The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a Ward 4 public workshop for the Strategic Bikeways Plan project. This in-person workshop will be held on Thursday, November 13 from 6p to 8p at the Raymond Recreation Center at 3725 10th Street NW. The project team will be presenting results from its evaluation of existing conditions and will be inviting community members and stakeholders to share feedback on the project team’s work to date, bicycle transportation needs, safety concerns, key gaps in the bicycle network, potential project ideas, and other local considerations.
Join the Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George for their Constituent Services Pop-Up, 4pm-6pm at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE) on November 13, 2025.
The Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is once again teaming up with the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association to host their annual Ward 4 Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway.
On Saturday November 22, from 11am to 1pm, they will be at Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center (501 Riggs Road NE) to hand out turkeys to neighbors in need. If you are planning to attend, make sure to bring proof of Ward 4 residency. First come, first served, and one turkey per family.
The office of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker shared slides and recording from his most recent public safety call held on October 29, 2025. Commanders from MPD’s Third, Fourth, and Fifth Districts, as well as MPD Assistant Chief Jeffrey Kopp discussed topics like the juvenile curfew extension, ICE activity and the federal surge, and recent statistics and crime incidents from across the Ward.
I think CM Parker’s team has done a good job with these quarterly calls. A variety of guests are invited to discuss different public safety topics and not just run down stats that we can all find online. This was the first call I attended where all of the Ward 5 MPD commanders were on the call, and I thought that was really useful. MPD leadership on the call actually answered questions as opposed to giving vague answers that we have been seeing elsewhere.
CM Parker has been holding these calls since October 2023. They were monthly and then moved to quarterly. I encourage residents who are able to join these daytime calls to do so. And if you have topic or guest suggestions, please let them know!
Ed. Note: Passing along information I received about volunteer opportunity.
From DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative
DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative is hosting a volunteer tutoring & mentoring info session Saturday, November 8th, from 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM at the Woodridge Neighborhood Library (1801 Hamlin St NE, Washington, DC 20018) and you’re invited!
This is a great opportunity to learn about becoming a mentor or tutor in Ward 5 and the DC area!
DCTMI partners with over 50 non-profit organizations across more than 80 locations in DC and the surrounding suburbs. With neighborhood-focused initiatives that let you get involved right in your community. This info session will be your chance to learn how you can support youth of all ages through these different programs.
From Office of Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker is continuing his Annual Holiday Giveaway this year with a Thanksgiving Grocery Bag Giveway on November 20, 2025.
Do you need groceries for Thanksgiving?
Reserve your grocery bag at ward5.us/thanksgiving2025 (only 1 per household).
Limited supplies.
Grocery bags will include:
Green beans
Cornbread mix
Stuffing mix
Instant mashed potatoes
Gravy mix
Corn
The giveaway will take place on November 20, 2025 at the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Ave NE). Time to be announced.
You must be a Ward 5 resident. Please bring a form of identification when you come to pick up your grocery bag.
Additional information will be sent ahead of November 20. For any questions or concerns, please call CM Parker’s office at 202-724-8028, or email ward5contact@dccouncil.gov.
The North Michigan Park Civic Association monthly meeting for November 5, 2025, will be a FACE-TO-FACE table event with various vendors with information for the community. The meeting will be held as following:
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on October 22, 2025. Commissioners present: Timothy Thomas (5A02) – Vice Chair; Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Valeria Sosa Garnica (5A07) – Secretary; Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A05 is vacant.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Eastern Avenue NE (5A02)
A resident is seeking to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at his home at 4826 Eastern Avenue NE. The resident said the ADU will be used for a family member. The resident needs setback relief from the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA case no. 21364). Commissioner Thomas held an SMD meeting to hear from residents. The ANC voted to support the application for BZA relief. A hearing is scheduled for November 5, 2025.
ANC Resolution Requesting Guidance on MPD Cooperation with Federal Immigration Agents
The ANC voted to support a resolution drafted by Commissioner Sosa Garnica (5A07) in response to disturbing incidents involving federal immigration agents and MPD near DC Bilingual Public Charter School. The school sits in ANC 5A07.
The letter requests clarification on guidance given to MPD around cooperation with federal immigration agents; reaffirmation of individuals’ right to peacefully protest; training for MPD on First Amendment activity; reaffirmation of community policing practices; clear, consistent communication to schools and MPD; and funding, resources, and guidance for schools as they navigate all of this. (I will update the post with a copy of the resolution once it is available).
Daniela Anello, CEO of DC Bilingual, thanked the ANC for taking a public stand and drafting this resolution that will be sent to Mayor Bowser, DCPS, the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety & Justice, and MPD. A week before the ANC meeting, Ms. Anello addressed Mayor Bowser at a community meeting noting how traumatizing and disturbing it was and continues to be for 3-, 4-, and 5-year olds to witness the violent detainment of individuals outside of the school.
The pastor of Faith United Church noted that the church was holding a community event on October 25 that included a “Know Your Rights” training.
Clinical Health & Wellness Medical Cannabis Shop Update (5A08)
On October 9, 2025, six ANC 5A commissioners filed a lawsuit in the DC Court of Appeals against the ABC Board for the board’s dismissal and handling of ANC 5A’s protest against Clinical Health & Wellness, a medical cannabis retail license applicant seeking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue in North Michigan Park. The property sits in ANC 5A08. The case is Hermes, et al. v. D.C. Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Board, No. 25-AA-0927.
The ABC Board originally dismissed the ANC’s protest due to the ANC’s failure to specify statutory grounds for the protest. The ANC requested reconsideration twice. The board denied reconsideration both times. (See background here).
Commissioner Hermes (5A04), who has been helping Commissioner Alston (5A08) with the protest, explained that the lawsuit argues in part that the Home Rule Act requires that District agencies give great weight to ANCs, and that by dismissing ANC 5A’s protest before a hearing, the board violated the Home Rule Act. (The DC Council passed legislation that permits only abutting property owners/tenants, daycares within 400 feet, and ANCs to protest medical cannabis retail applications, unlike alcohol license applications where a party of 5 or more can file a protest.) They again spell out the notice deficiencies by ABCA. They also requested a stay of the ABCA application proceedings so that ABCA will not be able to approve a license before the lawsuit is resolved.
The ANC also sent a letter to the DC Council about the issue.
Commissioner Alston requested $500 for another protest in front of the shop. An ANC 5A08 resident objected. The ANC supported the request.
DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan Presentation (Nick Kushner, Senior Citywide Planner, DC Office of Planning)
The DC Office of Planning continues to hold community meetings and workshops to gather input for the District’s next Comprehensive Plan, called DC 2050. The Comprehensive Plan guides how the city will grow. There are two upcoming workshops at OP’s offices at 899 North Capitol Street NE:
November 6 at 6:00 pm
November 15 at 11:00 am
Providence Campus Redevelopment (5A03)(EYA Executive Vice President Evan Goldman)
To recap, EYA and Menkiti have teamed up to redevelop the Providence campus. There will be townhomes and apartments. A portion of the homes and apartments will be set aside for income-restricted affordable housing. The existing medical office buildings, parking garage, Carroll Manor nursing home, and the Police & Fire Clinic will remain on the campus.
The development team reached an agreement on the value of the land with the Office of Attorney General for DC (OAG), and $5 million will be held in trust for healthcare services. The team is working with the OAG to set up the trust agreement. The OAG will appoint community members to a board to oversee disposition of the funds. An urgent care facility is proposed to be part of the project.
The team expects to submit planned unit development (PUD) documents to the DC Zoning Commission in early 2026.
The team has not made many design refinements since the spring/summer. They are waiting for lease negotiations between Ventas and Ascension (owner of Providence Hospital) to conclude. Ascension owns the ground lease under the existing medical office buildings owned by Ventas. Part of the reason demolition will be complicated is that the medical buildings and old hospital buildings share utilities, so the team will have to build new utility infrastructure for the existing medical buildings that will remain before tearing down the old hospital buildings.
A resident noted that he and his neighbors near 12th & Buchanan Street NE are paying careful attention to the redevelopment. He told the ANC that residents want to have a transparent process for neighbors to weigh in on the project before the ANC takes any action before the Zoning Commission. He raised a few issues that neighbors are concerned about, such as the existing traffic during morning rush hour that makes it hard for residents on Buchanan to turn onto 12th.
An older resident asked if there would be single level condos available. Mr. Goldman stated that the apartments will be single level and that it is possible that some townhomes may have elevators, but they have not gotten that far in the design process to decide either way.
Chair Lucio noted that developers for the Kennedy School redevelopment at 8th & Buchanan Street NE, expect to finish the renovations for what is called the Conway Education Center by the end of this year. Once the renovations are done, the existing school will be torn down to build townhomes. The property borders the Providence campus so Chair Lucio has been working with the different development teams to collaborate on the green spaces between the two properties.
Office of Campaign Finance Presentation (Kalvanetta Peete, OCF)
The DC Office of Campaign Finance gave a presentation on campaign finance rules and the Fair Election Program (public campaign finance program). Criteria and reporting requirements for the FEP are on OCF’s website.
Ms. Peete also noted that ANC candidates have to file a summary financial statement within 60 days of election certification regardless of whether they have any campaign expenses.
Former Ward 5 MOCR Manager Anthony Black was recently promoted and is serving in a new role with the mayor’s office.
The mayor’s office has brought on new liaisons for faith institutions and the business community. Mariah Coilton, the faith institution liaison, can be reached at mariah.coilton@dc.gov.
Ward 5 rolloff day was October 25 at Trinidad Rec.
Leaf collection will begin November 3, 2025, and end February 7, 2026.
There are changes coming up to Medicaid. For questions, contact the public benefit call center at (202) 727-7355.
Federal workers impacted by furloughs/layoffs can find resources at fedsupport.dc.gov.
Ward 5 Council Report (Andrianna Lovelace, Constituent Services Coordinator for Councilmember Zachary Parker)
The next Ward 5 public safety call is on October 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Register for zoom info at ward5.us/publicsafety.
Councilmember Parker has introduced a 16-bill policy package to foster youth wellbeing in DC.
CM Parker is working on a letter to ABCA regarding ABCA’s handling of ANC 5A’s protest against Clinical Health & Wellness.
Miscellaneous
A resident asked if the ANC could inquire with DPW about the reason for delays with trash/recycling pickup. DPW notified ANC commissioners that there would be delays the past couple of weeks, but the ANC did not share that information with residents.
Irene Stephens is the Ward 5 representative to the WMATA (Metro) Advisory Council. She can be reached at irenestephens2011@gmail.com.
Location: UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus, 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE (inside parking lot on Galloway Street NE)
Join UDC CAUSES for their UDC Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market Celebration to celebrate their inaugural market season. Enjoy fresh produce, small business spotlights, live entertainment, face painting, & more!
For more information, contact causesfarmersmarket@udc.edu or (202) 274-7124.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial +13017158592, 81406325863#
Meeting ID: 814 0632 5863
Call to Order & Roll Call
Administrative Items
Instructions for participation in virtual and in-person meetings
Consideration and approval of October 2025 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
Approval of September 2025 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
Vote to Remove Commissioner Doug Payton (ANC 4B01) from Walter Reed Laison Role (All ANC)
Vote on New ANC 4B Liaison for Walter Reed
Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Updates
Community Concerns
Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak.
The Commission will provide details regarding how to present community concerns at the start of the virtual meeting. This is the time for questions or statements from members of the public about issues on the agenda or other areas of concern. Please limit your statement or question to one minute. You may contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.
Reports
Kelly Hunt, Chief of Staff, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George (5 minutes)
Leticia Acosta, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
4B Community Safety & Support Committee (2 minutes)
Presentations
Kisembe Namusyule – Takoma Elementary School PTA
Vincent Ubiera – DC 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Matt Volk – Young Playwrights’ Theater
Teresa Edmundson – Howard University
Paul Strzelczyk – Whittier Elementary School PTA
Eddie Sanders and/or Ms. Warnique “Niky” Wes – DPW Community Update
Tiffany Smith-Bell – Parking Enforcement Update and Appreciation
Resolutions
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1001: Takoma Elementary PTO Grant (Christian)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1002: Supporting Community Open Use Hours at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Field (Geong)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1003: Young Playwrights’ Theater Grant (Mayer)
RESOLUTION #4B-25-1004: Historic Preservation Exemption for Whittier Elementary School (Courtland)
Letter on Behalf of Friendship Public Charter School – Cohen/Berry
Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com
All events at Explore! Museum, 395 Ingraham Street NE.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 (6 PM) – Candle Making with Tajaessentials
A cozy, hands-on evening for ages 12 and up. Materials provided. Bring home your hand-crafted aromatherapy for just $10 (+fees). RSVP here.
Thursday, Oct. 30 (4–7 PM) – Community Mosaic Workshop…with Treats!
Join Explore! for apple cider, pumpkin snacks, and crafts as they wrap up October at Explore! Costumes welcome! RSVP here or sign in at the door. FREE
New! Tuesday Evenings at Explore!
You asked for more days, and starting this month, Explore! will be open Tuesday nights (4-7 pm). Stay tuned for special workshops like candle making and sculpture.
Memberships Start in November
Explore!’s free events have been so popular that they’ve gone through supplies fast! To keep materials stocked and quality high, here are a few ways to support Explore!:
Pay-What-You-Can: Suggested $5 donation per event (cash or Eventbrite).
It’s time for the annual Blanket or Treat. Whats Blanket or Treat? It’s like trunk or treat, but neighbors sit on blankets in the park instead of car trunks and hand out candy. Feel free to come earlier or stay later. Don’t forget your costumes!
On Sunday, October 26th from 4:30 to 6:30pm, the Lamond Community Action Group will host a Halloween Parade starting at Milligan Point (Sligo Mill Rd & Rittenhouse) and ending at 60 Sheridan St NE. The parade will be followed by a potluck in the driveway between 56-60 Sheridan St NE. If you plan to participate or bring something for the potluck, or donate gift cards for the costume contest, email lcagdc@gmail.com with what you plan to bring.
October 31, 2025
From CM Lewis George newsletter:
On Friday, October 31st from 6 to 9pm, Riggs-LaSalle Rec Center (501 Riggs Rd NE) will host a night of frights and delights featuring a haunted house and family-friendly movie. RSVP here.
Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker invites residents to join his next Quarterly Public Safety Call on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
Topics: Recent Violent Incidents in Ward 5 & Onging Federal Surge.
Guests: MPD 5D Commander Shawn Rooney, MPD 5D Captain David Augustine, MPD 4D Commander Nikki Lavenhouse, MPD 3D Commander Sean Connors
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.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 