ANC 5A Monthly Meeting Recap

Guest post

On Wednesday, September 27, 2017, ANC 5A held the first monthly community meeting of its 2017-2018 meeting schedule. Below are highlights from that meeting.

ANC 5A Administration

• The September 2017 monthly community meeting, which was held at the Backus Campus of UDC’s Community College, was called to order at 6:58 p.m. All Commissioners attended; the minutes of the June 14, 2017 monthly community meeting were not yet available for the Commissioners’ review and approval.
• The ANC unanimously approved ANC 5A Treasurer Sandi Washington’s (5A07) request for approval of the ANC’s 3rd-quarter FY 2017 financial report.
• The ANC unanimously adopted Commissioner Gordon Fletcher’s (5A08) resolution regarding the vacant land on the southwest corner of the intersection of Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue, NE. The Commission wants ownership of the land to be transferred from DDOT to DPR for the purpose of converting the land into a DPR-managed public park of some sort (specifics as to type-of-park to be determined much later). Currently, the land — which borders the east side of the Food and Friends facility — is a multi-acre leftover green space that resulted when highway-style ramps were removed from the Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue intersection in 2011.

Ward 5 Activities

Laisha T. Dougherty, Staff Assistant for Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office, reported on the Councilmember’s numerous legislative efforts as follows:

• DC Council Hearing at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017 on Legislation to Honor Historic Contributions of Native Washingtonians of Color and Women:

In June, Councilmember McDuffie introduced “The Charles Hamilton Houston and Other Diverse Washingtonians Commemorative Works Amendment Act of 2017,” (B22-0346) a bill to direct the Commemorative Works Commission to erect statues in each of the City’s eight wards that: (a) highlight native Washingtonians who are women and minorities, and (b) allow the Council itself to sponsor a commemorative work on public space in the District. The bill identifies legal scholar Charles Hamilton Houston as the first Washingtonian to be honored with a memorial statue. The bill is designed to memorialize seminal native Washingtonians, educate residents and visitors about them, honor their legacy, and increase representation of native Washingtonian women and minority historical figures lauded throughout the city. If you are unable to testify at the October 5th hearing, written statements received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2017, will be made a part of the official record.

• The Proper Planning for Future Growth Act of 2017 (written testimony deadline is October 9, 2017):

In March, Councilmember McDuffie introduced the “The Proper Planning for Future Growth Act of 2017” (B22-0181) to proactively plan for transportation growth needs by ward in DC. The legislation will require DC to produced a biennial report analyzing each ward’s current transportation infrastructure and future needs. On September 25, 2017, the DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment held a hearing on the proposed bill. The next step in the legislative process is for the bill to be considered by all 13 members of the DC Council.If you were unable to testify at the September 25th hearing, written statements received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2017 will be made a part of the official record.

• Managing Outdoor Work for Seniors Act (M.O.W.S. Act) (B22-0235) – Hearing October 5, 2017, 10:00 a.m.

This bill would create a program to provide landscaping services to senior residents. Testimony submitted by 5:00 p.m. on October 19, 2017, will be part of the official record.

Reclaiming Our Community —  Ms. Dougherty said that in light of recent tragic murders in Ward 5, Councilmember McDuffie and other community leaders will hold a “Reclaiming Our Community” event at 8:00 pm on Friday, September 29 in the Brentwood park at 13th and Downing Streets, NE (the location of Zaire Kelly’s murder). Ms. Dougherty said that the event, which includes a press conference and a peace walk, will end with a “Sleep Out For Peace, Solidarity, & Solutions.”

Police Service Area (PSA) 405

MPD Fourth District’s Lt. Ashley Rosenthal presented her quarterly report on PSA 405. See PSA 405 crime statistics for the past 30 days and year-to-date: PSA 405 September 2017 Crime Stats

Community Outreach — Some of the recent property thefts are the result of youth stealing snacks from the 7-11 store. If you are interested in setting up a forum at which Lt. Rosenthal and youth can talk about MPD and community policing, please contact her (email: ashley.rosenthal@dc.gov; office number: (202) 730-0606).

In August, PSA 405 held a “Meet ‘n’ Greet” at the park shelter across the street from the 1000 block of Galloway Street, NE providing an opportunity for residents and officers to mingle. The officers patrolling PSA 405 during the day and evening tour of duties dropped by to meet informally with residents. Lt. Rosenthal said that a “hot-chocolate” meet-and-greet event is being planned.

Reminders — MPD has numerous safety and crime-prevention brochures available for download from its website. Lt. Rosenthal made a number of suggestions about reducing the risk of becoming a victim of crime, and about taking precautions to ensure physical safety. Tips include:

• Don’t leave stuff visible in your car.
  As per MPD’s brochure titled “Protecting Your Vehicle”: “Theft from auto is strictly a crime of opportunity that can be prevented if you take away the opportunity. Thieves generally won’t waste their time breaking into autos that don’t have valuables in plain sight. Never leave briefcases; or cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them inside the glove compartment or trunk — all the time, every time!”
• If you see something, say something, even if you think it’s minor.
  Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1 if you see suspicious persons or activity. MPD will prioritize which calls need to be handled first. In your description of suspicious persons, mention not only distinctive facial features, but also distinctive clothing such as colorful shoes (for example, designer sneakers or athletic footwear).
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
  Lt. Rosenthal said that there were 3 robberies over the previous weekend. As per MPD’s palm-card titled “Tips for Reducing Your Chances of Being a Crime Victim”: “Be vigilant of activity around you and attentive to individuals approaching. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by activity such as talking on your cell phone, listening to music, or reading.”

Update on Rebuilding of McDonald’s

See: McDonald’s zoning change request summary sheet (pdf)

As previously reported, Raoul Alvarez, the owner/operator of the McDonald’s at 4950 South Dakota Avenue, NE (at Delafield St.), plans to rebuild the restaurant. Harry Thomas, Jr., spoke on the owner’s behalf. Counsel for McDonald’s (Jessica Bloomfield, Holland & Knight) and a McDonald’s corporate representative also attended. Mr. Thomas said that instead of submitting a Planned Unit Development (PUD) request to the DC Zoning Commission, Mr. Alvarez has submitted a proposed amendment to the DC Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map. Such an amendment must be approved by the DC Council.

Mr. Alvarez is requesting a change in the land use designation from low-density commercial to moderate-density commercial in order to rebuild the 1960’s-era McDonald’s restaurant with a drive-thru. Currently, the restaurant is grandfathered as a nonconforming use under the existing zoning designation. The amendment application also requests changes to the land use designation for the other properties that make up the commercial strip mall so that those owners can make changes to their shops if they desire. Subsequent to the DC Council’s approval, Mr. Alvarez will need to ask the DC Zoning Commission for a re-zoning that allows the 1960’s-era restaurant building to be rebuilt.

As Mr. Thomas requested, the Commission voted unanimously to send Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie an ANC 5A letter-of-support for the change in land use designation. Mr. Thomas stated that Mr. Alvarez will continue to be a good neighbor to North Michigan Park, and that the design of the new McDonald’s will be a “community-driven process.”

ANC 5A’s New Website: https://www.dcanc5a.org/home

Commissioner Fletcher premiered the new ANC 5A-funded website, which will facilitate communication with residents of ANC 5A. The brand-new portal includes links to DC agencies, an ANC 5A calendar, and biographies and contact information for ANC 5A Commissioners, along with ANC 5A documents such as meeting notices and minutes, and Commission resolutions (forthcoming).

Update on Plan to Rebuild Lamond-Riggs Library

As previously reported, funding has been allocated in the DC budget for rebuilding the Lamond-Riggs Library.

The Lamond-Riggs Library Friends (LRLF) group — a non-profit organization that advocates for our local library — has recently been reactivated and is seeking new members and supporters. For more information, email LRLFriends2017@gmail.com or call Robert T. Oliver, President LRLF (202-215-1679), or Rodney Foxworth, Vice President LRLF (202-997-1875).

LRLF President Oliver said that on Thursday, October 5, 2017, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., DC Public Library is holding its first public meeting for the community to learn about plans to rebuild the library, including the project timeline and the process for community engagement. This meeting will be held at the library, located at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.

Also, LRLF President Oliver said that the LRLF group has posted an online survey to collect input on the vision for rebuilding the library.

Upcoming Events

Monday, October 2, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Presentation at 6:30 p.m.

DDOT’s Open House for Its Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

The STIP is a statewide, prioritized funding program of transportation projects covering a four-year period consistent with DC’s Multimodal Long-Range Transportation Plan. DDOT’s Open House on October 2nd is public meeting to receive feedback on DC’s STIP for Fiscal Years 2018 to 2022. The meeting will be held at the Shaw Neighborhood Library, located at 1630 7th Street NW, 20001.

At the Open House, DDOT will present the Draft FY 2018 to 2022 STIP Project List, which includes information for each project on the type, funding sources, and estimated schedule. In addition, DDOT will provide an overview of the STIP and the STIP development process.

If you are unable to attend the Open House, or if you want to submit feedback online, visit the DC STIP website, where the Draft FY 2018 to 2022 Project List will be posted.

Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

DDOT ANC Fall Open House

DDOT invites the city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners to engage with DDOT staff and learn more about the agency. DDOT’s Fall Open House will be held at DC’s Old Council Chambers at 441 4th Street NW (Judiciary Square).

ANC 5A finally has a functioning website! At the ANC 5A meeting on September 27, 2017, the ANC debuted its new site. This has been years coming. For so long ANC 5A did not have a functioning website to provide adequate notice of meetings, agendas, minutes, resolutions, and other documents. We are really grateful for the efforts of Commissioners Gordon Fletcher (5A08) and Isaiah Burroughs (5A04) in making this website happen. There are some tweaks that still need to be made, like including links to resolutions and putting up the correct map of the ANC boundaries, but it is great that they were able to get this website together in time for the first meeting after the summer recess. If you have any comments or suggestions on the site, send them to Commissioner Fletcher at 5A08@anc.dc.gov. The website address is https://www.dcanc5a.org.

Guest post

ANC 5A Commissioners held a second special meeting on Thursday, July 27, 2017. All of the commissioners were present except Commissioner Keisha Cofield-Lynch (5A03).

DC WATER GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM UPDATE

Representatives from DC Water and their contractors gave a briefing on the DC Clean Rivers Project, Rock Creek Project A. With this project, DC Water is attempting to limit storm water runoff through several green infrastructure strategies.

The DC Water representatives explained that city streets and sidewalls are impervious and force large amounts of storm water into the sewer system. These sewers are often overwhelmed by major downpours which result in sewer overflow and waterway pollution. To decrease the volume of runoff, DC Water will rely on green infrastructure– Planter Bioretention, Curb Extension Bioretention, Alley Permeable Pavement and Parking Lane Permeable Pavement.

ANC 5A has two alley permeable pavement projects scheduled: (1) alley off Hamilton Street NE between North Capitol Street and Rock Creek Church Road NE and (2) Rock Creek Church Road NE between Hamilton Street and Riggs Road NE. Work on the first alley is anticipated to start on August 21, 2017. Construction will occur 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday (with rain day make-up on Saturday). Utility marking, rodent control and community outreach will be done prior to construction. The contractor said roadway disturbance should be minimal and all construction materials and activity should be contained to the alley. In connection with this project, residents in the project area may request downspout disconnect and a free rain barrel.

For more information contact DC Water by phone or email at (202) 448-9040 or http://www.dcwater.com/RockCreekGreen.

DC Water Rock Creek GI Project Area A

DOEE EDUCATION ON INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

Mr. Joseph Walton of the DC Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) gave a presentation on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Mr. Walton said all city schools and registered day-cares are required to develop an integrated pest management plan. He emphasized that pesticides are poisonous and should be used sparingly. The IPM program provides a three-step pest control solution:

• Control Pest – by not fostering a welcoming environment. Ensure cleanliness inside and outside of your home;
• Starve Them – by denying sources of food and water. Ensure your garbage bins seal properly, clean food preparation areas, fix leaks, etc.; and
• Deny Pest Access – by denying access to your home. Ensure that all cracks, gaps, etc. into your home are sealed.

For more information, contact Mr. Walton by email or phone at joseph.walton@dc.gov or 202.535.2612.

ANC 5A WEBSITE UPDATE

ANC 5A is finalizing a contract for a new ANC 5A website with both Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) and Commissioner Isaiah Burroughs (5A04) acting as primary contacts. Commissioner Fletcher said the new website will allow more transparency and be more user-friendly and efficient than the District-provided website. In addition to new content, the website will contain past ANC documents such as resolutions and minutes dating back to January 2013. Commissioner Fletcher expects the site to be operational by September 1, 2017.

BUSINESS CARD UPDATE

The ANC is still researching the cost and other aspects of business card development. A local business, Quality Printer, on 301 Kennedy Street NW has been suggested as the vendor.

ANC 5A08 PROPOSAL TO CONVERT CITY PROPERTY TO A DPR-MANAGED PARK

Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) raised a proposal to create a park within the boundaries of ANC 5A08 on District-owned property located on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE in front of Food & Friends (see picture below). Excluding federally-held National Park Service (NPS) land, development is rapidly depleting neighborhood green space. The commission passed Commissioner Fletcher’s motion for the ANC to develop a letter in support of requesting the transfer of the land from DDOT to DPR for the purpose of developing a DPR-managed park. (See community park resolution).

Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue NE intersection

COMMUNITY CONCERNS

ANC 5A commissioners raised a few issues with the community. First, some commissioners believe that DC government entities do not take ANC concerns seriously even though District law states that government entities are to give “great weight” to ANC issues and concerns.

Second, Chairman Edwards noted that the ANC has limited authority and no legal jurisdiction to order a remedy in disputes. This issue arose due to a dispute between a developer and a homeowner in which the homeowner wants the ANC to order a solution. Chair Edwards stated the ANC will do what it can within its authority, but at some point residents need to decide if they want to pursue legal remedies.

Finally, Metro has selected additional homes within ANC 5A to test for vibrations in response to complaints that heavier trains traveling underground on the green line are causing homes to vibrate. Metro stated no homeowners in ANC 5A responded to the initial request for testing. If interested in vibration testing, contact Metro Government Relations Officer Ann Chisolm at achisolm@wmata.com

The next ANC meeting will be on September 27, 2017.