May 7: North Michigan Park Civic Association Public Meeting

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

FACE TO FACE only

Meeting Agenda 

 ·         Call to Order

·         Opening Prayer – Silent 

·         Roll Call of Officers

Meeting Protocol

  • Meeting Protocol is Robert’s Rules of Order
  • Phone call should remain on mute unless asked to un mute. 
  • Respect others when speaking
  • Respect our guest.
  • Raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be acknowledged.

Community Update 

  • Financial Report – NMPCA (Treasurers Report)
  • NMPCA Membership $10.00 (Membership Committee
  • Providence Update –  Presentation  for June meeting
  • Strip Mall on So. Dakota Ave update
    • Owner of convenience store invited to June meeting
    • Medical Cannabis outlet has changed ownership 
  • NMPCA – Committees chairs to reach out to residence that have signed up
  • 501C – Anthony Hood
  • Support for government workers  https://dcFedsupport.dc.gov Event to raise money for Community Day 
    • Donations
    • T-shirts for sale
  • May 16, Community Clean Up – Meet at the Recreation Center 10:00 am
  • June Meeting
    • Scholarship awards
    • Guest Speakers
      • Council member Zachary Parker
      • Evan Goldman – EYA  (Providence)  
      • June meeting face to face at Faith United Church 
      • 7:00 pm

GUEST SPEAKERS

MAYOR, MURIEL BOWSER Q & A   

Community Leader Reports

  • Ward 5 Council Member’s Office –  Oliver Stoute 
  • ANC Commissioners –  Commissioners 5A02, 5A03, 5A08, 5A09
  • Faith United Church – Pastor Joseph K. Williams, Sr. 

Community Concerns:

Open to residents

Adjourn

Repost: NPS Proposed General Management Plan Changes for Fort Totten & Fort Totten Corridor – Comments Due May 9, 2025

Neighbor Gavin shared that the National Park Service (NPS) has started the process to update its General Management Plan (GMP) for the Civil War Defenses of Washington (CWDW), formerly known as Fort Circle Parks. There was a public meeting on March 26, 2025. NPS has posted the video recording and slides from the meeting. NPS is soliciting public comment. Comments are due by May 9, 2025.

Project website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CWDWplan.

Objective of Plan Update

The CWDW GMP was last updated in 2004. Recreational opportunities and facilities in the current plan include developing a new trail to connect the historic earthworks and link most of the fort sites; interpretive signs to guide visitors; limited bike use; building a visitor center near Fort Stevens; and building an education center at Fort Dupont.

NPS describes the purpose of the plan update as follows.

  • Review existing resource management zones to ensure that allowed uses are compatible with the protection of historic and natural resources. 
  • In areas where appropriate, carefully consider changes in the plan’s zoning to allow for additional, compatible visitor use. 
  • Enable consistent application across the CWDW of appropriate visitor use based on each area’s zoning. 
  • Define visitor capacity for the CWDW, based on the protection of historic and natural resources.

NPS describes the need for the plan update as follows.

  • The CWDW GMP Amendment is needed to address the following concerns: 
  • The CWDW protects important natural and historic resources throughout its range. 
  • The city’s recreational needs are growing with an increasing population, and often the only land available for recreational use is within the CWDW. 
  • The existing GMP maintains open spaces throughout the CWDW. Organizations and individuals propose uses and improvements for these areas that are inconsistent with the CWDW’s significance, frequently because the CWDW’s importance and value are not readily apparent to the public. 
  • Many of the open spaces within the CWDW sites are isolated and lack connectivity with other CWDW areas and to community facilities and resources outside of the CWDW. 
  • Significant archeological and natural resources have been identified since the adoption of the existing GMP/ EA. As a result, some archeological resources are located outside of cultural and natural resource zoning designations. 
  • The existing GMP/EA does not adequately accommodate future planning, changes that have occurred since its adoption, or outline expectations for potential administrative tools to enhance park management, such as partnerships with civic associations, transfers of jurisdictions, or other mechanisms. 
  • The GMP/EA does not adequately address current activities that occur within the cultural resources of the site and do not diminish their value.

NPS explained how the GMP fits into the NPS project development process. The GMP identifies appropriate activities and applicable general locations. Then comes the Development Concept Plan leading to Project Design and finally Implementation.

NPS notes that the CWDW face a number of issues including waste management, visibility, vegetation management, desire for more community use and recreation, poor access, and zoning and management concerns.

Current CWDW GMP Management Zones

It is useful to know the zones in the current GMP.

  • Cultural Resource Zone (Cultural and natural resource preservation)
  • Connecting Corridor Zone (Parkways connecting fort resources)
  • Recreation Zone (Small nodes of intense activity)
  • Natural Resource Zone (Areas for natural scenery and forest preservation)
  • Special Use Zone (Areas not fully within NPS jurisdiction)
  • Visitor Services Zone (Visitor services outside park boundaries)
  • Administrative Zone (Not normally seen by visitors)

New Proposed CWDW GMP Management Zones

NPS is proposing to add a couple of new zones.

  • Community garden zone
  • Site sensitive recreation zone: NPS describes this zone as supporting activities like picnic spaces, low intensity uses.

Existing Managment Zones for Neighborhood Parkland

NPS existing zones for Rock Creek Park East parkland.

Fort Totten and the Fort Totten Corridor are part of Rock Creek Park East. Historically, Fort Totten and Fort Totten Corridor were categorized primarily as natural and cultural resource and connecting corridor zones with a focus on conservation and preservation. Anytime we asked for anything at all, NPS officials would say no and say that they wanted the parkland to look the way it did during Civil War times (minus the baseball cage of course).

(Aside: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton recently introduced a bill (H.R. 1429) to expand the mission of NPS to include active use of NPS parks in urban areas in addition to preservation. Unclear how this potential legislation might impact the management plan update for the CWDW, which arguably enjoy a different level of significance than other NPS parks.)

Proposed Zone Changes for Neighborhood Parkland

In the proposed GMP amendment, NPS wants to maintain much of the existing zoning, but they are proposing slight changes to Fort Totten and the Fort Totten corridor. The neighborhood’s area development plan, which was approved by the DC Council in 2009, calls for trails and active recreation at the edges of the parkland near residential areas. The proposed GMP amendments are consistent with this plan.

Fort Totten proposed changes:

  • Adds Community Garden Zone in areas with former Recreational Zone designation
  • Adds Site Sensitive Recreation Zone along South Dakota Ave NE (near New Hampshire Ave NE intersection) and in southwest portion of Fort Totten park
  • Adds Cultural Zone within Site Sensitive Recreation Zone in southwest portion of park
  • Changes edges along Gallatin St NE and Metropolitan Branch Trail to Connecting Corridor Zone

Fort Totten Corridor proposed changes:

  • Adds Community Garden, Site Sensitive Recreation, and Cultural Zones
  • Adds Natural and Recreational Zones along the corridors

Public Input

A lot of people have thoughts about the NPS parkland in our neighborhood. This is an opportunity to let the people with the power to do something know what you think. Please take some time to at least look at all of the slides to get an idea of the scope of changes NPS is proposing across the city as well as the neighborhood. I have always found it interesting just how differently NPS treats the fort sites across the city with no discernible rationale.

If you support what NPS is proposing for our area, let them know. If there are certain uses that you think should be allowable for our area, let them know where and why. For example, specifically note where along Galloway or Gallatin you would recommend a certain zone or use. Let them know about issues along the corridor that they might be overlooking.

How to Submit Comments

Online: Submit written comments by May 9, 2025 at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/CWDWplan.

Written comments can be mailed to: Superintendent Attn: CWDW GMP/EA Civil War Defenses of Washington National Park Service 3545 Williamsburg Lane N.W. Washington, DC 20008

Mailed comments must be postmarked by May 9, 2025 to receive consideration

(Edited 4/17/2025 to add: Please also share your comments with ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars at anc5A01@anc.dc.gov.)

NPS warning about personally identifiable information: 

Please Note: Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

May 8: Main Street Jazz hosted by The Parks Main Street with – Herb Scott Quartet

From The Parks Main Street

The Main Street Jazz Series is a collection of live jazz performances hosted by The Parks Main Street and presented by the Greater Washington Urban League. Held in the neighborhood corridors of Riggs Park and Manor Park, this series showcases the creative energy of local jazz talent. It provides a dynamic cultural platform where art, commerce, and community innovation converge, offering each performance as a unique experience that brings the neighborhood’s heartbeat to life. The Main Street Jazz Series serves as a gathering point for celebrating local talent and reinforcing the cultural and economic vitality of Riggs Park and Manor Park.

  • Date: May 8, 2025
  • Time: 6:30 pm
  • Location: Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library
  • Address: 5401 South Dakota Avenue, NE | Washington, DC 20011
  • Neighborhood: Riggs Park

Kicking off the Main Street Jazz Series is Herb Scott

D.C. Native and saxophonist Herb Scott is a star on the Washington, D.C. Jazz scene. While studying at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts under the award-winning educator Davey Yarborough, he performed with renowned trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock. Herb studied Jazz Studies at Michigan State University under Jazz legend Rodney Whitaker and Professor Diego Rivera, and toured with the MSU Jazz Band. His career includes performances at the White House, Dizzy’s Coca Cola-Club in New York, the Lincoln Center, the world famous Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Universal Studios Orlando, Constitution Hall, the Library of Congress, the Detroit Jazz Fest, the East Lansing Jazz Fest, the DC Jazz Fest.

In 2017 Herb formed a non-profit, The Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation which provides critical resources, including advocacy, to DC-based Jazz musicians, venues, and music education programs.

Today May 3: LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser at &Pizza Brookland

LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser

&pizza Brookland Location (666 Monroe Street NE)

May 3, 2025

11:00 am-9:00 pm

Eat out at &pizza and support a good cause! Place an order in the shop (show flyer) or order online and use code LSBPTO. Up to 30 percent of sales goes to support our neighborhood public school, LaSalle-Backus Elementary.

Can’t make it but still want to support the PTO? Donate via Venmo (@LaSalleBackusPTO) or Cashapp ($LaSalleBackusPTO)

May 5: LRCA Public Meeting – LRCA Election

The May 2025 LRCA Community meeting will be held Monday, May 5, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

This in-person meeting will be held at the Lamond-Riggs Library, Meeting Room 1, located at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20011.

Agenda

  • Welcome/Invocation
  • 2025 Member Voting
  • Closing

This year is an election year for LRCA. The election will be held at the May meeting. The entire meeting will be dedicated to paid members to come sit down and vote. If you are a paid member, please come out to vote in person from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm.

Read the LRCA May 2025 Newsletter. This month’s newsletter contains information on the candidates.

Reminder: LRCA is awarding scholarships to neighborhood youth. The application deadline is May 16, 2025. Link: 2025 Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, Inc. Scholarship Application.

For questions email scholarship@lrcadc.org.

April 23, 2025 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Mundo Verde & Providence Updates; Potential Medical Marijuana Retailer

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on April 23, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair & Secretary; Jack Hermes (5A04); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.

ANC 5A05 is vacant. The commissioner for ANC 5A07 needs to be installed.

Commission Business

Commissioner Hermes was sworn in as parliamentarian for the ANC.

Meeting Expectations

Screenshot of ANC 5A Meeting Expectations presented for vote at public meeting, April 23, 2025.

Chair Lucio introduced meeting expectations for discussion. She said the goal is to be helpful and accountable to the community. A few commissioners were adamant that it was not necessary to adopt these expectations. The ANC voted to support (Commissioners Bocoum, Hermes, Sellars, and Lucio voted in favor; Commissioners Alston, Thomas, and Holloway opposed).

Spending Requests

Screenshot of ANC 5A Spending Requests presented for vote at public meeting, April 23, 2025.

The ANC has over $100,000 in the bank. The ANC voted to allocate $5,000 for office furniture for the ANC office located at The Modern at Art Place on Galloway Street NE. The ANC voted to spend up to $1,200 for a laptop for Commissioner Alston. The ANC voted to spend up to $1,200 for an iPhone for Commissioner Alston. There was discussion of other spending requests that I could not quite follow; sounded like the ANC decided to table discussion of spending for those items.

Conway Education Center (5A03)

Conway Education Center withdrew its request for holiday work because residents of ANC 5A03 objected to holiday work.

Washington Latin Public Charter School (5A05)

At an ANC 5A05 single member district (SMD) meeting, residents supported holiday work by Washington Latin. Representatives of the school did not appear at the full ANC meeting though, so the ANC could not vote on the issue.

No Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report

No one from the mayor’s office appeared at the meeting.

Ward 5 Council Report (Andriana Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for CM Zachary Parker)

The city is still in a holding pattern on the budget. The mayor has proposed using a 2009 law to reduce the FY2025 budget gap created by the House.

CM Parker’s office held a spring cleaning event on April 26.

ABCA is working with MPD to close down illegal cannabis shops.

After the council office report was given, the ANC discussed some issues caused by known residents of North Michigan Park on Emerson Street NE and the potential return of these individuals to the community as their cases work their way through the legal system. Anyone interested in what is happening can reach out to Carmen Williams, president of the North Michigan Park Civic Association and Commissioner Alston.

Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School Calle Ocho Campus Building Expansion (5A03) (Kristin Scotchmer, Strategic Adviser & Owner Representative, Mundo Verde)

Mundo Verde Presentation to ANC 5A (April 2025)

Project website: https://www.mundoverdepcs.org/calle-ocho-growth

Shalini Shybut is the new executive director of Mundo Verde. She can be reached at sshybut@mundoverdepcs.org.

Mundo Verde’s Calle Ocho Campus is located at 4401 8th Street NE. The school plans to build an expansion on part of the Providence campus at 817 Varnum Street NE, across the street from the existing school campus. This building expansion has been discussed a bunch over the years at the ANC.

Kristin Scotchmer, strategic adviser and owner representative for the school, stated that the school received its raze permits and now has all of the proper permits in place, so residents will start to see construction ramp up pretty quickly.

Construction points of contact:

  • Call – Calle Ocho campus front office 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. (202) 803-8967
  • Call or text – Construction Project Manager John Breyer – (202) 352-0214
  • Other points of contact – EMERGENCY

Providence Campus (5A03) (Evan Goldman, Executive Vice President, Acquisition & Development, EYA)

EYA Providence Presentation to ANC 5A (April 2025)

Project website: https://www.providencereimagined.com

EYA and Menkiti are teaming up to redevelop the Providence campus. TCurrent plan is for roughly 120 affordable rental units (half reserved for senior apartments) and 250-280 townhomes. EYA will build another playground as the existing Michigan Park Community Playground gets heavy use. There is also a plan for a dog park. Lots of green space planned, including possibly open field space closer to the Buchanan side of the campus, and a walking loop around the campus.

The existing medical office buildings, parking garage, Police/Fire Clinic, and Carroll Manor Nursing Home will remain on the grounds. They are not part of the redevelopment project.

The Office of the Attorney General for DC had to assess the value of the transaction and the charitable assets that had to remain the city. The demolition of the old hospital building will cost roughly $30 million. The remainder of the property/assets is valued at $5 million. That money will be set aside in a trust for healthcare uses in DC, one of which will be to help subsidize an urgent care facility on the property. Providence is working with the DC OAG to transfer medical equipment to nonprofits in the city.

Now that OAG’s review is done, the development team is waiting for the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) to complete its review in order to extinguish the existing certificate of need for the hospital. That is expected shortly. Once all of that is done, things will ramp up pretty quickly.

There will be a community benefits agreement as part of the development process. Commissioner Hermes (5A04) represents much of the Catholic University area and he stated that some of his constituents would like the campus to retain some Christian identity in the project beyond just the name. (Note: It was parent company Ascension’s decision to close the hospital). EYA responded that this was the first time this has been brought up, but they stated that they would be happy to talk more about what that could look like, for example, maybe a quiet contemplative or meditation space outdoors.

EYA plans to return to the ANC in June to provide another update.

Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education (Bri Sullivan, Assistant Ombudsman)

The Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education is housed within the State Board of Education, but it is independent from the State Board. Assistant Ombudsman Bri Sullivan gave a short presentation on the office’s services. Services are confidential. The office serves as an information hub for families and maintains a neutral role in the school system. The office investigates patterns for elevation to senior leadership. The office sees a lot of cases in Ward 5, lots of concerns about safety (safe passage, bullying, violence in schools). The office offers mediation and conflict resolution assistance.

Community Concerns

A resident noted again that the slide at the North Michigan Park Rec Center has been broken for well over a year and is dangerous. The playground generally is in poor condition. Commissioner Thomas (5A02) stated he would reach out to the site manager for a visit.

A resident inquired about the new minimart at the strip mall next to the McDonald’s. The ANC did not have much information about it, but Commissioner Alston (5A08) stated that she was told it will be open 24/7. She also said that a cannabis retailer is no longer looking to locate in the strip mall. (Note: I do not know how accurate this is. The space at 4942 South Dakota has a placard providing notice of a public hearing for a medical marijuana retailer named Clinical Health and Wellness. The protest petition deadline is June 2. Unclear if the ANC received notice.).

Reminder: LRCA Scholarship Application Due May 16, 2025

From the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA)

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association is proud to offer Academic Excellence Scholarships to support the educational goals of our community’s youth. Scholarships totaling up to $2,000 will be awarded to: 

  • Graduating high school seniors who reside within the LRCA boundaries and will attend an accredited college, university, or career technical (trade) school, and 
  • Students currently enrolled in a college, university, or career technical program seeking financial support. 

Application Requirements:

  • Completed scholarship application
  • Copy of official transcript
  • One letter of recommendation on official letterhead from an administrator, counselor, or teacher
  • A current resume (optional)
  • A 400-word, typed and double-spaced essay addressing:
    • Why you are applying for the scholarship
    • Why you should be selected as a recipient
    • How you plan to use your education to positively impact the community

Deadline: May 16, 2025

Apply today using the link below!

2025 LAMOND-RIGGS CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, INC. SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Let’s support the bright futures of our students—please share this opportunity with eligible candidates!

For questions email scholarship@lrcadc.org.

Map of LRCA Boundaries

Save the Date – May 3: LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser at &Pizza Brookland

LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser

&pizza Brookland Location (666 Monroe Street NE)

May 3, 2025

11:00 am-9:00 pm

Eat out at &pizza and support a good cause! Place an order in the shop (show flyer) or order online and use code LSBPTO. Up to 30 percent of sales goes to support our neighborhood public school, LaSalle-Backus Elementary.

Can’t make it but still want to support the PTO? Donate via Venmo (@LaSalleBackusPTO) or Cashapp ($LaSalleBackusPTO)

April 30: Ward 5 Quarterly Public Safety Call – Register in Advance

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites residents to join his next Quarterly Public Safety Call on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Topics: Introducing New Ward 5 MPD Leadership & Juvenile Justice Initiatives.

Register to receive the meeting link at ward5.us/publicsafetycall. The meeting will be livestreamed on CM Parker’s YouTube channel. It will be recorded, and slides will be shared afterwards.

April 28: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Hybrid)

From ANC 4B

ANC 4B Public Meeting

Monday, April 28, 7:00 p.m. 

In Person Meeting Details:

Takoma Recreation Center – 300 Van Buren St NW, Washington, DC 20012

Virtual Meeting Details: 

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link:  

https://dc-gov.zoom.us/j/81406325863

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13017158592, 81406325863#  

Meeting ID: 814 0632 5863 

  1. Call to Order & Roll Call 
  2. Administrative Items 
  • Instructions for participation in virtual and in-person meetings 
  • Consideration and approval of April 2025 Regular Public Meeting Agenda 
  • Approval of March 2025 Regular Public Meeting Minutes 
  • Treasurer’s Report 
  1. Commissioner Updates  
  2. 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 may contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings. 

  1. 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) 
  1. Presentations 
  • Marty Sullivan, Partner Sullivan and Barros, BZA Case No 21250 – 7410 Eastern Ave NW (Sarah Harkum)  
  1. Consent Calendar 
  • RESOLUTION #4B-25-0401: Calling on the Council of the District of Columbia to Amend Its Rules to Prohibit Expelled Councilmembers from Seeking Reelection (Johnson) 
  • RESOLUTION #4B-25-0403: Opposing the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia’s Consideration of Withholding Police Misconduct Information from Defense Attorneys (Johnson) 
  • RESOLUTION #4B-25-0404: Condemning Congressional Efforts to Undermine Washington, DC’s Status as a Sanctuary City (Johnson)  
  • RESOLUTION #4B-25-0405: Calling For the DC Council To Strengthen and Expand “Ban the Box” Policies (Johnson) 
  1. RESOLUTION #4B-25-0402: Opposing DC Council’s Emergency Legislation to Close Meetings (Johnson)   
  2. Letter – Request for Legislation to Prohibit the Reinstatement of MPD Officers Convicted of Crimes or Found in Violation of General Orders (Johnson) 
  3. RESOLUTION #4B-25-0406: Calling on the District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment to Deny Case Number 21250/Case Name Fikremariam Genesha (Payton)  
  4. RESOLUTION #4B-25-0407: Calling For the Enhancement of Security, Staffing, and Programming at the Lamond Recreation Center (Berry/Cohen) 
  5. Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com 
  6. Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner:  
  • Commissioner Doug Payton, 4B01@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Shamina Christian, 4B02@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Keenan Courtland, Secretary, 4B03@anc.dc.gov 
  • Vacant; 4B04 residents may contact any commissioner and cc: 4B04@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Sophia Tekola, Chair, 4B05@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson, Vice Chair, 4B06@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Michael Cohen, Treasurer, 4B07@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Garrett Moore, 4B08@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Danielle Geong, 4B09@anc.dc.gov 
  • Commissioner Jinin Berry, 4B10@anc.dc.gov  
  1. Adjournment  

The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m.  

The next ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m.  

The next ANC 4B Community Safety and Support Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. 

April 26-27: Free Young Archaeologists’ Club Program at Lamond-Riggs Library (Registration Required)

Passing along information I received about an upcoming Young Archaeologists’ Club program at Lamond-Riggs Library hosted by a DC educational nonprofit called Archaeology in the Community. Sounds pretty cool:

This is an opportunity for youth interested in archaeology to work with professional archaeologists and explore STEM-related topics through hands-on activities, games, and crafts. Participation is free, but registration is required.

The program is designed for middle-school-aged students. The one-day engaging sessions go from now through August at different locations throughout Washington, DC and virtually. Participants can choose which days, locations, and topics work best for them. Our next sessions will be April 26-27 at the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library. If there is a way to reach out to families in the Riggs Park neighborhood about this opportunity, they can read more about the schedule and register on Archaeology in the Community’s website. Spots are limited!

Companion Guide to Lamond-Riggs Library Heritage Wall

The Heritage Wall at the Lamond-Riggs Library now has a beautiful companion book, “Fort Totten and Lamond-Riggs: A Historical Tapestry,” co-authored by Michelle Lisa Herman, Stephanie Mills Trice, and Deborah Grimstead. The book stitches together written narratives and excerpts of oral histories from contributors to the Heritage Wall, as well as photos of the original artwork from the permanent installation.

Ms. Herman, a multidisciplinary artist, created the stunning Heritage Wall at the Lamond-Riggs Library. Ms. Mills Trice created the DC Fort Totten Storytellers oral history project several years ago. The two teamed up to apply for a Community Culture & Heritage Projects grant from HumanitiesDC to produce a companion guide for the Heritage Wall. Local resident Ms. Grimstead volunteered with the project team. The three worked together for one year doing research, conducting roughly 11 interviews with participants, collecting text submissions from participants, and designing the book. Ms. Herman and Ms. Mills Trice presented the final product at the HumanitiesDC Community Showcase at the Anacostia Arts Center on April 10, 2025.

The book is available to read free online at https://www.michellelisaherman.com/fort-totten-and-lamond-riggs-project. Copies of the book will be given to local organizations, and a few copies will be available for viewing at the Lamond-Riggs Library soon. Books may also be purchased at-cost (the cost of printing) through Blurb.

The project team is finishing up work with the People’s Archive to house the oral histories at the DC Public Library. The oral histories will eventually be publicly available at https://digdc.dclibrary.org.

Existing interviews from Ms. Mills Trice’s Fort Totten Storytellers are available at https://digdc.dclibrary.org/do/cd3a1f05-f5d1-4a08-9a7e-02cc55869d02.

I am looking forward to listening to the oral histories from the tapestry project once that work is completed. It was such a treat to be able to see the finished book at the community showcase and talk to other teams doing incredible projects across the city. (Seriously, people are doing really interesting, culturally rich work all over the city supported by HumanitiesDC).

The Heritage Wall deserved an equally beautiful companion piece, and the project team delivered. Kudos to Ms. Herman, Ms. Mills, Trice, and Ms. Grimstead for their wonderful contribution capturing the history and people of our local neighborhoods.

April 26: NPS Fort Totten Cleanup – Registration Requested

Fort Totten/Fort Circle Park Cleanup hosted by National Park Service (NPS)

Saturday, April 26, 2025

1:00 pm-3:00 pm

Meet at the trailhead near the corner of Galloway Street and 4th Street NE.

NPS will provide bags, trash pickers, and gloves. Bring snacks and water if you would like.

NPS is asking individuals to register in advance so that they have an accurate headcount. Sign up on the event volunteer.gov page.

Please let your neighbors know.

April 23: ANC 5A Public Meeting (Virtual)

From ANC 5A

ANC 5A April 2025 Monthly Meeting: 04/23/2025 at 06:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86281825248?pwd=TMpbuYxbXwjq8EagXa1LGHlAaQKAme.1

Meeting ID: 862 8182 5248
Passcode: 590393

AGENDA

I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm

II. Quorum

III. Agenda Review/Acceptance

IV. Vote on Parliamentarian Position

V. Commission Business

a. Minutes (March 2025)

b. Meeting Protocol

c. Treasurer Report

i. 2nd Quarter Financial Report

ii. Office Expenses Request

VI. Commission Action Items/Updates

a. 5A03- Conway Education Center Request for Holiday Work

b. 5A05- Washington Latin Request for Holiday Work

VII. Community Updates

a. Mayor’s Office

b. Councilmember Parker’s office

VIII. Reports & Presentations ( Non-Action Items)

a. 5A03 Mundo Verde Construction Update

b. 5A03 Providence Hospital Development Update

c. The Office of the Ombudsman for Public Education: How We Can Help- Jenifer Souza-Dodds

IX. Community Comment Period

X. Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

XI. Adjourn

April 19-20: No Red Line Service at Fort Totten or Brookland Station

From Metro

Metrorail weekend service for Saturday, April 19 through Sunday, April 20

Advisory Effective: 4/19/25 – 4/20/25

Hours: Sat 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sun 7 a.m. – Midnight

Service-At-A-Glance   

Red LineFree shuttle buses replace trains between Rhode Island Ave and Takoma stations. Brookland-CUA and Fort Totten (Red Line platform) closed. Trains run every 6 minutes (daytime) and 10 minutes (evening) between Shady Grove and Rhode Island Ave and between Takoma and Glenmont.  
Silver LineTrains single track between Herndon and Innovation Center. Trains run every 12 minutes (daytime) and 15 minutes (evening). Trips may be earlier or later than regularly scheduled to avoid conflicts in work zones. 
Blue LineNormal Service. Trips may be earlier or later than regularly scheduled to avoid conflicts in work zones. 
Orange LineNormal Service. Trips may be earlier or later than regularly scheduled to avoid conflicts in work zones. 
Yellow LineNormal Service
Green LineNormal Service

New Riggs Park ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01)

Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker (left) and ANC Commissioner Keith Sellars (5A01) (right)

On April 10, 2025, neighbor Keith Sellars was installed as the new commissioner for ANC 5A01 representing part of the Riggs Park neighborhood. I have known Keith a long time, and I am excited that he decided to serve in this volunteer role so that neighbors can have official representation on the ANC and with District government. A Riggs Park resident of 20 years, Keith knows his way around District government, he has volunteered with neighborhood groups in the background for many years, he knows how to disagree without being too disagreeable, and he is all about working together to get things done.

Map of ANC 5A01 boundaries.

Commissioner Sellars shared his list of priorities as he jumps into the ANC position mid-term and begins working with neighbors.

  • Cultivate and strengthen partnership with UDC Community College Campus. 
  • Create a partnership with North Michigan Park to advocate to the National Park Service for maintenance and activation of Fort Circle Park. 
  • Work with ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) and LRCA to cultivate relationship and partner with the Cafritz Foundation to provide community input on interim use of Phase II of Art Place at Fort Totten. 
  • Work with DPW to advocate for improved maintenance of neighborhood alleys.
  • Work with DC DOB to identify vacant homes and lots that need to be kept free of overgrown yards and trash. 
  • Work with DC Forestry to ensure that all street trees are maintained or replaced as needed.  
  • Work with DDOT regarding maintenance of all street signage in neighborhoods. 
  • Work with DDOT on improved street and sidewalk maintenance of Eastern Avenue NE. 
  • Schedule monthly/bi-monthly Neighborhood “Street Trash Pick Up Parties” 

Commissioner Sellars joins Commissioner Timothy Thomas (5A02) and Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) in representing parts of the Riggs Park neighborhood. Commissioner Sellars can be reached at 5A01@anc.dc.gov.

DC 2050 Comp Plan Update Resources & Survey

The DC Office of Planning (OP) has placed materials from the first public meeting on the DC 2050 Comp Plan Update on the website: Meeting Materials + Meeting Recording.

Take a moment to fill out OP’s short DC 2050 Vision Survey.

The next in-person workshops will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 11 am-1 pm and Wednesday, June 4, from 6-8 pm. Stay up to date on the Comp Plan Update at dc2050.com.

Upcoming Public Hearings on Washington Gas Requested Rate Increase

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.