As previously noted, UDC renamed the Bertie Backus Campus the Lamond-Riggs Campus. The campus, located at 5171 South Dakota Avenue NE, houses the university’s community college program. UDC is undergoing a campus plan process for this campus. The most recent campus plan presentation given at the joint ANC 5A01/5A09 meeting on May 22 reflects the updated name. UDC also passed along a fact sheet. I think having a sense of where they are going for our neighborhood campus is useful for organizing thoughts and thinking about any gaps that need to be filled.
The draft campus plan has several overall objectives.
Establish the Lamond-Riggs Campus as a landmark community college hub emerging as an important economic engine for the District of Columbia and the region;
Create opportunities to enhance the student experience by creating a courtyard environment that will engage the students from both classroom wings and provide an outdoor place for activities;
Establish efficient space layouts within the campus to provide better access and circulation for students and improve operational effectiveness;
Accommodate future growth and implementation of new technologies while maintaining a commitment to the environment;
Reduce parking, recognizing that the University is in an urban setting with direct access to mass transit and may be accessed by multiple modes of transportation;
Design new lab space for flexible use to accommodate the interdisciplinary nature of education;
Improve the urban campus to effectively maximize the utilization of open areas with the aim to provide much needed green space and better pedestrian circulation through the new courtyard design; and
Strengthen the campus’ image and character by promoting the University’s distinct identity through wayfinding and placemaking.
The draft plan has five elements.
1. Campus Development Element
Outlines the renovation and modernization strategy for the existing academic building and describes a new built addition to provide more office space, academic space, and new student-oriented amenities such as a coffee station, student center, and media center.
The new addition would create a new student entrance and connect to Wing A to accommodate the anticipated increase in students based on an enrollment goal of 3,000 community college students by 2030.
2. Transportation Element
Seeks to enhance pedestrian safety, leverage the campus’ adjacency to the Fort Totten Metrorail Station, reduce automobile dependency, and improve circulation and connectivity in and around campus.
Proposes a Transportation Demand Management (“TDM”) plan for the campus intended to decrease reliance vehicular use and encourage multimodal transportation.
3. Sustainability Element
Strategizes ways for the University to provide additional green roof space and develop more sustainable stormwater management practices, install additional solar panels, and build upon existing sustainability initiatives such as the community garden and the AGPods.
4. Community Relations Element
Establishes a communications plan with the neighboring community and District at large to more effectively address any campus growth-related concerns.
Describes opportunities for the University to partner with local programs and organizations.
5. Campus Character Element
Describes strategies to improve the campus appearance and identity through distinct campus signage, streetscape improvements to activate South Dakota Avenue NW, and architectural features across campus that will express the flagship identity of the University as a Historically Black College or University.
Campus Development Plan
The campus development plan in the May presentation is similar to that provided to the full ANC in April. I covered the phased development plan in this post titled UDC Bertie Backus Campus Development Plan presentation – April 2023. To recap, UDC will undertake a phased modernization of the campus. Phase I will update the existing buidlings on campus. Phase II will include a new wing and courtyard. Currently, there is no funding for the second phase.
Phase One
Renovate and modernize the existing academic building (Wings A, B, and C) and facilities – no new exterior construction will occur in this Phase.
Upgrade mechanical spaces and HVAC facilities for more efficient heating, cooling, and overall energy use.
Upgrade the building’s structural elements to have the rooftop become solar-ready for the future installation of solar panels.
Improve and repair the building façade.
Improve the public realm along South Dakota Avenue NE to provide public seating, planters, and public art.
Develop a new green space between the three wings next to the Galloway Street NE parking area
Provide student-oriented amenities such as a coffee and food service station
Fully renovate the interior and unused space in Wing C to provide additional lab space and other academic capabilities
Renovate the parking areas to provide efficient stormwater management facilities such as bioretention areas and vegetation
Update parking facilities – the Hamilton Street NE parking area will provide 18 parking spaces, and the Galloway Street NE parking area will provide approximately 160 parking spaces.
Phase I renderingPhase I rendering
Phase Two
Construct the new Wing D, which will facilitate an open courtyard condition by encircling and expanding the new green space provided in Phase I.
Provide additional academic and administrative space in the new Wing D, as well as modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment intended to support the University’s sustainability goals.
Provide additional amenity space, including a new student forum.
Provide pedestrian-oriented landscaping, seating areas, stormwater management facilities, and open grass areas for rest and relaxation in the expanded courtyard.
Construct a green roof on the new Wing D to support the University and the District’s sustainability goals.
Update parking facilities – the Hamilton Street NE parking area will maintain the 18 parking spaces, and the Galloway Street NE parking area will be modified to provide approximately 100 parking spaces.
Phase II renderingPhase II rendering
UDC officials had time to answer a few specific questions about the proposal.
There is reference to a “new loading/service area” close to Hamilton Street. UDC said this not an entirely new loading area, but they acknowledged it might get more use and therefore they will have a loading management plan.
There are roughly 180 parking spaces on the Galloway side of the campus. The first phase will see a slight reduction to roughtly 160 spaces. In phase two, there will be a further reduction to 100 spaces.
The DOES American Job Center will be vacating the grounds at some point and UDC will use that space for the community college.
The existing buildings cannot support a green roof. That is why the development plan proposes a green roof only for the new wing that will be built in the second phase.
UDC clarified that they intend to replace the chain link fence with a more architectural fence similar to what was placed on the Hamilton Street side of the campus.
The May presentation details a bit more the priorities and considerations for the Lamond-Riggs campus related to buildings/facilities, campus wayfinding and programming, open space/urban design, transportation/circulation, sustainability, and utilities/infrastructure.
The May presentation also provides an updated timeline for this process.
Next Steps/Milestones
May 22: Present to OP
May 22: Present to SMD5A01
Present to ANC5A at their May 24 or June 28 meeting.
Summer 2023: Lamond-Riggs Campus Plan application intended be filed with the District’s Zoning Commission.
Fall 2023: Zoning Commission approval of Campus Plan anticipated
Given the timeline, I think it would be useful for neighbors to look at the fact sheets, especially the one for the overall campus plan to think about if there are important things that we want UDC to consider including before they actually file an application. I do not know the ANC’s plan for moving forward, but it looks like UDC plans to present one more time at the ANC’s June meeting. Probably a good idea to be prepared to give feedback there.
Send questions or comments to Juanita Gray at juanita.gray@udc.edu.
[Ed. Note: This construction notice references the traffic signal recently installed at South Dakota Avenue & Ingraham Street NE. DDOT stated that signal will be activated around June 12. I have asked DDOT about issues with the signal at South Dakota & Hamilton.]
The popular Fridays at Fort Totten summer concert series kicks off next Friday June 2. The series, sponsored by The Modern at Art Place & DC Fray, features a different artist 6pm to 8pm each Friday from June through August.
Bring a chair, hang out with neighbors, and enjoy live music, a food truck, and games.
Sat-Sun: Trains operate every 8 minutes between Shady Grove and Rhode Island until 10 p.m., then every 10 minutes until closing; every 12 minutes between Fort Totten and Glenmont all day.
Mon: Trains operate every 8 minutes until approximately 10 p.m., then every 10 minutes until closing.
Scheduled maintenance & service adjustments (Saturday and Sunday)
Shutdown between Rhode Island Ave and Fort Totten due to switch replacement.
Brookland-CUA Station closed.
Shuttle bus service provided between Rhode Island Ave and Fort Totten stations.
The Parks Main Street is holding a series of community meetings to seek input on potential subjects for a Ward 5 commemorative work.
The DC Office of Planning is underwriting an effort to determine and select a “commemorative work” to honor and celebrate a person, place, or event in Ward 5. This project is called “Faces and Places: Commemorate People, Places and Events that Define our Communities.”
The Office of Planning and The Parks Main Street would like residents in Ward 5 to offer ideas and to be involved in this community effort.
The goals of this first meeting are to:
Inform Ward 5 residents about the project and invite their input.
Share details about Commemorative Works projects and offer examples.
Provide information about the community engagement and selection process.
PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMISSIONERS WILL BE LET IN THE ROOM FIRST AND THEN ALL OF THE RESIDNTS AND GUESTS
All residents will be muted. Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.
AGENDA
1. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
2. Quorum
3. Agenda Review/Acceptance
4. Commission Business
A. Secretary Update 1. Minutes for Approval (April 2023)
B. Parliamentarian Update
C. Treasurer Report 1. Credit Card Authorization 2. Business cards
D. Commission Action Items/Updates 1. 5A09: Fort Totten Park Toxic Waste Issue Resolution 2. DDOT Resolution for Alley Traffic Reduction Signs
E. Administrative Matters 1. Task Force Groups A. Public Safety B. Social Media C. Parks Task Force D. Transportation
5. Community Updates A. MPD B. Mayor’s Office C. Councilmember Parker’s office
6. Reports & Presentations A. 5A03: Providence Hospital Reimagined B. 5A04: The Catholic University of America Development Projects C. 5A09: Phase II Modern Development D. The Campaign to Reduce Lead Exposure & Asthma- Shanna Anderson
At last night’s ANC 5A01 & 5A09 meeting, UDC mentioned that the Backus campus has been renamed the Lamond-Riggs campus. Formal announcement from UDC below:
The University of the District of Columbia renames the Bertie Backus Campus to the Lamond-Riggs Campus
The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) Bertie Backus Campus has been renamed the University of the District of Columbia Lamond-Riggs Campus. The University Board of Trustees approved the change on April 25, 2023, to recognize the historic neighborhood while aligning the UDC Campus’s name with the site.
Located at 5171 South Dakota Avenue, NE, in the Riggs Park neighborhood, the Lamond-Riggs Campus is home to the UDC Community College (UDC-CC), with over 1,450 registered students as of spring 2023. The building located on the Campus will retain the Bertie Backus name to maintain the historical significance of the building to the community.
“Renaming the Bertie Backus Campus as the University of the District of Columbia Lamond-Riggs Campus perfectly aligns with our goals of being a part of and honoring this historical community,” said UDC President Ronald Mason Jr. “Although the name has changed, our goal of providing an accessible community hub for quality education remains the same.”
UDC-CC serves students pursuing associate degrees or certificates, which include law enforcement, information technology, engineering sciences and accredited programs, such as nursing, mortuary science, respiratory therapy, and aviation maintenance technology. Students who apply to the Community College are admitted on an open admissions basis. The UDC-CC at the Lamond-Riggs Campus is open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and closed on Sunday.
“The renaming can create a stronger sense of connection between the College and its community and continue to build trust and goodwill,” said Dean of the UDC-CC Marilyn Hamilton. “We are increasing the visibility and accessibility of the College to the residents of the neighborhood and those surrounding it. Moreover, this helps reinforce the College’s role as a vital institution that is part of the larger system of public higher education that makes up the University of the District of Columbia.”
Over the next few weeks, modifications will be made to signage and promotional materials to reflect the name change of the Campus.
Please join this meeting now if you live in ANC 5A01 & 5A09 & are interested in hearing about UDC’s campus development plan for the Bertie Backus campus & the proposed cycletrack on Riggs Road.
UDC is revising its master plan for the Bertie Backus campus site
Riggs Road Cycletrack
DDOT has issued an NOI for a small, one-block cycletrack onRiggs Road to provide a safer connection between residents to the east of South Dakota Ave and the future MBT extension to Takoma
PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMISSIONERS WILL BE LET IN THE ROOM FIRST AND THEN ALL OF THE RESIDNTS AND GUESTS
All residents will be muted. Individuals will be called on once acknowledged by the Chair.
AGENDA
1. Call Meeting to Order 6:45 pm
2. Quorum
3. Agenda Review/Acceptance
4. Commission Business
A. Secretary Update 1. Minutes for Approval (April 2023)
B. Parliamentarian Update
C. Treasurer Report 1. 2nd Quarter Financial Report 2. Cell Phones 3. Comcast for the ANC Office 4. Credit Card Authorization 5. Business cards
D. Commission Action Items/Updates 1. 5A09: Fort Totten Park Toxic Waste Issue Resolution
E. Administrative Matters 1. Task Force Groups A. Public Safety B. Social Media C. Parks Task Force D. Transportation
5. Community Updates A. MPD B. Mayor’s Office C. Councilmember Parker’s office
6. Reports & Presentations A. 5A03: Providence Hospital Reimagined B. 5A04: The Catholic University of America Development Projects C. 5A09: Phase II Modern Development D. The Campaign to Reduce Lead Exposure & Asthma- Shanna Anderson
Reminder: Lamond-Riggs Library will be closed on Saturday, May 20.
—
Original post 5/4/2023
From DC Public Library
Lamond-Riggs Library closure on Saturday May 20, 2023 to enable installation of concrete outdoor benches.
The much awaited outdoor concrete benches and the DDOT approval to set these benches with a crane are in place for Saturday, May 20, 2023 installation and the Library will be closed to the public for the day.
In the small likelihood that a subsequent day is needed to complete installation of these concrete benches with a boom truck, a separate notification will be provided for date and logistics.
Per the DDOT approved traffic control plan:
On Friday, May 19, DDOT will install no parking signs along Kennedy St. & Jefferson Ave.
Starting at 5:00 PM, the no parking will go into effect.
On Saturday, May 20, the crane is scheduled to arrive at 4:00 AM, and the installation of benches will take place until 7:00 PM. The crane will leave around 7:00 PM on Saturday, May 20.
The crane and two tractor trailers will initially be set up at the intersection of South Dakota Ave & Jefferson Street. Over the course of the day, the two tractor trailers will move to Kennedy St. and the crane will move to the library parking lot.
Library parking lot will be off- limits.
Access to Jefferson Street from South Dakota Ave will be blocked.
Kennedy Street will be partially blocked, however, traffic will continue in both directions.
Residents/Visitors that typically turn onto Jefferson St would be rerouted by a flagger at Chillium Pl & Jefferson St.
Sidewalk access on Jefferson Street will be blocked and foot traffic will be diverted across South Dakota Ave.
General traffic will be rerouted per the detour signs installed by DDOT – see diagram below
Traffic detour and crane set-up diagram
Conceptual rendering of benches. Actual placement will be coordinated onsite with landscape architect.
Heritage Wall Update – Installation Coming Soon
The community-sourced photos and fabric swatches for the Heritage Wall have been translated into a digital collage by Artist Michelle Lisa Herman – see rendering below.
The physical wall covering is in production by the graphic wall covering sub-contractor.
Start date finalization is underway for the four-week Heritage Wall Art installation.
During these four weeks, the monumental staircase will not be available to patrons.
The install will include temporary removal of the glass railing, installation of scaffolding, and wall preparation before the wall covering can be adhered.
The work for this will be done during the day, typically between 7:00 AM & 3:30 PM.
During these four weeks, the maximum allowable occupants on the second floor will be limited to 49 occupants. Patrons will access the second floor using the elevator, and the back staircase will be used for emergency exit only.
Branch manager David Gaston and his team at the library will enable ease of access to the patrons as this work begins.
Heritage Wall rendering
Any general questions can be directed to Library’s Community engagement liaison Martha Saccocio at her email: Martha.Saccocio@dc.gov.
Any time-sensitive Construction Safety issues can be reported to Consigli Construction Onsite project manager Zachary Turner at 774.573.7192.
DPR Cultural Arts Showcase Highlighting DPR cultural Arts programs and activities May 18, 2023 6:00 PM Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center 501 Riggs Road NE
For voice-only participation on a telephone, dial (301) 715-8592.
Meeting ID: 832 8769 6066. Passcode: 262224.
Call to Order & Roll Call
Administrative Items
Instructions for Participation in Virtual Meeting
Consideration and Approval of Agenda
Approval of April 2023 Regular Public Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Updates
Community Concerns
Please use the “Raise Hand” button via Zoom or *9 via telephone to speak during community concerns. The Commission will provide additional details regarding how to present community concerns via the virtual meeting at the start of the meeting. This is the time for questions or statements from members of the public about issues on the agenda or other areas of concern. Please limit your statement or question to one minute. You may also contact members of the Commission before and after Commission meetings.
Reports
Sophia Tekola, Mayor’s Office on Community Relations and Services (3 min)
Barbara Rogers, Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (3 min)
Frazier O’Leary, Ward 4 State Board of Education (3 min)
Representative, Metropolitan Police Department, 4th District (3 min)
Housing Justice Committee (2 min)
Vision Zero Committee (2 min)
Community Safety & Support Committee (2 min)
Presentations
Mark Bjorge, Community Relations Specialist, Department of Aging and Community Living, Agency Mission and Services (10-minute presentation; 5-minute discussion)
Cheryl Morse, Consumer Outreach Specialist, Office of the People’s Counsel, Agency Mission and Operations (10-minute presentation; 5-minute discussion)
Arianna Gard, Director, Growth and Resilience Across Development Lab, University of Maryland, Result of Community and Resilient Environments Project (10-minute presentation; 5-minute discussion)
Caren Garfield & Evan Goldman, EYA Multifamily LLC, Takoma Metro Station Project, 327 Cedar Street NW (HPA 23-288) (10-minute presentation; 10-minute discussion)
Letter: Noting Lengthy History of Requests & Calling for Action to Address Illegal Commercial Vehicles (Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Brooks)
Resolution 4B–23-0501: Supporting & Providing Recommendations on B25-0257, Hybrid Meeting Accessibility Act of 2023, to Ensure Accessibility & Inclusivity (Commissioner Brooks, Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Gilligan, Commissioner Yeats)
Resolution 4B-23-0502: Calling for Racial & Demographic Impact Analysis of DC Historic Districts (Commissioner Palmer, Commissioner Yeats, Commissioner Colson)
Resolution 4B-23-0503: Calling for Greater Education Oversight and Accountability of DC Government Adherence to the District of Columbia Human Rights Act (Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Cohen)
Letter: Requesting Additional Information Related to Pre-Implementation, Execution, and Follow-Up of Lead Service Line Replacement Work Performed by DC Water (Commissioner Cohen, Commissioner Smith)
Adjournment
The next ANC 4B Planning Meeting is scheduled for June 13 at 6:30pm.
The next Regular Public Meeting is scheduled for June 26 at 7:00pm.
[Ed. Note: Looks like North Michigan Park Civic Association (NMPCA) has formed a development task force. Just the messenger.]
From NMPCA
The first meeting for the North Michigan Park Civic Association Community Development Task Force will be Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be virtual.
If you are a North Michigan Park resident and are willing to join this task force, please make sure to join the call. This task force will be to develop community plans, work with developers, owners and the city officials to ensure the needs of the community are met.
Tyeron Boston is the new commissioner for ANC single member district 5A05. With this certification, ANC 5A now has a full commission for the 2023-2025 term.
Last year, Metro released its 10-year strategic plan and included Fort Totten in the list of stations for which Metro would seek a joint development partner in the near term. The Washington Business Journal reports that Metro has given the green light to prepare solicitations for joint development at several Metro stations, including Fort Totten.
At Fort Totten, the proposal could support approximately 680,000 square feet of future development by converting the 408 space Park & Ride lot into a garage and replacing the MTPD precinct.
Aventine Fort Totten is a joint development project that was completed in 2008. In 2013 Metro solicited proposals to redevelop the long-term surface parking lot at Fort Totten station. That solicitation received no bids. Metro subsequently received an unsolicited offer to develop the lot and put out an RFP again in 2014. That solicitation resulted in the selection of Donatelli in 2015. That project was cancelled in 2018. Now Metro is preparing to try again.
Some may or may not know that there is an area development plan for the Riggs Road/South Dakota Avenue NE corridor that was approved by the DC Council in 2009. That plan was fully incorporated into the Comp Plan in 2021. Some also may or may not know that in 2010 Metro released a joint development study for Fort Totten station. All of these combined with the transportation access study that Metro released in 2011 provide good context for plans for the station area. (All of these documents are in the Neighborhood Document Library on the blog).
A lot of development has happened since those plans and studies were released.
Fort Totten Square, which includes a Walmart with a decently sized grocery component, was completed in 2014.
The Cafritz Foundation completed the first phase of its large development project Art Place at Fort Totten in 2017 and is under active construction on the second phase. The second phase is expected to be completed around 2025.
The Brookland to Fort Totten extension of the Met Branch Trail opened in April 2022.
EYA is nearing completion of the first phase of Riggs Park Place at the corner of South Dakota Avenue & Riggs Road NE. A number of families have moved into the new townhomes there. Groundbreaking on the senior building/retail component of the project will be next.
UDC is undertaking a campus plan process for the Bertie Backus Campus at South Dakota Avenue and Galloway/Hamilton streets NE that will see phased campus development over a few years.
In the midst of all of this, we had a pandemic that shifted how people think about designing spaces for large numbers of people to use.
We also have Metro’s decision to stop runing the yellow line to Fort Totten, which is an interesting one from a development perspective. It used to be the case that one could tout the fact that Fort Totten was the only station outside of the downtown core that had three lines servicing the station. Of course, having two lines is not so shabby either, but still just a perspective I have not seen in all the chatter about the yellow line.
Shortly after starting his tenure as the new general manager of Metro last year, GM Randy Clarke made his rounds of the system. I met him at Fort Totten station and told him that hopefully with some lessons learned from what could have worked better with Aventine and previous bids, Metro can put together a package for Fort Totten that will see a high quality project come to the area. I know construction costs are much higher now and there are supply chain issues still. But we can still do better than what Metro did with Aventine. We can have solid, high quality urban architecture & construction; pedestrian friendly design; appropriately scaled spaces; recycling/waste diversion receptacles on the grounds; advanced stormwater management; better connections to the MBT; and wayfinding signs. In other words, we can have what all the plans for this area contemplate, meeting the needs of Metro and the needs of the surrounding neighborhood.
UDC is revising its master plan for the Bertie Backus campus site
Riggs Road Cycletrack
DDOT has issued an NOI for a small, one-block cycletrack onRiggs Road to provide a safer connection between residents to the east of South Dakota Ave and the future MBT extension to Takoma
Next Stop...Riggs Park 