Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first. Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.
Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.
Due to unforeseen circumstances our Executive meeting was cancelled last minute. We apologize for not sending out a cancellation note in time. These meetings are non-voting meetings and are held for the purpose of coordination between Commissioners. We appreciate your grace and understanding and will aim to communicate in a more timely manner.
Agenda
Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET
Quorum
Agenda Review/Acceptance
Commission Business
Approval of Minutes from April 22, 2026
Treasurer’s Report
Addendum to approval the extension of the Eyeth Studios contract until January 31, 2027
Contract for financial reporting and grant management contractor
Commission Action Items
Future Land Use Map 5A Comment
DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan Committee Updates
5A/5B Joint Committee on Taylor St. Bike Lands Updates
5A03: Motion to support the construction of of some of the townhomes to a maximum height of 43 feet, which exceeds the 40 foot maximum height otherwise permitted in the RA-1 zone for 801 Buchanan Street NE
This meeting is planned as an Open Meeting, but not a Public Meeting, so no agenda or voting is scheduled. The meeting will be recorded and a URL to the recording will be provided within 7 days of the meeting date.
[Ed. Note: The ANC did not send out an agenda for this meeting but I have been told that the meeting will focus on the draft Future Land Use Map changes for North Michigan Park.]
From ANC 5A
Topic: SMD 5A09 Meeting
Time: May 14, 2026, 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on April 22, 2026. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Jack Hermes (5A04) – Vice Chair & Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnia (5A07) – Chair; Elaine Alston (5A08) – Secretary; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.
Commission Business
Chair Soca Garnica stated the ANC signed a communications contract with an individual to work up to 10 hours/week for the ANC to do things like update the website, send out the newsletter, etc. I did not hear or follow everything about this contract. Commissioner Alston asked if the ANC could also have someone sit in the ANC office 20 hours/week to answer phones. Sounded like that is not something the ANC will do.
Boys Town (5A02)
Commissioner Lucio (5A03) moved and the ANC supported an amendment to the ANC’s letter of support for the Boys Town public space application. The ANC does not support DDOT’s request to install flex posts at South Dakota Avenue and Crittenden Street NE.
DC 2050 Committee
The ANC’s DC 2050 (Comprehensive Plan rewrite) committee will be chaired by Commissioners Sellars (5A01) and Dyanna Weston (5A05). They did not share any updates.
Commissioner Updates
5A03
Commissioner Lucio (5A03) stated that DC Office of Planning (OP) will present at North Michigan Park Civic Association’s next meeting on May 6 and encouraged residents to attend that meeting.
5A04
Commissioner Hermes (5A04) stated that he planned to submit comments for just his single member district on OP’s draft Future Land Use Map (FLUM) to Councilmember Zachary Parker’s office or the Office of Planning (could not really hear). That led to other Commissioner Lucio and others commissioners stating that the ANC should submit a letter from the ANC as a whole in order to get great weight. Sounded like Commissioner Hermes agreed to draft the letter for the ANC. Unclear if residents will have the opportunity to see the letter and weigh in beforehand.
Commissioner Lucio reminded residents that there is an ANC 5A/5B Taylor Street Bike Lane joint committee for the Taylor Street bike lane project. A resident asked the ANC to form just a 5A committee, stating that ANC 5B supports bike lanes. Commissioner Lucio and Chair Sosa Garnica noted that the ANC voted some time ago to create the joint committee and that it is up to 5A commissioners to join that committee to represent 5A interests.
5A09
Commissioner Bocoum (5A09) stated that she and Commissioner Sellars (5A01) met with city officials to review the art installation proposals for the new Riggs & South Dakota Park.
5A01
Commissioner Sellars stated that he is working to have a walkthrough on Riggs Road with District officials to address the gravel that has been in the cycletrack since it was constructed, the constant bird mess on the sidewalk, and the lack of lighting under the bridge.
NPS has cut the grass at Fort Circle Park and DPW has cut the grass at the green space on South Dakota & Riggs.
Commissioner Sellars stated that he continues to work with UDC on a new 9/11 memorial at the Lamond-Riggs campus. At that point he invited UDC’s community engagement director Juanita Gray to give updates.
Ms. Gray stated that the old 9/11 memorial has been removed and given to DCPS archives for preservation. UDC President Maurice Edington has been given the mockup for the new memorial and they are just waiting for his approval and signature. Once they get the signoff, it should take about 6-8 weeks to arrive.
UDC is working with Events DC on an embassy tour at the student center on May 2.
The ANC hopes to have President Edington at the ANC’s May meeting to discuss the Lamond-Riggs campus.
5A08
Commissioner Alston (5A08) thanked Faith United Church for holding a mobile market every month and for the foot clinic held earlier this month. I could not hear or follow everything she said after that point. Sounded like some discussion about the lights in the McDonald’s parking lot. McDonald’s said they do not and will not keep the lights on 24/7. Also sounded like McDonald’s has told its employees not to park in the lot while they are at work. Later on in the meeting, a resident asked Commissioner Alston to clarify because residents would rather have employees park in the parking lot rather than on the street all day in front of residents’ homes.
5A04
Commissioner Hermes (5A04) stated that Catholic wants to present at the next ANC meeting about the Marist Hall historic preservation issue as well as the 2027 campus plan process.
DC Office of Campaign Finance (Kalvanetta Peete, OCF)
Ward 5 MOCR Lacy Davis stated Mayor Bowser has submitted her budget proposal. At budget.dc.gov, you can see Ward 5 highlights (and highlights for other wards). Citywide spring clean events took place April 25. Mr. Davis recognized resident Bill Smith for his efforts cleaning up the lots by Faith United Church.
Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)
Budget oversight hearings began April 20. Regarding OP’s draft FLUM, CM Parker stated that he appreciates opportunities along Rhode Island Avenue NE but has concern about continued concentration of industrial uses in Ward 5.
Metro held a bus town hall at Metro headquarters on April 28.
MPD’s 5th District has a new foot beat initiative and they are asking residents for input on where they should patrol by foot.
Commissioner Alston asked for an update on the dispensary seeking to locate near the McDonald’s on South Dakota Avenue. Ms. Lovelace said she will get an update and report back.
Motion to designate the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) as the sole agent for 5A solely for the purpose of completing the initial setup, account registration, and 3-year renewal of your supplier profile in the District’s DIFS and PASS systems. Including the Automated Clearing House (ACH) Direct Deposit Authorization Form.
Motion to approve AV/Communications Contract
Commission Action Items/Updates
Motion to amend letter for Boystown Public Space
DC 2050 Committee (co-chairs Keith Sellars 5A01 and Dyanna Weston 5A05)
Taylor Street Joint Committee
Reports & Presentations
The Office of Campaign Finance will give a brief presentation on the Agency’s Campaign Finance Programs.
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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 ANC Commissioners Keith Sellars (5A01), Danielle Geong (4B09), and the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association for a neighborhood clean up along Eastern Avenue NE!
Date: December 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Check-in locations:
Galloway Street & Sargent Road NE by the Michigan Park Commons Apartments
South Dakota Avenue & Kennedy Street NE by the Lamond-Riggs Library
Gloves, trash bags, and grabbers will be provided.
For questions, contact Commissioner Sellars at 5A01@anc.dc.gov.
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
ANC 5A FY2026 budget.
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 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.
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.
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
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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).
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
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
