April 2011 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.   Chair Alexander M. Padro presided.

Present:

Alexander M. Padro, Chair, ANC 2C01

Rachelle P. Nigro, Vice Chair & Secretary, ANC 2C04

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 2C02

Doris L. Brooks, ANC 2C03  Arrived after Roll Call, left during meeting

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

   Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.  Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDAMOTION:

   Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

3. III.           PSA 308 REPORT: LT. JEFFERY CARROLL 

   Lt. Jeffery Carroll of Police Service Area 308 reported on crime activity in the area for the past 30 days as follows:
   
   Robberies:                                                     16
   Burglaries:                                                       3
   Thefts from Vehicles:                                  12
   Stolen Autos:                                                              1
   Thefts:                                                           12
   Assaults with Dangerous Weapons:          2

He noted that there has been an increase of crime due to warmer weather.  PSA 308 has been designated as a crime hot spot and MPD will focus on the area 24/7.  Robberies from establishments are on the increase.  He provided the following contact information to residents:  telephone:  202-437-8198, email:  jefferyw.carroll@dc.gov

There have been 65 arrests in the past 30 days.

Lt. Carroll recommended that residents register their bikes with the National Bike Registry.

A question and answer period followed.  Recovered bikes are given to evidence control.  If not claimed, stolen bikes are donated back to the community.

• IV.          NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS:  KIM McCALL, DC HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 

  Kim McCall of DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) reported that the agency is currently revising the community-based emergency management plan.  HSEMA has had meetings all over the city to gather information and redevelop the plan. Commissioner Padro expressed displeasure that no meetings had been held in ANC 2C’s jurisdiction and requested that an electronic copy of the draft plan be sent to the Commission, which was refused.  McCall noted that when the current round of community input has been completed, a revised raft would be available for comment online.

• V.           WILTBERGER STREET ISSUES:  DC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND DC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION►

  Eleanor Sonan, a resident of Wiltberger Street, noted there is more criminal activity happening in the northern part of the narrow street. The neighbors have concerns with MPD and DDOT and are requesting that future actions be taken.

► Mark Eisenberg, a resident of Wiltberger Street, reported issues related to construction at the Howard Theatre.  There are also ongoing noise problems with a food distributor and traffic problems.  He re-emphasized criminal activity and the cleanliness of the street.  There were additional concerns about the height of the United Negro College Fund Building.

► John Shoa, a resident of Wiltberger Street, stated that there were no good locations for residents to place their garbage cans, since there is no alley behind their homes and very narrow sidewalks in front, and that sometimes garbage is not picked up.

► Sonja Chance, a SWEEP inspector for the Department of Public Works, stated seniors can request a handicapped pickup.  Trash cans must be put back close to the property.  She will advise her co-workers to monitor Wiltberger more frequently.

► Mark Bjorge, Special Assistant to the Director of DDOT, stated that no outdoor public spaces on the alley to the north of the rowhouses on Wiltberger are for refuse.  Businesses can apply for public space permit, rent public space, or get a dumpster.

► Boris Miric, resident, reported that the city is out of recycling bins.  DPW refused to pick up trash from a container purchased at Home Depot.  The city needs to provide proper containers.  Inspector Chance stated they will remove trash from other containers.

A suggestion was made that the Wiltberger homes share a dumpster.  Inspector Chance stated the residents cannot share communal garbage dumpsters because the city does not have the equipment to empty them.

► Bjorge commented on the rebuilding on Wiltberger St.  He acknowledged that Wiltberger Street is not wide enough.  With the adjacent development taking place, Wiltberger will probably be rebuilt.  For the moment, DDOT will try to make the public space more inviting, such as a right of way free of obstruction, and will also check lighting levels.  DDOT can do a sign assessment.

• VI.          CONVENTION CENTER/WATERFRONT CIRCULATOR:  RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CONTINUATION OF SERVICE 

  Harold Valentine proposed an extension of the service to Howard University Hospital and then toward the Baseball stadium.  Commissioner Padro reported on a recent public meeting on plans to suspend the Circulator route that current connect the Southwest Waterfront to the Convention Center area.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the continuation of service on the Southwest Waterfront/Convention Center DC Circulator route and extension of the service to Howard University Hospital and the Nationals Stadium and that this be communicated to the DC City Council and the District Department of Transportation.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• VII.         CITY MARKET @ O/ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR GARAGE CURB CUT ON 9^TH STREET, NW 

  Susan Linsky of Roadside Development explained that all parking, as well as deliveries to the site and trash collection will be underground.  There will be two curb cuts.  The first curb cut is a 30 foot cut and will be at 9^th Street into a parking lot.  The second curb cut is a 24 foot cut for delivery trucks to go down to the underground truck court.  Twenty-four bicycle racks will be installed.  Electric car charging stations and Flex cars will be in the basement.  All city trees will be replaced with Virginia Magnolia trees.  The Giant will close in late August.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the Public Space Permit for CityMarket at O and that ANC 2C communicate this to the Director of DDOT and the DDOT Public Space Committee.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• VIII.       624 9^th STREET, NW/RP MRP REALTY:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL EXCEPTION AND VARIANCE RELIEF 

  Phil Basso, Mather Studios resident, reported on meetings with the developer regarding concerns.  The largest concerns are related to construction abutting the property line with the  Mather Studios, ensuring that the building is not damaged by construction, and the impact of the proposed design for project for the adjacent building’s expansion on the east side of the Mather Studios.  No developer representatives were present at the Commission’s meeting.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C request that the Board of Zoning Adjustment reschedule the hearing of this case to allow the developer and Mather studios board to resolve the issues of concern.  Commissioner Padro further moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that, if the requested change of hearing is unsuccessful, ANC 2C supports the application contingent on resolution of the issues raised by the Mather Studios Board.  The Motions passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• IX.          ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES, SQUARE 451 (BOUNDED BY 6^TH, 7^TH, AND K STREETS, NW)/DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT:   REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR DC REVENUE BOND PROGRAM APPLICATION 

  Eve Corbin from Arent Fox, attorneys for the Association of American Medical Colleges, spoke regarding AAMC’s application for a DC revenue bond.  The amount of the tax-exempt bond is $200 Million and there would be no financial burden for the District.  There would be a First Source hiring agreement, with a goal of hiring 51% of District residents for any new hires for the project.  Mark Wood, AAMC’s Director of Facilities, reported the building would be up to 12 stories, with construction to start in early 2012 and delivery in 2014.  Scott Stolliss stated 650 jobs will come to the area.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C issue a letter of support regarding the Association of American Medical Colleges’ application for a DC Revenue Bond.  The Motion passed unanimously,  3 – 0 – 0.

• X.           FRIENDS OF FRENCH ST. PARK:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR DPR PARK PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 

Scot Rogerson, executive director of the Friends of French Street Park, Inc., requested the Commission’s support for the group’s application to become the official Department of Parks and Recreation Park Partner for the soon to be completed park at the northeast corner of 10th and French Streets, NW.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the Friends of French Street Park DPR Park Partnership Agreement application and that ANC 2C communicate this support to the Department of Parks and Recreation.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XI.          FRIENDS OF KENNEDY PLAYGROUND:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR DPR PARK PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 

Eloise Wahab, treasurer of the Friends of Kennedy Playground, Inc., asked for the Commission’s support for the group’s application to become the official DPR Park Partner for the Kennedy Recreation Center.

MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the Request of the Friends of Kennedy Playground for a DPR Park Partnership Agreement and that ANC2C communicate this support to the DPR.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XII.         RACE TO STOP THE SILENCE, APRIL 23, 2011:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR REVISED STREET CLOSURES 

Representatives for Race to Stop the Silence asked for support for a revised course for the event.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the request of Race to Stop the Silence to approve revised street closures needed to conduct the event on April 23, 2011 and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XIII.       CASSIDY TURLEY RACE FOR HOPE 5K, MAY 1, 2011:   REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES 

   Representatives for Race for Hope request support for street closures for the event.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the request by Race for Hope for street closures required for event on May 1, 2011, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XIV.      ARMY TEN MILER, OCTOBER 9, 2011:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURESGeorge Banker, representing the Army Ten Miler, requested the Commission’s support for street closures for the event.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the request of the Army Ten Miler for street closures required to conduct the event on October 9, 2011, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XV.        WALK FOR LUPUS NOW, APRIL 16, 2011:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES 

   Representatives for the Walk for Lupus Now requested support for street closures needed to conduct the event.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the request of Walk for Lupus for street closures to conduct the event on April 16, 2011, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XVI.      AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER, MAY 1, 2011:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF ROUTE; SIDEWALKS ONLY 

   No representative from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was present.

2. XVII.     FORD’S THEATRE, 511 10^TH STREET, NW, APRIL 10, 2011:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURE FOR PREMIERE OF THE CONSPIRATORS
   
   A representative from Ford’s Theatre requested support for a street closure needed to conduct a premiere for the film, The Conspirators.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the request of Ford’s Theatre for a street closure on 10^th Street between E Street and F Street from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on April 10, 2011 for the premiere of The Conspirators and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XVIII.    RED LINE, 707 G STREET, NW:  VALET PARKING APPLICATION 

   The representative present advised that U Street Parking will be providing valet parking services for Red Line, using the garage at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the valet parking application of Red Line, 707 G Street, NW for  parking and that said support be communicated in writing to DDOT.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• XIX.      SCOTT MONTGOMERY ELEMENTARY/KIPP DC WILL ACADEMY SCHOOLYARD KEYS:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR PROVIDING KEYS TO CONVENTION CENTER COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION 

  Martin Moulton, President of the Convention Center Community Association (CCCA), and Dr. Michael Hopkins of 3^rd Baptist Church, spoke regarding the request for keys to the Scott Montgomery Elementary/KIPP WILL Academy parking lot to be provided to CCCA so that access to the tot lot and the parking lot could be provided outside of school hours.  The keys would be provided to the CCCA to open the gates from 7:00 a.m. to dusk daily.

MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support providing keys to the Scott Montgomery/KIPP WILL Academy parking lot tot eh Convention Center Community Association by the Office of Public Education Facilities Management (OPEFM) and that said support be communicated in writing to OPEFM and the Mayor’s Office.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• XX.        SHAW’S TAVERN, 520 FLORIDA AVENUE NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STIPULATED AND PERMANENT CLASS C ABC LICENSE 

  Steven May, manager of Shaw’s Tavern, spoke regarding the request by Shaw’s Tavern, 520 Florida Avenue, NW, for a Stipulated and Permanent Class C ABC License.  Their website is:  www.shawstavern.com and it will open in early June 2011.  He addressed concerns about take out.

MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the request of Shaw’s Tavern for a Stipulated and Permanent Class C ABC License and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA).  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• XXI.      DISTRICT OF PI, 910 F STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR CLASS C RESTAURANT ABC LICENSE 

  Attorney Andrew Klein, representing the applicant, spoke regarding the request of the District of Pi for support of their application for a Class C Restaurant ABC License.  David Berstein of the Ventanta condominium reported that a voluntary agreement had been reached with District of Pi regarding a number of issues, making it unnecessary to protest the license application.

MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the request of the District of Pi for a Stipulated and Permanent Class C ABC License and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA).  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• XXII.     GREEN TURTLE, 601 F STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF EXPANDED OUTDOOR SEATING HOURS 

  Skip Coburn and Nick Clyburn, representing the Greene Turtle, spoke regarding the request of Greene Turtle for expanded outdoor seating hours.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the request of the Greene Turtle Sports Bar and Grille for expanded outdoor seating hours and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) and District Department of Transportation (DDOT).  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• XXIII.    1618 MARKET STREET, 1618 8^th STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR SINGLE SALES BAN EXEMPTION 

  The establishment has agreed to terms for a voluntary agreement with ANC 2C that would allow the sales of certain types of single beers and ales, as an exemption from the Ward 2 singles sales prohibition.  The proprietor was unclear as to what types of beer would be allowed to be sold.  He was told to return next month after meeting with Commissioner Padro to clear up the confusion.

• XXIV.   NEIGHBORHOOD INVESTMENT FUND APPLICATIONS: 
  1. 1.    Shaw’s Tavern:  Hugh Youngblood, representing Shaw’s Tavern, requested support for a $75,000 NIF grant for energy efficiency and LEED assessment for the restaurant.MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the Shaw Tavern Design Concept Exploration NIF Application and that said support be communicated in writing to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.
  2. 2.    New Convent Evangelistic Center:  Betty Newell, representing NCEC, requested support for a $70,000 NIF grant to support development of affordable housing at a building owned by the church.MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the New Convent Evangelistic Center NIF Application and that said support be communicated in writing to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.
  3. 3.    Additional NIF Applications:  City Dance Ensemble, Emmaus Service for the Aging, Judah Project, and Shaw Community Ministry are seeking continued support from NIF.  They have successfully produced programs and provided services to the Shaw community with NIF grant funding.
     
     MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the above applications for continued support from the Neighborhood Investment Fund and that said support be communicated in writing to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

1. XXV.    APPROVAL OF MINUTESMOTION:

   Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Minutes of the Public Meetings of October 6, 2010, November 3, 2010, and March 2, 2011 be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

• XXVI.   APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY REPORT OF 1^ST QUARTERMOTION:

  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Quarterly Report for the 1^st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2011 be approved and submitted to the Auditor’s Office.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

XXVII. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 6:30 p.m.,
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library