Testimony to Expand the Great Streets Program to Include Riggs Park

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street

By David Kosub (Contributor)

At the November 2019 Lamond-Riggs Citizens Asociation meeting, I asked Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s staff if the boundaries of the District’s Great Streets program can be expanded so that our small and local businesses in Riggs Park could apply for the resources. After a few follow-up discussions with his staff, they invited me to provide testimony at an upcoming oversight hearing on the topic. Below is what I submitted in writing in my capacity as a resident of Riggs Park.

—

From: David Kosub
Resident, Riggs Park, Ward 5

To: D. Justin Roberts
Committee Director
Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Ward 5

Dear Mr. Roberts,

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share written testimony for consideration at the Committee on Business and Economic Development performance oversight hearing of Destination DC and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), scheduled for February 24, 2020.

I am submitting this testimony in my capacity as a resident of Riggs Park and as a passionate advocate for our small and local businesses. I believe they all, and especially the people behind the storefronts, deserve the same support as others receive from the district whenever and wherever possible.

DMPED’s Great Streets program represents one such opportunity for equity. This program, as the website explains, is the “District’s commercial revitalization initiative designed to support existing small businesses, attract new businesses, increase the District’s tax base, create new job opportunities for District Residents, and transform emerging corridors into thriving and inviting neighborhood centers.”

Unfortunately, as we are located in upper northeast Washington D.C., our neighborhood businesses currently fall outside the existing program boundaries and are ineligible to apply for Great Streets resources (see the map generated from the Great Streets Look-up page). For reference, Riggs Park businesses are principally located along:

  • Riggs Road NE from the CSX/metro tracks to Chillum Place NE
  •  South Dakota Avenue NE from Riggs Road NE to Galloway Street NE
  • 3rd St NE/2nd Street NE, from Riggs Road NE to New Hampshire Avenue NE, along the CSX/metro tracks 

 “The character of the area,” as described in the 2009 Area Development plan, is “primarily residential, anchored by the Fort Totten Metro and supported by small scale commercial and retail shops.” I appreciate the role our small and local businesses have played in supporting our community and want to return the favor. Let me take a few moments to introduce some of them to you.

The Phillips family started Troka Insurance in 2007, providing various insurance products and services, in both English and Spanish, and training for neighbors to become future agents. When not organizing the next Riggs Park Art Crawl or asking how my daughter is doing, Ms. V serves up a tasty black bean burger and peanut butter/banana smoothie at Culture Coffee Too. Hellbender Brewery is our neighborhood watering hole. Our pharmacist, Dr. Ramdass, will bring prescriptions right to a senior’s door. Shining stars makes going to the dentist for our kids welcoming and pleasant. Riggs Wine and Liquors proudly show their neighborhood pride with a beautiful mural on the side of their building. The CHILD Center, a legacy business here for nearly two decades, received a city-wide Robust Retail grant in 2019. And, I could go on and on with these stories, especially as new businesses like Meow Wolf open in coming years and are excited to be woven into the fabric of the community.

These businesses help keep Riggs Park thriving and economically viable. They need our support in return. Allowing them the opportunity to apply for Great Streets funding could lower the hurdle faced when trying to expand their business, create jobs, experiment with new services, redesign their facades, or enhance their online presence. After all, when their business succeeds, Riggs Park succeeds.

Furthermore, in a 2019 Retail Market analysis, The Parks Main Street (TPMS) was encouraged to help attract potential small and local businesses to help enliven the neighborhood. By having the District’s Great Streets corridor boundaries expanded, I feel this strengthens TPMS’ ability to demonstrate growth potential in retail viability in Riggs Park, while also aiding “existing businesses accommodate rapid change in the area.” For disclosure, I serve as a community member on the Board of Directors for TPMS. However, the views represented in this testimony, as noted earlier, reflect my own as a Riggs Park resident.

Finally, the Upper Northeast element of the District’s Comprehensive Plan also recognized the value of expanding the Great Streets program to benefit business corridors currently residing outside the existing boundaries. As noted in action UNE-1.2.C, it recommends that businesses along Rhode Island Ave NE be considered for Great Streets funding. I requested the Office of Planning, as part of my family’s comments on the plan submitted in December 2019, to consider Riggs Park businesses within TPMS’ area to be eligible as well to have funding for transportation, streetscape, and façade improvements. ANC 5A heard this recommendation too and agreed to support the idea earlier this month.

I appreciate your time and consideration of this request to expand the Great Streets boundaries, so our businesses have an equal opportunity to apply for these resources.

Thank you,
David Kosub

Highlights from February 18, 2020 ANC 5A08 SMD Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) held a single member district (SMD) meeting on February 18, 2020. A few highlights below:

Art Place at Fort Totten

Regarding the second phase of Art Place at Fort Totten (Block B), a lot of activity is anticipated over the next several weeks. The developer is removing the final items from the remaining Riggs Plaza apartments and will then disconnect utilities. Demolition of existing buildings, installation of a bike path and utilities on 3rd Street NE, and undergrounding of utilities on South Dakota Avenue are expected.

Traffic control plans for Block B are being coordinated with DDOT in conjunction with traffic control plans for construction of Lamond-Riggs Library as well as the Riggs Park Place townhome project on the southeast corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. Construction vehicles for Block B will park at The Modern.

Commissioner Fletcher will be neighborhood point of contact to distribute construction notices.

The developer is still awaiting a final written order from the Zoning Commission, so some of this activity will be contingent on receiving that order and also relocating the last few tenants remaining at Riggs Plaza apartments. The developer anticipates receiving the order soon.

Regarding the first phase (Building A), the 24 Hour Fitness is working on interior construction and hopes to open by the end of 2020. Roll-down gates have been installed at T-Mobile and Ramdass Pharmacy to address security issues.

A meeting for just the residents of The Modern and the Cafritz Foundation will be arranged to address resident concerns.

Rocketship & Social Justice School

Renderings of exterior view of Rocketship School and Social Justice School. Photos courtesy Rocketship

Interior work on the two warehouses at 5450 3rd Street NE (3rd and Kennedy) that will be the site of Rocketship Public Charter School is ongoing. The school is finalizing drive aisles with DDOT for dropoff and pickup and working with DOEE on stormwater retention plans. In fall 2020, only the North Building will be open; the South Building will open in fall 2021.

Rocketship, with AppleTree, will open with grades preK3-2 and add 100 students each year to reach full capacity. Social Justice will start with grades 5 and 6. Registration is ongoing through March 2, 2020, through My School DC.

Rocketship holds weekly information sessions at Lamond-Riggs Library. There will be an information session on February 25, 2020, at 6:00 pm where some of the faculty/staff will be present. Rocketship is still hiring for a few faculty positions. Interested candidates should contact Principal Angel McNeil.

Rocketship will have a naming ceremony on April 25, 2020. The purpose of naming ceremony is to reflect desired values of the school. Currently the school is simply known as Rocketship Fort Totten.

Totten Mews

There has been an uptick in crime along 6th Street and at Totten Mews, the new townhome community near the Capital Area Food Bank. Issues inclue car and home break-ins, older youth smoking weed on the playground at Totten Mews, non-residents loitering on benches at Totten Mews, abandoned/stolen cars, and drug activity along 6th Street. The nearby Emerson Park townhome community has also seen an uptick in crime with a shooting nearby in the past month.

Officer Bonilla noted that MPD’s Fourth District is down 11 officers due to a police-involved shooting in Petworth a couple of weeks ago. Those officers have to be cleared before they can return to duty.

Several residents volunteered to assist Commissioner Fletcher on a plan for North Michigan Park. Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, also recommended getting an overhead map and highlighting the streets that need better lighting. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Commissioner Fletcher.

Prom dress giveaway

Posted by nextstoprp in Main Street
Image may contain: possible text that says 'COFFEE TOO CULTURE & FEARLESS THREADS PRESENT: PROM DRESS 2020 CONTEST! 3 DESERVING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS CAN ENTER TO WIN A CUSTOM DRESS.'
Culture Coffee Too & Fearless Thread 2020 Prom Dress Contest

Culture Coffee Too and Fearless Threads are teaming up to give away a few custom made prom dresses to students in need. If you are interested in donating to the effort, visit this link.

For students in need, please visit the online application link. The application is simple: must be a student at a DC high school, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and submit a 50 word statement about why the student deserves a free prom dress.

ANC 5A Comprehensive Plan Comments

Posted by nextstoprp in Uncategorized

ANC 5A submitted comments on proposed amendments to DC’s Comprehensive Plan. The submission incorporates comments submitted by myself and a couple of other residents. The ANC also repeated its request for more time for residents to respond to the proposed amendments.

One item that did make it into the ANC’s submission is “Preserve the historical single-family style homes, with No apartments in North Michigan Park.” There was a bit of discussion on this topic at ANC meetings. The North Michigan Park residents in attendance felt strongly about this. It is a point of pride for them to say there are no apartments in North Michigan Park. I have always found this curious. I have mentioned before, the wholesale pushback against apartments is really puzzling because the same residents are fine with adding a drive-thru at the McDonald’s in that neighborhood. Adding a drive-thru where there was none before seems way more problematic than building one apartment building, but I do not live there so it does not have to make sense to me.

At the ANC’s special meeting on February 12, ANC Commissioner Gordon Fletcher (5A08) stated that North Michigan Park has always been a neighborhood of single family homes so it should stay that way and should not have to change. This sentiment is why I simply listen when people talk about affordable housing, inequity, and gentrification in DC because actions often do not match the narrative, which is a little more complicated than we often treat it. Zoning laws have historically been used to keep out people who are viewed as undesirable, whether that be based on race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomics, or other characteristics. In this case, desire to keep out housing voucher holders is clearly the motivating factor (though certainly voucher holders can also rent single family homes).

There is a discussion in this city right now about adding more housing. The mayor’s goal to add 36,000 units by 2025 is slogan-y and not super realisitic, but the point remains that the city does need more housing. The narrative is that it is residents west of the park who are going to be the big obstacle to getting more housing, including affordable housing. That may be true, but it is also single family homeowners generally all across the city who do not want their neighborhoods changing at all. People like what they like and they don’t like what they don’t like.

There are legitimate issues with increasing density. Without attendant upgrades to infrastructure, there are going to be problems. A firefighter who lives in the community noted that a whole new community has been created in Fort Lincoln and no new firehouses have been built so the response time to get to that part of the city could be better. Schools that are seen as desirable are already overcrowded. In addition, simply throwing up cheap housing or putting housing in ill-conceived places is going to create problems for residents who live in that housing.

Our public officials now have the uneviable task of reconciling competing priorities and interests in this planning document. One of their clear goals is getting something approved to address the delay in projects held up in litigation. I am pretty sure whatever the final document looks like, there will be plenty for people to like and dislike and many inconsistencies will remain.

Metro Transit Police at Fort Totten Metro Station

Posted by nextstoprp in Public Safety, Transportation

Last week, the Washington Post reported on pretty gross behavior by the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD). According to the report, an MTPD supervisor based at Fort Totten metro station came up with a really terrible idea in which MTPD officers would get points leading to prizes for different enforcement actions, such as an arrest or citation.

There have long been complaints about the actions of MTPD officers. According to WAMU, DC At-Large Councilmember Robert White and Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen are introducing a resolution to request establishment of an MTPD civilian complaint board, among other measures.

There is a lot to say about this that I am finding difficult to put in a post. The one thing I will say is that I often hear people clamoring for more and more police in this community and I think we need to be a little more thoughtful and very specific and intentional in what we ask of public safety and elected officials.

MTPD Chief Ronald Pavlik, Jr. has been invited to the next ANC 5A meeting.

DDOT Ward 5 Open House Updates

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Catching up on posts, starting with a few updates from the DDOT Ward 5 Open House held on February 8, 2020.

Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) Fort Totten Extension

MBT Extension Brookland to Fort Totten Construction Phases. Source: District Department of Transportation

DDOT’s Metropolitan Branch Trail Project Manager Nannette Bowles shared a few updates about the MBT extension from Brookland to Fort Totten metro station (see handout here). DDOT has finally gotten the necessary easements and rights-of-way from various property owners (Metro, National Park Service, Aggregate Industries) in order to proceed with work on the middle portion (Phases C-D) of the extension, which is also the most complicated part.

As spring approaches, there will be more activity along 1st Place NE by Fort Totten metro station. Replacement of the existing trail alongside the Mamie D. Lee garden and Mary’s Center/Briya/Bridges is nearly done.

After a long pause in posting updates after March 31 of last year, DDOT has started updating the two-week look ahead reports (the weekly progress reports are still a work in progress). They have also revised the timeline again so projected completion is now expected in winter 2020 rather than September 2020. It is entirely possible that this date will change again, but at least it sounds like progress is being made.

Sidewalk on South Side of Galloway Street NE

DDOT’s Ward 5 liaison Kelly Jeong-Olson shared that DDOT and NPS are working to finalize an MOU to construct a trail on the south side of Galloway Street NE between South Dakota Avenue and 4th Street (where there is not a sidewalk). NPS is responsible for design, which DDOT will need to approve. DDOT hopes to have a design finalized by the middle of this year. Once the design is done, DDOT will present it to the community for feedback, likely at an ANC meeting.

This project has been delayed because the original trail NPS designed was not done to proper specification, with NPS designing a 6-foot wide trail rather than a 10-foot wide trail. There will need to be a retaining wall. The design team was also working out how to work around all of the deep tree roots. Stay tuned for an update from your ANC.

Also, folks probably noticed the sidwalk leading from South Dakota Avenue to the bus stop on the south side of Galloway Street was repaved. In addition, the broken sidewalk on Galloway leading to the metro station was finally repaired last week, thanks to attention from two residents, Deborah Grimstead and Robert Oliver.

Crosswalk 400 block of Galloway Street NE

View of crosswalk 400 block of Galloway Street NE pre-corral installation and post-corral installation

In December 2019, DDOT installed an off-sidewalk parking corral in a portion of the no parking zone near the crosswalk in the 400 block of Galloway Street NE. People still park cars directly behind the crosswalk though so visibility of pedestrians attempting to use the crosswalk is still a problem. At the open house, DDOT said they would investigate placing a second corral behind the crosswalk so that cars are not parked there.

This has been an ongoing issue since fall 2017 when The Modern at Art Place opened. The crosswalk was removed during construction of The Modern. Once the building was completed in 2017, no one thought to put the crosswalk back in and there were conflicting reports about whether DDOT expected the crosswalk to be replaced. It took months for the crosswalk to be replaced and then cars were being parked in the crosswalk and directly surrounding the crosswalk because there was not a curb cut. It took another couple of months for a curb cut to be installed. DDOT piecemealed improvements and repeatedly declined to put in additional signage to indicate that cars should not be parked directly behind the crosswalk.

This is one example of why there needs to be a better method to address the pedestrian safety impacts of development (see also the Ingraham Street NE hawk signal saga). When development projects are completed, there needs to be a more effective way to ensure that the developer has addressed issues in its transportation demand management plan instead of making residents jump through unnecessary hoops to have basic things addressed that should have been addressed during the development and construction process.

The other issue that will need to be addressed here is that a daycare center is scheduled to open in the 400 block of Galloway later this year. Children will undoubtedly be dropped off in cars so there will need to be some accommodation to handle dropoff and pickup around this area that also gets a lot of bus and vehicle traffic.

Path between Gallatin and Galloway Street NE

The saga that is the informal trail between Gallatin Street and Galloway Street near Fort Totten metro station is not something I spoke with anyone about at the open house, but I am putting information about the path here that was shared in a comment by resident (and blog contributor) Robert Oliver on my post with 2020 development updates. Construction of a paved, lit path is scheduled for spring of this year.

Assaults have occurred from time to time on the existing informal path. For decades, residents have requested Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton to get NPS to do something about this informal trail. When the paved path is finally installed, people should still be aware of their surroundings. After all, there is a fully paved trail just west of Fort Totten metro station and people still complain about assaults happening there (not to mention the muggings that happen on sidewalks across the city in broad daylight).

February 24: ANC 4B Monthly Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

ANC 4B Regular Public Meeting

Monday, February 24, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

MPD, 4th District Station, 6001 Georgia Ave., NW

Agenda

  1. Call to Order & Roll Call
  2. Administrative Items:
    1. Consideration and Approval of February Agenda
    2. Approval of January Regular Public Meeting Minutes
    3. Treasurer’s Report
    4. Commissioner Updates (if applicable)
  3. Reports:
    1. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes)
    2. Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)
  4. Presentation: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (Commissioner Yeats)
  5. Presentation: Traffic Safety Specialist, District Department of Transportation (Commissioner Parks – 10 minute presentation; 10 minute discussion)
  6. Presentation: Janice Ferebee, Community Outreach Organizer, DC Recovery Community Alliance (Commissioner Brooks – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)
  7. Presentation: Daniela Anello, Head of School, DC Bilingual, Community Engagement (Commissioners Brooks – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)
  8. Presentation: Zachary Williams, Esq. Venable, LLP, Proposed Chick-fil-A, 220 Riggs Road, NE, Seating Re-Design & Traffic Study (Commissioners Brooks – 10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)
  9. Presentation: Sassan Gharai, SGA Companies, Proposed Development at 300-308 Carroll Street, NW & 325 Vine Street, NW (Commissioner Bromaghim – 10 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) 
  10. Presentation: Request for Special Exception to Lot Occupancy Requirements to Allow Construction of Accessory Dwelling Unit, 7521 9th Street, NW (BZA 20209) (Commissioner Yeats  – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)
  11. Consent Calendar:

    Resolution 4B-20-0201: Supporting Metro Transit Police Adopting Metropolitan Police Department General Order 305-1 re Interacting with Juveniles (Commissioner Johnson)

    Resolution 4B-20-0202: Expressing Concern with Metropolitan Police Department Use of NextDoor for Reporting (Commissioner Johnson)

    Resolution 4B-20-0203: Expressing Lack of Confidence in Chief Ronald A. Pavlik, Jr. and Calling for Reform of Metro Transit Police Department (Commissioner Johnson and Commissioner Yeats)

    Resolution 4B-20-0204: Noting Lack of WMATA Engagement and Opposing Fare Increases and Cuts to Metrobus Service (Commissioner Yeats and Commissioner Palmer)
  12. Resolution 4B-20-0205: Establishing Housing Justice Committee (Commissioner Palmer – 2 minute presentation; 2 minute discussion)
  13. Community Concerns: 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.
  14. Adjournment

Please Note: Anyone in the audience may speak on any subject during “Community Concerns.” You may also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings. Discussion on other agenda items will generally be limited to Commissioners. Finally, the meeting may not last beyond 9:00 p.m. unless extended by a two/thirds vote of the Commission.

Next Regular Public Meeting:  Monday, March 23, 2019, 7:00 p.m., MPD, 4th District Station, 6001 Georgia Ave., NW

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner: ANC 4B01 Evan Yeats (4B01@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B02 Erin Palmer (4B02@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B03 Scot Knickerbocker (4B03@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B04 Brenda Parks (4B04@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B05 Perry Redd (4B05@anc.dc.gov); 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)

Give feedback on Metro’s proposed budget

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

Metro is soliciting feedback on its proposed budget until March 2, 2020. You can fill out a survey, submit written comments, and attend an open house and public hearing. There will be an open house at Metro headquarters in DC (600 5th Street NW) on February 26, 2020, starting at 4:00 pm.

There are a number of proposed changes, including a peak fare increase, a flat fare weekend rate proposal, adjustment to service routes and hours for metrobus (including for the 80, E2, and E4 routes in this area), and adjustment to service hours and frequency for metrorail. If you are a metrobus or metrorail user, it is worth visiting Metro’s website to view the proposed changes.

February 6, 2020 ANC 5A03 Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

By Robert Oliver (Contributor)

ANC Commissioner Emily Singer Lucio (5A03) held her quarterly single member district (SMD) meeting at the Faith United Church of Christ (Faith UCC) on February 6, 2020. She opened the meeting by discussing neighborhood traffic, parking, and issues with private refuse vehicles. 

Ward 5 Councilmember Announcements

Silas Grant of Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office spoke next. Mr. Grant discussed a variety of issues including the Ward 5 Report, a recap of FY2019 accomplishments, and Councilmember McDuffie’s Budget Survey. Mr. Grant is assisting a constituent who received a 10-year warranty on work done by a DC-sponsored contractor. The contractor is no longer in business, but the work must be redone.

ANC 5A Announcments

ANC 5A Chair Ronnie Edwards (5A05) discussed the recent ANC 5A meeting on the Comprehensive Plan. He thanked Commissioner Lucio and Carmen Williams, North Michigan Park Civic Association President, for their contributions. He noted the large turnout and work accomplished at that meeting. A final review of the plan is scheduled for a special ANC meeting on Wednesday, February 12 at the UDC-CC Bertie Backus Campus starting at 6:45 pm in Room 129. The deadline for submission of ANC feedback on the Comprehensive Plan to the DC Office of Planning is February 14, 2020.

2020 Census

Commissioner Lucio took a moment to discuss the importance of the 2020 Census. She noted that some are concerned about sharing personal data, but she stressed that the 2020 Census affects the DC budget, city resource allocation, and ANC boundary revisions. She emphasized that everyone should participate.

MPD Report

MPD 4th District Lieutenant Patrick Schaut and MPD 4th District Community Outreach Coordinator Derek Staten gave a police report. Mr. Staten asked everyone to join the new MPD Google listserv, which provides access to the latest crime reports and other data. He said community impact statements are important criminal justice tools. These statements help judges determine whether to incarcerate or parole a defendant.

Lieutenants Patrick Schaut, Troy Jessup and Tatjana Savoy are the shift managers of police service areas (PSAs) 405, 406 and 407. Each PSA is staffed with a minimum of two officers.

Lt. Schaut said the DC Crime Map, which is updated every 24-hours, is a great tool for tracking local crime. Residents can also help mitigate crime by installing security cameras. Lt. Schaut said the following crimes are trending:

  • Theft of vehicle tires and/or airbags (usually Hondas);
  • Theft of children’s cell phones; and
  • Robbery of those who participate in online marketplace apps, such as letgo. The best solution is to only exchange goods at a police station. 

In response to an audience question, Lt. Schaut said three of four suspects involved in the highjacking of a UPS truck were caught. Resident reporting helped solve the case. Lastly, the audience expressed its desire for more community policing, and cited Officer Lucas as an example.  

Commissioner Lucio hopes to introduce 911 training to the children of the North Michigan Park community. Also, she mentioned that details on crime can be found in “The Court Report,” a monthly list of Superior and District Court case results. A special form is required to receive a copy. Contact Commissioner Lucio for more information.

DDOT Announcements

Kelly Jeong-Olson, DDOT Community Engagement Specialist, announced the DDOT Ward 5 Open House (recently held on Saturday, February 8).   

She listed sidewalk repair and a crosswalk for the Mundo Verde School as community concerns that she has forwarded for resolution. Ms. Jeong-Olson asked the audience to retain proof – names, dates, tracking numbers – of conversations with DDOT because it helps when tracking complaints. She also took note of the following community concerns:

  • Inform DDOT of missing road and crosswalk stripping since utility construction crews often fail to return the work areas back to its former state.
  • Prohibit 1.25 ton vehicles from using restricted streets, update DC truck map and ensure online maps incorporate the DC truck map data.  A community member suggested that a $250 fine be levied and then doubled on the offending trucking firm for each infraction its drivers incur.
  • Repair the protruding sidewalk at the 4700 block of 8th Street NE.
  • Perform a traffic study in the area bounded by 10th, Taylor, 11th, and Varnum streets NE.

McDonald’s

Harry Thomas, Jr., consultant for the McDonald’s on South Dakota Avenue NE, was not able to attend the meeting.

DC Rodent Control

Gerard Brown of the DC Department of Health Rodent Control informed the audience that rodents require three things to thrive: food, habitat and water. And sadly, human activity provides all three. Mr. Brown said rodent prevention services are free to all DC residents. Commercial businesses are responsible for their own rodent control efforts. DC is limited to providing advice and to issuing citations to commercial businesses. In an effort to help small businesses, DC now offers a commercial trash compactor program.

In response to a question, Mr. Brown said he sent an inspection team to the 4900 block of South Dakota Avenue NE to investigate a rodent infestation. He is still awaiting a report from his team, which he will share.

The Ark of DC:  Neighborhood Wellness Clinc

The Ark of DC is the newest business at 4944 South Dakota Avenue NE. The owners stated their business provides mental health counseling for all ages. Primary care doctors will provide patient-centric care. The Ark has an affiliation with the Providence Health System. The facility will not provide substance abuse treatment. The owners are open to the community. The Ark’s hours are:

  • Monday and Wednesday – 9:00 am-9:00 pm
  • Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday – 9:00 am-6:00 pm
  • Saturday – 10:00 am-2:00 pm
  • Sunday – Closed

Please stop by and meet The Ark staff.

Don’t you want to be an ANC?

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B, ANC 5A

This post is another appeal for residents to consider running for an Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) position. The ANC is a nonpartisan position. The election for new ANCs will be this year in the general election in November. Nominating petitions for ANC become available June 26, 2020. To get on the ballot, all you need is 25 signatures from residents in the single member district (SMD) where you live.

There is a solid chance three or four of the current ANC 5A commissioners will not run again. Some of them have been serving many terms and they appear ready to move on.

In particular, it would be awesome for someone in my SMD, ANC 5A01, to run. The boundaries of 5A01 are the south side of Kennedy Street NE to the north, Eastern Avenue NE to the east, Galloway Street NE to the south, and the east side of South Dakota Avenue NE to the west. It is a nice little manageable area that includes the Bertie Backus campus and the Lamond-Riggs Library. You can see a map of ANC 5A below.

The ANC is an interesting creature of DC Home Rule. I think as with any volunteer position, it is as much work as you make it. There are of course certain things that must be done in terms of number of meetings, reporting, and the like. One could do simply the required minimum. There is also the opportunity to really have a big impact. One could advocate for budget items, give ideas for meaningful legislation, request improvements around pedestrian safety and civic assets, give substantive input on development projects, or any number of things.

Some people see the ANC as a stepping stone to higher office. Mayor Muriel Bowser served as an ANC in Riggs Park before representing Ward 4 on the DC Council and eventually becoming mayor. If there are residents out there for whom that is a goal, I say go for it. What better way to campaign than showing you have done tangible things in the neighborhood where you live. For the rest of us who do not have political aspirations, I think there is tremendous value in doing the work that we wish someone else would do.

I happen to live on the Ward 5 side of the neighborhood, so I most often attend ANC 5A meetings, but my appeal applies to Ward 4 neighbors as well. For people truly interested in running, I would recommend attending the monthly ANC meetings. There are a handful of meetings left before the summer break, so there is plenty of time to observe and think about how you would like to serve.

February 8: DDOT Ward 5 Open House

Posted by nextstoprp in Transportation

DDOT Ward 5 Safety Improvement Open House

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host an Open House for residents in Ward 5 to learn about current and future safety improvement projects that are advancing Mayor Bowser’s Vision Zero and infrastructure goals.

At the event, DDOT project managers and staff will be available to discuss safety and infrastructure projects in Ward 5, including the Florida Ave NE project, Florida/New York Ave intersection (also known as “Dave Thomas Circle”) project and the Metropolitan Branch Trail (Brookland – Fort Totten) project among other improvements in the Ward.

This Open House is an opportunity for residents to engage directly with DDOT staff to facilitate one-on-one conversations and receive answers for specific questions. There will not be a formal presentation, so residents can come and go when they are able without missing any of the content. Residents should click here.to register for this event.

WHAT:       DDOT Ward 5 Open House
WHEN:      Saturday, February 8, 2020
                  12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE:   Trinidad Recreation Center
                  1310 Childress St NE
                  Washington, DC 20002

January 22, 2020 ANC 5A Meeting Recap

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 5A

ANC 5A held its monthly public meeting on January 22, 2020. Commissioners present: Frank Wilds (5A01); Grace Lewis (5A02); Emily Singer Lucio (5A03); Ronnie Edwards (5A05); Sandi Washington (5A07); Gordon Fletcher (5A08).

ANC Business

The ANC voted by acclamation to keep the same officers: Chair – Commisioner Edwards; Vice Chair – Commissioner Fletcher; Secretary – Commissioner Lucio; Treaurer – Commissioner Washington; Parliamentarian – Commissioner Lewis.

The ANC approved the 1st quarter FY 2020 financial report and its 2020 meeting schedule. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the November meeting will likely be November 18, 2020. The ANC approved spending $25.00 to participate in the ANC Security Fund.

MPD Report

Due to recent changes in the Yahoo Groups platform, MPD has switched outreach communications from Yahoo Groups to Google Groups. To join the Google Group for MPD’s 4th District (4D), contact Derek Staten, MPD 4th District Community Outreach Coordinator, at derek.staten@dc.gov. The google group is a good way to stay informed about what is happening in MPD’s 4th District, and MPD is pretty good about responding to questions from residents. The 4th District roster is here. Mr. Staten also shared a handout on MPD stops. The full stop data report is available at mpdc.dc.gov/stopdata.

The 4th District is accepting gently worn and new winter coats as well as new socks throughout the month of February. The 4th District headquarters is located at 6001 Georgia Avenue NW.

As for crime, here are the latest stats provided by Lt. Patrick Schaut. Lt. Schaut stated a UPS driver was hijacked on 11th Street NE earlier this week. MPD apprehended three suspects and believe a fourth is still out there. An individual was held up at gunpoint on the social trail between Gallatin and Galloway earlier this week. MPD discourages residents from using the trail, particularly in the evening hours. National Park Service has previously stated there is funding to install a paved trail with lighting some time this year, but no word on when that will actually happen. MPD is still investigating the robberies at Ramdass Pharmacy. One incident was clearly a professional job, so MPD is doing what it can to identify the culprits. The 7-Elevens in the neighborhood have also been the target of thefts.

A few residents and Commissioner Fletcher (5A08) raised the issue of communication between private security guards for the apartment communities by Fort Totten metro station, Metro Transit police, U.S. Park Police, and MPD. All of these entities can really only operate within their own jurisdiction, which makes things a little complicated around the metro station. Continue to share your suggestions and concerns with Commissioner Fletcher.

There was some discussion about how MPD handles patroling along the borders of police districts. Lt. Schaut stated MPD will share informationa about serious crimes (for example, “be on the lookout (BOLO)” requests), but decisions about allocation of officers are made by lieutenants for those police districts. The 4th District lieutenant is not going to tell the 5th District lieutenant how officers should patrol the 5th District. So if you live close to the border of the 5th District and want to get alerts about crimes that may be happening close to the border of 4D and 5D, then you might want to join the 5th District Google Group and sign up for 5D alerts as some of the commissioners do.

Other than that, the usual advice about theft from autos, which remains a problem across the District. Do not leave anything in your car. It will be taken and you will have a busted car window. If you are purchasing/selling online, make arrangements to meet at a police station. Lt. Schaut stated there is an unlicensed carshare service operating in DC called getaround. According to Lt. Schaut, individuals are using the service to commit crimes, so MPD recommends not signing up your vehicle for this service. If your neighborhood is experiencing package thefts from porches, have your packages delivered to a secure location. Consider using the District’s security camera incentive program for your home.

Comprehensive Plan Update

The ANC went through comments submitted by residents as well as the comments that came out of the ANC’s public meeting held on January 11. (Disclosure: I submitted comments to the ANC for consideration in their review). There will likely be a follow-up special meeting in February for the ANC to share the final draft of what the ANC will submit to the Office of Planning before the February 14th deadline. As an aside, I do want to thank the ANC for taking the time to gather resident input and commit to submitting a formal letter to the Office of Planning regarding the proposed amendments. While the ANC did request more time beyond February 14 to submit comments, and residents understandably remain dissatisfied with the way this process is being handled by the Office of Planning and the mayor’s office, at least the ANC is taking steps to submit comments to the Office of Planning before the deadline.

The Parks Main Street Grant Request

Edwin Washington, Executive Director of The Parks Main Street, submitted a grant application to the ANC for $2,000 to help bring Events DC’s Jazz in the ‘Hoods, a feature of the DC Jazz Festival, to the neighborhood. The concert does not have a location in Ward 5, so the Main Street met with the Jazz in the ‘Hoods team to propose a few different venues/spaces along the South Dakota Avenue/Riggs Road NE corridor. ANC 5A treasurer Commissioner Washington (5A07) stated she wants to make sure the ANC’s grant funds can be used for this purpose and make sure that the proposal will benefit 5A. Seems to me that this will very clearly benefit the communities in 5A, but Commissioner Fletcher stated he will reach out to the Office of ANC to get guidance. The ANC asked Mr. Washington to come back in February when the ANC has a special meeting to follow up on the request.

Ward 5 Councilmember Report/Budget Survey

Silas Grant, Senior Advisor to Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, distributed paper copies of the councilmember’s budget survey. That survey can be completed online at https://kenyanmcduffieward5.com/budget2020. If you have thoughts about how public dollars should be prioritized, complete the survey. Councilmember McDuffie will hold a meeting with ANCs and civic association leaders on January 29, 2020, to discuss the budget and updates to the Comprehensive Plan.

Social Justice School

The ANC voted (5 yes, 1 no) to provide a letter of support to the Social Justice School to open a middle school at the Rocketship Campus at 5450 Kennedy Street NE in fall 2020. The school will have a DC Public Charter School Board hearing in March of this year.

Providence Medical Center

The ANC voted (5 yes, 1 no) to approve a letter in support of Providence Medical Center’s certificate of need application to operate a diagnostic imaging center. Providence indicated to Commissioner Lucio (5A03) that this should be the final certificate of need it requests and that its next announcement will be its plans for the full campus.

Mayor’s Office Report

The mayor’s office will be holding budget engagement forums around the city. One will be held in Ward 5 at Edgewood Recreation Center on February 18, 2020, at 6:30 pm.

DDOT Ward 5 Open House

DDOT will hold an open house for Ward 5 at the Trinidad Recreation Center on February 8, 2020, from noon to 2:00 pm. Stop by to share any transportation concerns, requests for sidewalk repairs, speed bumps, etc.

Miscellaneous

Commissioner Fletcher will hold an SMD meeting on February 4, 2020.

North Michigan Park Civic Association will hold a Community Information Expo on February 5, 2020, at North Michigan Park Recreation Center from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm. ANC commissioners and representatives from Disrict agencies, the mayor’s office, and Councilmember McDuffie’s office will be present.

Commissioner Lucio will hold an SMD meeting on February 6, 2020. Approval was granted to remove a seemingly abandoned boat on Decatur Street NE. District officials are working on it.

January 30: Congresswoman Norton National Park Service Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

Congresswoman Norton’s district office is hosting its third quarterly meeting of D.C. residents and representatives of the National Park Service in order to better understand the issues that constituents are having with national parks in the District.

The pertinent details are below:

Who: All D.C. Residents
What: Quarterly National Park Service Meeting
Where: Cleveland Park Library Meeting Room, 3310 Connecticut Ave NW
When: Thursday, January 30, 2020
Time: 6:30 pm-8:00 pm

This event is open to the public. 

Next Stop Neighbors: Dr. Kenny Gibbs

Posted by nextstoprp in Riggs Park

By David Kosub (Contributor)

What happens when you get two biomedical scientists together in the community? Well, the next edition of Next Stop Neighbors of course. Kenneth Gibbs, Ph.D., joins us today to tell us about his research career, how he encourages folks from all backgrounds to pursue a career in science, how he ended up in Riggs Park, and what’s on his reading list. We hope you enjoy the conversation. And, if there are any budding scientists out there, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!  

Click here to listen (running time: 10 minutes)

David Kosub and Kenny Gibbs

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:

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)

January 27: ANC 4B Monthly Public Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in ANC 4B

Regular Public Meeting

Monday, January 27, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

MPD 4th District Station, 6001 Georgia Ave., NW

Agenda

1.        Call to Order & Roll Call 

2.        Administrative Items:A. Election of Officers
B. Appointment of Representative to Walter Reed CAC
C. Approval of 2020 Meeting Schedule (4th Monday, except May [26th]; recess in July, August, December)
D. Approval of ANC Security Fund
E. Treasurer’s Report & Approval of Quarterly Financial Report for the First Quarter 2020
F. Approval of Rules of Procedure
G. Approval of November Regular Public Meeting Minutes
H. Consideration and Approval of January Agenda
I. Commissioner Updates (if applicable)

3.        Reports: 

A. Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 minutes)

B. Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (3 minutes)

C. Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (3 minutes)

D. Ward 4 State Board of Education Representative Frazier O’Leary (3 minutes)

4.        Community Concerns: 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.

5.        Presentation: Just Pay Coalition, “Pay Stub” Clinic (Commissioner Redd – 3 minute presentation; 4 minute discussion)

6.        Presentation: Rocketship Public Charter School Expansion (Commissioners Yeats & Huff – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion) [invited]

7.        Consent Calendar:

Resolution 4B-20-0101: Supporting Increased Funding and Expansion of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Motor Carrier Unit (Commissioner Yeats)

Resolution 4B-20-0102: Resolution Supporting Accessory Garage Structure at 6223 8th Street, NW (BZA 20202) (Commissioner Knickerbocker) 

8.        Letter of Support: Renaissance Healthcare Services to Establish Pediatric Home Care Service Agency in Ward 4 (Commissioner Brooks – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)

9.        Letter of Support: Proposed Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (Commissioner Huff – 3 minute presentation; 3 minute discussion)  

10.     Presentation: Sassan Gharai, SGA Companies, and Resolution 4B-20-0103: Providing Initial Community Input and Requesting Extended Review Period for Proposed Development at 300-308 Carroll Street, NW & 325 Vine Street, NW (Commissioner Bromaghim – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)

11.     Resolution 4B-20-0104: Providing Feedback on Proposed Changes to the Comprehensive Plan (Commissioner Palmer – 5 minute presentation; 5 minute discussion)

12.     Adjournment 

Please Note: Anyone in the audience may speak on any subject during “Community Concerns.” You may also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings. Discussion on other agenda items will generally be limited to Commissioners. Finally, the meeting may not last beyond 9:00 p.m. unless extended by a two/thirds vote of the Commission.

Next Regular Public Meeting:  Monday, February 24, 2019, 7:00 p.m., MPD, 4th District Station, 6001 Georgia Ave., NW

Contact your Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner: ANC 4B01 Evan Yeats(4B01@anc.dc.gov);ANC 4B02 Erin Palmer (4B02@anc.dc.gov);ANC 4B03 Scot Knickerbocker (4B03@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B04 Brenda Parks (4B04@anc.dc.gov); ANC 4B05 Perry Redd (4B05@anc.dc.gov);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)Erin Palmer, Secretary, ANC 4BANC 4B02 Commissioner

January 16: Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering

Posted by nextstoprp in Recreation

By David Kosub (Contributor)

It’s a new year, and with that comes new opportunities to connect with your neighbors and friends all around you in the community. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s gather up already!

What: Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering

When: Thursday, January 16, 2020, starting around 6:30 pm

Where: Hellbender Brewery – 5788 2nd St NE. We’ll likely be around a circle table – just ask for Thirsty Third Thursday peeps

Who: Everybody is welcome. That includes you (yes, even you!), your family, your retired neighbor down the street, block captains, that new person who just moved in yesterday, folks with hidden agendas, your friend visiting from out of town, and all those babies who have recently entered the world (they know who they are)

Why: Because it’s fun to get to know folks living around you and share stories, unwind, support a local business, and there may even be some trivia too!

Never been to a Thirsty Third Thursday Neighborhood Gathering before? Well, don’t let that stop you now! It’s totally chill, welcoming, and a good respite from the workday.

Share your budget priorities with Councilmember McDuffie

Posted by nextstoprp in Ward 5

Message from Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s office:

—

Budget season at the Council is ramping up, and Councilmember McDuffie wants to hear your budget priorities for Ward 5 and the District of Columbia. At the link directly below, you will have the opportunity to give your feedback and priorities for the upcoming budget. Councilmember McDuffie and staff will also be bringing this to ANC and civic association meetings for the rest of January and early February. 

Share your budget priorities with CM McDuffie here: http://kenyanmcduffieward5.com/budget2020

In addition to sharing your priorities with Councilmember McDuffie, residents are also encouraged to share them with the entire Council by testifying at a performance oversight or budget oversight hearing. Performance oversight hearings review the performance of District agencies over the past year and run through March 6, 2020. Budget oversight hearings look at each agency’s budget for the upcoming year and are held March 23 through April 9, 2020. For the schedule of hearings, check the links below and/or the website of the Council Budget Office.

Schedule of performance oversight hearings (PDF): https://www.dccouncilbudget.com/s/12-3-19-2019-2020-Performance-Oversight-Hearings.pdf

Schedule of budget oversight hearings (PDF): https://www.dccouncilbudget.com/s/12-3-19-Fiscal-Year-2021-Budget-Hearing-Schedule.pdf.

DC Council Budget Office website: https://www.dccouncilbudget.com

DC Council hearing/meeting calendar: https://dccouncil.us/events/

Overview of the entire budget process from the Council Budget Office: https://www.dccouncilbudget.com/budget-process