Free COVID-19 testing is available today from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm via a Neighborhood Pop-Up at Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE). No appointment necessary, but pre-registration is recommended. Pre-register at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/register. Bring your insurance card. More testing information is available at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/testing.
The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) will start holding monthly public safety meetings the second Monday of each month. There have been a number of instances of shots fired in the neighborhood the past few months, most recently in the 300 block of Riggs Road NE near Walmart. Other instances include shots fired in the 800 block of Kennedy Street NE, 800 block of Jefferson Street NE, and 1000 block of Hamilton Street NE. The 800 block of Oglethorpe Street NE has been a hotspot for many years and remains so.
The first meeting is tonight. Zoom info and agenda below.
LRCA Public Safety Meeting
January 11, 2021
6:00 pm-7:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82633931357?pwd=cmdmL3FmTDh4b0QwMmJ0Y3ZFOGhMdz09
Meeting ID: 826 3393 1357
Passcode: 842581
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Meeting ID: 826 3393 1357
Passcode: 842581
We have a new team of mayor office liaisons (known as MOCRS) for Ward 4 and Ward 5. MOCRS are community outreach specialists typically seen at community meetings. They are helpful when residents need assistance with receiving services from District agencies. Some issues can be resolved through submission of 311 service requests, so it is helpful to go that route first and then follow up with the MOCRs if the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved. MOCRS can work long hours–late night shootings they’re there, late night fires they’re there, the dozens of community meetings they’re there –and in my experience they are quite patient and pleasant to work with. On that note, I have to give a shout out to the previous Ward 4 MOCR KeShawn Harris because he was just fantastic. Below is contact information for the new MOCRS.
Ward 4
Yamileth Escobar, Ward 4 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 4A & 4D
Cell: (202) 603-7182
Office: (202) 727-8195
Email: Yamileth.Escobar@dc.gov
Twitter: yamiescobar_w4 (unofficial)
Anthony Mitchell, Ward 4 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 4B & 4C
Cell: (202) 436-2087
Office: (202) 724-7672
Email: Anthony.Mitchell@dc.gov
Twitter: @ward4mocrs amitchellward4 (unofficial)
Ward 5
Nokomis Hunter, Ward 5 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 5A & 5E; split ANC 5D (Carver-Langston)
Cell: (202) 251-5049
Office: (202) 535-1937
Email: Nokomis.Hunter@dc.gov
Twitter: @nokomishunter (unofficial)
Brittany Butler, Ward 5 Liaison
Primary contact for ANC 5B & 5C; split ANC 5D (Trinidad)
Cell: (202) 394-4399
Office: (202) 727-2822
Email: Brittany.butler1@dc.gov
Saff contact information for Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George is now available on the Council’s website.
Lenace Edwards
Chief of Staff
Email: ledwards@dccouncil.us
Tamira Benitez
Constituent Services Coordinator
Email: tbenitez@dccouncil.us
Alexandros Taliadoros
Communications Director
Email: ataliadoros@dccouncil.us
Matthew Landrieu
Constituent Services Coordinator
Email: mlandrieu@dccouncil.us
Katherine Eyster
Legislative Director
Email: keyster@dccouncil.us
Will Perkins
Senior Policy Advisor
Email: wperkins@dccouncil.us
Earlier this week, DC Water mailed information to residents about a sewer system evaluation DC Water will be conducting in the neighborhood. This morning, DC Water sent the following electronic communication about the study.
Friday, January 8, 2021
Manager, Community Outreach: Emanuel D. Briggs
(202)787-2003 or emanuel.briggs@dcwater.com
Greetings DC Water Community Stakeholders, and Happy New Year To You All!
This message is intended to inform you of a new DC Water study that will soon begin in your area. Specifically, we will be assessing the sanitary sewer lines, manholes, and other features that may be related to flow in sewers in Nicholson Street and Riggs Park NE. This initiative will help us understand the root causes for storm related backups in the separate sewer system in this neighborhood (map of the complete study area may be located in the attached project information sheet). Unlike a third of the city that combines storm and sewage in the same pipe, storm pipes and sewage pipes were constructed in this area to separate them. The flooding that residents experienced during the September 10th storm, is an indication that there are unintended pathways for storm water to enter the sewer, resulting in the backups that residents experienced. This study is the first step in the process to identify pathways for rain water to enter the sewer, so that solutions can be engineered to address them. The study we will be conducting in this neighborhood is actually Phase 1 of a multi-phase study we will be implementing in other neighborhoods across the District with similar issues.
The study will involve a number of different investigative activities, including manhole inspections, flow monitoring, closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection, smoke testing, and dye water testing. These activities will be carried out in phases. Detailed descriptions and start dates for each activity, contact information for our team, and other important information may also be found in the attached project information sheet.
As we are planning to begin our activities next week, we wanted to ensure that all stakeholders within the study area were duly informed beforehand. We have mailed to each resident printed copies of our project information sheet and cover letter (also attached to this email) earlier this week, and we have already been receiving some calls and emails from residents for more details, so we are happy to see that customers are receiving the information. Additionally, this email message is being sent to area residents, all ANC 4B and 5A Commissioners, Wards 4 and 5 representatives in the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services, and Wards 4 and 5 Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie and members of their staff. Beyond this,
· We will be launching a dedicated web page for this study, and updating this regularly. We will inform you once it is live.
· As the study gets underway, we will be providing you all updates to keep you informed about the status of our work activities.
o Specifically, our smoke testing activity will require special outreach and stakeholder coordination prior to the start of work, so you will be hearing from us again very soon about this part of the study.
· We are always available and happy to address any questions or concerns you have pertaining to the study, or any other DC Water related topics.
· Finally, we are available to provide you with a presentation to discuss the study in greater detail. If interested in a presentation, please contact me and we will be happy to accommodate you.
Thanks much for allowing us to share this important information with you, and please let us know if you have any questions.
I don’t even know what to say. When throngs descended on Washington, DC, at the invitation of Donald J. Trump, to take over the Capitol to disrupt the electoral process.
Here’s some local coverage
Meetup with Mendo: DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson Virtual Meetup
January 11, 2021
5:00 pm
Watch live: https://www.facebook.com/ChairmanPhilMendelson
Submit questions in advance
Email: bhughes@dccouncil.us
Twitter: @chmnmendelson; #meetupwithmendo
Instagram: @chairmanphilmendelson (direct message)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChairmanPhilMendelson (comment or message)
By Robert Oliver, President of Lamond-Riggs Library Friends
January 4, 2021, marked the end of an era for the Lamond-Riggs Community Library at 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE. Razing of the library began at 10:40 am. The old library will be replaced with a new $20 million library developed by the design/build team of HGA, an architectural firm, and Consigli Construction. Construction is estimated to take 18 months, so the new Lamond-Riggs Library could open by late spring 2022.
The original building, a $2 million facility, opened on October 24, 1983. Despite community efforts and the need for a library, over 20 years had passed before Congressional approval and funding were obtained. The design/build team of architects Bryant & Bryant and A. A. Beiro Construction Company brought the original library to life.
Charles I. Bryant, the eldest of the architectural team, is well regarded in his field. He has been honored as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), which is bestowed to those who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Locally, Mr. Bryant’s work includes Dunbar Senior High School, the University of the District of Columbia Van Ness Campus, and the Howard University Cancer Center.
The razing of the old Lamond-Riggs Library is expected to take several weeks and end in late February. DC Public Library (DCPL) officials are aware of the impact of construction in a residential community, so to minimize the impact, the building will be slowly dismantled and the debris hauled away.
DCPL will meet with the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) on January 13, 2021, to request special exceptions to lot occupancy and minimum vehicle parking requirements. To show community support, DCPL obtained letters of support from both ANC 4B and 5A inNovember 2020. Construction of the new Lamond-Riggs Library can begin once BZA grants the exceptions and the razing is complete.
The project website is https://www.dclibrary.org/newlamondriggs.
Last night, several of the DC Main Streets came together to celebrate DC Holiday Lights, a citywide intiative to encourage residents and visitors to shop small this holiday season. Participating small and local businesses adorned their storefronts with holiday displays, earning a chance for recognition in several award categories. I was a judge for businesses in The Parks Main Street (TPMS) corridors in Riggs Park and Manor Park, along with four other judges: Joseph Gibbs, Lamond-Riggs resident and chair of the TPMS design committee; Ray Crawford, Manor Park resident and member of the TPMS design committee; Cam, Ray’s son and a student at Shepherd Elementary School; and Zara, Riggs Park resident and student at LaSalle-Backus Education Campus.
The virtual awards ceremony was a fun, festive affair. Local musician Carley Harvey provided entertainment prior to the start of the official ceremony. Kristi Whitfield, Director of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, and Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, gave short remarks. Then each participating Main Street took turns announcing their award winners. The Parks Main Street Executive Director Edwin Washington introduced our two youth judges, Zara and Cam, who did a great job enthusiastically presenting the TPMS winners. Zara and Cam received lots of kudos from the other Main Street directors and attendees.
The Parks Main Street Holiday Lights winners are listed below.
Best Use of Merchandise: Lovely Lady Boutique
Best Window Display: Troka Insurance
Most Colorful: Hellbender Brewing Company
Best of Show – Judges’ Choice & Also People’s Choice: The Davis Center
Culture Coffee Too also had one of my favorite displays. All of the windows are beautifully and elegantly lit and adorned with holiday bows, and a coffee-drinking Santa Claus door display greets visitors.
There is still time to safely check out the holiday lights in each of the participating Main Streets and to participate in the citywide scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes. There are a couple of clues right here in the neighborhood. The scavenger hunt ends on December 31.
Thanks to all of the participating businesses for brightening the final weeks of 2020.
Back in July of this year, the National Park Service (NPS) halted construction on a long-awaited formal pedestrian trail on the eastern side of Fort Totten Park linking North Michigan Park to Fort Totten Metro station, after the construction team found an unexploded ordnance on the unpaved trail. NPS subsequently fenced off the trail entirely to prevent people from walking through the area.
According to an update Kym Elder, NPS Program Manager for the Civil War Defenses of Washington, provided to ANC 5A and the Ward 5 council office yesterday, NPS “continues to work with a contractor to test the soil within the impacted area for any related contaminants. The contractor has just recently notified [NPS] that all test results are expected later this winter, no later than mid-January 2021. Pending the test results, the pedestrian trail construction could restart shortly after, as weather conditions permit.”
Interestingly enough, a neighbor and I independently wrote to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office last month in November before a scheduled NPS meeting to inquire about the trail’s status and any updates on the ordnance. That NPS meeting ended up getting cancelled. I received an acknowledgement of my inquiry but have not received a response just yet. My neighbor received a response from Congresswoman Norton’s office dated December 15 in which NPS stated that the agency would begin testing the soil in early January 2021 and would receive results several weeks after that.
When I originally wrote about the ordnance discovery, that same neighbor reminded me that I previously covered a couple of ANC meetings that might bear on this issue. In October 2017, NPS informed ANC 5A that the agency belatedly learned that Metro brought in infill dirt from a superfund site in Spring Valley (a WWI munitions testing site) to rehabilitate an area of Fort Totten Park that NPS permitted Metro to use for staging during construction of Metro’s green line in the 1980s and 1990s. That staging area was on the western side of Fort Totten Park near the access road for Aggregate Industries concrete company. At that October 2017 ANC meeting, NPS officials stated they decided to hire a contractor to test the soil in that area out of an abundance of caution. The NPS representatives stated that they believed any health effects would be rare because of the topography of the land in that area, that the area was not near any pedestrian access points or trails, and that waterways in the area were scarce so they were not concerned about leeching into waterways. In February 2018, NPS informed the ANC that preliminary test results showed no hazardous conditions or contaminants.
NPS’s July 2020 press release on the unexploded ordnance stated it was a WWI-era ordnance. Fort Totten Park is so named for its role in the Civil War, so armchair historians wondered how a WWI-era ordnance could have ended up in the park. Media reports in July noted that the ordnance was found after heavy rains possibly unearthed it as the construction crew worked on the new pedestrian trail. Not being an armchair historian or scientist myself, I have no idea if Metro’s rehabilitation of an area on the western side of Fort Totten Park using infill dirt from Spring Valley might have played a role in the ordnance’s appearance further east in the park. I have no idea what NPS considers the “impacted area,” if that means just the fenced off trail area, or if they are also testing widely throughout the park, particularly near other pedestrian access points. I guess we will hear more about all of this in the new year.
By Robert Oliver, President of the Lamond-Riggs Library Friends
The Lamond-Riggs Library has received a Christmas gift from the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). The long sought after raze permit has finally arrived, and now we can look forward to demolition of the old building. However, a ruling from the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) may be required before new construction can begin.
DC Public Library (DCPL) will appear before the BZA on January 13, 2021, to request relief for a special exception. The Lamond-Riggs Library is zoned as R-2, which mandates a 40% lot occupancy limit. DCPL will request a slight increase in lot occupancy to accommodate the new library, as well as relief from the minimum parking requirements. In support of this effort, DCPL and HGA, the architectural firm, have secured letters of support from ANC 4B and ANC 5A. The BZA meeting should be a straightforward affair.
The opening date of the new Lamond-Riggs Library ranges from late 2021 to early 2022. HGA had previously cited an opening of late 2021 during its presentation to ANC 4B on November 23, 2020. However, the presentation gave a construction start of Spring/Summer 2020. I believe an opening in early 2022 is more likely since construction has yet to start. In either case, the community will have a new Lamond-Riggs Library that it can be proud of!
By David Kosub (Contributor)
As you know, construction on Phase B of Art Place at Fort Totten project is underway. I had a couple of follow up questions related to construction activities and reached out to the team around Thanksgiving via the hello@fezartplace.com email address for answers. I encourage everybody to ask their questions via that email address as they are very responsive.
Regarding general construction status, the foundation for the buildings is proceeding with the completion of the construction documents. The general contractor, L.F. Jennings, put out the project for competitive bid, with the process expected to be completed by January or February. They also noted that, “as with everything and everyone, Covid-19 has had an impact on our lives, our health and how we all work.” The general contractor has implemented strict guidelines at the site for its workers and visitors, going on to say, “So far, we have not had any outbreaks, or any significant delays related to an outbreak.” That said, it has been difficult to get District agencies and utilities to perform inspections, they admit.
The team also does not have any new updates to share at this time regarding the groups who have already signed leases (e.g., Meow Wolf, Explore! Children’s Museum and Aldi). However, announcements may be forthcoming in the spring about operators for the food hall.
I asked if they have received any concerns from the community about construction. They have not. I am taking that as a good sign that construction activities may not be interfering too much with our day-to-day lives. If any arise going forward, they are willing to address them. On a related note, the construction team is willing to participate in a community meeting to discuss construction related activities. A date and time needs to be worked out, but in the interim, please indicate in the comments section if you would like to join such a conversation and if you have any concerns or questions to share.
By David Kosub (Contributor)
According to the December 11, 2020, issue of the DC Register, the District’s Department of General Services submitted a reprogramming request on December 2, 2020 to move $500,000 to the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). The Register notes the request is needed to complete critical Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements to the DPR Turkey Thicket and Riggs LaSalle Recreation Centers. The Council has a fourteen day review period for the request, unless they file a Notice of disapproval, extending the clock to 30 days.
Here’s hoping the Council does not have any issues with our rec center receiving these funds to make ADA enhancements. Write your Councilmember if you support the reprogramming request too!
From ANC Commissioner Erin Palmer (4B02)
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B’s Housing Justice Committee will meet on Saturday, December 12, 2020, 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/hfK3RNRvWQc.
Additional information is available on the Commission’s website at https://anc4b.com/committees/housing-justice-committee/.
Erin Palmer, Chair, Housing Justice Committee
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 4B
Last week, the DC Board of Elections certified the results of the general election. For ANC races in Lamond-Riggs, incumbent ANC commissioners Geoff Bromaghim (4B07), Alison Brooks (4B08), LaRoya Huff (4B09), and Gordon Fletcher (5A08) all won reelection and will continue to represent their single member districts (SMDs). One new commissioner was elected to represent ANC 5A01 in Riggs Park.
Besides ANC 5A01, ANC 5A will welcome two other new commissioners, in ANC 5A02 and ANC 5A06, in January. I asked the newly elected individuals to share a little about themselves with residents.
5A01
Damion McDuffie, Sr. ran unopposed and was elected to represent ANC single member district 5A01, which encompasses the southern portion of Riggs Park and UDC’s Bertie Backus campus. I know Mr. McDuffie as a neighbor as we live just a couple of blocks from each other. I am happy that he decided to serve on the ANC considering no one really wanted to step into the role. (For those who might be wondering, Damion is Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s brother). He provided written responses to a few questions, printed below.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
My family and I have lived happily and peacefully on 7th Street for 16 yrs now. In Ward 5 and as a DC resident for 47 yrs now.
What is your professional/civic background?
I currently serve as a Case Manager for the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Affairs (MORCA) assisting men and women with their transition home from prison. Connecting them with essential services, programs and organizations in the District. Prior to MORCA, I served as a Constituent Services Representative for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). During my time as a Constituent Representative, I was able to assist thousands of District residents with issues involving federal agencies such as the US Postal Service, the US Park Service, the Social Security Administration, US Immigration and Naturalization Services and many other federal agencies. Issues ranging from mail delivery, lack of response from federal agencies, immigration concerns to dumping in federal parks. My main area of focus due to my education and work experience in the field of Criminal Justice were federal agencies that dealt with federal DC inmates such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the US Parole Commission, and Court Services and Offender Services.
I assisted incarcerated federal DC prisoners across the United States by acting as a mediator and representative for Congresswoman Norton when resolving inmate concerns with the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the USPC. By helping incarcerated individuals find the resources and connections needed to resolve issues and address concerns, I was able to assist them with their successful transition back into society.
As an experienced community activist and leader, I have dedicated more than two decades of my life and professional career to supporting District residents, particularly those who are Returning Citizens and justice-involved individuals. I devote considerable amounts of time to building a better Washington through volunteerism and supporting initiatives focused on empowering DC residents, DC Returning Citizens and justice-involved individuals as well as our DC youth.
What do you hope to accomplish on the ANC?
– Single Member District Meetings
– ANC 501A Social Media Platform
– Enhance Communication and Engagement with Community Based Organizations, Government Agencies, and Elected Leaders
– Responsive and Inclusive Leadership
5A02
Charles Lockett ran unopposed and was elected to represent ANC single member district 5A02. ANC 5A02 includes the part of North Michigan Park east of South Dakota Avenue NE as well as Fort Circle Park at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway Street NE. Anyone who has attended ANC 5A meetings in recent years should be familiar with Mr. Lockett, as he is not shy about making his opinion known.
Mr. Lockett and I spoke by phone. He is a retired, disabled Vietnam veteran and worked in facilities management for a number of public and private sector entities. Mr. Lockett’s goal for serving on the ANC is to make the neighorhood safe and clean for everyone.
5A06
Derrick Holloway, Sr. ran unopposed and was elected to represent ANC single member district 5A06, which covers some of Pleasant Hills west of Fort Totten Park. I spoke with Mr. Holloway briefly by phone. Residents will have an opportunity to hear more from Mr. Holloway when he is is seated on the commission, but he did say that I can share that he is a former three-term ANC commissioner. He represented the area when it was part of ANC 5C before ANC boundaries were redrawn following the 2010 census.
Congratulations to the newly elected commissioners.
This Thursday, the DC Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) is holding a virtual meeting on flood and water damage that some may find useful.
Flood and Water Damage – Prevention, Protection and Programs
December 10, 2020
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Online
Details:
Please join the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking for a virtual Flood and Water Damage Forum. Learn how to protect your property from water damage due to flooding, as well as resources and complaint processes available if damage occurs.
Join by Phone: 1-650-479-3208
Access Code: 172-803-5464
Join by Computer: bit.ly/385VQBq
Phone line and website open at 3:45 pm on December 10.
Contact: Idriys J. Abdullah
Email: idriys.abdullah@dc.gov
Phone: (202) 442-7832
Update 12/9/2020: DDOT corrected the number for the DDOT Customer Service Center to (202) 621-2700
From DDOT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2020
Media Contacts:
Lauren Stephens – (202) 465-6112, lauren.stephens@dc.gov
Mariam Nabizad – (202) 359-2678, mariam.nabizad@dc.gov
DDOT Extends 2020 Visitor Parking Passes into 2021https://ddot.dc.gov/release/ddot-extends-2020-visitor-parking-passes-2021
(Washington, DC) – Today, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced that residents should continue to use the existing 2020 Visitor Parking Pass (VPP) into 2021. The District plans to launch a streamlined digital parking permit program in 2021.
The VPP program allows District residents to register for an annual pass that is used for guests to park for more than 2 hours on Residential Permit Parking or RPP-zoned blocks.
Residents who are new to the District or need a replacement VPP (due to damage or loss) should visit their local Metropolitan Police Department precinct to request a temporary parking pass instead of a VPP.
Beginning in March 2020, and continuing for the duration of the public health emergency, the District has suspended enforcement for the following infractions:
· Expired residential parking permits and visitor parking permits/passes
· Expired District license plates and inspection stickers
· Expired meters
A complete list of modifications to District operations is available at coronavirus.dc.gov/page/stay-home.
For more information, please visit ddot.dc.gov or call DDOT Customer Service at 202-621-2700.
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The mission of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is to enhance the quality of life for District residents and visitors by ensuring that people, goods, and information move efficiently and safely with minimal adverse impact on residents and the environment.
Follow DDOT on Twitter; like us on Facebook and Instagram and visit the website at www.ddot.dc.gov. Visit goDCgo.com for more information on transportation options in the District.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 