From ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09)

SMD 5A09 Meeting Agenda

Monday 09/16/2024 at 07:00 pm

Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85380886626?pwd=aPcbXnRFn38Xai4DN22r9g8PHtfaff.1

Meeting ID: 853 8088 6626
Passcode: 590935

Agenda 

• Aldi Alcohol License Request Update
• Other topics of interest to the neighborhood

Please email Commissioner Bocoum at 5a09@anc.dc.gov if you have specific topics that you would like added to the agenda.

From ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09)

5A09 SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT MEETING

Thursday 07/18/2024 at 06:00 pm

Special SMD 5A09 Meeting Agenda

Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87417402172?pwd=uD2EbYSUgRD4u0PmijR4jZTY0d1mOT.1

Meeting ID: 874 1740 2172
Passcode: 390073

Agenda (times are tentative)

6:00 Aldi alcohol sale license request

6:30 Planned one-block bike lane at Riggs and South Dakota

7:00 Possible future bike lane on South Dakota Ave

Anyone who lives in 5A09 or near Fort Totten Metro Station, please attend the meeting to discuss these issues. 

You can also email bike.lanes@dc.gov (please provide your address / distance from Fort Totten) so your opinions will be given more weight) and [copy Commissioner Bocoum at 5A09@anc.dc.gov]. 

Surveys regarding South Dakota Ave Safety Study can be found at South Dakota Ave Safety Study – Official Website of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker (zacharyparkerward5.com) 

—
[Ed. note: I am not sure why Commissioner Bocoum is having another SMD meeting about the alcohol license issue when the protest deadline is July 22. (The hearing was pushed back because Aldi did not post the placard until June 7). It seems Commissioners Fletcher and Lucio are telling her what to do, but neither of them is giving good advice. One or both told her that the license had been approved already, which was obviously not correct, and residents told her that was not correct. Then one or both told her she should have another SMD meeting, which does not make any sense and residents told her that does not make any sense. The full ANC should be having a special meeting to vote on a resolution. So, I am not sure what the ANC is doing and why other commissioners are telling Commissioner Bocoum things that do not make any sense.]

Catching up on posts

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on June 26, 2024. Commissioners present: Karlus Cozart (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Vice Chair, Secretary; Tyeron Boston (5A05); Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A06 & 5A07 are vacant.

This meeting was super long. Chair Fletcher left about halfway through, but there was still a quorum of commissioners present.

Commission Business

Commissioner Lucio was elected secretary, retroactive to February 2024. An official from the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions conducted the installation.

The ANC apparently previously approved drafting a job description for an assistant to the ANC. That was tasked to Commissioner Bocoum to complete by the ANC’s September 2024 meeting.

Public Safety Update

The ANC held a public safety summit on June 20. Commissioner Cozart, who is heading up the ANC’s public safety committee, stated the ANC had presentations by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), Catholic University’s public safety office, and Carlos McKnight representing Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker’s office. Commissioner Cozart will submit a report on the summit at the ANC’s September 2024 public meeting. The ANC also wants to have a public safety summit in the fall.

Sahara Market & Cafe (5A02)

See Sahara presentation to ANC 5A (June 2024)

Owners of Sahara Market & Cafe presented on their alcohol license application. They have vague plans to open some type of eatery in the Avondale Shops strip mall at 1901 Michigan Avenue NE (near Eastern Avenue NE) in ANC 5B. The property sits across the street from ANC 5A02, so Commissioner Cozart has been communicating with commissioners in ANC 5B. The owners also have a restaurant in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Commissioner Cozart held a single member district (SMD) meeting prior to the full ANC meeting. At his SMD meeting, residents expressed concerns about hours of operation, proximity to the childcare center at YMCA, proximity to the church across the street from the proposed eatery, and about the patrons that a restaurant with late night hours serving alcohol in a residential neighborhood would attract.

In response, representatives of Sahara stated that they have changed hours to shut down at midnight, though that apparently had not been reflected in their actual application just yet.

Sahara reps said they want to work with residents to provide amenities that neighbors would support. They said they have heard from Queens Chapel residents that they do not want a liquor store and that they want a bakery or coffee shop. So the owners are bouncing around ideas for a space that will have a coffee component, provide a lunchtime option, and possibly sell fresh produce. They said they are not trying to bring a liquor store to the community.

The ANC voted to oppose Sahara’s applications for a Class B and Class C alcohol license.

Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator for Ward 5 CM Zachary Parker)

Carlos McKnight, constituent services coordinated for CM Parker, noted that residents shared concerns about buses idling on Galloway Street NE for Metro’s bus bridge. The buses will be in the neighborhood until the end of August 2024 to support Metro’s red line construction.

CM Parker reached out to Metro. Metro stated that they will send personnel to monitor idling and will provide a cooling bus for bus operators. Metro sent a letter to ANC 5A Chair Fletcher. Residents asked if someone could share the letter with residents. (Note: CM Parker’s office shared the letter in the Ward 5 newsletter). A resident asked if Metro could stage buses in the parking lots on Eastern Avenue by the Giant instead of on Galloway because of the poor sightlines created by having buses parked on both sides of the street. In addition, the resident expressed concern about the annual practice of people coming to the field to shoot fireworks.

The Takoma station has reopened. Red line closure from Takoma to Glenmont continues until the end of August. Sign up for red line construction alerts. For more information, visit wmata.com/majorconstruction.

The comment period for Metro’s proposed bus redesign network closes July 15, 2024. Give input at https://betterbus.wmata.com/share. CM Parker’s office produced a scorecard of the proposal.

The Council approved the FY2025 budget. Some Ward 5 wins include funding for improvements to the playground at the North Michigan Park Rec Center.

The comment period for the South Dakota Avenue NE corridor safety study project is open until mid-August. Give input: DDOT Questionnaire and at DDOT Public Input Map.

Councilmember Parker attended a public safety meeting at Social Justice School. Metro Transit Police Department representatives attended as well. CM Parker has reached out to Ramdass Pharmacy, which was robbed in mid-June.

(Aside: This was the last ANC meeting for Carlos. In the Ward 5 newsletter, CM Parker’s office notified residents Carlos is no longer with the Ward 5 office. ANC 5A residents should contact Oliver Stoute at ostoute@dccouncil.gov for constituent services requests. Carlos is a wonderful person & we wish him the very best.)

Safety improvements on Fort Drive NE & Taylor Street NE (Anne Welch, DDOT)

See DDOT Taylor Street NE presentation to ANC 5A (June 2024)

DDOT is studying bike lanes along Taylor Street NE and along Harewood Road NW. Construction on bike lanes on Taylor Street is anticipated in Fiscal Year 2025. Construction on bike lanes on Rock Creek Church Road/Harewood Road NE corridor is expected in Fiscal Year 2026

Currently, DDOT is in Phase 1, looking at needs assessment and interagency coordination

Commissioner Boston (5A05) asked if DDOT has taken into consideration that Washington Yu Ying and Washington Latin will be opening campuses on Taylor pretty soon. He asked if DDOT has decided which side of the road the bike lanes will be go on. DDOT responded that they are aware of the schools’ plans and that they are still assessing where the bike lanes will go.

A resident noted that ANC 5A06 is an impacted SMD and that they are without representation.

South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Study (Sayra Molina, DDOT)

See DDOT South Dakota Avenue Safety Study One Pager

DDOT is conducting a safety study of the South Dakota Avenue NE corridor between Bladensburg Road NE and Riggs Road NE with the goal of implementing a road diet. DDOT is conducting the first round of public meetings, gathering input, and developing concepts. Give input by mid-August, 2024: DDOT Questionnaire and at DDOT Public Input Map.

A project website is forthcoming.

St. Anselm Abbey’s School Expansion (5A02)

See St. Anselm’s Abbey School Expansion Presentation to ANC 5A (June 2024)

St. Anselm’s Abbey School is looking to expand on its existing campus. The plan is to build a new wing to house a new library, office space, a student chapel, and admissions office. The expansion will be served by the existing parking and existing driveway. The school needs BZA relief for the expansion. They are requesting a modification to their private school plan. They do not plan to increase enrollment.

Commissioner Lucio asked if the school could reconfigure the driveway. A representative stated that is currently not included in the scope of work.

Commissioner Lucio asked if St. Anselm had any interest in buying any property from Boys Town, which is being sold. A school rep stated that he did not see any current program needs for additional property and that the sale price will probably be too high, but he stated he will alert his board of the opportunity.

The ANC voted to support St. Anselm’s BZA application.

Community Concerns

I noted that the deadline for protesting Aldi’s beer/wine license application was approaching and that at Commissioner Bocoum’s SMD meeting, residents noted that this would be a good opportunity to pursue a friendly settlement agreement with Aldi. Commissioner Bocoum was misinformed that their beer/wine license application had been approved already, which created some confusion. The ANC agreed to have Commissioner Bocoum pursue a friendly settlement agreement. Commissioner Boston opposed. (Aside: The protest deadline for the application was pushed back to July 22).

The ANC is on recess during July and August.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6:45 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210460261?pwd=NnF5RElVd0orWWppd3FPRGlPMjRPZz09

Meeting ID: 862 1046 0261
Passcode: 869469

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

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

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance

IV. Commission Business
A. Election and Swearing in of the Secretary
B. Secretary
i. Minutes (May 2024)
C. Treasurer
i. 3rd Quarter Financial Report
ii. Job Description
D. Public Safety Committee Update from June 20th (Commissioner Cozart)

V. Commission Action Items/Updates
A. Sahara Market (Ret B and CR) (5A02)

VI. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office

VII. Reports & Presentations
A. Dalando Baker (DDOT) South Dakota Ave Traffic Study- DDOT
B. St. Anslam’s Abby School Development (5A02)
C. Anne Welch (DDOT) Safety improvements on Fort Drive NE and Taylor Street NE from North Capitol Street NW to South Dakota Avenue NE. 

VIII. Community Comments

IX. Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

X. Adjourn

ANC 5A just cancelled the special meeting scheduled for tonight.

From ANC 5A:

Please note, this meeting for tonight has been canceled.  The election noted below will be conducted at our regular public meeting on June 26, 2024.

—

[Ed. Note: A couple of months ago, the ANC decided that Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03), who had been installed as vice chair at the beginning of the year, would also take on the secretary role for the ANC. I have been told that this special meeting is for the ANC to follow the proper procedures to make her secretary role official.]

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A June 2024 Special Meeting: 06/12/2024 at 06:00 pm

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
ANC 5A Special Meeting

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:00 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business
A. Special Election
VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
IX. Adjourn

Topic: ANC 5A Special Meeting
Time: Jun 12, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88628162179?pwd=kOYbdwZ6TYZLwi7fxSOo0LddACB2cO.1

Meeting ID: 886 2816 2179
Passcode: 301369

From ANC 5A09

5A09 SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICT: 06/17/2024 at 07:00 pm

Quarterly SMD 5A09 Meeting Agenda

Monday, June 17th at 7:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87417402172?pwd=uD2EbYSUgRD4u0PmijR4jZTY0d1mOT.1

Meeting ID: 874 1740 2172
Passcode: 390073

Agenda

1. Aldi Updates

Alcohol sale license request

Request to add a turning lane on Kennedy St at South Dakota Ave.

2. Food and Friends Update

Request to add a curb cut on South Dakota Ave near Kennedy St.

3. South Dakota Ave Safety Project

Ways to improve safety on South Dakota Ave.

What is your opinion about bike lanes on South Dakota Ave?

Other Business

Do you live within the boundaries of SMD 5A09? (See map below.) If so, to join my listserv, please visit https://groups.io/g/SMD5A09

[Ed. Note: A couple of months ago, the ANC decided that Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03), who had been installed as vice chair at the beginning of the year, would also take on the secretary role for the ANC. I have been told that this special meeting is for the ANC to follow the proper procedures to make her secretary role official.]

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A June 2024 Special Meeting: 06/12/2024 at 06:00 pm

Wednesday, June 12, 2024
ANC 5A Special Meeting

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:00 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business
A. Special Election
VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 26, 2024
IX. Adjourn

Topic: ANC 5A Special Meeting
Time: Jun 12, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88628162179?pwd=kOYbdwZ6TYZLwi7fxSOo0LddACB2cO.1

Meeting ID: 886 2816 2179
Passcode: 301369

The seats for ANC 5A06 and 5A07 are officially vacant for the rest of the year. By law, if a vacancy occurs within six months of a general election, nominating petitions may not be made available and the seat will remain vacant for the remainder of the term. These two seats have been vacant for several months now. There are quite a few things happening in particularly ANC 5A07, so the rest of the ANC and the chair will have to pick up the slack and stay on top of things in these areas.

Not too early for people to start thinking about running for ANC in the fall!

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on May 22, 2024. Commissioners present: Duvalier Malone (5A01); Karlus Cozart (5A02) – Parliamentarian; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Vice Chair & Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A06 & 5A07 are vacant.

Commission Business

The ANC voted to approve spending $90 to get video recordings of the ANC meetings off zoom and onto the ANC website. Commissioner Cozart voted no.

ANC Public Safety Committee Update

Commissioner Cozart, who is heading up the ANC’s public safety meeting, stated the ANC will tentatively schedule a public safety summit on June 20, 2024, at 6:45 pm. Commissioner Cozart said he has invitations out to the DC Office of Attorney General, DC Department of Youth & Rehabilitation Services, and Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker.

Ward 5 Mayor Office Report (Ward 5 MOCR Anthony Black)

The Giant Barbecue Battle will be in September. Reach out to him for tickets.

Mr. Black has Ward days on Tuesday and Fridays when he can meet residents and commissioners around the ward to discuss any issues.

Mayor Bowser FY2025 Budget Presentation (Phil Thomas, Director, Office of the Clean City)

Director of the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City stated the mayor’s FY 2025 budget has three core principles: (1) public safety; (2) public education; (3) downtown investments.

Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator for Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker)

The Council is in the middle of budget season and is looking to reverse some of Mayor Bowser’s propsoed cuts.

Metro is installing permanent bus shelters at Fort Totten and Brookland stations

Metro is redesigning its bus network.

DDOT will be holding kickoff meetings for the South Dakota Avenue corridor safety project on May 30 (virtual) and June 1 (in person).

DDOT Riggs Road NE Cycletrack; Taylor Street Bike Lane Project (Christopher Berg, DDOT Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Specialist; Michael Alvino, DDOT Active Transportation Branch Manager)

See DDOT ANC 5A Riggs Road Cycletrack Presentation (May 2024)

DDOT plans to reissue a Notice of Intent (NOI) to install a two-way cycletrack on the south side of Riggs Road NE between South Dakota Avenue and 1st Place NE. The goal is to install the cycletrack this year.

In response to questions, Mr. Alvino noted that DDOT is aware of the need for an additional curb cut on 1st Place NE. He also noted that DDOT is still working with National Park Service on a multi-use path on Galloway Street NE near Fort Totten station.

The Taylor Street NE bike plan project is in the planning phase.

As noted, DDOT will hold two kickoff meetings for the South Dakota Avenue corridor safety project.

Food & Friends Expansion & Curb Cut Request (Carrie Stolzfus, Executive Director, & Casey Dyson, Director Government Affairs and External Relations)

See Food & Friends Presentation to ANC 5A (May 2024)

Food & Friends wants to expand their building at 219 Riggs Road NE in order to serve more individuals. They state that in order to do so, they will need to expand towards South Dakota Avenue. They have submitted an application to DC’s Public Space Committee for what they are calling a conceptual curb cut on South Dakota Avenue NE between Riggs Road and Kennedy Street. They gave a brief presentation to the ANC to request the ANC’s support of the curb cut. The ANC did not take a vote at the meeting.

When DDOT eliminated the slip lanes on South Dakota Avenue way back when, a contiguous parcel of land was created in front of Food & Friends. That parcel of District-owned land is slated for park space so that is why Food & Friends say they are now looking to expand towards South Dakota. Because of the property lines, Food & Friends would need a bit of public space for a driveway that they want to install (in addition to the curb cut) to access this planned addition.

(I asked if Food & Friends could share information from their public space application, such as vehicle count. It was a bit hard to follow from the presentation exactly what the plans are for having two separate vehicle entrances).

Commissioner Bocoum (5A09) stated she will arrange a meeting with Food & Friends and stakeholders about the expansion and driveway plan before the ANC takes a vote on the public space application.

Miscellaneous

I mentioned that Social Justice School has applied to relocate to 333 Kennedy Street NE (as noted in this post). A DC Public Charter School Board hearing was held on May 20, 2024. The school notified Chair Fletcher but the commissioner for the area, Commissioner Bocoum, was not aware and the ANC did not participate. Councilmember Parker submitted a letter in support of the relocation in advance of the hearing.

The ANC received notification Aldi’s application to obtain a beer/wine license.

The next ANC meeting will be June 26, 2024.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A May 2024 Meeting
DATE: Wednesday, May 22, 2024
TIME: 6:45 pm

Meeting will be held virtually

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210460261?pwd=NnF5RElVd0orWWppd3FPRGlPMjRPZz09

Meeting ID: 862 1046 0261
Passcode: 869469

Agenda

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance

IV. Commission Business
A. Minutes (April 2024)
B. Treasurer: 2nd Quarter Financial Report
C. Website Payment for Zoom Recordings
D. Public Safety Committee Update

V. Commission Action Items/Updates

VI. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office

VII. Reports & Presentations
A. Christopher Berg DDOT Bike Lanes on Riggs and Taylor Street NE
B. Sayra Molina, Transportation Specialist, South Dakota Ave NE Safety Project
C. Casey Dyson, Government Relations and Public Funding Director Food & Friends

VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 22, 2024

IX. Adjourn

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on April 24, 2024. Commissioners present: Karlus Cozart (5A02) – Parliamentarian; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Vice Chair & Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Tyeron Boston; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A06 & 5A07 are vacant.

This meeting was focused on public safety so there is not much to recap.

No public safety updates from Commissioner Cozart, who heads up the ANC’s public safety committee.

Former ANC Commissioner Sandi Washington noted there was a shooting on North Capitol Street NE. A five-year-old was shot. Former Commissioner Washington asked the ANC for attention on that area of the ANC given that both ANC 5A06 and 5A07 have been vacant for several months now.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Anthony Black, Ward 5 MOCR)

Ward 5 MOCR Anthony Black addressed individual questions raised by residents, including mowing/tree care/dumping mitigation needed along public land near Puerto Rico Avenue & Taylor streets NE. As a reminder, Mr. Black is able to meet with residents and commissioners on Tuesdays and Fridays in person to address any issues. Contact Mr. Black at anthony.black@dc.gov.

MPD 4D Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) (Neena Murphy Martin)

Each police district has a citizens advisory council (CAC). Neena Murphy Martin chairs MPD 4th District’s CAC. Commissioner Lucio and Ms. Murphy Martin discussed ways to get more outreach in the Ward 5 part of MPD’s 4th District. For example, they might have punch with a cop. For more info on the CAC, visit https://4dcac.org or contact Ms. Murphy Martin at 4dcacdc@gmail.com.

Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator to Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Councilmember Zachary Parker held his monthly Ward 5 public safety call on April 24. Neighbors were encouraged to testify during budget oversight hearings.  

The next ANC 5A meeting will be on May 22, 2024.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 6:45 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210460261?pwd=NnF5RElVd0orWWppd3FPRGlPMjRPZz09

Meeting ID:  862 1046 0261

Passcode:  869469

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

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

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance

IV. Commission Business
A. Minutes (March 2024)
B. Public Safety Committee Update

V. Commission Action Items/Updates

VI. Community Updates
A. 4D CAC
B. MPD  
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office

VII. Reports & Presentations

VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 22, 2024

IX. Adjourn

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, March 27 at 6:45 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210460261?pwd=NnF5RElVd0orWWppd3FPRGlPMjRPZz09

Meeting ID:  862 1046 0261

Passcode:  869469

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.
Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first. Once they are all present, the residents will be let in.

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance

IV. Commission Business
A. Minutes (February 2024)
B. Public Safety Committee Update

V. Commission Action Items/Updates

VI. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office

VII. Reports & Presentations
A. 4975 South Dakota Ave NE Gas Station E Charging Station (5A08)
B. Boys Town Closure (5A02)
C. DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities

VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 24, 2024

IX. Adjourn

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on February 28, 2024. Commissioners present: Duvalier Malone (5A01); Karlus Cozart (5A02) – Parliamentarian; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Vice Chair; Diego Rojas (5A04); Tyeron Boston (5A05); Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A06 and 5A07 are vacant.

Commission Business

Commissioner Diego Rojas resigned as the ANC’s secretary. Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio was sworn in as secretary. She will hold two positions, vice chair and secretary.

The ANC approved minutes for the November 2023 regular meeting (Commissioner Lucio abstained), the November 2023 special meeting, and the January 2024 meeting.

The ANC approved the annual report for 2023. It will be on the ANC’s website.

Public safety report

No real updates from Commissioner Karlus Cozart about the public safety committee. Commissioner Lucio suggested that the ANC reach out to MPD’s 4th District Citizens Advisory Council to foster more engagement with this part of 4D.

Faith United Church Hypothermia Site (5A08)

The temporary hypothermia shelter at Faith United Church will officially close on March 8, 2024. ANC Chair Gordon Fletcher (5A08) stated that the site was little used and that it is unclear if the contract will be renewed. He said that he has stressed to the DC Department of Human Services that if the city wants to renew the contract or provide a similar service within the boundaries of the ANC, then the ANC wants to be notified in advance and be part of the process.

243 Hawaii Avenue NE (5A06) – BZA case no. 21070

The ANC voted to support the conversion of the existing duplex at 243 Hawaii Avenue NE to a two-family flat. The owner presented at the last ANC meeting and came back after doing more outreach to her neighbors.

Catholic University Temporary Modular Housing (5A04) -ZC case no. 12-01G

The ANC voted to support Catholic University’s plan to build temporary modular housing to provide more student housing. Catholic is requesting an amendment and further processing of the university’s 2012 campus plan. The approved campus plan calls for permanent student housing, but because of financial conditions, the university wants to build temporary housing to house up to 125 students.

University representatives stated the housing plan was reviewed by a traffic consultant and by DDOT and that the university expects little impact to traffic and parking. The university expects to begin underground utility work in spring (around May). The units will be constructed off site and brought to campus as they are constructed, likely starting in the fall. The representatives stated that it takes about two weeks to put each unit onto its foundation. The university expects to have the units ready for occupancy in spring semester 2025.

The Zoning Commission hearing is scheduled for March 7, 2024.

Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator for Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Councilmember Parker held his monthly public safety call. Materials from meeting:

• Recording of the meeting;
• Slides from the meeting;
• The Zoom chat transcript.

Councilmember Parker submitted his FY2025 budget request letter to Mayor Bowser.

Councilmember Parker prepared a year-end review of his first year in office.

Boys Town (5A02)

Chair Fletcher said that Boys Town, located at 4801 Sargent Road NE, is closing. This item was listed on the agenda, but a representative from Boys Town did not attend the meeting. The ANC will aim to have a representative at the March meeting. Commissioner Lucio stated she is concerned because the campus is a large property, so she wants the ANC to be involved in any development plan from the beginning. She wondered aloud whether St. Anselm’s Abbey School might be interested in expanding to part of the property.

Proposed Gas Station at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE (5A08) – BZA case no. 17963A

The hearing for the proposed gas station at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE has been postponed to April. Chair Fletcher stated he has reached out to the applicant about coming to an ANC meeting but has not heard back yet. (Aside: At the February meeting of the North Michigan Park Civic Association, a representative for the applicant stated that the applicant is not planning to install an electric vehicle charging station instead of a gas station. The hearing has been postponed multiple times at this point, but the representative said he could not say if the applicant will withdraw the application at some point).

Art Place at Fort Totten (5A09)

The development team for Art Place at Fort Totten provided an update on sequencing for the second phase of the project.

The space for Aldi will be turned over to the grocery store for buildout around April 1, 2024. This is the building under construction on the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Kennedy Street NE. Aldi is looking to open around October 1, 2024. This may be a soft opening for certain days/hours. The store will hold hiring fairs this spring/summer either within the store, at The Modern, or at Lamond-Riggs Library. Stay tuned for information about that.

The space for the children’s museum will be turned over for buildout in late summer/early fall 2024. The museum is looking to open late 2025.

The development team is still seeking financing for the second sequence of Phase 2. This is the housing piece (294 housing units, of which 33 are income-restricted, affordable units).

The last sequence will be construction of the rotunda. They are in early negotiations with potential users.

As for Building A (also known as The Modern or Phase 1), the team is still looking to sign a restaurant and an ice cream shop. There was a brewery under lease that had trouble securing financing, so the development team has reached back out with revised leasing terms.

A resident asked about having a police substation in Building A. The team said they are always open to discussions with the city about that and that maybe it could go in the space that was built out for temporary use by the library.

University of the District of Columbia (UDC President Dr. Maurice Edington)

UDC strategic plan presentation to ANC 5A

UDC president Dr. Maurice Edington informed the ANC and residents about the university’s new strategic plan. It will be open for public comment for 60 days. View the plan at https://www.udc.edu/strategic-plan. Send feedback to udcstrategicplanning@udc.edu.

Miscellaneous

In response to a question, Commissioner Lucio stated that the Providence Hospital campus deal is still being reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General for DC.

The next ANC 5A public meeting will be March 27, 2024.

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, February 28 at 6:45 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210460261?pwd=NnF5RElVd0orWWppd3FPRGlPMjRPZz09

Meeting ID:  862 1046 0261

Passcode:  869469

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

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

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum  

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance  

IV. Commission Business
A. Minutes (November 2023- Regular and Special Meeting, January 2024)
B. Treasurer Report
C. Annual Report
D. Public Safety Committee
E. Faith United Church Community Agreement Update

V. Commission Action Items/Updates
A. 243 Hawaii Ave BZA (5A07)
B. Catholic University of America- Letter of Support (5A04)

VI. Community Updates
A. MPD  
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office  

VII. Reports & Presentations
A. 4975 South Dakota Ave NE Gas Station E Charging Station (5A08)
B. Art Place at Fort Totten Update (5A09)
C. UDC Presentation-President Edington (5A01)
D. Boys Town Closure (5A02)

VIII. Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 27, 2024

IX. Adjourn

From ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03)

ANC 5A03 Meeting
Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83272638450?pwd=MG9kcVdQRzdXeWxPTE9zRlZzSUpSUT09

Meeting ID: 832 7263 8450

Passcode: 740734

Dial In: 301 715 8592

AGENDA

1. Hypothermia Shelter Agreement
2. Updates on construction
3. Updates on work with DDOT
4. Community Concerns

For more information, contact:
Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio
5a03@anc.dc.gov

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on January 24, 2024. Commissioners present: Karlus Cozart (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Diego Rojas (5A04); Tyeron Boston (5A05); Gordon Fletcher (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09). ANC 5A06 and 5A07 are vacant.

ANC Officer Elections

Chair – Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08)
Vice Chair – Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03)
Secretary – Commissioner Diego Rojas (5A04)
Treasurer – Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09)
Parliamentarian – Commissioner Karlus Cozart (5A02)

ANC Business

Yu Ying was added to agenda. The matter on Urell Place NE was removed from the agenda because the party was not prepared to come before the ANC yet. The ANC tabled the issue of hiring an office assistant. They will discuss the issue at their executive meeting.

Commissioner Lucio said the ANC is still working to compile the minutes for the November 2023 special and regular meetings.

Commissioner Bocoum presented the FY 2024 first quarter financial report. Expenses included website, Internet, and monthly bank fees.

The ANC voted to participate in the ANC security fund.

Public Safety/MPD Report

MPD does not usually attend ANC meetings anymore, but because of the shooting on the 5000 block of South Dakota Avenue (near the McDonald’s), MPD 4th District Captain James Chatmon attended along with Officer Robert Hamrick, 4D’s community outreach coordinator.

Regarding the homicide, Captain Chatmon repeated what has been reported in local news. The victim was walking with friends on South Dakota Avenue. Allegedly, a car pulled up and an individual got out and demanded money. The victim and friends said they did not have any money. The perpetrator allegedly demanded the victim’s cellphone. The victim allegedly gave up the cellphone and the perpetrator shot him. Captain Chatmon said the homicide branch is investigating. They ask residents who may have footage or other information about the incident to contact MPD.

There have been a few other violent crime incidents near the McDonald’s in the past few months, so Chair Fletcher (5A08) and nearby residents would like a permanent police camera near South Dakota and Delafield. A resident asked if the permanent camera near Mayor Bowser’s former home in Riggs Park could be moved to this location because that camera is up the street from another permanent camera. Captain Chatmon noted that the mayor still owns the house.

In addition, Captain Chatmon stated that MPD looks at violent crime statistics when considering where to place permanent cameras. There are temporary mobile cameras that the city moves around different locations, but permanent cameras are hard to come by. Officer Hamrick said he wants ANC commissioners to be aware of what is happening across the city to understand why certain decisions are made. (Left unsaid was that residents should not expect a permanent camera near the McDonald’s because things are not nearly as bad here as other parts of the city even though there are known hotspots around the neighborhood).

There was a long discussion and lots of questions. Usual answers of why police feel like they cannot address certain issues like counterfeit tags. They said they cannot pursue vehicles and MPD does not focus on conducting traffic stops anymore. They do spot enforcement initiatives where they will announce where they will be conducting enforcement ahead of time.

The ANC voted to support a request for better lighting on South Dakota Avenue. They will work on a resolution for a security camera to present at a future meeting.

ANC 5A sits in PSAs 405 and 406, which are part of MPD 4D’s Sector 2. There is a public MPD Sector 2 meeting every 2nd Tuesday of the month. Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker holds a monthly public safety call where he invites different entities/parties that have a role in the public safety system. The city offers a private security camera rebate/voucher program.

ANC 5A Office/Ward 5 Mutual Aid (5A09)

Ward 5 Mutual Aid has moved out of ANC 5A’s office at The Modern on Galloway Street NE. ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) stated that the mutual aid group is still doing grocery delivery but does not have a permanent office space.

Chair Fletcher stated that the ANC office will be used for ANC executive meetings and for ANC commissioners to meet with community members. He noted that at some point, the ANC’s office space at UDC Lamond-Riggs will not be available due to renovation of that campus.

Faith United Church Hypothermia Site (5A08)

Chair Fletcher stated that the community agreement with Faith United Church regarding the temporary hypothermia site will be discussed at the next ANC meeting. He said that he wants to hold a joint single member district meeting with Commissioner Lucio (5A03) to discuss the issue. He said he is aware of a couple of minor incidents, but that overall things seem to be going fine.

243 Hawaii Avenue NE (5A06)

The owners of 243 Hawaii Ave NE, one side of a duplex, want to convert the single-family home into a two-family flat. They need approval from the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA case no. 21070). The owners said all of the work will be to the interior of the building and that the conversion is compatible with the R-1 zone. They said there are many similar conversions on that particular block.

Chair Fletcher asked the party to reach out to the 200-footers and other residents on their block to get their support so that the ANC can vote on the issue at the February meeting. The BZA hearing is in March 2024.

729 Delafield Street NE (5A08)

The owners at 729 Delafield Street NE requested ANC support for relief to continue building a two-story rear addition to the home. There has been a stop order for over a year and the stalled work is apparently impacting the neighboring property. The home already has a pop-up on the front.

The owners appeared at Chair Fletcher’s January SMD meeting and he asked them to have nearby neighbors attend the full ANC meeting so that the ANC could hear from surrounding residents. A few residents attended and most stated they support allowing the work to proceed. It was hard to follow exactly what relief the owner needs, but the ANC voted to support whatever relief is needed to continue with the construction of the rear addition.

Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Councilmember Parker held his monthly public safety call on January 31.

CM Parker held a Ward 5 budget forum at UDC Lamond-Riggs on February 3.

There was a hearing on the District Child Tax Credit Amendment Act of 2023, introduced by CM Parker.

Commissioner Lucio asked about a proposal to test inmates at DC Jail for (I believe) psychiatric conditions and learning disorders. Commissioner Lucio stated she opposes this proposal and that she has privacy concerns with the proposal.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Ward 5 MOCR Anthony Black)

Applications for the summer youth employment program are open. Visit https://summerjobs.dc.gov.

In response to a question from a resident, Mr. Black said that DPW got behind in trash pickup due to recent snow events but that they should be back on track by the end of that week.

Yu Ying Expansion (5A05)
Project website

Yu Ying was invited to give an update on construction progress of their new school campus at the old Kirov Ballet Academy. Chair Fletcher noted that he sits on the board of Yu Ying, so he recused himself from any ANC decisions regarding the school.

Liza Douglas, a board member, stated that Yu Ying bought the former Kirov Academy campus with Washington Latin. They have gone through the necessary approvals to expand to a second campus. Construction began in fall 2023. They are aiming to complete construction in time for the start of the school year in September 2024. Construction was delayed last September, and they are working on a contingency plan if the space is not completed in time for the start of the school year. They have had talks with places less than a mile from the current campus. They will keep the ANC updated.

Ms. Douglas noted that pickup/dropoff at the campus on Taylor Street can be burdensome to neighbors. She said having a second campus should help alleviate some of that. They are working with neighbors to mitigate parking/traffic concerns.

Commissioner Lucio asked if Yu Ying has looked at busing to help with pickup/dropoff issues. Ms. Douglas said that Yu Ying had three buses. She said one issue is buses are usually paid for by parent fees, so they are looking at what other charter schools are doing to pay for buses. Ms. Douglas also mentioned that a group wants a bike lane on Taylor and that that will also impact traffic flow.

Commissioner Boston asked about the construction schedule and what can be done about construction trucks being parked in front of residents’ homes. Ms. Douglas said she would put Commissioner Boston in touch with the construction team.

Commissioner Lucio asked Yu Ying to bring the construction team/traffic consultant to future meetings.

The next ANC meeting will be February 28, 2024.