Riggs Crossing December 2023 Construction Update

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Crossing Senior Residences

The Riggs Crossing Senior Residences team publishes periodic project and construction updates with pictures at https://www.davisbuildsriggsxing.com/construction-updates.

Read the December 2023 construction update (copied & pasted below)

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Recently Completed Construction

With 2023 coming to a close, our project site has transformed! Since our last update, we have completed our concrete foundations, underground MEP, and our slab-on-grade. We’ve poured most of our level 1 deck where the main amenity space and future retail will be. We’ve formed the last portion of this level 1 deck and will begin forming the garage ramp before the end of the year. We will also be close to 2/3 topped out with our concrete portion of the building where only the north slab should remain. We plan to top out our concrete structure within the first two weeks of January. Thank you to all of our trade partners, design partners, and our client for helping us reach this critical juncture on the project.

Upcoming Work

Starting early 2024, we will begin building our CMU (cinderblock) towers for our stairwells, elevators, and trash chute. This kicks off a new phase of construction as we transition from concrete structures to wood framing. When wood framers arrive, you can expect to see a new mobile tower crane on-site, staged in a similar location to our current mobile crane along Riggs Road NE. This is to facilitate the lifting of wood trusses and lumber to the elevated decks. Further, our large dewatering system will be demobilizing shortly as we’re no longer in the deeper portions of our foundation that encountered groundwater. While the wood framing is occurring, you’ll see several other activities including:

  • Steel angle installation around the 2nd floor. This angle will support the brick over large spans and above the concrete portion of the building.
  • Excavations, steel pile removal, and waterproofing the tops of our foundation walls. These are smaller, roughly 4’ deep excavations that will be backfilled.
  • The start of metal stud framing and exterior sheathing

Our goal is to top out framing, install windows, and have the building substantially dried in come spring time. This will kick off our brick, siding, and balcony work on the exterior while we complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins on the interior before moving into interior finishes.

  • Please note that we will be shifting our site perimeter fence on the east elevation near the townhomes. The fence will move further east (towards the townhomes) into the permissible construction easement. This additional space will be required in order to allow the proper equipment to access this elevation safely and efficiently in order to best maintain our schedule. Plan to see small excavation equipment, forklifts, aerial lifts, and scaffolding within this area.

In the Event of Inclement Weather:

  • In the event of snow or other wintery weather, DAVIS has snow/ice melt on hand to ensure the sidewalks around our site and the walkway on our site have minimal tripping hazards.
  • Snow will be cleared from wood decks over the edge of the building with controlled access zones below.
  • If a large snow storm occurs, DAVIS will hire the necessary personnel to remove snow from site or consolidate on/near site to provide access pathways for our project.

Community Involvement

We’ve tried to mesh into the Fort Totten and Riggs communities. Thus far, DAVIS, KCM, and APAH have:

  1. Taken the safety of the Riggs Park Place NE entrance to heart. We have removed portions of our fence mesh and adjusted the barricades and fencing angles to improve visibility between the private entrance and Riggs Road NE.
    1. We have also ordered and installed a custom, photo-reflective sign in the median notifying passing drivers of the entrance upcoming.
  2. We have worked with the local ANC and LRCA (Lamond-Riggs Citizen Association) to obtain TCP approval for the necessary site staging along Riggs Road. We have devised and implemented a plan to minimize rush hour congestion and noise as mush as possible.
  3. Mowed the tall grass around the trailer and on DDOT’s land.
  4. Periodically cleaned up the area around our site. This includes trying to maintain a clean area from both construction debris and any windblown debris from the neighborhood or pedestrians.
  5. Conducted preconstruction surveys of adjacent townhomes to document any changes that may be caused by the project.
  6. Connected with Food & Friends for volunteering opportunities. DAVIS personnel helped deliver Thanksgiving meals!
  7. Registered 22+ District residents into a paid job training program that will commence in the new year. We will make every effort to provide these individual with job opportunities.
  8. Attended Art All Night and supported local businesses.

Complete Councilmember Parker Agency Oversight Survey by January 12

Posted by nextstoprp in Council, Ward 5

With the new year comes new opportunities for the DC Council to conduct oversight of District agencies. Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker is soliciting input from residents to inform his oversight process.

Complete Councilmember Parker’s Community Oversight Priorities Survey by January 12, 2024.

The survey introduction notes that CM Parker’s office is “particularly interested in identifying patterns of problematic agency performance; waste or inefficiencies in government spending (including contracts or grants) and processes; and any shortcomings in an agency’s ability to meet the needs of Ward 5 and District residents.”

If you prefer to give feedback by phone, contact 202-724-8028.

January 3: North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

From North Michigan Park Civic Association

North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

 VIRTUAL ONLY

Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID 882 7345 2110
Passcode 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

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

Happy New Year from the NMPCA

Community Development Task Force

  • Meeting will be scheduled next week regarding the request for a gas station at the 4Mart. Hearing canceled until Jan. owner must meet with Community and the ANC – The store has reopened for business. An invitation was sent to the owner who failed to respond 
  • Faith United Church hypothermia site – No results from ANC, Community will move forward with or Safety and Security task force

Swearing In of Executive Board Officers:

Swearing in performed by Mr. Anthony Hood

  • First Vice President – John Lucio
  • Treasurer – Debra Whitford
  • Recording Secretary – Nikitta Dixon

Community Leader Reports

  • Mayor’s Office – MOCR – Christian Starghill / Christopher Ingram
  • Ward 5 Council member’s Office –  Carlos McKnight
  • ANC Commissioners 5A02, 5A03, 5A08

Community Concerns:

Open to residents

  • Safety – 2 recent carjackings one in the 5100 blk of Eastern Ave NE in SMD5A02 and one in the 5000 blk of 8th St NE in SMD5A08

Adjourn

January 3: Drop off non-perishable food items at Fort Totten Metro Station

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

Metro is collecting non-perishable food items for the Fill-a-Bus campaign to support the Capital Area Food Bank. Drop off healthy, non-perishable food items at Bus Bay K at Fort Totten station on January 3, 2024, from 2 pm to 6 pm. More information at https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-Fill-A-Bus-2024.cfm and https://give.capitalareafoodbank.org/campaign/fill-a-bus-2024/c532387.

From Metro

For the sixth year in a row, Metro will bring a bus to donation sites around the region. All in-person locations are conveniently located near grocery or retail stores. Bring your donations from home or stop at the store on your way to Metro and drop off your donations before taking the train or bus.

“Please join us in the New Year by giving to the Capital Area Food Bank to help families with food insecurities,” said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “We often say that Metro is the life blood of the community by getting people around the region, and the Fill-A-Bus campaign is another way that we can serve our neighbors.”

You can donate healthy, unopened, non-perishable food items in person outside the following Metrorail stations: 

Wednesday, Jan. 3 

Anacostia Station on Howard Road from 6-10 a.m.

Fort Totten Station at Bus Bay K from 2-6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 5

Friendship Heights Station at Bus Bay K from 6-10 a.m.

Silver Spring Station at Bus Bay J from 2-6 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 8 

Pentagon City Station at 12th and South Hayes (near Nordstrom’s entrance) from 6-10 a.m.

Tysons Station at Bus Bay G from 2-6 p.m.

You can also make donations online to the Capital Area Food Bank through the Fill-A-Bus website by Jan. 12. Every $1 donated provides two meals. 

All Metro Red Line Stations Open for Service December 30

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Yesterday, Metro announced that all red line stations will be open for normal service starting December 30, 2023, at 7:00 am. Red line service has been suspended between Gallery Place and Dupont since December 18 for construction. Metro will finish construction activities one day earlier than planned.

Read the announcement at https://wmata.com/about/news/Red-Line-Construction-Reopening.cfm.

Faith United Church Hypothermia Site Notice

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

According to a notice sent by ANC 5A yesterday, the hypothermia site at Faith United Church of Christ opened on December 15, 2023. The church is located at 4900 10th Street NE. The site will serve up to 35 women from 7 pm to 7 am during hypothermia season. For questions/concerns, contact ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) or contact Quin Grier, Supervisory Coordinator in the Family Services Administration of the DC Department of Human Services, at shaquin.grier@dc.gov.

December 18-30: Metro Red Line Construction

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Reminder, Metro will be doing construction on a portion of the red line December 18-30, 2023. Red line trains will be running every 10-12 minutes. Details on station closures, transit options, shuttle bus information, FAQs at https://wmata.com/initiatives/plans/red-line-construction/index.cfm.

From Metro

Important Dates and Service Information

  • Dec. 18-21 and Dec. 25-30, 2023:
    • No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place
    • Station closures: Farragut North and Metro Center (upper level)
    • Free shuttle buses replace trains.
    • Blue, Orange, and Silver line service available at Metro Center.
      • Entrances at G Street NW at 11th and 13th streets will be closed, use entrances on 12th street to access station.
    • Green and Yellow lines service available at Gallery Place
  • Dec. 22-24, 2023:
    • No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Union Station
    • Station closures: Farragut North, Metro Center (upper level), Gallery Place (upper level), and Judiciary Sq
    • Free shuttle buses will replace trains
    • Blue, Orange, and Silver lines service available at Metro
      • Entrances at G Street NW at 11th and 13th streets will be closed, use entrances on 12th street to access station.
    • Green and Yellow lines available at Gallery Place
      • Entrance at Ninth & G streets NW will be closed

Run for ANC 5A06 & 5A07

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A
ANC 5A06 Notice
ANC 5A07 Notice

There are now two vacancies on ANC 5A. The DC Board of Elections recertified a vacancy for ANC 5A07. Petitions for 5A07 will be available starting December 18, 2023, and will be due no later than January 8, 2024.

There is a new vacancy for ANC 5A06. My understanding is that Kweku Toure resigned because he moved out of the area (do not quote me on that though). Petitions for ANC 5A06 will be available starting December 26, 2023, and will be due no later than January 16, 2024.

ANC single member districts 5A06 and 5A07 generally cover the areas west of Fort Totten Park. ANC 5A06 covers several of the apartment buildings along Hawaii Avenue NE and Webster Street NE that are the subject of development discussions (see BZA case nos. 20507, 20507(A)).

Along with a large chunk of National Park Service parkland and a chunk of the area west of Fort Totten Park, ANC 5A07 also includes a portion of 1st Place NE by Fort Totten Metro station (including Metro’s large parking lot that is slated for future development). And it covers portions of the Met Branch Trail currently under construction along 1st Place and along Riggs Road NE.

Information on running for ANC available on the DC Board of Elections website at https://www.dcboe.org/candidates/anc-advisory-neighborhood-commissioners.

Map of ANC 5A06 boundaries from DC Board of Elections
Map of ANC 5A07 boundaries from DC Board of Elections

Metro Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

It seems like almost every year, Metro releases a doomsday budget because of its unfortunate funding structure. For its fiscal year 2025 budget, Metro states that in the absence of additional funding, it is looking to close a $750 million budget gap in several ways.

  • Financial Management – $95 Million in contract services management, office consolidation efficiencies, vacancy, and personnel expense management
  • No salary increases for employees (administrative staff and union staff)
  • Half of bus routes cut
  • Train frequency increases to trains every 15 minutes on weekdays, 20 minutes on weekends
  • 20% fare increase
  • Metro Access service area limited which will limit travel
  • 10 p.m. early closures for rail system
  • Close 10 stations (exact stations TBD)
  • Turn back half of Red Line Trains at Grosvenor and Silver Spring
  • Turn back Silver Line Trains at Stadium-Armory
  • Use of Preventive Maintenance funds which put priority investments at risk

Budget information at https://wmata.com/budget.

A neighbor took a look at the neighborhood impacts of the threatened severe cuts in the FY2025 budget. Out of the various proposed cuts, the bus service cuts include several specific impacts to the neighborhood. Most of the buses serving Fort Totten Metro station would be affected. Routes E2 (Fort Totten to Ivy City), 70 (Fort Totten to Petworth), and K2 (Fort Totten to Takoma) would be eliminated. Routes 80 (North Capitol Street, K6 (New Hampshire Avenue), 64 (Fort Totten to Federal Triangle), and R1 and R2 (Riggs Road) would be reduced. Routes F1 and F2, which have a few stops in Lamond, also would be eliminated.

Metro is requesting a one-time adjustment of the baseline subsidy from DC, Maryland, and Virginia in order to avoid having to implement this doomsday budget. Metro would have to start taking steps to freeze hiring and reduce staff as early as January 2024, so Metro states that the sooner it has clarity from the jurisdictions, the better.

Metro’s board is meeting today. Over the next couple of months, Metro’s board and staff will work together to finalize a proposed budget. Metro plans to provide information about a public hearing and an opportunity to submit comments in February 2024.

December 15: Metro Holiday Bus at Fort Totten

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

From Metro

Metro will spread holiday cheer this week with events throughout the region. Community members can step into the sweetest ride in the D.C. area this holiday season when they board a specially decorated “gingerbread wonderland” Metrobus. 

Participants will be welcomed by Metro executives, Transit Police officers, Metrobus and Metrorail personnel and receive bags filled with goodies and other giveaways at the following locations in the coming days:

  • Wednesday, December 13: Pentagon City Station, 4-6 p.m. 
  • Thursday, December 14: Columbia Heights Station, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 
  • Friday, December 15: Fort Totten Station, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

November 29, 2023 ANC 5A Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on November 29, 2023. Commissioners present: Duvalier Malone (5A01); Diego Rojas (5A04); Tyeron Boston (5A05); Kweku Toure (5A06) – Vice Chair; Gordon Fletcher (5A08) – Chair; Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer. ANC 5A07 is vacant.

ANC Business

Commissioner Shelagh Bocoum, treasurer, stated the ANC only recently gained access to its bank account and is therefore still working on paying a couple of bills.

Chair Gordon Fletcher stated that the ANC is still working to put together an annual report and they hope to have that done by the January 2024 meeting.

There will not be an ANC meeting in December 2023.

Faith United Church Temporary Hypothermia Shelter (5A08)

A representative for Faith United Church, Enrique Cobham, stated that as of November 29, the church had not been added to the city pool to operate a hypothermia shelter yet. Mr. Cobham said the church is in conversation with the ANC about what happens when the center is not active. Once the site is online for the season, the site will be active between 7 pm and 7 am. The city will have security inside and outside the church and the city will be responsible for cleaning the site. The city has already set up equipment inside the church.

Chair Fletcher said the ANC is speaking with the church about an agreement between the ANC, North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA), and the church.

Catholic University Student Housing (5A04)

Screenshots from presentation

Representatives for Catholic University gave the ANC a heads up about a filing for an amendment to the university’s campus plan and further processing in order to build temporary student housing. As of November 29, the university had not yet filed the application but indicated they intended to do so in early December. They anticipate having a hearing scheduled in January 2024.

Officials stated the university wants to build temporary modular student housing. They have a zoning order that allows them to build permanent housing, but they said that difficulties in the construction market and economic conditions have led them to consider modular housing as a temporary solution to the need for more student housing. As a result, they need an amendment to the campus plan.

A couple of the commissioners asked about construction impacts and timeline. Catholic officials said impacts should be mitigated a bit because the units will largely be built offsite and then brought by truck to the campus. Representatives will appear at future meetings to provide more information and to get the support of the ANC.

Ward 5 Council Report (Carlos McKnight, Constituent Services Coordinator for Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker)

Ward 5 CM Zachary Parker held his monthly public safety call on November 29. Guests were Sylvan Altieri, MPD 5D Commander; Dr. Barbara Bazron, Director of DC Department of Behavorial Health; and Matthew Graves, US Attorney for DC. A recording of the call is available on CM Parker’s youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@councilmemberzacharyparker.

Ward 5 Mayor Report (Ward 5 MOCR Anthony Black)

The mayor’s office is hosting a senior holiday party on December 13, 2023. There was a community resource fair on December 1 at RISE Demonstration Center.

Leaf collection is ongoing. If you miss leaf pickup for your area, you can put in a 311 request.

Mr. Black continues to have “Ward Days” on Tuesday and Friday when he will be available to meet residents around the ward about any issues they have. Contact him by email (anthony.black@dc.gov) or phone (202-251-5049) if you would like to meet with him.

Miscellaneous

A resident asked about the status of the DC SuperMart convenience store. (According to a sign outside the store, it is open).

The ANC’s next meeting will be January 24, 2024.

December 18-30: Metro Red Line Construction

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Metro will be doing construction on a portion of the red line December 18-30, 2023. Details, transit options, shuttle bus information, FAQs at https://wmata.com/initiatives/plans/red-line-construction/index.cfm.

From Metro

Important Dates and Service Information

  • Dec. 18-21 and Dec. 25-30, 2023:
    • No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Gallery Place
    • Station closures: Farragut North and Metro Center (upper level)
    • Free shuttle buses replace trains.
    • Blue, Orange, and Silver line service available at Metro Center.
      • Entrances at G Street NW at 11th and 13th streets will be closed, use entrances on 12th street to access station.
    • Green and Yellow lines service available at Gallery Place
  • Dec. 22-24, 2023:
    • No Red Line service between Dupont Circle and Union Station
    • Station closures: Farragut North, Metro Center (upper level), Gallery Place (upper level), and Judiciary Sq
    • Free shuttle buses will replace trains
    • Blue, Orange, and Silver lines service available at Metro
      • Entrances at G Street NW at 11th and 13th streets will be closed, use entrances on 12th street to access station.
    • Green and Yellow lines available at Gallery Place
      • Entrance at Ninth & G streets NW will be closed

Overnight Bus Service on Route 80 starting December 17

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Starting December 17, 2023, Metro will begin operating overnight bus service on 14 routes, including route 80. Between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., bus service will operate every 20 minutes or better on the following routes:

  • A6
  • A8
  • B2
  • H4
  • S2
  • V2
  • W4
  • X2
  • 32
  • 33
  • 52
  • 70
  • 80
  • 92

View 24/7 DC Bus Map.

Between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., customers can request courtesy stops along these routes to get off at a location in between designated bus stops.

From Metro on Requesting a Courtesy Stop:

  1. When boarding, let our Bus Operator know you’ll be requesting a Courtesy Stop
  2. In approach to your desired drop-off, pull the Stop Requested cord to signal to the Operator
  3. Walk to the front and inform the Bus Operator of your Courtesy Stop location

A Courtesy Stop may only be made at the front of the bus and not through the rear doors.
Courtesy stops are at the discretion of the Bus Operator to ensure the safety of our customers and to not interfere with any other traffic or road conditions when stopping the bus.

More information at https://wmata.com/247dcbus and https://wmata.com/about/news/Metro-announces-launch-of-24-7-Bus-Service-Across-DC.cfm.

Tonight December 6: North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

From North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA)

North Michigan Park Civic Association Monthly Meeting

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

VIRTUAL ONLY

Virtual Meeting

Meeting ID 882 7345 2110

Passcode 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

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

Community Development Task Force

  • Meeting will be scheduled next week regarding the request for a gas station at the 4Mart. Hearing canceled until Jan. owner must meet with Community and the ANC
  • Faith United Church hypothermia site

Guest Speakers:

  • Faith United Church – Enrique Cobham

Community Leader Reports

  • Mayor’s Office – MOCR – Christian Starghill / Christopher Ingram
  • Ward 5 Council member’s Office –  Carlos McKnight
  • ANC Commissioners 5A02, 5A03, 5A08
  • Membership Drive Annual Dues $10.00 per person 
  • November Open Executive Officer Positions Send information to AFWilloughby@msn.org
    • 1st VP
    • Treasurer
    • Recording Secretary

 Have a happy and safe holiday from the NMPCA!

Adjourn