Updates


July ANC meeting:


ANC 5F will be meeting on Monday, July 15, both online and in-person at the Edgewood Recreation Center. Information about the meeting and Zoom login is at: https://www.anc5f.com/meetings.


Agenda items include:


ANC 5F does not have a scheduled regular meeting for August, so this will likely be the last meeting until September.


REACH OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL AT 5F06@anc.dc.gov, or text/call at 202-599-0929.


Give Feedback to WMATA on Better Bus Proposal!

WMATA’s better bus overhaul would rearrange the G8 and P6 buses.

Other Updates.

My July office hours will be Saturday, July 13 (tomorrow!) from 11:30am to 1pm at City State Brewing, 705 Edgewood St NE. 


FEBRUARY UPDATE:


Neighbor,

Happy February! It’s a special month for me because my husband and I met on Valentine’s Day 2014 at an event in downtown Washington. :)

It’s also about the one year mark since I took office as your Commissioner. We've gotten more litter cans, tackled reckless driving, made the case for greater MPD presence and public safety, approved more affordable housing, and pushed for improvements to the Metropolitan Branch Trail. More to come! Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Less thrillingly, it marks the beginning of D.C. budget season, starting with oversight hearings and then going into agency requests, the budget proposal, budget hearings, and Council approval.

I’ve submitted four testimonies this month so far:

Clearing snow and ice from the bridge to the Metro station. 

After our big snow storm on January 16, the Bryant Street pedestrian bridge to Rhode Island Avenue metro station, and the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT) generally, were not plowed. Not for days. Worse, it melted a little bit and then refroze, making it a treacherous icy stretch. Lots of you sent me messages about it.


It was eventually plowed and clear on January 20. As Commissioner Aru Sahni and I explained in a video that day, we spent those days pestering agencies and discovering that everyone was saying it wasn’t their job and that someone else was responsible. WMATA, DDOT, DPW, MRP Bryant Street, NoMa BID. The Friends of the Metropolitan Branch Trail came out with shovels to pick-ax the ice. Greatly appreciated but not ideal.


For what it’s worth, DDOT owns the bridge and tasks DPW with snow removal. They haven’t admitted as much, but they forgot about it. To their credit, when I tracked down the deed paperwork and showed the Mayor’s office, and when Commissioner Sahni got through to the DPW director, crews were sent out immediately to get it clear. But again, not ideal. And if you’ve been here a few years, you know it happened the same way in 2020, and before that. This can’t keep happening.


Commissioner Sahni and I are co-sponsoring a resolution for the next ANC meeting asking DDOT and DPW to acknowledge responsibility for snow pre-treatment and clearing of the pedestrian bridge and the MBT, and to develop a memorandum of understanding with other parties who can help (especially WMATA to the east, NoMa BID to the south, and MRP to the west, who were eager to pitch in). Councilmember Nadeau (chair of DPW’s oversight) has told them they need to sort it out, and Councilmember Parker’s office has already asked DPW to start preparing a response to our resolution. As I said to the Mayor’s office, we’re not asking to be first, we’re asking to not be forgotten completely.

Two new litter cans!

4th & V NE (pictured left, with Ulysses)

4th & Rhode Island Ave NE


These join several other recently returned litter cans along 3rd Street, 4th Street, 5th Street, and Rhode Island Ave.


Know where a litter can should be added? Put in the request on 311, click yes on ANC being notified, and email me the 311 confirmation number.

Safety at 3rd & R.

There’s a hole in the sidewalk, an out-of-position streetlight, and a broken flexpost at 3rd & R. It’s been like that for months.

I’ve been pestering agencies. DDOT referred me to the cable company. The cable company said it was a street light issue. The street light people say it’s not them. DDOT says they’re figuring it out.



In the meantime, the hole has been filled in with gravel. And there are more cones. Will keep at it.


Also at that corner, I’ve heard concerns about January 6 protestors threatening people. Please call 911 if you see that, and I’ve alerted MPD and the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety to be aware.

Other Updates.

ANC Meetings & Office Hours

ANC 5F will meet this year every third Monday of the month at 7pm (except February when it will be Tue. Feb 20 due to the holiday, and no meeting in August). Exact information is at www.anc5f.com.

We have committees made up of community members: Alcohol & Cannabis Licensing (2nd Tuesdays at 7pm), Public Safety & Health (3rd Thursdays at 6pm), Transportation & Public Space (1st Tuesdays at 7:30pm), Zoning & Development (2nd Wednesdays at 7pm) and our Library Task Force. Join your neighbors, let me know if you’d like to serve!

My February office hours will be on our extra day this year, Thursday, February 29, from 5pm to 7pm at Lost Generation Brewing Company.


How did I vote:

To see the full text of any resolution, visit www.anc5f.com/documents


OCTOBER UPDATE:

Tomorrow (Saturday, October 21) is Eckington Day! From 11am to 3pm in Alethia Tanner Park, visit tables from local artists, neighborhood businesses, and (of course) your ANC commissioners. Will also include face painting, free yoga, and touch a fire truck. See you there!


NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE:

ANC MEETING TUESDAY OCT 24: ANC 5F meets on Tuesday 10/24 at 7pm, both virtually by Zoom and in person at the Eckington Community Room on Quincy Lane. The agenda and all materials are at www.anc5f.com but let me highlight a couple of things:

As always, all ANC meetings are open to the public, and every meeting begins with a public comment section. And let me know if you have any thoughts on any of the above!

VISIT THE ADVANCED TECHNICAL CENTER OPEN HOUSE Tue 10/24 at 5:30 to 6:30! 1709 3rd St NE (3rd and R) is no longer an empty warehouse, it’s the home of DC Schools’ Advanced Technical Center (ATC), where students from all over the city are receiving specialized training on cybersecurity, nursing, and more. The ATC folks want to meet the neighborhood, and are opening their doors this Tuesday evening. Stop by and say hi- you can RSVP here. Representatives will also be at the ANC meeting afterward to answer questions, especially on their transportation arrangements.


SPEAKING OF LITTER CANS. Above I mentioned a resolution I’m sponsoring to deploy more litter cans in Eckington and Edgewood. I’ve heard from so many of you about litter, and how D.C. government should do more to have more litter cans, empty them more frequently, and halt the removal of cans we do have.

I said all that to the DC Council this week, in a hearing on a series of litter-related bills. I explained how many Eckington residents have put out their own trash can in public space due to the scarcity of public litter cans. I praised Eckington Parks & Arts and Eckington Civic Association for their neighborhood cleanups, and NoMa BID for stepping up to keep their portion of the neighborhood clean. We’re doing our part: we need DPW and the Council to do theirs. I said we’ll know we’ve succeeded when neighbors no longer need to put out their own trash cans in public space.

There are three bills under consideration. One from Councilmember Henderson would expand trash pickup to include small apartment buildings; under current law, DPW skips those and leaves it to landlords to arrange trash pickup. Another from Councilmember Lewis George would require notice to ANCs before DPW can remove a litter can. A third would allow certain trash-related fines to be issued without using certified mail. I’m grateful for Councilmembers Nadeau, Henderson, and Lewis George for engaging on this issue. It may not be the most urgent issue in the world, but it is an important one for us in Eckington.

FLORIDA AVENUE CONSTRUCTION: Be careful!:

PUBLIC SAFETY UPDATES:

October Office Hours

At Eckington Day, tomorrow! I’ll be joined by fellow ANC commissioners representing Eckington. Say hello!


SEPTEMBER 26 UPDATE:


Neighbor,

A reminder that ANC 5F meets tonight at 7pm, both virtually by Zoom and in person at the Eckington Community Room on Quincy Lane. The agenda and all materials are at www.anc5f.com but let me highlight a couple of things:

Let me know if you have any thoughts on any of the above!

MPD Commander Altieri in Eckington. We’ve been bringing our MPD 5th District Commander for on-the-ground meet-and-greets in Eckington. I joined Commissioner Galvan for one last week in the northern part of the neighborhood, where the Commander stayed and answered questions until there were no more, and walked around to see first-hand what residents wanted to show him.

Our next meet-and-greet will be this Thursday, September 28, at 5pm to 6pm at the Gale, 151 Q Street NE. All are welcome.

Updates.

September & October Office Hours

I tabled in Alethia Tanner Park on September 17 from 10am to 2pm during DC Family Bike Fest - thank you to everyone who came out despite the rain and brought up issues!




AUGUST 16 UPDATE:



Neighbor,

I’d much rather be sharing good news with you but one responsibility of being a Commissioner is to deal with the bad as well as the good.

CONTENT WARNING: This email deals with some tough subjects relating to this week’s flood and crime generally.

Flood on Monday that Resulted in Dog Fatalities: On Monday evening, our neighbor Jason texted me that the sudden rainstorm had heavily flooded Rhode Island Avenue at the rail underpass area. He sent me shocking photos of water several feet deep, but I was relieved to see that emergency personnel were already getting to the scene. I immediately emailed DC Water and others to alert them to what was happening, and noted that District Dogs in particular looked like it was in danger.

You may have followed what unfolded over the next few hours, or watched it on TV, or even seen it in person. The wall of water - that rose out of the storm drains and sidewalks out of nowhere - smashed through the walls and windows of District Dogs, with 10 employees acted heroically to save as many dogs as they could at the risk of their own lives. I was hopeful as rescuers got all the humans (including people trapped in 5 cars and 1 truck by the water) to safety and started bringing out dozens of dogs to higher ground - wet, covered in dirt, but alive. But then we learned the official confirmation that several dogs - 10, it was later revealed - had died.

First and foremost, I want to extend my sincerest condolences to the families. We often boarded Ulysses at that location, and I can only imagine the terror at seeing all of this unfold and then the heartbreak at learning the news. Ethan and I will be at a vigil tomorrow (Thursday) evening at 8pm at Tanner Park Dog Park to remember the dogs lost in the flood, and I hope we can all show our support.


Second, I want to express my appreciation to all those community members who helped as it was happening, and who have helped afterwards. Emergency responders at Fire Station 12 two blocks away rushed over on their own initiative when they saw what was happening. Many of the dogs’ families were traveling out-of-town, and a lot of friends and neighbors rushed there on their behalf. The Humane Rescue Alliance is assisting the families, and fundraisers have been set up to help District Dogs employees. I’ve communicated multiple times with Councilmember Zachary Parker and his staff, who rushed there as it was happening and have been leading the effort to find out why it happened and how we can make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Third, I’ve sent several emails to DC Water, including several key questions. We all know about the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project under Rhode Island Avenue, to increase flood carrying capacity. That spot is a sink, elevation-wise, and also a point where floodwater from all over the city converges. That’s why the water rose so high and so quickly there. I’ve asked DC Water what remaining punchlist items there are before the project comes online (currently scheduled for September), what additional flood mitigation measures should be considered for that area that would increase resilience, and why they do not activate a response team to flood-prone spots like that one when we get a major flood alert to close roads and evacuate people. I will share any response I get with you. Councilmember Parker also sent a letter with questions to DC Water, as well as to the DC 911 team as there may have been a delayed dispatch of District Dogs’s 911 calls, meaning nearby emergency crews didn’t know people in dogs were trapped in there for perhaps 15 minutes. I’ve also seen questions being asked of the landlord, the business, and other city agencies.

I know that’s a lot of information, but I did want to share what I know and where we’re at. This is going to be hard to hear, but I firmly believe this was avoidable and preventable. I want to see every entity associated with this tragedy identify what they could have done differently and make changes to ensure it doesn’t happen again.


Crime. I know you’re seeing it and even experiencing it. I am too. A friend visiting parked his car overnight and had it stolen and wrecked. I’ve had to call 911 for a stabbing and a shooting on my block. A work colleague was held up at gunpoint for his wallet and his phone. Many of you have emailed and called me to share when you’ve seen it or when it’s happened to you. We all want it to stop and I pass that message along to the Mayor, MPD, and Councilmembers who decide our anti-crime policies and efforts.

Two weeks ago, I had a one-on-one meeting with the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, where I where asked for answer to specific questions you had asked me to raise:

On August 8, Councilmember Parker held a forum in Brookland which included the new Acting MPD Chief as well as Commander Altieri for the MPD 5th District, DC Attorney General Schwalb, violence interrupters, and Metro Transit Police. Council Chair Mendelson was also present, as were many commissioners (including 5F Commissioners Tony Hurst, Aru Sahni, and myself). The U.S. Attorney was invited to present but declined. Here are some of my notes from that well-organized forum:

Sometime in the next month we will hold a meet-and-greet and community walk with MPD in Eckington. Commander Altieri has committed to doing one of these every week in different parts of the city, and please come with your questions, concerns, and ideas. I will share more information when it is scheduled.


I know that is a lot. I wish this newsletter was only the good news about new litter cans we had installed in Eckington this month, progress on 8th Street construction of traffic safety improvements and new crosswalks, and fall movie screenings in Tanner Park. But I want you to know what is being done on everything.

Your Commissioner,

Joe Bishop-Henchman

5F06@anc.dc.gov
202-599-0929



JULY UPDATE:


Neighbor,

I hope you’re staying cool and hydrated this July. Updates on two big projects and what we’re covering at our relocated July 25 ANC 5F meeting next week!

Say Goodbye to Dave Thomas Circle: The ex-Wendys at the corner of New York and Florida Avenues is going away. Mayor Bowser will be joining us tomorrow, Wednesday, July 19, at 11am, to kick off the project that will demolish and reconfigure the intersection. No RSVP required but DDOT advises that you wear closed toe shoes.

Say Hello to a Gapless MBT: It’s official name is the 8th Street NE Traffic Safety Improvements Project, but you may know it as the 8th Street Bike Lanes or Closing the Gap in the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). Last month DDOT made one final change to the design, to keep two-way traffic between Lawrence and Monroe. Today they confirmed construction is imminent: "DDOT expects to begin project construction within the next 2-3 weeks. Construction is expected to last 2-4 weeks. During the construction and conversion of the roadway to one-way operations, there will be temporary impacts to parking."

July 25 ANC 5F Meeting

ANC 5F will meet on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at 7pm ET. Join us virtually on Zoom or in person at the Eckington Community Room in the Judd & Weiler complex on Quincy Lane NE, next to and behind Eckington Hall. (Here’s a map, and we’ll make sure there’s good signage.)

Items that might be acted on include:


All ANC 5F meetings are open to the public, and feel free to reach out to me with any questions or feedback on any of these items. Public comment is right at the start of every meeting at 7pm, after roll call - and we need to hear from you, even if it’s for you to say you like what we’re doing!

July Office Hours

Thank you for joining me (and Ulysses!) for my office hours on July 4! I’m glad I was able to answer questions about who to reach in the city government to solve various problems. Stay tuned for an announcement of August office hours.


SPEAKING OF PUBLIC SAFETY: On July 11, the D.C. Council passed a crime bill. Councilmember Parker wrote a good explanation of what is in it and what he is trying to do on the Council for public safety. I also shared a couple of tweets with questions about what seem to me to be outstanding issues on crime, many of which I’ve heard from you — things like the crime lab not being certified since 2021, the USAO and MPD and Council all not aligned on arrest procedures, MPD retention issues, the seeming non-use of focused deterrence that worked in previous crime waves, and motivating the U.S. Attorney to prosecute repeat offenders. This Monday, I’m meeting with the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and will report back anything constructive. And yesterday, the Mayor announced her pick of Pamela Smith to be the new Chief of Police.

E-WASTE: If you have electronic waste (old TV, old computer, etc.) and are not able to take it yourself to the Fort Totten facility, DPW deputy director says use the 311 app to make a bulk trash pickup and specify in the comments that it is electronic waste.

MORE WMATA FEEDBACK: Thank you to everyone who gave feedback that was incorporated into ANC 5F’s resolution to WMATA on their Better Bus redesign. WMATA  is now back for more, asking for input on long-term rail system expansion. Two of the options include new service to Union Market and Ivy City.

MOVIES BACK IN ALETHIA TANNER PARK: Stay tuned, but movies in the park will be back from September 13 to October 11.




Neighbor,

Happy summer! Three big updates: July office hours, what we’re covering at our June 27 ANC 5F meeting tomorrow, and some neighborhood updates.

July Office Hours: July 4 will be a holiday but not for me. If you have a concern or a question, stop by my table outside Alethia Tanner Dog Park between 10AM and 12NOON on Tuesday, July 4. And don’t go far, be sure to stay for the U.S. Navy Band performance at 4pm in Alethia Tanner Park!


June 27 ANC 5F Meeting

ANC 5F will meet on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 7pm ET. Join us virtually on Zoom or in person at Edgewood Recreation Center, 300 Evarts Street NE. Here are some of the action items that will be covered!

FLORIDA AVE NE CONSTRUCTION & BUS LANES: Demolition of the ex-Wendys at New York & Florida (“Dave Thomas Circle”) will start shortly, followed by a realignment of that confusing and congested intersection. Work is already underway to rebuild bike lanes to the east, near the Metro tracks, and a new through-the-building connection to the MBT will open by the end of this year.

In addition to all this, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is looking at how they can speed up buses on Florida Avenue NE; at a recent meeting they held with ANC Commissioners, they reported that the 90/92 buses go as slow as 4 mph in rush hour mixed traffic. I am sponsoring a resolution asking DDOT to design dedicated bus lanes as part of their project. Improving transit will be hard if the buses move at just 4 mph, and a bus lane should be on option on the table.

BETTER BUS FEEDBACK: WMATA has proposed the first redesign of their bus network in a half-century, and I was honored to be a member of Councilmember Parker’s Ward 5 Bus Task Force which scrutinized what WMATA proposed for our neighborhoods and which made constructive recommendations for changes. I am sponsoring a resolution incorporating this feedback as ANC 5F’s official feedback to WMATA. Items include frequent, fast service on Rhode Island Avenue similar to the G9 (either by higher service standards or an overlay route, and extending one route west to Shaw or U Street), and a restructured P6 that won’t get stuck in traffic (keeping it off Rhode Island Avenue and not detouring it to 2nd/3rd Streets).

THE FUTURE OF NEW YORK AVENUE NE: The DC Office of Planning has begun thinking about zoning changes for New York Avenue NE to allow needed affordable housing and better transportation and environmental quality. I am sponsoring a resolution endorsing those draft recommendations and encouraging speedy action on them.

BETTER USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS: I am sponsoring a resolution, joined by Commissioner Aru Sahni, asking the DC government to better use federal driver safety grant funds it receives. A new federal law allows the money to be used for automated traffic enforcement around neighborhood schools. We would join ANCs 1B, 1E, and 4D in passing this.

CONGESTION PRICING STUDY & CAMERA REVENUE: I see in the news today that New York City is moving forward with a congestion pricing program in their urban core next year. Back in 2019-20, DC Department of Transportation studied such an idea for downtown DC, and I am sponsoring a resolution asking DDOT to brief ANC 5F on that study. It’s vital information as we think about the pros and cons of various options to address traffic and road safety. The resolution also states opposition to diverting future transportation-related revenue like camera traffic enforcement revenue to general purposes; if we’re gonna have speed cameras the money should be used for transportation improvements.

HARRY THOMAS WAY & ECKINGTON PLACE IMPROVEMENTS: DDOT has proposed establishing a no-parking entrance in front of 1501 Harry Thomas Way NE and a commercial loading zone at 1600 Eckington Place NE. I am sponsoring a resolution approving those projects but adding conditions to extend their hours and to complete half-done crosswalk markings at Quincy Lane.

FOUND ART EXHIBITION AT TANNER PARK ON EARTH DAY: Ethan and I enjoyed viewing the “Found Art” sculptures created by neighbors this past Earth Day in Tanner Park. Ira Tattleman, the artist who led the workshops that created them, is seeking support to have his grant renewed for next year. I’ll be asking ANC 5F to approve a letter to do so.

1701 2ND ST NE: We will hear a presentation on the zoning application by 1701 2nd Street NE to construct a rear and side addition to a single-family row dwelling and make it a 3-unit multi-family building. This meeting is for information and questions; we will not be voting on it at this meeting. I’ve received feedback in support and opposed to the application, and have been communicating with the applicant.

All ANC 5F meetings are open to the public, and feel free to reach out to me with any questions or feedback on any of these items. Public comment is right at the start of every meeting at 7pm, after roll call - and we need to hear from you, even if it’s for you to say you like what we’re doing!

May Newsletter

If you missed it, I distributed my two-page newsletter last month. Download it as a PDF here.

Neighborhood Updates

Your Commissioner,

Joe Bishop-Henchman

5F06@anc.dc.gov
202-599-0929


Join Us for a Neighborhood Cleanup on Saturday, April 15, 10am - 12pm!

My April 2023 office hours won't just be me sitting at a table! I'll be joining Eckington Parks & Arts and Eckington Civic Association for their April 15 neighborhood cleanup. Meet at Yang's, 138 U St NE, at 10am. See the flyer below for details!

March 28 Meeting Update

Trash cans! Brewery summer garden! Edgewood grocery store! Transportation safety improvements!

ANC 5F met on March 28, 2023, here are some of the action items that we covered!


TRASH CANS: I live just off 4th Street, and in March the last trash can was removed. It used to be a trash can on every corner! At three locations near me residents have put out their own trash can just so there's something preventing garbage from being thrown on the ground.

Councilmembers Lewis George and Parker have been pushing DPW to provide answers on their trash can removal policies, including proposed legislation to involve ANC input before they are removed. I'm pleased to learn that changes are now happening! 

We heard from Ms. Rogers of DPW, who explained that trash can removal has been occurring due to conflicting 311 requests. Their new policy will be to get ANC input before adding or removing trash cans, after 311 submission. She noted that there's a 270 day backlog on additions. Ms. Rogers noted her list for trash can additions includes several spots in ANC5F06, including 4th & V (two corners), RI & V, 5th & RI, and 4th & W. ANCs will be notified of requests and for their input to be provided. I promised to support ANC support for trash can additions.


ALCOHOL LICENSES: We had presentations by two applicants. Lost Generation Brewing Company and Eckington Hall are both proposing outdoor service on their patios. Lost Generation is also seeking a modification to allow them to serve wine (in addition to beer). 

ANC 5F will seek agreements with both establishments on hours, trash, and noise. If you have thoughts, please reach out to me! In the meantime, 5F voted to support Lost Generation's application to ABRA to open its summer garden patio until action on the full application occurs. I want to especially thank Commissioner Anderson for her help on these matters within 5F06. She served on our predecessor commission's Alcohol Licensing committee so I greatly value that experience in moving these matters forward!


EDGEWOOD GROCERY STORE: We heard from Pritzker Realty Group, which is proposing a zoning map amendment at its Monroe Street Market project in Edgewood. They propose shifting 99 parking spaces at 701 Monroe St NE from residential to a grocery store. They aren't revealing the name of the potential grocery store tenant yet while they're negotiating. But the use of the parking spaces is needed for that.

Many of the residents are college students at nearby Catholic University, so Pritzker estimates that few of those currently parking there will be affected by the time construction occurs. Commissioner Williams asked several questions about how many spaces are used and what options there are for residents. ANC 5F voted unanimously to support the amendment request.

Needless to say a grocery store west of the railroad tracks is an important priority for me! And I'm grateful to Commissioners Hurst and Sahni for their work on this project and working with the developer on these goals!


TRANSPORTATION SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS! I voted for several resolutions from Commissioner Galvan supporting traffic calming and safety improvements especially near schools. He and I co-sponsored a resolution supporting more bollards near the MBT to prevent auto entry.

We selected Commissioner Sahni to chair our Transportation and Public Space Committee. If you're in Eckington or Edgewood, and if you'd like to help out with that committee, or any of our other committees, please send in your information here! https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=8Unkj5SLt0-ZBm-Tnagtc3qWL9ZkXeZBuh3_RyAuINpUOFY4WFlTNjdGUldaREg4T1ZVU1hZTU5TUC4u


Thanks to everyone for a very productive meeting! 


Joe Bishop-Henchman
ANC Commissioner 5F06 Eckington
5F06@anc.dc.gov

March 2023 Newsletter! Download as a PDF by clicking here

February 15, 2023 Update

On February 15, 20 officials from DDOT, DC Water, DC MPD, Councilmember Parker's office, and ANC 5F conducted a site visit on Rhode Island Avenue where the sidewalk was closed last week and Mr. Tarrants was struck by a car and killed on February 8. A temporary pedestrian sidewalk was re-established the day before, February 14.

I'm grateful that everyone was there to talk constructively about how to make sure it doesn't happen again. Commissioners Jennifer Anderson, Aru Sahni, and I were there to talk about long-term fixes and emphasize that in the meantime pedestrian access needs to remain.

While we were there, discussing DC Water's construction and pedestrian access, multiple people were using the temporary walkway. One woman even ended up walking in the median due to inadequate signage (Councilmember Parker's chief of staff rushed over to help her get to the sidewalk.)

It's 0.28 miles from the last crosswalk to the west and the next crosswalk to the east. In between are the Alamo theatre, Metrobar, numerous apartment buildings (and more coming), several bus stops, and RI Avenue metro station. We need another crosswalk on that stretch.

Thank you to everyone who spotted this issue last week, especially Friends of the Metropolitan Branch Trail. As I told the group, I'm grateful for the mitigation yesterday and the commitment to improve safety on this stretch of Rhode Island Ave. We can't go back in time but we can fix it going forward. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Tarrants and his loved ones.

January 31, 2023 Update

Library? Mayor’s forum on crime? Budgets? It’s the last day of January and it’s hard for me to believe that I was only sworn in as your Commissioner on January 2. I have lots of updates to share:

At our last ANC meeting, I was honored to be elected Chair of the entire 5F Commission. At the meeting we also elected Commissioner Jennifer Anderson (5F05, Eckington) as vice chair, Commissioner Tony Hurst (5F01, Edgewood) as treasurer, and Commissioner Mark Galvan (5F04, Eckington & Edgewood) as secretary. The Commission also adopted the bylaws and procedures I took the lead on drafting, tasked Commissioner Aru Sahni (5F02, Edgewood) with setting up a website and a mailing list, and set our regular monthly meeting as the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7pm. Mark your calendars: January 31, February 28, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, September 26, October 24, November 28, December 19.

ANC MEETING TONIGHT at 7pm, both virtual via Teams and at the Chase, 680 Rhode Island Avenue NE. Big topics on the agenda include:

In addition:

If you support (or oppose) any of this, please let me know! Public comment at ANC meetings is usually people opposed to something we’re considering. We also need to hear from you if you like it! Public comment is right at the start of every meeting at 7pm, after roll call.

Your Commissioner,

Joe Bishop-Henchman

202-599-0929

ANC 5F Meeting: January 17, 2023

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 5F, covering Eckington & Edgewood, #ANC5F will have a meeting on Tuesday, January 17 at 6pm to 8pm at the Edgewood Recreation Center, 300 Evarts Street NE. You can also attend virtually.

More details: http://anc5f.com/meetings

Agenda link: https://qr.link/QFLrjS

This is where we will:

Please reach out to me or your commissioner if you have ideas or opinions on:

All ANC meetings are open to the public.

See you there!

MBT Access Update

On January 13, I toured 202 Florida Avenue NE, the residential building under construction at Florida Avenue and the trail. Construction is proceeding rapidly and their goal is to complete it by the end of 2023.


The project includes a new permanent connection from the MBT to Florida Avenue. The connection will include a wide stairway with bike rails, and an elevator. As you pass by on the MBT, you can see where it will be and how large it is.


I also discussed the reopening of the sidewalk on the north side of Florida Avenue, which has now reopened with wood protective covering for pedestrians. If you see any issues, please alert me!


Proposed 5F Bylaws & Rules


I'm sharing proposed ANC5F Bylaws and Standard Procedures documents I'll be sponsoring.


5F is a brand new Commission and starts with a blank slate. I've read every ANC's bylaws, procedures, and rules, and drawn some great best practices together in one place. Also OAG letters.


The documents are here:


What's in them? Seven major things:

1. Reduces 3 layers of meetings/approvals (policy committee, committee of the whole, full Commission) to two. No more duplication

2. One secretary in charge of getting records up and minutes out, within 5 days. No more taking months

3. Makes clear that the full Commission takes actions and is entitled to great weight, not individual commissioners. This language is straight from the Attorney General.

4. Allows officers to be removed at any time by a majority, without cause.

5. Codifies strong financial controls and sets up a very defined process for grants. 5F will start off with $8,000 per quarter in your tax dollars and we should use it very wisely.

6. A "Conduct Policy" and transparency requirements for Commission activities.

7. Four policy committees (including volunteers from 5F residents):

Each committee will work closely with the relevant DC agency to advance 5F goals.


Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome! DC law requires that we adopt bylaws at our very first commission meeting, which should be this month.

January 6, 2023

ANC 5F Planning Session

ANC 5F commissioners will have an administrative planning session, Sat., Jan. 7, 11am to 1pm, at Edgewood Recreation Center, 300 Evarts Street NE. The session will prepare logistics for our first meeting and no official actions will be taken. It is open to the public.

January 2, 2023

On January 2, I was sworn in and took office as ANC Commissioner for ANC 5F06!