A Beacon of Hope Long Overdue

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

By Robert Oliver, resident in North Michigan Park

RRFB installation at 8th and South Dakota Avenue NE. Photo credit: Robert Oliver

A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is being installed at 8th Street and South Dakota Avenue NE. A partial installation began over the weekend, and it will be completed next weekend, October 8, 2022. 

A traffic light was requested more than four years ago to ensure the safety of a visually-impaired resident. This individual regularly takes the bus to shop for necessities. Over the years, crossing South Dakota Avenue has become more dangerous as drivers have often cursed this individual as he crossed the street. 

What began four years ago as a simple request quickly bogged down. This saga began with 311 Service Request 18-00271668 issued on May 28, 2018. A follow-up request, 20-00296711, was issued on August 26, 2020. Relief for the blind pedestrian was sought in both service requests.

Over the following months, DDOT was pursued to address the installation of a RRFB. DDOT responded on March 11, 2021, citing its study that the volume of pedestrian usage and crash data did not justify RRFB installation. However, DDOT did install pedestrian pylons. Also, pedestrian signs had been installed at 8th and South Dakota, including north and south of the interserction. Lastly, advance warning signs also had been installed.

At this point, an enterprising neighbor had had enough. Despite working with DDOT, the local ANC, and the North Michigan Park Civic Association, little had been accomplished. So, this neighbor collected one hundred signatures in support of a traffic signal for the blind resident. He even shot several videos in which first-hand accounts of how dangerous South Dakota Avenue had become was discussed. Click here to see one.

After this campaign and a fatal accident just a few blocks away on South Dakota Avenue and Ingraham Street NE, we now have the RRFB. 

I am glad that DDOT has approved the RRFB installation, but is should not take four years to address an obvious problem – that cameras alone cannot manage speeding along South Dakota Avenue. More needs to be done.

Zachary Ammerman ANC 5A09 Candidate Meet & Greet

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

From Zachary Ammerman, candidate for ANC single member district 5A09

Zach Ammerman, ANC candidate for brand-new Single Member District 5A09, will be hosting an informal meet and greet from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Resident Lounge at the Modern at Art Place (400 Galloway Street NE). Come say hello in an informal setting, learn about Zach’s priorities if elected, ask questions, and let him know about any issues or concerns you have about our neighborhood.

Light finger food and refreshments will be provided from DC’s vegan soul food restaurant NuVegan café.

WHAT? Informal meet and greet with your ANC Candidate, Zach Ammerman

WHEN? Thurs., Oct. 6, from 6 to 8 pm, This is an open-house style event: drop in at any time and for any length during the two hour period.

WHERE? Resident Lounge, Modern at Art Place, 400 Galloway Street NE. Dial 005 to enter building, then follow signs to lounge.

Registration is appreciated but not required: https://zachforanc5a09.com/2022/09/30/meet-your-anc-candidate-informal-meet-and-greet-oct-6-6-7-pm/ 

See you there!

Fort Totten Transfer Station Closure Extended

Posted by nextstoprp in Environment

From DC Department of Public Works. View details at https://dpw.dc.gov/service/fort-totten-transfer-station.

The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) is making improvements at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Due to ongoing construction of the drop-off ramp, this location will not available for bulk and residential drop-off until June 1, 2023. 

DPW is extending residential services at the Benning Road Transfer Station located at 3200 Benning Road, NE, through May 31, 2023, Wednesday through Friday from 10 am until 2 pm. Residential drop-offs are an alternative to scheduled bulk pick-ups. 

DPW recommends that residents use 311 to schedule a bulk pick-up at a time convenient for them. Residents may schedule up to seven items per service request. Pick-ups are collected within 14 days of a scheduled service request.        

Household Hazardous Waste drop-off will continue Saturdays from 7 am until 2 pm.  Shredding will take place on the last Thursday of the month from 10 am – 2 pm, and the first Saturday of every month from 7 am until 2 pm. Household Hazardous Waste and E-Cycling services will also be offered at Benning Road on the Thursday preceding the first Saturday of the month.

October 3: LRCA Public Meeting (virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association Public Meeting
October 3, 2022
7:00 pm

October 2022 Meeting Agenda

  1. Welcome/Invocation
  2. Officers Report, Minutes, Treasurer Report, Budget Review/Approval
  3. Updates from Elected Officials & PSA
  4. Speakers:
    • Ronald Mason, Jr., President, University of the District of Columbia
    • Carrie Stolzfus, Executive Director, Food & Friends
  5. Community Concerns/Closing

To view the meeting online, click the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88503509409?pwd=UnJnRThmbG5JeFpoeitPME8rU3Z0Zz09
Meeting ID: 885 0350 9409
Passcode: 020629

Dial into the meeting by phone:

Call: (301)715-8592
Meeting ID: 885 0350 9409
Passcode: 020629

Read LRCA’s October 2022 Newsletter. To view a map of LRCA boundaries, click here.

Map of LRCA boundaries

October 2: Listening Tour with Ward 5 Council Candidate Zachary Parker

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk, Riggs Park, Ward 5

Zachary Parker won the Democratic nomination to represent Ward 5 on the DC Council. Ahead of the general election in November, he is holding a Ward 5 neighborhood listening tour. On October 2, 2022, at 6:00 pm, he will hold a virtual listening session for neighbors in the Fort Totten, Lamond-Riggs, Michigan Park, and North Michigan Park neighborhoods.

Register at the link: Zachary Parker Ward 5 Listening Tour.

Clarence Lee, Jr. is the Republican nominee for the Ward 5 Council seat.

Complete Community Green Space Survey by October 15, 2022

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association, Neighborhood Development
Aerial view of District-owned green space on corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. Courtesy DC Office of Planning

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) held a Look & SEE regarding the District-owned green space on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE near Food & Friends (shout out to resident/co-chair of LRCA development task force Deborah Grimstead for the concept). If you were not able to attend, you can still give your input on how you would like to see this green space preserved and maintained for community use.

Please complete LRCA’s Community Green Space Survey by October 15, 2022.

Many thanks to Carrie Stoltzfus, executive director of Food & Friends, and Casey Dyson, director of government relations for Food & Friends, for hosting and opening their space for the Look & SEE. Thanks also to Edwin Washington, executive director of The Parks Main Street, for joining.

Pictured: Carrie Stoltzfus, executive director of Food & Friends; Edwin Washington, executive director of The Parks Main Street; Barbara Rogers, president, Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association at Look & SEE, September 24, 2022.

Features of Green Space

A few things to keep in mind as you complete the survey. The space is roughly 1.5 acres and triangular shaped with grade changes near a busy intersection. Given the shape of the land, it is not an ideal location for a standalone building/development project. The space has some really wonderful mature shade trees as well as a field of grass. If you can, take some time to just walk around the space and feel what it would be like to spend time on that corner of the neighborhood on a weekday morning/afternoon/evening or on the weekend.

Some ideas kicking around for the space include a neighborhood history park, art park, native plant demonstration garden, orchard, walking path, information kiosk, skating/ice skate rink, water feature, and more.

Note that a dog run will be included in the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten, which is currently under construction on South Dakota Avenue between Ingraham Street and Kennedy Street NE with an anticipated 2025 completion date, so a dog park is not a use included in the survey for this green space. Specific uses and timeline for the final phases of Art Place at Fort Totten which will sit along South Dakota Avenue just north of Kennedy Street are unclear at this time. In addition, leadership of Food & Friends, located just west of the green space, indicated they are looking to potentially double the existing building footprint in the nearish future. So the surrounding neighborhood contexts could look a little different several years from now.

Riggs Road/South Dakota Avenue NE Area Development Plan

The Look & SEE event and the survey are efforts by the LRCA to advance an element of the neighborhood’s area development plan that contemplates having “park and open spaces” on this District-owned space.

2009

Neighborhood area development plan approved by the DC Council in March 2009.

2011

District Department of Transportation (DDOT) completed reconfiguration of the South Dakota Avenue/Riggs Road intersection, eliminating the former right turn slip lanes, creating contiguous green space on the southwest corner.

2017

In September 2017, ANC 5A passed a resolution, initiated by residents, requesting that the green space be transferred to the DC Department of Parks & Recreation for community park space. DDOT and DPR have indicated that they do not think it is a good idea to have a playground on this green space given the volume of car traffic near this intersection.

2019

In May 2019, LRCA executed a community benefits agreement with EYA, developer of Riggs Park Place, to work with residents on visioning sessions and provide in-kind design concept services for the space.

2021

Neighborhood area development plan fully incorporated into the DC Comprehensive Plan (2021 Comp Plan).

Present

The space today remains in the portfolio of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).

Residents have been working informally with the DC Office of Planning on ways to get this element of the neighborhood plan implemented.

Play a part by completing LRCA’s Community Green Space survey by October 15, 2022.

Photos of current site conditions below

View looking north from Kennedy Street NE towards Riggs Road NE. The space between the two rows of trees in the image below roughly aligns with the old slip lane that was eliminated when the intersection was reconfigured in 2011.

View from middle of green space looking northeast

View looking southeast from Food & Friends driveway at 219 Riggs Road NE

View looking south towards grove of trees from Riggs Road NE

View looking east from southwest corner towards townhomes under construction on southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE

Photo gallery of Food & Friends outdoor space on their enclosed campus

Virtual Reality at Lamond-Riggs/ Lillian J. Huff Library

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

In support of Art All Night by The Parks Main Street, the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library (5401 South Dakota Avenue NE) is kicking off virtual reality experiences at the library today September 23, 2022, from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Virtual Reality Experiences include:

Tilt Brush by Google – Library customers will be able to paint in three dimensional space where the branch large meeting room will be their canvas. Use 3D brush strokes to include stars, lights, fire, paint, and so much more! 

Wander – Customers will be able to wander the world from the convenience of a comfortable chair, visiting museums in Paris, mountain terrains, or grandma’ss childhood home. 

Pottery VR – Customers will be able to go through all the stages of creating ceramics. They will be able to choose the color of clay and shape it on the potter’s wheel with their own hands.

Vermillion and Painting VR – These two apps will allow customers to mix colors, dip their brushes and start painting. This experience is very hands-on, easy to understand, and aimed at all ages. Everyone can play around with unlimited amounts of fresh paint on canvas. 

General Gaming – These applications will be made available for customers interested in exploring beyond the art-themed VR experiences listed above. 

Two televisions will cast what people create or play onto the screen for all to see in real time. 

Note: All creative expressions will be saved on the Oculas to be used by The Parks Main Street for later use.

September 28: ANC 4B Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

ANC 4B Public Meeting
Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 7:00 pm

Please note the previously scheduled change in date to accommodate those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah.​

The Commission will be meeting virtually; details about participating/watching the meeting are included in the agenda.

Regular Public Meeting 

Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 7:00 p.m. 

Virtual Meeting Details: 

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82778640677?pwd=THJhYU52RGJTQ0hlVERKc0oxUlk1dz09. Meeting ID: 827 7864 0677. Passcode: 723729. 

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 827 7864 0677. Passcode: 723729.  

Agenda 

1.         Call to Order & Roll Call  

2.         Administrative Items: 

A. Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting 

B. Consideration and Approval of September Agenda 

C. Approval of June Regular Public Meeting Minutes 

D. Treasurer’s Report, Approval of Quarterly Financial Report for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 & Approval of Budget for Fiscal Year 2023 

3.         Commissioner Updates (if applicable) 

4.         Community Concerns: *Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak during community concerns. The Commission will provide additional details regarding how to present community concerns via the virtual meeting at the start of the 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. 

5.         Reports:

A. Yamileth Escobar, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)  

B. James Lewis, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 minutes) 

C. Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative (3 minutes) 

6.         Presentation: Vicki Caudullo, Transportation Planner, District Department of Transportation, Riggs Road Connector Cycletrack (5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)  

7.         Presentation: Area Main Street Programs, Programming and Operations (20 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion) 

Laura Barclay, Executive Director, Old Takoma Business Association / Main Street Takoma 
Jessica Mailander, Interim Executive Director, Upper Georgia Avenue Main Street 
Gabriella Mossi, Executive Director, Uptown Main Street 
Edwin Washington, Executive Director, The Parks Main Street 

8.         Presentation: Pastor Robert Childs & HEP Developers, Berean Baptist Church Development Project (senior affordable housing), 924 Madison Street, NW (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 

9.         Presentation: Michael Simon & John Welsh, NHP Foundation, Map Amendment for Elm Gardens, 7050 Eastern Avenue, NW (10 minute presentation, 10 minute discussion) 

10.     Consent Calendar:  

Letter of Inquiry: Requesting Additional Information and Action regarding DDOT’s June 27, 2022, Presentation to ANC 4B (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Yeats & Commissioner Brooks) 

Resolution 4B-22-0901: Providing Feedback on DPW Zero Waste Plan (Commissioner Palmer) 

Letter: Requesting Improved Operations at Advance Auto Parts, 6300 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (Commissioner Brooks) 

Resolution 4B-22-0902: Requesting Funding to Implement Rock Creek East I Livability Study (Commissioner Brooks) 

Resolution 4B-22-0903: Supporting Request for Special Exceptions to Lot Occupancy and Rear Yard Requirements to Replace Rear Deck, 609 Quintana Place, NW (BZA 20788) (Commissioner Parks) 

11.     Adjournment

Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, October 24, 2022, 7:00 p.m. 

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner: ANC 4B01 Evan Yeats (4B01@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B02 Erin Palmer (4B02@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B03 Jocelynn Johnson (4B03@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B04 Brenda Parks (4B04@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B05 Vacant; ANC 4B06 Tiffani Nichole Johnson (4B06@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B07 Geoff Bromaghim (4B07@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B08 Alison Brooks (4B08@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B09 LaRoya Huff (4B09@anc.dc.gov) 

Please note the Commission will be transitioning to an email list to notice Commission meetings. Individuals and listserv administrators can sign up here to be included: https://tinyurl.com/4BEmails.

September 28: ANC 5A Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A Public Meeting
September 28, 2022
6:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84468779532?pwd=VGJCRGhlQUxTdldqbDU2RXVEd2ZUUT09

Meeting ID: 844 6877 9532
Passcode: 097050

Dial In: 301 715 8592

Agenda Items

Commission Business

  • Public Safety Task Force
  • Request for RPP Only for Unit Block of Hamilton Street NE Residents (5A07)
  • 1343 Webster Street Special Exception (5A03)
  • The Kennedy School  and 801 Buchannan (5A03)
    1. BZA No. 20749 – Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.
    2. BZA Case No. 20751 – 801 Buchanan Street, NE

Reports & Presentations  

  • School Zone Parking – DDOT RE: Bridges PCS Parking (5A07)
  • Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH)  – Tim Sheckler (5A05)
  • Riggs Rd NE Connector Cycle Track- Vicki Caudullo  (5A02 and 5A07)
  • Mayor Bowser Homeowner Initiatives – Kristin Thompson- Menkiti Group

*Agenda subject to change

September 24: Look & SEE – Help Envision Community Park in Our Neighborhood

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Citizens Association, Main Street, Neighborhood Development, Recreation, Riggs Park

Look & See: Help Envision a Community Park in Our Neighborhood
September 24, 2022
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Food & Friends
219 Riggs Road NE (southwest corner of Riggs Road & South Dakota Avenue NE)

Sponsored by the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) Development Task Force

Hosted by Food & Friends

Our neighborhood has an area development plan that was initiated by the LRCA, completed by the DC Office of Planning in 2008, approved by the DC Council in 2009, and fully incorporated into the DC Comprehensive Plan in 2021.

One element of the plan envisions “parks and open space” for the District-owned green space (“District Green”) on the southwest corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE near Food & Friends.

This Saturday September 24, 2022, the LRCA invites neighbors to the District Green to Look & SEE.

“SEE” stands for “Site Experience Event.”

At your own pace and in no particular order, walk the land, see information displays, talk with your neighbors, have light refreshments, and envision what you would like to see in this community open space.

Come as you are & come-and-go as you please any time between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Note: To enter the Food & Friends facility, you must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Masks are optional.

September 23: Art All Night Hosted by The Parks Main Street

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street

From The Parks Main Street

Art All Night Hosted by The Parks Main Street

Art All Night showcases the visual and performing art talents of DC’s creative community, while supporting local businesses!

About this event

The Parks Main Street (TPMS) is excited to bring to the communities of Riggs Park and Manor Park a live, in-person end of year celebration during Art All Night. Private spaces throughout our business corridors transform into galleries, vending booths and performances for an evening of art in all its forms.

Grab your lawn chair and hang out with us all night (well most of the night)!

Come visit small businesses, shop, dine, see local art, and experience live performances by artists from Riggs Park, Manor Park and surrounding communities in Wards 4 and 5.

Art All Night is the perfect stimulant for Art, Community, and Commerce!

All registrants will automatically be entered in drawing for gift certificates from local small businesses in Riggs Park and Manor Park! Registrants must check-in at a TPMS WELCOME CENTER to confirm eligibility.

Venue #1 – TPMS WELCOME CENTER / RIGGS PARK

Culture Coffee Too – 300 Riggs Road NE 20011

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm DJ Oxygen

7:00 pm Live to Love Family (Family Friendly Sister Rap Duo)

8:00 pm Rhythm Visions presents Rhymez and Rhythmz

8:30 pm Cecily (Soul / Jazz /90’s R&B /Folk Music)

9:30 pm Rhythm Visions presents Rhymez and Rhythmz

10:00 pm Black Root

Venue #2 – RIGGS PARK

Riggs Wine & Liquor – 5581 South Dakota Avenue NE

7:00 pm -11:00 pm DJ Arturo

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Spirit / Wine Tastings – Riggs Wine & Liquor

7:00 pm Jordan Seitz – Fire Dancer

8:30 pm Jonathan Acosta (Latin Vocals & Guitar)

Venue #3 – RIGGS PARK

Troka Insurance – 208- 212 Riggs Road NE

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Damu The Fudgemunk

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Culinary Arts – Food & Fun!

  • Food Trucks, Food Vendors and Games

Venue #4 – RIGGS PARK

Hellbender Brewery – 5788 2nd Street NE

7:00 pm Open Mic – Cash Prize

9:00 pm Vendor Introductions

9:30 pm Comedy Show – Four Corners Entertainment

Venue #5 – TPMS WELCOME CENTER / MANOR PARK

The V.I.P. Room – 6201 3rd Street NW

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm DJ

7:00 pm Shirleta Settles (Jazz)

8:00 pm Lovely Lady Boutique – Fashion Show

8:30 pm Christopher Prince & Band (Jazz)

9:30 pm Jordan Seitz – Aerial Acrobatics

10:00 pm Oren Levine & Friends (Jazz)

Venue #6 – MANOR PARK

The Learning Curve – 6226 3rd Street NW

7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Music

7:00 pm Puppet Workshop – Yolanda Sampson

8:30 pm Art Workshop (Youth) – Rain Young

10:00 pm Art Workshop (Adult) – Rain Young

Venue performances subject to change

Check back for updates until September 23, 2022

For information email artallnight@theparksmainstreet.org

FREE DPR – Washington Nationals Tickets for tonight, September 13th at 7:00 pm

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

From Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center

DPR is giving away free tickets to a Washington Nationals game for tonight, September 13th at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on a first come, first serve basis.

Please contact Ms. Shirleta Settles at our Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center at shirleta.settles@dc.gov or go directly to the community center at 501 Riggs Road NE to receive the tickets.

September 15: Ward 4 CARE Day – Riggs Park

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4

From Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George

Riggs Park/South Manor Park CARE Day

RSVP to join me in knocking doors Thursday, September 15th from 4-7pm to connect with neighbors in Riggs and South Manor Park to share resources, problem solve with DC agencies, and bring our community closer together. Meet up location will be the Riggs-LaSalle Community Center – you’ll also find our agency partners stationed here that evening to bring your neighborhood service needs and concerns to directly.

 

No Yellow Line Metrorail Service Sept 10, 2022-May 2023

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Metro has been distributing pamphlets to riders letting people know that there will not be any yellow line Metrorail service from September 10, 2022 to May 2023. If you usually take the yellow line to National Airport, give yourself extra time to take the blue line to the aiport instead during this time.

There will be no Metrorail service at all south of National Airport from September 10, 2022 to October 22, 2022.

Details on shuttle service and service interruptions at wmata.com/majorconstruction. Specifically, travel alternatives at https://wmata.com/initiatives/plans/Major-Blue-and-Yellow-Line-Construction/Travel-Alternatives.cfm.