DC residents ages 14 to 24 may apply to participate in DC’s 2025 summer youth employment program beginning January 27, 2025, at 12:00 noon. The deadline to apply is March 6, 2025. Apply at https://summerjobs.dc.gov.
From ANC 4B
ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting
Monday, January 27, 7:00 p.m.
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
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 also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.
The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for February 11 at 6:30 p.m.
The next ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for February 24 at 7:00 p.m.
The next ANC 4B Community Safety and Support Committee meeting is scheduled for February 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com
Draft – 4B Full Meeting Agenda – Updated-2
The Cafritz Foundation is seeking a two-year extension of time to submit an application for the next phases of Art Place at Fort Totten (Zoning Commission case no. 06-10I). The project sits in ANC 5A09.
See Developer Statement in Support of Extension Request.
The Zoning Commission expects to discuss the request at its public meeting on January 30, 2025.
Background
We have gotten a lot of questions about timing for various aspects of the development. The project, a planned unit development (PUD), is being developed in phases along South Dakota Avenue NE between Galloway and Kennedy. The Modern at Art Place (referred to as Building A or Phase 1) opened in 2017. When the Zoning Commission approved the part of the project currently under construction (referred to as Block B or Phase 2), the commission requested that the developer “file a second stage PUD application for either Block C or Block D by December 31, 2024.” (ZC order 06-10D). The expectation was that Phase 2 would have been fully built out by now.
As most know, after the second phase was initially approved, the pandemic impacted plans for the project. They lost their big anchor Meow Wolf, and the retail environment dramatically shifted. So, they filed requests for modifications that were approved. They came up with a sequencing plan for the second phase, which has been discussed on the blog previously. The first sequence included construction of Aldi grocery store, which opened on December 5, 2024. They outlined further sequencing to round out the second phase to include potentially a children’s museum, housing, and additional retail.
Last year, we discussed that the new potential operator of the children’s museum, KID Museum, was taking time to evaluate the feasibility of opening a second location in this neighborhood. There is a KID Museum in Bethesda. At Aldi’s ribbon cutting, I was told that KID Museum is still going through their feasibility process. We also discussed plans by Social Justice School to establish a permanent home in the last remaining warehouse on Kennedy Street. The developer previously communicated that the development team continues to seek financing for the housing portion of Phase 2.
Extension Request
All that to say, there are no clear answers about timing for the remainder of Phase 2 and what could possibly be in store for future phases. And that is what the developer is saying they need time to evaluate. Their filing states:
The Applicant requests an extension of the First-Stage PUD approval for two years; that is, until December 31, 2026. This extension request will provide the Applicant the opportunity to review, potentially revise, and move forward with Second-Stage PUD applications for the development of the Property. The time extension request will also allow the Applicant to finalize a new development timeline and mix of uses, which better reflects the current and expected economic climate.
The DC Office of Planning filed a report recommending approval of the extension request but noted that if this is indeed the second request and not the first, then it may be granted for just one year (OP Report).
The developer notified ANC 5A and ANC 4B, as well as the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA).
(Full disclosure: Knowing that a request for an extension of time was likely forthcoming, I sent the development team and ANC Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) correspondence about the property. Over the past couple of years, a few residents have regularly let the development team know about the need to be more diligent about maintaining the vacant lots, picking up trash, improving the overall appearance of the property, being creative and flexible regarding the vacant retail spaces and lots, and etc.)
The developer’s filing states:
In response to dialogue with representatives of ANC 5B, LRCA, and members of the surrounding community, the Applicant has agreed to undertake the following actions to enhance the physical appearance of the area around Blocks B, C, and D as follows:
• The Applicant has prepared a full design program for a new fence with signage and art images, as well as banner signs on new light poles throughout the site;
• The Applicant will install trashcans along South Dakota Avenue in front of Block B; and
• The Applicant will work with LRCA, ANC 5B, and members of the community to activate the site (in particular the South Dakota Avenue frontage) while the planning for the future development of Blocks C and D progresses.
(The ANC listed in the filing is a typo. The project is in ANC 5A and across the street from ANC 4B. Also, the first bullet point regarding banners is something they came up with on their own).
I anticipate that we will be hearing more about these interim plans in the next couple of months.
Riggs Crossing Senior Residences is a new income-restricted, affordable senior housing community currently under construction at 307 Riggs Road NE on the southeast corner of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE. The developer is True Ground Housing Partners (previously known as Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing or APAH). The development will consist of roughly 93 apartments above ground-floor retail. True Ground recently lowered the age of eligibility to 55 years old.
As of January 2025, apartments are still available, particularly the 2-bedroom units that require two leaseholders.
Individuals 55 years old and older may fill out an interest form through the Contact page on the website to determine if they meet the income restrictions and eligibility guidelines. Individuals may also call 771-223-9886. This is a voicemail inbox only. Leave a message. Calls will be returned in the order they are received. Please do not go to the location on Riggs Road as it is still an active construction zone. There is not a leasing office on site.
The residential portion of the project is expected to be completed in first quarter 2025.
True Ground is also still soliciting interest from potential retail tenants for below market rate lease opportunities. Contact Joanna Shin at jshin@truegroundhousing.org for retail inquiries.
From ANC 5A
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86281825248?pwd=TMpbuYxbXwjq8EagXa1LGHlAaQKAme.1
Meeting ID: 862 8182 5248
Passcode: 590393
Call In: 301 715 8592 US
I. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
II. Quorum
III. Office Vacancy Declaration-ANC 5A01, 5A04, 5A05, 5A07
IV. Election & Swearing in of Officers Anthony Hood
III. Agenda Review/Acceptance
IV. Minutes for Approval (November Special Meeting 2024 and November 2024 Monthly Meeting)
IV. Commission Business
A. Meeting Announcements (Mailchimp and Website)
B. Single Member District Meetings as desired
C. Meeting Format- In-person or virtual
D. Website- Commissioner information and Notices
E. Office Space options
F. Treasurer Report
A. Budget
B. ANC Security Fund
C. Bank requirements
D. Approval of Q1 FY25 Quarterly Financial Report
E. Business Cards, phones and keys
G. Proposed Meeting Calendar
V. Community Updates
B. Mayor’s Office
C. Councilmember Parker’s office
VII. Community Comment Period
VIII. Next Meeting: February 26, 2025
IX. Adjourn
Commissioners will be let into the meeting room first.
Reposting from last week with one addition.
Petitions for ANC vacancies are available starting today January 13, 2025. Petitions are due by 4:45 pm on February 3, 2025.
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With the start of the new year comes the start of a new term for the city’s advisory neighborhood commissioners.
ANC 4B needs one commissioner for ANC 4B04 (Takoma) to have a full commission.
ANC 5A still has a lot of vacancies that need to be filled, including one covering part of the Riggs Park neighborhood. Four of ANC 5A’s nine seats are vacant:
Each ANC commissioner represents a single member district (SMD) of approximately 2,000 residents for a two-year term. ANC 5A has a monthly public meeting typically the fourth Wednesday of each month, except in July and August. There is also typically a monthly executive (planning) meeting.
Petitions will be available starting January 13, 2025, and will be due on February 3, 2025. Instructions on how to run for a vacant ANC seat are available on the DC Board of Elections website. Also see DCBOE’s Overview for Filling ANC Vacancies.
Elected and agency officials often rely on ANCs to help get things done. Having a seat remain vacant for a long period of time can be disadvantageous to residents. So, think about it. Thanks in advance for serving.
ANC 5A01
ANC 5A01 includes UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus (including food hub) and the Lamond-Riggs Library. This is my SMD. I am not going to run for this seat. I think it is a nice manageable area. Big-ticket items for this area include UDC’s renovation of the Lamond-Riggs campus and a couple of transportation projects.
ANC 5A04
ANC 5A04 primarily covers Catholic University. Catholic has its fair share of projects going on. The area also abuts some of the large development projects happening in the Edgewood/Brookland areas. In the past, Catholic officials have assisted in getting a student to run. Hopefully they will do that again this year.
ANC 5A05
ANC 5A05 includes a mix of apartments, single family homes, and a few large institutions. The big-ticket items in this SMD include the ongoing construction of new campuses for Yu Ying and Washington Latin public charter schools, the protracted (non)development of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and a couple of transportation projects.
ANC 5A07
ANC 5A07 is the area just west of Fort Totten Park, south of Riggs Road NE. This seat was vacant for much of the previous term. It would be great to have someone fill this seat for the full term. The area includes National Park Service parkland, a few apartment buildings and single-family homes, the Metropolitan Branch Trail, Impact DMV Church, and a few public charter schools plus Mary’s Center. One of the big-ticket items is the forever stalled Metro redevelopment of the large parking lot at Fort Totten Metro station. Generally though, there are a lot of Metro property and NPS issues for which it would be nice to have a dedicated ANC representative to work with Metro and elected officials. Also, an affordable housing development is slated for the corner of Riggs Road & 1st Place NE.
a
With the start of the new year comes the start of a new term for the city’s advisory neighborhood commissioners. ANC 5A still has a lot of vacancies that need to be filled, including one covering part of the Riggs Park neighborhood. Four of ANC 5A’s nine seats are vacant:
Each ANC commissioner represents a single member district (SMD) of approximately 2,000 residents for a two-year term. ANC 5A has a monthly public meeting typically the fourth Wednesday of each month, except in July and August. There is also typically a monthly executive (planning) meeting.
Petitions will be available starting January 13, 2025, and will be due on February 3, 2025. Instructions on how to run for a vacant ANC seat are available on the DC Board of Elections website. Also see DCBOE’s Overview for Filling ANC Vacancies.
Elected and agency officials often rely on ANCs to help get things done. Having a seat remain vacant for a long period of time can be disadvantageous to residents. So, think about it. Thanks in advance for serving.
ANC 5A01
ANC 5A01 includes UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus (including food hub) and the Lamond-Riggs Library. This is my SMD. I am not going to run for this seat. I think it is a nice manageable area. Big-ticket items for this area include UDC’s renovation of the Lamond-Riggs campus and a couple of transportation projects.
ANC 5A04
ANC 5A04 primarily covers Catholic University. Catholic has its fair share of projects going on. The area also abuts some of the large development projects happening in the Edgewood/Brookland areas. In the past, Catholic officials have assisted in getting a student to run. Hopefully they will do that again this year.
ANC 5A05
ANC 5A05 includes a mix of apartments, single family homes, and a few large institutions. The big-ticket items in this SMD include the ongoing construction of new campuses for Yu Ying and Washington Latin public charter schools, the protracted (non)development of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and a couple of transportation projects.
ANC 5A07
ANC 5A07 is the area just west of Fort Totten Park, south of Riggs Road NE. This seat was vacant for much of the previous term. It would be great to have someone fill this seat for the full term. The area includes National Park Service parkland, a few apartment buildings and single-family homes, the Metropolitan Branch Trail, Impact DMV Church, and a few public charter schools plus Mary’s Center. One of the big-ticket items is the forever stalled Metro redevelopment of the large parking lot at Fort Totten Metro station. Generally though, there are a lot of Metro property and NPS issues for which it would be nice to have a dedicated ANC representative to work with Metro and elected officials. Also, an affordable housing development is slated for the corner of Riggs Road & 1st Place NE.
Mid December ‘24 Update
Dec 12
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Recently Completed Construction
Framing / Facade / Roof
Ongoing and Upcoming Work
Work is taking place in many facets of the building at once and is broken down as follows:
Overall Progress
We’re preparing for our final inspections. Over the next few months, we will be conducting trade and building final inspections for each and every unit, room, garage space in the building. Once all of these are completed, we’ll work closely with DC to process our Certificate of Occupancy Paperwork. We’ll also go through ADA inspections/certifications to ensure that everything we built to the proper accessible standards. We’re right near the finish line and trying to push our way across!
Exterior Work
As you can see, we have started our site concrete including replacement of nearly the entire Riggs Road sidewalk frontage. This also includes the amenity entrance ramp, paver base, and concrete seat walls. On the east side (towards the townhomes), we have excavated for our bioretention facilities and will pour the walls and backfill the walls shortly. From there, we’ll install our underdrain systems and bioretention specialty media. We’ll also install patio pavers and a perimeter fence / guardrail around the patio.
On the north side of the building (facing Riggs Park Place NE), we have commenced with structural demolition and repairs of a concrete beam. Once complete, we will finish the weather barrier on the building as well as the brick facade, overhead doors, metal panels, and signage. On the west, we will be installing railings at the ramp and entry stairs. Once signage is fabricated, it will be installed above the main entry canopy and then the canopy glass will be completed. On the South (near South Dakote Ave NE), we’ll be replacing the last section of DDOT sidewalk and completed our site entry walkway. Once our Comcast telecom conduits are installed, this concrete will be poured in the next few weeks.
Our site concrete should be largely completed except for the north side by the end of the year and the plantings will commence in early 2025, signaling the completion of the sitework! Our perimeter fence will be removed from the full site in early January 2025 and has already begun to be taken down incrementally in conjunction with our work.
In the coming weeks, please expect periodic soil trucks with large hoses and cranes to blow in the bioretention soil in the narrow area between our building and the adjacent townhomes. This will likely consist of 8-12” diameter hoses to install stone and speciatly media. We’ll also have a few more upcoming crane picks with a crane staged on our half of Riggs Park Place NE to install the Green Roof Sedum Mats.
Community + Safety
2024 Children’s Festival Event Series
Hosted by DC Fray & the Cafritz Foundation
3rd Saturday, September-December
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
The Modern at Art Place
400 Galloway Street NE
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cafritz-foundation-childrens-festival-event-series-tickets-993683322567
Join DC Fray + the Cafritz Foundation for the Children’s Festival Event Series for some free, community-centered fun every third Saturday through December! See details below.
December 21 – Home for the Holidays
Get ready to get in the holiday spirit with hot chocolate, ornament decorating, donated gifts, a cozy holiday movie, and a chance to meet the one and only Santa Claus, all as part of our community-centered Children’s Festival Event Series.
Hellbender will be closing on December 22, 2024, and I am sad to see them go. Hellbender offered food trucks and pizza on the weekends for a neighborhood starving for decent food options. I appreciate that Hellbender provided a place for neighbors to gather, hear and perform live music, support local artists at the annual holiday market, and just enjoy a chill spot in the neighborhood for so many years. Thanks to Ben, LT, and the rest of the gang for their hard work all these years.
Social media message from founder Ben Evans:
Good afternoon. Hellbender Brewing Company will be closing at the end of this week after over 10 years of business. This has been an extremely difficult decision, but it is final. We love our local community and LT Goodluck and I are passionate about beer. Our last day of operation will be this Sunday, 12/22. I want to thank everyone who helped us get this far. Nothing about this journey has been easy, but 2024 has been our most difficult year to date. I hope that people find other spaces that are trying to bring the community together, and I hope that they support them any way they can. We look forward to raising one last pint with you all over the next several days.
Cheers,
Ben Evans
Founder & Head Brewer
Starting December 20, 2024, Metro will close select downtown stations on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines for an 11-day construction project.
Key Details:
· December 20-26: Farragut West, McPherson Square, and the lower level of Metro Center will be closed.
· December 27-30: The closures expand to include Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and L’Enfant Plaza (lower level).
· Stations will reopen December 31.
During the closure, free shuttle buses will replace train service. The project includes replacing fasteners, welding joints, upgrading platform lighting, and more.
View information at wmata.com/majorconstruction.
UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) will be holding a Shared Commercial Kitchen Open House at UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus on January 24, 2025, 4pm-6pm.
Food entrepreneurs can reserve a spot at the open house through the Shared Commercial Kitchen Open House Eventbrite Link.
ATTENTION: UDC-CAUSES is looking for caterers, pop-up restaurant owners, food truck operators, bakers, and food entrepreneurs!
Join us for our Shared Commercial Kitchen Open House at UDC’s Lamond Riggs campus, and network with industry professionals from D.C.’s vibrant culinary community.
Explore our state-of-the-art shared kitchen, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and learn about our small business incubation program to support your goals. The college supports small business owners and inspires culinary arts professionals to expand their impact and vision.
The informative guided tour will help you gain insights into the application process and access valuable resources to support your culinary journey.
Light refreshments will be served.
For more details, reach out to Dr. Carlton Crockett at carlton.crockett@udc.edu.
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker has posted two job openings in his office.
Join the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association for a holiday movie at the Lamond-Riggs Library.
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 10:00 am-1:00 pm
On December 5, 2024, residents and elected officials helped celebrate the official opening of the District’s newest Aldi grocery store, located at 5300 South Dakota Avenue NE in Riggs Park. Cafritz Foundation President/CEO Jane Lipton Cafritz, At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, and Aldi District Manager Andrew Heisig gave brief remarks.
The new grocery store anchors the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten under development by the Cafritz Foundation along South Dakota Avenue NE between Ingraham and Kennedy streets. Store hours are 9am-8pm Monday through Sunday.
At 24,000 square feet, this location is Aldi’s largest in DC to date. Ms. Cafritz noted that the team is especially proud to fulfill a commitment they made to neighborhood residents back in 2006 when Art Place was first conceived, to have a high-quality grocery store with fresh produce. The store will eventually be joined by about 294 apartments, 30 artist studios/maker spaces, and possibly an entertainment venue, children’s museum, and additional retail to round out the second phase.
Art Place Phase 1, located on South Dakota Avenue NE between Galloway and Ingraham streets, opened in 2017 with approximately 520 apartments. One Life Fitness gym anchors the first phase, joined by Love and Care Child Development Center, Hibiscus Medical internal medicine/primary care practice, Ramdass Pharmacy, and Shining Stars Pediatric Dentistry. Menomale Pizza anticipates opening a location in the first phase in 2025.
Find information about Art Place at Fort Totten at artplacedc.com. Follow updates on instagram (@artplacedc) and on facebook.
Due to a scheduling conflict, the Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker has to cancel the Ward 5 holiday party originally scheduled for December 19
For now, the Ward 5 Awards Nomination Form will stay open. Stay tuned for further details about an event in the new year.
Hellbender Holiday Market
December 7, 2024
1:00 pm-7:00 pm
5788 2nd Street NE
Join Hellbender for their annual holiday market! Shop local from over 20 vendors and enjoy food, drinks, music, and holiday cheer.
*21 Vendors
*2 Food Trucks (Pizza & Tacos)
*DJ
*Cat Adoption Pop-Up
*Goats for Petting
*Fire Pit on the Patio
* Holiday Beer Release
Aldi will be opening at 5300 South Dakota Avenue NE on December 5, 2024. Sneak peek on December 4. Workers were handing out coupons this morning at Fort Totten Metro station.
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Grand opening events from Aldi
Be There For Your New ALDI Grand Opening
We’re stocking our shelves with aisle after aisle of products you’ll love, and we can’t wait to meet you! The grand opening for our new grocery store in Washington is right around the corner, and so are your savings. We’ve got everything from fresh produce delivered daily to everyday essentials you can never have enough of. Circle the date December 5th and come experience a better way to shop. You can find us at 5300 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20011. Swing by and don’t forget your ALDI quarter!
Get a Sneak Peek Starting on December 4th
Get a Sneak Peek of the new ALDI store starting on December 4th. Fully shop the store and find all your favorite ALDI products.
We are so excited to see you!
Join the Ribbon Cutting
Our grand opening is right around the corner! We will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on December 5th at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place about 30 minutes before the store opens. Customers will be allowed to enter the store immediately following the ceremony. We look forward to being your go-to grocer!
Enter for a chance to win a $500 Gift Card!*
Look for the signs inside the store to scan the code and enter your details for a chance to win a $500 ALDI Gift Card!* Enter between December 5 – 8.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER/WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE CHANCES OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of 50 US or DC, 18+ and at least age of majority. Subject to full Official Rules available via our website Grand Openings Terms & Conditions or at the ALDI Store. Begins 12/05/2024 and ends 12/08/2024 local time during store hours. Limit 1 entry per person/household. Prize: One $500 ALDI gift card. Odds depend on number of eligible entries. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: ALDI, Inc., 1200 N. Kirk Rd., Batavia, IL 60510.
Receive a Golden Ticket
The first 100 customers on December 5th will receive a Golden Ticket that could be worth up to $100.** An ALDI employee will hand out laminated numbered cards.
** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Valid only at ALDI Store at 5300 South Dakota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20011 (“Store”). Begins when Store opens on 12/05/2024; ends when Store closes that day or when all prizes are claimed, if earlier. Open to US residents age 18+ who live within 50 miles of Store. Void where prohibited. Subject to full Official Rules available via our website Grand Openings Terms & Conditions or at the ALDI Store. Odds depend on total # of participants and time of arrival. Total ARV of all prizes: $2200. See rules for full prize details and odds. Sponsor: ALDI, Inc., 1200 N. Kirk Rd., Batavia, IL 60510.
Get a Bag of ALDI Goodies
On December 5th the first 100 customers will receive a bag of ALDI goodies. An ALDI employee will hand out a free eco-friendly bag stuffed with ALDI products!
Free Shopping Tote
On December 5th look for an ALDI employee to receive your Free ALDI Shopping Tote! Quantities are limited, so make sure you get to the store early to enjoy all of the festivities!
ALDI is proud to donate $1,000 to a local Feeding America affiliate as part of this grand opening. ALDI is committed to ending food insecurity by working with Feeding America and its network of affiliates to increase the access local communities have to quality nutritious foods required for a healthy and active lifestyle. In addition to this donation, ALDI will also work to ensure food that is no longer sellable, but is still edible, is available to the local community through the Feeding America network.
From North Michigan Park Civic Association
North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
VIRTUAL ONLY
Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID 882 7345 2110
Pass code 930240
Call In 1-301-715-8592
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88273452110?pwd=dmZ3R1liOTRKY1FyS3hlYlBqWnBWUT09
Meeting Agenda
· Call to Order
· Opening Prayer – Silent
· Roll Call of Officers
Meeting Protocol
Community Update
Guest Speakers:
Susan and William Webster – Jubileaf Medical Cannabis
Community Leader Reports
Community Concerns:
Open to residents
Adjourn
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
