December 2012 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.   Chair Alexander M. Padro presided.

Present:

Alexander M. Padro, Chair, ANC 2C01

Kevin L. Chapple, Vice Chair & Treasurer, ANC 2C02

Doris L. Brooks, ANC 2C03

Rachelle P. Nigro, Secretary, ANC 2C04

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.  Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Agenda be approved as amended with the addition of “Status Update on the Carter G. Woodson Home Project.”  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

3. III.           LIBRARY ANNOUNCEMENTS – Eric Riley

   Mr. Riley made the following announcements:

   A.  The Adult Book Club will not be held this month.
   B.  The Children’s Holiday Party will be held on December 12, 2012.
   C.  The Shooting Stars Dance Recital will be held on December 19, 2012.

4. IV.          PSA 308 REPORT:  METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

   Lt. Derek Larsen, newly assigned to Police Service Area 308, reported on crime activity in the area for the period November 1-30, 2012 as follows:

He advised there were 23 arrests dealing with drug possession, theft, and assault on a police officer.

He stated that Captain Burt Henry decided that the PSA be broken down into 21 different beats in order to provide better coverage.

He introduced the members of his team.

A question and answer period followed.

1. V.           status update:  carter g. woodson home national historic site

   Alex Romero, Superintendent, National Park Service, provided a brief update on the status of the National Park Service effort to restore the home of Dr. Woodson.  Completion of the Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site will include a restoration and renovation of historic buildings; development, fabrication, and installation of interpretative exhibits; production and distribution of educational and interpretative materials and other site improvements.  The cost of the project is estimated to be $12 million.  There is no guarantee that funding will be provided.

   Other interested parties include:  NAACP, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

   The presentation included:  General Management Plan Status, Project Scope, Status and Cost, and Future Planning Needs.

   Joy Kinard, Central District Manager, National Park Service, stated that Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s 137^th Birthday Celebration will be held at Shiloh Baptist Church on December 19, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

2. VI.          PARCEL 42, Northeast corner of 7^th and R Streets, NW: Consideration of Recommendation to Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development regarding Respondents to Request for Expressions of Interest

   Commissioner Padro stated that six proposals were being considered by the District for the redevelopment of Parcel 42.

   The Providian Partners/Baywood Hotels proposal consists of a 102-room hotel, 22 units of affordable housing, and ground floor retail.

   The National Development Company (NDC) proposal consists of 81 residential units (17 of which would be affordable) and ground floor retail.   NDC also presented an alternate proposal under which it would combine the two lots that comprise Parcel 42 (the main lot and the small lot across the alley from the main lot) by realigning the alley that separates the lots. Under this alternative, the number of housing units would increase to 99, with 20 of the units being affordable dwelling units.

   Commissioner Padro asked for comments from the stakeholders present.

   A.  ONE DC representatives Tim Kumfer, Ka Flewellen and Patricia Penny made the following recommendations:  (1) Jubilee Housing be selected as the developer because their proposal contains more affordable housing; and if Jubilee is not chosen, (2) ONE DC supports the Baywood Hotels proposal because it promotes local hiring.

   B.  Shaw-Howard Neighborhood Association made the following recommendations:  (1) they also support the Providian Partners/Baywood Hotels proposal; (2) it meets all the other criteria established by the ANC; (3) the hotel would ease the parking shortage (see shawhowarddc.org).

   C.  Commissioner Chapple stated that the Commission has looked at all of the proposals and after studying them all, he has come to the conclusion that the Providian Patners/Baywood Hotels proposal has his support because it supplies jobs for this area.

   D.  Commissioner Nigro expressed her appreciation to all of the developers and expressed her support for the Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) proposal.

   E.  Commissioner Brooks stated she attended presentations this summer.  She pushed for community supported initiatives, i.e., affordable housing, local jobs, etc.

   F.  Commissioner Padro expressed his support for the Providian Partners/Baywood Hotels proposal and indicated that the Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) proposal was his second choice.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the Providian Partners/Baywood Hotels proposal and that said support be communicated in writing to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.  The Motion passed 2 yeas (Commissioner Padro, Commissioner Chapple) – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

   The main factors that appeared to weigh in support of the Providian Partners/Baywood Hotels proposal were the number of jobs the project would create and the sense that a 24-hour hotel operation would increase security at the corner.

3. VII.         1000 F Street, NW: Request for Support for Reduction in Parking through Modification of Approved Planned Unit Development (Douglas Development)

   Leila Batties of the law firm of Holland & Knight LLP spoke regarding a request for support for reduction in parking through modification of approved PUD.  Previously, four (4) levels of below grade parking were planned.  However, this proved to be very costly.  Douglas Development filed a modification with the Zoning Commission to go with two levels of below grade parking which will allow
   parking for 68 vehicles, therefore not reducing the number of parking spaces available, just the number of levels.  There will also be sixteen (16) bicycle spaces in the building.  The filing is scheduled to go before the Zoning commission on December 10, 2012 for setdown. 

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the request for PUD modifications for 1000 F Street, NW to allow for 35 parking spaces where 45 are required under the zoning regulations and for the addition of retail or office use on the second floor.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

4. VIII.       1100 6^th Street, NW: Request for Support for Historic Preservation Approval and Zoning Relief for Mixed Use Development (Douglas Development)

   Andrea Gordine spoke regarding a request for support for historic preservation approval and zoning relief for mixed use development at 1100 6^th Street, NW.  There will be two levels of retail; the third floor will be office space.  There will be two roof terraces and three green roofs.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the zoning relief required to renovate and redevelop the property at 1100 6^th Street, NW and that it also support the HPRB approval for the project, with said support to  be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission and the Historic Preservation Review Board, respectively.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

5. IX.          655 New York Avenue, NW: Request for Refreshed Letter of Support for Zoning Relief for Mixed Use Development (Douglas Development)

Andrea Gordine of Douglas Development requested that the Commission re-issue the letter with its previous approval of zoning relief and historic preservation approval for this project due to a year having passed between approval and presentation to the appropriate bodies

.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the reissuance of the correspondence of January 10, 2011 for BZA consideration.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

1. X.           Verizon Center, 601 F Street, NW: Consideration of ANC Written Comments on Verizon Center Graphics Permit Applications (Monumental Sports)

   Commissioner Padro reported that the Commission did receive notice of the submission of the graphics permit applications at the Verizon Center and that it must provide comments by December 31, 2012.

   Jo-Ann Neuhaus, Pennsylvania Quarter Neighborhood Association, stated that she was concerned about the safety of the signage and with the images on the signage.  She cited that traffic accidents increased with other digital signage.

   Nanette Paris, President of Downtown Neighborhood Association, stated that there is a process in the legislation for DDOT to comment and that ANC should recommend that this should be looked at carefully.  She also noted that four signs exceed height limitations, i.e., 18’ wide x 3’ high.   The application states 21’ wide x 5’ high.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C communicate to the DCRA relating to the Verizon Center graphics that particular attention should be focused on minimizing the potential for distracted driving as a result of that signage and that the agency confirm that the signs do not exceed DCRA size restrictions.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

2. XI.          Shaw Junior High School, 925 Rhode Island Avenue, NW: Consideration of Commission Response to Proposal to Delay Construction of New Shaw Middle School Building until 2018 as Part of School Closure Proposal

   Commissioner Padro stated that as part of the proposed closure of Shaw @ Garnet Patterson, DCPS is preparing to adjust attendance boundaries whereby students at Shaw Middle School will be sent to Cardozo High School and students attending Francis-Stevens will have to go to Hardy Middle School in Georgetown.  At the same time, attendance boundaries for school =s are being realigned citywide for the first tine in decades, and this is an opportunity to ensure that when the new Shaw Middle School opens, that all students in Shaw will be able to attend as in-boundary students.  In addition, DCPS should consider accelerating the construction schedule for the new Shaw Middle School as a result of the ideally realigned attendance boundaries providing sufficient students to occupy the new school

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C request that attendance boundaries for students in the central Shaw  be directed to Shaw at Garnet-Patterson or Cardozo until such time as a new Shaw Middle School is constructed, encourage DCPS to explore public/private partners to allow for the construction of a new Shaw Middle School, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor for Education, and the Chancellor of DC Public Schools.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

1. XII.         611 h street, nw:  consideration of commission position on relocation of metropolitan police department asian liaison unit from chinatown

   Commissioner Padro stated that the Commission supports the continued presence of the MPD Asian Liaison. 

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C express its strong recommendation that the MPD Asian Liaison Unit not be relocated so that it can continue to serve this population and that ANC 2C communicate this position to the Chief of Police and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

2. XIII.       Queen of Sheba Restaurant, 1503 9^th Street, NW: Request for Support for Holiday Hours and Substantial Change to Liquor License—Change to Tavern License
   
   The owner, Embzam Misgina of the Queen of Sheba Restaurant spoke regarding a request for support for holiday hours and a substantial change to his liquor license.  He advised that there are a lot of construction workers in the area that are making it difficult for lunchtime customers to patronize his establishment and that construction in the area inhibits weekday foot traffic into the restaurant.  He would like to stay open later to allow for more business on holidays.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the application of Queen Sheba Restaurant for holiday hours for 2013 as well as a substantial change to the liquor license from a CR to a CT and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

3. XIV.      800 F Street, NW: Request for Support for Stipulated and Permanent Restaurant Class C Liquor Licenses for New Restaurant, Name To Be Determined (AB, LLC)
   
   Attorney Andrew Klein spoke regarding his request for support for stipulated and permanent restaurant Class C liquor Licenses for a new restaurant, whose name is yet to be determined.  American cuisine will be featured.  The restaurant is anticipated to open in April of 2013.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the application of the new yet-to-be-named restaurant at 800 F Street, NW for permanent restaurant Class C liquor license and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

4. XV.        Shake Shack, 800 F Street, NW: Request for Support for Stipulated and Permanent Restaurant Class D Liquor Licenses for New Restaurant
   
   Attorney Andrew Klein spoke in regard to a request for support for a restaurant Class D liquor licenses.  He stated beer and wine only will be served.  There will be no dancing and no entertainment.  60-70 jobs are anticipated to be created.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the application of Shake Shack Restaurant located at 800 F Street, NW for a permanent Class D liquor license and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
   
                           [Commissioner Brooks leaves the meeting briefly].

5. XVI.      Baby Wale, 1124 9^th Street, NW:  Request for Support for Stipulated and Permanent Restaurant Class C Liquor Licenses for New Restaurant
   
   Tom Power spoke regarding his request for support for stipulated and permanent restaurant Class C liquor licenses for a new restaurant.  American cuisine will be featured.  The hours of operation will be 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. weekdays and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. weekends.  He hopes to open the restaurant in February 2013.  A hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2013.  Local residents will be employed.

   The Commission cautioned the owner regarding a third property which he owns and leases to the Mood Lounge and urged him to minimize the detrimental effects and help his tenant to be a better neighbor.  Commission Padro stated that the Commission will sign a voluntary agreement with the owner provided that the owner uses all reasonable efforts to obtain the cooperation of the proprietor of the Mood Lounge to be a better neighbor.
   
   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the application of Baby Wale Restaurant located at 1124 9^th Street, NW for permanent Class C restaurant liquor license, that ANC 2C will enter into a voluntary agreement about valet parking, that the owner try to obtain better relations with the proprietor of the Mood Lounge, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

   [Commissioner Brooks returns to the meeting.]

6. XVII.     Shiloh Baptist Church, 1500 9th Street, NW: Request for Support for Ceremonial Naming of Alley behind Church as “Shiloh Way”

   Jo Anne Beasley and Thomas Bowen spoke regarding their request for support for the ceremonial naming of an alley behind the church as “Shiloh Way.”  The church’s activities include outreach with So Others Might Eat (SOME), Rachael’s Women’s Center, among others.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the proposed ceremonial naming of the alley behind the church as “Shiloh Way” in recognition of the 150^th anniversary of the church and that said support be communicated in writing to the DC City Council and the Mayor’s Office.  The Motion passed 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Nigro).

7. XVIII.    CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE, 02/10/13:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT PARADE (CHINESE CONSOLIDATED BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION)

   The Commission had tabled consideration of this matter at its November 7, 2012 Public Meeting suggesting that consideration be given to placing the staging area on the west side of 7^th Street.

   Philip Workman of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and Debi Gasper of The Ad Agency spoke regarding their request for ANC support for street closures to conduct the Chinese New Year Parade on February 10, 2013.  They advised that the parade will use the old route from previous years.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Chinese New Year Parade on February 10, 2013 and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.   The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

8. XIX.      OTHER NEW BUSINESS

   None.

9. XX.        OLD BUSINESS

   None.

10. XXI.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 11/7/12 MEETING

    MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of November 7, 2012 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

11. XXII.     APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

    Commissioner Chapple reported that there is a total of $37,135.03 in the checking account.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

12. XXIII.    APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

    A.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen L. Loveridge in the amount of $125.00 for Minutes of the December 5, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

    B.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoice submitted by Miller Copying in the amount of $560.00 for the printing of the November/December 2012 newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

    C.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoice submitted by Miller Copying in the amount of $560.00 for the printing of the December 2012/January 2013 newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

    D.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $114.80 for Go Daddy expenses related to the Commission website.  The Motion passed 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Nigro).

13. XXIV.   ANNOUNCEMENTS

    A.  Commissioner Padro stated the names of the newly formed ANC 6E:  Alexander Padro (ANC 6E01), Kevin Chapple (ANC 6E02), Frank Wiggins (ANC 6E03), Rachelle Nigro (ANC 6E04), Marge Maceda (ANC 6E05), Mark Dixon (ANC 6E06), and Alfreda Judd (ANC 6E07).  He advised that ANC 6E is looking at meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., with the exception of the January 2013 meeting.

    B.  Commissioner Brooks was recognized for her many years of service to the ANC.  A round of applause was given. Gloria Hightower volunteered to head a committee to explore options to recognize Commissioner Brooks’ contributions.

    C.  Commissioner Nigro announced that “Caroling with the Commissioner” will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.  Interested participants should meet in front of Good Libations at the intersection of 5^th and M Street, NW.

    D.  Naomi Mitchell, Community Liaison for the Office of Councilmember Wells, welcomed the Ward 6 commissioners.  She announced that the 6^th Annual Livable, Walkable Awards will be held on Friday, December 7^th from 6:30 p.m.  to 9:00 p.m. at 200 Eye Street, NW.

14. XXV.    ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:  There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

NEXT ANC 6E MEETING:            January 9, 2013, 6:30 p.m.

(Location to be determined).