ANC Commissioner Karlus Cozart (5A02) will hold a hybrid SMD meeting on September 26, 2023 at 6:15 pm.
Physical location will be:
North Michigan Park Rec. Center, Multipurpose Room
1333 Emerson St. NE
Washington, DC 20017
–AND–
Virtual location will be:
Topic: 5A02 SMD Meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6187975861?pwd=dnshC6SprCDoMUDqiUyblEabKimBEL.1
Meeting ID: 618 797 5861
Passcode: 5A02SMD
ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum is the new commissioner for ANC single member district 5A09. She fills the seat vacated by former commissioner Zachary Ammerman. ANC 5A09 covers Aventine Fort Totten, The Modern at Art Place, Fort Totten Metro station, part of Fort Circle Park, and a few blocks of North Michigan Park. Commissioner Bocum lives in North Michigan Park. She can be reached by email at 5A09@anc.dc.gov.
The seat for ANC 5A09 is now vacant. Interested candidates may pick up petitions starting today July 31 through August 21, 2023.
ANC 5A09 covers Art Place at Fort Totten, Aventine Fort Totten, Food & Friends, part of Fort Circle Park, and a few blocks in North Michigan Park. Information about how to run for the vacant seat is available in the vacancy notice and on the DC Board of Elections website.
From ANC 5A
ANC 5A June 2023 Meeting: 06/28/2023 at 06:45 pm
Thursday, June 28, 2023
ANC 5A Monthly Meeting (Virtual)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81870709297?pwd=WDRMMGpvaVVGSGc5amNSU003UDE0QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7070 9297
Passcode: 847136
Dial In: 301 715 8592
AGENDA
I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business
A. Secretary Update
1. Minutes for Approval (May 2023)
B. Commission Action Items/Updates
1. Providence Urgent Care and Imagining Center Closure (5A03)
2. 4975 South Dakota Ave NE Gas Station Plans (5A08)
3. 120 Taussig Place-Olivia Akinsan ( 5A05)
4. Yu Ying presentation and action Carlie Fishlow (5A05)
C. Administrative Matters
1. Task Force Groups Update
V. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
VI. Reports & Presentations
A. DC Public Charter Schools John Carlos Green
B. The Campaign to Reduce Lead Exposure & Asthma- Shanna Anderson
VII. Community Comment Period
VIII. Next Meeting: September 27, 2023. ANC 5A will be on summer recess for July and August
IX. Adjourn
From ANC 5A08
| ANC Commissioner Gordon-Andrew Fletcher’s Spring/Summer Single Member District Meeting When: Thursday June 1, 2023 Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm Agenda: 1. Welcome 2. Update from the Mayor’s Office 3. Update from Councilmember Parker’s Office 4. Update regarding Convenience Store/Gas Station 5. Update regarding McDonald’s Development 6. ANC 5A Committees 7. Community Concerns |
| Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83489916308?pwd=dnJGMmFVQ0lFVitNVHlIbDBpTWFSUT09 Meeting ID: 834 8991 6308 Passcode: 191200 Dial in: 301 715 8592 |
[Note: The ANC 5A public meeting is on Thursday this month.]
From ANC 5A
ANC 5A Meeting
Thursday, May 25, 2022 at 6:45 pm
(PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE FOR THIS MONTH ONLY)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81870709297?pwd=WDRMMGpvaVVGSGc5amNSU003UDE0QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7070 9297
Passcode: 847136
Dial In: 301 715 8592
PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMISSIONERS WILL BE LET IN THE ROOM FIRST AND THEN ALL OF THE RESIDNTS AND GUESTS
AGENDA
1. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
2. Quorum
3. Agenda Review/Acceptance
4. Commission Business
A. Secretary Update
1. Minutes for Approval (April 2023)
B. Parliamentarian Update
C. Treasurer Report
1. Credit Card Authorization
2. Business cards
D. Commission Action Items/Updates
1. 5A09: Fort Totten Park Toxic Waste Issue Resolution
2. DDOT Resolution for Alley Traffic Reduction Signs
E. Administrative Matters
1. Task Force Groups
A. Public Safety
B. Social Media
C. Parks Task Force
D. Transportation
5. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
6. Reports & Presentations
A. 5A03: Providence Hospital Reimagined
B. 5A04: The Catholic University of America Development Projects
C. 5A09: Phase II Modern Development
D. The Campaign to Reduce Lead Exposure & Asthma- Shanna Anderson
7. Community Comment Period
8. Next Meeting: June 28, 2023
9. Adjourn
Please join this meeting now if you live in ANC 5A01 & 5A09 & are interested in hearing about UDC’s campus development plan for the Bertie Backus campus & the proposed cycletrack on Riggs Road.
—
Joint ANC 5A01 & ANC 5A09 Meeting with Commissioners Duvalier Malone (5A01) & Zachary Ammerman (5A09)
Meeting time and date: Monday, May 22, 2023, at 6 pm
Meeting connection information:
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/ugm-vpux-zjz
Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 260-782-6172 and enter this PIN: 992 308 493#
To view more phone numbers, click this link: https://tel.meet/ugm-vpux-zjz?hs=5
See full details here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D8XHbNdp4-2wqx2VgqBsmoSXRFYzWR_dOU7fBWRL6sY/edit?usp=sharing
AGENDA
[Note: The ANC 5A public meeting is on Thursday this month.]
From ANC 5A
ANC 5A Meeting
Thursday, May 25, 2022 at 6:45 pm
(PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATE FOR THIS MONTH ONLY)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81870709297?pwd=WDRMMGpvaVVGSGc5amNSU003UDE0QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7070 9297
Passcode: 847136
Dial In: 301 715 8592
PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMISSIONERS WILL BE LET IN THE ROOM FIRST AND THEN ALL OF THE RESIDNTS AND GUESTS
AGENDA
1. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
2. Quorum
3. Agenda Review/Acceptance
4. Commission Business
A. Secretary Update
1. Minutes for Approval (April 2023)
B. Parliamentarian Update
C. Treasurer Report
1. 2nd Quarter Financial Report
2. Cell Phones
3. Comcast for the ANC Office
4. Credit Card Authorization
5. Business cards
D. Commission Action Items/Updates
1. 5A09: Fort Totten Park Toxic Waste Issue Resolution
E. Administrative Matters
1. Task Force Groups
A. Public Safety
B. Social Media
C. Parks Task Force
D. Transportation
5. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
6. Reports & Presentations
A. 5A03: Providence Hospital Reimagined
B. 5A04: The Catholic University of America Development Projects
C. 5A09: Phase II Modern Development
D. The Campaign to Reduce Lead Exposure & Asthma- Shanna Anderson
7. Community Comment Period
8. Next Meeting: June 28, 2023
9. Adjourn
Tyeron Boston is the new commissioner for ANC single member district 5A05. With this certification, ANC 5A now has a full commission for the 2023-2025 term.
5A01: Duvalier J. Malone – 5A01@anc.dc.gov
5A02: Karlus Cozart, Parlimentarian – 5A02@anc.dc.gov
5A03: Emily Singer Lucio, Secretary – 5A03@anc.dc.gov
5A04: Diego Rojas – 5A04@anc.dc.gov
5A05: Tyeron Boston – 5A05@anc.dc.gov
5A06: Kweku A. Toure, Vice Chair – 5A06@anc.dc.gov
5A07: Keith Hardy – 5A07@anc.dc.gov
5A08: Gordon-Andrew Fletcher, Chair – 5A08@anc.dc.gov
5A09: Zachary Ammerman, Treasurer – 5A09@anc.dc.gov
Joint ANC 5A01 & ANC 5A09 Meeting with Commissioners Duvalier Malone (5A01) & Zachary Ammerman (5A09)
Meeting time and date: Monday, May 22, 2023, at 6 pm
Meeting connection information:
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/ugm-vpux-zjz
Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 260-782-6172 and enter this PIN: 992 308 493#
To view more phone numbers, click this link: https://tel.meet/ugm-vpux-zjz?hs=5
See full details here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D8XHbNdp4-2wqx2VgqBsmoSXRFYzWR_dOU7fBWRL6sY/edit?usp=sharing
AGENDA
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on April 26, 2023.
Commissioners present: Duvalier Malone (5A01); Karlus Cozart (5A02) – Parliamentarian; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03 – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Kweku Toure (5A06) – Vice Chair; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Zachary Ammerman (5A09) – Treasurer. At the time of this meeting, ANC 5A05 was vacant.
ANC Business
The ANC unanimously voted to stop paying for individual ANC phones for commissioners. Commissioner Ammerman, treasurer for the ANC, stated that in previous years, the ANC had been spending roughly $400/month for each of the commissioners to have a separate phone for ANC-related business. The commissioners will explore use of google voice so that they have a phone number separate from their personal cell phone number that they can use for ANC-related business.
The ANC also voted unanimously to renengotiate their contract for Comcast internet service at their UDC Bertie Backus office, which is costing the ANC roughly $400/month.
The ANC voted to get a bank debit card. Commissioner Cozart voted no and Commissioner Toure abstained.
Commissioner Rojas will look into pricing for ANC business cards.
Mayor’s FY2024 proposed budget (Phil Thomas, Director of the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City)
Phil Thomas presented on the mayor’s FY2024 proposed budget. Information available at budget.dc.gov. One thing that stood out was the mayor’s proposal to replace all of the supercans. Former mayor Vince Gray replaced all of the supercans during his administration nine years ago. Mr. Thomas said the new supercans will be different and better than the supercans residents have now.
ANC Special Resolutions for Grace Lewis
The ANC voted to approve a special resolution recognizing the service of former longtime North Michigan Park resident Grace Lewis. Mrs. Lewis is moving out of the city. Mrs. Lewis served as an ANC commissioner and president of the North Michigan Park Civic Association for a long time. She also worked in the office of former Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. at one point. The ANC approved spending around $140 to purchase a plaque to present to Ms. Lewis for her service.
DC Super Mart/Z-Burger Gas Station Proposal (5A08)
The Board of Zoning Adjustment hearing for the gas station proposal in front of the Z-Burger/convenience store has been rescheduled to September 2023. Representatives for the gas station will present at the ANC’s June meeting. The property sits in ANC 5A08.
McDonald’s Public Space Permit Application Related to Building Drive-Thru (5A08)
Read ANC 5A Resolution regarding McDonald’s Public Space Permit Application.
The ANC voted 4-3-1 to support the public space permit application of McDonald’s in relation to its plans to build a drive-thru. Commissioners Malone, Hardy, and Ammerman voted no. Commissioners Lucio, Rojas, and Toure voted yes. Chair Fletcher cast the deciding vote to support the public space application. Commissioner Cozart abstained. The Public Space Committee hearing is scheduled for May 25, 2023. The property, located at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE, sits in ANC 5A08.
Following a change to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) in the Comp Plan Update, a separate Zoning Commission process resulted in a map amendment (rezoning) of the McDonald’s property that permits rebuilding the restaurant with a drive-thru as a matter of right. The restaurant does not currently have a drive-thru. Part of the public space permit application involves where McDonald’s will be able to have curb cuts for the drive-thru.
At previous meetings, McDonald’s stated that DDOT was opposed to having any curb cuts at all on South Dakota Avenue. Then McDonald’s said that DDOT was fine with one curb cut on South Dakota Avenue. McDonald’s wants two curb cuts on South Dakota Avenue because they said having the drive-thru entrance and exit on South Dakota Avenue would keep traffic out of the residential neighborhood. The curb cut issue is primarily what the ANC focused on for purposes of the vote, though the vote was stylized as support for the entire public space application. The public space permit application covers everything in the public space, not just curb cuts.
The ANC resolution contains a few conditions for supporting the application, including that McDonald’s will install signage near the shared alley, propose other signage and road markings for DDOT approval, conduct a “post-construction operations study,” and consider certain mitigation measures.
(Bit of commentary: The ANC did not share a copy of the resolution before the vote and it is not clear if any of the commissioners saw a copy of the resolution before voting. Chair Fletcher did not want to have a full discussion and presentation about this topic, stating he just wanted to take a quick vote. McDonald’s ended up showing just a few slides from their presentation. The presentation is not available on the ANC’s website.
The resolution endorses a misrepresentation that counsel for McDonald’s has repeatedly made regarding DDOT’s report on the map amendment request to the Zoning Commission. Counsel used to say DDOT wants McDonald’s to put 93 apartments on the property before I pointed out that the report does not say that. So she instead shifted to saying that DDOT wants McDonald’s to build mixed-use. The report does not say that either. This misrepresentation is usually paired with a statement that “McDonald’s knows that the community does not want mixed-use,” to essentially say therefore pay no attention to what DDOT says. People can read DDOT’s Zoning Commission report for themselves.
This misrepresentation is just unnecessary to even keep repeating, especially at this point. If anything, these statements by counsel continue to show why OP’s decision to support a change to the FLUM at McDonald’s request during the Comp Plan Update, a request made only in order to support a future map amendment request that would permit a drive-thru as a matter of right, is an interesting (read unsupportable) one. It is unfortunate that some ANC commissioners continue to co-sign mispresentations about what happened during this whole process. Moving on.)
Fort Totten Park Soil Testing Resolution (Commissioner Ammerman)
Read ANC 5A’s Fort Totten Park Soil Testing Resolution
The ANC voted to support a resolution requesting comprehensive soil testing in Fort Totten Park following the additional discovery of questionable munitions material in the park. Commissioner Cozart voted no. Chair Fletcher said that the office of the DC Attorney General wants to work with the ANC on this issue. Commissioner Ammerman said he had spoken with someone from the Attorney General’s office the day of the ANC meeting.
ANC Committees
It sounded like Chair Fletcher said that the ANC will send an email soliciting interest from residents who want to serve on ANC committees. Unclear when that solicitation will take place.
Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report (Ward 5 MOCR Anthony Black)
The mayor was scheduled to have a public safety presser the day after the ANC meeting.
DPR is hiring for many positions and is offering free lifeguard training. Visit earnwithdpr.com.
Mr. Black said he is still trying to get DDOT director Everett Lott to an ANC 5A meeting.
Faith United Church is installing a rain garden on its property.
A resident inquired about activity at the DC Super Mart convenience store where plans for a gas station are stalled. Mr. Black said he will look into it.
Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker)
Councilmember Parker had a conversation with the National Park Service (NPS) about the soil testing issues at Fort Totten Park. The U.S. Army is still working to determine what is in the canisters found on the west side of the park. Once that testing is done, they will determine next steps.
Councilmember Parker introduced a firearms bill that would empower the DC Attorney General to sue for harms caused by the failure of the firearms industry to take reasonable precautions in the manufacturing and sale of their products.
Councilmember Parker is scheduled to have a walk with Director Lott along the southern portion of South Dakota Avenue near Rhode Island Avenue. CM Parker’s team will work to schedule a walk for the northern stretch of South Dakota Avenue.
UDC Bertie Backus Campus Plan (5A01)
See UDC’s Campus Development Plan presentation.
UDC officials presented on the campus development plan that is part of the UDC Bertie Backus Campus Plan process. The campus sits in ANC 5A01. The first phase will consist of modernizing the existing buildings on the campus. The second phase will consist of a 55,000 square foot new wing. UDC officials said the second phase is not fully funded yet. UDC continues to make smaller facade improvements around the campus. University officials plan to submit the Bertie Backus campus plan application to the Zoning Commission in May. (Note: I covered this presentation in this post).
END
This morning, ANC 5A circulated a screenshot of a media release regarding the redevelopment of the Providence Health Campus, located at 1150 Varnum Street NE. Part of the campus will be redeveloped with a school and housing. Providence plans to close the urgent care center, imaging center, and pharmacy on July 31, 2023. Carroll Manor and the Police & Fire Occupational health clinic will remain open. The release states that the medical buildings at 1150 Varnum Street and 1160 Varnum Street NE are not impacted. Providence sits in ANC 5A.
Mundo Verde Public Charter School, which has a campus across the street from Providence (called the Ocho Verde campus), will use part of the Providence campus for a planned school expansion. A development team consisting of EYA and Mentiki will develop housing on the site.
EYA is no stranger to this neck of the woods. EYA recently developed a townhome community across the street from Providence called The Townhomes at Michigan Park. Not too far away, EYA is also making steady progress on Riggs Park Place, a townhome and senior housing multifamily/retail project in Riggs Park. (Disclosure: When I served as president of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, I worked with EYA on a community benefits agreement related to Riggs Park Place). I think it is safe to say that EYA has a good reputation as a developer, though I certainly know there are those who have their own opinion about that.
This is not unexpected news. In 2018, Ascension (the owner of Providence) notified residents of plans to “reimagine” the Providence Hospital campus, which essentially translated to shutting down the hospital. (Actually closing the hospital turned into a bit of a saga). Ascension held “focus groups” and community meetings about what people wanted to see on the campus that would be consistent with the health mission of Providence. The meetings were honestly a little strange. At an ANC 5A meeting in 2019, Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) indicated that Mundo Verde and EYA were interested in the Providence campus. Now we have confirmation of the plan.
EYA has created a website for the Providence development at https://www.providencereimagined.com/. You can sign up to receive email updates and sign up for one of the few in-person and virtual meetings already scheduled. In addition, Commissioner Lucio plans to discuss this development at her single member district meeting on May 4.
From ANC 5A
ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, April 26, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81870709297?pwd=WDRMMGpvaVVGSGc5amNSU003UDE0QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7070 9297 Passcode: 847136
Dial In: 301 715 8592
Please note: The ANC Commissioners will be admitted to the room first. Once they have joined, everyone else will be let in.
Agenda
I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business
A. Secretary Update
1. Minutes for Approval (February 2023 and March 2023)
2. Website- Pictures and Bios
B. Parliamentarian Update
C. Treasurer Report
1. 2nd Quarter Financial Report
2. Cell Phones
3. Comcast for the ANC Office
4. Credit Card Authorization
5. Business cards
D. Commission Action Items
1. Special Resolution
2. 5A08: Convenience Store/Gas Station 4975 South Dakota Ave NE
3. 5A08: McDonald’s Development
4. 5A09: Fort Totten Park Toxic Waste Issue Resolution
E. Administrative Matters
1. Public Safety
2. Social Media
3. Parks Task Force
4. Transportation
5. ANC Office
V. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
VI. Reports & Presentations
A. Mayor’s Budget presentation- Mr. Thomas
B. 5A01: UDC Campus Project- Ms. Gray
C. DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities- Mr. Russ
VII. Community Comment Period
VIII. Next Meeting: May 24, 2023
IX. Adjourn
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on March 22, 2023
Commissioners present: Duvalier Malone (5A01); Karlus Cozart (5A02) – Parliamentarian; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Kweku Toure (5A06) – Vice Chair; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Zachary Ammerman (5A09) – Treasurer. Commissioner Hardy is the new commissioner for ANC 5A07 (effective 3/24/2023). ANC 5A05 is still vacant.
Commissioner Fletcher noted at the top of the meeting that the ANC previously stated at the February meeting that McDonald’s requested to be removed from the February meeting agenda and come to the March meeting, but the team still had other work to do so they were not scheduled for the March agenda.
UDC was on the agenda to discuss the Bertie Backus campus, but they did not present.
The representative for the gas station proposal at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE was on the agenda but he did not appear and the ANC declined to take any action. There may be a special meeting to deal with this issue.
There was no presentation on the mayor’s proposed budget, which was listed as an agenda item.
Commission Business
Commissioner Zachary Ammerman stated that he is still working with Ward 5 Mutual Aid regarding their use of the ANC office space at 402 Galloway Street NE at Art Place at Fort Totten. He said that the group has identified a fiscal sponsor that will be able to secure liability insurance. He said that counsel for the Cafritz Foundation (property owner) alerted the ANC that some members of the Foundation’s board were hesitant about having the mutual aid group occupy the ANC office space because the lease/intention for the space was for it to be used solely as ANC office space. The board scheduled a vote on the matter on March 23. (Note: On March 23, the ANC notified residents that “the board voted unanimously to allow Ward 5 Mutual Aid to continue to use the ANC 5A satellite office space as a supply hub.” The ANC, mutual aid group, and the Cafritz Foundation will work on an agreement).
There was other discussion about the ANC’s expenses, inclucing the cost of Internet service for the office space and the cost of commissioner cell phones. They will discuss these issues at an ANC executive board meeting.
MPD Report (Captain John Terry, MPD 4th District)
MPD 4th District Captain John Terry gave a few public safety updates. He said in the past 30 days, there had been 3 robberies, 1 carjacking, and 13 thefts from autos within the ANC boundaries. Outside of ANC 5A, there was a shooting near Turkey Thicket Rec Center recently.
He noted that Kia and Hyundai have offered free anti-theft software updates for Kia and Hyundai owners. Also, the District is offering free steering wheel locks for certain Kia and Hyundai models.
Commissioner Ammerman asked about a discharge of a gun at/near Fort Totten Metro station that occurred recently. Captain Terry said that a special police officer (privately hired security) at one of the establishments in the area chased a “suspect” who ran into the metro station and the private officer fired his gun at the individual.
Captain Terry said the 4th District received a violent crime reduction award for a 12 percent decline in violent crimes. He also said that 4th District Commander Carlos Heraud received the Commander of the Year award.
Commissioner Lucio asked Captain Terry why MPD is no longer attending ANC meetings. He said that MPD is trying to push residents to go to MPD’s sector meetings because there is not enough MPD staff to attend the many ANC and community association meetings every month. The sector meetings are a chance to talk about public safety issues with police district leadership. The boundaries of ANC 5A lie in Sector 2 of MPD’s 4th District. Sector 2 meets the second Tuesday of every month.
Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator, Ward 5 CM Zachary Parker)
CM Parker is forming a Ward 5 bus task force. If you ride Metrobus and wish to assist the Council office in providing input on Metro’s Better Bus Network, consider applying to be on the bus task force. Apply at ward5.us/bus.
Residents can sign up for office hours with CM Parker at ward5.us/officehours. Sign up for CM Parker’s newsletter at ward5.us/newsletter.
DPR is extending hours at eight rec centers, including Edgewood Rec and Turkey Thicket Rec in Ward 5.
The mayor’s proposed budget includes funding for community park space on the corner of South Dakota Avenue NE & Riggs Road NE. This is a proposal that the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association has requested for several years. Government agencies will work together on transferring the land to DPR for park space. In addition, the mayor’s proposed budget includes increased funding for a community center at the Crummell School.
Commissioner Lucio asked about CM Parker’s announcement that he planned to introduce a school safety bill and how what he is proposing would differ from what schools already have with school resource officers. (Note: CM Parker introduced the school safety coordination bill a couple of days after the ANC meeting). Mr. McKnight said he will follow up with Commissioner Lucio.
Mayor’s Office Ward 5 Report (Anthony Black, Ward 5 MOCR)
The mayor released her proposed budget on March 22. Street sweeping season has started. DPR has instituted a lottery for DPR summer camp registration.
Commissioners requested Mr. Black’s assistance in getting DDOT Director Everett Lott to the next ANC 5A meeting. Each time he has been scheduled to attend he has had to cancel or sent someone in his place.
701 Michigan Avenue NE Map Amendment – Zoning Commission case no. 23-07 (Samuel Swiller & Jared Kah, SK Investments)
A development team wants to change the zoning district of 701 Michigan Avenue NE from MU-3A to MU-2. They said they are pursuing the map amendment to reflect a change to the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) from moderate to medium density so that a planned unit development (PUD) would not be necessary for an anticipated development. They said they do not have any particular development plan in mind yet, but they will get feedback from residents about what sort of permitted uses within the MU-2 zone would be desirable. They will take advantage of the property’s proximity to the Brookland Metro station.
The property is located in ANC 5F02. (ANC 5A is directly across the street from the property and is therefore considered an affected ANC). The development team said that ANC 5F had not yet voted on the map amendment request. Commissioner Fletcher, ANC 5A Chair, said that the commissioners appreciated the presentation but that ANC 5A will likely not weigh in on the request because there is already a lot on the commission’s plate that directly impacts ANC 5A.
DC Department of Parks & Recreation (Christopher Dyer, DPR Community Engagement Manager)
View DPR summer camp presentation.
DPR has introduced a lottery to sign up for DPR summer camps. The idea is similar to the My School DC lottery that may be familiar to families. The summer camp lottery opened on March 13. It will close on April 5. DPR recommends not waiting until the last minute to sign up. DPR will notify residents of lottery selection on April 18 and payment will be due April 25. Sibling preference will be honored. There will be a waitlist available.
DPR offers a reduced rate for qualifying residents. Applications for the reduced rate are due April 1 in order to be approved by the time the lottery is run.
Someone recommended that DPR look at having a low-income/at-risk preference as is done with certain schools for the school lottery. Someone also took exception to the notion of calling the summer camp signup a lottery (like a game of chance). Mr. Dyer said he would think about that.
Questions can be sent to christopher.dyer@dc.gov.
Miscellaneous
The ANC is still working on their zoom account upgrade.
The next meeting is scheduled for April 26, 2023.
ANC Commissioner Karlus Cozart (5A02) is holding a virtual single member district (SMD) meeting tomorrow March 24 at 6:00 pm. This information is also published on the ANC 5A website at anc5a.org.
Commissioner Cozart mostly represents parts of North Michigan Park and Queens Chapel, but he also represents a tiny sliver of Riggs Park in the northern part of the SMD along Eastern Avenue & Galloway Street NE.
His SMD website is https://www.anc5a02.com. On that site, you can view meeting dates and announcements, sign up for his ANC office hours, and also request to join his ANC 5A02 listserv. Note that a community cleanup that was previously scheduled for March 25 has been rescheduled to April 8.
5A02 SMD Meeting: 03/24/2023 at 06:00 pm
Meeting will be held via Zoom
Topic: 5A02 SMD Meeting
Time: Mar 24, 2023 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6187975861?pwd=dnshC6SprCDoMUDqiUyblEabKimBEL.1
Meeting ID: 618 797 5861
Passcode: 5A02SMD
[Ed. Note: ANC 5A just sent out a meeting notice with an agenda for the public meeting taking place tomorrow March 22 at 6:45 pm. The “Z Burger Convenience Store” matter refers to a request to put in gas pumps in front of the convenience store at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE (BZA case no. 17963A). My understanding is that the “701 Michigan Ave Development” is a map amendment request (ZC case no. 23-07). My understanding is that the item listed as “UDC Project” refers to the UDC Bertie Backus Campus Plan Project.]
From ANC 5A
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
ANC 5A Monthly Meeting (Virtual)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81870709297?pwd=WDRMMGpvaVVGSGc5amNSU003UDE0QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7070 9297
Passcode: 847136
Dial In: 301 715 8592
AGENDA
I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business
A. Minutes for Approval (February 2023)
B.Commission Action Items
1. 5A09 ANC 5A Satellite Office Space MOU
2. 5A08 Z Burger/Convenience Store 4975 South Dakota Ave NE
C. Administrative Matters
1. Public Safety
2. Social Media
3. Parks Task Force
4. Transportation
5. ANC Office
V. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
VI. Reports & Presentations
A. 5A04: 701 Michigan Ave Development
B. 5A01: UDC Project
C. Mayor’s Budget presentation
D. DPR Summer Camp Lottery Process- Christopher Dyer
VII. Community Comment Period
VIII. Next Meeting: April 26, 2023
IX. Adjourn
An application for a modification to a previously approved proposal for a gas station in front of the DC SuperMart/Z Burger located at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE is pending before the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA case no. 17963A). This is the convenience store located across the street from the McDonald’s and directly next to an existing Sunoco gas station. It is located in ANC single member district 5A08.
A public hearing is scheduled for April 12, 2023. Instructions on how to participate through either oral or written testimony are in the hearing notice.
The applicant submitted the modification application in October 2022, but the issue only came up at ANC 5A’s meeting on January 25, 2023, after a resident asked about activity at the location. A representative for the applicant appeared at the ANC’s February 2023 meeting with a brief presentation. The representative agreed to present to the North Michigan Park Civic Association at some point and will also provide a traffic report as well, from what I understand.
2010 Approval
I was not around in the neighborhood when this project was first proposed but looking at the original case file, it looks like well over 10 years ago, the applicant previously proposed to raze the existing convenience store and build a new one with a gas station. The convenience store could be rebuilt as a matter of right, but a special exception was needed for the gas station. The BZA held a hearing and had public meetings in 2009 to consider the request for a special exception.
Specifically, the BZA had to consider three factors in determining whether special exception relief was warranted:
Under another provision in the regulations, the Board also had to consider whether the gas station:
The BZA approved the special exception for the gas station in 2010 (case no. 17963), but it was never built. The convenience store remained in place, going through a series of name changes over the ensuing years.
Modification
Now it looks like the applicant is ready to put in three double-sided gas dispensers (six total nozzles) in front of the existing convenience store, so the applicant is back before the Board seeking a modification.
In the application for modification of significance and statement in support, the applicant writes:
The applicant hereby proposes to amend the previously approved BZA #17963 by retaining the existing convenience store and site
modifications to the proposed gasoline canopy, fuel dispenser layout, and entrances. No changes to the existing drainage system
and boundaries are proposed. The intended use per approved BZA 17963 remains. However, this layout reduces the originally
approved impervious footprint thereby, fostering an environmentally better and less intense development.
The owner contends that the BZA already approved the gas station back in 2010, so it should approve the modification here because the “spirit” of the application remains the same.
Addressing the factors described above, the applicant writes:
The proposed gasoline service station with three pumps and a canopy over the pumps is previously approved per BZA#17963. The site is zoned MU-3A. The adjacent residential zone R-2 along the north side is separated by streets along Delafield Street NE, and Emerson Street NE. The residential zone R-2 along the east side is separated by a driveway or alley. The gasoline service station “SUNOCO” zoned MU-3A exists along the SE side of the property. The site abuts zone MU-3A across the street South Dakota Ave, NE.
The self-service gasoline station would be situated to permit a free flow of traffic onto the site for access to the existing convenience store in the same manner per the currently approved application, BZA #17963. A traffic study was conducted as a part of the previously approved BZA#17963. There is no aspect of the physical characteristics of the property which would inhibit the flow of traffic or cause any adverse impact on the traffic of South Dakota Ave.
The existing convenience building will remain. The parking spaces shown on the site plan are designed to be accessible at all times without moving any other vehicles to the public space.
The applicant also writes in the application:
Pursuant to Subtitle X-901.2 of the Zoning Regulations, the Board is authorized to grant special exception relief where, the special exception will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Regulations and Zoning Maps; will not tend to affect adversely, the use of a neighboring property.
The existing convenience store will remain thereby maintains the existing harmony with the adjacent zone. The proposed fuel station with three dispensers/pumps and a canopy over the pumps is previously approved per BZA#17963. The proposed scope will maintain the required setbacks. Hence, granting the special exception will retain all aspects such as use and harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Regulations and Zoning Maps, and will not tend to adversely affect the use of neighboring properties.
The North Michigan Park Civic Association is working to address the issue. If you are interested in working with the civic association, you can reach out to them.
Old case record
Might be worth looking at the order for BZA case 17963 to see how the Board addressed comments by ANC 5A (which opposed the gas station), DDOT, and DC’s Office of Planning back in 2010. It is a pretty short order. Also, transcripts for the public hearings and meeting are available in the case file.
It is pretty interesting to read the testimony of the previous gas station team from the 2009 hearing. They talked about how amazing they thought this whole thing would be. A pair of brothers partnered with the owner of the store to propose the project to raze the store and build a new one with a gas station. One of the pair made a point to note that he was a native Washingtonian and how much he and his brother wanted to contribute to the community. Acknowledging that this proposed gas station would be right next to an existing gas station, he said there was no comparison between the two because the new convenience store (that never happened) would have a green roof and sell fresh food, not just candy and soda. He said this would provide a business need for which people would not have to leave their neighborhood to get. He promised not to apply for a liquor license. And he mentioned a few times how attractive the gas station canopy would be and that it would have recessed lighting so as not to interfere with neighboring homes.
It is also pretty interesting to read DDOT’s testimony. DDOT did not submit a report before the hearing. DDOT’s representative at the hearing stated that he was “vaguely familiar” with the case. Apparently, he had worked with the team at that time on plans for a different site and pretty much extrapolated DDOT’s work on that site to the site on South Dakota Avenue. After prompting from the Board, the applicant did submit what he said was a traffic report for the South Dakota Avenue location and DDOT apparently submitted a memo stating it had no objections to the applicant’s report. It appears OP primarily relied on DDOT to state whether there were any objectionable traffic concerns with the proposal in deciding to support the original application. OP and DDOT proposed conditions in the order.
As noted in OP’s 2009 report, the Board could “impose requirements pertaining to design, appearance, screening, or lighting, or other requirements it deems necessary to protect adjacent or nearby property.” Conditions requested by OP in 2009:
According to the order, DDOT requested conditions related to “the hours for fuel delivery, the size of the delivery trucks, and a specific plan for ingress and egress to and from the site, including a condition which restricted the South Dakota Avenue curb cut to a right turn into the site.”
The Board’s approval in 2010 contained the following conditions:
It will be interesting to see what DDOT and OP write in their reports regarding this request for modification. (Aside: I am particularly interested to see what OP says given their track record in planning in this part of the neighborhood).
My understanding is that the BZA will consider anew whether to approve a special exception. I think it is safe to say there is near universal opposition to having another gas station right next to the Sunoco. All the promises of a modern convenience store were for naught.
Hopefully the ANC will produce a report that clearly outlines why special exception relief is not warranted.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on February 22, 2023.
All commissioners were present: Duvalier Malone (5A01); Karlus Cozart (5A02) – Parliamentarian; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Kweku Toure (5A06) – Vice Chair; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Zachary Ammerman (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC single member districts 5A05 and 5A07 are still vacant.
At the request of McDonald’s representatives, consideration of McDonald’s public space committee application was removed from the agenda. The representatives wanted time to present at the North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting and to work up preliminary traffic data. They will appear at the ANC’s March meeting.
ANC Business
The ANC approved a motion to upgrade its Zoom account in order to increase storage space for meeting recordings. Commissioner Lucio learned in January that the ANC had run out of storage space. It sounded like the ANC said they would pay about $100 more annually to upgrade. Commissioner Toure abstained.
Commissioner Ammerman, treasurer, noted that the ANC is not able to write checks because of issues with PNC bank. He said that this is an issue with ANCs citywide that bank with PNC, as the bank has classified ANCs as nonprofits. The DC auditor is working on a resolution.
The ANC did not have time to discuss formation of ANC committees.
Mundo Verde Public Charter School Agreement (5A03)
Mundo Verde has come before the ANC several times regarding its expansion plan. Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) worked with the neighboring commissioner from ANC 5B to create a resident task force to address parking, dropoff/pickoff, and other issues. There is now a draft agreement, which Commissioner Lucio shared at her single member district meeting in February.
The ANC voted to approve the agreement. Commissioner Cozart abstained.
Proposed Gas Station at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE (5A08) (BZA case no. 17963A)
The owner of DC Mart located at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE has applied for a modification of significance to a previously approved proposal to put in gas pumps in front of the convenience store/Z Burger. The plan is for three dispensers with nozzles on each side for a total of six pumps. A gas station was approved for that location by the Board of Zoning Adjustment back in 2010 (BZA case no. 17963), but back then the proposal was to raze the existing convenience store and replace it with a new one along with a gas station (Lowest Price brand). Now the owner plans to keep the existing store in place and just put in the gas pumps (Shell brand). He is making some changes to the approved plans so now he is seeking a modification. Special exception relief is needed to put in the gas station. A hearing is scheduled for April 12, 2023.
A representative for the applicant presented at the ANC meeting. He acknoweldged that there is a gas station right next door but tried to explain why another gas station would make sense. (Aside: I do not remember entirely what he said; I just have in my notes that what he said did not make sense). It was a short presentation that pretty much repeated what is in the filings.
In the application for modification of significance and statement in support, the applicant writes:
The applicant hereby proposes to amend the previously approved BZA #17963 by retaining the existing convenience store and site
modifications to the proposed gasoline canopy, fuel dispenser layout, and entrances. No changes to the existing drainage system
and boundaries are proposed. The intended use per approved BZA 17963 remains. However, this layout reduces the originally
approved impervious footprint thereby, fostering an environmentally better and less intense development.
Residents had a number of questions that were not answered. A resident asked about putting in electric car charging stations instead of gas pumps. There was generally a lot of opposition to the plan. The representative agreed to present to the North Michigan Park Civic Association and will return to the ANC with traffic data.
Ward 5 Mutual Aid Use of ANC Office Space (5A09)
The Ward 5 Mutual Aid group has been operating out of ANC 5A’s office at the Modern at Art Place for a while now after Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) permitted them to use the space. The office was previously in his single member district. Following redistricting it is now in ANC 5A09, which is represented by Commissioner Zach Ammerman. The group’s use of the ANC office space has become an issue because there is no written agreement between the ANC and the group and the ANC’s lease for the space does not permit the space to be used for anything but an ANC office. The office space was an approved community benefit for the Art Place development. The ANC still has its original office at UDC’s Bertie Backus campus, but expect to lose use of that space while the campus undergoes renovation.
At the ANC’s January 2023 meeting, the ANC voted to form an office space task force to assist the mutual aid group. Commissioner Ammerman reached out to representatives for the Cafritz Foundation (owner of Art Place). The representatives told him that they would potentially be okay with having some sort of side agreement with the mutual aid group to use the ANC office space as long as the group obtained liability insurance for using the space. Because the group is not a structured nonprofit organization or a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, the group is exploring how it can get a fiscal sponsor that would be able to get that liability insurance on behalf of the group. The group has a tentative deadline of having that done by the ANC’s March meeting.
Creation of Park Space on corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE (5A09)
The ANC approved a resolution drafted by Commissioner Ammerman in support of creation of park space on District-owned green space on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE in front of Food & Friends. This park space is contemplated in the neighborhood’s Riggs Road/South Dakota Avenue NE Area Development Plan that was approved by the DC Council in 2009 and fully incorporated into the DC Comprehensive Plan in 2021. This is something that the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association has been working on for a while. The ANC originally passed a resolution on this issue back in 2017. The new resolution reaffirms support for that resolution.
Gallatin-Galloway Pedestrian Trail (5A09) (National Park Service representatives Brian Joyner, Kym Elder, Nick Bartolomeo)
National Park Service (NPS) representative said design work for an alternative location for an official trail between Gallatin and Galloway Street west of South Dakota Avenue NE will kick off “any day now.” Design work will proceed through the summer months. NPS still needs to identify a funding source for construction of the trail once the design work is done.
Commissioner Ammerman asked if NPS had any response to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s letter requesting that NPS conduct more soil testing in Fort Circle Park. Mr. Joyner stated that NPS planned to respond either the next day or no later than Friday morning.
Commissioner Lucio asked about ADA compliance for the temporary surface that NPS placed on top of the abandoned trail location. She said that there is not a curb cut on the Gallatin Street side of the trail. NPS said the trail is not an official trail and that the temporary surface was just put down so that there would not be large mud pits. He said there is no way to make the temporary surface ADA compliant at all, it is just a temporary surface, and it was not graded to be a real surface. After Commissioner Lucio said that even the temporary surface has to be ADA compliant, Mr. Bartolomeo offered to visit the site with her.
A couple of people noted that the surface does not hold up in large rainfall. Mr. Bartolomeo explained that Metro has stormwater management infrastructure for the green line tunnel in that area that absorbs large amounts of water so in heavy rainfalls that area is going to be very wet. The surface is just a temporary surface; it was not graded and designed to be a permanent trail.
Washington Yu Ying & Washington Latin Joint Campus Project (5A05) (Carlie Fisherow, Yu Ying; Peter Anderson, Washington Latin)
Project website: https://4301harewood.org.
Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School and Washington Latin Public Charter School are teaming up for a joint campus project at the former Kirov Academy of Ballet school building located at 4301 Harewood Road NE. This project sits in ANC 5A05, which is currently without a commissioner. School officials are working with the Pleasant Hill Civic Association. This was just the first vist by school officials to ANC 5A. They plan to continue engaging ANC 5A.
The Kirov building went up for sale and was awarded to Washington Latin, which then decided to work with Yu Ying. Yu Ying, currently located at 220 Taylor Street NE, is a dual language Chinese/English immersion school with an IB program. It serves 600 students in grades K-5. It is a feeder school to DC International School. Yu Ying will serve PK3-K classes at the new campus and serve grades 1-5 at the Taylor Street campus.
Washington Latin is in a temporary location at 711 Edgewood Street NE and also has a location in Brightwood in Ward 4. The school will relocate the Edgewood campus to the new campus, while also continuing to serve grades 5-12 at the Brightwood campus. Both schools offer equitable access preference.
The plan is for the joint campus to have one new building for Yu Ying and one new building for Washington Latin. The existing Kirov building will house shared amenities, such as a gym, library, and cafeteria. Yu Ying will move in first. Yu Ying expects to break ground in July 2023 and open in August 2024. Washington Latin expects to break ground in the summer of 2024 and move in by summer 2025.
Representatives said that they plan to have community space at the new campus.
View details and sign up for project updates at https://4301harewood.org. There is a virtual town hall the third Wednesday of each month.
Ward 5 Mayor Office Report (MOCRS Christopher Ingram and Anthony Black)
Anthony Black is a new Ward 5 MOCR (mayor’s office liaison). He joins MOCR Christopher Ingram who has been serving in the role for several months now. The two had not yet decided which one would be the primary contact for ANC 5A. Contact information for both below.
Anthony Black
Ward 5 Liaison Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services
Executive Office of the Mayor
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 332
Washington, DC 20004
202.215.5049 Mobile
anthony.black@dc.gov
Christopher Ingram
Ward 5 Liaison Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services
Executive Office of the Mayor
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 332
Washington, DC 20004
202.394.4399 Mobile
Christopher.Ingram@dc.gov
Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator to Councilmember Zachary Parker)
The DC Council was winding down DC agency performance oversight hearings. DC agency budget hearings are coming up. Sign up for the Ward 5 newsletter at ward5.us/newsletter.
DC Office of Campaign Finance
The DC Office of Campaign Finance only had time to give a very brief overview of DC’s public campaign finance program. They will return to give a full presentation.
From ANC Commissioner Zachary Ammerman (5A09)
Fort Circle Park Cleanup with ANC Commissioner Zachary Ammerman (5A09)
March 4, 2023
10:00 am-12:00 noon
Meet at the Galloway Street side of the Gallatin-Galloway pedestrian trail. Gloves, trash bags, and a limited number of trash grabbers provided.
Stay for five minutes or two hours, up to you. This is also a chance to talk to Commissioner Ammerman about neighborhood issues and concerns.
Sign up to receive Commissioner Ammerman’s ANC 5A09 updates at ANC5A09.com.
Ed. Note: My understanding is that the ANC will be taking a vote on the matters listed under “Legal Matters.”
From ANC 5A
ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, February 22, 2022 at 6:45 pm
ANC 5A’s meeting will be held online only in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81870709297?pwd=WDRMMGpvaVVGSGc5amNSU003UDE0QT09
Meeting ID: 818 7070 9297
Passcode: 847136
Dial In: 301 715 8592
AGENDA ITEMS
I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
II. Quorum
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Minutes (January 2023 and Emergency Meeting February 2023)
IV. Commission Business
A. Parliamentarian
B. Minutes for Approval (January Meeting and February Special Meeting 2023)
C. Treasurer: Cell Phones and Communication (Zoom account increase)
D. Legal Matters
1. 5A03: Mundo Verde Community Agreement
2. 5A08: McDonald’s Public Space Committee Application
3. 5A08: Z Burger/Convenience Store 4975 South Dakota Ave NE
4. 5A09: ANC 5A Satellite Office Space MOU
5. 5A09: Park development at the southwest corner of South Dakota and Riggs Road
E. Committee Formations
1. Public Safety
2. Social Media
3. Parks Task Force
4. Transportation
5. ANC Office
V. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
VI. Reports & Presentations
A. Yu Ying Addition-Carlie Fisherow
B. Office of Campaign Finance-Natasha Alexander
C. Fort Totten Park-National Park Service
VII. Community Comment Period
VIII. Next Meeting: March 22, 2023
IX. Adjourn
Next Stop...Riggs Park 