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

• Public Safety Task Force
• Request for RPP Only for Unit Block of Hamilton Street NE Residents (5A07)
• 1343 Webster Street Special Exception (5A03)
• The Kennedy School  and 801 Buchannan (5A03)
  1. BZA No. 20749 – Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.
  2. BZA Case No. 20751 – 801 Buchanan Street, NE

Reports & Presentations  

• School Zone Parking – DDOT RE: Bridges PCS Parking (5A07)
• Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH)  – Tim Sheckler (5A05)
• Riggs Rd NE Connector Cycle Track- Vicki Caudullo  (5A02 and 5A07)
• Mayor Bowser Homeowner Initiatives – Kristin Thompson- Menkiti Group

*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

ANC 5A held a special public meeting on August 31, 2022.

Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Vice Chair.

At the top of the meeting, the commissioners removed discussion of the Riggs Road NE cycletrack from the agenda and replaced that item with discussion of a new school zone parking program. The cycletrack will be on the agenda for ANC 5A’s public meeting in September.

ANC 5A Public Safety Task Force Draft Budget

Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) presented a proposed budget for ANC 5A’s public safety task force (public safety committee). The request is to spend a little over $2,000 for reflective safety vests, flashlights, batteries, and whistles. My understanding is that this budget request is just a starting point for discussion. Robert Oliver, a resident in Commissioner Fletcher’s SMD who apparently is chairing the committee, said the idea is for residents to be able to walk around their neighborhoods to report safety concerns or things that need to be addressed by District government, such as sidewalks that pose a tripping hazard. Previously, Commissioner Fletcher talked a lot about bringing back the “Orange Hats.” Mr. Oliver said he does not expect that people will want to do exactly what the orange hats did in the past as far as walking the neighborhood during all times of day including late night hours, but they might be willing to do occasional walks to report things that need city attention. Unclear if the expectation is that ANC 5A residents will simply borrow the items. Right now, Commissioner Fletcher anticipates that the items will be housed in what he calls the ANC’s satellite office at The Modern at 402 Galloway Street NE. (The Ward 5 Mutual Aid group has been operating out of the ANC’s office for several months so there will need to be some discussion about how that group will continue operating out of the space).

The ANC voted to form a public safety committee a couple of years ago, but there always seems to be confusion about what exactly the committee is doing. In response to feedback, Commissioner Fletcher stated that he will work on developing goals and priorities for the public safety committee in order to align spending with those priorities. He plans to have a meeting on September 14, 2022, to discuss the issue.

Trinity Social Bar & Grill ABRA Application (5A05)

The owner of Trinity Social Bar & Grill, located at 200 Michigan Avenue NE, is now requesting a Class C alcohol license in order to have outdoor seating (what is known as a “summer garden” endorsement). Previously the owner was seeking a Class B alcohol license (originally covered in this post). The plans call for approximately 5 to 6 two-seater tables along the walkway outside the restaurant. There was some discussion about making sure there was enough space to be ADA compliant. Also, the owner will need to get a public space permit from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

According to the hearing notice, the applicant is also requesting an entertainment endorsement for indoor live entertainment.

The petition deadline was September 6, 2022. The ANC voted to support the application with no comment on the summer garden endorsement. Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) abstained.

DDOT School Zone Parking Program – Bridges Public Charter School Application (5A07)

DDOT has rolled out a new school zone parking program in response to DC Council legislation. The program allows schools to request school zone parking permits for purchase by school employees to park on RPP blocks near the school so that those employees do not get parking tickets. ANCs can pass a resolution in support of a school’s application in order to expedite the process, but schools can also get school zone permits without ANC support. The ANC just has to be notified. The program website has a handy guide outlining program requirements (school transportation coordinator, school commuter survey, and a school sustainable transportation plan) and a list of FAQs.

Haley Peckett, DDOT’s director of cubside management, explained that the program is new and the idea is that perhaps some residents will use their cars during the day, freeing up on street parking for school employees to park. (Admittedly, I do not understand that reasoning at all because city officials are also encouraging people to use alternatives to driving and certainly many residents take public transportation to work during regular business hours). DDOT will determine the number of permits the school receives based on a formula. Schools will receive permits for the ANC in which they are located. Schools located near an ANC border may receive permits for more than one ANC.

The discussion was prompted by an application for parking on RPP blocks by Bridges Public Charter School (PCS), located at 100 Gallatin Street NE near Fort Totten Metro station. Bridges is just one in a cluster of public charter schools in that location, along with Mary’s Center Fort Totten location. With the nearby apartments, condo buildings, and rowhouses, there is already a lot of demand for on-street parking for cars in that area.

Ms. Peckett said that DDOT welcomes feedback from ANCs about how the program is working. For example, Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07), in whose single member district Bridges sits, asked whether the application process could include requiring the school applicant to explore other parking options first before requesting parking permits for RPP blocks. She noted that DC Bilingual PCS, which recently expanded, and Briya PCS, are both located near Bridges PCS and those schools are renting parking spaces in nearby off-street parking lots. (The application does ask what parking the school already provides, such as in commercial garages or remote lots, but it does not specifically ask whether the school has sought out other nearby parking options before submitting the application).

There were some questions about why school employees get what is seen as a special privilege as opposed to other DC government employees. (I can understand why there may be some sympathy from District officials for teachers, in particular, who might want to drive to their school sometimes. They often have to schlep a lot of items to their classroom and can sometimes work well into the evening hours). In response to a question, Ms. Peckett did note that school employees in DC are eligible for free Capital bikeshare memberships and they are also eligible for a small subsidy towards the purchase of a bike. A resident noted that it would be useful to have bikeshare stations and bike parking by school campuses so that school employees can more easily use personal bikes or bikeshare to get to their school campus. Also the school zone program is designed to nudge schools towards reducing reliance on car trips by school employees by gradually reducing the number of approved school zone permits over time.

Bridges PCS and DDOT will return to the ANC’s regularly scheduled September meeting to discuss the application from Bridges more. In the interim, Commissioner Washington will continue talking with the leadership of Bridges about their plan.

From Zachary Ammerman, candidate for ANC 5A09, which will include The Modern at Art Place, Aventine at Fort Totten, and part of North Michigan Park.

My name is Zachary Ammerman, I’m a first-time candidate for Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in the brand-new single member district 5A09 which, as you may already be aware, will cover the area just east of the Fort Totten metro including part of Riggs Park, Fort Totten and North Michigan Park. 5A09 was largely carved out of the old 5A08 as a result of population changes following the 2020 Census. 

For those that aren’t familiar with the position, ANCs serve as a sort of liaison between a neighborhood district (each with about 2,000 people) and its residents and the DC government, helping to get services like trash removal, potholes filled, or a stoplight put in, among countless other things, and also advocate more broadly on behalf of the neighborhood. 

I just wanted to briefly introduce myself and let you know about some of my priorities I’ll be hoping to tackle if elected. 

I’m a full-time artist and mapmaker (you can see some of my work here and here) and a former French Embassy Economic Department staffer running as a first-time candidate for ANC with three top priorities in mind: 

• traffic safety, particularly on South Dakota Avenue, but also on some of the side streets in the SMD like Galloway and Gallatin. I plan on pushing for DDOT to take an “all-of-the-above” approach to calming traffic on South Dakota, including speed and red light cameras, installing new stop lights at intersections that don’t currently have them, considering a road diet long-term, as well as considering putting in protected bike lanes (as identified in the 2015 Move DC plan), and potentially bus lanes. 
  • I am also not waiting until I get elected to start pushing for these changes: I’ve already filed multiple requests for traffic safety investigations (which have a wait time of around 130 days, so right around the time I would be taking office) for multiple different intersections and stretches of road in our district in the hopes that DDOT will be getting around to them early next year. See my website for more details on this; 
• putting pressure on NPS to take better care of the parks in our area, including finishing the trail between the Fort Totten metro and North Michigan Park, as well as just generally doing better maintenance like mowing and trash removal; 
• and supporting more housing density in places like surface parking lots near the metro in order to help alleviate the region’s housing affordability crisis and contribute to DC’s climate/sustainability goals. 

You can find more detailed information about me and all of my proposals on my website, www.zachforanc5a09.com. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have via the contact me section of my website, or via email at zammermanANC@gmail.com or on Twitter at @ZachANC5A09. I’ll be campaigning more as the election gets closer and look forward to meeting many more residents in person in the next few months.

ANC 5A Special Meeting
August 31, 2022
6:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88313492245?pwd=SVdjanFDUTFrS3FEZkV4VTZiaVZuQT09

Meeting ID: 883 1349 2245
Passcode: 767536

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Agenda Items

• Budget Amendment – to Establish a Public Safety Committee Operations Budget –  Commissioner Fletcher will develop a proposed budget for consideration.  
• ABRA-121427 – Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern – Expansion of Previously approved Class “B” Application Trinity Grill & Social Marketplace, LLC  200 Michigan Avenue NE
• Riggs Rd NE Connector Cycle Track DDOT (added August 27, 2022)  

ANC 5A Special Meeting
August 31, 2022
6:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88313492245?pwd=SVdjanFDUTFrS3FEZkV4VTZiaVZuQT09

Meeting ID: 883 1349 2245
Passcode: 767536

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Agenda Items

• Budget Amendment – to Establish a Public Safety Committee Operations Budget –  Commissioner Fletcher will develop a proposed budget for consideration.  
• ABRA-121427 – Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern – Expansion of Previously approved Class “B” Application Trinity Grill & Social Marketplace, LLC  200 Michigan Avenue NE  

ANC 5A Special Meeting
July 20, 2022
6:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84034117536?pwd=QnZaa2h0a1Z1V2dvVlRXMTdMVEhrZz09

Meeting ID: 840 3411 7536
Passcode: 070970

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Agenda

• ANC 5A 3rd Quarter Financial Report

Short recap of the ANC 5A meeting that took place on June 22, 2022. Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie (5A01); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer.

ANC Business

The ANC will hold a meeting at a future date to discuss their financial report. Some of the commissioners had questions about the contract for the ANC website.

Ward 5 Council Kenyan McDuffie Report (Laisha Dougherty, Chief of Staff)

The Council completed the budget cycle. The Council will recess July 15, 2022. CM McDuffie is working on a holistic approach to addressing violence in the city.

McDonald’s Map Amendment (Upzoning) Request

McDonald’s returned to the ANC for support of its map amendment (upzoning) request that would permit them to rebuild the McDonald’s at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE with a drive-thru as a matter of right (Zoning Commission case number 22-19). North Michigan Park president Carmen Williams sent a letter to the ANC stating that her questions were answered and that she was comfortable with moving forward. The ANC voted unanimously to support McDonald’s request, and the commissioners asked McDonald’s to draft language that they can use in a resolution in support.

Ward 5 Mayor Office Report (Nokomis Hunter, Ward 5 MOCR)

Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the completion of the extension of the Metropolitan Branch Trail from Brookland to Takoma. A walk with ANC Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) was scheduled for June 28, 2022.

Single Member District (SMD) Reports

ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio has been working with the developer of the Kennedy School townhome project at 801 Buchanan Street NE (BZA case number 20751). The hearing date on that project has been delayed until October. She stated that in response to community input, the developer did offer assurances that they will include a tot lot and a playing field in their project. Commissioner Lucio is also trying to work with Ascension, which owns Providence Hospital, to make some progress regarding future plans for the Providence campus.

Lamond-Riggs Library (Robert Oliver, President of Lamond-Riggs Library Friends)

Ribbon cutting scheduled for June 27, 2022. A larger community celebration will be held on a weekend in July (date set for July 23). Work is still being done as a result of supply chain issues.

Catholic University (Cheyenne Range, Associate Director of Government and Community Relations)

The university is welcoming a new president. Catholic will send the ANC a list of job opportunities at the university and will schedule a meeting with the ANC commissioners as part of the university’s community engagement efforts.

Miscellaneous

ANC redistricting is complete. Find new ANC and SMD boundaries that will become effective on January 1, 2023, on the Office of Planning website.

A resident complained about the new flexiposts that DDOT placed along 12th Street NE. Commissioner Lucio stated that she had reached out to DDOT about why they did not provide any notification about this plan to the ANC. DDOT told her they will get back with her.

ANC 5A Public Meeting
June 22, 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
  •  Z.C. Case No. 22-19 (McDonalds Corporation – Map Amendment for property located at Square 3786, Lot 1 (4950 S. Dakota Avenue, N.E.) 5A03
• Community Updates
  • MPD-Police Chief
  • Mayor’s Office
  • Councilmember McDuffie’s office 

ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) Spring/Summer Single Member District Meeting
June 9, 2022
6:30 pm-8:00 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85123053931?pwd=UTRvQkFKcDY4L0ZqWW9rSFBZMTJBdz09

Meeting ID: 851 2305 3931
Passcode: 842297

Dial by your location
 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Agenda

1. DDOT Update – Alley Improvements & Speed Bump Request
2. Update from DC Water
3. Public Safety Update – MPD
4. Update from the Mayor’s Office – Nokomis Hunter
5. Update from Councilmember McDuffie’s Office
6. Update from Art Place at Fort Totten
7. Community Concerns

For more information contact Commissioner Fletcher. Send questions in advance.
Phone: (202) 556-5958
Email: 5A08@anc.dc.gov

From ANC 5A

Michigan Park Community Playground Opening Event
June 5, 2022
10:00 am-12:00
West lawn of St. Joseph’s Seminary
1200 Varnum Street NE
RSVP at EYA.com/MPplayground

ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting
May 25, 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

All residents will be muted.  Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

Agenda Items

•  Commission Business
  •  Z.C. Case No. 22-19 (McDonalds Corporation – Map Amendment for property located at Square 3786, Lot 1 (4950 S. Dakota Avenue, N.E.) 5A03
  • Wesley Housing project 5A07
• Community Updates
  • MPD- Police Chief
  • Mayor’s Office
  • Councilmember McDuffie’s office 

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on April 27, 2022. Commissioners present: Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Secretary; Diego Rojas (5A04); Ronnie Edwards (5A05) – Chair; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07) – Treasurer; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Vice Chair

DC Public Charter School Board (DC PCSB) was on the agenda, but no one from the board showed up at the meeting.

MPD Police Report (MPD 4D Lt. Patrick Schaut)

MPD did not have an update on the homicide that took place in the 5000 block of South Dakota Avenue NE on April 25, 2022. It is still under investigation. Police were called to the scene for a traffic crash and discovered that an individual had been shot. The few details available about that shooting are in the police release at https://mpdc.dc.gov/release/homicide-5000-block-south-dakota-avenue-northeast.

Continue to be vigilant about not leaving cars running unattended.

Car wheel thefts continue to be a problem across the city. (Note: MPD occasionally publishes tips on how to make it harder to steal car wheels).

Taylor Street NE Projects (5A03)

There are two condo projects by two different developers happening on Taylor Street NE – 824 Taylor (BZA case number 20648) & 828 Taylor (BZA case number 20678), which are currently vacant, semi-detached apartment buildings. Both developers were present at the ANC meeting to present. These projects border ANC 5B. The developers previously attended single member district meeetings of ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) and ANC Commissioner Colleen Costello (5B05).

The projects will require BZA special exception relief. The developers are proposing to tear down the existing structures and build completely detached condo buildings with a common staircase from the sidewalk to a common courtyard with entrances to each building off the courtyard. Residents in that area had previously asked if the developers could work together a bit to coordinate design so that there would not be two completely different looking buildings. They also asked the developers to coordinate construction and trash pickup to the greatest extent possible. Note there is another building in that row of apartment buildings on Taylor Street currently for sale.

824 Taylor

• Eight 2-bedroom units, each approximately 900 square feet
• 4 proposed parking spaces in rear (only 1 required under zoning)
• Trash in rear
• Opting into inclusionary zoning, will have one below market-rate unit
• Bay element

828 Taylor

• Eight 2-bedroom units, each approximately 850 square feet
• 5 proposed parking spaces in rear (only 1 required under zoning), including 1 ADA compliant space
• Trash in rear
• Opting into inclusionary zoning, will have one below market-rate unit
• Balconies

Someone brought up traffic concerns. (Note: DDOT submitted its reports on the projects after the ANC meeting. Looks like DDOT anticipates minor increase in vehicle, bike, and pedestrian trips, and impacts to on-street parking from these projects). The commissioners voted to support both projects. I was not able to get a final count, but sounded like one commissioner opposed and one abstained, but do not quote me on that.

Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget (MPD Chief Contee)

DC Police Chief Robert Contee presented on Mayor Bowser’s FY2023 budget. (The director of the Mayor’s Office of Latino Affairs was scheduled to present, but Chief Contee took his place at the last minute). See highlights at http://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-presents-fiscal-year-2023-budget-proposal. See ward-specific investments at FY 2023 Ward 5 Budget Sheet.

Chief Contee mentioned the mayor’s proposed incentives for hiring and retaining more police officers, including incentives for housing. Currently there are roughly 3,500 MPD police officers. Chief Contee and Mayor Bowser state that the ideal number to serve DC is 4,000 officers. There is money proposed to hire over 300 new officers. With expected attrition, the mayor expects a net gain of about 47 officers. Chief Contee said it would be irresponsible to try to hire 600 officers at one time. I pointed out that there is already a housing incentive program for District government employees. Chief Contee acknowledged such a program exists and said this police-specific proposal could also help with rental housing as opposed to purchasing housing.

Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) brought up the orange hats again and asked if MPD officers would be willing to participate in community walks. Chief Contee stated that he would be willing to have police support communities in the manner that communities want. Some communities do not want police officers walking with orange hat-type community walks. Many of the commissioners present let it be known that they personally welcome having more police in the community.

In response to a comment that there are lots of police in this city if you count federal law enforcement, Chief Contee stated that when someone calls 911, MPD is the responding agency, not the Park Police, Metro Transit Police, or any number of federal law enforcement agencies present in the city.

In response to my comment that there should be a firm statement from the top that police need to respect the constituional rights of residents and that serving as an officer is a privilege that should come with certain values that are demonstrated every day, Chief Contee said he reiterates that message all of the time with cadets and MPD officers.

Ward 5 Council Report (Laisha Dougherty, Chief of Staff)

Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie is focused on finishing up the committee budget report for the Committee on Business & Economic Development.

Mayor’s Office Ward 5 Report (Ward 5 MOCR Nokomis Hunter)

Ward 5 MOCR Nokomis Hunter stated homelessness is down in DC based on the latest point in time count.

Mr. Hunter is planning an event with North Michigan Park Civic Association president Carmen Williams for May 12, 2022.

Commissioner Sandi Washington (5A07) raised the issue of many residents with housing vouchers being placed in the apartment buildings along Fort Totten Drive NE, where there have been a few shootings recently. Commissioner Washington stated that she had a walkthrough of the area with representatives from District government and that more needs to be done to provide services for individuals.

(I also asked about the extent to which DC government provides services to residents placed in housing through the rapid rehousing program. It is not realisitic tome to expect individuals to be able to pay market rent after 12 months.)

Miscellaneous

Commissioner Lucio will have an SMD meeting on May 5, 2022. On the agenda is the zoning change being requested by McDonald’s (along with a couple of other items). (The zoning case number for that matter is ZC 22-19. Details about the requested change are available in their application). If you are interested in attending, please reach out to Commissioner Lucio.

Commissioner Washington is in touch with the developer of the 1 Hawaii Avenue NE project to assist with relocation of residents as needed. The developer has reached out to nearby apartment communities such as The Modern and Brookland Ridge to assist with temporary relocation of residents. The residents must move from the Hawaii Avenue building by July 1. Commissioner Washington plans to invite the developer to ANC 5A’s May meeting.

Chair Ronnie Edwards (5A05) stated that some commissioners across the city are circulating a template resolution to get buy-in to request reducing the number of petition signatures required to run for ANC in the general election from 25 signatures to 10 signatures. Most of the ANC 5A commissioners present stated that they did not think getting 25 signatures was onerous, so it does not sound like the ANC will be bringing forth this issue for a resolution.

Finally, shoutout to Commissioner Lucio for spending her birthday at an ANC meeting.

ANC 5A Public Meeting
April 27, 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
  • 824 and 828 Taylor Street BZA (5A03)
    •    BZA Application No. 20648 of 824 Taylor Street NE, LLC May 11, 2022 9:30 am
    •    BZA Application No. 20678 of Taylor Lofts, LLC May 11, 2022 9:30 am
•   Community Updates
  • MPD 
  • Mayor’s Office- Director Eduardo Perdomo of The Mayor’s Office of Latino Affair (MOLA) to present the FY2023 Budget update
  • Councilmember McDuffie’s office  
•  Reports & Presentations
  • DCPSCB (Charter School Board)