Commissioner Angel Alston is holding a community meeting for SMD 5A08 tonight.
Location: UDC-CC, Backus Campus, Room 129.
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm
On the agenda: (1) Art Place at Fort Totten update; (2) National Park Service comment period on improvements to metro shortcuts between Gallatin and Galloway Street NE.
ANC 4B is holding a special presentation with the Office of Planning on the zoning rewrite tonight at 6:00 pm in the community meeting room of the MPD 4th District headquarters (6001 Georgia Ave NW). The regular ANC 4B meeting will begin at 7:00 pm.
Today, the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association and DC Public Library are sponsoring, “What’s Developing at Fort Totten Square,” at the Lamond Riggs Library at 7:00 pm. Hear from the developers and elected officials and get your questions answered.
On Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at UDC-CC’s Backus Campus, the National Park Service is holding a public meeting about the path between Gallatin Street and Galloway Street NE that is used as a shortcut to access Fort Totten metro station. Residents have expressed concern about the safety and condition of the path for several years. The NPS has stated it needs to do an environmental assessment before making any long-term improvements to the path. The public meeting will provide a chance to share concerns and ideas about improving the path. For special assistance to attend the meeting or for additional information about the project, contact NPS at (202) 895-6004 or rocr_superintendent@nps.gov.
Comments about the path will be accepted through April, 7, 2014 (mailed comments must be postmarked by April 7, 2014). Be aware that your comment including personal identifying information (such as name, email address, mailing address, phone number) may be made publicly available at any time. Comments may be submitted:
Superintendent
Rock Creek Park
North Michigan Park Pedestrian Access Improvements Environmental Assessment
3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, DC 20008-1207
Edit: The forum was scheduled for tomorrow.
The Lamond Riggs Citizens Association’s mayor forum originally scheduled for tomorrow, March 11, 2014, at Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ is cancelled and will be rescheduled due to the mayor’s “State of the District” address. Go to lrca.info for notice of the new forum date.
Now that we know construction will start on the first stage (Building A) of Art Place at Fort Totten, we can turn to the second stage (Building B). We have always been told that Building B is on the backburner until construction of Building A is underway.
A quick refresher: The Cafritz team received approval to move the grocery store from Building A to Building B. They then asked for flexibility on including a grocery store in Building B at all because Walmart is opening down the street with a grocery component. They also submitted a plan for Building B that included some recreational components (e.g., ice rinks). The Zoning Commission held a public meeting in 2012, at which time the commission expressed a number of concerns regarding the design of, uses, and community amenities in Building B. The commission asked the Cafritz team to come back with a plan that addressed their concerns.
The update: The Zoning Commission included an agenda item on Art Place in its January 2014 meeting because of the delay in setting a hearing for Building B. On January 8, 2014, the Cafritz team submitted a letter to the commission ostensibly to provide a status update on Building B. That letter requests more time (specifically one year) to provide a more detailed update on Building B. They say they are continuing to pursue the children’s museum and the recreational component of Building B. However, they state it is difficult to assess what large-scale retail component they can attract for Building B due to Walmart’s pending opening in Fort Totten Square. They say they have been told that retailers are waiting to see Walmart’s effect on retail potential in the area before committing to Building B. To support their letter, they provided a letter by HR Retail, which is responsible for marketing the project. Both letters mention the demographic changes taking place in the neighborhood, which they say are leading retailers to want to wait to assess what uses would appeal to not just existing residents but future residents as well. Therefore, the Cafritz team says they believe it is best to focus on their top priority–relocating the Riggs Park Plaza resident–and get Building A completed. They requested to return to the commission with a status report once they determine what modifications to the design and uses of Building B would be most appropriate for “this fast-changing community.”
At the January meeting, commission members expressed concern about how open-ended the project seems to be. They stated they would give the Cafritz team until July 15, 2014, to come back with an end date for the first phase as well as a phasing plan for the rest of the project.
Click on the thumbnails to read the letter (all of these documents are publicly available on the DC Office of Zoning website by searching case number 06-10B)
Thanks to ANC 5A08 Commissioner Angel Alston, we received a construction notice for Art Place at Fort Totten. The notice states construction will start in early to mid-March on the first phase of the project, which will consist of 520 rental apartments and approximately 100,000 square feet of commercial space. Foulger Pratt was selected as the general contractor in November 2013. Recall that this project will close Hamilton Street and create a new roadway on Ingraham Street. Accordingly, construction will begin with the relocation of the utilities on Hamilton Street. Excavation will begin after the utilites are relocated. Keep an eye out for signs of street and alley closings and parking restrictions, particularly for Hamilton Street and 4th Street. Construction is anticipated to be complete by 2016. Updates will be provided by the commissioner. As an aside, we are hearing positive news about potential retailers lined up for the first phase of the project.
Construction notice below:
Art Place Construction Notice
Representatives from WMATA will be on hand at ANC 5A’s public meeting on January 29, 2014, to discuss the solicitation for proposed development for the long-term parking lot at Fort Totten metro station. We discussed that solicitation for proposals in this post. WMATA officials previously mentioned on the Fort Totten walking tour and detailed in the proposal that they envision primarily housing on the site, with possibly a minor retail component. Submissions are not due until March 2014, so we will see if we learn anything new at the meeting tomorrow. This is one of several items on the agenda for tomorrow. The meeting will start at 6:45 pm in Room 125 at UDC-CC’s Backus campus.
View of the work being done at 5516-5520 4th Street NE in preparation for new semi-detached homes going up next to the new homes built in 2010. The homes constructed in 2010 were originally planned to be semi-detached as well, but currently sit detached for the time being.
5516-5520 4th Street NE
If you missed the third round of public workshops for moveDC, the city’s long-term transportation planning initiative, there is still time to comment on the proposed draft. The draft proposes a blended approach (pdf) to address transportation needs in the city. The draft plan includes cycletracks along Riggs Road NE and South Dakota Avenue NE and an off-street path along Gallatin Street NE from Fort Totten to West Hyattsville. The map shows fairly high mobility around Fort Totten, but there are still holes in transportation access between neighborhoods. Take the survey to let DDOT know what you like about the draft plan and where there is room for improvement.
On November 4, 2013, WMATA released its solicitation for proposals for transit-oriented development at Fort Totten metro station (pdf). This solicitation includes only the large parking lot (called the West Parcel). It does not include the short term parking, kiss and ride, bus bays, or taxi areas (these make up the East Parcel). The submission deadline line is March 2014.
Large parking lot at Fort Totten metro station slated for redevelopment
The request calls for primarily residential development and a parking garage with at least 425 parking spaces. The residential component can be rental, ownership, or both. Metro contemplates it will contain at least 300 units in buildings up to seven stories. The development must comply with inclusionary zoning laws. It may include street level retail (particularly closer to the metro entrance) and a childcare center.
The developer will have to double the number of bike racks and lockers and provide a bike & ride facility close to the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The proposed development plan will have to improve bike connectivity in the area and bike lanes to connect to trails are encouraged. The solicitation notes that a bikeshare station is planned for the west parcel and that DDOT plans to construct a segment of the MBT west of the station.
Councilmember McDuffie and the District’s Office of Planning are co-hosting an open house for the Ward 5 Industrial Land Transformation Task Force on Monday, September 30, 2013 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Trinity Washington University, O’Connor Auditorium (125 Michigan Avenue NE). They will discuss task force goals; existing conditions; market analysis; best practices and case studies from other jurisdictions; stakeholder feedback; and solicit new ideas. The councilmember will offer remarks at 7:00 pm.
Task Force Open House
WUSA-TV reports President Obama helped pack meals alongside other volunteers at Food & Friends yesterday for the National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Neighbor and I were talking about how nice it might be to have an orchard in the neighborhood. A lot of homes have backyards and walking around the neighborhood, one can spot the occasional pear, lemon, or fig tree. We thought a plot of land on the Backus campus of UDC-CC a plausible location. This picture is looking at the Galloway Street side, next to the campus parking lot. What do you think?
UDC-CC (Backus campus)
Update: Metrorail service on the red line has been restored between NoMa and Fort Totten, but note that beginning at 10 pm tonight, shuttle buses replace trains on the red line between Rhode Island Avenue and Forest Glen metro stations until closing on Monday, Sept. 2.
WMATA has issued a rail alert this morning. No trains are running between Fort Totten & NoMa on the red line due to “overnight equipment derailment.” A very limited number of shuttle buses are available at Fort Totten, Brookland, and Rhode Island Avenue stations to take riders to NoMa metro station, but riders should expect long delays. WMATA advises avoiding the area, taking the green line, or taking metrobus.
The Washington City Paper recently reported on locations around the city that will get new murals in the latest round of installations by MuralsDC. Many moons ago, a neighbor and I were discussing this mural called “Life Creates Music,” by Joel Bergner, along Riggs Road NE, just east of South Dakota Avenue.
“Life Creates Music” mural by Joel Bergner along Riggs Road NE
We talked about buildings in the neighborhood that might be a good spot for a mural. He thought a good candidate would be the insurance building on Riggs Road that recently received a paint job. I think a mural might be nice on the Food & Friends building on Riggs Road. Since it is a relatively new building (Food & Friends moved into the building in 2004), it actually looks pretty nice for an industrial building. Despite its newness though, it does stand out with its dark brown color. There is a mural inside the building to warm up the industrial feel, so why not add a mural on the outside to brighten things up for passersby as well. What are some other locations in the neighborhood that might be prime candidates for a mural?
The larger building at 6000 New Hampshire Avenue NE slated for around 45 (condo) apartments is for sale. The Washington Business Journal recently reported on an interested buyer in the property. The building is part of a larger approved planned unit development (PUD) that orginally consisted of the new Comstock homes, the larger building now for sale, and a smaller building on the property that is slated to become an adult daycare facility. The majority interest in the two buildings was sold to current owner Rick Gunderson. Now it looks like a development team might be interested in buying the larger building. A smaller building that is part of the PUD will be an adult daycare facility. Those plans continue to move forward. These buildings are surrounded by the new Comstock detached single family homes and townhomes at The Hampshires.
Information from Councilmember McDuffie’s Office. Trusted Solutions Group and Prospect Solar, LLC, is holding a meeting for Ward 5 residents interested in solar panels. Income restrictions apply. Information from the brochure by Trusted Solutions Group and Prospect Solar below:
——
Community Meeting About FREE Solar Panel Opportunity
Presented by Trusted Solutions Group and Prospect Solar, LLC
ATTN: Homeowners in Ward 5
Date: Wednesday, August 14th
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Place: Woodridge Library-Room 1
1801 Hamlin St NE, Washington, DC 20018
About the FREE Solar Panel Opportunity:
The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DC SEU) has allocated District funding to provide solar energy systems at no cost to homeowners in Ward 5. Trusted Solutions Group and Prospect Solar have been selected by the DC SEU to identify candidates and install the solar panels on their rooftops.
If you are interested, there are several qualifications to be eligible:
The number of systems available for this program is extremely limited. If you are eligible based on the above qualifications, we strongly recommend you bring the following documents to this meeting to apply for the program:
A.) 2012 Federal Tax Return (copy) for all household members OR
B.) Proof that a household member received ONE of these benefits in the last year:
1. Utility Discount from PEPCO, Verizon, WASA, or Washington Gas
2. HOME/ Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
3. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
4. Free or Reduced School Lunch
5. Lifeline Telephone Assistance
Upon eligibility verification, we will schedule an assessment of your home to inspect the condition of the roof. After inspection verifies your roof’s eligibility, and paperwork has been completed, you will be entered into the program first-come, first-serve.
Household Size
Gross Income Limit
1 – $45,180
2 – $51,600
3 – $58,080
4 – $64,500
5 – $69,660
6 – $74,820
7 – $79,980
8 – $85,140
—–
Trusted Solutions Group
3921 S Capitol St. Ste. #3, SW Washington, DC 20032
Phone: (2020) 563-3530 Fax: (202) 318-8435
Prospect Solar, LLC
118 Acacia Lane Sterling, Virginia 20166-9307
Phone: (703) 450-2387 Fax: (703) 450-2397
An item on ANC 4B’s public meeting agenda for Monday, July 22, is a presentation/recommendation vote on a permit for 5516-5520 4th St. NE. From DDOT’s website:
| ADDRESS IS 5516-5520 4TH STREET, NE: PROVIDE WATER,SEWER AND GAS LATERALS FOR NEW TOWNHOUSE, WORK ALSO INCLUDES APRON FRO DRIVEWAY, LEAD WALKS AND BAY WINDOWS PROJECTION. ORIGINAL APPLICATION (#56393 WAS APPROVED BY THE PSC W/CONDITIONS ON 1/6/11. OWNERSHIP CHANGED AND PSC APPROVAL EXPIRED. APPLICANT RE-APPLYING FOR EXACT SAME SCOPE OF WORK |
Councilmember David Catania is hosting meetings in each ward to discuss the education bills drafted by law firm Hogan Lovells in what he’s calling “Summer Conversation on the Future of Public Education in the District.” The ward 5 meeting will be on July 13, 2013, at the Woodridge Library at 10:30 am. More on the councilmember’s public education reform efforts can be found on his website.
The other ward meetings are as follows:
Wed., July 17, 2013 (6:30 p.m.) – Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library (Ward 7)
Sat., July 20, 2013 (10:30 a.m.) – Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (Ward 2)
Thurs., July 25, 2013 (6:30 p.m) – Wm. Lockridge/Bellevue Neighborhood Library (Ward 8)
Sat., July 27, 2013 (10:30 a.m.) – Tenleytown-Friendsh ip Neighborhood Library (Ward 3)
Wed., July 31, 2013 (6:30 p.m.) – Southwest Neighborhood Library (Ward 6)
Sat., August 3, 2013 (10:30 a.m.) – Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library (Ward 1)
Mon., August 5, 2013 (6:45 p.m.) – Petworth Neighborhood Library (Ward 4)
Next Stop...Riggs Park 