Ft. Totten Square/Walmart Construction Begins

So now that things have began progressing, we thought we'd provide a construction update on what is happening over at the Ft. Totten Square site.  The new year has come and gone, and the site of the District's newest Walmart has begun buzzing with workers and machinery.  JGB Group sent out a press release detailing the project, which can be found here.  As the initial dig kicks off, the sound of pile driving equipment can be heard throughout the surrounding neighborhood.  The low hum of excavators, bulldozers, and other heavy equipment fills the air.  Finally some real progress at the MUCH anticipated and LONG awaited Ft. Totten Square.

Looking SW From the Corner of 3rd & Chillum NE

Looking along the Chillum PL NE side of the site towards SD Ave.

View along the 3rd St NE Side of the Site,
South Towards the Riggs and SD Ave Intersection

View 1 Along Riggs Rd => North

View 2 Along Riggs Rd => North

View 3 Along Riggs Rd => North

Union Market Upcoming Events

  Want to know what the new Union Market has to offer, and when all of their great events will be taking place?  Thanks to Ryan, Edens Communications Director, we were able to get a copy of the Union Market Flyer and schedule of events.  There are a ton of great events to partake in; Trucktober Fest (this weekend), Primetime Libations (weekly friday HH's), Righteous Cheese classes, Food Styling, Meat Up Haloween (Oct 29), and the official complete market opening and Crafts Fair (Nov 10th).  So many things to do, and eat, and drinik, and watch, and smell, and...Enjoy.

CM McDuffie Announces Ft. TottenPublic Safety Meeting

  DC Council Member Kenyan McDuffie, Ward 5, annoucned that he will be holding an Emergency Meeting to address the recent spike in crime that has taken place around the Ft. Totten Metro Station.  Representatives from MPD, USPP, NPS and MTPD will be in attendance.  As a community we have gotten the aattention of our representatives, so please make every effort to attend this meeting.
CM McDuffie's announcement:

  "In response to recent concerns from Fort Totten residents regarding a spike in crime near the metro station and National Park Service trail, the Councilmember will be holding an emergency meeting this Wednesday, September 19 from 7-9pm at the Transit Police First district office.

  We have asked representatives from Metropolitan Police Department, National Park Police and Metro Transit Police to attend this meeting and provide updates on their efforts to address recent crimes. National Park Service will also be in attendance to give updates on their plans to enhance the Rock Creek trail between Gallatin and Galloway streets.
  We look forward to your participation in this meeting. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
 Fort Totten Community Emergency Safety Meeting
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
7-9pm
Transit Police First District Office
5315 1st Street Place NE"

Wildlife Habitat Workshop at Capital Area Food Bank

  We received the below message from Susan T, a neighborhood resident and employee of the Capital Area Food Bank, regarding a workshop taking place this weekend.  Hopefully neighborhood residents can attend.  It seems like a great chance to not only learn about their new Urban Destionation Garden but also what CAFB does.  Hope people can attend!
 
  "Please join the Capital Area Food Bank for a Wildlife Habitat Workshop where we will be breaking ground at our new Urban Demonstration Garden. This garden fills almost an acre at the north end of the new facility and will serve as an ideal space for the food growing education that we plan to conduct with our partners and with the surrounding community.
  In partnership with the District Department of the Environment and Audubon Maryland/DC, this workshop will teach participants how to create space for wildlife habitats in their yards and communities. As a DC resident, you will receive a habitat kit that includes a book, native plant guide, birdhouse kit and live plants to begin creating wildlife habitat at your home.
  As a neighbor of the food bank, we are excited to welcome you into our garden. We greatly look forward to beautifying the space together with you and are hopeful that this will be just the first of many opportunities for us to grow together in this outdoor educational space. The workshop will consist of a slideshow presentation and a wildlife planting that will complement the food bank’s food growing space.

Workshop Details:

 Location: 4900 Puerto Rico Ave NE on the North side of the food bank

Date & Time: Saturday, September 22nd from 1 pm to 4 pm

Dress: Come ready to plant and get your hands dirty

Please RSVP by completing this form or by reaching out to Abbie Steiner by phone at 202-644-9854 or by email at asteiner@capitalareafoodbank.org. 
To learn more about the work of the food bank, please visit www.capitalareafoodbank.org."

CM McDuffie's Initial Response to Yesterday's Shooting

  In response to the increase of crime in the area, and in light of yesterdays shooting, we were able to get an initial response from CM McDuffie (Ward 5) via twitter.  The Council Member's tweets were certainly a good sign that this issue is on his radar.  For those of you who don't follow the twitter feed @TheTottenLife (you probably should), or don't have a twitter account, we are providing the conversation below.

  Neighborhood resident Nathan W, who has been helping to lead the charge on this issue, has informed us that the Mr. McDuffie's office is meeting with NPS, USPP, DDOT, MPD and other entities regarding the issue of safety around the Ft. Totten Metro and in the NPS park land at some point today.  Hopefully we receive some good feedback regarding the path forward to returning this neighborhood to the safe place it had become, and avoid backsliding.  We applaude Council Member McDuffie's response to the matter, and hope he will press the NPS hard for a real solution.
 
  Also, the Washington Post has received some additional details on the shooting.  Neither the motive or circumstances that led to the shooting have yet to be released by the MPD, but the name and age of the victim have been.  One R’artagnon Jose White, 34, was found shot in the head inside a house on the 5100 block of 7th Street NE (which is behind the CCDC Campus).  Certainly our thoughts go out to his family members, and hopefully the MPD will solve this case and be able to prevent this crime spike from expanding.

Fatal Shooting on 7th St NE

NBC News Reports:

"A person was fatally shot in the head around 1:40 p.m. Tuesday Thursday in the 5100 block of 7th Street NE.

Homicide detectives arrived on the scene to find the victim unconscious and not breathing. The victim's age and sex are unknown at this time.
The shooting happened about a half-mile from the Fort Totten Metro station"
 This coming in a time of increased violence in the Ft. Totten Metro Area, continues to put residents on high alert.  A meeting between community leaders and residents is surely well overdue! 

View Larger Map

Faith United Church of Christ Proposed Retirement Home

  At last night's North Michigan Park Civic Association Meeting, the major topic of conversation was a proposed Retirement Home to be built on the grounds of the Faith United Church of Christ's property.
View Larger Map   The church is looking to sell that land to a developer (the Retirement Housing Foundation) in order to develop a 94 unit senior living community to be operated in conjunction with Faith UCC. While this is still very, very early on in the development plan, the two groups are providing initial details on their proposed project with the NMPCA and the neighborhoods residents.  Below you will find the Fact Sheet handed out las night on the project.  There are also two schedule meetings in the coming weeks to discuss the proposed plan, which all are encouraged to attend and participate in:

 September 15th

 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

 North Michigan Park Recreation Center

 September 22nd

 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM 

 North Michigan Park Recreation Center

September DC Zoning Hearings of Interest and Pertainng to ANC 5A

  Here are a list of the upcoming DC Zoning Comission and Board of Zoning Adjustment hearings this month that may be of interest to our neighbors.  All hearings are held at:                               
                                                  One Judiciary Square
                                                  441 4th Street, NW
                                                  Washington, DC 2001

The full calender of the ZC and BZA can be found here.



Sept. 11 2012
9:30 AM

Case Number :	18392
Case Name:	Application of Betty J. Williams
Case Summary :	(Special Exceptions) Pursuant to 11 DCMR § 3104.1, for a special exception under section 205 to allow a child development center (12 Children and 2 Teachers) in the R-2 District at premises 5350 Chillum Place, N.E. (Square 3751, Lots 138).

Case Number :	18460
Case Name:	Request for Expedited Public Hearing for Appeal No. 18460 of Ginia L. Avery, et al.
Case Summary :	(Appeals) Pursuant to 11 DCMR §§ 3100 and 3101, from a decision by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, to issue a building permit (#B1202925) allowing the construction of a Walmart store in the C-3-A District at premises 5929 Georgia Avenue, N.W. (Square 2986, Lot 38).

Rhode Island Avenue Fall Fest

And now for something completely different...
  It has been announced that Friends of RIA NE (a local organization focused on the development of RIA NE) will be hosting the First Annual (hopefully) Rhode Island Avenue Fall Fest on Saturday September 22, 2012, Noon – 4pm at the intersection of Rhode Island and South Dakota Ave's NE.  This festival will provide local neighborhoods a chance to celebrate the coming fall with some Rita's, art demonstrations with Art Enables, lunch with DC BRau at Lace on The Avenue, games, and more!  Admission is free, and the whole family is encouraged to attend.

US Park Police Alerts

In light of the new issues taking place around the Ft. Totten Metro, I'd encourage everyone to sign up for the US Park Poilce Alerts.  Keeping informed is one way to help make everyone safer!
Thanks to Tony for getting a copy of this.

Ward 5 School Supply Give Away

This Saturday from 1-5 PM the OCASE Foundation, in conjunction with CM Kenyan McDuffie and other organizations, will be hosting a Back To School Supplies Giveaway.  If you or someone you know in Ward 5 needs help getting their children properly supplied for the coming school year, please spread the word!

Neihborhood MPD Partol Service Area Meeting Thursday

   With the recent wave of muggings and crime taking place at and around the Ft. Totten Metro Station, the need to meet with our local police officials is deifintly on the minds of most neighbors.  After speaking with both the head of the MPD PSA for our area , and the Rock Creek Division of the US Park Police it is recommended that as many people as possible attend the upcoming meeting with representatives from both organizations this Thursday at 7:00 PM at the North Michigan Park Rec Center.  This is an opportunity for the community to discuss the issues that concer them, as well as hear what is being done to help combat crime in our neighborhood.  These meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month by the MPD.

MPD PSA 405 Community Meeting

Thursday August 23rd at 7:30 PM

North Michigan Park Recreation Center

1333 Emerson Street, NE

Washington, DC 20017

View Larger Map

Union Market Preview...Finally!

  There may be no upcoming addition to the greater Ward 5 landscape that is as highly anticipated as the September opening of the new/revitalized Union Market.  The once dilapidated and scarcely populated market, is in the final phase of it's major overhaul by real estate developer Edens Corporation.

View of Union Market sign from NoMA Metro Station Platform

   In anticipation of this opening (and to get the word out) Edens teamed up with Brightest Young Things Entertainment to hold their first annual Union Market Picnic on Saturday, July 21st.  While the weather was not the best, it accomplished exactly what the developer intended.  It got the word out!  With several of the vendors in attendance plan on making the Market their home, several local  food trucks and craft vendors helped make the experience memorable.  The Market, while not fully completed, was far enough into the construction project  for all in attendance to get a sense of what an amazing space this will be.  With vendors lined up like Rappahannock River Oysters, Peregrine Espresso (literally the best coffee shop in DC, go to their Eastern market location NOW if you don't believe us), Tickling Springs Creamery (products available at Yes! Organic Markets), Takorean, DC Empanadas, Lyon Bakery (see their bread in action at The Rolling Ficelle food truck), and many more! 

Vendor map of Union Market DC

The market's official opening date will be September 8th, and will operate Tuesday-Friday 11am - 8pm & Sat - Sun 8am - 8pm.  Enjoy some of the pics we managed to grab between scarfing down oysters and bbq and beers and cookies and churros and sliders and ice cream and tacos and oh boy, we may have overdone it...

Market entrance for the UM Picnic

Wall display of original market layout

Some of the festivities outside...too bad the rain didn't let up

Rappahannock Oyster Booth...with a little
Flying Dog! Rappahannock will utilize this
booth as a permanent resident of the Market

Picnic attendants enjoying some sliders from Lyon Bakery
and a little Oyamel.  Lyon will have a booth at the
mMarket, while sadly...Oyamel was just helping with food.

The unique entrance chandeliers made of recycled water
bottles...that's right those are all plastic water bottles

Hill Country BBQ was also on hand to provide some
food, and it went great with some 21sr Amendment
Hell or High Watermelon IPA.

Another Mugging in Ft. Totten Metro Station Park Path

  The MPD 4th District sent out an alert early this morning around 7 or 8 AM that a robbery at gun point took place in the park separating Galloway and Gallatin St's NE.  The Alert read

"4D- Robbery Gun- 550 Galloway St NE, LOF, B/M,

 Bushy Hair, Dark skin, sweat shirt and Bl. Jeans." 

View 550 Galloway St NE in a larger map  
  This seems to be another in an escalating trend of violent crimes emanating from, and centered around, the Ft. Totten Metro and the National Park land that separates the North Michigan Park Community from the Ft. Totten Metro.   Several i the community feel that this trend is reminiscent of 8+ year ago when the National Park Land was a site of many violent crimes, ranging in severity.   Over the past 4 ears or so, it has seen a dramatic decline in crime. However, it seems that local criminals have found fertile hunting ground at the area surrounding the Metro Station. Many in the neighborhood are not too happy with the current response of the MPD regarding these act of violence.  For this reason it has been suggested that the MPD 4th District PSA for 405 (section of the 4th District covering this neighborhood ) should be made aware of these issues.  The following message was sent this afternoon to Lt. Rogers asking for clarification and a possible community meeting to discuss these issues.  Please read/share/provide input and participate in the poll regarding a community meeting addressing these issues. 

"Lt. Rogers,
   My name is Joe Finley and I am a community blogger for the Ft. Totten area, and a homeowner over on the 700 block of Farragut PL, NE.  It has come to my attention that there was a robbery at gun point in the park that separates Gallatin and Galloway St's NE early in the morning very recently (I am hearing this morning).  This is very disturbing news as it seems that violence in the park has once again began to rise.  Not only has the frequency of the attacks seem to be increasing, but the seriousness also seems to be increasing (just a month or so ago a friend of mine was assaulted with a pipe and had his phone stolen, and now a crime involving a firearm).  I have been sent numerous requests from people who follow my blog asking for information on what the MPD and Park Police plan to do regarding this increase in crime in the area and particularly around the Metro Station.  It seems as if most of the neighbors feel the MPD's response is simply "don't go through the park," or that "it is just a number game."  I for one don't believe that either of those are appropriate answers, nor are they the a reflection of the official position of the MPD.  Is there anything you can tell me regarding the MPD's plans to address these problems, or the things the neighborhood can do to help make the area safer?  l'd also like to suggest the possibility of a community Q and A session to talk about their concerns and what they see as the issues and possible solutions.  I appreciate you taking your time to read this and look forward to hearing back from you and possibly working with you to disseminate information in the future.
V/R,
Joe Finley
The Totten Life Blog"

DC Public Schools Beautification Day

  Got this message the other day and thought it would be a good opportunity to spread the word, and get both new AND old residents to come togther and help kick off the school year right!

  "DCPS is preparing for our annual Beautification Day. This year, Beautification Day is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We're looking for over 3,500 volunteers from every neighborhood in the city to help ensure that our schools are ready and welcoming for the first day of school.
  There's something for everyone! You can help us by:
• Volunteering at a school (Register)
• Serving as a site manager (Register)
• Downloading a flier and spreading the word.
If you have questions, please e-mail our planning team at dcps.beautificationday@dc.gov.
We look forward to seeing you on August 25th!
-The Beautification Day Planning Team"

After speaking with Stephanie at the Office of Family and Public Engagement, we were able to get specific information for ANC 5A/5B. There are still numerous volunteer spots open for the Mamie D Lee School, Brookland EC, and LaSalle- Backus EC.  Please utlize this opportunuty to help out neighborhood children, and ensure they have the best school year experience possible!

Break in on 800 Blk of Crittenden St. NE

  Earlier this week a house on the 800 Block of Crittenden Street NE was broken into at 11 AM in the afternoon.  The intruder(s) scaled the home's 8' fence and entered through the rear of the house.  Although the home's alarm did go off, the intruder(s) still managed to make off with a laptop.  This comes at a perceived time of increased vandalisim and theft in the North Michigan Park and Ft. Totten neighborhoods.  Increased vigilance is recommended.  Some people are calling for a meeting with the PSA police representative, which might not be a bad thing. 

July 4th Violence Erupts in NW Ft. Totten

NBC 4 Reports the following:
"One person died and and three others were injured in a shooting Wednesday night in the Fort Totten neighborhood in northwest Washington, according to D.C. Police.  Police said the incident started in the courtyard of a building on the 5000 block of First Street NW and ended with the four people being shot. Two of the wounded ran to (the 100 Block of) Gallatin Street (NW).
Officials said those shot were among a group of people gathered near a shopping center watching a small fireworks show. Police said it was not clear if all or some of the victims were deliberately targeted.  One person died in the shooting. Another one of the wounded was said to be in critical condition.  Police said two of the victims were juveniles.  Police continue to investigate the incident. They are trying to determine if it is related to a violent incident Tuesday night in the Sherman Circle area."
(Article Here)
WJLA reports that 3 were killed in the early morning outburst between 2 seperate shooting incidents that took place in the NW section of the Ft. Totten Neighborhood.  This is yet another example of the needless juvenille violence that plagues DC, and Ward 5.  It appears that this entire incident stayed on the NW side of Ft. Totten and did not cross North Capital.

DDOT Traffic Advisory For S.D Ave Final Configuration

From DDOT:

                                                          ***TRAFFIC ADVISORY***

             Temporary Closures and Final Traffic Pattern Shift Set for South Dakota Avenue, NE

  Traffic Pattern Shifts for South Dakota Ave and Riggs Rd NE (Washington, D.C.) are scheduled to finalize on June 25th. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will be installing the final asphalt pavement on South Dakota Avenue, NE between Riggs Road and Kennedy Street.  This activity marks the final major milestone in the completion of the Riggs Road and South Dakota Ave intersection reconstruction project in northeast Washington. While this paving activity takes place there will be intermittent lane closures and temporary traffic pattern shifts on South Dakota Avenue, NE.   At a minimum one traffic lane will be kept open in each direction at all times.  Once the pavement process is complete, traffic will be shifted into the final configuration. Variable message signs will be in place to guide motorists through the area.  Drivers and pedestrians are urged to stay alert and use caution when traveling by the work zone.

                                              ---------------------------------------------

  While the shift to the final traffic pattern means the end moving the street acesse around, it does not mean the end of construction.  However it is a good sign that the end is nearing!

New Automated Speed Enforcement Camera Locations

MPD has sent out a list of the newest automated speed enforcement camera locations across the city.  Per the MPD release, "the 30 day educational phase will commence on May 7, 2012, when violators will begin receiving warning citations. On June 6, 212, MPD will begin issuing live moving citations to violators."
See the below image for exact locations, and good luck!

Temporary Closure Planned for Chillum Pl NE, May 24-26

  Starting tomorrow (May 24, 2012) Chillum Place, NE will be temporarily closed south of Riggs Road, NE. Weather and construction conditions permitting, DDOT will close Chillum Place, NE south of Riggs Road, NE between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to connect a new water pipe to the existing system.   The same stretch of Chillum Place will close again starting at 8:00 a.m. on Friday May 25, 2012 and will reopen by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday May 26, 2012 to complete roadway excavation and concrete base installation activities. During this closure, access to the businesses on the corner of Riggs Road and Chillum Place NE will be kept open from both streets.    Signs will be in place to guide travelers in the corridor around the temporary traffic pattern.  Drivers and pedestrians are urged to stay alert and use caution when traveling by the work zone.