The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a Ward 5 public workshop for the Strategic Bikeways Plan project. This in-person workshop will be held on Tuesday, December 9 from 6p to 8p at Bunker Hill Elementary at 1401 Michigan Avenue NE. 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.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on November 19, 2025. Commissioners present: Keith Sellars (5A01); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) – Chair; Jack Hermes (5A04) – Parliamentarian; Derrick Holloway (5A06); Elaine Alston (5A08); Shelagh Bocoum (5A09) – Treasurer.
Commission Business
ANC 5A FY2026 budget.
The ANC re-approved the budget. The ANC approved spending up to $1,000 for tablecloths and a tent for events.
Commissioner Hermes (5A04) will head up an ANC bylaws review committee with Commissioners Bocoum (5A09), Alston (5A08), and Holloway (5A06). They will aim to have a draft for review by the ANC’s February 2026 executive meeting
Mundo Verde Public Charter School Holiday Work (5A03)
Mundo Verde wants to work on certain holidays in 2026 in order to open its Calle Ocho campus building expansion in time for the fall 2026 school year. Commissioner Lucio held an SMD meeting where residents supported the holiday work. The full ANC voted in support.
Clinical Health & Wellness Medical Cannabis Shop Update (5A08)
Commissioner Alston (5A08) asked Commissioner Hermes (5A04) to give an update on Clinical Health & Wellness, the medical cannabis retail shop seeking to open at 4942 South Dakota Avenue NE in North Michigan Park. Commissioner Hermes said that the ANC recently filed a motion for stay of the ABCA proceedings while the ANC’s litigation against the ABC Board’s dismissal of ANC 5A’s protest proceeds.
Commissioner Hermes said that the DC Office of the Attorney General (OAG) agrees with ANC 5A’s view that the Board improperly restricted ANC 5A’s right to great weight (my paraphrase). Commissioner Hermes said that the OAG will recommend that the parties settle so that the ANC can submit documentation that will be afforded great weight by ABCA. Commissioner Hermes said that this issue is a problem for ANCs across the city and that Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker will likely have a public hearing about everything that ABCA is doing wrong.
Ward 5 Council Update (Andriana Lovelace, Ward 5 Constituent Services Coordinator for CM Parker)
CM Parker had a Thanksgiving grocery giveaway on November 20.
On November 4, the Council voted to decouple DC’s tax code from federal code in order to preserve revenue. A portion of the expected revenue will go towards funding a child tax credit as a result of a bill amendment introduced by Councilmembers Parker and Frumin.
On November 20, DPR held a Ward 5 capital projects meeting,
ERAP is reopening on November 20 at 9am.
Seniors and people with disabilities may apply for snow shoveling exemption by December 2. The exemption is valid for 2 consecutive snow seasons.
A resident stated that the 24/7 Tobacco & Grocery shop at 4944 South Dakota Avenue NE was caught selling illegal flavored vapes & loose cigarettes from out of state. Chair Lucio asked him to work with Ms. Lovelace and North Michigan Park Civic Association President Carmen Williams on issues regarding the smoke shop.
Catholic University officials gave a preliminary presentation on the university’s 2027 Campus Plan, which the university is in the early stages of drafting. They expect to have a DC Zoning Commission hearing in spring 2027. They are engaging early and plan to have frequent engagement with ANC 5A and neighboring ANC 5B. For questions, contact Deborah Natua-Rodriguez at nautarodriguez@cua.edu or Sherry Rutherford at rutherfords@cua.edu.
UDC Lamond-Riggs Campus 9/11 Memorial (5A01) (Juanita Gray, UDC Director of Community Engagement)
UDC Director of Community Engagement Juanita Gray let residents know that the university plans to update the 9/11 memorial that is located near the entrance of UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus. The property previously housed Bertie Backus Middle School. The memorial honors Bertie Backus student Asia Cottom and teacher Sara Clark, who lost their lives in the 9/11 Pentagon attack. The existing memorial is in terrible condition. (Aside: The university mentioned updating the memorial during the 2023 campus plan process).
Ms. Gray said the university wants community involvement in what the new plaque looks like and says, but she did not outline a plan for community engagement. Commissioner Alston (5A08) stated that the Ward 5 Leadership Council has been working on the memorial but did not say exactly what they are doing.
Ms. Gray said that UDC wants to have an updated memorial in time for the university’s 175th anniversary in fall 2026. Commissioner Sellars (5A01) asked if the university could speed up the timeline for replacing the memorial because it has been in terrible condition for a while.
Washington Gas Infrastructure Project (Monica West, Director of Community Engagement & Public Policy, Washington Gas; Hal Khalef, Director of Construction, Washington Gas)
Monica West, Washington Gas Director of Community Engagement, let residents know that the utility company has a major gas pipeline replacement infrastructure project coming up in April 2026 in the area around Bunker Hill Road NE between 18th & 22nd, Randolph, Shepherd, and Varnum. This area is near but not in ANC 5A, so Washington Gas is letting residents know because residents will be impacted as they travel around. They wanted to start community engagement early. They will return in 2026 with detailed maps and more information.
The project will take eight months to a year. They will coordinate with Pepco and DC Water so that those utility companies can immediately do their work after Washington Gas finishes instead of repaving and then having to dig up the roads again. Washington Gas expects to start in April and Pepco in September. Ms. West stated that Metro may need to temporarily move bus stops when the work begins. All of that will be communicated to residents.
Community Concerns/Commissioner Updates
A resident asked what happened to the plan for McDonald’s to repave the parking lot of Faith United Church. Commissioner Alston (5A08) previously stated that McDonald’s would repave the lot. She said the person from McDonald’s who promised that has left and that McDonald’s did not park vehicles on lot so McDonald’s does not plan to repave the lot.
Commissioner Sellars (5A01) noted that he has been working with the National Park Service (NPS) to clean up Fort Circle Park along Sargent Road & Galloway Street NE, which sees frequent dumping. Part of the parkland sits in Commissioner Thomas (5A02) & Commissioner Alston’s (5A08) SMDs, not in ANC 5A01, but Commissioner Sellars has taken the initiative to work with NPS on this. NPS officials, on their own, reached out to the DC National Guard for assistance and Guard members helped to clean up the area as well as Fort Totten Park.
A resident noted that there was dumping in Fort Totten Park along Rock Creek Church Road/Fort Totten Drive NE. This area is ANC 5A07. Commissioner Sellars said he would let NPS know. Commissioner Sellars said he plans to have a cleanup on December 6.
The next ANC meeting will be January 28, 2026. Chair Lucio said the January meeting will mainly focus on ANC business.
Location: Lamond-Riggs Library, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE
Join the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends for a heartwarming holiday gathering where neighbors come together to sip hot cocoa, nibble on cookies, and get crafty! Whether you’re dreaming big or decorating small, there’s something for everyone:
Create your own vision board to set intentions for the new year.
Design festive holiday ornaments to take home or hang on the library’s Community Tree, a symbol of shared joy and togetherness.
Enjoy warm cocoa and sweet treats in a cozy, welcoming space.
Join the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS) for a community meeting to discuss improvements coming to the playground at Lamond Recreation Center.
Meeting Details:
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Location: Online via Zoom
Time: 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM
Individuals needing special accommodations, please contact Rasheed Jibreel at rasheed.jibreel@dc.gov or by telephone at (202)-341-0158.
This event is FREE with RSVP; however, adults wishing to participate in the instructor-led painting sessions MUST RSVP for their desired time slot: Eventbrite Link.
Step into the holiday magic on December 6th at Art Place! Build gingerbread people, decorate ornaments, sip hot chocolate, paint a canvas, snap pics, play games, and enjoy festive music with a live DJ, and wear your best ugly sweater
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT), in partnership with Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker, invites you to attend public meetings for the South Dakota Avenue Corridor Safety Project from Riggs Road NE to Bladensburg Road NE. DDOT will be hosting two meetings: a virtual meeting on Thursday, December 4, 2025, and an in-person meeting on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
DDOT staff will provide an update on the progress of the study, present on the existing conditions and road diet feasibility, and go over spot improvement locations, concepts, and estimates. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with DDOT representatives.
Materials from this meeting will be made available on the study website within 72 hours of meeting conclusion. Those who would like to leave a comment about the study can do so by leaving a comment on the project website.
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 November 2025 Regular Public Meeting Agenda
Approval of October 2025 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
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
Randi Thorpe & Eddie Sanders III – Department of Public Works (5 minutes)
Barbara Rogers, District Director, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George (3 minutes)
T. Michelle Colson, Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative (3 minutes)
Leticia Acosta, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
4B Community Safety & Support Committee (2 minutes)
Presentations
Christopher Dyer, Department of Parks and Recreation & Brittany Hughes, Department of General Services – ANC 4B Area Project Updates
Karimah Bilal, Consumer Outreach Officer, Public Service Commission – Winter Readiness
Resolutions
#4B-25-1101 – Supporting Dedicated Turn Lane Light at Georgia Avenue NW and Peabody Street NW
#4B-25-1102 – Requesting Installation of a Dedicated Left Turn Signal at the Intersection of Georgia Avenue NW and Peabody Street NW
Letter to DC Leaders to Address Gun Violence through Coordinated Comprehensive Strategy
Letter Requesting Assurances Regarding MPD Compliance with the Sanctuary Values Amendment Act and DC Human Rights Act
Please check the Commission’s website for additional information: anc4b.com
On November 20, 2025, Faith United Church will distribute turkeys to the first 200 people at their monthly mobile market/diaper bank. Beginning at 9:00 am. Located at 4900 10th Street NE.
Call In Number Phone: +1(305) 224-1968Password: 83242634657#
One-Tap Mobile +13052241968,,83242634657#
Agenda
1. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm ET
2. Quorum
3. Agenda Review/Acceptance
4. Commission Business a. Minutes from Oct. 22, 2025 b. Annual Report c. Treasurer’s Report d. Re-Approving FY 26 Budget e. Purchase Approvals f. Creation of a Bylaws Review Committee
5. Commission Action Items/Updates a. 5A03: Holiday Work from Mundo Verde b. 5A08: Update on ABCA
6. Community Updates a. Mayor’s Office b. Office of the Councilmember Zachary Parker’
7. Reports & Presentations a. Catholic University Presentation b. UDC Presentation (Bertie Backus 9/11 Memorial) c. Farmers Market d. Dwanda Glenn-Woodward, Washington Gas: Briefing on upcoming infrastructure project that will affect the Bunker Hill area in Spring 2026
8. Community Comment Period
9. Next Meeting Jan. 28 – Please note this meeting will be primarily Commission Business
Great seeing you Monday! Thank you for your feedback.
Can you post this on Next Stop… Riggs Park?
Where Are You in Your Entrepreneurship Journey?
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection’s (DCLP) Business Resource Center is here to help you assess exactly where you are on the business success endeavor.
During this in-person session, the DLCP Business Resource Center (BRC) staff will provide one-on-one assistance in navigating the regulatory process. You will gain in-depth knowledge about the 4 Basic Steps for obtaining a business license (BBL) to open your business in DC.
Additionally, we share information regarding compliance with your license situation.
This opportunity is designed for both future and current business owners looking to operate in the District of Columbia.
Business Licensing, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Corporate Registration
Registration Policies:
Special Accommodations: In accordance with the American Disabilities Act and state law, you may request accommodations due to a disability by contacting the event organizer listed above. Advance notice may be necessary for some accommodations. Registration must be paid prior to accommodation requests.
Disclaimer: The instructional sessions and seminars are provided as a service by DLCP for informational purposes only. Attending an instructional session or seminar does not guarantee that DLCP will issue you a license, corporate registration, permit, or certification.
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.
There are two weeks left of UDC’s inaugural Lamond-Riggs farmers market season. The last day for the market will be November 21, 2025.
Check it out today and next Friday 4pm-8pm at UDC’s Lamond-Riggs campus, located at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE (in the parking lot off Galloway Street NE).
On November 7, 2025, the market team, led by Dr. Tsakani Ngomane at UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, & Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), held a nice celebration to mark what the university is calling a pilot market. Residents enjoyed live cello music; tasty nutritious food samples like butternut squash soup; kids activities including face painting and a bounce house; and vendors selling a variety of items from books to produce to sweets.
UDC CAUSES Lamond-Riggs Farmers Market Celebration, November 7, 2025.
The farmers market is just one component of the urban food hub at the Lamond-Riggs campus. On the blog we previously interviewed Dr. Kamran Zendehdel, a former professor and center director at CAUSES, who explained that the food hubs have four components: (1) food production; (2) food preparation; (3) food distribution; and (4) food waste and water recovery (e.g., composting).
UDC CAUSES started building out the food hub in early 2016. It includes a hydroponics facility and native plant nursery. In 2018, Maryam Sabur, then a graduate student in water resource management at CAUSES, stood up the farm stand, which would eventually grow into the market.
This year, the university officially opened the food hub’s demonstration commercial kitchen, which serves as a business incubator where individuals can learn about nutrition, get required food business certifications, and learn all aspects of the food business from trained chefs.
Demonstration kitchen at UDC Lamond-Riggs Food Hub
Entrepreneurship is a big component of the food hub concept. The idea is to grow the number of urban farmers in the city. Chauna Price, soil manager at the Lamond-Riggs food hub, has a produce stand at the farmers market where she sells produce grown at both the food hub and at the university’s Firebird Farm in Beltsville.
Eightfold Farms by owner J.R. Hines, a vendor at the market, is billed as DC’s first commercial mushroom farm. Mr. Hines received a federal grant with support from UDC CAUSES to support his concept. The business provides CSA dropoffs, supplies mushrooms to local restaurants, and also provides nutrition education/financial literacy to DCPS students.
Jasmine, a local resident at The Modern, sells fresh juice at the market through her business Pressed Essentials.
Vendor JR Hines, owner of EightFold Farms.
Two other residents at The Modern, Sekai Zinatsai and agronomist Chris Mapondera, participate in the food hub’s citizen science project, where they are responsible for growing vegetables from seed in containers designed for small spaces. This season they are growing dozens of containers of collard greens that they can harvest for themselves and also give away to local residents. On a small scale, the citizen science project embodies the concept of the food hub–training in the lifecycle of food from seed to market.
UDC Professor Che AxumCitizen scientist & local resident Sekai Zinatsai
The food hub really is a remarkable production, and it is pretty neat having something like this in the neighborhood. Over the years, I have wandered around the food hub talking to people like Kyra Moore and Michael Whyte, who have managed aspects of the food hub and were happy to talk about what was going on. Stay tuned for opportunities to tour and learn more about the food hub in the future.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 