Construction on North Michigan Park-Fort Totten Pedestrian Trail Anticipated to Resume This Month

Posted by nextstoprp in Fort Circle Park, Transportation

A reader asked for a status update on construction of a formal pedestrian trail between Gallatin Street NE and Galloway Street NE that will provide better access for North Michigan Park residents to the Fort Totten Metro station. I confirmed with the National Park Service (NPS) that construction will resume sometime this month in July. Trail construction began at the beginning of July 2020, but was halted just a few weeks later after the construction crew found an unexploded ordnance. Construction has been halted and the area closed off since then in order for NPS to conduct soil testing and figure out next steps to make sure it was safe to continue building the trail.

NPS previously communicated to a couple of residents in May 2021 that construction will begin again in July 2021. I confirmed with NPS yesterday June 30 that they still anticipate a July timeframe to resume construction. NPS stated in an email to me yesterday, “Yes, the trail construction is scheduled to restart later next month and the negative test results is allowing us to continue the work.”

I know that NPS has been giving various dates for resuming construction for a while now, but I think this July timeframe is the most realistic timeframe they have provided so far. So hopefully, residents will in fact see construction of the trail begin again soon.

And also a quick update on a separate, but nearby project, which is the sidewalk that is supposed to be installed on the south side of Galloway between South Dakota Avenue & 4th Street NE. NPS informed me at the end of April 2021, “DDOT just transferred the funding to Federal Highway Administration to complete the design of the sidewalk from South Dakota Avenue NE to the existing DDOT/WMATA sidewalk along Galloway Street NE. We do not have a timeline at this point when the design will be completed.” There have some been some design hiccups with this particular project. I have not followed up with NPS about this issue since that correspondence in April, but my understanding is that their posture is still the same at this point.

Lamond-Riggs Interim Library is Open

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

The Lamond-Riggs Interim Library opened today for service at 395 Ingraham Street NE. The library’s hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Patrons are required to wear a mask inside the library.

Though the occupancy limit for the interim library is around 46 people, it feels light and spacious, with various book collections and a couple of tables for seating. There are small collections of adult and juvenile fiction and non-fiction, children’s and picture books, and books in Spanish. There is also a small collection of DVDs available to the public.

Patrons can return books and pick up holds. Individuals can use one of several public computers and print up to 20 pages per day. There is a copier, but it is currently undergoing service.

This is a really nice interim library to have while the neighborhood library is undergoing a complete rebuild, so stop in and check it out. The project website for the reconstruction of the neighborhood library is https://www.dclibrary.org/newlamondriggs.

Images of the interim library below

  • Copier and public computers
  • More public computers
  • Two tables for public seating
  • Picture book collection
  • Easy readers collection
  • Teen and young adult collection
  • Books in Spanish
  • New arrivals

June 28: ANC 4B Monthly Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

ANC 4B Monthly Public Meeting
June 28, 2021
7:00 pm

Virtual Meeting Details: 

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://streetjustice-news.zoom.us/j/84214249196?pwd=c3E0bzJmMFpoQ1JwVWFtNmhsVkduUT09. Meeting ID: 842 1424 9196. Password: 964318.

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 842 1424 9196. Password: 964318.

To watch (but not participate) via YouTube: https://youtu.be/K967ThaQ-28. 

Agenda:

1.         Call to Order & Roll Call  

2.         Administrative Items: Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting Consideration and Approval of June Agenda Approval of May Regular Public Meeting Minutes Treasurer’s Report & Grants 

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: Anthony Mitchell, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)  Tamira Benitez, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 minutes) Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative (3 minutes) Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes) Housing Justice Committee (2 minutes) Vision Zero Committee (2 minutes) 

6.         Presentation: Mayor Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget (30 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion) 

7.         Presentation: Ernest Chrappah, Director, District Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Agency Update (15 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion) 

8.         Presentation: Sayra Molina, Program Analyst – Community Engagement, District Department of Transportation, ParkDC Permits (5 minute presentation, 5 minute discussion) 

9.         Presentation: Jane Nelson, Nelson Architects, Proposed Development at 6101 Sligo Mill Road, NE (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 

10.     Consent Calendar:  Resolution 4B-21-0601: Calling for Virtual Testimony Option for DC Government Hearings (Commissioner Palmer) 
Resolution 4B-21-0602: Requesting Functioning Lights at Takoma Metro Station (Commissioner Yeats) 

11.     Supplemental Letter re Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Priorities (Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Yeats & Commissioner Palmer – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)

12.     Presentation and Resolution 4B-21-0603: Supporting Construction of a Detached Single Family Home at 515 Cedar Street, NW (HPA 21-373) (Commissioner Yeats – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion) 

13.     Resolution 4B-21-0604: Supporting Implementation of the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor’s Recommendations for an Educational Data System to Support Student Progress (Commissioner Yeats – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)   

14.     Adjournment  

Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, July 26, 2021, 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)

ANC 5A June 16, 2021 Special Public Meeting Recap: Vacant ANC 5A04 seat; hybrid ANC meetings; interim library

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

ANC 5A held a special public meeting on June 16, 2021. All commissioners were present: Damion McDuffie, Sr. (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio – Secretary (5A03); Ronnie Edwards – Chair (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Sandi Washington – Treasurer (5A07); Gordon Fletcher – Vice Chair (5A08).

Vacant ANC 5A04 seat

The DC Board of Elections certified a vacancy for ANC 5A single member district (SMD) 5A04, which covers Catholic University. The university identified a candidate, Rev. Michael Witczak, to run for the seat. Originally from Milwaukee, Rev. Witczak is a fourteen-year resident of DC and a professor of theology at Catholic University. He lives on the grounds of the university.

Over the years, the ANC 5A04 seat has been filled sporadically by Catholic University students who sometimes have to leave in the middle of a term depending on when they graduate. University officials hope that Rev. Witczak will be able to provide continous university representation on the ANC, assuming he satisfies the requirements to be elected and remains interested in serving. The petition period to collect signatures runs from June 1 to June 21.

Hybrid in-person/virtual ANC meetings

Commissioner Lucio stated that the Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (OANC) has asked the ANCs whether they anticipate being able to return to in-person meetings this fall. ANC 5A uses UDC’s Backus campus for meetings. UDC has not decided yet if the facility will be open to the public this September for the ANC’s use.

A discussion followed of a letter that was circulated among ANCs citywide requesting that the Council permit ANCs to have hybrid in-person and virtual meetings. (Aside: It looks like that letter was sent to the Council on June 10, 2021, see https://twitter.com/Alison6B09/status/1403031272474169349). ANC 5A used this special meeting to discuss whether to support the letter. After an interesting discussion started by Commissioner Washington expressing concern about a few ANCs making decisions for ANCs citywide, ANC 5A decided that they will draft their own letter at some point that I suppose they will send to the Council at some point. (Aside: All of this discussion was taking place without residents knowing what the ANC was talking about because, for whatever reason, the ANC does not make letters/resolutions being discussed available to residents ahead of time. In pre-pandemic times, resolutions would at least be available in hard copy at the meeting).

ANC 5A website

The ANC continues to make progress on updating its website. Each commissioner will have individual pages on the new site where they can post meeting notices and other items, and residents will be able to contact individuals through the site. Send suggestions/questions about the website update to Commissioner Lucio. No date given for launch of the new site just yet.

MPD Police Report

Captain Kevin Kentish is the new captain for MPD’s Fourth District. His email address is kevin.kentish@dc.gov.

Lt. Patrick Schaut gave usual advice–do not leave anything visible in cars. After seeing a slight decrease in car break-ins, MPD is now seeing an increase again. Also, take advantage of the city’s private security camera incentive program to install security cameras on your home.

ANC 5A public safety task force

Commissioner Fletcher is working with residents in ANC 5A08 to fill out a neighborhood safety assessment plan with DC’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE). That led to a discussion of how these plans will be used. Commissioner McDuffie noted that he had some questions about ONSE’s response to the safety assessment plan developed for ANC 5A01, and that is why he has not shared information about outcomes of engagement with ONSE just yet. (Aside: I have a lot to write about all of the various public safety meetings that have taken place over the past two years or so. More to come on that in a separate post). Other commissioners expressed interest in filling out a plan for their areas.

The next ANC 5A public safety meeting is tentatively scheduled for June 30, 2021.

Lamond-Riggs Library

The cost of materials to rebuild the Lamond-Riggs Library at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE has increased significantly, but construction continues. You can see visible progress of construction at the site on South Dakota Avenue and Kennedy Street NE.

The Lamond-Riggs Interim Library, located at 395 Ingraham Street NE, will open on June 28, 2021. Patrons will be able to pick up holds, browse a small collection, and use public computers.

The next ANC 5A monthly public meeting will be June 23, 2021.

June 23: ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting
June 23, 2021
6:45 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84404462291?pwd=MkpjeWRTT1ZHQkk0NFcrTGk5SEdIZz09

Meeting ID: 844 0446 2291    
Passcode: 641962
Dial In: 301 715 8592

All residents will be muted.  Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.

Agenda Items

Department of Motor Vehicles- RPP Parking and other issues related to the pandemic

DDOT ParkDC Visitor Parking Permit System Available to ANC 5A Residents

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Residents in ANC 5A now have access to ParkDC Permits, a new system the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is testing for managing visitor parking permits. With this new system, residents will be able to print out visitor parking passes from a personal printer (or from DC public libraries, DDOT kiosks, or DC police stations if you do not have a personal printer available). Visit https://parkdc.com/permits to register. Be sure to check out the FAQ page because it explains a lot. See DDOT’s notice below.

Dear Resident,

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is excited to announce the preliminary launch of ParkDC Permits, a new, centralized system for DC residents and their visitors to manage visitor, temporary, home health aide, and contractor parking permits via a single online portal.

ParkDC Permits is now available for live testing to you as a resident of ANC 5A in the Michigan Park and Queens Chapel neighborhoods. You can use ParkDC Permits for all of your visitor parking needs. All of the information you need to get started is available on the ParkDC Permits website. Check out ParkDC Permits Instructional Videos and the ParkDC Permits FAQs for more information about the system.

The digital portal will be available District-wide next month. For more information, read the May 2021 Press Release announcing the launch of DDOT’s new digital parking permit system.

If you have questions or need support getting started using ParkDC Permits, please use the feedback feature on the ParkDC Permits website, call our 24/7 Call Center at 202-671-2631, or email ddot.parking@dc.gov.

We look forward to your feedback!

Thank you,

DDOT Parking and Ground Transportation Division

Lamond-Riggs Interim Library Opening June 28

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

The Lamond-Riggs Interim Library, located at 395 Ingraham Street NE (at the Modern at Art Place), will open for service on June 28, 2021. Images of the interim library are available here.

—

From DC Public Library

Starting in late June, the DC Public Library will phase in more services. Over the next four weeks, all locations will open, evening hours will be offered on Thursdays and meeting rooms will be available by reservation. 

The Library’s reopening schedule is:

  • On June 28, the Parklands-Turner Library, Rosedale Library and Lamond-Riggs Interim Library will open. 
  • On July 12, meeting rooms will be available for public use. Residents can begin reserving rooms on July 6.
  • On July 15, the Library’s schedule will shift to offer evening hours on Thursdays.
  • On July 19, the Northwest One Library and Takoma Park Library will open.

Starting July 15, the DC Public Library’s schedule will be:

  • Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, noon to 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Customers can visit a library location to browse the collection, sit at a table or lounge area and use public computers for 70-minute sessions. In the coming weeks, indoor programming and events will be phased in.

The following measures have been put in place at library locations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19:

  • Face masks are required for staff and the public.
  • Hand sanitizer is available for staff and the public.

For more information on the Library’s current opening status, click here.

New COVID-19 Mobile Vaccination Unit at Mary’s Center Fort Totten Clinic

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety
Ribbon cutting for vaccination pod at Mary’s Center Fort totten, June 10, 2021. Photo credit: Robert Oliver

Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser cut the ribbon on a new COVID-19 mobile vaccination pod at Mary’s Center, located at 100 Gallatin Street NE near Fort Totten Metro station. According to the mayor’s press release, the pod, which can be used to vaccinate up to 400 people per day, will also help to free up resources inside the clinic so that patients can continue to access regular care.

June 16: ANC 4B Vision Zero Committee Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, Transportation

From ANC 4B

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B’s Vison Zero Committee will meet on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Committee will be meeting virtually. Details about participating/watching the meeting are included below:

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://streetjustice-news.zoom.us/j/83166670715?pwd=V3RDR05ydlc0eFZZUC9EbmFBWkhPdz09 

Meeting ID: 831 6667 0715. Password: 638567.

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 831 6667 0715. Password: 638567. 

To watch (but not participate) via YouTube: https://youtu.be/PfW6F0IHYm0

Additional information is available on the Commission’s website at https://anc4b.com/committees/vision-zero-committee/

June 14: ANC 4B Housing Justice Committee Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, Public Safety

From ANC 4B

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B’s Housing Justice Committee will meet on Monday, June 14, 2021, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Committee will be meeting virtually. Details about participating/watching the meeting are included below:

For video participation via Zoom on a computer or mobile device, click this link: https://streetjustice-news.zoom.us/j/81882674590?pwd=V3h0RUw0bmJHV1RrNnhiMVVpamthdz09. 

Meeting ID:  818 8267 4590. Password: 488799. 

For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592. Meeting ID: 818 8267 4590. Password: 488799. 

To watch (but not participate) via YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q6Pb7D1Vq_w

Additional information is available on the Commission’s website at https://anc4b.com/committees/housing-justice-committee/.

Lamond-Riggs Library June 2021 Construction Update & what to expect in weeks ahead

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

From DC Public Library

Here is a quick update on construction progress from your Library rebuild and what to expect in the weeks ahead specifically for Utility work on Kennedy Street NE.

Here is also the deck presented to ANC Commissioner Damion McDuffie (5A01) at his SMD meeting on May 19, 2021, which includes visuals from Lamond-Riggs Interim Library.

Construction progress update:

  • Foundation works is substantially complete
  • Offsite Structural Steel fabrication is complete.
  • The old underground fuel storage tank has been removed and hauled off.
  • Crane is onsite.
  • Steel delivery and erection has begun- photo below
  • The species for the new replacement tree are being finalized for submission to Urban Forestry & DDOT as part of the Public space permit. 
  • DDOT has approved the traffic control plans for utility work required outside the site – more detail and visuals below.  

What to expect in the weeks ahead?

  • Construction will continue within the permitted hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday.
    • To make up for the lost weather days, the library has directed Consigli to work Saturdays.
    • Utility work on Kennedy street scheduled to start this week – at the earliest Thursday, June 3.
    • Utility work will be limited to permitted hours of 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM Monday thru Friday. No Saturday work is planned for Utilities.
      • Two lanes of traffic will continue to remain open as per approved traffic control plans.
      • Cones and signs will be set up, and as needed certified flaggers will be stationed.
      • Lanes will be configured day-to-day to allow work to occur in different locations on Kennedy – see visuals below.
      • Pedestrian access at the sidewalk will remain available.
  • The steel structure will continue to be erected.
  • Underground utility, electrical, and plumbing work will continue.
  • Excavators will remain on-site, and concrete trucks & pumps will be scheduled for pour days.
  • Trucks will still enter and exit the site via South Dakota Avenue into the construction enclosure from Kennedy St.
  • Consigli Construction is taking all necessary measures to run a safe operation, and as with all construction projects, construction-related noise will be part of the process as the team builds your new library.

General questions can be directed to the Library’s Community engagement liaison Martha Saccocio at her email: Martha.Saccocio@dc.gov.

Any time-sensitive Construction Safety Issues can be reported to Consigli Construction Superintendent-Michael Davis at 202.570.3375.

Photo: Steel Structure Erection underway

Approved Traffic Control Plan for Kennedy Street – 4 layouts show specific areas of work where utility work will occur on Kennedy Street within specific date ranges

May 29-September 6, 2021: No green/yellow line service north of Fort Totten

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

From WMATA

Summer platform reconstruction: West Hyattsville, Prince George’s Plaza, College Park-U of Md, and Greenbelt closed, May 29 – September 6

Rail Service Information

  • No Green or Yellow Line rail service north of Fort Totten.
  • Yellow Line trains will operate between Huntington & Mount Vernon Square.
  • Green Line trains will operate between Branch Ave & Fort Totten.
  • On all lines, trains will operate every 12 minutes on weekdays, every 15 minutes on weekends, and every 20 minutes after 9 p.m. Headways are subject to change based on additional weekend track work elsewhere on the system.

Travel Alternatives

  • Free shuttle bus service will be available at the closed stations:
    • Limited-stop service between Greenbelt, College Park-U of Md & Fort Totten every 6-10 minutes.
    • Limited-stop service between Prince George’s Plaza, West Hyattsville & Fort Totten every 6-10 minutes.
    • Local service between Greenbelt, College Park-U of Md, Prince George’s Plaza, & West Hyattsville every 15 minutes.
  • MARC Camden Line trains will continue to operate at Greenbelt and College Park-U of Md to Union Station.
  • Customers may also consider the regular-route bus service detailed below to get around the construction areas. Metrobus timetables are available here.

Greenbelt

  • Metrobus G12 & G14: service to New Carrollton Station
  • Metrobus R12: service to College Park-U of Md & Deanwood stations
  • TheBus 16: service to New Carrollton Station
  • College Park-U of Md
  • Metrobus 83: service to Rhode Island Ave Station
  • Metrobus 86: service to Prince George’s Plaza & Rhode Island Ave stations
  • Metrobus F6: service to New Carrollton, Prince George’s Plaza, West Hyattsville & Fort Totten stations
  • Metrobus R12: service to College Park-U of Md & Deanwood stations

Prince George’s Plaza

  • Metrobus 86: service to Prince George’s Plaza & Rhode Island Ave stations
  • Metrobus F4: service to Silver Spring & New Carrollton stations
  • Metrobus F6: service to New Carrollton, Prince George’s Plaza, West Hyattsville & Fort Totten stations
  • Metrobus F8: service to West Hyattsville & Cheverly stations
  • Metrobus R4: service to West Hyattsville & Brookland stations
  • TheBus 13: service to West Hyattsville Station
  • TheBus 18: service to Addison Rd Station

West Hyattsville

  • Metrobus F1 & F2: service to Takoma & Cheverly stations
  • Metrobus F6: service to New Carrollton, Prince George’s Plaza, West Hyattsville & Fort Totten stations
  • Metrobus F8: service to West Hyattsville & Cheverly stations
  • Metrobus R4: service to West Hyattsville & Brookland stations
  • TheBus 13: service to West Hyattsville Station

Parking Information

Beginning Saturday, May 29, parking at Greenbelt, College Park-U of Md, Prince George’s Plaza and West Hyattsville stations will be free for the duration of the closures. Regular rates will be charged at other Metro parking facilities.

May 26, 2021 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Vaccine updates; Health insurance assistance; Roosevelt High career academies; Defund MPD; Michigan Park townhomes update

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on May 26, 2021. All commissioners were present: Damion McDuffie, Sr. (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio – Secretary (5A03); Ronnie Edwards – Chair (5A05); Derrick Holloway, Sr. (5A06); Sandi Washington – Treasurer (5A07); Gordon Fletcher – Vice Chair (5A08). ANC 5A04 remains vacant.

Quick note on the agenda. Once again there was not anyone present to discuss the residential parking permit (RPP) fee increase that was on the agenda. Seems there was confusion again about who was responsible for getting the proper District officials there. District Department of Transportation (DDOT) staff were present, but they were there to discuss the visitor parking pilot program, which was not on the agenda. DDOT is not the agency responsible for the RPP fee increase; the DC Department of Motor Vehicles is. So the commission decided not to have DDOT present at all on the parking pilot and said they will try again to get someone at a meeting to discuss the RPP fee increase. All in all, definitely sounds like there will not be any discussion of this issue before June 1, the effective date of the fee increase.

The meeting was running long for reasons, and nature decided to intervene. The thunderstorm Wednesday evening made people’s internet connection unstable. The commission had to end the meeting at around 9:15 pm and could not get to a couple of items on the agenda, including discussion of two proposed bikeshare locations in ANC 5A03 (12th Street NE and on Decatur Street NE).

MPD Police Report

I missed the first few minutes of the meeting while I was waiting to get the link to join. I joined in the middle of a discussion with MPD 4D Inspector James Boteler about police officers getting out of their police vehicles to speak with and interact with residents. This is a recurring conversation. Inspector Boteler said he was interested in an adopt-a-block program in which officers would be charged with focusing on a particular block and getting to know 10 to 15 residents of that block. Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) was the first to offer up her SMD for this challenge. (I guess do not be surprised if officers start randomly talking to you and waving at you on the street).

ANC 5A03 Traffic Calming on 10th Street NE

View the draft resolution here.

The commission voted unanimously to approve a resolution from Commissioner Lucio (5A03) regarding traffic calming in the 4200-4300 blocks of 10th Street NE (between Taylor and Varnum). This area is the border between ANC 5A and ANC 5B. The resolution opposes DDOT’s proposal to open the currently one-way street to two-way vehicular traffic by removing parking on one side of the street. Instead, the resolution requests other measures such as speed humps, signage, and flexiposts. ANC 5B has considered a similar resolution.

ANC 5A08 Public Safety Task Force Update

ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) will be soliciting input from residents in ANC 5A08 to complete a community questionnaire from the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to identify ways to address community safety.

The next ANC 5A public safety meeting will be in June.

Ward 5 Mayor’s Office Report

Ward 5 MOCR Nokomis Hunter noted that Mayor Muriel Bowser will present her FY2022 budget to the Council on May 27, 2021 (find the full budget here and see the mayor’s presentation to the Council here).

DC residents 12 years of age and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Homebound residents who would like to receive the COVID-19 vaccine should contact (855) 363-0333 to register for an at-home appointment.

DC will run a ticket amnesty program from June 1, 2021, through September 30, 2021. Penalties will be waived for outstanding tickets for certain violations issued prior to September 30, 2021, so that individuals will only have to pay the original ticket amount. Details at ticketamnesty.dc.gov.

DC residents can get assistance with paying rent and utilities through https://stay.dc.gov.

Ward 5 Council Report

Jonathan McNair, Director of Community Engagement for Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, noted CM McDuffie previously sent a letter with a number of budget requests to the mayor, some of them ostensibly designed to address equity in DC.

ANC Commissioner Damion McDuffie (5A01) noted that adjustments will be made to COVID-19 vaccination site locations beginning in June due to reopening of recreation centers for summer camp. To find the nearest vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov or text your zip code to GETVAX (438829).

The DC Council unanimously passed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan (Bill 24-1). The Comp Plan guides how the city should grow and develop.

DC Health Link: Health Insurance Resources

See presentation here.

With funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, DC residents have new health insurance resources available:

1. New temporary benefit for laid off workers: health insurance for as little as $2/month

2. New lower health insurance premium for more residents: individual and family coverage on DC Health Link

3. New temporary benefit for laid off workers: free COBRA premiums (employer health insurance continuation coverage)

For information and details, visit DCHealthLink.com.

NAF Academy at Roosevelt High School

See presentation here.

Roosevelt High School has two career academies, foreign policy/diplomacy and culinary arts. Benefits of enrolling in the NAF Academy include academic supports, paid internships, mentoring, career exploration, and college preparation. Complete the interest survey here. Part of ANC 5A07 is zoned for Roosevelt High School. In-boundary students can enroll in person or online. Out-of-boundary students can apply for enrollment using the My School DC lottery.

Roosevelt NAF Academy is also accepting volunteers. Complete the volunteer interest form here.

For questions, contact Roosevelt NAF Academy Director Julian Hipkins at julian.hipkins@k12.dc.gov.

Defund MPD Coalition

See presentation here.

Organizers with the Defund MPD campaign presented the coalition’s goals for consideration for ANC resolution support. The goals include ideas for legislation, MPD’s budget, and investment in community resources. Some of the commissioners expressed uneasiness at the thought of fewer police in the community and opined on the name of the coalition.

(Commentary: I think it is worth taking a look at the presentation to view the list of concrete goals from the coalition, which is comprised of various community and labor organizations in DC. Some of the goals align with the recently released report from the DC Police Reform Commission, which was created by the DC Council to explore improvements and alternatives to policing. To me, there is value in engaging with the ideas presented).

This issue will be discussed more at the ANC’s public safety meeting in June.

EYA Michigan Park Townhome Project Update

See presentation here.

Construction continues on the Townhomes at Michigan Park project located near Sargent Road NE and Allison Street NE (view construction updates at https://www.eya.com/townhomes/washington-dc/michigan-park/construction-updates). The first residents are scheduled to move in starting this fall. The developer EYA has started implementing community benefits associated with the project. A housing counseling organization will soon begin marketing grants available to residents affected by higher property tax bills in the area. Construction of a playground for the project will begin in the next 60 days in time to be open by fall. Look for meeting information for residents with the artist and design team regarding the playground. There will be 10 homes available below market rate that will be going on sale soon. Individuals interested in the below market rate homes have to qualify through the city.

A couple of residents raised construction issues, such as trucks using residential streets and water/sewer prep work occurring at 2:00 am. Commissioner Lucio has regular meetings about this project for residents in that area. Please reach out to her if you live in that area and need to receive notices about her single member district (SMD) meetings.

At this point, the meeting was adjourned due to the storm.

Z-Burger Possibly Opening Soon in North Michigan Park

Posted by nextstoprp in North Michigan PArk

A neighbor passed along word that Z-Burger could possibly be opening soon on South Dakota Avenue NE across from the McDonald’s in North Michigan Park (See listed location: 4975 South Dakota Avenue NE).

The neighbor says:


I was just in the DC Super Mart on South Dakota avenue and the owner showed me their Z-burger fit out.  It looks really nice!  He says their build out is done and they are just waiting on some paperwork but it should open next month.  I know we already have a five guys but I’m thrilled to have another option in the neighborhood.  Also excited about 75 flavors of milkshakes.

There you have it, 75 flavors of milkshake on deck.