DC Smart Street Lighting: Solving the Digital Divide

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

By Robert Oliver (Contributor)

Did you know that the District of Columbia government has been working on dramatically increasing access to free W-Fi since January 2017? This work is being done through the DC Smart Street Lighting program to replace approximately 75,000 streetlights bulbs with energy-efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs). This project also includes “installing wireless access points across the District, improving the DC-NET Wi-Fi program.” More detailed information on the Smart Street Program can be found here.

On January 24, 2017, the District of Columbia government hosted an industry forum to discuss the concept of the Smart Street Lighting program. The information flyer is available here. Today, the program is still ongoing. However, the capacity of DC-Net has been increased with the installation of new wireless access hubs throughout the city.  DC-Net now offers an online map of its free Wi-Fi network.  By just entering your address, you can see the Wi-Fi access hubs nearest you. 

While the digital divide still exists, DC-Net has made free Wi-Fi more accessible through the DC Smart Street Lighting program.

DC Net Public Wifi Map

Mayor Office Budget Engagement Forums

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4, Ward 5

Mayor Muriel Bowser is holding four budget engagement forums this month, including one specifically for seniors. For more information, visit budget.dc.gov.

I attended one of these exercises several years ago. I think it was informative insofar as providing a snapshot of how resources are allocated in the budget and how budget decisions get made. The pandemic presents a huge challenge, so it will be interesting to see what the mayor’s budget ends up looking like.

In addition, remember to fill out Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s Ward 5 budget survey by February 19 to provide input on his budget requests to the mayor.

Upcoming Council Oversight Hearings

Posted by nextstoprp in Council

Have thoughts about how DDOT is doing? Want to give praise to DCPL? DC Council agency performance oversight hearings are coming up. Instructions on how to participate or submit testimony are at the end of the public hearing notice.

In addition, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is asking residents for input regarding the oversight hearings. Councilmember Lewis George sits on the Committee on Human Services; Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs; Committee on Labor and Workforce Development; and the Committee on Transportation and the Environment. Share your input via this google form and be as detailed as possible.

February 8: ANC 4B Housing Justice Committee

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

From ANC 4B

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B’s Housing Justice Committee will meet on Monday, February 8, 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/1dCp0ZxC8rQ. 

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

Reminder February 4: DPR Ward 4 Parks & Rec Center Meeting; Complete the Citywide Survey

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

DPR Ready2Play Ward 4 Virtual Meeting
Thursday, February 4, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP

This Thursday, February 4, is your opportunity to discuss the particular parks and rec centers in Ward 4 that you would like to see prioritized for future capital improvements and to share your ideas on the types of recreational programming, park design, and priorities you would like to see addressed in the Ready2Play plan. The District Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) will share findings from its recent Ready2Play Citywide Survey and senior staff from DPR will be on hand to hear suggestions. So if you want to see more improvements at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, now’s your chance to share with DPR.

ALSO, DPR is reopening the citywide survey in order to get more input from more residents. So, if you missed filling it out the first time around, now is your chance to tell DC officials your ideas for parks and recreation centers in the District. Go ahead and let DC officials know you’d like to see a trail and other context-respectful amenities at Fort Circle Park. Let them know that you’d like to see the green space in front of Food & Friends programmed for community space such as an art park or history park or any number of things. Remind them that these requests are outlined in the neighborhood’s area development plan. Complete the survey at https://ready2playdc.com/citywide-survey by March 1, 2021.

Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Exemption

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety

Theoretically, the District Department of Public Works (DPW) enforces a law that requires residents to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their property within a certain of amount of time following a winter storm. Residents ages 65 years and older as well as residents with a disability may apply for a sidewalk shoveling exemption. The exemption lasts for two consecutive snow seasons. The current exemption runs from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The deadline to apply for this two year period is February 28, 2021.

I have no idea if DPW is actually enforcing this law during the public health emergency or if it has ever really enforced this law. In any case, let your eligible neighbor know, or better yet shovel off your eligible neighbor’s walk if you can. Residents can also sign up for assistance removing snow through the snow removal waitlist.

January 27, 2021 ANC 5A Meeting Recap: Ward 5 Budget; Verizon 5G; Library; Ward 5 Mutual Aid

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on January 27, 2021, to kick off its new term. Commissioners present: Damion McDuffie (5A01); Charles Lockett (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Derrick Holloway (5A06); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon Fletcher (5A08). The seat for ANC 5A04, which covers Catholic University, remains vacant.

ANC Business

The ANC voted by acclamation to retain the ANC officers from the previous term:

  • Chair – Commissioner Ronnie Edwards
  • Vice Chair – Commissioner Gordon Fletcher
  • Secretary – Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio
  • Treasurer – Commissioner Sandi Washington

All were sworn in by Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie.

The ANC is still working on its required 2019-2020 annual reports. Commissioner Edwards expects to complete the review in a week or two and post to the ANC’s website at https://www.anc5a.org.

Commissioner Lucio has reached out to Ward 5 businesses to get bids to update and maintain the ANC’s website.

The ANC approved getting upgraded phones for commissioners.

The ANC has keys to its new office space at the Modern at Art Place. At its executive meeting in February, the ANC will discuss furnishing the space and use of the space.

Public Safety Report

There continues to be a lot of cases of stolen vehicles and carjackings all over the city, so MPD is sharing tips on prevention in meetings and various media (see MPD’s stolen auto prevention page and carjackings page). Do not leave your car running unattended. Lock your car doors.

There has been a spike in shootings in Riggs Park and North Michigan Park. MPD 4D Lieutenant Patrick Schaut outlined when gunfire discharges are classified as “incidents” (when there are reports of gunfire but no evidence of discharge, such as shell casings, injuries, or property damage), “unlawful discharge” (evidence of gunfire), or “assault with a deadly weapon”. This is my understanding of what he said, but it might be slightly off. The upshot is that even though residents will clearly hear gunshots and call 911, if those reports end up being a mere incident report because there is no evidence of discharge, then they will not show up on DC’s Crime Cards website. Or if someone is clearly shooting at someone, but the person who is the target does not report any injury or state that they are a victim, then that shooting will not be classified as an assault with a deadly weapon because there is “no victim.” So, we know we will continue to hear incredulous statements that violent crime is down when we hear gunshots several nights in a row.

The ANC spent a lot of minutes discussing tentatively scheduling an ANC 5A public safety meeting for February 17, 2021, so stayed tuned for notice of when that will actually take place. The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association will discuss the recent Riggs Park shootings at its public meeting on February 1, 2021, at 7:00 pm. Lots of discussing going on.

Ward 5 Report

Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember McDuffie, noted the many issues with the coronavirus vaccine distribution. Councilmember McDuffie’s office observed operations at vaccination sites and made recommendations for improvements.

The Ward 5 budget survey is out. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/McDuffie to provide input on Ward 5 budget requests.

Councilmember McDuffie facilitated an agreement with Providence to provide 50 parking spaces for EYA’s construction team during construction hours for the Josephite townhome development project (The Townhomes at Michigan Park) that is going up across the street from Providence. Commissioner Lucio will hold a single member district meeting on February 4 in part to discuss construction issues related to that project.

There is a new office to review all things equity with respect to District government, legislation and budget. The Council Office of Racial Equity (CORE), a product of the REACH Act authored by Councilmember McDuffie, is led by former McDuffie staffer Brian McClure.

Mayor’s Office Ward 5 Report

For information related to registering for the coronavirus vaccination, visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc. Residents in priority zip codes will be able to register for appointments a day earlier than everyone else. Hospitals/health systems receive vaccination dosages apart from the DC Department of Health, so they are now reaching out to their patient populations to schedule vaccination appointments.

Verizon 5G Installation

Verizon states it is deploying 5G technology (small cell technology) throughout DC to increase capacity and speed. A handful will be deployed in ANC 5A. The District Department of Transportation must approve applications to install this technology in public space.

Verizon plans to install 5G technology in the vicinity of 12th and Emerson Street NE. There was a protracted discussion about whether Verizon provided proper notice to residents. Verizon used certified mail, so residents who were not home when the notice was delivered did not receive it. A resident stated Verizon should have used priority mail, and that Verizon should not be able to proceed because it still needs to provide notice to those residents who missed the certified delivery. Some residents would like Verizon to install the technology elsewhere rather than in this residential area because they are unsure of the health effects of the technology. The ANC will schedule a special meeting about this issue. Residents can reach out to Candace Austin at candace.austin@verizon.com and visit https:www.improveyourwireless.com/DC for more information.

(Aside: Verizon has previously discussed its 5G rollout at ANC meetings. Verizon installed 5G small cell technology on Riggs Road NE. )

New Lamond-Riggs Library

View DC Public Library’s presentation to the ANC here.

Demolition of the old Lamond-Riggs Library and removal of debris continues. Permitted work hours are 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Monday through Saturday, but actual work hours during demolition are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. No work is being done in the alley behind the library. For any emergency or site safety issues, contact (202) 570-3375.

Martha Saccocio is the library’s community liaison for the project. Questions about the project can be directed to her at martha.saccocio@dc.gov or (202) 604-8241.

The project website is https://www.dclibrary.org/newlamondriggs.

UDC CAUSES

Patricia Bon is the new master gardener coordinator and extension agent at the Bertie Backus Food Hub. Her contact information is patricia.bon@udc.edu or (202) 941-7923.

Ward 5 Mutual Aid Needs Space for Supplies

Ward 5 Mutual Aid organizers are looking for space to store supplies. They will need space as of February 15. They can be reached at ward5mutualaid@gmail.com or (202) 643-7030.

Miscellaneous

I might have forgotten some things or mixed some things up. This meeting was very, very long. In-person meetings at UDC Backus had to end at 9:00 pm. Since meetings went virtual, they have ended well past 9:00. The meetings are now being recorded, but I do not know where residents can view them.

The next meeting will be February 24, 2021.

Next Stop Neighbors: ANC 5A01 Commissioner Damion McDuffie, Sr.

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

By David Kosub (Contributor)

After many months away, Next Stop Neighbors has returned….well, virtually at least. Please join me in welcoming the new commissioner for ANC 5A01 for this next podcast conversation. Damion McDuffie, Sr. is excited to get going in this role and has some ideas he would like to share with the community, from addressing recent public safety concerns, brainstorming with neighbors at Single Member District meetings, skull jewelry, and more.  Click here to listen (running time: 12 minutes)*

*P.S.: You can reach Mr. McDuffie at 5A01@anc.dc.gov or at (202) 948-9777

ANC Commissioner Damion McDuffie, Sr. (5A01)

Background on Next Stop Neighbors:

Welcome to Next Stop Neighbors where we get an opportunity to hear the voices behind the faces and places in Lamond-Riggs and the surrounding communities. Through this podcast series, you will meet some friendly neighbors and hear their perspectives on the community through civil, casual conversations. From the small business owner who just opened up, to the non-profit organization trying to make a difference, to the community leader describing their vision for the neighborhood, and the resident around the corner who has lived here for 50 years, we all have a story to tell. We welcome recommendations and, better yet, your own 10-minute interviews too!

Can’t get enough Next Stop Neighbors? Check out these past conversations for more:

Supporting Our Small Businesses during the Pandemic  (March 2020)
Dr. Kenny Gibbs (January 2020)
Jamal Gray with Meow Wolf (November 2019)
Robert “The Library Guy” Oliver (October 2019)
Soon-to-Be Moms and Soon-to-Be Dads (September 2019)
Explore! Children’s Museum (August 2019)
Troka Insurance (July 2019)
Ms. V and Culture Coffee Too (July 2019)
Bertie Backus Urban Food Hub (June 2019)
LRCA Forward Team (April 2019)
Ramdass Pharmacy (March 2019

February 9 & 11: DDOT moveDC Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

From DDOT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 25, 2020

Media Contact
Lauren Stephens — (202) 465-6112, lauren.stephens@dc.gov
Mariam Nabizad – (202) 359-2678, mariam.nabizad@dc.gov  


moveDC 2021 Update Public Meeting  

(Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is updating its long-range, multimodal transportation plan, moveDC, to determine the agency’s priorities over the next two decades. DDOT will host two virtual public meetings to review how the goals and policies identified in the first round of the survey released in October 2020 will be potentially implemented.  

The same information will be presented at both meetings.  

WHAT:         Public Meeting – update on moveDC 2021  
WHEN:         February 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. or                        
                     February 11, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. 
WHERE:       rebrand.ly/moveDC-Feb2021  

For more information about moveDC, please contact DDOT Project Manager Lezlie Rupert at move.dc@dc.gov or 202-599-7371 or visit the study website at wemoveDC.org. 

Can’t Make a Meeting? 

Materials from this meeting will be made available on www.wemoveDC.org within 24 hours of meeting conclusion. Those who would like to leave a comment about the study can do so by leaving a comment on the project website. 

February 10: DDOT Met Branch Trail Fort Totten to Takoma Extension Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Met Branch Trail

From DDOT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 25, 2020

Media Contact
Lauren Stephens — (202) 465-6112, lauren.stephens@dc.gov
Mariam Nabizad – (202) 359-2678, mariam.nabizad@dc.gov  

Metropolitan Branch Trail Fort Totten to Takoma Public Meeting 

(Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host a public meeting to discuss the progress on the design of the remaining sections of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). The MBT is an important transportation route, providing connections to neighborhoods where residents live, work, and play.  Once fully completed, the MBT will be an eight-mile trail that runs from Union Station in Washington DC to Silver Spring, Maryland. The latest section being designed connects the Fort Totten Metro Station to the Takoma neighborhood.  The preliminary design for this section was completed in 2016. DDOT is currently completing the final design of this section. The key elements of the next section of the MBT include:  

  • New off-street and on-street trail segments 
  • Traffic calming features 
  • Storm water and low-impact development  
  • Traffic signals & Lighting 
  • Lighting & Utilities  
  • Maintenance of Traffic plans 
  • Landscaping plans 

For more information about the project, please visit metbranchtrail.com . If you have questions, please contact Samer Alhawamdeh at samer.alhawamdeh@dc.gov or (202).369.4637

WHAT: Public Meeting for the Metropolitan Branch Trail Fort Totten to Takoma Design Project 

WHEN: February 10, 2021 

TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING: : Please use this link to join the meeting:  rebrand.ly/MetBranchTrail  

How to Join via Phone: 

  • Dial the US Toll – Washington D.C. Phone Number: +1-202-860-2110 
  • Dial the meeting’s Access Code: 180 173 7522, followed by the # key.
  • 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 metbranchtrail.com within 24  hours of the conclusion of the meeting.   

Complete the Ward 5 Budget Priorities Survey

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

On January 22, 2021, Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie released a survey to solicit resident input on budget priorities for the ward. Please complete the SURVEY so that neighborhood needs can be reflected in Councilmember McDuffie’s budget requests to the mayor.

It is sort of a weird time to be doing a budget exercise given the obvious needs and budget challenges created by the coronavirus public health emergency. That said, we can also ask for support for neighborhood-specific items in the budget, such as support for programming Fort Circle Park or the green space in front of Food & Friends. I have previously noted that this neighborhood is fortunate to have an area development plan (sometimes referred to as a small area plan) in place that we can use as a tool to advocate for neighborhood needs. Noting that our requests are anticipated by the area development plan makes it that much easier to advocate for them (see the most recent implementation report from 2016 here). We might not get all or any of what we request, but consistent asks each year are what yields results. So please take some time to complete the survey this week.

January 22nd message from Councilmember McDuffie’s Office:

Neighbor,

Today our office released the Ward 5 FY 2022 budget priorities survey. This survey lets us know your priorities and concerns for the FY 2022 budget and guides our funding requests. Your input will focus my work over the coming months, so please take a few minutes to fill out our quick survey.

Hard copies of this survey will also be distributed to the Woodridge library, senior centers, and residential buildings in the coming weeks.

I hope you will make your voice heard in the budget process by filling out our survey.

In service,

Kenyan

January 25: ANC 4B Monthly Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

ANC 4B Public Meeting
January 25, 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/ykH8VI_Nhc8.

Agenda

1.        Call to Order & Roll Call  

2.        Administrative Items: 
A. Instructions re Participation in Virtual Meeting 
B. Election of Officers 
C. Appointment of Representative to Walter Reed CAC 
D. Consideration and Approval of January Agenda 
E. Approval of November Regular Public Meeting Minutes 
F. Approval of 2021 Meeting Schedule (4th Monday; recess in August & December) 
G. Approval of ANC Security Fund 
H. Treasurer’s Report 
I. Approval of Executive Director Employment Contract 

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. Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (10 minutes) 
B. Anthony Mitchell, Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (5 minutes)  
C. Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative Frazier O’Leary (3 minutes) 
D. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes) 
E. Housing Justice Committee (2 minutes) 

6.        Presentation: Maurice Smith, DC Public Service Commission & Stephen Marencic, Office of the People’s Counsel, Pandemic Relief for Utility Customers (10 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion) 

7.        Presentation: Travoris Culpepper, Pepco, Capital Grid Project (10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 

8.        Consent Calendar: 

Resolution 4B-21-0101: Supporting Construction of the Metropolitan Branch Trail in the 7100 Block of Eastern Avenue, NW (NOI #20-110-PSD) (Commissioner Yeats) 

Resolution 4B-21-0102: Calling for Adjustments to Scheduling of Hearings by the Board of Zoning Adjustments to Facilitate Public Participation (Commissioner Johnson) 

Letter of Inquiry: Ensuring Adequate Resources for Successful Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (Commissioner Brooks & Commissioner Palmer) 

9.    Resolution 4B-21-0103: Supporting Renaming Park in the 6100 Block of North Dakota Avenue, NW, as the Ronald Austin Memorial Park (Commissioner Johnson & Commissioner Brooks – 2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)

10.     Resolution 4B-21-0104: Calling for Fair and Equitable Elections Procedures and Improved Mechanisms to Fill Advisory Neighborhood Commission Vacancies (Commissioner Palmer – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)

11.     Adjournment 

Next Regular Public Meeting: Monday, February 22, 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) 

January 27: ANC 5A Monthly Public Meeting (Virtual)

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A Public Meeting
January 27, 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

Agenda Items

  1. Election & Swearing in of Officers
  2. New Commissioner Orientation
  3. Budget & ANC Security Fund
  4. Verizon Smart Cell Tower Infrastructure (Emerson Street and 12th Street NE)
  5. Lamond-Riggs Library

January 22: Ward 4 Virtual Town Hall on COVID-19 & the Vaccine

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 4

Ward 4 Virtual Town Hall on the Vaccine
Hosted by Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
January 22, 2021
12:30 pm-2:00 pm

This virtual event, hosted by Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, will bring together a panel of medical professionals, District government representatives, and community health practitioners to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine, the District’s vaccination plan, and all the ways we can keep ourselves, and each other, safe.

The town hall will take place via Zoom Webinar. As such, please submit questions or recommendations for discussion in advance to MLandrieu@DCCouncil.us.

The best way to watch the webinar is by Zoom, but you can also dial in by phone at 877-853-5257 with Meeting ID 943 3934 7136# and access code 439 266 5338#. Please register for the event to receive log in information and a reminder to tune in on Friday.

Lamond-Riggs Library Lot Occupancy & Parking Special Exceptions Approved

Posted by nextstoprp in Lamond Riggs Library

As expected, at its public hearing on January 13, 2021, the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) voted 4-0-1 (one seat vacant) to approve special exceptions to lot occupancy and minimum vehicle parking requirements for building of the new Lamond-Riggs Library at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE. The BZA case number is 20392.

The lot occupancy limit in the R-2 zone in which the library sits is 40 percent. The former library occupied 47 percent of the lot. The new library will occupy 49.5 percent of the lot. The library is required to have 11 parking spaces. The former library technically met that requirement, but one space was a noncompliant handicap parking space and one space had limited access because of where it was located next to the library’s dumpster. The new library will have 9 vehicle parking spaces, which will include a fully compliant handicap parking space.

The library received letters in support of the requested relief from ANC 5A (the ANC in which the library sits) and ANC 4B (the affected ANC just across the street from the library). The DC Office of Planning also submitted a report in support of the library.

Because the relief requested included a reduction in the required number of vehicle parking spaces, the DC Department of Transportation required a transportation demand management plan with three elements: (1) four long-term bike spaces for library employees; (2) six short-term bike parking spaces; (3) and a bike repair station adjacent to the short-term bike parking accessible to the community and library visitors. Library representatives agreed to those conditions.

Image of proposed parking at new Lamond-Riggs Library including bike parking and repair station

With this issue out of the way, the library team can now move on to construction. Designs for the new library are available on the project website at https://www.dclibrary.org/newlamondriggs.

As noted several times on the blog, there is a lot of construction activity along the corridor. Razing of the old Lamond-Riggs Library is ongoing. Construction is ongoing on the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten just across the street from the library on South Dakota Avenue NE. Just to the north of the library across Kennedy Street NE, EYA is constructing new townhomes at the southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE. And fencing has gone up around the closed KFC/Taco Bell and former Dakota Liquors on the corner of 3rd Street and Riggs Road NE where a new Chick-fil-A will be built. I have been told that the Chick-fil-A construction team has advised neighboring businesses that razing of those buildings will be taking place soon, though they did not provide an exact date.

DDOT Rock Creek East I Livability Study Report Online

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation
Riggs Park is just outside the study area, but Lamond is included. The study area is defined by Rock Creek and the Maryland border to the West, Eastern Avenue to the North, New Hampshire Avenue NE and the Red Line Metrorail tracks to the East, and Military Road NW, Missouri Avenue NW, and Riggs Road NE to the South

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced last week that the final report for the Rock Creek East I Livability Study is now available on the project’s website. The study area includes Lamond, but not Riggs Park as Riggs Park is in a different planning area. The email from the project planner states, “DDOT welcomes any thoughts and suggestions in prioritizing project recommendations. DDOT will identify opportunities to implement short, medium, and long-term recommendations from the study.”

I have not taken a deep dive into the report but from a brief skim, it identifies several “focus area opportunities.”

Map of focus areas

Focus area corridors:

  • Georgia Avenuew NW (North);
  • 14th Street NW;
  • Georgia Avenue NW (South);
  • North Capitol Street NW/New Hampshire Avenue NW;
  • Piney Branch Road NW

Focus area intersections:

  • Georgia Avenuew NW/Alaska Avenue NW
  • Blair Road NW/Aspen Street NW
  • 16th Street NW/Juniper Street NW
  • 16th Street NW/Alaska Avenue NW

I attended a a couple of the public meetings for this study but did not invest as much time or attention as I might have were Riggs Park included in the study area. That said, I did speak with DDOT representatives during the public meetings to point out areas of concern that are a couple of block outside of the study area (such as Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue NE). Those representatives assured me that these concerns could be addressed outside of this particular study.

In any case, if residents have suggestions about short/long term fixes or priorities for any part of the study area, I am sure ANC commissioners and the Ward 4 council office would be interested in listening.

ANC 4B – Vision Zero Committee – Call for Applicants

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, Transportation

From ANC 4B:

In October, Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B approved a Resolution establishing a Vision Zero Committee. You can read the Resolution here: https://resolutions.anc.dc.gov/ViewResolution.aspx?Id=+kCWxSLIXjzOZ0i6oDVSsw== 

The Commission is now seeking applicants for Committee membership. You must be a resident or businessowner within the Commission’s boundaries to be a member. Check if you reside within the Commission’s boundaries here: https://anc4b.com/about-the-anc/. 

If you are interested in serving as a member of the Committee, please email a statement of interest, including any relevant experience, by February 15th. The Commission will not be monitoring responses to the listservs. Please send any statements of interest directly to the Co-Chairs of the Committee, Commissioner Evan Yeats (4B01), at 4B01@anc.dc.gov and Commissioner Alison Brooks (4B08), at 4B08@anc.dc.gov.

Love & Care Daycare Opening Soon at the Modern

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten

A couple of neighbors passed along information they received from Love & Care Child Development Center indicating that the daycare will be opening soon at the Modern at Art Place with COVID-19 precautions in place. It has taken a long time to get to this point, so I am sure some families will be happy to have another option for daycare in the neighborhood soon. Excerpt from Love and Care communication to families below:

Greeting Families!

We are excited to announce that Love and Care is almost ready to open its doors!  

We will be hosting an open house over the course of 4 days, February 10-13th, with guided tours occurring at … each day. Love and Care is located in the Modern at Art Place, at 402 Galloway St. NE just steps away from the Fort Totten Metro. Please swing by at any of the listed times to see the new space!  

Save the Dates February 4 & 8: DPR Ward Meetings

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Remember all of those Ready2Play surveys you completed giving the District Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) all of your great ideas about improving parks and recreation centers for DPR’s new parks and recreation master plan? DPR is moving to the next phase of the process by holding meetings in each ward. The meeting for parks and recreation centers in Ward 4 will be on February 4 at 6:30 pm (register here). The meeting for parks and recreation centers in Ward 5 will be on February 8 at 6:30 pm (register here). More information from DPR below.

The Ready2Play planning team at DPR is excited to announce the next phase of our engagement process – a series of upcoming virtual meetings that will be ward-specific. These meetings will focus on the parks and recreational needs, desires, and opportunities within each ward. This is your opportunity to discuss the particular parks and rec centers in your ward that you would like to see prioritized for future capital improvements and to share your ideas on the types of recreational programming, park design, and priorities you’d like to see addressed in the plan. We will share findings from our recent Ready2Play Citywide Survey and senior staff from DPR will be on hand to hear your suggestions. You can find the links to all of the meetings on our website, or RSVP directly to the meeting or meetings you plan to attend below. Once you RSVP, you will receive a calendar invite with all of the appropriate meeting information. The content for each of these meetings will focus on the particular ward for that meeting. Meetings are listed by ward, not chronologically. 

  • Ward 1: Thursday, January 28, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP
  • Ward 2: Tuesday, January 26, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP
  • Ward 3: Tuesday, February 2, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP
  • Ward 4: Thursday, February 4, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP
  • Ward 5: Monday, February 8, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP
  • Ward 6: Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP
  • Ward 7: Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP
  • Ward 8: Thursday, February 18, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm RSVP

Can’t make a meeting, but have questions or comments about parks and recreation in your ward or neighborhood? Email ready2play@dc.gov.