Save the Date: June 22 – DDOT Virtual Public Meeting on Eastern Avenue NE Rehabilitation Project
Nice to see there may be some progress on the Eastern Avenue NE rehabilitation project. The District Department of Transporation will be holding a virtual public meeting on the project on June 22, 2022. DDOT released preliminary plans way back in late 2016. Change in the project scope delayed things a bit. Looks like the last post I have on this project is from October 2020.
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From DDOT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2022
Media Contacts:
German Vigil – (202) 306-1668, german.vigil@dc.gov
Mariam Nabizad – (202) 359-2678, mariam.nabizad@dc.gov
Public Meeting Notice: Virtual Meeting
Rehabilitation of Eastern Avenue (from New Hampshire Avenue NE to Whittier Street NW) on June 22, 2022
(Washington, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, for a presentation on the Rehabilitation of Eastern Avenue NE (from New Hampshire Avenue NE to Whittier Street NW) project. DDOT will share an update on the project and discuss the upcoming steps at this virtual public meeting. For more information about the project please visit ddot.dc.gov/page/rehabilitation-eastern-avenue or contact the project manager Tesfalem Aim, email Tesfalem.Aim@dc.gov or 202-427-0851.
DATE: Wednesday, June 22, 2022
TIME: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
VIRTUAL MEETING: WEBEX
To view the virtual presentation: rebrand.ly/EasternAveJune22
Event Number: 2313 398 4282
Event Password: June22!
Dial-in option (audio only): 1-202-860-2110 Access code: 2313 398 4282
The Webex system will prompt you for an Attendee ID, this is not required. Press the # key to join the meeting.
Having difficulties joining the meeting?
If you need technical support during the meeting, please dial 202-309-3491.
June 9: ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) Community Meeting
ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) Spring/Summer Single Member District Meeting
June 9, 2022
6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85123053931?pwd=UTRvQkFKcDY4L0ZqWW9rSFBZMTJBdz09
Meeting ID: 851 2305 3931
Passcode: 842297
Dial by your location
301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Agenda
- DDOT Update – Alley Improvements & Speed Bump Request
- Update from DC Water
- Public Safety Update – MPD
- Update from the Mayor’s Office – Nokomis Hunter
- Update from Councilmember McDuffie’s Office
- Update from Art Place at Fort Totten
- Community Concerns
For more information contact Commissioner Fletcher. Send questions in advance.
Phone: (202) 556-5958
Email: 5A08@anc.dc.gov
June 7: Virtual Meeting – Met Branch Trail – Blair Road to Piney Branch Road Project NW
Friday, May 20, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts
Public Meeting Notice: Virtual Meeting – Met Branch Trail – Blair Road to Piney Branch Road Project NW
(Washington, DC) — The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a virtual public meeting to discuss the Metropolitan Branch Trail – Blair Road to Piney Branch Road NW. DDOT will present design concept updates and receive community feedback. This is the second public meeting for this project, and DDOT will share updates to the proposed design and project schedule. For more information on this project please visit metbranchtrail.com, or contact the project manager Michael Alvino at michael.alvino@dc.gov or 202-497-7153.
WHAT: Metropolitan Branch Trail (Blair Road to Piney Branch Road NW) Public Meeting
WHEN: June 7, 2022
TIME: 6:30 PM
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING:
Attendee Link: rebrand.ly/MBTBlair2PineyBranch
Webinar Number: 2300 263 1832
Webinar Password: June7!
Dial-in Option (audio only): 1-202-860-2110. Access Code: 2300 263 1832. The Webex system will prompt you for an Attendee ID, this is not required. Press the # key to join the meeting.
Can’t Make a Meeting?
Materials from this meeting will be made available at www.metbranchtrail.com within 48 hours of the conclusion of the meeting.
June 5: Michigan Park Community Playground Grand Opening
From ANC 5A
Michigan Park Community Playground Opening Event
June 5, 2022
10:00 am-12:00
West lawn of St. Joseph’s Seminary
1200 Varnum Street NE
RSVP at EYA.com/MPplayground
June 3-August 26: Fridays at Fort Totten Concert Series
Glad to see the Fridays at Fort Totten concert series is back this summer after a pandemic hiatus. It is always a fun time. Bring a chair & enjoy live music.
From DC Fray/District Fray Magazine
The Fridays at Fort Totten Summer Concert Series is back!
About this event
Every Friday, meet us at the corner of Galloway Street and South Dakota Ave. NE from 6pm-8pm for amazing live music and delicious food from local food trucks!
We hope to see you there! In partnership with The Modern at Art Place.
- June 3rd | Emma G
- June 10th | Marvillous Beats
- June 17th | The Shane Gamble Band
- June 24th | YML AND FRIENDS
- July 1st | N Tyme Jazz Ensemble
- July 8th | Pebble to Pearl
- July 15th | DWQ Jazz Band
- July 22nd | Groovalicious
- July 29th | Shake the Room
- August 5th | DANDY
- August 12th | The Junior Bryce Band
- August 19th | JWX: The Jarreau Williams Experience
- August 26th | Dave Keller
Tonight June 1: North Michigan Park meeting on McDonald’s Rezoning Request for a Drive-Thru
The North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) is holding a meeting tonight on McDonald’s map amendment (rezoning) request that is being pursued in order to replace the existing McDonald’s restaurant at 4950 South Dakota Avenue NE with a new two-story restaurant with a drive-thru. If you live in that area and care about this, plan to attend. Also reach out to NMPCA president Carmen Williams to be added to her distribution list if you are not receiving emails from the NMPCA. Her email address is carm8954@aol.com.
At the ANC 5A meeting on May 25, 2022, the ANC tabled the issue at the request of Ms. Williams and ANC Commissioner Charles Lockett (5A02) so that they could hold meetings with their constituents. The McDonald’s sits in ANC single member district (SMD) 5A03, represented by ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03), but it is across the street from ANC 5A02 and a couple of blocks from ANC 5A08. The ANC plans to take up the matter again at its June meeting. Counsel for McDonald’s anticipates that a Zoning Commission hearing will be scheduled in the fall in either September or October. The ANC hopes to be able to take a vote at the June meeting and prepare a report since the ANC takes a summer break in July and August.
McDonald’s presentation from the May meeting, which includes a simple rendering, and other documents related to the request are available on the ANC’s website under Documents→Presentations→2022→May 2022→McDonalds. Edited to add: They will replace the renderings that are currently in the restaurant. At the meeting, the owner said the plan is to have the kitchen on the second floor; there would not be any seating on the second floor. This would allow them to have a building with a smaller footprint. He said that currently, the food is cooked in the basement of the restaurant and brought up to the first floor. Also, counsel stated that the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has asked McDonald’s to perform a queue analysis. In keeping with what they previously planned, they said they plan to remove the curb cut on South Dakota closest to Delafield Street.
(See this post for FAQs that were previously distributed by email by ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03). The restaurant sits in her single member district (SMD)).
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NMPCA’s meeting notice copied below
FACE TO FACE IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL:
The June meeting is an important meeting concerning the zone changes in the McDonalds area. Your voice is important to the changes in the North Michigan Park Community. If a vote is taken you need to be counted.
North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting Agenda
June 1, 2022
7:00 pm
FACE TO FACE IN PERSON
NMP Recreation Center
1313 Emerson Street NE
Washington, DC 20017
&
Virtual Meeting
Meeting ID 882 7345 2110
Passcode 930240
Call In 1-301-715-8592
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88273452110?pwd=dmZ3R1liOTRKY1FyS3hlYlBqWnBWUT09
- Call to Order
- Opening Prayer – Silent
- Roll Call of Officers
- Previous month Meeting Minutes available upon request
Community Updates
NMPCA Community Updates
- NMPCA Scholarship – June 2022
- Community Clean Up Date – June 4, 2022 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
- Meet at the Recreation Center
- Community Day Event with NMPCA, NMP Reunion and DPR – Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 12:00 noon until 7:00 pm
- MPD – as assigned
- MPD – Community Laison
- Mayor’s Office – Nokomis Hunter
GUEST SPEAKER
Leila Batties Representing McDonalds
- Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s Office – Kelly Cislo
- ANC Commissioners
- 5A02 Charles Lockett
- 5A03 Emily Lucio
- 5A08 Gordon Fletcher
- Department of Recreation – Joe Clark
- Faith United Church
Community Concerns
Adjourn
New Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library art seeks community contributions
News Release
Thursday, May 26, 2022, 7:59 a.m
New Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library art seeks community contributions
Heritage Wall to feature a quilt-inspired collage.
The DC Public Library has selected two contributors to the “Heritage Wall” at the new Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library, artist Michelle L. Herman and the community.
Herman will create a digital tapestry inspired by the idea of a quilt that reflects the history of the community surrounding the new Lamond-Riggs/ Lillian J. Huff Library. The new art will enhance the new Lamond-Riggs/ Lillian J. Huff Library by creating a vibrant, inspirational welcome to the building that responds to the community’s desire to have artwork that reflects them. The Heritage Wall will span the first and second floors of the new library next to the building’s entrance. The art will be a striking feature visible outside the library and close-up.
To complete the quilt, residents will be invited to contribute family photographs and fabric swatches. Herman will scan the materials and use them to create a digital collage.
In the coming weeks, the Library will announce the opening date for the new Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library. At that time, a schedule will be released of when community members will be able to bring their photos and fabric samples for the artist to use
Herman is a multidisciplinary artist and a resident of the Lamond-Riggs community, who has exhibited throughout the Washington, DC area in 4 solo exhibitions and several group exhibitions. She holds both a Bachelors and Masters of Fine Arts from The Maryland Institute College of Art. She was selected after the Library issued a Request for Qualifications to engage individual artists, designers, and art/design teams in January.
Located at 5401 South Dakota Ave. NE the new Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library is nearly complete. The new 23,500 square foot space will feature a wide range of flexible spaces including expanded space for adults, teens and children; a variety of collaboration spaces including a living room-style seating area; a large meeting room with a capacity for 100 people; and 7 reservable meeting spaces.
New Lamond-Riggs Library will Honor Lillian J. Huff
News Release
Wednesday, May 25, 2022, 6:42 p.m
New Lamond-Riggs Library will honor longtime Ward 5 resident Lillian J. Huff
DC Public Library Board of Trustees Approves Building Naming.
The soon-to-be-open library at 5401 South Dakota Ave. NE will have a new name. At its May meeting, the DC Public Library Board of Trustees voted that the new library would be named the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library, honoring the longtime activist and Ward 5 resident.
A former President of the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association and a former Democratic National Committee member, Huff was instrumental in securing the funding from Congress to build the original Lamond-Riggs Library. Huff served as the first President of the Friends of the Lamond-Riggs Library. She was also Vice President of the Federation of Friends of the DC Public Library. Huff was also the elected leader of the District’s Delegation to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services in 1978. President Jimmy Carter appointed her Vice-Chairperson of the Pre-White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services.
The Lamond Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Library will replace the old Lamond-Riggs Library. The new 23,500 square foot library will feature:
- Expanded space for adults, teens and children;
- A variety of collaboration spaces including a living room-style seating area;
- A large meeting room with a capacity for 100 people, dividable into separate smaller rooms
- 7 additional reservable meeting spaces, one for up to 12 people, two for up to six people each, and four study spaces designed for 2 people; and
- Outdoor spaces on each floor with comfortable seating.
The District of Columbia Public Library was created in 1896 by an Act of Congress. Congress established the Board of Library Trustees to set policy for the library. The Board of Trustees of the Library is comprised of nine unpaid District residents from wards around the city. Meetings of the Board of Library Trustees are generally held on the fourth Wednesday of every other month and these meetings are open to the public. For more information about the DC Public Library Board of Trustees, click here.
Art Place Construction Notice 5/30/2022-6/4/2022
Light Posting
Note: Posting will be light the next few weeks as I get back up to speed. There likely will not be an ANC meeting recap for this month’s meeting.
- Storytime at Lamond-Riggs Library, Tuesdays May 31, 2022-July 19, 2022, for children up to 5 years old, 10:30 am-11:00 am at The Modern at Art Place (400 Galloway Street NE)
- Cafritz Foundation brings on new development partner for performance venue at Art Place at Fort Totten’s second phase, tvg hospitality, headed by Ben Lovett, a co-founder of Mumford & Sons – reported by Washington Business Journal (paywall) – (Note the team stated in its last submission to the Zoning Commission that it had signed an operating agreement with the venue group (tvg) to manage the performance venue and food hall.)
- ANC redistricting updates available at https://www.elissasilverman.com/redistricting.
- Hellbender is back with normal taproom hours
Kansas Avenue Protected Bike Lanes – Open for Public Comment
The office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George recently tweeted about the notice of intent (NOI 22-169-PSD) published by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to install protected bike lanes on a short stretch of Kansas Avenue between Chillum Place NE and 2nd Street NW. The NOI, available on DDOT’s NOI website, is open for public comment until June 28, 2022. Comments may be submitted to mike.goodno@dc.gov.
From the overview in the NOI:
Kansas Avenue has been identified as part of the bicycle priority network in MoveDC, the District of Columbia’s statewide long-range transportation plan. Standard unprotected bicycle lanes exist today on a majority of Kansas Avenue. The two exceptions are south of Upshur Street and a gap between Chillum Place NE and Blair Road. With this notice, DDOT proposes to close that network gap with one-way protected bike lanes between Chillum Place NE and Blair Road NW and convert portions of the existing unprotected bike lanes between Blair Road and 2nd Street NW to protected.
Also available on the NOI site is ANC 4B’s resolution in support of closing the gap here on Kansas Avenue. This connection will be an important one for those in Lamond-Riggs traveling from the east to connect to the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT), which will eventually run along Blair Road near this location. (Also shoutout to resident Gavin Baker who takes every opportunity to remind DDOT of the need to fill this gap and not forget about people connecting to the trail from the east).
Images of the proposed design are below
Lamond-Riggs Boys & Girls Club Reunion Event
WUSA 9 television provided really nice coverage of the Lamond-Riggs Boys & Girls Club Reunion & Community Welcoming event that took place on May 14, 2022 at the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. It was a wonderful event where people who grew up in the neighborhood came together to celebrate their pride in a neighborhood that invested so much in them. The Lamond-Riggs Boys and Girls Club got its start in a little red church building and eventually found a home in the Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center. Seeing so many come back to the neighborhood to attend this event and express so much joy at seeing old neighbors with whom they grew up, it became even clearer why so many chose this neighborhood in the 1960s to call home and why so many who grew up here feel such great pride in the neighborhood.
The event was emceed by Howard Burnett, who grew up in Riggs Park and went on to become a senior administrator with Prince George’s County Public Schools. The program recognized all those who made a difference in the lives of the young people in the neighborhood–founders of the boys and girls club, coaches, and community partners. Guest speaker Richard Dyer, who is the president and general manager of WUSA 9 television, also grew up in Riggs Park. His family lived in the neighborhood from 1967 to 1992.
Pictures of the program below
Origin of event
The event grew out of facebook group conversations among individuals who grew up in the neighborhood, talking about the changes that they were seeing in the neighborhood. Those conversations made their way to Frank Jones, who also grew up in Riggs Park and has a special talent for putting on events. Mr. Jones retired from many years of service at the Walter Reed Medical Center, including in special events. He decided to volunteer his organization, the DC High School Alumni Association, to sponsor the event and pulled together a team of three committees to assist. Many of those assisting in the planning were his fellow Coolidge High School alumni. Mr. Jones said one of his goals was to make sure the event would be a bridge between generations and unite residents. That is one reason the event was stylized as both a reunion and community welcoming event. The team also wanted to give back, so they decided to donate funds to both the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) and the Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center.
It really was a special treat to see so many come back, hear how much the boys and girls club meant to them, and hear how they wish to continue meeting the needs of youth in the neighborhood.
Additional event photos below
May 25: ANC 5A Public Meeting
ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting
May 25, 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
All residents will be muted. Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.
Agenda Items
- Commission Business
- Z.C. Case No. 22-19 (McDonalds Corporation – Map Amendment for property located at Square 3786, Lot 1 (4950 S. Dakota Avenue, N.E.) 5A03
- Wesley Housing project 5A07
- Community Updates
- MPD- Police Chief
- Mayor’s Office
- Councilmember McDuffie’s office
May 23: ANC 4B Public Meeting
ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting
Monday, May 23, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting Details:
For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89234876272?pwd=ekx4MlpxNWgrd014OEZoSENnUWlDUT09. Meeting ID: 892 3487 6272. Passcode: 847782.
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 892 3487 6272. Passcode: 847782.
Agenda
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Administrative Items:
A. Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting
B. Consideration and Approval of May Agenda
C. Approval of April Regular Public Meeting Minutes
D. Treasurer’s Report
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. Anthony Mitchell, 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)
D. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes)
E. Housing Justice Committee (2 minutes)
F. Vision Zero Committee (2 minutes)
G. Community Safety & Supports Committee (2 minutes)
6. Presentation: Everett Lott, Director, District Department of Transportation, Discussion re Commission Issues and Community Concerns (30 minute presentation; 20 minute discussion)
- High Turnover of DDOT Community Engagement Specialists
- Lack of Transparency and Action for Traffic Safety Investigation Requests
- Difficulties with Traffic Safety Investigation Dashboard
- Closure of 311 Requests Without Action
- Lack of Responses to ANC Resolutions and Changing Standards for ANC Requests
- Inability to Seek Action on Neighborhood-Wide Traffic Calming
- Hardening of Short-Term Traffic Safety Infrastructure
- Placement and Replacement of Traffic Signs
- Sidewalk Gaps and Repairs
- Specific Outstanding Requests – Commission Resolutions, Traffic Safety Investigations; 311 Requests
7. Consent Calendar:
Resolution 4B-22-0501: Noting Lengthy History of Requests & Calling for Four-Way Stop Signs at 6th and Butternut Streets, NW (Commissioner Palmer)
8. Letter: Supporting Affordable Housing in High-Needs Areas Tax Abatement for Takoma Metro Station Development (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer & Commissioner Bromaghim – 2 minutes presentation, 2 minutes discussion)
9. Resolution 4B-22-0502: Maintaining Access to Abortions in Washington, DC (Commissioner Tiffani Nichole Johnson – 2 minutes presentation, 2 minutes discussion)
10. Resolution 4B-22-0503: Renewal of Alcoholic Beverage License for Oohh’s & Aahh’s Restaurant, LLC, 5933 Georgia Avenue, NW (ABRA-107879) (Commissioner Parks – 2 minutes presentation, 2 minutes discussion)
11. Adjournment
Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, June 27, 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)
Z Burger is Open
Z Burger is now open at 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE (across from the McDonald’s). The restaurant is open every day from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. It is connected to the minimart but there is a separate entrance for the restaurant as well. There are a few small tables inside. We now have an abundance of burger (and milkshake!) places to choose from in less than a one mile radius. How did we get so lucky.
Office of Campaign Finance Candidate Debates May 16-19
This week, DC’s Office of Campaign Finance (OCF) will be hosting debates for candidates running in the upcoming DC primary election. Watch the debates at https://dcdebates.com.
OCF Debate schedule
DC Mayor
May 16, 2022
7:00 pm-8:30 pm
DC Attorney General
May 17, 2022
7:00 pm-8:30 pm
DC Council At-Large
May 19, 2022
7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Art Place Construction Notice 5/16/2022-5/21/2022
May 14: Lamond-Riggs Boys & Girls Club Reunion Event
Lamond-Riggs Boys & Girls Club Reunion & Community Welcoming
May 14, 2022
12:00 pm-1:00 pm
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center
501 Riggs Road NE
Note: Due to expected rain, some of the outdoor activities for this event have been cancelled. Everyone is invited to attend the indoor program at 12:00 pm.
Lamond-Riggs Boys & Girls Club Reunion & Community Welcoming event will celebrate the rich history and numerous successes yielded by the Lamond-Riggs Boys & Girls Club (LRBGC) located in Northeast Washington, D.C. The products of this community remain the cornerstone of many families within the community, reside with families throughout the District, Maryland, Virginia areas and also around the world. The reunion will acknowledge the past and present of this community landmark who have benefited and/or supported the LRBGC in building the lives of successful women and men. The services afforded to the LRBGC community over the years have built foundational success for many youth and families which have contributed to the influence of exceptional doctors, educators, business leaders, community leaders, clergy and numerous other professions.
12:00 PM – 1:00PM
Community Awards & Recognitions
Community Development/Support
Parent Involvement
Founders & Administrators
Cheerleaders
Coaches
FAQs on McDonald’s Rezoning Application
ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) has posted an FAQ sheet regarding McDonald’s rezoning application (ZC case number 22-19) on the ANC 5A website.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 