SINGLE MEMBER DISTRCT 5A02 AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBORS Boys Town Redevelopment Large Tract Review Neighborhood Meeting
The Urban Atlantic Development team will provide an update on the development status of the former Boys Town site on Sargent Road. Urban Atlantic has submitted a Large Tract Review application with the District’s Office of Planning for the development of 166 duplex homes, consistent with the existing R-2 zoning. The meeting will review the materials submitted with the application and offer an opportunity for community questions and comments.
Wednesday, September 10th 6:30 pm
Microsoft Teams Link: Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 252 113 980 753 1 Passcode: MY9a5Ui2 Dial in by phone: 1 443-948-6064 Code: 682943271# Phone conference ID: 682 943 271#
Urban Atlantic’s Large Tract Review (LTR) application for the redevelopment of the Boys Town campus is available on the DC Office of Planning (OP) website. Urban Atlantic is redeveloping the site located at 4801 Sargent Road NE with 166 semi-detached homes. Approximately 17 homes will be set aside for below market rate housing for households earning up to 80 percent of median family income. The property will be developed in phases.
The property sits in ANC 5A02. Timothy Thomas is the ANC commissioner for this area.
The property will be accessed via the single entrance on Sargent Road. The developer plans to open up the campus by removing the mounds of fill dirt in front and creating a network of internal roads and 6-foot sidewalks throughout the site. The LTR application states the developer plans to plant 225 new trees. (Note: During public meetings, they said they will plant 90 new trees). The developer is studying creation of a pedestrian path to access the North Michigan Park Recreation Center from the property.
The developer plans to keep the 8,000 square foot building in the center of the campus (Main Building). They do not know what they will do with that building yet. The LTR application indicates they are evaluating formal designation of the building.
As part of the LTR application, Urban Atlantic submitted a comprehensive transportation review (CTR). (Note: While the applicant’s statement indicates the site will have 166 homes, the transportation analysis states the site will have 174 homes). Because the developer has not decided what to do with the Main Building, the CTR analysis is based on the assumption that the space will be for office use.
For residential use, the AM peak hour trip generation is projected to generate 59 vehicle trips per hour, 15 transit trips per hour, two (2) bicycle trips per hour, and 13 pedestrian trips per hour. The PM peak hour trip generation is projected to generate 70 vehicle trips per hour, 18 transit trips per hour, two (2) bicycle trips per hour, and 15 pedestrian trips per hour.
If the non-residential use were utilized as office space, the AM peak hour trip generation would be projected to generate 12 vehicle trips per hour, 1 transit trip per hour, zero (0) bicycle trips per hour, and zero (0) pedestrian trips per hour. The PM peak hour trip generation would be projected to generate 15 vehicle trips per hour, one (1) transit trip per hour, one (1) bicycle trip per hour, and one (1) pedestrian trip per hour.
The CTR does not include a transportation demand management (TDM) plan because the homes are for sale and the use of the Main Building has not been determined yet. The property is about one mile from Fort Totten station and is close to a few bus lines.
The traffic analysis includes the background development at 801 Buchanan Street NE. When this background development is taken into consideration, there is a slight increase in delays during AM and PM peak hours. But overall, the CTR concludes that the redevelopment will not have a detrimental impact on the transportation network or “trigger mitigation measures based on established DDOT standards.”
The CTR notes that Sargent Road has sharrows and that 12th Street has unprotected bike lanes. The CTR states that bicycle parking is not required for the residential portion, but the developer is proposing 10 short-term bicycle parking spaces in the center green portion of the site. The bicycle parking requirement for the Main Building will be determined when the developer decides what to do with that building. The CTR indicates that the nearest CaBi station is 0.4 miles away at South Dakota & Decatur.
Each home will have one private parking space for a car. The application states that each home “will also contain space for bicycle parking within the home.” There will be 16 additional parking spots for “shared use between the residential and non-residential uses.” Currently, there is unrestricted parking along Sargent.
The developer plans to provide electric vehicle parking in accordance with DC law that requires “all new construction of single-family homes (for building permits issues after January 1, 2025) that include dedicated off-road parking in the permit include installation of electrical panel capacity and conduit during construction that can support electric vehicle charging and mark the space as electric vehicle-ready.”
We previously discussed the LTR process in this post: Boys Town Redevelopment Pre-Large Tract Review Update. ANC 5A provided a letter in support of the conceptual redevelopment plan. The LTR application does not include everything that has been discussed at meetings so far. I know that there have also been side conversations among Commissioner Thomas, residents, and the developer with a goal of formalizing some type of agreement. Unclear at this point whether the ANC plans to submit a formal response with a copy of any agreement now that the complete LTR application has been submitted. The ANC is on recess until the end of September.
ANC 5A delivered the following message by email on August 2, 2025.
Dear Neighbors,
As you may know, ANC 5A has been working diligently to protest the marijuana application for 4942 South Dakota Ave. This letter will share some vital insights with you all.
ANC 5A’s protest letter was dismissed by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) on July 14th for lacking substance. ANC 5A has since hired legal counsel and filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the Board’s decision as ABCA’s decision to deny did meet the statutory grounds of D.C. Code as argued by our attorney, Ms. Kerri Verdi esq. Our Motion for Reconsideration articulates our legal reasoning behind the appeal and the clear procedural errors made by ABCA.
We anticipate that the Board will make a decision on whether to reinstate ANC 5A as a protestant in the coming weeks. In the meantime, ANC 5A is working to deliver the best legal arguments to oppose the application and to oppose the application through in-person protests.
We will be sure to keep everyone updated on the status of the motion and thank you for your support.
Another solid crew of 15 or so residents came out on Saturday August 2 to clean up a portion of the Eastern Avenue NE corridor in Riggs Park, collecting about 30 bags of trash. Thanks to the families who brought their little ones to pitch in. Special shoutout to the residents from Michigan Park Commons apartment community, organized by resident and assistant property manager Kale Davis with Borger Management, for helping to clean up the parkland near Galloway & Sargent.
While we were cleaning up, National Park Service came out to cut the grass at Fort Circle Park 🙌🏾
Thanks to the good folks at the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City for providing supplies, Barbara Rogers from Councilmember Janeese Lewis George’s office for acting as a liaison, and ANC Commissioners Danielle Geong (4B09) and Keith Sellars (5A01) for organizing the clean up.
ANC 5A has cancelled the special meeting scheduled for tonight July 30, 2025.
From ANC 5A:
Residents,
We are very sorry that due to unforeseen circumstances, we need to cancel the meeting that was scheduled for this evening. We understand that people are anxious to learn more about the status on the ABCA situation and McDonald’s. We will send out out an email update about the ABCA situation later today or tomorrow and we will work on inviting the McDonald’s team to the ANC meeting in the fall.
V. Commission Action Items/Updates a. 5A04- Michigan Ave Turn Lane Resolution b. 5A08- Clinical Health and Wellness 4942 South Dakota Ave NE c. 5A08- Mc Donald’s Presentation and update
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.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
