Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 7D met Jan. 14 via Zoom. Commissioners Artilie Wright (7D03), Mike Davis (7D04, vice chair), Ebony Payne (7D05), Marc Friend (7D06), Brett Astmann (7D07, treasurer), Brian Alcorn (7D08, chair), Ashley Schapitl (7D09) and Dev Myers (7D10, secretary) were in attendance. Single Member Districts 7D01 and 7D02 are currently vacant.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) Deputy Director of istration Michelle Wilson briefed the commission on the replacement of the DC Jail’s Central Detention Facility (CDF) located at 1901 D St. SE. The agency plans to construct a new detention center on Reservation 13 consisting of two buildings, Wilson stated. The current facility is “extremely outdated” and in need of “significant, costly” repairs as a result of its “constant” use and evolving resident population, she said.
In addition to the plumbing, HVAC, leaks and airflow issues, the CDF has identified the need for additional “programmatic space” to promote rehabilitation for residents in their efforts to reduce recidivism, Wilson stated. This includes educational and vocational opportunities, mental and behavioral health services, substance abuse treatment programs and reentry ive services. In order to accommodate these new spaces, the new facility plans to house slightly fewer people. DOC plans to decrease the maximum occupancy from 2,150 to around 2,000, she said.
The construction is expected to commence in 2027 and occur in three phases, Wilson stated. The first phase will focus on renovating features of the existing facility and break ground on the first annex facility. Between 2029 and 2031, the second phase will prepare the CDF for demolition and break ground on the second annex facility. The final phase, expected to commence between 2031 and 2035, will complete construction on the second annex facility and mark the decommissioning of the current facility, she told commissioners.
How will plans for the new facility would incorporate additional for the mental health needs of residents? asked Commissioner Friend. In addition to specific plans for the new programmatic spaces, the DOC team is focused on these changes “early on” in the process and incorporating additional resources, developing a transition team prior to the move and establishing partnerships with individuals familiar with this work, Wilson responded.
Citing the programming requirements of the detention center, the DOC plans to submit several special exemptions including: zoning relief, area variance and several additional waivers, Wilson said. The department plans to appear before the commission again to request . Representatives from the DOC also plan to host another public engagement session soon, though a date has not been set, she said. The commission took no vote on this matter.
Other Matters
Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder (D) briefed the commission on his term. He plans to serve on six council committees including: Business and Economic Development, Health, Human Services, Judiciary and Public Safety, Public Works and Operations and Education. Felder expressed avid interest in ensuring that the ward receives its “fair share” in the budget cycle and encouraged commissioners, nonprofit organizations and civic associations to submit their budget priorities early in the cycle.
The commission elected new officers: Brian Alcorn (7D08) as chair, Mike Davis (7D04) as vice chair, Brett Astmann (7D07) as treasurer and Dev Myers (7D10) as secretary.
The commission voted to reestablish the Environmental Committee for the commission period.
ANC 7D will meet next on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. You can learn more about the commission and to attend at 7d0761.wixsite.com/anc7d-1.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at [email protected].
