under the existing medical office buildings owned by Ventas. Part of the reason demolition will be complicated is that the medical buildings and old hospital buildings share utilities, so the team will have to build new utility infrastructure for the existing medical buildings that will remain before tearing down the old hospital buildings.

A resident noted that he and his neighbors near 12th & Buchanan Street NE are paying careful attention to the redevelopment. He told the ANC that residents want to have a transparent process for neighbors to weigh in on the project before the ANC takes any action before the Zoning Commission. He raised a few issues that neighbors are concerned about, such as the existing traffic during morning rush hour that makes it hard for residents on Buchanan to turn onto 12th.

An older resident asked if there would be single level condos available. Mr. Goldman stated that the apartments will be single level and that it is possible that some townhomes may have elevators, but they have not gotten that far in the design process to decide either way.

Chair Lucio noted that developers for the Kennedy School redevelopment at 8th & Buchanan Street NE, expect to finish the renovations for what is called the Conway Education Center by the end of this year. Once the renovations are done, the existing school will be torn down to build townhomes. The property borders the Providence campus so Chair Lucio has been working with the different development teams to collaborate on the green spaces between the two properties.

Office of Campaign Finance Presentation (Kalvanetta Peete, OCF)

The DC Office of Campaign Finance gave a presentation on campaign finance rules and the Fair Election Program (public campaign finance program). Criteria and reporting requirements for the FEP are on OCF’s website.

Ms. Peete also noted that ANC candidates have to file a summary financial statement within 60 days of election certification regardless of whether they have any campaign expenses.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Christian Starghill, Ward 5 MOCR)

Former Ward 5 MOCR Manager Anthony Black was recently promoted and is serving in a new role with the mayor’s office.

The mayor’s office has brought on new liaisons for faith institutions and the business community. Mariah Coilton, the faith institution liaison, can be reached at mariah.coilton@dc.gov.

Ward 5 rolloff day was October 25 at Trinidad Rec.

Leaf collection will begin November 3, 2025, and end February 7, 2026.

There are changes coming up to Medicaid. For questions, contact the public benefit call center at (202) 727-7355.

Federal workers impacted by furloughs/layoffs can find resources at fedsupport.dc.gov.

Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

The next Ward 5 public safety call is on October 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Register for zoom info at ward5.us/publicsafety.

The Ward 5 DC Department of Housing & Community Development listening session has been rescheduled for November 3 at 6:00pm.

Councilmember Parker has introduced a 16-bill policy package to foster youth wellbeing in DC.

CM Parker is working on a letter to ABCA regarding ABCA’s handling of ANC 5A’s protest against Clinical Health & Wellness.

Miscellaneous

A resident asked if the ANC could inquire with DPW about the reason for delays with trash/recycling pickup. DPW notified ANC commissioners that there would be delays the past couple of weeks, but the ANC did not share that information with residents.

Irene Stephens is the Ward 5 representative to the WMATA (Metro) Advisory Council. She can be reached at irenestephens2011@gmail.com.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A MONTHLY MEETING – OCTOBER 22 2025: 10/22/2025 at 06:45 pm

Join us In-Person

University of D.C Lamond Riggs Campus 
5171 South Dakota Avene NE
Washington, DC 20017

Join us over Zoom

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/83242634657

Call In Number

Phone: +1(305) 224-1968
Password: 83242634657#

One-Tap Mobile

+13052241968,,83242634657# 

The Commissioners will be meeting in-person. On Zoom, Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first. Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.

Agenda 

• Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET
• Quorum  
• Agenda Review/Acceptance 
• Commission Business
  • Minutes from Sept. 24, 2025
  • Treasurer’s Report QFR 4
• Commission Action Items/Updates
  • 5A02: BZA Case 21364 4826 Eastern Ave NE
  • 5A07: Resolution for the support of the safety of our schools 
  • 5A08: Update on ABCA
    • District Court of Appeals Petition for review
    • Letter to City Council
    • Protest Funds Request
• Reports & Presentations
  • 5A03: Evan Goldman, Providence Hospital Development Update
  • Alex Freedman, DC Office of Planning — DC 2025
  • Deloris K. Ramsey (Supervisory Training Officer) from the Office of Campaign Finance, DC Board of Elections

• Community Comment Period
• Announcements
• Next Meeting – November 19th (Note: changed due to Thanksgiving)
• Adjourn 

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on September 24, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Secretary; Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 is vacant.

(This meeting was a hybrid meeting, the first time the ANC met in person since the pandemic. The ANC did a great job conducting a hybrid meeting for the first time. Shout out to Neighbor Aaron who volunteered to help the ANC with the tech).

ANC Business

The ANC approved its FY2026 budget though they did not present a draft budget for resident review beforehand.

The ANC approved changing the November meeting date to November 19 to avoid conflict with the Thanksgiving holiday.

701 Jefferson Street NE ADU (5A01)

The ANC voted to support relief for a resident to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on top of an existing garage at her home at 701 Jefferson Street NE. The resident needs relief from side yard, alley, and public street requirements by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) (BZA case no. 21365). The resident stated that she intends to use the ADU for people needed temporary housing, like traveling nurses, and not for AirBnB. The ADU will have siding exterior. The existing garage is made of brick.

Commissioner Sellars held a single member district meeting and spoke with neighbors on the block, who did not object, before recommending that the ANC support the resident’s application for relief. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for November 5, 2025.

Boys Town Campus Redevelopment (5A02) (Teddy Swift, Urban Atlantic)

The DC Office of Planning (OP) issued its final Large Tract Review report for Urban Atlantic’s redevelopment of the Boys Town campus at 4801 Sargent Road NE. I obtained a copy after the meeting.

See OP Boys Town Large Tract Review Final Report (September 2025).

The developer Urban Atlantic held a couple of meetings in September, one with North Michigan Park Civic Association and one with ANC Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02) where OP was present.

See Boys Town Presentation to North Michigan Park Civic Association (September 2025).

There will be 166 semi-detached homes, 17 of which will be set aside for below market price sale (called inclusionary zoning or IZ homes). The homes will be developed in phases. The 8,000 square foot building in the center of the campus (referred to as the 1928 Building) will remain. Urban Atlantic plans to sell the building eventually for some undetermined use. They are working with DC’s Historic Preservation Office to evaluate historic designation of the building.

Now that OP has issued its report, the developer will move forward with schematic design and submitting the plan for subdivision. They have committed to studying a second exit for the property, but they said that it would have to be on Sargent and not at the rear of the property as some neighbors have suggested, because the topography of the alley to Delafield would make constructing a connection at the rear of the property cost prohibitive.

A couple of commissioners, including Chair Lucio, asked the team to set aside more than 17 IZ homes because there is a high need for more affordable housing.

For some reason, the ANC did not submit a formal report to OP for the LTR process. The ANC previously took a vote in June to approve “the concept” of the plan before Urban Atlantic submitted its LTR application and before residents had a chance to engage with the plans. The resolution noted that the plan would include 17 IZ homes. Commissioner Thomas said the ANC will submit something related to community benefits at some point.

801 Buchanan Street NE Kennedy School Development Temporary Road Closure (5A03)

The development team behind the Kennedy School redevelopment will need to close a small section of Buchanan Street NE between 8th and 10th streets Monday through Friday during the day to do utility work in the street. The closure is expected to start on September 29, 2025, and last five weeks. Residents will not be able to park in that section during construction hours but the road will be open during evening hours and on weekends. The ANC voted to support the temporary road closure.

1 Hawaii Avenue Update (5A06)

The 1 Hawaii Avenue development team is still looking at completion and first move-ins by February 2026. They will be working holidays and Saturdays but will limit their loud work to the hours of 9-5. Commissioner Holloway said residents support the holiday work because the displaced residents, including a number of seniors, are eager for the project to finish to return to a new building.

McDonald’s Rebuilding Update (5A08)

Before giving an update on the McDonald’s rebuilding, Commissioner Alston gave public appreciation to neighbors Bill Smith and Sabooh Hikim for cleaning up the space around the Faith United Church and the strip mall and getting the trees trimmed along South Dakota Avenue in front of the church.

Chair Lucio read the construction update. McDonald’s has restarted pest control for rodents around the property. They cut the trees hanging over the church property. They anticipate beginning work in the street soon. They are aiming to reopen by Thanksgiving this year.

A resident asked if McDonald’s needs ANC support before closing the street on Delafield because McDonald’s recently put up “No Parking” signs backdated to August. Commissioner Alston said she would find out.

In response to a question, Chair Lucio said that McDonald’s will retain three curb cuts on South Dakota. (Note: I do not know if this is accurate).

Chair Lucio will begin sending out the construction updates that Commissioner Alston has not been sending out.

Clinical Health & Wellness Medical Cannabis Shop Update (5A08)

Commissioner Hermes has been helping Commissioner Alston with the medical cannabis shop protest so he provided the update. Clinical Health & Wellness is looking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE. The ABCA Board denied the ANC’s motion to reconsider the Board’s dismissal of the ANC’s protest petition. The ANC said something about sending a letter to CM Parker and maybe seeking further legal review. Chair Lucio said the ANC has spent about $3,000 on legal fees so far. Fees to date are being covered by a technical assistance grant that the ANC received from the Office of ANCs.

Commissioner Alston said they will have another protest in front of the store. A resident stated that another physical protest seems pointless when it is the landlord who keeps leasing to undesirable tenants.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report

No one from the mayor’s office office attended to provide a report.

Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

The Office of CM Parker put on a great Ward 5 Day celebration on September 20. Ms. Lovelace thanked Chair Lucio for coordinating the youth entrepreneurship fair at the celebration for the second year in a row.

The Council recently took final votes to approve the RFK stadium deal and the RENTAL Act. Details are in CM Parker’s newsletter.

The DC Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) cancelled a listening session at the last minute. CM Parker’s office will notify residents when a new session is scheduled.

Social Housing Bill

Metro DC DSA returned to give another presentation on a social housing bill that has been reintroduced in the DC Council (B26-0202). The bill would establish an Office of Social Housing Developments to administer the construction of mixed-income housing that would be owned by the District. The group gave essentially the same presentation in November 2024.

Miscellaneous

The ANC continues to disburse grant funds without having an up-to-date application/guidelines on the ANC’s website. The application/guidelines on the website outline a max award of $2,500. This year, the ANC has given out at least two grants in excess of that amount, one for $10,000 and one for $7,000. Also, the ANC stated that restrictions on using grant funds for food and entertainment have been revised.

Commissioner Updates

Commissioner Sellars (5A01) stated that the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association development task force has scheduled a meeting with National Park Service. (After the meeting, I learned that the original date of October 16 will likely be changed due to a scheduling conflict).

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Sept. 2025 Monthly Meeting: 09/24/2025 at 06:45 pm

In-Person Location:
University of D.C Lamond Riggs Campus
5171 S Dakota Ave NE,
Washington, DC 20017

Zoom Link: https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/83242634657

Agenda

1. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET

2. Quorum

3. Agenda Review/Acceptance

4. Commission Business
Minutes from June 25, 2025
Minutes from Special Meeting from Sept. 4, 2025
Treasurer Report
FY 26 Budget
3rd Quarter Financial report
Discussion of Grant Guidelines

5. Commission Action Items/Updates
One Hawaii Ave Project (BZA 2050765-85)
McDonald’s (update from canceled July Meeting)
Clinical Solutions, Inc. ABCA Case No. 24-ULC-00073 4942 South Dakota Avenue
Letter to Councilmember Zachary Parker on ABCA Issue
Conway Education Center Temporary Road Closure Letter of Support
Large Tract Review Application/CBA – 4801 Sargent Road NE Boystown
701 Jefferson St NE (BZA 21365)

6. Community Updates
Mayor Bowser’s Office
Councilmember Parker’s Office

7. Reports & Presentations
Metro DSA — Connor Laughland to present an update on Council Bill 260202

8. Community Comment Period

9. Next Meeting

10. Adjourn

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Special Meeting September 2025: 09/04/2025 at 05:00 pm

ANC 5A Special Meeting
Thursday, September 4, 2025 5:00 pm
VIRTUAL ONLY

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85768532161?pwd=UfSFnEvGzQqirhlVFgffdQzenHf19j.1

Meeting ID: 857 6853 2161
Passcode: 629755
Call in1 301 715 8592   

Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first.  Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.

AGENDA

I.    Call Meeting to Order 5:00 pm
II.    Quorum  
III. Discussion on proposed resolution Condemning Federal Overreach
VII.   Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
VIII.    Adjourn