Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C
Public Meeting
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, February 1, 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 (arrived at 6:44 p.m.)
Doris L. Brooks, ANC 2C03
Rachelle P. Nigro, Secretary, ANC 2C04
Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.
Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.
Sgt. Linda Wingate (soon to be Lieutenant Wingate) of Police Service Area 308 reported on crime activity in the area for the period January 1 – 31, 2012 as follows:
Robberies |
6 |
Burglaries |
6 |
Thefts from Vehicles |
15 |
Stolen Autos |
5 |
Thefts |
8 |
Assaults with Dangerous Weapons |
2 |
Homicides |
1 |
Sexual Assaults |
1 |
Disorderly Conduct |
12 |
Commissioner Padro noted advised one area that receives numerous reports of crime activity is the 1100 block of 5th Street, N.W. Another area that sees a great deal of drug activity is 6th & S Street, N.W.
Commissioner Brooks opined that the increase in crime can be attributed to the joblessness of the city’s youth.
A question and answer period followed.
Reuben Pemberton, Vacant Property Program Manager with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), spoke regarding changes to classification, assessments and payment of taxes regarding Shiloh Baptist Church’s vacant properties.
He noted the following:
► A number of Shiloh Baptist Church properties on the 1500 block of 9th Street, NW were identified as vacant in 2009. They were taxed between $50,000 and $65,000 and these taxes were paid.
► There have been three legislative changes to the Vacant Property Law since that time:
○ In 2010, the actual tax code (Title 47-813) was changed from “Vacant” to “Blighted” property. The bighted designation on Shiloh properties was subsequently overturned by the Board of Condemnation and went back to a base rate for 2010.
○ In 2011, there was another legislative change where Title 42-3131 was amended and defined four classes: Class 1 – Residential; Class 2 – Commercial; Class 3 – Vacant; Class 4 – Blighted.
○ For 2012, the Shiloh properties have been identified as vacant properties and tax bills will go out in March. DCRA also handles housing code and building code violations.
►If a property is vacant, one of the exemptions available is that the property is under active construction;
► If a property is blighted, there are no exemptions available.
Bob Worthington of the Office of Tax Revenue spoke and noted that the job of the OTR is to bill property owners for not complying with the regulations. The Shiloh properties in question have had their taxes paid and some even have a credit.
Commissioner Chapple spoke regarding the following proposed Commission recommendations which should be included in the RFP regarding Parcel 42 to be issued by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development:
v Architectural Excellence: This is a major intersection in the city, anchored by the work of the architect of the University of Chicago’s Gothic 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 visible concrete masonry units would not be acceptable at this location.
v Parking: The maximum possible amount of parking must be included in responses to the RFP. A minimum of two levels of parking would be required to serve residents and retail needs.
v Planned Unit Development: The maximum possible number of units must be constructed at this very visible site. In order to achieve this, all responses to the RFP must represent projects for which a Planned Unit Development will be applied for.
v Affordability: It is understood that due to current economic conditions, the original plan to develop Parcel 42 as an all affordable rental 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.
v Unit Sizes: A mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom units should be included in the building to encourage households of varying size to be attracted and accommodated in the community.
v LEED Certification: The highest level of sustainability and environmental features should be included in the development of Parcel 42. LEED Silver or higher should be the goal.
v Retail: Provide for the maximum amount of neighborhood serving retail that can be accommodated, in order to activate the ground floor of the building along both 7th and R Streets. The community will be consulted regarding the types of retail entities that will lease space in building. Retail establishments such as Trader Joe’s are preferred.
v Greening of Streetscape: Developers should propose working with DDOT Urban Forestry Administration to increase permeability of wide sidewalk on R Street side of property through installation of planting strips and trees.
v Developers: Community-based developers who have previously developed property in the Shaw Community and who will hire residents who live in the Shaw community are preferred.
Commissioner Nigro requested that more detail be added to these recommendations and noted that the deadline to submit these recommendations was not for two more weeks.
MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the ANC 2C proposed recommendations outlined above be adopted and that that ANC 2C communicate this in writing to the Office of the Deputy Mayor. The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions.
Robert Agus of Lincoln Westmoreland Housing spoke regarding their desire to develop, on an interim basis, Parcel 26, the vacant lot, between 1730 and 1748 7th Street, NW, which is owned by the District government. The parcel is 3,000 square feet in size and their intent is to build a temporary, high quality playground which will benefit the community. When the District government decides to move forward with future development plans, the playground would be removed. In order to proceed, the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development would like to learn whether ANC 2C supports the granting of a Right of Entry to construct the temporary playground. Agus mentioned that a Montessori school would soon be opening in the former daycare facility at Lincoln Westmoreland I.
Tessie Robinson of the Lincoln Westmoreland Tenants Association spoke and advised that there is a daycare center across the street at 7th & S Streets, NW that could also benefit from this playground.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the issuance of a Right of Entry to Parcel 26 for the proposed development of a temporary playground and that ANC 2C communicate said support in writing to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas – 0 nays– 0 abstentions.
Randall Boe, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, spoke regarding their revised proposal to install exterior digital signage on the Verizon Center façade. He noted that the revised proposal is the result of meetings with stakeholder organizations, as well as to satisfy concerns of the residential community most likely to be impacted. Boe advised that a number of the signs will be smaller in size and that Monumental had decided to drop from consideration digital displays on F Street between 6th and 7th Streets, NW and on 6th Street between F and G Streets, NW. He advised that they are going to re-craft the legislation, and that no hearing date has been set yet.
Resident Martin Ditto noted that these are not signs, but are billboards that will generate substantial advertising revenue and that there is no reason to rush this.
Jo-Ann Neuhaus of Pennsylvania Quarter Neighborhood Association stated that efforts should be made to try and work everything out. Commissioner Padro added that common ground should be found before moving forward.
Lee Simon of S2 Development spoke regarding S2 Development’s request for support for zoning relief and historic preservation review of 1135 6th Street, NW. Simon noted that this is a single family home that was damaged by fire. S2 Development purchased it with the intent to renovate it into a 4 unit condo building. There will be a full interior gut renovation. The façade will be restored and there will be no fourth floor. S2 Development is seeking approval of the plan.
MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the request for support for zoning relief and historic preservation review of the concept for 1135 6th Street, NW and that said support be communicated to the Historic Preservation Review Board. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas – 0 nays– 0 abstentions.
Richard Bianco spoke on behalf of Fuel Pizza & Wings and its request for support for stipulated and permanent ABC licenses. The establishment will have 99 seats, no outdoor seating, and experienced operators.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the request for support of Fuel Pizza & Wings for stipulated and permanent CR02 ABC licenses and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas – 0 nays– 0 abstentions.
Paul McElligott of Perry School spoke regarding the termination of the participation agreement between New Jersey and H Limited Partnership and Joshua Group. He advised that the attorneys have suggested that the old agreement be terminated and then enter into a new participation agreement. Since ANC 2C was a signatory and had jurisdiction at the time, ANC 2C’s support for their termination is required. All other parties have agreed to the termination. ANC 2C has not had jurisdiction over the site in question since December 31, 2001.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C approve the termination of the participation agreement between New Jersey and H Limited Partnership and Joshua Group and that Commissioner Padro be authorized to sign the termination agreement on behalf of the Commission. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas – 0 nays– 0 abstentions.
A representative of the Lupus Foundation of America spoke regarding a request for support for street closures to conduct the Walk for Lupus Now race on April 21, 2012. Jo-Ann Neuhaus of the Penn Quarter Neighborhood Association suggested that set up be done the night before in order to alleviate noise concerns with setups in the early morning. She will provide the name of a security company with reasonable rates to the race representative.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Walk for Lupus Now race on April 21, 2012 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, 4 – 0 – 0.
Chris Cosgriff spoke regarding a request for support for street closures to conduct the National Police Week 5K Race on May 12, 2012. He stated that there would no setup in the Shaw neighborhood.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the National Police Week 5K race on May 12, 2012 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, 4 – 0 – 0.
A representative spoke regarding a request for support for street closures to conduct the Scope-It-Out 5K Race on March 25, 2012. The representative advised that he has already spoken to the General Manager of the Marriott Hotel regarding noise concerns.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Scope-It-Out 5K Race on March 25, 2012 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, 4 – 0 – 0.
A representative spoke regarding a request for support for street closures to conduct the Cassidy Turley Race for Hope 5K on May 6, 2012.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Cassidy Turley Race for Hope 5K on May 6, 2012 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, 4 – 0 – 0.
A representative spoke regarding a request for support for street closures to conduct the first annual Christmas Tree Half Marathon to be held on December 2, 2012 to benefit the National Park Foundation.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the first annual Christmas Tree Half Marathon on December 2, 2012 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, 4 – 0 – 0.
Lola Bloom spoke regarding City Blossoms, a local non-profit organization committed to creating urban gardening experiences and enriching the lives of children and their communities. A Community Work Day is planned on April 7, 2012. In addition, City Blossoms is seeking dedicated neighbors (18 and older) to participate in its first gardening Volunteer Corps, where members attend weekly informational workshops and engage in hands-on activities. More information can be found at www.cityblossoms.org.
None.
None.
Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of January 4, 2012 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Commissioner Chapple reported that the balance in the ANC 2C checking account was $46,976.07.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as read. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Quarterly Report for the First Quarter FY2012 be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoice in the amount of $504.00 from Miller Copying for printing the January/February 2012 ANC 2C Newsletter be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
B. MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen L. Loveridge in the amount of $125.00 for Minutes of the February 1, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
“Personal Reflections on Malcolm X – Master Teacher “– by Journalist, Author, and Scholar Prof. A. Peter Bailey, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, Monday, February 6, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
B. DC Music Salon – “Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune,” Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
C. Commissioner Nigro announced the Shaw Art Walk will be held on Wednesday, February 8th starting at the Convention Center at 6:30 p.m.
D. “The Silence of Our Friends,” Watha T. Daniel Shaw Library, February 22, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
E. Commissioner Chapple announced that a meeting will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kennedy Recreation Center regarding Medical Marijuana Dispensary Applications.
MOTION: There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0. The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
NEXT ANC 2C MEETING: Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library