Mayor Muriel Bowser and DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum officially opened the Fort Totten to Takoma segment of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) on November 12, 2025. Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, ANC Commissioner Charlie Mayer (4B04), and Washington Area Bicyclist Association Executive Director Elizabeth Kiker also gave remarks.
This section of the trail includes a short off-street section along Riggs Road NE before turning to an on-street portion along First Street NE, meandering through Manor Park before getting to Blair Road for an off-street portion. The section on Blair Road includes a lot of active curb cuts so it will be a bit of a different experience than the rest of the trail.
In her remarks, Director Kershbaum noted that DDOT has placed a couple of speed feedback devices on southern end of the trail to encourage reduced speeds to make the trail more comfortable for all users.
The next portion of the trail to be constructed will be the Piney Branch to Blair Road extension. This segment is still in the design phase as the agency had to negotiate easements with Metro and National Park Service. DDOT hopes to begin construction on this segment in 2026.
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites residents to join a community meeting on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on the Kansas Ave Protected Bike Lane Project. DDOT representatives will provide information about the project’s development, safety improvements, and construction timeline. Agency representatives will be available to hear your concerns and answer your questions. The meeting will be held at the Sela Public Charter School at 6015 Chillum Pl NE, Washington, DC 20011.
Kansas Ave NW Protected Bike Lane Community Meeting
Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Sela Public Charter School
6015 Chillum Pl NE Washington, DC 20011
Project Background
The Kansas Ave NW Protected Bike Lane is a multimodal safety project that includes the following features to improve safety for all roadway users:
• Upgraded pedestrian crossings, including more visible Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at Longfellow St NW and Madison St NW, and Nicholson St NW, following ADA guidelines. Intersection daylighting at Madison St NW to improve sightlines for drivers to see cross traffic.
• Removal of center medians on the 5600 and 5700 blocks of Kansas Ave NW and a short section just south of Blair Rd to maintain on-street parking.
• Additional on-street parking along the west side of the 5600 block.
• New left turn lanes for southwest-bound and northeast-bound vehicular traffic at the intersection with Blair Rd to improve safety and traffic flow for drivers.
Closure of a critical gap in the bike lanes along the corridor between Chillum Place NE and Blair Rd NW to connect to the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT).
• Upgraded bike lanes between Blair Rd NW and Longfellow NW to protected bike lanes as a safety and traffic calming improvement.
When complete, the Kansas Ave NW Protected Bike Lane Project will create a safe and comfortable connection between the several schools in the neighborhood to the newly completed Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) extension.
The Fort Totten to Takoma extension of the MBT crosses Kansas Ave at Blair Rd and now provides a trail connection from the neighborhood 5.3 miles south to Union Station.
The cumulative effect of all of the improvements will be a safer street with fewer crashes and reduced speeding.
Please visit the project website for additional project details at: https://bikelanes.ddot.dc.gov/ pages/kansas-ave-nw. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DDOT Bikeways Branch Manager Greg Billing at gregory.billing@dc.gov or (202) 873-3756.
EXPLORE! brings dance classes to Art Place this fall provided by Dance Loft+ Moveius Ballet
As part of a limited six-week youth dance series this fall and winter, families can enroll their children in $10 classes that provide an affordable introduction to dance for ages 4 to 8. This offers a structured opportunity to explore dance in a supportive, engaging environment. The pre-ballet and creative movement classes are designed to help children build confidence and creativity through movement.
Classes will take place every Monday offering two 45-minute sessions between 4–6 p.m
● 4:00-4:45 p.m.: Pre-Ballet (ages 4–6) – This class introduces ballet through creative movement, basic technique and imaginative play—building coordination, rhythm and a lifelong love of dance.
● 5:00-5:45 p.m.: Creative Dance (ages 7–9) – This class explores expression, storytelling and musicality through a blend of ballet, improvisation and beginner choreography—all in a supportive, imaginative environment.
Gather at Michigan Park Playground (1203 Wynton Place NE) at 10:30 am for ride to Lost Generation Brewery and enjoy food from Silver and Sons Barbecue food truck.
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.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 