From ANC 5A
ANC 5A08 and 5A03 Joint Meeting on McDonald’s Public Space Committee Application
Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 7:00 pm
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AGENDA ITEMS
McDonald’s Public Space Committee Application
From ANC 5A
ANC 5A Satellite Office Space Meeting
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 8:00 pm
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/yaa-task-dzm
To join by phone, dial +1 925-621-0939 and enter this PIN: 635 734 652#
Virtual meeting rules:
Participants will be muted until called upon. A timer will be used, and time limits will be strictly adhered to. The meeting will be recorded, a transcript will be taken, and both the recording and the transcript will be posted after the meeting. Raise your hand to be called upon during the community comment and discussion segment.
Accessibility:
The Committee strives to host meetings that are inclusive and accessible and that enable the full participation of all residents of the Commission area. The meeting will be closed-captioned. Please contact Commissioner Ammerman at 5a09@anc.dc.gov at least 48 hours before the meeting start time if you have any requests for special accommodations needed to participate fully in the meeting.
Meeting subject: Soliciting public comment and discussion on use of the ANC 5A satellite office space located at 420 Galloway Street NE
Background info. and documents: In 2017, ANC 5A acquired approximately 600 square feet of office space located at 420 Galloway Street NE as part of the Community Benefits Agreement in the P.U.D. for the Modern at Art Place development. Starting in 2020 and continuing to the present, Ward 5 Mutual Aid has been using the office on an informal basis as a supply hub for their organization. ANC 5A formed this Committee during its January meeting to provide recommendations to the entire ANC 5A Commission on formalizing this relationship and developing a long-term strategy for using the office.
Documents:
AGENDA ITEMS
ANC 5A Meeting
Wednesday, January 25, 2022 at 6:45 pm
ANC 5A’s meeting will be held online only in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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All residents will be muted. Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.
AGENDA ITEMS
I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
II. Quorum
III. Office Vacancy Declaration
IV. Election & Swearing in of Officers Honorable Councilmember Zachary Parker
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Commission Business
A. New Commissioner Orientation
B. Budget & ANC Security Fund
C. Minutes for Approval (December Special Meeting 2022) *
D. Ward 5 Website Update – Domain
E. Annual Calendar
F. ANC 2nd Office Space
V. Community Updates
A. MPD
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
VI. Reports & Presentations
VII. Community Comment Period
VIII. Next Meeting: February 22, 2023
IX. Adjourn
Duvalier Malone, SMD 5A01
Karlus Cozart, SMD 5A02
Emily Singer Lucio, SMD 5A03
Diego Rojas SMD 5A04
Vacant, SMD 5A05
Kweku Toure, SMD 5A06
Vacant, SMD 5A07
Gordon-Andrew Fletcher, SMD 5A08
Zachary Ammerman, SMD 5A09
ANC 5A Commissioners 2023-2024
Fort Circle Park Cleanup with ANC Commissioner Zachary Ammerman (5A09)
January 21, 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 meet Commissioner Ammerman, say hello, and discuss neighborhood issues.
This event and other news are in Commissioner Ammerman’s newsletter. Sign up to receive Commissioner Ammerman’s ANC 5A09 updates at ANC5A09.com.
From ANC Commissioner Zachary Ammerman (5A09)
New ANC 5A09 Commissioner Zachary Ammerman is now hosting twice weekly online office hours. Sign up for a 30-minute video chat with him on any topic up to two weeks in advance. Online office hours will be every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 7 pm. Feel free to also reach out to him at 5a09@anc.dc.gov (the fastest way to get in touch) or by text or phone call at 202.695.2213.
Sign up for a 30-minute video chat here.
5A09 is a brand-new district that was created out of redistricting. Roughly, it is bounded to the east by South Dakota Ave NE and the Red Line on the west and includes the Modern at Art Place and Aventine apartment complexes, the Food and Friends property, Rocketship Infinity Public Charter School, and a few blocks of duplexes of North Michigan Park north of Emerson Street NE.
The DC Board of Elections has certified vacancies for ANC single member districts 5A05 and 5A07. Nominating petitions will be available on January 9, 2023. The deadline to file petitions is January 30, 2023 at 4:45 pm. Instructions are in the notice of vacancy.
More information is available on the DC Board of Elections website at https://dcboe.org/Candidates/ANC-Commissioners and in the DC Board of Elections Filling ANC Vacancies Overview Document.
Maps of ANC 5A05 and 5A07 are below. You can find your ANC/SMD on the ANC/SMD locator. If you know someone in these areas who might have an interest in serving, please pass along this information.
On December 19, 2022, the DC Board of Elections recertified results from the November 2022 general election that impact ANC 5A, due to a recount. Current ANC Commissioner Derrick Holloway (5A06) ran for re-election for his ANC 5A06 seat as a write-in candidate during the general election. No candidate appeared on the ballot, but another resident, Kweku Toure, also ran as a write-in candidate for the seat. The initial general election results certified by the Board of Elections showed that Mr. Holloway won by one vote (30 to 29).
Following a requested recount held on December 14, 2022, the Board of Elections announced that Mr. Toure won by two votes (35 to 33).
In January 2023, ANC 5A will have nine seats (up from eight). Two seats will be vacant (ANC 5A05 and ANC 5A07).
At its public meeting on December 15, 2022, the DC Zoning Commission took proposed action, voting (3-1-1) as expected to approve a map amendment (rezoning) request by McDonald’s that would permit rebuilding the existing McDonald’s restaurant at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE with a drive-through as a matter of right (Zoning Commission case no. 22-19). The existing restaurant does not have a drive-through. Zoning Commissioner Peter May opposed; one seat is vacant. Approval of map amendments require the Zoning Commission to first take proposed action before taking final action. The Zoning Commission is expected to take final action on this matter at its public meeting on January 26, 2023.
The requested action would rezone the property from MU-3A to MU-7B. According to the DC Office of Planning (OP) and counsel for McDonald’s, MU-7B is the lowest zone district that would permit building a drive-through as a matter of right. McDonald’s has made clear that it is only seeking this upzoning in order to build a drive-through as a matter of right. McDonald’s does not have any plans to build a mixed-use development or to maximize the allowable zoning limits at this site. (See FAQs provided by McDonald’s).
The restaurant is currently located in ANC single member district 5A03. Effective January 2023, the restaurant will be located in ANC 5A08 due to redistricting.
Public Hearing on November 28
The Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the matter on November 28, 2022. The question before the Zoning Commission was whether the rezoning request is “not inconsistent” with DC’s Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan).
On November 18, 2022, the Office of Planning and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) submitted their final reports. Office of Planning supported the rezoning request, while DDOT objected. OP’s report said that while the Comp Plan calls for pedestrian-oriented infill development along arterials such as South Dakota Avenue NE and discourages auto-oriented uses, “on balance” the rezoning would not be inconsistent because in a theoretical world, it would promote more jobs and more housing. (Everyone acknowledges that McDonald’s does not intend to build housing. No one addressed the automation that McDonald’s has introduced in its restaurants).
DDOT’s report recommended that the Zoning Commission consider a different zone allowing greater density, but one that would not permit building a drive-through as a matter of right because drive-throughs “negatively impact pedestrian safety” and “increase impacts to the transportation network.” DDOT’s report stated that DDOT was “in support of higher densities and mixed‐use potentials of the site to support adjacent Priority Bus Routes and generate foot traffic for nearby businesses.”
Following submission of DDOT’s report, several residents submitted letters in opposition for the record. (Disclosure: I submitted written comments for the record stating that the Zoning Commission should follow DDOT’s recommendation. I do not think drive-throughs should be permitted as a matter of right anywhere in the city. At a minimum, desires of McDonald’s headquarters in Illinois should not dictate planning decisions in this city). ANC 5A submitted letters in support of the rezoning, including one that was drafted primarily with the help of McDonald’s counsel and a strange “letter of continued support” submitted the day of the hearing.
During the hearing, it was apparent that Commissioner May would oppose the request. He is on record as generally not supporting drive-throughs in the city as a planning principle. He noted that DDOT plainly outlined why the request was inconsistent with the Comp Plan. Zoning Commission Chair Anthony Hood wanted to insist on not talking about intended uses, but Commissioner May noted it was impossible to analyze the matter without talking about the use. He pointed out a few times where testimony by those in support seemed to suggest that the request was inconsistent with the Comp Plan.
It was also clear that Chair Hood would support the request. He made curious statements throughout the course of the hearing, such as stating that he did not like all of the “late” comments that were submitted in opposition, though they were submitted by the deadline in the hearing notice. Based on ANC 5A’s strange letter of continued support, he chastised an incoming ANC 5A commissioner for submitting a letter in opposition, stating that that individual would have to work with his colleagues on ANC 5A, the majority of whom Chair Hood mistakenly thought would be returning commissioners. In fact, a majority of ANC 5A will be new commissioners. Chair Hood, who said he grew up around North Michigan Park, also recounted the story of a senior who resided in the neighborhood who would wait in her car at the McDonald’s until a young person would come along to ask them to go inside the restaurant to get her a senior cup of coffee. He said she should not have had to do that. He stated that nearby residents will need to accept and adjust to change. He even threw in the gratuituous mention of bikes.
DDOT did not have a representative at the hearing. OP official Jennifer Steingasser noted that she could not recall a time when the government disagreed with itself in a matter before the Zoning Commission. Some time was spent with the Zoning commissioners trying to get clarity on which zones permit drive-throughs as a matter of right, what the seating restrictions are for certain zones, which zones are consistent with the moderate commercial density designation in the Comp Plan’s Future Land Use Map (FLUM), and whether the MU-7 zone (described as permitting medium density mixed-use development in the zoning regulations) is consistent with the the moderate density designation in the FLUM. The Zoning Commission asked the Office of Planning to provide this information after the hearing, which OP provided in a supplemental report.
ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) testified for ANC 5A in support of the rezoning. In response to a question by Zoning Commissioner May, Commissioner Lucio said that the community supports a drive-through because South Dakota Avenue is unsafe to cross as a pedestrian so people in the neighborhood do approach the McDonald’s by driving. She said that the community does not want mixed-use development at the site. Zoning Commissioner May pointed out that driving to the restaurant (which customers are now and will continue to be permitted to do as there is a parking lot) is different from driving through. Counsel for McDonald’s asked Commissioner Lucio if there was ever any objection expressed to a drive-through during community meetings. Commissioner Lucio said that in her recollection, there were no objections expressed. (In fact, there were. And as Commissioner Lucio noted later in the hearing, she was not on the ANC when the matter first arose during the Comp Plan amendment process when the ANC originally voted to support a change to the Comp Plan’s Future Land Use Map in support of a future rezoning request).
North Michigan Park Civic Association president Carmen Williams also testified in support, stating a drive-through would be convenient and would be helpful for people with mobility issues. She said walking to the McDonald’s on South Dakota Avenue is fine (it is down the street from her house), but she said sometimes she bypasses the McDonald’s for one with a drive-through. Chair Hood asked her if she often leaves her neighborhood for this “business need,” to which she responded that she does because she has mobility issues and sometimes it is easier to go through a drive-through than getting out of the car and going into the restaurant to order. Chair Hood said that testimony solidified his support (though it was quite clear that he came into the hearing supporting this request, which is fine). Ms. Williams also said that North Michigan Park is opposed to a mixed-use development. She said residents do not want North Michigan Park to look like Riggs Park. Zoning Commissioner May had to point out to Ms. Williams that this is a permanent change to the zoning map. Everything that is permitted under MU-7B (including the maximum densities) would be permitted as a matter of right, not just the drive-through. Ms. Williams said McDonald’s has promised not to build mixed-use and that if they decide to do something different 20 years from now, she will be “dead and gone.”
Chair Hood and counsel for McDonald’s made several specious comments about racial equity. When a nearby resident called the invocation of racial equity to support a drive-through “hollow,” asking what about the negative environmental and health consequences for nearby residents, the majority of whom are Black, Chair Hood said he thought the resident’s arguments were hollow.
At the close of the hearing, Chair Hood characterized a drive-through at a McDonald’s as a “basic need.” He highlighted Zoning Commisioner May’s point that the zoning change would be permanent, but he said that McDonald’s knows what the community wants and that if they try to put in mixed-use, “we will fight you, North Michigan Park, they’ll fight you.”
In all, about what was expected from the hearing, even the most incredulous moments provided by Chair Hood and the ANC.
Public Meeting on December 15
During the December 15th public meeting, Zoning Commission Vice Chair Robert Miller voted to support the rezoning, stating he was giving great weight to the ANC and the Office of Planning. During the hearing, he noted he was originally reluctant but said based on the support from the ANC and the fact that Zoning Chair Hood supported it, he would support the rezoning. Mr. Hood noted several times throughout the hearing that he “knows” North Michigan Park and that he grew up there, and Vice Chair Miller stated at the hearing that he would defer to Chair Hood.
Zoning Commissioner Joseph Imamura said that the case gave him heartburn, but said he ultimately decided to support the rezoning because he thinks there could be a safe drive-through at the site and it was supported by the Office of Planning and the ANC.
Zoning Commissioner May reiterated his opposition. He stated there are reasons to support the rezoning such as (theoretically) more housing and more affordable housing, but noted that there was evidence that the primary reason this rezoning request was submitted was so that McDonald’s could rebuild with a drive-through. Acknowledging that drive-throughs can be convenient, he stated that he would prefer that the city no longer allow drive-throughs because of negative impacts to traffic and the environment.
Chair Hood voted in support. He said in doing his own research in this matter, he came across plans for bike lanes on South Dakota Avenue. (During a meeting of the North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting on December 7, 2022, at which Mr. Hood installed new officers for the civic association then left the meeting, president Carmen Williams asked meeting participants their thoughts about bike lanes on South Dakota Avenue).
Chair Hood stated it seems that everyone that wants a drive-through gets one. (He is mistaken). He stated that he thought that DDOT objecting to a drive-through that (allegedly) predominantly seniors will use, while planning to put bike lanes on South Dakota Avenue in a “middle-class, Black neighborhood” is “disrespectful” and that “he has problems with that.” Talking about pedestrian safety, he said pedestrians have to watch out for bikes in the Pennsylvania Avenue NW bike lanes and now DDOT is talking about putting bike lanes on South Dakota Avenue, “let’s get real.” He concluded that DDOT has its own plans for “this middle class, Black neighborhood,” and what they want to see in “somebody else’s neighborhood.”
That led to more discussion about bike lanes and drive-throughs. Commissioner Imamura stated that in his professional judgment, Commissioner May is not wrong about the environmental and traffic impacts of drive-throughs, but that against his better judgment he would support this rezoning request for a drive-through because the ANC and Office of Planning are afforded great weight.
Commissioner Miller stated that he strongly supports the city’s expansion of bike lanes. But, he said it will be interesting to see what happens when two lanes are removed for bike lanes on Connecticut Avenue NW when commuter traffic ends up in his neighborhood three blocks away because they “can’t move on Connecticut Avenue.” He stated that the city needs to equitably provide choices for both bike lanes and drive-throughs and healthy food options throughout the city. (He too appeared to operate under the mistaken belief that every business that wants a drive-through gets one).
Ultimately, the Zoning commissioners in support noted that great weight is afforded to the Office of Planning and the ANC. They all seem to think that things can be “mitigated” by DDOT.
Public Space Permit Process
It is unlikely anything will change between the date of the proposed action and scheduled final action. Once the rezoning is approved and if McDonald’s decides to rebuild, in order to actually put in a drive-through, McDonald’s will have to go through DDOT’s public space permitting process. DDOT does not have to approve a public space permit for a drive-through. Counsel for McDonald’s stated during North Michigan Park’s December 7th meeting that she suspects that DDOT wrote its report the way it did to signal that it will put up a fight during the public space process. She said she will return to North Michigan Park and the ANC for support for the public space permit.
In his remarks during the public meeting on December 15, Zoning Chair Hood stated that he hopes DDOT will not “throw up any roadblocks” during public space. As he said though, DDOT has the last word.
My thoughts
A reader told me this past summer when he saw me in person that my blog posts about this matter had become increasingly opinionated. That is true. Because I find this whole thing wild. From OP’s actions during the Comp Plan amendment process (inconsistently supporting a proposal for a drive-through for a McDonald’s but not supporting a church’s proposal for affordable housing on the same block on South Dakota Avenue) to the ANC to regrettable remarks by Zoning commissioners. All unsurprising because so much in this city is racialized (in sometimes mysterious, unfounded, and unfortunate ways leading to unfortunate but completely predictable consequences) and also driven by who knows whom, but still wild nonetheless. I will save my extra long opinion for a separate post, maybe.
ANC 5A Public Meeting
December 14, 2022
6:45 pm
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Agenda Items
ANC 5A09 Commissioner-Elect Zachary Ammerman has published a new website for future ANC 5A09 residents at https://www.ANC5A09.com. Effective January 2023, ANC 5A09 will be a new single member district (SMD) within ANC 5A, consisting of a small part of North Michigan Park west of South Dakota Avenue NE, The Modern at Art Place, Aventine at Fort Totten, and points north to Riggs Road NE west of South Dakota Avenue NE.
He is asking future ANC 5A09 constituents to fill out an outreach survey to let him know best ways to reach residents in the SMD. Please fill this out only if you will be a resident in 5A09. To find your SMD effective January 2023, use the 2023 ANC/SMD locator.
ANC 5A Public Meeting
November 16, 2022
6:45 pm
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Agenda Items
Commission Business
Community Updates 7:45 pm
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on October 26, 2022.
Commissioners present: Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair
Mundo Verde/Providence Deal (5A03) (Kristin Scotchmer, Executive Director, Mundo Verde)
Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School needs more space for 4th and 5th graders at its 8th & Varnum Street NE campus (Calle Ocho campus). Commissioner Lucio put Mundo Verde leadership in touch with the owners of Providence Health, which is across the street from Mundo Verde. Mundo Verde is in engaged in due diligence to puchase a building on Providence’s campus at 817 Varnum Street NE. This purchase would allow Mundo Verde to have 4th and 5th graders nearby instead of somewhere farther away in the city. The plan is to have an additional 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of property for 10 classrooms.
At the time of the ANC meeting, the DC Council was in the process of approving a bond resolution to support the purchase of the property by Mundo Verde. A public hearing was held on October 5, 2022, and the committee report was published on October 26. The resolution was approved November 1, 2022.
During the ANC meeting, there was a lot of discussion about traffic and parking issues in the surrounding neighborhood. A resident stated that when Mundo Verde first came to the community about its plans for the Calle Ocho campus several years ago, it was understood then that the school would need more room eventually and residents thought they would expand elsewhere outside of the immediate neighborhood.
Kristin Scotchmer, executive director of Mundo Verde, acknowledged the traffic/parking concerns. In response to a question about shuttle buses, she said the pandemic made using shuttle buses to transport students less feasible.
In response to a question about making bike transportation to the campus easier, Commisioner Lucio said protected bike lanes are planned for Taylor Street NE.
A task force comprised of residents from ANC 5A and ANC 5B (the neighboring ANC) has been formed to address issues with the expansion. If you have questions/concerns, contact Commissioner Lucio.
The Kennedy School/801 Buchanan Street NE Project (5A03)
At a public hearing on October 19, 2022, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) approved reconstruction of The Kennedy School at 801 Buchanan Street NE (BZA case No. 20749).
The BZA continued the hearing for the townhome portion of the project (BZA case no. 20751) to November 2, 2022. The BZA asked the townhome developer to specify whether a variance is needed.
Counsel for the developer presented at the ANC’s October meeting and stated that they determined a variance is not needed because they have adjusted the plans to account for 24-foot wide alleys. (See presentation to BZA; see also response to OP/DDOT request for conditions in case file).
A resident asked how conflicts over the planned green space will be handled–if residents will be expected to deal with it themselves or if the ANC or some other Distict entity will assist. Counsel for the developer said HOA documents will include a covenant regarding maintaining public access to the green space. Commissioner Ronnie Edwards said he imagined the ANC could assist if any conflicts arose. Commissioner Lucio stated she has gotten involved with a similar issue happening with playground access by the new Michigan Park townhomes. She is working with the developer, the homeowners, and the wider community to clarify that the issue was about age limits for certain playground equipment and that the playground remains open to the general public.
Ward 5 Council Report (Laisha Dougherty, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie)
Commissioner Edwards asked again about a liquor store moratorium for North Michigan Park. Ms. Dougherty said she would follow up with the councilmember.
In response to a question about the councilmember’s position on the DC criminal code rewrite, she said she would follow up with the councilmember for a response.
Next Meeting
The November meeting is scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving. At the beginning of this year, Commissioner Lucio asked the ANC to change the November meeting date. The ANC declined to do so at that time.
Because the ANC did not have a quorum at the October meeting, they could not vote to change the November meeting date. (Aside: The ANC had a hard time reaching quorum at the September October special meeting, but got there after a while).
Keep an eye out for the November meeting notice.
ANC 5A Public Meeting
October 26, 2022
6:45 pm
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Agenda Items
Commission Business
A. 4th Quarter Financial Report
B. Annual Reports
Community Updates 7:45 pm
A. MPD- Police Chief
C. Mayor’s Office
D. Councilmember McDuffie’s office
Reports & Presentations
A. Bridges PCS Painting along the Metropolitan Bike Trail at Fort Totten (5A07)
B. Mundo Verde PCS Bond Hearing Update (5A03)
C. BZA No. 20749 – Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington- Approved (5A03)
D. BZA Case No. 20751 – 801 Buchanan Street, NE- Minor updates (5A03)
ANC 5A held a special meeting on October 12, 2022, to take a final vote on the Kennedy School/801 Buchanan Street NE townhome project that will be developed in ANC 5A03.
Commissioners present: Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Vice Chair.
The ANC voted to support the project to rebuild the Kennedy School and build approximately 80 townhomes at 801 Buchanan Street NE. The Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) hearing on the project is scheduled for October 19, 2022.
See ANC 5A letter in support of the Kennedy School – BZA case no. 20749 (agency reports can be found on DC Zoning’s website).
See ANC 5A letter in support of 801 Buchanan Street NE townhome development – BZA case no. 20751 (agency reports can be found on DC Zoning’s website).
Recall, the ANC tabled a vote at its September 28th meeting in order to give the development team time to make additional presentations to the North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) and the Michigan Park Citizens Association (MPCA). The proposed project sits in Michigan Park; North Michigan Park is across the street from the project. The developer met with North Michigan Park on October 5 and with Michigan Park on October 11.
At NMPCA’s meeting, the developer agreed to the civic association’s request for a $5,000 scholarship contribution. At the special meeting, ANC Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) asked why it was not more and NMPCA president Carmen Williams and the developer both stated that NMPCA only asked for $5,000. The developer said they would raise the scholarship contribution to $10,000. In addition, the developer stated they would contribute $25,000 to DC’s Housing Production Trust Fund to benefit projects in Ward 5. This is on top of the community benefits that the developer had already negotiated with ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) and residents that were discussed in previous ANC 5A meetings (preserving publicly accessible green space for future tot lot and dog park; RPP restrictions for HOA; vibration monitoring; and contribution to housing property tax relief fund).
A resident from Michigan Park noted that MPCA did not ask for more benefits because the townhomes are being developed in order to generate funds for the reconstruction of the school, which serves children with disabilities. He said the school has been in the neighborhood a long time and serves children and young adults of DC needing those specialized services.
This is a BZA project, for which technically the developer does not have to offer or provide these kind of benefits. Typically these kinds of benefits are offered with planned unit developments (PUDs), which are approved by the Zoning Commission.
There was also some discussion about building triplexes versus rowhomes. Apparently, DC Office of Planning and residents asked the developer to consider building triplexes for the row of homes facing the existing neighborhood homes. The developer responded that they thought triplexes were less than ideal because then people would see the rear of the second row of homes through the gap in the triplexes. Or something like that.
I think there was discussion of other things like making sure there were any necessary easements to access the future public green space so that it would in fact be publicly accessible.
After a very very long discussion and lots of grumbles, the ANC finally voted to support the project. The BZA hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2022.
(Aside: There was more prolonged discussion of whether Commissioner Lucio had done adequate outreach regarding this project. A reminder that residents should sign up for email distributions from ANC 5A by filling out the contact form on ANC 5A’s website or emailing Commissioner Lucio at 5A03@anc.dc.gov. Commissioner Lucio distributes meeting notices at least 7 days in advance and she typically puts her SMD meeting minutes and presentations on ANC 5A’s website. The presentation for this project can be found at https://anc5a.org/documents/#presentations in the “September 2022” folder. Also, Commissioner Lucio is one of the more reasonable commissioners on ANC 5A. I have reached out to her about projects in her SMD that are close to Riggs Park to offer what I think are helpful suggestions and she was always open to listening. People living within 200 feet of a project (so-called 200 footers) get hard copy notices of hearings, so they should be aware of what is happening. If people think hard copies of ANC meeting notices should be distributed to nearby residents, they can certainly suggest that and maybe even volunteer to help distribute them.)
ANC 5A Special Meeting
October 12, 2022
6:45 pm
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Agenda Items
From Zachary Ammerman, candidate for ANC single member district 5A09
Join Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner candidate for Single Member District 5A09 Zach Ammerman for a community cleanup and Sidewalkpalooza event Oct. 9th at 10 am in front of the Modern on Galloway Street (400 Galloway Street NE). Volunteers will help pick up trash throughout the community while filing 311 requests for repairs to sidewalks and pedestrians safety improvements. We’ll meander our way around the neighborhood, meet us at any point and stay for as little or long as you like. The event will end around noonish.
Trash bags and gloves provided.
Rain date: Oct. 15th at 10 am.
Registration appreciated but not required at https://zachforanc5a09.com/2022/10/02/sidewalkpalooza-and-community-cleanup-oct-9th.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on September 28, 2022.
Commissioners present: Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Vice Chair.
(This meeting clocked in at well over three hours ending after 10:00 pm for no good reason. The ANC really needs to utilize a timer; lots of speechifying going on. I am sure I am leaving something out.)
Armed Forces Retirement Home Development Project (5A05)
Project websites
https://www.afrh.gov/aboutus/propertydevelopment
https://www.ncpc.gov/projects/MP060
View presentation: AFRH Update, September 28, 2022
The development team for the Armed Forces Retirement Home returned to the ANC to share updates from discussions the team is having with ANCs in Ward 1 and Ward 4, primarily about connectivity with surrounding neighborhoods. The home sits in ANC 5A05, but borders Ward 1 and Ward 4.
The home is an independent federal agency but does not receive dedicated appropriations. The development project is a way to bring in money for the home.
In looking at connectivity, the team stated it will need to take into account cost, law enforcement, and potential golf course reconfiguration. Certain connectivity options will be very expensive. With respect to law enforcement, DC police do not have jurisdiction over the grounds; neither does US Capitol Police. Certain connectivity options could potentially help with this law enforcement hole by making some of the space public property that can then be policed by MPD. And finally, the team does not want to route pedestrians on paths where they are likely to interfere with golf range operations or be hit with golf balls.
The team is looking at a grocery for the first phase. The presentation includes a concept plan for how connectivity would look to the grocery store.
There was lots more talked about. If you care at all about this project, take a look at the pretty detailed presentation.
Also, I will note that the home will continue to sit in ANC 5A05, but there is currently not anyone running to represent this area for the ANC. Commissioner Ronnie Edwards (5A05), the current commissioner for this area, will be in a new ANC in January 2023 due to redistricting.
Riggs Road NE Cycletrack (5A08) (Vicki Cadullo, DDOT)
View DDOT’s presentation: Riggs Road NE Cycletrack Connector
Vicki Caudullo, a planner with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), presented rough plans for a very short cycletrack on the south side of Riggs Road NE from 1st Place NE to South Dakota Avenue NE. There was not much in the way of detail, but it looks like the idea is to take part of the dedicated right turn lane and use it for an on-street two-way cycletrack that would divert to the sidewalk where it meets a trailhead for the Metropolitan Branch Trail at the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. This is supposed to connect to future bike infrastructure that is planned for South Dakota Avenue. DDOT needs to do a traffic analysis.
DDOT asked for reactions to the cycletrack connector concept. A few commissioners stated that bike lanes are terrible and taking over the city, making it difficult to drive. Another noted how ANC 5A has intergenerational communities and that there are lots of seniors in the neighborhood who need their cars. Another noted putting bike infrastructure on South Dakota Avenue is going to get someone killed. A couple of residents in comments thanked DDOT for looking at ways to provide a safe connection to the MBT from the east. (I noted that the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association had an event with Food & Friends about utilizing the green space at the corner and that DDOT should reach out to Food & Friends about this plan. When residents told Food & Friends representatives about DDOT’s plan at LRCA’s event, the representatives stated that their driveway on Riggs Road is pretty active, with delivery drivers coming and going frequently so they definitely want to know what the plans are).
DDOT presented the plans to ANC 4B the same evening. DDOT will be back with more updates.
36 Hawaii Avenue NE (5A06)
BZA Case No. 20793. BZA hearing scheduled for October 26, 2022
The ANC approved support for this project. The building has three units but only has a certificate of occupancy for a flat. The applicant is seeking relief to make the existing third unit a legal unit.
The Kennedy School/801 Buchanan Street NE (Kennedy School) Project (5A03)
This project has two related applications:
(1) Application for redevelopment of the school facility, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington – BZA Case No. 20749
Applicant Prehearing Statement
(2) Development of townhomes on the property – BZA Case No. 20751
Applicant Prehearing Statement
A BZA hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2022
The property is owned by the Joseph P. Kennedy Institute. On the site is a private school for children with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities (The Kennedy School). In order to generate funds to support the school, part of the property will be used to develop approximately 80 townhomes with brick facades. The existing school will be redeveloped on the site.
Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) worked with the Applicant and Ascension (owner of Providence Health) to get a commitment to combine the rear of the property with part of Providence’s property, which is adjacent to the Applicant’s property and slated for future redevelopment, in order to create a tot lot and a dog park in the future. The Applicant also agreed to contribute to a tax relief fund for nearby property owners, agreed to install vibration monitoring equipment at the site during construction, and agreed that the HOA documents will restrict access to RPP parking.
If you live in this area, Commissioner Lucio has been having lots of community meetings about this project. Reach out to her to get on her email list for meeting notices and updates about the project. She said that at her last SMD meeting, residents in attendance voted to support the project.
At the full ANC meeting, a few commissioners asked about pricing for the townhomes. Construction is a ways off, so it is too early to say what market price will be, but there will be nine below market rate homes offered. The ANC tabled a vote on the project so that the development team can present the plans to the North Michigan Park Civic Association and the Michigan Park Citizens Association (the project sits in Michigan Park).
The ANC will hold a special meeting on October 12, 2022, for the ANC to make a final decision.
1343 Webster Street NE (5A03)
BZA Case No. 20797. BZA hearing is scheduled for November 2, 2022
The ANC approved a letter in support of a homeowner’s request for a special exception to build a two-story addition to his home at 1343 webster Street NE.
Bridges School Zone Parking Permit Application
Recall that Bridges Public Charter School applied for a school zone parking permit, which would allow school employees to purchase a parking permit to park on surrounding streets that require residential parking permits. Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) worked with Bridges to secure 10 parking spaces at UDC for staff until December 31, 2022. They will work to extend this parking past January 2023, so currently Bridges is not moving forward with the permit application as they work with Commissioner Washington.
Even though the parking situation for Bridges looks like it to coming to an amicable resolution, some commissioners still took a lot of time discussing the program in general. DDOT representatives explained that the Council created the program because schools undergoing modernization were having to choose between amenities for the school and building a parking lot on school property for school employees. Commissioner Lucio said she thinks the Council needs to reconsider the program because she thinks there are a lot of issues.
ANC 5A Public Safety Task Force
ANC 5A’s public safety task force held a meeting on September 14, 2022, where residents at that meeting approved purchase of items Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) previously requested (whistles, refelctive vests, flashlights, batteries). Commissioner Fletcher asked for the full ANC’s approval to purchase the items. The cost was based on prices from Amazon, but the ANC said the commission should buy from local vendors to the extent possible. Commission Diego Rojas offered to assist Commissioner Fletcher with sourcing local vendors. The task force still needs to articulate a mission and goals.
Ward 5 Council Report (Alicia DiFazio, Committee Director,Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie)
Aliciz DiFazio, Committee Director for Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, said she would talk to the councilmember about the school zone parking program.
She noted CM McDuffie will host a job fair with an organization called Jobs Not Guns this fall. Details to come.
Acknowledging discussion about the cost of homes in DC earlier in the meeting, Ms. DiFazio noted there are resources for homeowners, particularly seniors. For example, a new senior real property credit cap limits taxable assessment increases to two percent.
Ms. DiFazio said that Mundo Verde wants to purchase another campus for its nearby school. Providence Health System is willing to sell its dialysis building to Mundo Verde. CM McDuffie plans to put forward a bill to use revenue bonds to support purchase of the building for Mundo Verde.
Commissioner Edwards said that CM McDuffie promised that if residents were successful in opposing a liquor store at the small strip mall next to teh McDonald’s (which they were), then he would introduce a moratorium on the siting or licneisng of liquor stores in North Michigan Park. Ms. DiFazio said should talk to CM McDuffie about a bill.
Metropolitan Police Department
Commissioner Lucio said that MPD has made it clear that they will no longer attend ANC meetings. A police officer or police community engagement liaison used to attend ANC meetings to give updates. According to Commissioner Lucio, MPD will now only attend if requested and if there is a specific issue within the police district. Apparently, MPD does not have enough staffing to attend ANC and community meetings and believes an appropriate alternative is for residents to attend the MPD sector meetings.
Permit Parking Request for Unit Block of Hamilton Street NE (5A07)
The ANC approved a resolution in support of requesting permit-only parking on the unit block of Hamilton Street NE.
From Zachary Ammerman, candidate for ANC single member district 5A09
Zach Ammerman, ANC candidate for brand-new Single Member District 5A09, will be hosting an informal meet and greet from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Resident Lounge at the Modern at Art Place (400 Galloway Street NE). Come say hello in an informal setting, learn about Zach’s priorities if elected, ask questions, and let him know about any issues or concerns you have about our neighborhood.
Light finger food and refreshments will be provided from DC’s vegan soul food restaurant NuVegan café.
WHAT? Informal meet and greet with your ANC Candidate, Zach Ammerman
WHEN? Thurs., Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 pm, This is an open-house style event: drop in at any time and for any length during the two hour period.
WHERE? Resident Lounge, Modern at Art Place, 400 Galloway Street NE. Dial 005 to enter building, then follow signs to lounge.
Registration is appreciated but not required: https://zachforanc5a09.com/2022/09/30/meet-your-anc-candidate-informal-meet-and-greet-oct-6-6-7-pm/
See you there!
ANC 5A Public Meeting
September 28, 2022
6:45 pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84468779532?pwd=VGJCRGhlQUxTdldqbDU2RXVEd2ZUUT09
Meeting ID: 844 6877 9532
Passcode: 097050
Dial In: 301 715 8592
Agenda Items
Commission Business
Reports & Presentations
*Agenda subject to change
From ANC 5A
ANC 5A Public Safety Task Force
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
6:30 pm
Providence Health
1150 Varnum Street, N.E.
Ground Floor Lecture Hall
ANC 5A is launching a new task force to work together to help address public safety issues in ANC 5A. We welcome anyone in the community to participate.
For more information, please contact Commissioner Gordon Fletcher 5a08@anc.dc.gov
Next Stop...Riggs Park 