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!
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.
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!
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:
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.
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
(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
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.
After several hearings and public meetings, the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) voted 4-0-1 (one seat vacant) to approve with conditions an application for a special exception for the conversion of an existing in-home daycare (child development home) located on the corner of Quackenbos Street and 3rd Street NE serving nine children to a child development center that would serve 20 children. A child development center is one that serves more than 12 children. A special exception is necessary to operate a child development center in a residential area. The owner also received relief from the minimum parking requirement. The BZA case number is 20186.
Background and issues
The case involving Renaissance Center for Culture and Education started out innocuosly enough a few years ago when the operator/homeowner asked neighbors to support her desire to serve 20 children, an increase from nine, at her existing in-home daycare. Many neighbors, the ANC commissioner for the area at the time, and the block association Citizens Aware, comprised of residents along the 3rd Street corridor, all agreed to support the expansion without fully understanding the implications of the request. When the owner appeared at neighborhood meetings though, she mentioned the possibility of serving up to 45 students, and neighbors realized the expansion would also involve an expansion to the home itself, with the owner proposing to add one floor to the existing two-story home as well as a three-story brick addition to the rear of the home. In addition, the owner would no longer reside in the home. The application filed with the BZA clarifies that it is for 20 children.
All of this together led some neighbors and current ANC commissioner Alison Brooks (4B08) to believe that the owner was not entirely forthright in her dealings with them. ANC 4B withdrew its original letter in support and submitted a new resolution in opposition, the Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) submitted a letter in opposition, and several neighbors with Citizens Aware who originally signed a petition in support submitted new letters in opposition. The opponents raised concerns about an increase in traffic and parking issues, as Quackenbos is a narrow street and pre-COVID, motorists would use 3rd Street as a cut-through during morning and evening rush hour. In addition, they objected to the home addition, stating it would be out of character with existing homes. The ANC and Citizens Aware objected to the fact that the owner would no longer reside in the home. On this point, the owner appeared to receive conflicting information from District agencies, with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) initially indicating she cannot continue to reside in the home if it becomes a child development center and the DC Office of State Superintendent Education (OSSE) (which certifies daycares in the city) apparently stating she can. The ANC and neighbors pointed out that other child care centers existed where the owner did in fact reside on the property. In any case, the ANC and some neighbors argued that the owner could simply lease commercial space if she wanted to serve more children in a child development center.
Board hearing/Post-hearing
During hours-long hearings that became contentious at points, the board heard from numerous witnesses residing nearby and afar, the owner accused some neighbors of prejudice, the former president of Citizens Aware, James Thomas, accused the owner of altering a document, and several neighbors, the ANC, and the owner spoke of the mistrust that had developed. DC’s Office of Planning supported the application because of the need for more child care spaces in the District.
Following the hearings, the board closed the record and encouraged the owner, ANC, and neighbors to try to reach a compromise. Commissioner Brooks held single member district meetings, and someprogress was achieved. Inexplicably, after the record was closed, the current president of Citizens Aware, Anita Purvis, circulated a petition against the daycare. The president of LRCA, Rodney Foxworth, then posted that petition to the neighborhood email list requesting more neighbors to sign, even though the record was closed with the exception of a few specific documents requested by the board, and the record was already replete with letters in opposition from some of the same signatories to the petition.
Board vote
In the end, the home addition, one of the biggest points of contention, was not an issue considered by the board. Even if the owner was not seeking to operate a child development center and simply wanted to expand her home with the proposed home additions, she could do so as a matter of right.
The board decided to approve the conversion to a child development center with several conditions agreed to by the applicant. The center must have a staff member serve as a crossing guard during dropoff and pickoff and must inform parents of the dropoff plan. The owner must attend Citizens Aware and civic association meetings on a quarterly basis for a period of time. There are also conditions related to signage and a privacy fence.
Other conditions requested by the ANC and neighbors were not imposed. The board stated it has no authority to require the owner to live on the premises, but the fact that the owner stated she would continue to live in the home if permitted was noted positively. The ANC and neighbor requested a five-year sunset provision to permit the board to determine whether the conditions were being met. In a different child care expansion case in ANC 4B, the board imposed a seven-year time limit, but that case involved an existing child development center in a church that wanted to increase the number of children served from 25 to 62 (BZA case number 20111). In this case, the board chose not to impose a time limit, being sympathetic to the owner’s argument that having such a condition would make it difficult to obtain financing to add on to the home to accommodate the center and to recruit parents. The board was convinced that the application for a conversion to a child development center to accommodate serving an additional 11 children in this case satisfies the regulatory requirements for a special exception.
Metro’s FY2022 proposed budget has been in the news lately because it proposes drastic measures to reduce a large funding gap due to COVID-19. The proposals include eliminating Metrorail service on the weekends systemwide and cutting bus routes. The E4 bus route, the only uptown crosstown route, is one proposed for elimination. Other proposed bus service changes include elimination of the E2 Ivy City-Fort Totten route and modifications to other routes servicing Fort Totten metro station. The budget proposal also includes a recommendation regarding shifting more maintenance costs to the capital budget.
Metro officials hope there will be federal funding relief to stave off drastic cuts. There will be public hearings and a public comment period on the proposed budget so stay tuned for that.
Update 12/3/2020: The deadline has been extended to December 11
Reminder: Complete surveys related to the Ag.Pod food production system that will be installed at the Bertie Backus Food Hub. The new installation was discussed in this post.
Giving Tuesday is tomorrow December 1. There are many organizations that can use support this year. I encourage readers to support The Parks Main Street, a 501(c)(3) organization that supports small and local businesses in Riggs Park and Manor Park. Donations may be made at https://theparksmainstreet.org/support/donate.
The Parks Main Street is also inviting residents to attend a community meeting tomorrow December 1 at 7:00 pm for review of fiscal year 2020 activities, plans for fiscal year 2021, and an opportunity to support small businesses. To register to see what the Main Street has been up to, click Giving Tuesday Meeting Registration.
Remember back earlier this year, the joy of saddling up to a bar, ordering some tater tots and a beer? I bet you are getting that warm and fuzzy feeling inside too! Well, that was the time pre-COVID-19 of course. This was also a time when the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) released their proposed FY 2021 budget (see this post as a reminder of days gone by).
I was pleased to read, at that time, WMATA was interested in continuing its investment in transit-oriented development at the Fort Totten Metro station (see CRB 0005 on page 215 of the proposed budget). This proposed action spurred on my desire to learn more about the planning, design, and related station improvement concepts under evaluation.
Before we go further, a quick history lesson is in order. This was not WMATA’s first Fort Totten development rodeo. In the summer of 2018, WMATA and Donatelli Development announced they would no longer pursue plans to redevelop the surface parking lot at Fort Totten into a mixed-used project (see this post). Before that, at the end of 2013, WMATA issued an RFP, which did not get any takers (see this post). I assume WMATA still considers this site as one with much potential, which is why it was mentioned in their proposed budget.
Back to the future, I inquired about the development opportunities under consideration as part of my comments on their proposed budget in March. In addition to some comments related to enhancing safety for visually-impaired riders (see these stories in the Washington Post and WAMU to understand where I’m coming from), I also provided the following comments to them as it related to transit oriented development at the Fort Totten metro station:
“Any proposed planning for transit-oriented development at Fort Totten metro should also align with concepts described in the Upper Northeast element of the proposed District of Columbia’s Comprehensive Plan (such as Policy UNE-1.1.3, Policy UNE-1.2.1, Policy UNE 2.7, and Policy UNE-2.7.1). Moreover, the future design of the Fort Totten metro site, including the streetscape, should consider elements that enhance safety, walkability, a uniform visual feel, include native vegetation in landscaping, underground powerlines, traffic mitigation, and trash/recycling receptacles.
I appreciated reading about WMATA’s actions to address its environmental impact and sustainability goals. As part of this endeavor, I recommend WMATA consider allocating funds to transforming as much of its impervious surfaces into green space. For instance, in Policy UNE-1.2.7 of the Comprehensive Plan referenced earlier, it calls for the District to do something similar with District-owned institutional spaces. Fort Totten Metro could benefit from such a transformation too. For instance, part of the paved parking lot, large concrete islands, and wider sidewalks at this site could be converted into more environmental friendly spaces with native vegetation, trees, rain gardens, and storm water retainment.”
WMATA’s statements about transit oriented development at Fort Totten station continued into the budget which was subsequently passed too. Well, that was then, and this is now. As most folks know, WMATA is now facing some budget constraints as a result of the pandemic, so it’s unclear what steps will be made regarding transit oriented development at the Fort Totten station going forward.
So, I reached out to their real estate office to learn more. After a few months of silence (and multiple emails from me), here is some of what they recently shared with me:
“In short, we are doing what we call “advanced transportation facility plans”, which is more detailed analysis of how to improve the infrastructure at Fort Totten, which includes first and foremost commuter parking, but also the Kiss & Ride and bus loop. We are very interested in making the property available again for development, but two threshold decisions first need to be made before we issue a new joint development solicitation: (1) the DC Comprehensive Plan needs to be approved by the DC Council; and (2) determination of what the future parking need is at this station.”
In a follow up message, they go on to say, “The developer (once selected) actually designs the buildings and the site. WMATA’s work is limited to figuring out what transit facilities (i.e. parking, bus bays, etc.) the site needs to accommodate, so that the developer can plan our requirements into their plans.”
WMATA does not have any studies to share at this point. But, they added, “Donatelli had done their design work back in 2014/15 or so and this study that WMATA is commissioning (not yet under contract) will be completed in about 12 months.”
Let’s keep tabs on this project to ensure the future of the Fort Totten metro station and surrounding area meets the needs and desires of the community. I’ll share any new information I learn going forward.
Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting for a few days—stop by The Parks Main Street Holiday Lights to explore, shop, and dine this holiday season.
The businesses of The Parks Main Street will be decked out with holiday lights from December 1 to December 31. Wander the corridor with neighbors and visitors to enjoy amazing holiday events, activities, and promotions throughout the month. Don’t forget to VOTE for your favorite light displays between December 1st and 14th.
The Parks Main Street Holiday Lights is part of a broader, citywide DC Holiday Lights effort encouraging residents and visitors to shop small and explore the District this holiday season. Starting December 1st, you can participate in our citywide Holiday Lights Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win great prizes from local DC businesses! Check back for more details.
The Smithsonian National Zoo in partnership with Pepco is taking Zoo Lights on the road. The Zoolights Express truck featuring “Panda Claws” and light displays will visit each ward on a Friday or Saturday between November 27 and December 19. The Ward 5 tour will be on December 11 starting at the corner of South Dakota Avenue and Riggs Road NE at 6:00 pm.
ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on November 18, 2020. Commissioners present: Grace Lewis – Parliamentarian (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio – Secretary (5A03); Ronnie Edwards – Chair (5A05); Claudia Barragan (5A06); Sandi Washington – Treasurer (5A07); Gordon Fletcher – Vice Chair (5A08). Commissioner Washington departed early. Lucky her, the meeting lasted until almost 10:30 pm.
DC Office of Attorney General
The DC Office of Attorney General Office of Consumer Protection has a price gouging taskforce. Concerns about price gouging can be made on the consumer protection hotline at (202) 442-9828 or email at consumer.protection@dc.gov. Other consumer protection complaints can also be submitted to the hotline.
MPD Report
The Riggs Park neighborhood is in MPD public service area (PSA) 406. MPD holds a Sector 2 meeting covering PSAs 405, 406, and 407 the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Carjackings are up citywide, but there have been a couple of arrests of individuals believed responsible for multiple carjacking offenses. MPD stated there is a spike in shootings between crews from recently released individuals. With the holiday season approaching, consider having packages delivered to safe locations.
There have been a few shootings in Riggs Park recently, specifically in the 800 block of Jefferson Street NE and the 800 block of Oglethorpe NE. MPD 4D Captain Bryan Christian stated some of the violence can be attributed to individuals who were released pending their hearing date due to COVID-19. In response to my question about having a permanent camera installed on Oglethorpe Street, Captain Christian stated that is a decision made by MPD leadership. In response to my question about whether the city provides case management services to these recently released individuals, Captain Christian stated the city does site visits to individuals’ homes through the Court Services Supervision and Offender Supervision Agency for DC (CSOSA).
ANC 5A08 Public Safety Task Force
For the ANC 5A08 public safety task force, MPD will work with Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) to set up a regular walk with MPD and other DC government agencies such as DDOT or DPW. MPD asked Commissioner Fletcher to have at least six residents available for the walks. The walks are supposed to be resident-led.
Ward 5 MOCR Report
Malik Miller is leaving his role as the Ward 5 mayor’s office liaison (MOCR). Nokomis Hunter will be the new Ward 5 MOCR.
Ward 5 State Board of Education
Ward 5 SBOE Representative Zachary Parker noted that DCPS has opened CARES classrooms in some schools, including LaSalle-Backus. View Mr. Parker’s presentation here. DCPS has a school readiness reopening checklist, but it does not include testing.
After the meeting, Mr. Parker sent the following points about CARES classrooms.
Access to CARES classrooms is by invitation only; 400+ DC students have accepted seats so far
CARES classrooms are not covered by teachers and are merely an opportunity for students to engage in online learning in a school setting with supervision
There are currently 29 elementary schools open with CARES classrooms; Ward 5 campuses include NOYES and Wheatley…..LaSalle-Backus EC should be of interest to you too
DCPS is looking to open more schools and CARES classrooms after Thanksgiving
CARES classrooms are primarily targeting high-need students (i.e., students with disabilities, those who are homeless, English language learners, etc.), though principals have some flexibility
These CARES classrooms are opening as COVID-19 rates are rising nationally, and in DC, our rate was 4.8% yesterday
All schools with CARES classrooms are supposed to have nurses on-site and will follow DC Health guidelines for COVID-19 precautions
In addition, following the meeting, Mr. Parker shared that OSSE has a new Special Education Resource Hub, which includes many resources for families. Also, the Office of the Ombudsman is a great resource for counseling and intervention for families who feel as though their needs are not being met at school. The Office works to mediate conflicts between schools and families.
Mr. Parker and his predecessor Ward 5 SBOE representative Mark Jones are standing up an organization called Ward 5 Education Trust to provide financial support to Ward 5 public schools.
Art Place at Fort Totten
The commission voted to support the public space application for two curb cuts on Ingraham Street NE and one curb cut on Kennedy Street NE for the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten.
ANC 5A Office Space
The ANC has finally received the self-insured document it needs to occupy space at the Modern at Art Place, which is being provided as a community benefit.
ANC 5A Website
Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) is continuing work on selecting a website designer to design a new ANC 5A website. The ANC plans to release a survey to solicit input on the features and resources residents would like to see in a new site.
Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Commissioner Fletcher testified on behalf of ANC 5A at the recent Comp Plan hearing. Written testimony may be submitted for the record. The record closes at 5:00 pm on Decemer 3, 2020.
Rocketship Social Justice Public Charter School
Correction 11/24/2020: Social Justice School presented at the meeting not Rocketship.
RocketshipSocial Justice School received its charter earlier this year and opened the 2020-2021 school year with 50 students. Most of the students live in Wards 4, 5, and 8, and are engaging in distance learning. Approximately 10 students are receiving in-person instruction. These in-person seats were prioritized for students experiencing homelessness and for students whose parents are first responders.
Cityblock Health Services
CityBlock Health Services is seeking citywide support for its certificate of need application to DC’s State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) to establish “ambulatory community based health services.” Cityblock serves clients primarily in Wards 5, 7, and 8. They are not looking to open a physical location in ANC 5A; they are simply doing community outreach to councilmembers and ANC communities in which they provide services.
Lamond-Riggs Library Board of Zoning Adjustment Requests
One request is to slightly exceed the allowable lot occupancy. For the R-2 zone in which the library sits, the allowable lot occupancy is 40 percent. The existing library actually already exceeds that restriction, occupying 47 percent of the lot. The new library will occupy 49.5 percent of the lot.
The other request concerns relief from minimum vehicle parking requirements. The library is supposed to have a minimum of 11 vehicle parking spaces. The existing library does have 11 spaces, but one is a noncompliant handicap space because it is outside of the lot line and another one has limited access because of its location next to the library’s dumpster. The new library will only have 9 parking spaces, one being a fully compliant handicap parking space, because of site constraints and the amount of amenities that need to be accommodated on the lot. The BZA case number is 20392. The hearing will be on January 13, 2021.
DCPL is still waiting for its raze permit. They expect to receive that in the coming weeks and the building will be taken down shortly thereafter. View the new library design and other rebuilding information on the project website at https://www.dclibrary.org/newlamondriggs.
UDC/Pepco Ag. Pod Project
UDC and Pepco are teaming up to establish an “Ag. Pod” at UDC’s Backus Urban Food Hub, housed at UDC Backus at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE. The system will be used to grow food year-round. See this post for more information. UDC has two surveys seeking community input.
UDC is requesting input on both surveys by December 4, 2020.
Miscellaneous
The ANC does not usually have a regular public meeting in December. The ANC will welcome three new commissioners to represent single member districts 5A01, 5A02, and 5A06 in January 2021.
Permanently closed sign on KFC/Taco Bell. Photo credit: Tom Budinger
The end of an era. The KFC/Taco Bell located at 220 Riggs Road NE across from the Walmart has permanently closed. A new Chick-fil-A will replace the restaurant, a topic covered in several posts on the blog. The developer is still awaiting permits.
There will soon be a new addition to the Bertie Backus Food Hub housed at UDC’s Backus campus (the large hoop houses visible on the Galloway Street NE side of the campus). At ANC 5A’s recent meeting, Acting Director of UDC CAUSES Dr. Kamran Zendehdel shared that UDC is teaming up with Pepco to house an “Ag. Pod” at the food hub. This food production system will be used to grow vegetables and herbs year round to supply food in food desert areas around the city. The team is working on an entrepreneurial training model to train interested residents in Wards 5, 7, and 8. Currently, the Backus food hub contains a hydroponics system, aquaponics system, native plant nursery, compost, and community garden. Buildout of a community incubator commercial kitchen that will be accessible at low cost is also in progress.
UDC is requesting input on both surveys by December 4, 2020.
The Ag. Pod measures 50 feet by 10 feet. For comparison, the aquaponic system is 30 feet by 84 feet. The goal is to install the pod in December or early January.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
