[Ed. Note: Construction report distributed to North Michigan Park Civic Association by McDonald’s Area Construction Manager Eileen Seeburger. Send questions to NPMCA President Carmen Williams at carm8954@aol.com.]
TWO items to note, both included in the attached weekly report:
It was determined at our last meeting that the pest service contract was only for during the demo phase. We have corrected and expect the service back onsite this week.
We are getting closer to confirming dates for street work…I will keep you apprised as soon as dates are confirmed.
1 ITEM NOT NOTED ON THE REPORT:
Tree work on the vacant adjacent property is ‘expected’ to begin this Thursday. I have been in frequent communications with Katie Ricketts our immediately adjacent neighborhood, as well as the church – see additional attached
ANC 5A held a special meeting on September 4, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Tim Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Secretary; Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.
The ANC voted in support of a resolution to condemn the Trump administration’s federal overreach and deployment of National Guard for police purposes; urge Congress to reject any extension of Trump’s emergency request; and demand the restoration of approximately $1 billion of locally raised funds to DC’s budget. All of the commissioners present voted in support except Commissioner Alston who abstained.
On August 28, 2025, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker held a townhall on the Trump administration’s federal overreach in DC law enforcement and local affairs. We know that federal agent presence is heavy in Ward 5. They are hanging around federal parkland. They have detained people working as landscapers and construction workers and detained people as they take their children to school. They are showing up to MPD scenes to check people’s immigration status.
CM Parker shared that he was told that the low flying helicopters people had questions about last week were CBP helicopters.
We know that this far-reaching incursion is not limited to MPD though. Even though Trump’s “Crime Emergency in DC” executive order and the Home Rule Act speak to federal request of MPD services, Metro is “cooperating” with federal law enforcement and has permitted a mass presence of federal agents (e.g., HSI, FBI, IRS-CI, CBP) at Fort Totten station (and other stations) along with MPD and Metro Transit Police (MTPD) almost daily for the past two weeks.
At a community meeting on August 26, 2025, DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) and Department of General Services (DGS) presented an updated concept plan for the Riggs & South Dakota Park that will be located on the southwest corner of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE in Riggs Park.
Instead of a straight path through the row of mature trees, there will be a plaza area on the corner of the green space at Riggs & South Dakota. The plaza will be buffered by plantings of evergreen shrubs. Two benches sit in front of the shrubbery to orient the gaze to the existing mature trees and open green space and a planting bed of native plants. The addition of two trees on the western and eastern edge of the plaza will eventually provide shade for the plaza. There will be two solar powered lights, waste/recycling receptacles, bike racks, and a park sign. Right now the design-build team is planning for brushed concrete for the plaza.
Public Art
The team requested ideas for community-driven public art. Most people seemed supportive of some type of vertical sculpture as opposed to something like a ground mural. Some ideas included having a more playable/interactive artistic element reminiscent of the LOVE sculpture in Philadelphia but perhaps spelling out “Riggs” or something to that effect.
The team suggested that the community come to a consensus about themes/inspiration for the art piece and have that incorporated into the design now because the money is available rather than waiting. Seems like something The Parks Main Street, Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, and the ANCs can work together on.
Other Ideas
Residents requested a water fountain with bottle filler along with a spigot. The team stated they will need to determine whether there are already water pipes underneath the space. If there are not, building out infrastructure for water would be cost prohibitive.
The team asked about interest in a community garden club for the native plants but residents pointed out that without a water source, it would be difficult for residents to maintain plantings. Residents have asked for a hose bib from the very beginning. We know that the city will not do a good job of maintaining the planting areas given that the city does not do a good job of even mowing the grass on regular basis. So we really want to make sure that anything planted will be able to be maintained.
Commissioner Bocoum asked about having a sign directing people to walk their bikes through the plaza area.
The team stressed again that this is what the budget of $337,000 will support. Residents can certainly work down the line to request more tree plantings and work with the DC Council on funding for additional elements for the space.
Timeline
The new park should be substantially completed by the end of summer 2026.
A local coffee pop up will offer hot and iced coffee and fresh roasted coffee beans for sale on Saturdays & Sundays, 8am-1pm, in front of One Life Fitness, 5198 South Dakota Avenue NE.
The District Department of Transportation has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) for proposed changes to 3rd and Kennedy Street NE (NOI-25-159-MSD). Submit comments to miheret.dirirsa@dc.gov by September 4, 2025.
Proposed changes
Add a 15-ft wide crosswalk on 3rd St NE at the intersection of 3rd and Kennedy St NE
Add no-parking zone per DDOT’s Design and Engineering Manual (DEM) to provide visibility
Install one speed hump and safety signages on Kennedy Street
Install RRFB (Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon) at the new crosswalk
This is years overdue. There are three schools in this tiny section of the neighborhood. School staff and parents often park along Kennedy as it curves around to 3rd Street creating a blind curve that is dangerous to people in cars, people on bikes, and pedestrians. A school bus was hit at the end of the school year.
Residents have been asking for years, literally, for DDOT to address this issue. We knew it was going to be a problem when DDOT requested that the Cafritz Foundation pay to open up 3rd Street and three charter schools opened up years ago. DDOT shrugged and insisted everything had to be funneled through their ever-changing 311 system. Glad this is finally being addressed, but city officials really need do a lot better about not waiting years to address foreseeable and known problems created by DDOT and development projects.
As of July 25, 2025, several units remain available for leasing at the recently constructed Riggs Crossing Senior Residences located at 307 Riggs Road NE.
Studio unit: 1 available
1-bedroom: 20 available (6 of the units are ANSI accessible units and 1 is a UFAS accessible unit)
2-bedrooms unit (requires two leaseholders): 1 available
The building is dedicated to individuals aged 55 and older, and all units are income-restricted at 50% of median family income (MFI) or below.
To avoid long wait times, the leasing team recommends scheduling an appointment through the Riggs Crossing Senior Residences website. Floor plans are available online.
The Mayor’s Office of the Clean City will host its Roll Off of “Bulk Trash” this Saturday in front of the North Michigan Park Recreation Center, access via Delafield Place NE. The event begins at 10:00 am. The notice does not indicate an end time, but it normally ends about 1:00 pm.
Join DC Water’s Lead Free DC (LFDC) team for a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, July 9, from 6:00–7:00 PM to get the answers you need.
This session will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we prepare for lead pipe replacements—starting with door-to-door outreach, digging test pits, and inspecting pipe materials. You’ll learn how these steps help us plan safe, efficient replacements.
Get the latest updates on the LFDC program
Learn how we confirm lead lines and prepare for replacements
Ask questions and share your feedback
AgendaHighlights:
LFDC Program Update
How to Engage with the Program
Featured Topic: Service Line Inventory
Where: Join via Microsoft Teams: http://bit.ly/4k9Zqfl Or call in: +1 202-753-6714, Phone Conference ID #: 748 459 077#
Aldi is open at 5300 South Dakota Avenue NE. A van caught on fire in the parking garage yesterday. The parking garage was closed this morning. Unclear how long the parking garage will be closed.
Working Fire 5300 block S. Dakota Ave NE. Had fully involved van in P-1 parking garage of a supermarket. Fire knocked down. Heavy smoke conditions in parking garage. No reported injuries. Hazmat Unit requested for fuel leaking from vehicle. #DCsBravestpic.twitter.com/oWyAXo2cKG
— DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) July 1, 2025
Update Working Fire 5300 block S.Dakota Ave NE. Fire under control. Extended operations to remove smoke. No injuries reported. Fire investigators on scene. #DCsBravest r pic.twitter.com/2R9wI21HlR
— DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) July 1, 2025
Every facet of life, every gesture, every moment has the potential to inspire. Art sparks something in all of us. Washington, DC has many museums whose collections are a mirror to our lives and an inspiration for beauty, escape and curiosity.
The Art Sparks! project at Art Place brings 30 works of art from 15 world-class museums to the corner of Ingraham St and South Dakota Avenue, NE. Artwork spanning 300 years of history are organized into seven themes. Art Sparks! is presented as a gallery for the community and a reminder of the great institutions we share here in Washington, DC.
The large-scale visuals are grouped around seven themes. It is an interesting artistic presentation, particularly along South Dakota. The visuals along Ingraham are a little less accessible because the fence blocks the sidewalk on that side of the street.
Traffic Impacts on Blair Road NW Beginning Saturday, June 21
(WASHINGTON, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will complete milling/overlay asphalt work beginning Saturday, June 21. During this work, DDOT will implement a temporary roadway detour which will change north/south bound traffic patterns on Blair Road NW starting at McDonald Place NE continuing thru to Aspen St NW. The work will start at McDonald Place NE and continue to Aspen St NW. Please note that this work will be permanent for the installation of the new Metropolitan Branch Trail extension.
The milling/overlay asphalt work will continue for approximately four weeks.
These lane closures and traffic pattern changes are necessary to complete final paving of the roadways for installation of the multi-use trail in the most efficient manner as a part of the Metropolitan Branch Trail Fort Totten to Takoma Project. For the least amount of public inconvenience, this work will be performed as quickly as possible. During this work a single north/south bound lane of travel will be maintained at a minimum.
Traffic controls, including signage and temporary traffic control barrels/cones will be in placed to guide motorists and pedestrians safely around the work zone. All users of the roadway are advised to stay alert and be observant of signage and work zones while traveling in this area.
Once complete, the Metropolitan Branch Trail Fort Totten to Takoma Project, will include improvements such as new multi-use trail section, sidewalks, streetlights, green area revitalization, and other streetscape elements.
For more information about this project and to stay up to date on traffic related impacts and construction progress, please visit https://mbt-forttotten-takoma.ddot.dc.gov.
Subject: The Boystown property of 12 acres has been sold to Urban Atlantic Development by Boystown, who have been closed for almost one year now, and is being submitted by Urban Atlantic to the Office of Planning for Large Tract Review, based on existing R-2 Zoning, by rights development, before the end of June. The development proposes 170 duplex homes, consistent with existing zoning and the surrounding neighborhood.
Purpose: The Urban Atlantic development team, is committed to communicating with the community as early as possible, and have already introduced themselves to the 5A ANC and the North Michigan Park Civic Association and Queens Chapel Civic Association over the past 2 weeks. The purpose of the meeting is to show you the proposed development, explain the process, answer community questions, and listen to you.
The Proposed Development:
153 market rate homeownership homes – final prices not yet set.
17 Inclusionary Zoning homes at 80% of median income.
12 acres, with:
Over 1 mile of sidewalks open to the public
40% open space,
Improved drainage, and removable of the large mounds of dirt that were added to the site
Keeping the old main building of 8,000 square feet in place for an undetermined future use.
Keeping the main access road, but removing the gate, to open the site to the community, and
Neighbor Gavin shared a few tidbits from DDOT’s recent FY2026 budget oversight hearing.
LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Safety
Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George asked about LaSalle-Backus Elementary School, where parents have been advocating for traffic safety improvements. DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum said she thinks that LaSalle will be on the list of schools to get a Safe Routes plan in FY26: https://www.youtube.com/live/0lLDVrQZRB4?si=bazkR_-2piRmHtVG&t=2723.
South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Study
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker asked about the South Dakota Avenue corridor safety study. Director Kershbaum said that with the current budget of $1 million, DDOT only has enough money to complete the study and with the remaining balance of funds, install intersection improvements at the most problematic intersections. The agency does not have enough funding to make corridor wide improvements: https://www.youtube.com/live/0lLDVrQZRB4?si=OTpmAIRhqWJiCyi1&t=3365.
[Ed. Note: This tracks what Director Kershbaum said at the North Michigan Park Civic Association meeting on May 7, 2025. There she announced that DDOT will not be installing bike lanes on South Dakota Avenue and instead will only be making spot improvements at key problematic intersections because the agency does not have the money for a road diet. I have long suspected this was always going to be the result, and that is why I encouraged people to give feedback on problematic intersections during the public comment period. I suppose the South Dakota Avenue safety study website will be updated at some point.]
Met Branch Trail Fort Totten to Avondale Segment
Councilmember Parker asked about planning for the MBT Fort Totten to Avondale segment. Director Kershbaum said the agency already has its hands full with currently funded MBT projects and they want to get those segments done first. https://www.youtube.com/live/0lLDVrQZRB4?si=MOMxorN8pInJ61Ap&t=3666.
Join Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker for a Community Listening Session about the future of the RFK Stadium Site.
The conversation will center on the perspectives and experience of Carver-Langston and Trinidad neighbors who stand to be most impacted by development at the site.
The meeting will take place on May 14, 2025 at Two Rivers PCS (830 26th St NE) from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Register at ward5.us/rfk.
Questions? Email ward5contact@dccouncil.gov or call 202-724-8028.
The DC Public Service Commission has announced a series of community hearings on Washington Gas’s request to increase rates (Formal Case No. 1180). According to the PSC, if the request is granted in full, “the average bill increase for residential sales heating and cooling customers based on an annual usage of 627 therms would be $15.33 or 17.63 percent.”
Remaining community hearings:
April 21, 2025, at Petworth Neighborhood Library, 4200 Kansas Avenue, NW, Meeting Room 1, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
April 29, 2025, in the Commission Hearing Room at 1325 G Street, NW, Suite 800, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To testify at the community hearing, please contact the Commission Secretary by the close of business three (3) business days prior to the community hearing, by sending an email to PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov.
To submit written statements, email PSC-CommissionSecretary@dc.gov, or submit through the Commission’s eDocket system at https://edocket.dcpsc.org/public/public_comments referencing the Formal Case No. 1180 docket.
If you need assistance in preparing your comments, please contact OPC by phone at (202) 727-3071 or email at info@opc-dc.gov.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13017158592, 81406325863#
Meeting ID: 814 0632 5863
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
Administrative Items Instructions for participation in virtual and in person meetings Consideration and approval of March 2025 Regular Public Meeting Agenda Approval of February 2025 Regular Public Meeting Minutes Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Updates
Community Concerns Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak. The Commission will provide details regarding how to present community concerns at the start of the virtual meeting. This is the time for questions or statements from members of the public about issues on the agenda or other areas of concern. Please limit your statement or question to one minute, you will be muted if you go beyond your designated time. You may also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.
Reports Leticia Acosta, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes) Darrell Whitmyer, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 minutes) T. Michelle Colson, Ward 4 State Board of Education (3 minutes) 4B Community Safety & Support Committee (2 minutes)
Presentations Council of the District of Columbia: Office of the Budget Director (Subject to Change)
Consent Calendar Resolution 4B-25-0301: Supporting Application for Special Exception at 405 Riggs Road, NE BZA 21257 (Commissioner Geong) Resolution 4B-25-0302: Calling on DC Department of Public Works to Enforce ROSA Violations for Vehicles with Temporary Tags (Commissioner Johnson) Resolution 4B-25-0303: Supporting Approval of All After Hour Work Permits and Temporary Noise Waiver for Washington Gas (Commissioner Berry) Letter to DCPS/DCPCSB on Immigration Enforcement Guidance (Commissioner Geong)
Letter urging policy changes for the Metropolitan Police Department and Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice prohibiting the reinstatement of police officers convicted of crimes (Commissioner Johnson)
Adjournment The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. The next ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. The next ANC 4B Community Safety and Support Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner:
DC’s Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) is holding its next estate planning session at the Lamond-Riggs Library on March 26, 2025. Registration required. Information copied from DISB below.
Please arrive by 4:30; presentations will begin at 5:00.
This event will include an overview of estate planning concepts and documents such as a will and probate, trust, healthcare directives, power of attorney and more.
Learn about the steps you can take to plan for your future and protect your property, possessions and loved ones.
At this event, DC residents will have the opportunity to learn more about their property’s ownership. DC residents will also have the opportunity to complete on-site intake for estate planning, probate, and/or foreclosure legal services, and may be paired with a lawyer from a participating organization at no cost; strict income restrictions apply for those interested in legal representation.
Advance registration is required and will be capped at 100 guests.
The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) has installed new food waste “Smart Bins” across the city for individuals to deposit food waste/food scraps for composting. The bins are accessible 24/7 and can be unlocked using an app or an access code.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 