January 2012 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 7^th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.   Chair Alexander M. Padro presided.

Present:

Alexander M. Padro, Chair, ANC 2C01

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 2C02

Doris L. Brooks, ANC 2C03

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

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

   Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m.  Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDAMOTION:

   Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

3. III.           ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR 2012 

   Lydia Goring, former ANC 2C commissioner, was invited to conduct the election of officers.

MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple nominated Commissioner Padro for Chair.  Commissioner Nigro nominated herself for Chair.  Ms. Goring called for a vote, with Commissioner Padro receiving 2 votes, Commissioner Nigro 1 vote, and one abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro nominated Commissioner Chapple for Vice Chair.  Commissioner Nigro nominated herself as Vice Chair.  Ms. Goring called for a vote, with Commissioner Chapple receiving 2 votes, Commissioner Nigro 1 vote, and 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro nominated herself for Secretary.  There were no other nominations.  Ms. Goring called for a vote, with Commissioner Nigro receiving 3 votes, with 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro nominated Commissioner Chapple for Treasurer.  There were no other nominations.  Ms. Goring called for a vote, with Commissioner Chapple receiving 3 votes, and 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

• IV.          APPROVAL OF MEETING CALENDAR AND LOCATIONSMOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Commission shall meet on the first Wednesday of every month in 2012, with the exception of July when the meeting will be held on July 11^th, and that the Commission only meet in August if there is pressing business.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Commission shall meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, NW, Washington, DC.   The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• V.           PSA 308 REPORT:  METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT 

  No report.  It was noted that due to realignment of PSA lieutenants as part of the PSA redistricting that has gone into effect, all PSA meetings have been cancelled for the month of January.  They will resume in February.

• VI.          SQUARES 450 AND 451, BOUNDED BY K, L, 6^TH AND 7^TH STREETS, NW:  REPORT ON ACTIONS TAKEN TO ABATE BLIGHTED/VACANT PROPERTIES (DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT) 

  Paul Millstein of Douglas Development Corporation reported that, by the end of February, all historic buildings on the Association of American Medical Colleges building site formerly owned by Douglas Development on Square 451 that are to be incorporated into the new building will have been relocated. With respect to Square 450, renovation and reconstruction work is being done on a number of buildings, including 1005-11 7^th Street, NW, where Living Social will take occupancy in March.  Construction has started on the northwest corner of 6^th and L Street, NW.  That building is fully stabilized and façade restoration has begun.  A question and answer period followed.
  

• VII.         THE JEFFERSON AT MARKET PLACE, WEST SIDE OF 1500 BLOCK OF 7^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR MINOR MODIFICATION OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (JEFFERSON APARTMENT GROUP) 

  Cynthia Giordano, an attorney with Saul Ewing LLP, reported that architectural plans are being finalized for a building permit for the property.  The developer wishes to make the following minor modifications:  (1) The amount of ground floor retail space in the new building will be reduced by 1,400 square feet to relocate a fitness center to the front of the building and add three apartments in the space formerly occupied by the fitness center in the back of the building.  (2) The developer is adding a roof top pool for residents and there will be a reflective white surface on the roof instead of a vegetated green roof.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the minor modifications for the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the former Kelsey Gardens (#08-14A) and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• VIII.       CITY MARKET AT O, BOUNDED BY 7^TH, 9^TH, O AND P STREETS, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR MINOR MODIFICATION OF PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT) 

  Susan Linsky of Roadside Development reported that the new Giant will be opening in late 2013.  She further stated that due to minor changes related to projects included in the PUD’s community amenities, it was necessary to modify the PUD as follows:  (1) Roadside Development is donating $25,000 for Bundy Field to KIPP WILL Academy; (2) They will also contribute $15,000 to Emmaus Services for the Aging for transportation services for their clients; (3) The developer will also contribute $75,000 to Shaw Main Streets for services provided by Career Path DC.  A question and answer period followed.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the minor modifications for the Planned Unit Development  for City Market at O and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Padro).

• IX.          631 P STREET, NW:  PROPOSAL FOR CONDOMINIUM DEVELOPMENT AND POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF ADJACENT CITY-OWNED PARCEL (VALOR DEVELOPMENT) 

  Will Lansing, Valor Development, reported that Valor Development is a boutique and mixed use condo developer.  It was noted that if the potential acquisition of the adjacent city-owned parcel is approved, one large building will offer more affordable units than two separate buildings.  Jeff Goins of PGN Architects, PLLC

presented a number of drawings and stated that the one large building will encompass 45-49 units with underground parking.

Commissioner Padro advised that he spoke to Ketan Gada in the Deputy Mayor’s office regarding the RLA parcel.  He further recommended that the developer adjust the color pallets to reflect the elements of buildings nearby and to have the P Street level as active with retail as possible.

MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the proposed Valor Development acquisition of the adjacent city owned parcel and that support of the disposition be communicated in writing to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.

Friendly Amendment:  Commissioner Padro offered a friendly amendment that ANC 2C support the disposition of the parcel on an unsolicited basis if it would result in a Planned Unit Development.  The amendment was accepted by Commissioner Chapple.   The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

• X.           910-912 S STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION (CAPITAL CITY REAL ESTATE) 

  A representative of Capital City Real Estate reported that the two vacant lots are being developed into two twin homes, three stories high, with two flats in each home and no basement.  Brickwork will be what is common in the neighborhood.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the concept plans for 910-912 S Street, NW that have been submitted to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and that said support be communicated in writing to the HPRB.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XI.          751 P STREET, NW:  UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT OF CONDOMINIUMS (CAPITAL CITY REAL ESTATE) 

  Jim Wurzel reported that the original design approved has been submitted for permits.  The construction should take about six months.  There will be 12 condo units (2BR, 2-1/2 baths).  The question was raised as to what accommodations were going to be offered to the adjacent condo owners that will have either no alley or no street access once the new development is competed due to the configuration of their units.

• XII.         ELISIR RESTAURANT, 427 11^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SPACE PERMIT FOR UNENCLOSED SIDEWALK CAFÉ 

  Michael Fonseca reported that the unenclosed sidewalk café will have 18 seats, nine (9) tables, and no outdoor speakers.  He noted that the Public Space Permit application is on the agenda for the Public Space Committee’s February 23, 2012 meeting.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the Public Space permit application for Elisir Restaurant and that said support be communicated in writing to the Director of the District Department of Transportation and the Public Space Committee. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XIII.       VARIETY MARKET, 1511 7^TH STREET, NW:  ABRA LICENSE RENEWALMOTION:

  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C protest the ABRA license renewal of Variety Market on the grounds of peace, order and quiet so that ANC 2C can enter into a Voluntary Agreement with the establishment and that ANC2C communicate its protest to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XIV.      iGAMING:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT OF PROPOSAL TO ASSIGN INCOME FROM DC INTERNET GAMING TO EDUCATION AND RELATED USES AND RESOLUTION CALLING FOR REPEAL OF iGAMING LEGISLATION 

  Doug Sloan, ANC 4B Commissioner, spoke in support of a proposal to assign income from DC internet gaming to education and related uses.  He advised that the “Lottery Modernization Amendment Act of 2010” was passed as part of a supplemental budget in 2010.  The law gave the District of Columbia the right to provide on-line gaming in the District, but it has not yet been implemented.  He further added that H.R. 2366 legalizes on-line gaming.

Andy Litsky, ANC 6D Commissioner, and Marie Drissel spoke in opposition to the law and noted that ANCs 6A, 6B, 2B, and 2D are also opposed and will vote on a resolution calling for repeal in two weeks.  Mr. Litsky noted that the law offers no consumer protections and strongly recommended that the law be repealed.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the repeal or substantial revision of the iGaming proposal that has been proposed to include all of the issues that were discussed that ANC 2C would like to see strengthened and, whether or not the legislation is amended, that a significant portion of the proceeds from iGaming be utilized for services such as job training, education, libraries, etc.  The Motion failed, 2 yeas – 2 nays – 0 abstentions.

• XV.        OTHER NEW BUSINESS 

  None.

• XVI.      OLD BUSINESS 

  None.

• XVII.     APPROVAL OF ANC SECURITY FUND PARTICIPATIONMOTION:

  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the ANC 2C Security Fund Participation fee of $25.00 for the bonding of the Commission’s officers be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XVIII.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 12/14/11 MEETINGMOTION:

  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of December 14, 2011 be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XIX.      APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT 

  Commissioner Chapple reported that as of December 31, 2011, the balance of the ANC 2C checking account was $46,976.07
  
  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as read.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XX.        APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY REPORT FOR FIRST QUARTER FY2012MOTION:

  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that approval of the Quarterly Report for the First Quarter of FY2012 be tabled until the Commission’s next meeting.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XXI.      APPROVAL OF EXPENSESA.  MOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoice in the amount of $280.00 from Miller Copying for printing the December 2011/January 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 January 4, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XXII.     ANNOUNCEMENTSA.

  Commissioner Nigro stressed the importance of starting the Public Meetings promptly at 6:30 p.m.

B.  Commissioner Chapple reported that at the February 1, 2012 Public Meeting, ANC 2C will consider Medicinal Marijuana Dispensary Applications in the 1500 block of 7^th Street, NW.  He will be hosting a meeting where representatives of the Department of Health and the two entities who are interested in placing a medical marijuana dispensary on the block will be present.  The meeting will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Kennedy Recreation Center.

C.  Commissioner Nigro is partnering with Shaw Main Streets on a tour of the art collection of the Convention Center, followed by a walking tour of adjacent art galleries on February 8, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

D.  Naomi Mitchell from Councilmember Tommy Wells’ office announced that their office will hold an event at in the Shaw neighborhood on the last Thursday of January from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for the community to visit with Wells and his staff.

E.  Commissioner Padro recognized Tom Lindenfeld of Compassion Care Centers, one of the applicants for a medical marijuana dispensary.

• XXIII.    ADJOURNMENT

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 8:54 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library