Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C
Public Meeting
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 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
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.
MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.
Lt. Jeffery Carroll of Police Service Area 308 reported on crime activity in the area for the period June 5 – July 4, 2011 as follows:
Robberies: 5
Burglaries: 4
Thefts from Vehicles: 4
Stolen Autos: 5
Thefts: 6
Assaults with Dangerous Weapons: 4
Lt. Carroll reported that there were a total of 80 areas in the PSA. He urged residents to be attentive to their surroundings in an effort to deter crime.
Commissioner Padro asked about the 1500 block of 7th Street, NW and the actions being taken by police. Lt. Carroll responded that there has been an ongoing problem of people loitering and drinking in this area. He noted that two (2) officers were assigned to this area two weeks ago.
Commissioner Padro also asked about activity around the Kennedy Recreation Center. Lt. Carroll responded that long-time police officers in that area have been regularly patrolling the area and getting acquainted with the young people.
Lt. Carroll introduced Inspector Mike Eldridge who reported that the Mayor’s office is having a community walkthrough on Tuesday, August 2nd in conjunction with National Night Out. The walkthrough will start at 7th & N Streets, NW at 1:00 p.m. He urged residents to turn on their porch lights for National Night Out. He also reported that the summer police initiative has been very successful.
Mike Panetta, Shadow Representative for the District of Columbia, spoke regarding how the ANCs can be supportive of statehood for the District of Columbia. He read the key points of a resolution that he would like ANC 2C to adopt.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that
ANC 2C adopt the statehood resolution that has been presented by Mike Panetta and that ANC 2C issue it to both the executive and legislative branches of the DC Government as well as the appropriate members of the Federal Government.
The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Bill Mosley of Stand Up! For Democracy in DC Coalition spoke regarding that organization’s efforts for DC Statehood. He noted that in the last several years the coalition has shifted to an educational effort with a focus on statehood versus voting representation. The Coalition has been working with ANCs and neighborhoods in support of this goal. He requested ANC 2C support for co-sponsorship of a DC Statehood Teach-In at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library. He noted that speakers and elected officials will be recruited to participate in the Teach-In and requested that ANC 2C help publicize the event to be held this Fall.
MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C co-sponsor The Stand Up! For Democracy in DC Coalition’s Teach-In for DC Statehood at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library to be held this Fall. The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions.
James Fenley, Alex Shaw, Anna Smith, and Tiffany Williams were present. It was noted that the project will be phased and will take 12 months to construct. 80% will be interior renovation. The project will support 90 Public Charter School students.
Commissioner Padro raised concern about vehicles/pedestrians on the curb cut and whether crossing guards will be utilized. The representatives responded that additional signage will be posted and that crossing guards and additional security will be on hand.
The representatives above also spoke regarding the proposed transfer of Bundy Field (400 block of P Street, NW) from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to the Department of Real Estate Services (DRES) to accommodate private sector restoration of the field and use by Kipp Will Academy. The restoration of the field will be completed by the Fall.
MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC2C support the proposed transfer of Bundy Field (400 block of P Street, NW) from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to the Department of Real Estate Services (DRES) to accommodate private sector restoration of the field and use by Kipp Will Academy. The Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0 – 0.
Mr. Madrid spoke in support of a proposed addition to his residence at 509 Q Street, NW. Mr. Paul Wilson, Mr. Madrid’s architect, noted that a waiver of the side lot requirement is being sought through the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). Construction will start in November/December and will take three (3) months to complete.
MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support Mr. Madrid’s request for special exception to allow construction of an addition at 509 Q Street, NW and the waiver of the side yard requirement (BZA #18250). The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Mr. Paul Millstein, Douglas Development, and Mr. Norman ‘Chip’ Glasgow, Jr. of the law firm of Holland & Knight, spoke in support for raze permits for demolition and moving of buildings to facilitate construction of the American Association of Medical Colleges Building.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the request for raze permits for demolition and moving of buildings (Squares 450 and 451) to facilitate construction of the American Association of Medical Colleges Building and that said support be communicated to the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Mr. Paul Millstein, Douglas Development, spoke regarding the proposed development of a three-story existing building at 801 7th Street, NW in the historic district. He noted that the ground floor may be slated for possible retail use.
Mr. Paul Millstein, Douglas Development, spoke regarding the full restoration of this four-story building at 7th & H Streets, NW, with construction to start within a month.
Ms. Lovelyn Anderson spoke in support of construction of a proposed two-story, wood siding addition at 1225 5th Street, NW (historic district) utilizing an adjacent corner lot. Construction will begin in the Fall.
MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the request for construction of a two-story addition at 1225 5th Street, NW utilizing an adjacent corner lot and that said support be communicated to the Historic Preservation Office (HPO). The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Mr. Kelly, an architect, spoke in support of a renovation and third floor addition at 1539 9th Street, NW in the historic district. The property has been vacant for five years.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the request for renovation and third floor addition at 1539 9th Street, NW with the proviso that the new construction of the third floor addition not be visible from 9th Street, NW. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Commissioner Padro spoke regarding the proposal for ANC 2C to request diagonal parking on Sundays in the 1200 block of 9th Street, NW.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C request that DDOT consider implementation of diagonal parking on the east side of 9th Street, NW on Sundays. The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).
Lisa Gold, Executive Director, Washington Project for the Arts (WPA), spoke in support of the temporary installation of a Public Art Residency Program at Parcel 42. She noted that WPA is a 35 year old non-profit organization dedicated to supporting artists in the region. At present, WPA represents over 800 member artists. The project calls for installing approximately seven (7) existing Cast Angels and the creation of approximately five (5) new ones, inviting members of the community to participate in the casting, creation, and placement of the angels.
MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the temporary art installation at Parcel 42 by the Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) and that said support be communicated to the Deputy Mayor’s Office. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Mr. Yared Tesfaye of U Street Parking spoke and requested support for a valet parking application for 901 Restaurant, 901 9th Street, N.W.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the application of U Street Parking for valet parking at the 901 Restaurant, 901 9th Street, NW, and that said support be communicated to the District Department of Transportation. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Tracy Munson and another representative of So Others Might Eat spoke regarding that organization’s request for support for street closures at Freedom Plaza during their Thanksgiving Day “Trot for Hunger” on November 24, 2011. 5,000 participants are expected.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the So Others Might Eat “Trot for Hunger” on Thanksgiving Day and that said support be communicated to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency and the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Alissa Greer of Art All Night spoke regarding her organization’s request for support of street closures (Shaw Main Streets) on September 24, 2011for an all-night exploration and celebration of contemporary art starting from the heart of Chinatown to the Shaw neighborhood.
This was for information only and required no action by the Commissioners.
Julie Hanson spoke in support for street closures for the Audi Best Buddies Special Olympics Challenge on October 22, 2011 in Washington, DC. This event features two options for cyclists: a 100k (62 mile) or a 20 mile bike ride, as well as a 5K run/walk.
MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Audi Best Buddies Special Olympics Challenge on October 22, 2011 and that said support
be communicated to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency and the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Mr. Martin Moulton, President of the Convention Center Community Association, spoke regarding the upcoming Department of Employment Services (DOES) Job and Opportunity Fair to be held at the Kennedy Recreation Center on Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
No representative present from Insomniac Design.
Robert Hannah: It was suggested that ANC 2C write a Community Impact Statement concerning the upcoming criminal case against Robert Hannah.
MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C table this matter until its September 7, 2011. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
None.
MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of June 1, 2011 be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the FY 2011 3rd Quarter Report be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
Recording Secretary: MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that invoices submitted by Karen Loveridge in the amount of $125.00 each for recording services for the ANC 2C June 1, 2011 and July 6, 2011 Public Meetings be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.
A. Commissioner Padro introduced Ms. Naomi Mitchell, Community Liaison for Tommy Wells’ office (Ward 6). Ms. Mitchell advised she will be attending future ANC 2C meetings and that staff will be meeting with the community with the goal of connecting residents with the appropriate government agency should problems or questions arise.
B. Dudley Simon advised that a Public Meeting on ANC redistricting will be held on July 25, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library. Another meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
C. The new Ward 2 Office of Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator is James Bulger, 202-340-7229.
D. Commissioner Nigro reported that the safety walks have been very successful.
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, September 7, 2011, 6:30 p.m.,
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library