On July 14, 2025, the Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Administration (ABCA) held a roll call hearing on the application of Clinical Health & Wellness to open a medical cannabis shop at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park. The property sits in ANC 5A08. ANC Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08) represented the ANC at the roll call hearing.
By order dated July 16, 2025, the ABCA Board dismissed ANC 5A’s protest. The Board’s order states, “A review of the protest criteria versus the issues claimed by the ANC show that the initial protest lacks sufficient specificity under the law to proceed to a protest.” The order is just a few pages, well worth reading.
(During an ANC meeting, a couple of us tried to tell the ANC what they needed to include in a resolution, but they did not listen and here we are.)
ABCA also does not know what they are doing though. ABCA (maybe erroneously) issued an initial placard dated April 18, 2025. They rescinded that placard and readvertised a new one dated May 9, 2025, but they neglected to update the text of the notice. While the summary of the hearing information in the readvertised placard was updated with the new hearing dates, the text of the readvertised notice still listed the old hearing dates. On July 18, 2025, after the July 14th roll call hearing and July 16th Board decision, ABCA decided to issue a “corrected” notice with the correct hearing dates in the text of the notice.
In any case, at an emergency meeting on July 16, the ANC voted to spend ANC funds to retain counsel to seek reinstatement of the protest and to apply for a technical assistance grant from the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC).
For questions, contact task force co-chairs Julia Larsen (julia@lrcadc.org) & Keith Sellars (keith.sellars1@gmail.com)
* Hosted in conjunction with The Parks Main Street and ANC Commissioners Keith Sellars (5A01), Shelagh Bocoum (5A09), Garrett Moore (4B08), & Danielle Geong (4B09).
For questions, contact task force co-chairs Julia Larsen (julia@lrcadc.org) & Keith Sellars (keith.sellars1@gmail.com)
* Hosted in conjunction with The Parks Main Street and ANC Commissioners Keith Sellars (5A01), Shelagh Bocoum (5A09), Garrett Moore (4B08), and Danielle Geong (4B09).
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on June 25, 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); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 is vacant.
The meeting started late and was unnecessarily long, again. The ANC really should use a timer. This recap contains a little more personal commentary than usual because of the antics of Commissioner Holloway (5A06). This meeting was a lot, and we have 1.5 more years of this. Something has to change. This is why we really need reasonable people to run for ANC.
Commission Business
Looks like the ANC spent $1600 on a laptop for Commissioner Alston (5A08) and $1100 for a phone.
Sounded like the ANC voted to allocate $20,000 more for grants in the budget to total $30,000 that can be disbursed.
The ANC voted unanimously to have Commissioner Sosa Garnica (5A07) assume the role of secretary. Commissioner Lucio had been serving as chair and secretary since the beginning of the term.
For some inexplicable reason, the ANC voted (4-3) to make Commissioner Holloway (5A06) sergeant-at-arms. A sergeant-at-arms is not required under the ANC’s bylaws, and Commissioner Holloway is a perpetual violator of ANC norms, rules, and order. More on that later. Commissioners Thomas (5A02), Hermes (5A04), Holloway (5A06), and Alston (5A08) voted in support. Commissioners Sellars (5A01), Sosa Garnica (5A07), and Bocoum (5A09) opposed.
Grant for New Generation Training & Learning Center (5A08)
The ANC voted in favor of giving a $10,000 grant to New Generation Training & Learning Center for a “Community Day” tentatively planned for August 16 at Faith United Church. Apparently, Commissioner Alston is a principal officer of the organization, so she recused herself from the discussion and vote. Her daughter, Angel Johnson, who is an assistant director at the organization, presented on the grant application.
Apparently, the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) gave the okay for the ANC to give a grant to this organization where Commissioner Alston is a principal officer and her daughter is an employee. The OANC told them that they cannot use ANC grant funds for backpacks, so they will find other funding to purchase the backpacks and school supplies. There will be activities for kids, such as photo booth, face painting, and crafts.
A resident asked about the amount of the grant. The grant application and guidelines on the ANC’s website still list a $2500 funding limit. Commissioner Bocoum said this was changed. Unclear when the ANC plans to update the guidelines and application on the website.
Mayor Bowser’s FY26 Budget Presentation
DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum presented on the mayor’s proposed FY26 budget. The budget is very delayed. Budget information is available at budget.dc.gov. Director Kershbaum focused her presentation on DDOT’s proposed budget. I did not catch everything.
The Council is in the process of reviewing the proposed budget.
Boys Town Campus Redevelopment (5A02) (Teddy Swift & Vicki Davis, Urban Atlantic)
Vicki Davis, founder of Urban Atlantic, presented on the Boys Town campus redevelopment project. The property is located at 4801 Sargent Road NE in North Michigan Park in ANC 5A02. They are planning to build 166-170 duplex homes. Ten percent of the homes (around 17) will be set aside as below market rate homes. Duplexes are permitted as a matter of right in this area, so there will not be a public hearing. Urban Atlantic has to go through a Large Tract Review process by the Office of Planning. We previously discussed that process in this post.
Consistent with zoning requirements, each home will have a minimum lot size of 2500 square feet, rear yard of 20 feet, and side yard of 8 feet.
They plan to open up the campus, remove the two mounds of dirt in front, build sidewalks throughout, provide pedestrian access to North Michigan Park Rec, and maintain the large 8,000 square foot building in the center of the campus.
They plan to retain two heritage trees and plant 90 new trees.
They are still looking at a second egress as part of their traffic study.
They are working with residents on Delafield Street, who apparently have taken to parking on part of the private campus grounds, on a parking solution.
They discussed other things they are planning with respect to preservation, neighborhood connectivity, and transportation/parking (see presentation linked above).
They plan to submit their Large Tract Review application soon.
Lots of residents raised questions that were not really addressed. Commissioner Thomas (5A02) then said he wanted the ANC to vote on supporting “the concept” of the proposed development. Residents questioned why the ANC felt the need to vote on anything at this stage. Commissioner Hermes kept talking about the need to build more housing (no one disagrees) and how developers have to jump through so many hoops to build housing.
The letter does not state the vote count, but all of the commissioners did not vote in support. Commissioner Sosa Garnica (5A07) questioned why the ANC was voting on this at this stage. Commissioner Holloway (5A06) rudely berated her for speaking up on behalf of residents, saying that Commissioner Thomas had done his due diligence. Commissioner Holloway launched into his standard tirade about how long he has lived in the District and owned his own business and how dare this commissioner question what Commissioner Thomas wants to do. It is hard to convey in words how wildly inappropriate his remarks and behavior were. Residents said as much in the chat.
It is not at all clear to me that the ANC knows what they are doing, but regardless, it was entirely appropriate to abstain from this unnecessary vote.
The developer plans to return to the ANC after submitting the Large Tract Review application.
Catholic University Marist Hall Historic Designation Application (5A04)
The building was constructed in 1900 and became part of Catholic’s campus in 1975. Apparently the building is in serious disrepair. Catholic would like to eventually tear down the building and build something else. Catholic University representatives contend that the building is not a notable example of the architect’s work. Catholic and the Preservation League pretty much disagreed on every single point.
The ANC voted to support Catholic’s opposition to the application. The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) will consider the application this month.
About four years ago, the ANC reviewed a matter involving several apartment buildings along Hawaii Avenue NE and Webster Street NE that were slated for renovation, addition, and conversion to condos. This renovation project was the subject of many ANC meetings. There ended up being an investigation by the Office of the Attorney General for DC.
There are now separate owners of the buildings. The owners of 65-85 Hawaii Avenue NE wish to modify and extend the original Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) order so that all of the 65-85 Hawaii buildings will be 16-unit buildings. Originally six of the buildings were to be nine-unit buildings and five were to be 16-unit buildings. A public hearing is scheduled for September 17, 2025.
Just like four years ago when this project originally arose, Commissioner Holloway (5A06) was ill prepared to discuss the subject. After the development team gave their short presentation, he could not even make a proper motion and made long wandering incoherent remarks. The whole situation was bizarre but also completely typical from this commissioner. Residents were openly wondering how the ANC could have voted him sergeant-at-arms. (He should be removed).
The ANC ended up voting in support of the BZA application. Commissioners Sellars (5A01) and Sosa Garnica (5A07) abstained because Commissioner Holloway neglected to send them the documentation ahead of time, so they did not have time to review it. Commissioner Holloway spent a lot of time alternately insisting that he sent the documents to all of the commissioners but then saying that he did not have all of their email addresses and that is why he could not send them to everyone. (The commissioners do not use personal email addresses; their addresses are listed on the ANC website).
A resident asked that the developer present to ANC 5A06 residents to let them know what is going on because the original project has taken a lot of twists and turns over the years. Commissioner Holloway objected and said that was unnecessary. Unclear if the developer will meet with residents in that area.
Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for CM Zachary Parker)
Councilmember Parker chairs the Council’s committee on youth affairs. Andrianna Lovelace, constituent services coordinator for CM Parker, stated that the committee markup of the proposed FY26 budget reinstated funding for lots of critical issues.
The Ward 5 Senior Advisory Committee had a meeting at Michigan Park Christian Church on June 26.
There will be a South Dakota Avenue study virtual public meeting on July 9 and an in-person meeting at Sojourner Truth Public Charter School on July 12.
Commissioner Updates
5A08
The ABCA hearing for Clinical Health & Wellness to open a medical cannabis shop at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park is on August 13, 2025. The roll call hearing is July 14, 2025. The ANC previously voted to send a letter of opposition to ABCA outlining concerns with the application.
A resident asked for an update on the McDonald’s rebuilding. Commissioner Alston (5A08) said there were no updates and that she discussed it at her SMD meeting. Turns out she actually had not discussed it at her SMD meeting. The president of the North Michigan Park Civic Association said that the building was not being built to proper specification (unclear what she was referring to but something did start going up and has since come down recently). After some back-and-forth, Commissioner Alston finally agreed to Chair Lucio’s suggestion to add McDonald’s to the special meeting planned for July 30. It took an unnecessarily long time to get to this point.
5A09
Commissioner Bocoum (5A09) shared information about the Riggs Park clean up day and the Heritage Wall companion book author talk, both held on June 28.
The ANC normally breaks for June, July and August, but they plan to hold a special meeting on July 30.
Group picture of residents. The Parks Main Street, Clean Team, and ANC commissioners.
A solid crew of 25 neighbors came out on a humid but not too too hot Saturday on June 28 to pick up trash around the neighborhood and help beautify the green space on the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. A member of One Life Fitness who lives in Langdon saw the flyer in the gym and came out to join us. A high schooler from McKinley Tech who lives in Capitol Heights heard about the clean up and helped out to get community service hours. Altogether, neighbors collected about 30 bags of trash. Thanks to everyone, including our youngest clean up leaders in training, who came out to lend a hand.
ANC commissioners (left to right): Shelagh Bocoum (5A09), Keith Sellars (5A01), Danielle Geong (4B09), and Garrett Moore (4B08).
Shoutout to ANC 4B & 5A commissioners Keith Sellars (5A01), Shelagh Bocoum (5A09), Garrett Moore (4B08), and Danielle Geong (4B09) for organizing the event; getting donations of food, snacks, and water; and generally being cheerleaders for the community.
And thanks to The Parks Main Street Executive Director Edwin Washington for supplying grabbers and bags and arranging to have the Clean Team mulch the trees around the green space with a little help from Liam with Casey Trees. The Clean Team was excited to learn something new.
Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
Check out the Oren Levine & Friends jazz session tonight at 6:30 at the library.
June 27, 2025
Kids’ Art Space Pop Up at The Modern
Time: 4:00 pm-7:00 pm
Location: 395 Ingraham Street NE (former interim library space at The Modern)
Friday afternoon, join the Cafritz Foundation at their next kids’ pop-up event in their community maker space at The Modern — a creative hub for local kids and families to build, explore, and imagine together.
Explore the railroad that built Fort Totten: the Washington Branch of the B&O Railroad, still running today as the Metro’s Red Line. Kids will work together to build the iconic Thomas Viaduct and an iron truss bridge.
All materials provided. Free and open to all ages.
Families will also be invited to fill out a short survey to help shape future programming.
Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
Celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the new library. Children’s activities take place throughout the day.
At 12:30 pm, join neighbors Michelle Lisa Herman and Deborah Grimstead, two of the three co-authors of “Fort Totten and Lamond-Riggs: A Historical Tapestry,” for an author talk to discuss the companion book for the Heritage Wall designed and installed by Herman at the Lamond-Riggs Library.
Kick off this summer’s children’s festival series of free, community-centered fun for the kids. Join DC Fray + The Cafritz Foundation to play games like kickball, cornhole, jenga, bouncy balls, sack race; or get cool temporary tattoos. This festival series is always a good time.
ANC 5A will have Urban Atlantic at the next public meeting on June 25, 2025, to discuss the Boys Town redevelopment project. The property sits at 4801 Sargent Road NE in ANC 5A02.
The only reason I am writing a post now is so that residents can be prepared to ask questions and provide initial feedback on this project because I am not sure if the ANC has a plan in mind for dealing with this project.
Vicki Davis, founder/president of Urban Atlantic, has briefly introduced the project to ANC 5A, and has presented to the North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) and at the single member district meeting for ANC Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02). Joel Lawson from DC’s Office of Planning attended the 5A02 meeting to answer questions about the Large Tract Review process.
Boys Town has been closed for about one year. They have a contract to sell the property to Urban Atlantic. The property is going to be sold to someone, if it is not Urban Atlantic (people should keep that in mind).
The property is zoned R-2 so duplexes and triplexes can be built as a matter of right. Urban Atlantic will be building duplexes in conformity with the zoning restrictions for the R-2 zone. So that means it will be a matter of right development. Therefore there will not be a public hearing.
Initial Proposal
12 acre site
153 market rate homes – final prices not yet set
17 Inclusionary Zoning homes at 80% of median area income
Constructing over 1 mile of sidewalks open to the public
40% open space
Improving drainage, removing large mounds of dirt that were added to front of campus
Keeping the old Main Building of 8,000 square feet in place for an undetermined future use
Keeping the main access road, but removing the gate, to open the site to the community
Sharing public site amenities (undetermined at this time)
Because the property is over three acres, the project has to go through Large Tract Review by the Office of Planning (OP). ANCs and civic associations receive notice of Large Tract Review applications. ANCs and civic associations can and should submit responses to Urban Atlantic’s Large Tract Review application. As of June 18, Urban Atlantic had not submitted their application yet. They are working on their traffic study and plan to submit their application by the end of the month.
From Office of Planning:
What is Large Tract Review?
The LTR application process is administered by the Office of Planning, in accordance with the requirements and standards of DCMR Title 10 Chapter 23.
It is not a process that results in an “approval” or “denial”. In this way, it is unlike most District review processes. Instead, it is an administrative review by District agencies and the affected community to identify issues and provide feedback to the developer of a by-right project, prior to applying for a building permit.
It serves as a way for the developer of a large tract of land to receive comments from city agencies and the affected ANC early in the planning and design process of by-right projects.
What are the Goals of Large Tract Review
Minimize adverse environmental, traffic, and neighborhood impacts;
Avoid unnecessary public costs in terms of new services or facilities required of city agencies; and
Carry out the policies of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan.
What Does the Large Tract Review Assess?
Consistency with District of Columbia laws;
Potential traffic, neighborhood and design impacts; and
Quality of life and environmental impacts.
Notification:
Notice of the application must be sent to:
The directly affected ANC, although OP typically also sends notice to any other ANC with a boundary adjacent to the subject site;
Any known civic association; and
All property owners within 200 feet of the perimeter of the property.
The Office of Planning is supposed to produce a final report within 60 days of the application submission. Urban Atlantic stated they intend to submit their LTR application at the end of June. So the ANC really should have a plan for how they intend to address this application. They do not have time to dilly-dally.
Feedback
I recommend that nearby residents who care about what is happening here share written feedback with the following people:
ANC 5A Chair Emily Singer Lucio – 5A03@anc.dc.gov
ANC Commissioner Timothy Thomas – 5A02@anc.dc.gov
Carmen Williams, President, North Michigan Park Civic Association – carm8954@aol.com
Honestly, people should probably just email all 8 commissioners on the ANC (ANC 5A05 is still vacant). It is not at all clear how the ANC intends to handle this application. It is not clear to me that Commissioner Thomas understands that the ANC should in fact provide written feedback to the development team and OP. I think it would be beneficial for neighbors close to the site to band together to provide written feedback with reasonable suggestions, keeping the goals of Large Tract Review in mind, because there is no assurance that the ANC will pass on feedback to Urban Atlantic.
Issues I have heard raised at meetings and passed on to me by residents so far. I imagine a lot of this will be addressed in the Large Tract Review application.
Retail
The property is zoned for residential use not retail use. There is not going to be retail on the site.
Stormwater runoff
This is the biggie and people should look to see how Urban Atlantic addresses stormwater runoff in the Large Tract Review application. The two mounds in front of the campus were constructed by fill dirt brought in during the construction of Fort Totten Metro station. Apparently those two mounds of dirt cause all sorts of runoff problems for neighbors along Sargent. In addition, North Michigan Park Recreation Center also has a big issue with runoff from Boys Town. The mounds of dirt will be removed, but otherwise no real details just yet about how they will address the drainage issues in the area.
Other Environmental Issues
Residents have asked about tree canopy, how many trees will be removed/retained, new trees planted, etc. Urban Atlantic stated they have already met with a forester and will comply with DDOT guidelines. The initial site plan presented so far shows large planting areas along the perimeter of the site. Urban Atlantic said they will meet and likely exceed the required Green Area Ratio.
In response to questions, Ms. Davis said they are doing soil testing now and so far sampling has not indicated any big issues.
Transportation Demand Management
This is another biggie. We know the planned redevelopment will have a tremendous impact on neighborhood streets. The Providence campus down the street will also be redeveloped in a few years, so we know there needs to be a robust transportation demand management plan.
Sargent Road Entrance
Urban Atlantic is planning to keep the main entrance/exit on Sargent Road with the long driveway between the row of trees. They currently plan to have just that single entrance/exit. NMPCA asked them to consider having a second exit elsewhere on the campus in case of emergency. Urban Atlantic said this will be addressed in their traffic study/Large Tract Review application.
A resident shared with me that the traffic study should address the impacts of the development at the Sargent Road entrance and whether certain measures are warranted:
All-way stop or traffic signal control
Crosswalk markings and curb ramps for pedestrians crossing Sargent Road, for example, to cross from the bus stop on the west side of Sargent to the new development on the east.
Bus stop
There is a bus stop near the entrance to the campus in the 4800 block of Sargent Road NE. A resident shared with me that it would be useful if Urban Atlantic could upgrade the stop with a bus shelter to help encourage new residents to ride the bus. And if there is not room for a bus shelter in the existing right of way, perhaps an easement on the property for one could be granted.
Bikeshare station
There is a thought a bikeshare station could go near the campus somewhere.
One-timeSmarTrip or Bikeshare membership & Information about transportation options provided to homebuyers
Urban Atlantic could be asked to provide these membership options and information to each initial homebuyer. And when they finally figure out what to do with the Main Building, they should ensure that similar provision be made for tenants/employees of that building as well.
Pedestrian Access to North Michigan Park Recreation Center
Urban Atlantic has noted that they have agreed to OP’s recommendation that they install a pedestrian walkway to access the North Michigan Park Recreation Center, which abuts the rear of the property.
Trails
Ms. Davis has stated they are opening up the campus and will build one mile of sidewalks throughout the site. She sometimes has described these as trails, other times as sidewalks. They are sidewalks. One suggestion has been to maybe build an actual walking trail around the campus.
Community Benefits
Community benefits are typically associated with planned unit developments (PUDs). This is not a PUD. It is a matter of right project. That has not stopped nearby residents and the NMPCA from asking for community benefits.
Urban Atlantic has previously stated they are looking at building a playground on the site that would be open to the public. Residents have pointed out that the rec center is basically in the backyard of the campus, so there is probably less of a need for public access to a new playground in that location. I do not know where they will land on this.
Other things I have heard tossed around include a pool (no), refresh of North Michigan Park signs, one-time enhancements to the small triangle green spaces in the area.
If people want community benefits, I think they should propose reasonable benefits in writing.
Historic Preservation
Ms. Davis often starts her presentation talking about the history of Boys Town, which was founded by Father Edward Flanagan. Before it was a school for boys in need, it was a school for girls. Residents, OP, and the ANC so far have all mentioned recognizing the historic use of the site.
Urban Atlantic plans to keep the 8,000 square foot Main Building, but at this point, it is unclear if they plan to go through the process of formally seeking historic designation of the building or if OP will suggest that they consider doing so. Perhaps there is some way to meaningfully mark the historic nature of the property besides the small plaque that is in front of the campus.
ANC Commissioner Jack Hermes (5A04) has asked Urban Atlantic to somehow recognize the Catholic history of the property.
One resident has suggested to the ANC that Urban Atlantic be asked to pay for (1) a historian to write a history of Boys Town DC, St. Gertrude’s School, and the earlier history of the site; (2) a photographer to thoroughly document the campus before its demolition, and (3) a small print run to provide copies to the DC Public Library, DC History Center, local university libraries, etc.; and (4) the historian’s expenses to present at the DC History Conference.
Main Building
Urban Atlantic said they are still accepting suggestions for how to use the 8,000 square foot Main Building. Ideas thrown around include a daycare center, affordable housing (I would be curious if this is something OP opines on), clubhouse (Ms. Davis said no). Ms. Davis mentioned that it may be some time before they decide what to do with the building. For purposes of the traffic study, she said they will assume worst case scenario. If you have ideas about the building, reach out to Urban Atlantic.
I am sure I am forgetting some things. A lot of this will probably be repeated tomorrow at the ANC meeting. For residents who care about this project, I suggest speaking up and requesting that the ANC and civic association provide concise written feedback to the Large Tract Review application once it is submitted. That may require having a special meeting over the summer.
Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.
Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first. Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.
AGENDA
I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business a. Minutes (May 2025) b. Meeting Protocol Reminder c. Treasurer Report d. Grant application- New Generation Training and Learning Center Community Dy and Book Bag Give Away e. Officers i. Secretary ii. Sargent at Arms
V. Commission Action Items/Updates a. 5A02 Boys Town Development b. 5A03 Providence Hospital Update c. 5A04 CUA Marist Hall Historical Designation d. 5A06 BZA Case no. 20507 65-85 Hawaii Ave NE e. 5A08- Clinical Health and Wellness 4942 South Dakota Ave NE Update
VI. Community Updates a. Mayor’s Office b. Councilmember Parker’s office
VII. Reports & Presentations (Non-Action Items) a. NONE
VIII. Community Comment Period
IX. Next Meeting: a. Special Meeting: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 i. 3rd Quarter Financial Report ii. ABCA and 4942 South Dakota Ave NE b. Wednesday, September 24, 2025
X. Adjourn
Meeting Expectations Goal: To be helpful to the community and standards for accountability. As the elected officials for this community, we set these expectations of all of the ANC 5A Commissioners. • ANC Commissioners are encouraged to be on camera. • ANC Commissioners names and SMD are encouraged to be identified on their screen • ANC Commissioners are encouraged to put their contact information in the chat • Meeting Protocol is Robert’s Rules of Order • Respect others when speaking • Respect our guest. • In order to ask a question or make a comment all in attendance must either use the raise hand feature or raise their hand on screen if there is a question and then wait to be acknowledged. • ANC Commissioners will be called on first before the public during a discussion. • ANC Commissioners will be responsible for presenting Single Member District Items • Members of the community should remain on mute until called upon • Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will be addressed appropriately by the Chair.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on May 28, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair & Secretary; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 is vacant.
The meeting started about 10 minutes late (almost every meeting this year has started late). It was unnecessarily long, lasting until almost 10pm. A timer might be a good idea.
Queens Chapel Civic Association Grant Application (5A02) (Charlotte Lewis, Association President)
The ANC approved a grant for the Queens Chapel Civic Association – $2,300(?) for beautification and $4,700(?) to support their Community Day celebration. They will beautify the three entrance points to the neighborhood and the marker in memory of Rev. David Turner. They will not use grant funds on food for the community day.
Mundo Verde Public Charter School Holiday Construction Request (5A03) (Kristin Scotchmer, Owner-Representative)
The ANC approved a request for Mundo Verde to do construction on two holidays – October 13 & November 11, 2025. Ms. Scotchmer said they are requesting holiday work just in case they need those days because of weather impacts. The project is currently in the demolition phase. They will begin site work soon.
Washington Latin Public Charter School Holiday Construction Request (5A05)
A representative for Washington Latin requested ANC support for construction work on July 4, a Friday. The school is scheduled for substantial completion on July 24 so they wanted the extra day to make sure they hit that target date due to recent rains. This area does not have a single member district commissioner.
The school’s permit already allows for Saturday construction, but the ANC seemed to be confused about this point. The ANC took about 30 minutes to discuss this holiday work request before opposing (2 or 3 voted in support) so that residents were not faced with two days in a row of early construction noise over a holiday weekend.
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Application in North Michigan Park (5A08)
Clinical Health & Wellness has a pending ABCA application to open a medical marijuana dispensary at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE (the strip mall next to the McDonald’s). The owners attended Commissioner Alston’s (5A08) single member district meeting the day before but did not attend the full ANC meeting.
Residents opposed the application. Residents who attended the SMD meeting thought the applicant was not fully transparent about their relationship with the former applicant or about their plans for the shop. There was a long discussion about what the process was supposed to be and what should go in the ANC letter. Also lots of displeasure expressed with the property owner for not maintaining the property well and for continuously seeking undesirable tenants. The ANC voted unanimously to protest the application.
The ANC also mentioned something about sending a letter of disapproval to the property owner with a copy to Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, Mayor Muriel Bowser, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Congressswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
Ward 5 MOCR Manager Anthony Black discussed the mayor’s FY2026 budget, which was submitted to the DC Council the day before the ANC’s meeting. Mr. Black stated that despite the city’s budget challenges because of the $1 billion cut to the city’s budget by House Republicans, there will be no furloughs or layoffs of District government employees.
The Pride Parade is on June 7 so make sure you stay aware of transit impacts and road closures.
Ward Days are 10am-3pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday when the Ward 5 MOCRs are available to meet commissioners or residents around the ward.
The slide at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center has been repaired.
Mr. Black stated that he would flag concerns about the medical marijuana shop to leadership.
Commissioner Hermes (5A04), the commissioner for the Catholic University area and a Catholic U student, stated that many of his fellow students have lost jobs at neighborhood restaurants that have closed. He said he supports a repeal of Initiative 82 (tipped minimum wage initiative) because he thinks it has negatively impacted restaurants, leading to closure in some instances, and students rely on restaurant jobs to help pay for school. Mr. Black said he would relay those concerns to leadership.
Updated to add: Commissioner Sellars asked if there is anything the city can do to help the National Park Service cut the very overgrown grass at Fort Circle Park. Mr. Black said he would inquire.
Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)
CM Parker held a public safety walk in the Trinidad neighbohrood with CM Brooke Pinto who chairs the council’s Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety.
Residents are invited to walk with CM Parker in the Pride Parade.
Commissioner Hermes raised his concerns about Initiative 82 again stating he supports a repeal becuase of all of the restaurants in Brookland that are closing.
Boys Town Redevelopment (5A02) (Vicki Davis, Urban Atlantic)
Urban Atlantic will be redeveloping the Boys Town campus on Sargent Road NE. The current plan for the 12-acre campus is for approximately 170 duplexes with 10 percent set aside for inclusionary zoning units at 80 percent of area median income.
They plan to open up the campus and build one mile of sidewalks throughout the campus site.
They will keep the 8,000 square foot main building. They have not decided what to do with it just yet. They welcome ideas. Some ideas include a daycare or affordable housing.
They plan to build a small playground that would be the responsibility of the HOA but open to the surrounding neighborhood.
The current zoning designation allows duplexes and triplexes. They thought about asking for more density but decided to stick with what the current designation allows. Because this will be a matter of right development, they only need to undergo large tract review. They are working on their traffic study now. They are aiming to submit their large tract review application in mid-June.
Commissioner Thomas (5A02) and Urban Atlantic will meet with nearby residents soon.
Urban Atlantic developed The Parks at Walter Reed and Rhode Island Row.
RiverSmart Homes (Skye Webster, District Department of Energy & the Environment)
The Riversmart Homes Program provides subsidies to install features to reduce stormwater runoff. Features may include a rain barrel, trees, native gardens, and removal of impermeable surfaces. (It’s a really great program & everyone should sign up.) There is a RiverSmart Maintenance Assistance Program.
Questions about the programs may be sent to Skye Webster at skye.webster@dc.gov.
Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Alston stated that residents at her SMD meeting on May 27 voted to request relocation of the bikeshare station on Decatur Street NE.
Commissioner Hermes stated that he would like to have the ANC’s June public meeting be in person. At this point things got a little hard to follow. Lots of discussion on this. Residents chimed in in the chat that they would like to have a virtual option to make it easier for people to attend meetings.
Then Commissioner Bocoum moved to have the ANC meet in July and August but did not really say why. (Note: The bylaws state the commission is to meet every month except July, August, and December. The ANC voted on a calendar at the beginning of the year). Commissioner Hermes sought to amend the motion to two separate votes, one to meet in July and one to meet in August. Chair Lucio raised the point that if the need arises to discuss specific issues, the ANC could always call a special meeting. By this point it was after 9:30pm. Discussion went on entirely way too long and a couple of the commissioners started being disagreeable with one another. Finally, at Commissioner Lucio’s prompting, Commissioner Bocoum agreed to withdraw her motion so that the ANC could discuss the issue at their next planning meeting.
Then Commissioner Holloway (5A06) wanted to move to have the ANC redo officer elections. He said when the ANC voted on officers at the beginning of the year, there were still a lot of vacant ANC 5A seats. He said that he did not think that Commissioner Lucio should be serving as both chair and secretary (Note: The commission had enough commissioners at the beginning of the year so that there was no need to double up on the chair and secretary position but that is what the ANC voted to do).
This discussion was a lot for residents to witness and went on way too long before Commissioner Hermes finally interjected to say that the issue could not be voted on that evening. He said an executive officer would need to place on the agenda removal of officers and a vote for new officers. Notice would need to be provided at least seven days in advance.
The next public meeting will be June 25. Unclear if the meeting will be in person, virtual, or hybrid. The ANC will provide notice.
IV. Commission Business a. Minutes (April 2025) b. Meeting Protocol Reminder c. Treasurer Report
V. Commission Action Items/Updates a. 5A02 Grant application b. 5A03- Mundo Verde Request for Holiday Work c. 5A05- Washington Latin Request for Holiday Work d. 5A08- Clinical Health and Wellness 4942 South Dakota Ave NE
VI. Community Updates a. Mayor’s Office b. Councilmember Parker’s office
VII. Reports & Presentations ( Non-Action Items) a. WMATA Bus Route Changes b. 5A02 Boys Town Redevelopment c. River Smart Homes- Skye Webster
VIII. Community Comment Period
IX. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
X. Adjourn
Meeting Expectations Goal: To be helpful to the community and standards for accountability. As the elected officials for this community, we set these expectations of all of the ANC 5A Commissioners.
• ANC Commissioners are encouraged to be on camera. • ANC Commissioners names and SMD are encouraged to be identified on their screen • ANC Commissioners are encouraged to put their contact information in the chat • Meeting Protocol is Robert’s Rules of Order • Respect others when speaking • Respect our guest. • In order to ask a question or make a comment all in attendance must either use the raise hand feature or raise their hand on screen if there is a question and then wait to be acknowledged. • ANC Commissioners will be called on first before the public during a discussion. • ANC Commissioners will be responsible for presenting Single Member District Items • Members of the community should remain on mute until called upon • Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and will be addressed appropriately by the Chair.
ANC Commissioner Elaine Alston (5A08) is hosting an ANC Single Member District meeting at 7:00 pm on May 27, 2025, at UDC Community College (5171 South Dakota Avenue NE) to discuss the following:
Potential opening of the Medical Cannabis outlet on South Dakota Ave
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on April 23, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair & Secretary; Jack Hermes (5A04); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.
ANC 5A05 is vacant. The commissioner for ANC 5A07 needs to be installed.
Commission Business
Commissioner Hermes was sworn in as parliamentarian for the ANC.
Meeting Expectations
Screenshot of ANC 5A Meeting Expectations presented for vote at public meeting, April 23, 2025.
Chair Lucio introduced meeting expectations for discussion. She said the goal is to be helpful and accountable to the community. A few commissioners were adamant that it was not necessary to adopt these expectations. The ANC voted to support (Commissioners Bocoum, Hermes, Sellars, and Lucio voted in favor; Commissioners Alston, Thomas, and Holloway opposed).
Spending Requests
Screenshot of ANC 5A Spending Requests presented for vote at public meeting, April 23, 2025.
The ANC has over $100,000 in the bank. The ANC voted to allocate $5,000 for office furniture for the ANC office located at The Modern at Art Place on Galloway Street NE. The ANC voted to spend up to $1,200 for a laptop for Commissioner Alston. The ANC voted to spend up to $1,200 for an iPhone for Commissioner Alston. There was discussion of other spending requests that I could not quite follow; sounded like the ANC decided to table discussion of spending for those items.
Conway Education Center (5A03)
Conway Education Center withdrew its request for holiday work because residents of ANC 5A03 objected to holiday work.
Washington Latin Public Charter School (5A05)
At an ANC 5A05 single member district (SMD) meeting, residents supported holiday work by Washington Latin. Representatives of the school did not appear at the full ANC meeting though, so the ANC could not vote on the issue.
No Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report
No one from the mayor’s office appeared at the meeting.
Ward 5 Council Report (Andriana Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for CM Zachary Parker)
The city is still in a holding pattern on the budget. The mayor has proposed using a 2009 law to reduce the FY2025 budget gap created by the House.
CM Parker’s office held a spring cleaning event on April 26.
ABCA is working with MPD to close down illegal cannabis shops.
After the council office report was given, the ANC discussed some issues caused by known residents of North Michigan Park on Emerson Street NE and the potential return of these individuals to the community as their cases work their way through the legal system. Anyone interested in what is happening can reach out to Carmen Williams, president of the North Michigan Park Civic Association and Commissioner Alston.
Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School Calle Ocho Campus Building Expansion (5A03) (Kristin Scotchmer, Strategic Adviser & Owner Representative, Mundo Verde)
Shalini Shybut is the new executive director of Mundo Verde. She can be reached at sshybut@mundoverdepcs.org.
Mundo Verde’s Calle Ocho Campus is located at 4401 8th Street NE. The school plans to build an expansion on part of the Providence campus at 817 Varnum Street NE, across the street from the existing school campus. This building expansion has been discussed a bunch over the years at the ANC.
Kristin Scotchmer, strategic adviser and owner representative for the school, stated that the school received its raze permits and now has all of the proper permits in place, so residents will start to see construction ramp up pretty quickly.
Construction points of contact:
Call – Calle Ocho campus front office 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. (202) 803-8967
Call or text – Construction Project Manager John Breyer – (202) 352-0214
EYA and Menkiti are teaming up to redevelop the Providence campus. TCurrent plan is for roughly 120 affordable rental units (half reserved for senior apartments) and 250-280 townhomes. EYA will build another playground as the existing Michigan Park Community Playground gets heavy use. There is also a plan for a dog park. Lots of green space planned, including possibly open field space closer to the Buchanan side of the campus, and a walking loop around the campus.
The existing medical office buildings, parking garage, Police/Fire Clinic, and Carroll Manor Nursing Home will remain on the grounds. They are not part of the redevelopment project.
The Office of the Attorney General for DC had to assess the value of the transaction and the charitable assets that had to remain the city. The demolition of the old hospital building will cost roughly $30 million. The remainder of the property/assets is valued at $5 million. That money will be set aside in a trust for healthcare uses in DC, one of which will be to help subsidize an urgent care facility on the property. Providence is working with the DC OAG to transfer medical equipment to nonprofits in the city.
Now that OAG’s review is done, the development team is waiting for the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) to complete its review in order to extinguish the existing certificate of need for the hospital. That is expected shortly. Once all of that is done, things will ramp up pretty quickly.
There will be a community benefits agreement as part of the development process. Commissioner Hermes (5A04) represents much of the Catholic University area and he stated that some of his constituents would like the campus to retain some Christian identity in the project beyond just the name. (Note: It was parent company Ascension’s decision to close the hospital). EYA responded that this was the first time this has been brought up, but they stated that they would be happy to talk more about what that could look like, for example, maybe a quiet contemplative or meditation space outdoors.
EYA plans to return to the ANC in June to provide another update.
Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education (Bri Sullivan, Assistant Ombudsman)
The Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education is housed within the State Board of Education, but it is independent from the State Board. Assistant Ombudsman Bri Sullivan gave a short presentation on the office’s services. Services are confidential. The office serves as an information hub for families and maintains a neutral role in the school system. The office investigates patterns for elevation to senior leadership. The office sees a lot of cases in Ward 5, lots of concerns about safety (safe passage, bullying, violence in schools). The office offers mediation and conflict resolution assistance.
Community Concerns
A resident noted again that the slide at the North Michigan Park Rec Center has been broken for well over a year and is dangerous. The playground generally is in poor condition. Commissioner Thomas (5A02) stated he would reach out to the site manager for a visit.
A resident inquired about the new minimart at the strip mall next to the McDonald’s. The ANC did not have much information about it, but Commissioner Alston (5A08) stated that she was told it will be open 24/7. She also said that a cannabis retailer is no longer looking to locate in the strip mall. (Note: I do not know how accurate this is. The space at 4942 South Dakota has a placard providing notice of a public hearing for a medical marijuana retailer named Clinical Health and Wellness. The protest petition deadline is June 2. Unclear if the ANC received notice.).
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker (left) and ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) (right)
On April 10, 2025, neighbor Keith Sellars was installed as the new commissioner for ANC 5A01 representing part of the Riggs Park neighborhood. I have known Keith a long time, and I am excited that he decided to serve in this volunteer role so that neighbors can have official representation on the ANC and with District government. A Riggs Park resident of 20 years, Keith knows his way around District government, he has volunteered with neighborhood groups in the background for many years, he knows how to disagree without being too disagreeable, and he is all about working together to get things done.
Map of ANC 5A01 boundaries.
Commissioner Sellars shared his list of priorities as he jumps into the ANC position mid-term and begins working with neighbors.
Cultivate and strengthen partnership with UDC Community College Campus.
Create a partnership with North Michigan Park to advocate to the National Park Service for maintenance and activation of Fort Circle Park.
Work with ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) and LRCA to cultivate relationship and partner with the Cafritz Foundation to provide community input on interim use of Phase II of Art Place at Fort Totten.
Work with DPW to advocate for improved maintenance of neighborhood alleys.
Work with DC DOB to identify vacant homes and lots that need to be kept free of overgrown yards and trash.
Work with DC Forestry to ensure that all street trees are maintained or replaced as needed.
Work with DDOT regarding maintenance of all street signage in neighborhoods.
Work with DDOT on improved street and sidewalk maintenance of Eastern Avenue NE.
Schedule monthly/bi-monthly Neighborhood “Street Trash Pick Up Parties”
Commissioner Sellars joins Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02) and Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) in representing parts of the Riggs Park neighborhood. Commissioner Sellars can be reached at 5A01@anc.dc.gov.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on March 26, 2025. Commissioners present: Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair, attended first 15 minutes of meeting; Jack Hermes (5A04); Derrick Holloway (5A06), arrived late; Elaine Alston (5A08), arrived late; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 and 5A07 are vacant. The new commissioner for ANC 5A01 needs to be installed.
Commission Business
The ANC has $103,965.69 in the bank. Apparently, Commissioner Alston wants to use ANC funds to purchase a laptop for herself. Commissioner Alston joined the meeting late and was not present when this issue came up. The ANC tabled the issue and plans to discuss it at their executive meeting.
Social Justice School (5A09)
Social Justice School will have a five-year review hearing before the Public Charter School Board on April 28. The school currently occupies temporary space at 333 Kennedy Street NE and at Impact DMV Church. They gave a presentation at Commissioner Bocoum’s single member district (SMD) meeting on March 24 but did not share the presentation at the full ANC meeting.
They plan to renovate the last remaining warehouse owned by the Cafritz Foundation at 3rd and Kennedy NE for their permanent home. They anticipate breaking ground in the next couple of months. Construction will take roughly 18 months.
Commissioner Hermes asked about safety around the school. The school representative stated that safety is good, that the safe passage team works well, and that staff are stationed along the walk to Fort Totten Metro station.
The ANC voted to write a resolution in support of the school (unclear what the resolution will say).
McDonald’s Construction Update (5A08)
Commissioner Alston read a construction update for McDonald’s that was not clear at all. Only thing that was clear was that they will cut utilities before razing the building, which we already knew. It appears the ANC does not intend to circulate any written updates and for whatever reason will simply read unclear statements at each ANC meeting with no way to have questions answered. Commissioner Alston stated that if people have questions, they can call the number on the construction fence but she did not know the number when asked. (Note: The contact info on the fence is 866-663-3604, mcdhelps@gmail.com. The way the ANC is handling this McDonald’s project remains baffling).
The mayor intended to present the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to the DC Council on April 2. (Note: The same day as the ANC meeting, the mayor’s office informed the Council that the mayor would not be able to present her budget on April 2 due to the Congressional roadblock to DC’s current budget).
Street sweeping has started. Remember to move your car so you do not get a ticket.
My School DC published lottery results on March 28.
If residents/ANC commissioners want to host neighborhood cleanups, the Office of the Clean City can provide supplies.
The Ward 5 MOCRs hold Ward days on Ward days on Tuesday & Wednesday 10am-3pm.
Ward 5 Council Report (Oliver Stoute, Director of Constituent Services for Councilmember Zachary Parker)
Mr. Stoute introduced the CM Parker’s new constituent services coordinator, Adrianna Lovelace. She can be reached at alovelace@dccouncil.gov.
DC government has a website for federal workers impacted by job loss. Visit fedsupport.dc.gov.
DPW will have a special collection event on April 19 at RFK. Advance registration is required.
DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb has approved a revised redevelopment deal for the Providence campus.
Councilmember Parker and Mr. Stoute met with the MPD commanders that serve Ward 5 (3rd District, 4th District, and 5th District) and asked for trends and action plans for the warm weather months coming up. Mr. Stoute stated that MPD will deploy crime suppression units near Queens Chapel and increase surveillance around Turkey Thicket.
Commissioner Alston asked if the council office could assist with having a fair with police officers and youth so that youth can see that the police are Officer Friendly. Mr. Stoute stated his office can reach out to MPD and help with that.
Commissioner Updates & Community Concerns
Commissioner Alston asked people to pray for Mayor Bowser. Commissioner Alston stated that Z-Burger across from the McDonald’s is offering a 15 percent discount to seniors. She said they have also started serving dinner.
Commissioner Holloway (5A06) stated that he gave the 1 Hawaii Avenue development team the option to work 9-5 on Emancipation Day because everyone wants the project to get done and people are waiting to move back in.
Commissioner Alston stated that there needs to be more programs for seniors because they have done so much and she wants to have programs for seniors like a community orchestra. She asked people to contact her if they want to help with planning things for seniors.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
