ANC 5A Public Meeting
August 22, 2018
6:45 pm
UDC Backus
5171 South Dakota Avenue NE

This Month’s Meeting Agenda – 
1. Office of Muriel Bowser, Mayor
2. Office of Kenyan McDuffie, Ward Five Councilman
3. ABRA Application – “Tasting Endorsement” – Pax Liquor, Inc. (4944 South Dakota Ave. NE)
4. BZA Application No. 19833 – 5048 11th Street NE
5. Update – Art Place at Fort Totten

ANC 5A Public Meeting

August 1, 2018
6:45 pm
UDC-CC Backus (5171 South Dakota Avenue NE)

Agenda:
1. Office of Muriel Bowser, Mayor
2. Office of Kenyan McDuffie, Ward Five Councilman
3. Art Place at Ft. Totten – Next Phase of Development
4. Update Re: ABRA Application – 4Seasons Convenience Store
5. Resignation – Commissioner Cofield-Lynch, SMD 5A03
6. Update – Providence Hospital
7. Zoning Change/Recommendations

ANC 5A Special Meeting
May 18, 2018
6:45 pm
Location: UDC Backus, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE
Agenda: 4 Seasons Convenience Store ABRA License
4 Seasons is located at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park

ANC 5A sent notice last night of tonight’s meeting at 6:45 pm at UDC-CC Backus, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE. For those interested, the Four Seasons ABRA Class B license application is on the agenda. Four Seasons is located in North Michigan Park at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE. DPR is also scheduled to be at the meeting.

See the meeting notice here.

ANC 5A will hold a special meeting on April 3 at 6:45 pm at UDC-CC Backus.

From the meeting notice:

“On Tuesday, April 3, ANC 5A will have a special meeting with the Office of Planning to discuss the MIRV Holdings – Application for Zoning Map Amendment and Consideration of the Proposed Resolution in support of budget priorities and full funding for the Operational and Capital Modernization needs.”

On February 28, 2018, ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting.

Commissioners present: Frank Wilds (5A01); Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03); Isaiah Burroughs (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); A. Jamaal Lampkin (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon-Andrew Fletcher (5A08).

ANC 5A Treasurer Sandi Washington (5A07) presented the financial report. The ANC has a balance of approximately $33,424.

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie was a special guest at the meeting. He let residents know that the council will receive the mayor’s budget on March 21. After that, the council will hold budget oversight hearings.

The council received the amendments to the Framework element of DC’s Comprehensive Plan in January. Council Chair Phil Mendelson will hold a hearing on the amendments on March 20. Councilmember McDuffie said he would like the Comp Plan to emphasize affordability and that he does not want to see residents displaced. He mentioned a bill he introduced that is now law that requires 20% affordable housing (<50% median family income) in projects developed from the disposition of public land (30% affordability if located within half mile of metro station). He is also responsible for a law that requires that for DC government funded multifamily projects, the District must use the DC median income rather than the DC metro area median family income for affordability guidelines. DC’s median income is much lower than the median income for the metro area, approximately $75,000 versus $110,000.

DC Board of Ethics & Government Accountability

The general counsel and the director of DC’s Board of Ethics and Government Accountability provided an overview of the District agency, which governs the conduct of DC’s 33,000 employees. The board can impose fines of up to $5,000 per violation. Individuals can file complaints with BEGA. See BEGA’s presentation here: BEGA Presentation (pdf)

Lamond-Riggs Library

Robert Oliver, President of the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends, presented results of the survey the group distributed last year regarding the rebuilding of the Lamond-Riggs Library. The group received nearly 200 responses. The highest response rate was from Lamond-Riggs and North Michigan Park residents. DC Public Library will conduct its own survey and public engagement after a design team is selected. See LRLF’s entire survey results here: LRLF Survey Results (pdf).

Although the library sits in the SMD of Commissioner Frank Wilds (5A01), the commissioners decided that Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) will be the ANC’s representative on the library’s rebuilding advisory committee.

Marriott (Michigan Avenue & Irving Street NE)

See presentation with timeline and benefits here: Marriott ANC 5A Presentation February 2018 (pdf)

Recall that the Marriott Hotel development team now plans to apply for a zoning map amendment to build mixed-use moderate-density commercial and medium-density residential by right, rather than pursue a PUD as originally envisioned. Although the developer is no longer pursuing a PUD, it said it will honor the benefits negotiated under the original PUD agreement. The developer anticipates having its zoning map amendment hearing in April, hotel construction beginning in first quarter 2019, and hotel opening in 2021.

The issue of whether the team can build residential on the site has still not been resolved. The ground lease for the site (which sits on federal property) permits hotel and “other compatible uses” at the site. The development team is working with District officials and Congresswoman Eleanore Holmes Norton’s office to ask GSA to reconsider the agency’s interpretation that residential development is not a compatible use with a hotel. See this post for previous discussion of that issue.

ANC 5A Chair Ronnie Edwards (5A05) said the ANC will hold a special meeting before its scheduled March meeting in order to have DDOT discuss traffic impacts considering other development being planned, such as the anticipated Armed Forces Retirement Home development project. The Marriott development team is proposing to reconfigure the Irving Street/Michigan Avenue intersection to a more standard T-intersection. DDOT also wants to add bike lanes to Irving. These efforts are intended to slow down speeding traffic and make the area more pedestrian-friendly.

Armed Forces Retirement Home

The Armed Forces Retirement Home is trying once again to develop roughly 80 acres of its property. Developer interest is said to be very strong. AFRH will hold an industry forum regarding a solicitation for proposals on March 19.

ANC 5A Website

Commissioner Fletcher and Commissioner Isaiah Burroughs (5A04) are making final updates to ANC 5A’s new website – http://www.dcanc5a.org. They still need to upload the correct ANC 5A map and the ANC’s resolutions to the site. If you have any suggested changes, let them know.

NEAR Act Implementation

Katie Beckman-Gotrich once again asked the ANC for a resolution to support full implementation of the NEAR Act. Ward 5 MOCR Lionell Gaines provided a handout on the status of the Act’s implementation. See NEAR Act Implementation (pdf)

Mayor’s Report

Mr. Gaines asked residents to continue advocating for preservation of DCTAG funding. He also provided Mayor Bowser’s three-year accountability report.

Miscellaneous

National Park Service has let ANC 5A know that preliminary results from testing conducted in Fort Totten Park show no hazardous conditions or contaminants. Recall NPS decided to do this testing after belatedly learning that Metro used soil from Spring Valley, a superfund site, to remediate the parkland after using the property for staging during green line construction.

UDC is requesting additional funding from District government. According to UDC, its funding accounts for 1.1% of DC’s budget, whereas colleges in Maryland and Virginia receive a larger percentage of state funding, 4.5% and 3.3% respectively. UDC is conducting forums to promote its equal funding campaign. The next forum will be on April 2, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.

The DC Attorney General’s office was listed on the agenda, but they did not show. This meeting was held at Trinity University, so it is not clear if representatives from the office went to ANC 5A’s usual meeting location at UDC-CC Backus by mistake.

The next ANC 5A meeting will be on March 28 at Carroll Manor, Providence Hospital, 1150 Varnum Street NE.

Tonight’s ANC 5A meeting will take place at Trinity University, Rose Parlor, 125 Michigan Avenue NE at 6:45 pm.

Guests

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie
Office of DC Attorney General Karl Racine

Agenda

Development plans at Armed Forces Retirement Home
Zoning Map Amendment – Marriott Hotel
Lamond-Riggs Library Survey

On January 24, 2018, ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting.

Commissioners present: Frank Wilds (5A01); Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); A. Jamaal Lampkin (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon-Andrew Fletcher (5A08).

The commissioners approved participating in the ANC security fund and tabled discussion of the budget and financial report.

ANC 5A Calendar

ANC 5A Chair Ronnie Edwards prepared a calendar of the remaining ANC 5A meetings and their locations. The ANC will hold its meetings in different locations based on the focus of each meeting. The next meeting will be on February 28 at Trinity University. The meeting will focus on the Brookland post office, the Marriott hotel proposal for Michigan Avenue and Irving Street NE, and Providence’s health village concept.

See ANC 5A 2017-2018 Meeting Schedule and Location (pdf)

MPD PSA 405 Report by MPD Sector II Captain Brian Bray

Captain Brian Bray is fairly new to the PSA. Violent crimes are down 23% from 2016 to 2017. Thefts from autos and stolen autos continue to be the big problems in PSA 405. Repeated advice: Do not leave items visible in cars and do not warm up cars unattended. Note that many of the thefts from cars take place at Providence Hospital, which is in PSA 405. Cpt. Bray is requesting more patrol officers because officers get tied up with calls for Providence Hospital and Washington Hospital Center. Not sure if there is any correlation between the closure of the psychiatric ward at Providence last year and the increase in police calls for individuals that appear to be having mental health episodes, but the captain did note that officers are being called to Providence more frequently for assistance with these types of cases.

Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) noted that more patrols are needed around the Fort Totten metro area and that additional lighting is needed for the path by the Mamie D. Lee garden and the complex with Briya Bridges and Mary’s Center. Apparently there was more lighting on the path before, but the lighting was removed because the path is in a park, which technically closes at dark.

Providence Health Village

The ANC meeting was held at Carroll Manor, part of the Providence Hospital campus, to give residents close to the hospital the chance to come to a closer location to discuss Providence’s new health village concept. Much of the information presented by Providence VP and Chief Strategy Officer Ruth Pollard at last night’s meeting was presented at community conversations the hospital held last year, but this is the first time ANC 5A has held a full ANC meeting on the topic. Providence sits in ANC 5A.

Providence is part of Ascension Health, a Catholic health system. According to Ms. Pollard, Providence is the longest continuing operating hospital in DC and the Ascension health network. All that to say it has a long history in DC and in the neighborhood where it is located, so Ms. Pollard stressed that Providence is not closing and it is not looking to completely change the look of the campus. The hospital has stopped offering certain services and will probably wind down others, but there will still be a hospital and the hospital will continue to anchor whatever comes of the health village concept.

Ms. Pollard said the way health care is delivered is changing and therefore Providence is making operational and facility improvements to adjust to those changes. Hence the health village concept–shifting from a focus on sick care to creating a community to keep people out of the hospital with a focus on outpatient, preventing care, and health-related services. Ms. Pollard said the hospital does not have any pre-formed ideas of what the health village will include, but ideas include a fitness center and a healthy food grocery store. One idea raised at previous community meetings was affordable assisted living housing, which apparently is lacking in DC. As of right now, they do not plan development of condos, townhomes, and such.

Providence plans to issue an RFP for a local contractor to help flesh out the health village concept likely some time in February. Around the same time, the hospital plans to develop a dedicated webpage for this project. They anticipate a year of planning during which time they will seek community input. They believe it will be about three to five years before anything actually starts being constructed.

Ms. Pollard said the Providence team (or maybe more accurately Ascension team, which seems to be the one driving decisions) visited Union Village in Henderson, Nevada for ideas. So check out the website for an idea of what one health village concept looks like, but keep in mind that the 150-acre Union Village is massive compared to Providence’s 30-35 acre campus. And Union Village contains market-rate housing, which Ms. Pollard said is not being planned for Providence.

There was some discussion about how the ANC needs to get information to their constituents about this project. The ANC still does not have a fully developed website (more on that later) and there does seem to be a little disagreement about how proactive the commissioners should be in informing constituents about matters. But it would be a good idea for the commissioners to visit the civic associations in their SMDs to provide updates. Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) is usually pretty good about doing this for Riggs Park.

Councilmember McDuffie’s short-term rental and affordable housing bill

Marie Johns, managing member of the firm Leftwich LLC, encouraged residents to support McDuffie’s bill regulating short-term rentals in the city. The firm was retained by the hotel industry to lobby on the bill.

Ward 5 Warriors grant

The ANC gave $5,000 to the Ward 5 Warriors to support their trip to Walt Disney for the Pop Warner championship. The team lost in the first round but won a consolation game. Turns out grant money for trips outside of DC might not be authorized under law. The ANC is waiting for a ruling from the ANC Office. If it turns out the money was spent on an unauthorized purpose, then that money could be deducted from the ANC’s next allotment.

ANC 5A website

Commissioners Gordon Fletcher (5A08) and Isaiah Burroughs (5A04) will submit the final edits for ANC 5A’s website to the web designer. The ANC agreed to pay $375, half of the payment, now and tender the balance when the edits are done. If you have any recommended changes, let Commissioners Fletcher and Burroughs know. One that they should already be aware of is putting up the correct ANC 5A map. The map on the old website at anc5a.org is correct, but the map on the new site at dcanc5a.org is incorrect. Commissioner Fletcher said the site will be ready by the next ANC meeting on February 28.

Council Report by Chanell Autrey

Agency performance oversight hearings will take place February 7 through March 9. See DC Agency Performance Oversight Hearing Schedule FY 2017-2018 (pdf)

Budget hearings will take place at the end of March.

Mayor’s Office Report by Ward 5 MOCR Lionell Gaines

• Home for the Holidays campaign: 242 residents moved into new homes
• Vacant to Vibrant initiative: 35 sites bid on for development of workforce and affordable housing
• ANC resolution on green space at South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE: Green space will be preserved and will not be developed, but it will not be transferred to DPR for a park.

Wells Fargo Divestment Campaign

The ANC continued to table taking up a resolution in support of a campaign to encourage District government to divest from Wells Fargo because of ties to the Dakota Access and Keystone pipelines, fossil fuels, predatory lending, and the prison industrial complex. We previously wrote about the campaign in this recap. Mr. Gaines noted that Councilmember Jack Evans said District officials take the issue seriously and will evaluate the contract at the appropriate time. It is the council (Committee on Finance & Revenue) that would have to take action.

Miscellaneous

David Krucoff spoke for a few minutes about his Douglass County, Maryland campaign, which advocates for retrocession of Washington, DC to Maryland.

Jeremiah Lowery is a Democratic candidate for At-large Council. He is running on a campaign of high quality affordable childcare, lower utility bills by switching to clean energy, and affordable housing.

From ANC 5A
—
Location Change

ANC 5A Montly Meeting
Wednesday, January 24, 2017
6:45 PM
Carroll Manor Skilled Nursing Home
1150 Varnum Street NE (Rear of Providence Hospital)
Washington, DC 20017

Hello ANC 5A Residents

This is a followup reminder about our upcoming Monthly Meeting.  The Meeting will be hosted in 5A03.

SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS (in addition to regular business)

Election of Officers

Providence Hospital – “New Health Village”

Michigan Avenue/Irving Street Marriott Hotel & Convention Center  – Proposed Zoning Map Amendment

Airbnb Update and Consideration

Update – re:  Grant approved for Ward 5 Warriors

Approval of 2018  ANC Security Fund Participation & Fee

WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!  Please share information with your neighbors.  Bring a 5A resident to the meeting.

ANC 5A Monthly Meeting Recap

Guest post

On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, ANC 5A held the first monthly community meeting of its 2017-2018 meeting schedule. Below are highlights from that meeting.

ANC 5A Administration

• The September 2017 monthly community meeting, which was held at the Backus Campus of UDC’s Community College, was called to order at 6:58 p.m. All Commissioners attended; the minutes of the June 14, 2017 monthly community meeting were not yet available for the Commissioners’ review and approval.
• The ANC unanimously approved ANC 5A Treasurer Sandi Washington’s (5A07) request for approval of the ANC’s 3rd-quarter FY 2017 financial report.
• The ANC unanimously adopted Commissioner Gordon Fletcher’s (5A08) resolution regarding the vacant land on the southwest corner of the intersection of Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue, NE. The Commission wants ownership of the land to be transferred from DDOT to DPR for the purpose of converting the land into a DPR-managed public park of some sort (specifics as to type-of-park to be determined much later). Currently, the land — which borders the east side of the Food and Friends facility — is a multi-acre leftover green space that resulted when highway-style ramps were removed from the Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue intersection in 2011.

Ward 5 Activities

Laisha T. Dougherty, Staff Assistant for Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office, reported on the Councilmember’s numerous legislative efforts as follows:

• DC Council Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017 on Legislation to Honor Historic Contributions of Native Washingtonians of Color and Women:

In June, Councilmember McDuffie introduced “The Charles Hamilton Houston and Other Diverse Washingtonians Commemorative Works Amendment Act of 2017,” (B22-0346) a bill to direct the Commemorative Works Commission to erect statues in each of the City’s eight wards that: (a) highlight native Washingtonians who are women and minorities, and (b) allow the Council itself to sponsor a commemorative work on public space in the District. The bill identifies legal scholar Charles Hamilton Houston as the first Washingtonian to be honored with a memorial statue. The bill is designed to memorialize seminal native Washingtonians, educate residents and visitors about them, honor their legacy, and increase representation of native Washingtonian women and minority historical figures lauded throughout the city. If you are unable to testify at the October 5th hearing, written statements received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2017, will be made a part of the official record.

• The Proper Planning for Future Growth Act of 2017 (written testimony deadline is October 9, 2017):

In March, Councilmember McDuffie introduced the “The Proper Planning for Future Growth Act of 2017” (B22-0181) to proactively plan for transportation growth needs by ward in DC. The legislation will require DC to produced a biennial report analyzing each ward’s current transportation infrastructure and future needs. On September 25, 2017, the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a hearing on the proposed bill. The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be considered by all 13 members of the DC Council.If you were unable to testify at the September 25th hearing, written statements received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2017 will be made a part of the official record.

• Managing Outdoor Work for Seniors Act (M.O.W.S. Act) (B22-0235) – Hearing October 5, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

This bill would create a program to provide landscaping services to senior residents. Testimony submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 19, 2017, will be part of the official record.

Reclaiming Our Community —  Ms. Dougherty said that in light of recent tragic murders in Ward 5, Councilmember McDuffie and other community leaders will hold a “Reclaiming Our Community” event at 8:00 pm on Friday, September 29 in the Brentwood park at 13th and Downing Streets, NE (the location of Zaire Kelly’s murder). Ms. Dougherty said that the event, which includes a press conference and a peace walk, will end with a “Sleep Out For Peace, Solidarity, & Solutions.”

Police Service Area (PSA) 405

MPD Fourth District’s Lt. Ashley Rosenthal presented her quarterly report on PSA 405. See PSA 405 crime statistics for the past 30 days and year-to-date: PSA 405 September 2017 Crime Stats

Community Outreach — Some of the recent property thefts are the result of youth stealing snacks from the 7-11 store. If you are interested in setting up a forum at which Lt. Rosenthal and youth can talk about MPD and community policing, please contact her (email: ashley.rosenthal@dc.gov; office number: (202) 730-0606).

In August, PSA 405 held a “Meet ‘n’ Greet” at the park shelter across the street from the 1000 block of Galloway Street, NE providing an opportunity for residents and officers to mingle. The officers patrolling PSA 405 during the day and evening tour of duties dropped by to meet informally with residents. Lt. Rosenthal said that a “hot-chocolate” meet-and-greet event is being planned.

Reminders — MPD has numerous safety and crime-prevention brochures available for download from its website. Lt. Rosenthal made a number of suggestions about reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime, and about taking precautions to ensure physical safety. Tips include:

• Don’t leave stuff visible in your car.
  As per MPD’s brochure titled “Protecting Your Vehicle”: “Theft from auto is strictly a crime of opportunity that can be prevented if you take away the opportunity. Thieves generally won’t waste their time breaking into autos that don’t have valuables in plain sight. Never leave briefcases; or cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them inside the glove compartment or trunk — all the time, every time!”
• If you see something, say something, even if you think it’s minor.
  Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see suspicious persons or activity. MPD will prioritize which calls need to be handled first. In your description of suspicious persons, mention not only distinctive facial features, but also distinctive clothing such as colorful shoes (for example, designer sneakers or athletic footwear).
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
  Lt. Rosenthal said that there were 3 robberies over the previous weekend. As per MPD’s palm-card titled “Tips for Reducing Your Chances of Being a Crime Victim”: “Be vigilant of activity around you and attentive to individuals approaching. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by activity such as talking on your cell phone, listening to music, or reading.”

Update on Rebuilding of McDonald’s

See: McDonald’s zoning change request summary sheet (pdf)

As previously reported, Raoul Alvarez, the owner/operator of the McDonald’s at 4950 South Dakota Avenue, NE (at Delafield St.), plans to rebuild the restaurant. Harry Thomas, Jr., spoke on the owner’s behalf. Counsel for McDonald’s (Jessica Bloomfield, Holland & Knight) and a McDonald’s corporate representative also attended. Mr. Thomas said that instead of submitting a Planned Unit Development (PUD) request to the DC Zoning Commission, Mr. Alvarez has submitted a proposed amendment to the DC Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map. Such an amendment must be approved by the DC Council.

Mr. Alvarez is requesting a change in the land use designation from low-density commercial to moderate-density commercial in order to rebuild the 1960’s-era McDonald’s restaurant with a drive-thru. Currently, the restaurant is grandfathered as a nonconforming use under the existing zoning designation. The amendment application also requests changes to the land use designation for the other properties that make up the commercial strip mall so that those owners can make changes to their shops if they desire. Subsequent to the DC Council’s approval, Mr. Alvarez will need to ask the DC Zoning Commission for a re-zoning that allows the 1960’s-era restaurant building to be rebuilt.

As Mr. Thomas requested, the Commission voted unanimously to send Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie an ANC 5A letter-of-support for the change in land use designation. Mr. Thomas stated that Mr. Alvarez will continue to be a good neighbor to North Michigan Park, and that the design of the new McDonald’s will be a “community-driven process.”

ANC 5A’s New Website: https://www.dcanc5a.org/home

Commissioner Fletcher premiered the new ANC 5A-funded website, which will facilitate communication with residents of ANC 5A. The brand-new portal includes links to DC agencies, an ANC 5A calendar, and biographies and contact information for ANC 5A Commissioners, along with ANC 5A documents such as meeting notices and minutes, and Commission resolutions (forthcoming).

Update on Plan to Rebuild Lamond-Riggs Library

As previously reported, funding has been allocated in the DC budget for rebuilding the Lamond-Riggs Library.

The Lamond-Riggs Library Friends (LRLF) group — a non-profit organization that advocates for our local library — has recently been reactivated and is seeking new members and supporters. For more information, email LRLFriends2017@gmail.com or call Robert T. Oliver, President LRLF (202-215-1679), or Rodney Foxworth, Vice President LRLF (202-997-1875).

LRLF President Oliver said that on Thursday, October 5, 2017, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., DC Public Library is holding its first public meeting for the community to learn about plans to rebuild the library, including the project timeline and the process for community engagement. This meeting will be held at the library, located at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.

Also, LRLF President Oliver said that the LRLF group has posted an online survey to collect input on the vision for rebuilding the library.

Upcoming Events

Monday, October 2, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m.

DDOT’s Open House for Its Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

The STIP is a statewide, prioritized funding program of transportation projects covering a four-year period consistent with DC’s Multimodal Long-Range Transportation Plan. DDOT’s Open House on October 2nd is public meeting to receive feedback on DC’s STIP for Fiscal Years 2018 to 2022. The meeting will be held at the Shaw Neighborhood Library, located at 1630 7th Street NW, 20001.

At the Open House, DDOT will present the Draft FY 2018 to 2022 STIP Project List, which includes information for each project on the type, funding sources, and estimated schedule. In addition, DDOT will provide an overview of the STIP and the STIP development process.

If you are unable to attend the Open House, or if you want to submit feedback online, visit the DC STIP website, where the Draft FY 2018 to 2022 Project List will be posted.

Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

DDOT ANC Fall Open House

DDOT invites the city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners to engage with DDOT staff and learn more about the agency. DDOT’s Fall Open House will be held at DC’s Old Council Chambers at 441 4th Street NW (Judiciary Square).

ANC 5A finally has a functioning website! At the ANC 5A meeting on September 27, 2017, the ANC debuted its new site. This has been years coming. For so long ANC 5A did not have a functioning website to provide adequate notice of meetings, agendas, minutes, resolutions, and other documents. We are really grateful for the efforts of Commissioners Gordon Fletcher (5A08) and Isaiah Burroughs (5A04) in making this website happen. There are some tweaks that still need to be made, like including links to resolutions and putting up the correct map of the ANC boundaries, but it is great that they were able to get this website together in time for the first meeting after the summer recess. If you have any comments or suggestions on the site, send them to Commissioner Fletcher at 5A08@anc.dc.gov. The website address is https://www.dcanc5a.org.

Guest post

ANC 5A Commissioners held a second special meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2017. All of the commissioners were present except Commissioner Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03).

DC WATER GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM UPDATE

Representatives from DC Water and their contractors gave a briefing on the DC Clean Rivers Project, Rock Creek Project A. With this project, DC Water is attempting to limit storm water runoff through several green infrastructure strategies.

The DC Water representatives explained that city streets and sidewalls are impervious and force large amounts of storm water into the sewer system. These sewers are often overwhelmed by major downpours which result in sewer overflow and waterway pollution. To decrease the volume of runoff, DC Water will rely on green infrastructure– Planter Bioretention, Curb Extension Bioretention, Alley Permeable Pavement and Parking Lane Permeable Pavement.

ANC 5A has two alley permeable pavement projects scheduled: (1) alley off Hamilton Street NE between North Capitol Street and Rock Creek Church Road NE and (2) Rock Creek Church Road NE between Hamilton Street and Riggs Road NE. Work on the first alley is anticipated to start on August 21, 2017. Construction will occur 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday (with rain day make-up on Saturday). Utility marking, rodent control and community outreach will be done prior to construction. The contractor said roadway disturbance should be minimal and all construction materials and activity should be contained to the alley. In connection with this project, residents in the project area may request downspout disconnect and a free rain barrel.

For more information contact DC Water by phone or email at (202) 448-9040 or http://www.dcwater.com/RockCreekGreen.

DC Water Rock Creek GI Project Area A

DOEE EDUCATION ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Mr. Joseph Walton of the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) gave a presentation on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Mr. Walton said all city schools and registered day-cares are required to develop an integrated pest management plan. He emphasized that pesticides are poisonous and should be used sparingly. The IPM program provides a three-step pest control solution:

• Control Pest – by not fostering a welcoming environment. Ensure cleanliness inside and outside of your home;
• Starve Them – by denying sources of food and water. Ensure your garbage bins seal properly, clean food preparation areas, fix leaks, etc.; and
• Deny Pest Access – by denying access to your home. Ensure that all cracks, gaps, etc. into your home are sealed.

For more information, contact Mr. Walton by email or phone at joseph.walton@dc.gov or 202.535.2612.

ANC 5A WEBSITE UPDATE

ANC 5A is finalizing a contract for a new ANC 5A website with both Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) and Commissioner Isaiah Burroughs (5A04) acting as primary contacts. Commissioner Fletcher said the new website will allow more transparency and be more user-friendly and efficient than the District-provided website. In addition to new content, the website will contain past ANC documents such as resolutions and minutes dating back to January 2013. Commissioner Fletcher expects the site to be operational by September 1, 2017.

BUSINESS CARD UPDATE

The ANC is still researching the cost and other aspects of business card development. A local business, Quality Printer, on 301 Kennedy Street NW has been suggested as the vendor.

ANC 5A08 PROPOSAL TO CONVERT CITY PROPERTY TO A DPR-MANAGED PARK

Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) raised a proposal to create a park within the boundaries of ANC 5A08 on District-owned property located on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE in front of Food & Friends (see picture below). Excluding federally-held National Park Service (NPS) land, development is rapidly depleting neighborhood green space. The commission passed Commissioner Fletcher’s motion for the ANC to develop a letter in support of requesting the transfer of the land from DDOT to DPR for the purpose of developing a DPR-managed park. (See community park resolution).

Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue NE intersection

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

ANC 5A commissioners raised a few issues with the community. First, some commissioners believe that DC government entities do not take ANC concerns seriously even though District law states that government entities are to give “great weight” to ANC issues and concerns.

Second, Chairman Edwards noted that the ANC has limited authority and no legal jurisdiction to order a remedy in disputes. This issue arose due to a dispute between a developer and a homeowner in which the homeowner wants the ANC to order a solution. Chair Edwards stated the ANC will do what it can within its authority, but at some point residents need to decide if they want to pursue legal remedies.

Finally, Metro has selected additional homes within ANC 5A to test for vibrations in response to complaints that heavier trains traveling underground on the green line are causing homes to vibrate. Metro stated no homeowners in ANC 5A responded to the initial request for testing. If interested in vibration testing, contact Metro Government Relations Officer Ann Chisolm at achisolm@wmata.com

The next ANC meeting will be on September 27, 2017.

ANC 5A Special Public Meeting
July 27, 2017
6:45 pm
UDC-CC Backus (5171 South Dakota Avenue NE)

Agenda:

• DDOE Education on Integrated Pest Control Management
• ANC 5A08 Proposal to convert SW Corner of Intersection of Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue to a DPR managed Public Park
• DC Water Green Infrastructure Program Update
• ANC 5A Website Update
• Business Card Update

Guest post

On June 14, 2017, ANC 5A held a special meeting, which also served as its monthly meeting for June. Notice was given two days beforehand. There was no notice that this special meeting would serve as the monthly meeting, so if there is something residents wish the ANC to address before the summer break, let your commissioner know.

All commissioners were present except Commissioner Isaiah Burroughs (5A04). No financial report was given. The ANC might hold a special meeting in July to approve the third quarter financial report.

DC Public Charter School Board/Mundo Verde 

Ms. Tomeika Bowden, Senior Communications Director, and Ms. Nicole Newman, Community Engagement Specialist, of the DC Public Charter School Board (Board) responded to a meeting request from ANC 5A Chairman Ronnie Edwards (5A05).  Chairman Edwards raised two concerns: The significance the Board gives to ANC recommendations in general and the recent Mundo Verde Public Charter School agreement. He stated that the Board must provide the ANC with an explanation of its decision making process.  [Note: The DC Code says “In all cases the government entity is required to articulate its decision in writing. The written rationale of the decision shall articulate with particularity and precision the reasons why the Commission does or does not offer persuasive advice under the circumstances. In so doing, the government entity must articulate specific findings and conclusions with respect to each issue and concern raised by the Commission. Further, the government entity is required to support its position on the record.” Please see DC Code §1-309-10, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions – Duties and responsibilities; notice; great weight; access to documents; reports; contributions, for more information.]

Ms. Newman and Ms. Bowden explained the Board’s process. Anytime a school wants to change what is in its existing charter agreement, the Board must notify the ANC and open a 30-day comment period. Mundo Verde requested an enrollment ceiling increase and to locate at 4401 8th Street NE. The 30-day comment period started on May 22, 2017 and ended on June 19, 2017. The Board’s analysis includes the ANC recommendation in addition to information from the school community such as occupancy permits, traffic data, a completed DCPCSB pre-opening checklist, etc. This information is then compiled, commented upon by DCPCSB staff, and summarized for a vote. [Editor’s Note: The Board approved Mundo Verde’s petition on June 19, 2017]. Legal opinions are handled by the general counsel. An individual (or the ANC) may request the Board to explain its decision, but current Board practice is not to automatically explain its decision.

The discussion shifted to Mundo Verde. Mr. John Breyer, Mundo Verde Chief Operating Officer, said the school wants to increase the student population from 458 to 600. He said from a financial perspective, the school can operate at 4401 8th Street NE with 458 students, but the school will not commit to a ceiling of 458 students at the existing facility because of future needs. The school will explore having a satellite location for grades 4 and 5 and will not seek to enroll more than 458 students at the exiting facility without further discussion. Commissioner Edwards (5A05) cited the current traffic problems and objected to the increase. Commissioner Edwards stated the ANC would alert the board that the ANC wished to withdraw its agreement with Mundo Verde. Ms. Newman and Ms. Bowden noted it is the school’s responsibility to negotiate things like traffic management plans with the surrounding community, not the Board’s.

Fort Totten Mews

Mr. John Dapogny, Fort Totten Mews Project Manager, discussed the status of community benefits associated with development of the project.

• Contributed $40,000 for senior home repair coordinated by the Concerned Citizens of North Michigan Park;
• Contributed $35,000 to UDC Foundation for renovation at Backus in return for community space for meetings;
• Earmarked $12,500 for Block Grant Fund for 5 blocks surrounding the project area ($2500 each) to spend on approved items;
• Contributed $10,000 to the Capital Area Food Bank;
• Contributed $5,000 to North Michigan Park Civic Association for Scholarships/Back-to-School Program; and
• Funded a vibration study of the railroad traffic parallel to Puerto Rico Avenue and Sixth Place NE.

A community member cited a home suffering vibration damage, seeking resolution.  While the cause of the damage was debated, Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) will follow-up on this matter.  Other issues raised were:

• More rodents are present (the individual was directed to call 311 for relief)
• Three sources of vibration were identified in the area:
  • Fort Totten Mews Construction – now completed.
  • WMATA investigation – status unknown.
  • CSX Railroad – trees are planted, but status of new window installation is unknown.

[Editor’s Note: Mr. Dapogny noted that the lottery is open for one affordable townhome at Totten Mews. Search the DC housing search website for home sales of 3 bedroom homes in zip code 20017. If an individual is not already registered for the lottery, it is probably too late to participate in the lottery for this particular home. Individuals must complete a housing counseling program in order to register. Individuals interested in taking advantage of the lottery to purchase a below market rate home should be sure to complete the requirements to register as soon as possible because additional Totten Mews townhomes will be available in the lottery in the near future.]

ANC Website

Upon the recommendation of Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08), the ANC approved a resolution to contract with Startup Design Solutions for an ANC website. For $750, the company will design the site and maintain it for one year. The ANC hopes the website will be available beginning in September 2017. Commissioner Fletcher envisions that commissioners will be trained on website maintenance to avoid future cost after the one-year maintenance period by Startup Solutions has ended. Residents raised two issues. First, some commissioners have email lists and those lists are not passed on to successor commissioners. However, the email list should be the property of the ANC not the individual commissioner. Second, due to the shortcomings of the existing DC website, a better performing alternative was sought.

ANC Cell Phone Guidelines

The ANC approved a resolution adopting the cell phone guidelines issued by the DC Auditor.

Cafritz Foundation/Art Place at Fort Totten

Mr. Mark Regulinski of the Cafritz Foundation discussed the Foundation’s response to a recent Zoning Commission inquiry on the status of Buildings A (first phase) and B (second phase). The Foundation is seeking a conditional (or temporary) certificate of occupancy for Building A to permit residents to move into the residential portion of the building while it deals with relocation of cable wires and other issues that have delayed opening. Pre-leasing for the apartments (called the Modern) is ongoing.

Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) asked Mr. Regulinski to attend the ANC’s September meeting to provide a status update on Building B.

Mayor’s Office

Mr. Lionell Gaines from the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations & Services (MOCRS) discussed the Free Summer Meals program and a the Mayor’s recent accomplishments. For a list of free summer meal locations, click here and here.

UDC-CC Backus Facility

Commissioner Frank Wilds (5A01) informed everyone that reserving space at UDC-CC Backus has become more stringent. Each requester must now apply 30 days in advance to the main campus and have insurance coverage.

Parking lot & curb cut for 22 Gallatin Street NE

Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) reported on the construction of a parking lot for six condominiums at 22 Gallatin Street NE. In order to have a curb cut, the developer must first notify the ANC, which it did not do before beginning construction on the parking lot. Commissioner Washington is opposed to the curb cut because she said it would be less than 15 feet from a four-way traffic light that is being installed by DDOT. The light is being installed to address traffic generated by the opening of Briya and Bridges Public Charter School and Mary’s Center. The ANC approved a resolution to oppose the curb cut.

DC Comprehensive Plan Amendments

DC’s Office of Planning has extended the call for amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to June 23, 2017. Upon the recommendation of Commissioner Fletcher (5A08), the ANC passed a resolution to support the amendments being proposed by a coalition of affordable housing advocates and for-profit developers. Last month, the ANC heard from Greater Greater Washington’s Housing Program Coordinator David Whitehead about the housing coalition’s priorities. For the complete list and explanation of the coalition’s priorities, see http://dchousingpriorities.org and Coalition Comp Plan Amendment Priorities Statement (pdf). [Editor’s Note: It would be interesting to know how many commissioners actually took the time to read all of the coalition’s priorities. Given some of the positions taken by the ANC over the years, it is not entirely clear that the priorities are aligned with the ANC’s positions, but it is gratifying to know that the ANC supports these priorities.]

Apparently, there’s an ANC 5A meeting tonight

ANC 5A Monthly Meeting
June 14, 2017 (6:45 PM)
UDC Community Campus @ Backus
5171 South Dakota Avenue NE

Special Agenda Items

• 5A07 – Pave, Curb & Gutter Cut – 22 Gallatin St NE
• Public Charter School Board
• Cell Phone Use Policy
• Website Proposal

On May 24, 2017, ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting. All commissioners were present, except Commissioner Frank Wilds (5A01).

Police Report

PSA 405 Lieutenant Ashley Rosenthal reported there has been a decrease in violent crimes, but property crimes are up. Most of the property crimes are thefts from auto. There have been a few reported cases of removal of tires and tags from cars. Many of the reported thefts involve thefts from office buildings and hospitals in the PSA. Lt. Rosenthal advised residents not to leave anything visible in cars and not to leave purses, cell phones, and other items unattended in the hospitals.

See: May 2017 Crime Stats (pdf)

Catholic University ABRA Petition

The ANC agreed to support an ABRA petition by Catholic University to operate a bar/restaurant called Murphy’s Bar on the lower level of its student center. The space would accommodate approximately 150 people. It would serve as additional gathering space for students and faculty and would be open to the community as well. CU hopes to open the bar in fall 2017.

Crime Victims Compensation Fund

Donald Younger presented on the DC Superior Court Crime Victim Compensation Program, which offers financial assistance to victims of crime, including assistance with medical bills, funeral costs, and lost wages. See: DC Crime Victim Fund Flyer (pdf)

Private Security Camera Rebate Program

Christopher Dyer with DC’s Office of Victim Services & Justice Grants presented on DC’s private security camera rebate program. The program provides up to $200 for a camera installed on the exterior of a home, with a cap of $500 per property. It does not cover installation or storage plans. Residents have to register the camera with MPD to receive the rebate. Be sure to upload receipts showing that the camera has been paid for when applying. And be sure to have the camera installed prior to applying to avoid delay in receiving the rebate.

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie Report

Marita Crawford Reddick, Staff Assistant to Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, discussed bills introduced by Councilmember McDuffie. The Family Unit Amendment Act would require a certain percentage of funds disbursed by the Housing trust Fund to be used to create rental units with a minimum of three bedrooms. The MOWS Act would create a program to assist senior residents with landscaping.

See: CM McDuffie recently introduced bills handout (pdf) & MOWS Act flyer (pdf)

Pepco Capital Grid Project

Pepco plans to upgrade the grid by upgrading three substations, building an additional substation, and placing 10 miles of cable underground. The project needs to be approved by the Public Service Commission and is expected to run from spring 2018 to 2022. Work in residential areas will likely take place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Work in nonresidential areas will be done at night. Pepco has a dedicated project website at http://www.pepco.com/capitalgrid/ and will communicate with residents before work begins in a particular area.

See: Pepco Capital Grid Project Presentation to ANC 5A May 24, 2017 (pdf)

Comprehensive Plan Amendment Presentation

DC’s Office of Planning extended the Open Call for amendments to DC’s Comprehensive Plan to June 23, 2017. The Comp Plan is the blueprint for how DC develops. David Whitehead, Housing Program Organizer for Greater Greater Washington, presented on proposed amendments to the Comp Plan by a coalition of affordable housing groups, local organizations, and for-profit developers. Highlights include promoting housing for families and affordable housing, addressing displacement in a better way, and advocating for lasting community benefits. The ANC voted to support the coalition’s priorities. For the complete list and explanation of the coalition’s priorities, see http://dchousingpriorities.org and Coalition Comp Plan Amendment Priorities Statement (pdf)

Mayor’s Office

Lionell Gaines, Ward 5 MCOR, provided a brief update from the mayor’s office. May is InnoMaytion month. DC has launched an Inclusive Innovation Incubator at Howard University. The mayor’s office launched the Reign: Empowering young women as leaders program.

ANC Business

ANC website & dropbox

The ANC tabled approval for a private ANC website pending additional bid research requested by the commissioners. For the past three years, the ANC has been trying to figure out how to have an operational website as the website at anc5a.org is apparently too difficult to operate. Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) took the lead in seeking bids for a website. He received two bids and proposed one for approval at the meeting. Commissioners thought the bid was too high so they recommended seeking additional bids. Anyone with ideas or input should contact Commissioner Fletcher. In the interim, the ANC has set up a dropbox for notices, minutes, and official ANC documents. [Ed. Note: Now that the ANC has a means of providing minutes, we will probably start phasing out full ANC 5A recaps and just report on major updates from the meetings]

Mundo Verde PCS Petition

Commissioner Ronnie Edwards (5A05) briefly addressed the petition by Mundo Verde PCS to the Public Charter School Board to operate and expand to accommodate up to 600 students at 4401 8th st. NE near Providence Hospital. The ANC adopted a resolution conditionally supporting operation of the school at its current enrollment of 458 students and opposing an expansion to 600 students. That resolution was filed with the PCSB and is available in the ANC’s dropbox. Mundo Verde sought an agreement with the ANC incorporating much of the resolution, but also included a provision that the school would be permitted to explore expanding to 600 students after the third year in operation. It was not clear if Commissioner Edwards said that the ANC was not aware of this provision when he signed the agreement because he said that the ANC would make clear to the PCSB that the ANC resolution should take precedent over the agreement. The ANC expects a decision on the petition at the PCSB’s June meeting.

Source: ANC 5A May 2017 Meeting Notice

ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting

May 24, 2017
6:45 pm
UDC-CC Backus (5171 South Dakota Ave. NE)

Guests This Month Include – 

• Metropolitan Police Department
• The Office of Kenyan McDuffie, Ward 5 Councilman
• The Office of Muriel Bowser, Mayor of the District of Columbia

Additionally –

• Christopher Dyer, Office of Victim Services – Camera Initiative Program
• Breyer Marc Battle, Regional Vice President – Pepco (Capital Grid Project)
• ABRA License: Catholic University – Murphy’s Bar
• Greater Greater Washington – Proposed Change to Comp Plan

From ANC 5A:

—

ANC 5A Special Meeting Notice

On Wednesday, May 10 at 6:45 pm, ANC 5A will hold a special meeting in regards to the Mundo Verde PCS expansion project as discussed at our regular April community meeting. 

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Looking to view our minutes from previous meeting? Visit our new Dropbox page where we will store the minutes and other relevant documents for the community.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8u26gmr8oeogiij/AABixakOpJXXh6enPZb_VyOBa?dl=0

ANC 5A April 2017 Notice