June 2015 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E

Public Meeting

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Present:

Marge Maceda, Chair, ANC 6E05

Alexander M. Padro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E01

Antonio D. Barnes, Secretary, ANC 6E06

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

Rachelle P. Nigro, ANC 6E04

Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03

Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

   Chair Maceda called the meeting to order 6:40 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDAMOTION:

   Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Agenda be approved as amended. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT 1D AND 3D 

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Lt. Brian Murphy of 1D (PSA 103) reported the following:  Violet Crime down 50%; Property Crime up 50%; increase of 1% for total crime.  Year to date, there has been a 12% overall reduction.

Officer Berlin 3D (PSA 308) reported on crime for the past 30 days per the following:  2 robberies; 3 burglaries; 1 ADW; thefts from auto are still on the rise; police are still investigating the homicide on 5/25/15 and have quite a few leads.

Commissioner Padro asked what Officer Berlin’s specific hours are.  Officer Berlin responded they are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.  He has an additional patrolman accompanying him now, Officer Jimmy Monahan.

1. TEXAS de BRAZIl steakhouse, 455 Massachusetts avenue, nw: rEQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STIPULATED AND permanent ABRA LICENSE 

   Rosemary Salguero and the General Manager of Texas de Brazil Steakhouse spoke regarding their request for support for stipulated and permanent ABRA licenses for the restaurant located at 455 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.  Their hours will be 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Dinner will be served starting at 5:00 p.m.   It is a fine dining establishment, family oriented, and family owned.  They have been at their Fairfax, Virginia location for 8 or 9 years.  Valet parking on I Street, NW will be available from approximately 4:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.  There will also be a sidewalk café.  They are asking for a stipulated liquor license to operate during the protest period.  Commissioner Padro advised that ANC 6E’s ABC Licensing Committee met and voted to support the applicant’s request for stipulated and permanent liquor licenses.MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for support from Texas de Brazil Steakhouse, 455 Massachusetts Avenue, NW for stipulated and permanent liquor licenses, subject to the signing of the voluntary agreement, and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

    

2. abra: drink the district resolution 

   Commissioner Maceda stated that Drink the District is planning a large drinking party at the parking lot at 1001 6^th Street, NW (5^th & K Streets, NW).  At one of their recent events, a decibel recorder was used that registered between 81 and 110 decibels, significantly above the maximum sound level of 60 decibels.   Besides the noise issue, there was trash everywhere and people were urinating in the street.  Commissioner Maceda would like a resolution from ANC 6E to protest the ABRA application of Drink the District for a one-day liquor license to hold this large drinking party at the parking lot at 1001 6^th Street, NW.Commissioner Padro stated that this was discussed at ANC 6E’s ABC Licensing Committee meeting and the committee recommended that ANC 6E advise ABRA that the Commission wishes to hear from the applicants before the issuance of a license because of peace, order and quiet.   Commissioner Nigro noted that the group does not need to come before the ANC 6E in order to request temporary one day liquor licenses.

   MOTION: Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E protest the ABRA application of Drink the District for a one day liquor license for their two remaining planned events and that said protest be communicated in writing to ABRA and the ABC Board.   The Motion passed, 4 yeas (Commissioners Maceda, Padro, Wiggins, Judd) – 3 nays (Commissioners Barnes, Chapple, and Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

    

3. ABRA: Ivy & coney restaurant expansion, 1537 7^th street, nw:  request for support to add retractable roof 

   Josh Saltzman and Chris Powers spoke regarding Ivy & Coney’s planned restaurant expansion to a summer garden.  The project will include a full service kitchen, 30 additional seats, and a retractable glass roof for all-season use and noise reduction.  Six to seven full-time jobs will be created.  Commissioner Padro stated that ANC 6E’s ABC Licensing Committee met and heard their presentation and, subject to a voluntary agreement about the hours for the retractable roof and open windows, the committee recommended that the application for the summer garden be supported.  Commissioner Chapple advised the applicant held a Community Meeting and the public was very supportive.MOTION:

   Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for support from Ivy & Coney, 1537 7^th Street, NW, to expand the restaurant by the addition of a summer garden with a retractable glass roof, subject to the signing of the voluntary agreement, and that said support be communicated in writing to ABRA and the ABC Board.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

    

• 655 new york avenue, nw: request for support from historic preseRvation review board for new building (douglas development) 

  Tim Arnold of Shalom Baranes Associates architects and Drew Turner of Douglas Development Corporation spoke regarding their request for support from Historic Preservation Review Board for a new building at 655 New York Avenue, NW.  Commissioner Maceda requested the following:  (1) no construction before 8:00 a.m.; (2) that the sidewalk fence be moved over; and (3) that there be a covered walkway for pedestrians.  Commissioner Nigro objected to the provision that there be no construction before 8:00 a.m. and stressed that time was of the essence to complete the construction of the building.MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support Douglas Development’s plans for the exterior portion of the project with HPRB, and for moving the three buildings.

  Friendly amendment:  Commissioner Padro offered a friendly amendment adding (1) no construction before 8:00 a.m., (2) that the sidewalk fence be moved over; and (3) that there be a covered walkway for pedestrians.  The friendly amendment was not

  The original motion passed 5 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Chapple, Barnes, Wiggins, Judd) – 2 nays (Commissioners Maceda and Padro).

   

• square 451: request for support from historic preservation review board to move three historic building facades (douglas development) 

  Douglas Development provided a presentation on how they plan to move and cluster together the three (3) historic building facades,  (1) the waffle shop, (2) Hodges sandwich shop, and (3) the detailing shop.  This will be a two-year project.MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E support the plan for the relocation of the three historic building facades into a cluster at the northwest corner of 6^th and K Streets, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).    The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

   

   

5. DDOT: 1001 6^th street, nw:  request for support to make curb changes, remove trees, and put entrance for parking in middle of 5^th street, nw (guy steuart, STEUART INVESTMENTS) 

   Commissioner Maceda stated that ANC 6E’s Zoning Committee voted to not support the applicant’s request.  They did not do a traffic study and they did not have an arborist report.  The applicant asked to be removed from the agenda, but ANC 6E received a form from DDOT that needs to be returned to them by June 6, 2015.  The Zoning Committee agreed that it should object to this project and that the applicant needs to come back with more info.MOTION: Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E oppose the plan as submitted by Steuart Investments and that said opposition be communicated in writing to DDOT.  The Motion passed, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins, and Judd) – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Nigro).

    

6. DMPED: capitOl vista (2^nd & H Streets, NW) rfp 

   Lee Goldstein, Project Manager, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) stated that the RFP was released on April 17, 2015 and proposals are due June 5, 2015.  DMPED previously issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) for the Development Parcel, and the air rights to an adjacent parcel, on June 20, 2014.  However, the District, in its sole discretion, canceled the previously issued RFEI.  This RFP is a new solicitation and does not originate from the previous RFEI issued on June 20, 2014.  This is a 9,600 square foot parcel and is zoned C2A.Commissioner Maceda asked why DMPED cancelled the previously issued RFEI.  She also emphatically stated that ANC 6E’s input is never taken into consideration by DMPED.

   Goldstein can be reached by phone at: 202-368-2711 or email at: lee.goldstein@dc.gov

    

7. DMPED: PARCEL 42 (7^th & R Streets, NW) RFP 

   Melissa Bird, Neighborhood Planning Coordinator Ward 6, DC Office of Planning, spoke regarding the Parcel 42 RFP.  She stated the public will be engaged before the RFP is written and that a Public Workshop will be held at the Howard Theatre, 620 T Street, NW, on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.  The District will present information regarding this new initiative as well as provide a thorough analysis of the District-owned Parcel 42 site, neighborhood, and market context.  DMPED will actively solicit feedback from the public in the form of a facilitated break-out group session on how to shape the future development of this site.Commissioner Maceda spoke on behalf of the other commissioners and emphatically stated that this is the third RFP on Parcel 42 and that DMPED continues to ignore ANC 6E’s recommendations.

   On a positive note, Commissioner Padro stated he spoke with Anna Shapiro at DMPED and that he is pleased with DMPED’s outreach.

   Commissioner Chapple read from a February 10, 2012 letter from ANC 2C to Victor Hoskins, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, which listed nine (9) recommendations ANC 2C voted to approve and to be incorporated into the RFP for development of Parcel 42:

   (1)  Architectural Excellence:  This is a major intersection in the city, anchored by the work of the architect of the University of Chicago’s Revival buildings and an award-winning new all glass public library.  The building at Parcel 42 should be iconic, making a strong statement about the neighborhood and its future that will be seen by thousands of people every day.  Buildings with facades primarily consisting of visible concrete masonry units would not be acceptable at this location.

   (2)  Parking:  The maximum possible amount of parking must be included in response to the RFP.  A minimum of two levels of parking would be required to serve residents and retail needs, but more than two levels would be preferred.
   
   (3)  Planned Unit Development:  The maximum possible number of units must be constructed at this very visible site.  In order to achieve the highest possible density, all responses to the RFP must represent projects for which a Planned Unit Development will be applied for.
   
   (4)  Affordability:  It is understood that due to current economic conditions, the original plan to develop Parcel 42 as an all affordable rental apartment building cannot be achieved.  Nonetheless, the highest possible number of units affordable to households earning up to 60% of AMI should be encouraged.  Other units in the building could be affordable up to 80% of AMI or market rate.

   (5)  Unit Sizes:  A mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom units should be included in the building to encourage families of varying sizes to be attracted to and accommodated in the community.

   (6)  LEED Certification:  The highest level of sustainability and environmental features must be included in the development of Parcel 42.  LEED Silver or higher should be the goal.

   (7)  Retail:  Responses to the RFP must provide the maximum amount of neighborhood serving retail that can be accommodated, in order to activate the ground floor of the building along both 7^th and R Streets.  The community will be consulted regarding the types of retail entities that will lease space in the building, and the most recent surveys of new business development preferences in Shaw will be utilized in the retail leasing process.  Leasing the entire available space to a retailer requiring a larger footprint, such as Trader Joe’s, would be preferred, but subdividing the space into multiple bays would be acceptable.

   (8)  Greening and Improvement of Streetscape:  Developers should propose working with the District Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Administration to increase the permeability of the adjacent public space, especially the wide sidewalk on the R Street side of the property, through installation of planting strips and trees.  Public art could also be installed in this space and would be a welcome public amenity.

   (9) Local Presence and Hiring:  Community-based developers who have demonstrated capacity by previously developing property in Shaw and developers who will commit to hiring residents who live in the Shaw community would be preferred.

   MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E incorporate these nine (9) recommendations into a letter to be reissued on ANC 6E letterhead to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.  The Motion passed, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 2 abstentions (Commissioners Barnes and Wiggins).

    

• DDOT: TRAFFIC STUDIES FOR STOP SIGNS AT 8^TH & O, 8^TH & p, 8^th & Q, and 1^st & L streets, nw 

  Commissioners Padro and Wiggins spoke regarding this matter.  The new Giant and other new development have increased traffic in the area considerably.  They contacted DDOT and requested that four-way stop signs be added at these intersections.  They were informed that DDOT must conduct a traffic study first.  Now there is a petition process and the Commission would like to send a letter to DDOT that ANC 6E wants four-way stops signs at these intersections.MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Wiggins seconded that ANC 6E request DDOT to initiate traffic studies for the addition of four-way stop signs at the intersections of 8^th & O, 8^th & P, 8^th & Q, and 1^st & L Streets, NW and that this request be communicated in writing to DDOT. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, Maceda, Wiggins, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• DCPS: PROPOSED LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM AT SEATON ELEMENTARY and garrison elementary
  
  Commissioner Padro introduced Vanessa Bertelli.  Bertelli provided brief remarks regarding the DC Language Immersion Project.  The overall mission of the project is:  (1) to inform parents, educators, administrators, and the community from all eight wards on the benefits and challenges of implementing Language Immersion programs in DC’s public elementary schools; and (2) to  engage and support a coalition of stakeholders across the traditional public and charter sectors in drafting a strategic plan for expanding Language Immersion offerings in DC.She stated that the language immersion program must start before age 5 and continue through the fifth grade.  She specifically requested that ANC 6E communicate its support for proposed language immersion programs at Seaton Elementary and Garrison Elementary Schools.

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E communicate its support to DCPS and the Deputy Mayor for Education for proposed Language Immersion Programs at Seaton Elementary School and Garrison Elementary School.  The Motion passed, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Chapple, Wiggins, and Judd) – 2 nays (Commissioners Maceda and Barnes) – 0 abstentions.

   

• office of the people’S COUNSEL presentation 

  Cheryl Morse of the Office of the People’s Counsel provided a brief presentation. The Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) is an independent agency of the DC Government.  By law, its legal team and consumer representatives advocate for consumers of natural gas, electric and telephone services in the District.  It assists individual consumers in the following ways:  (1) Consumer Complaints:  If a consumer has a problem with a utility bill or service, OPC may be able to help; (2) Community Outreach:  OPC encourages public participation in the regulatory process and provides general information and technical assistance to DC consumers; (3) Publications:  OPC publishes fact sheets, brochures, pamphlets and other materials to keep the public informed about utility issues, consumer advocacy activities and the status of pending legislation.In regard to the proposed merger of Exelon and Pepco, OPC’s position is that the merger in not in the public interest because it would result in an imbalance of benefits between the merged company and ratepayers.

  Morse also made brief remarks regarding:  (1) Copper vs. FiOS and OPC’s stand that consumers should be given a choice; (2) Washington Gas Light Company’s Pipeline Replacement Plan; and (3) a new DC law authorizing the undergrounding of up to 60 of the city’s worst performing feeder distribution lines across Wards 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 of the District.

   

1. NEW ENDEAVORS BY WOMEN PRESENTATION 

   Wanda Steptoe spoke briefly regarding New Endeavors by Women (NEW), an organization dedicated to helping homeless women and children. New Endeavors for Women provides transitional and permanent housing for women and children and also offers a youth enrichment program.  They are funded by the District Government and HUD.

• approval of anc 6e bylawsMOTION:

  Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the ANC 6E Bylaws be approved with corrections.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Wiggins, Maceda, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• approval of anc 6e minutesMOTION:

  Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of May 5, 2015 be approved with corrections.to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Wiggins, Maceda, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• QUARTERLY REPORTMOTION:

  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Quarterly Report be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Wiggins, Maceda, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• TREASURER’S REPORT Commissioner Chapple reported that the balance in the checking account is $61,270.91.

  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Wiggins, Maceda, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

1. APPROVAL OF EXPENSES 
   5. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Jehle in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E June 2, 2015 Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Padro, Maceda, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
   6. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $337.35 for printing costs of the June 2015 Newsletter.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• OLD BUSINESS 
• NEW BUSINESS 
• next meetingTuesday, July 7, 2015, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, NW, 6:30 p.m.
• ANNOUNCEMENTS 
  1. Commissioner Padro stated that the official unveiling and celebration of Symphony in DC Major, a sculptural artwork created by Artist Zachary Oxman honoring Duke Ellington’s unforgettable musical talent, will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at City Market at O.
  2. The Parcel 42 DMPED RFP Public Workshop will be held at the Howard Theatre, 620 T Street, NW, on Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
• ADJOURNMENT 

  MOTION:   There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, Chapple, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.   The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.