July 2012 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, July 11, 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 6:37 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.           PSA 308 REPORT:  METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT 

   Lt. Linda Wingate of Police Service Area 308 reported on crime activity in the area for the period June 1-30, 2012 as follows:

She stated that an arrest had been made this morning in a recent homicide that was the result of an argument between the decedent and the suspect.

A question and answer period followed.

With regard to the Summer Crime Initiative, Lt. Wingate stated that MPD is sponsoring a “Shaw’s Got Talent” show and invited members of the community to participate.  The show will be held at the Kennedy Recreation Center on either August 2^nd or August 15^th.  Commissioner Padro asked if DC police officers were participating in the show.

1. IV.          7^TH AND 9^TH STREETS, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR INSTALLATION OF BOULEVARD BANNERS FOR MORE THAN 180 DAYS (SHAW MAIN STREETS) 

   Ralph Broadham spoke and stated that Shaw Main Streets is funded by DC small local businesses.  One of their areas of focus is beautification.  The Legends of Shaw Banner Project:  (1) will make the area more attractive; (2) it is a great education tool; and (3) it will drive customers to businesses.  Martin Moulton was responsible for the design of the banner mockups.  Sam Shipley, First Vice President of the Mt. Vernon Square Neighborhood Association, wholly endorses the project.MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC2C support the request for support for installation of the Legends of Shaw banners along 7^th and 9^th with the exclusion of Mt. Vernon Square and communicate said support in writing to the District Department of Transportation.    The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Padro).

    

2. V.           BUNDY ATHLETIC FIELD, 400 BLOCK OF P STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF FOREST GARDEN (ECOLOCITY)Martin Moulton, President of the Convention Center Community Association, and Steve Seuser, President of Ecolocity, spoke in support for the establishment of a forest garden outside the perimeter of the KIPP DC athletic fields at Bundy Park.  Mr. Seuser stated that edible forest gardens are sustainable ecosystems.  Locations would be at: (1) the alley between O & P Street on the west side of the field; and (2) P Street entrance into the Bundy grounds.  Surveys of residents have been done in writing and on-line and there is community support for the establishment of a forest garden.

   Commissioner Padro stated that while he will make a personal commitment to work with Ecolocity, he advised Mr. Seuser that jurisdictional issues need to be worked out and that he should communicate further with DDOT and the National Park Service.

    

3. VI.          600 F STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STIPULATED AND PERMANENT ABC LICENSES FOR OUTDOOR CAFÉ (FUEL PIZZA)A representative of Fuel Pizza spoke in regard to Fuel Pizza’s request for support for stipulated and permanent ABC license for its outdoor café.  He advised that Fuel Pizza has two locations in the District of Columbia, one at 1606 K Street,

   NW and the other at 600 F Street, NW across from the Verizon Center.  He stated that the PSC has already granted each of the locations a Public Space Permit.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC2C support the request for support for stipulated and permanent ABC licenses for Fuel Pizza and Wings to serve alcohol at the outdoor café at 600 F Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Brooks) – 0 abstentions.

    

4. VII.         450 M STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ZONING RELIEF TO ALLOW OFFICE USE OF BUILDING (METRO TeenAIDS) 

   Adam Tenner, Executive Director of Metro TeenAIDS spoke regarding their request for support for zoning relief to allow office use of the property at 450 M Street, N.W.  He stated that Metro TeenAIDS is applying to the BZA for a variance for 30 people.  The issue of parking was discussed as well as who would take over the property if Metro TeenAIDS were to leave.  It was noted that M Street is a residential street and a number of residents opposed the organization’s application for zoning relief to allow for office use of the property.MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC2C not support the request for support for zoning relief to allow office use of the building at 450 M Street, NW by Metro TeenAIDS.    The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

    

5. VIII.       465 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL OF PLANS FOR NEW HOTEL (IBG PARTNERS) 

   Scott Fuller of IBG and Nick Giordano of BDGM Architects spoke regarding support for Historic Preservation approval of plans for a new hotel at 465 New York Avenue, NW.  Mr. Fuller stated that it was necessary to amend a previously approved HPRB façade design.  He stated that the hotel would be a limited service hotel with 188 keys and 94 parking spaces underground.MOTION:

   Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC2C support the request of IBG Partners for Historic Preservation approval of plans for a new hotel at 465 New York Avenue, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0. 

6. IX.          PARCEL 42, NE CORNER OF 7^TH AND R STREETS, NW:  CONSIDERATION OF ANC CORRESPONDENCE REGARDING PRESENTATIONS MADE BY PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS 

   Commissioner Padro reported that four developer teams requested an opportunity to talk to ANC 2C, which was accomplished during two separate sessions.  Since it is expected that many more proposals may be submitted, the Commissioners chose not to endorse a single proposal.  However, it was considered appropriate to acknowledge those prospective bidders that did reach out to the Commission to share their ideas and ask for comments and suggestions that could be incorporated into their proposals.  It was suggested that ANC 2C would issue correspondence to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development letting that office know about the developers’ meetings with the Commission, but that ANC 2C would not be endorsing a specific proposal until all proposals are submitted and a short list has been issued.MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C issue letters addressed to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Education acknowledging the outreach to ANC 2C by four developer teams, but that ANC 2C will not be making a recommendation for a specific proposal at this time. The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

    

7. X.           CONSIDERATION OF COMMUNITY IMPACT STATEMENTS FOR SENTENCING OF CONVICTED CRIMINALS 

   Commissioner Padro stated that ANC 2C has been asked to provide a Community Impact Statement for judges to consider in rendering sentences for individuals convicted of committing certain crimes in the Commission’s jurisdiction.  Commissioner Nigro stated that she would be writing a Community Impact Statement regarding Espey Brown in consultation with the US Attorney’s Office. 

8. XI.          CONSIDERATION OF ANC 2C GRANT REQUESTS FROM NONPROFITS:  FRIENDS OF FRENCH STREET PARK, FRIENDS OF SHAW DOG PARKA.  FRIENDS OF FRENCH STREET PARK

   Andrew Preston stated that the Friends of French Street Park is partnering with the Department of Parks and Recreation and is seeking a grant in the amount of $1,500 to plant three (3) riverbush trees in the SW corner of 10^th Street.MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC2C support the grant application for Friends of French Street Park up to a maximum of $1,500, but that the actual cost of three trees be confirmed and, if it is found that the cost of the trees is significantly lower, the grant be amended to reflect that lower cost.    The Motion passed, 2 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner NIgro) – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

   B.  FRIENDS OF SHAW DOG PARK

   Lillian Iverson, Secretary, and Warren Randolph, Vice President, of Friends of Shaw Dog Park spoke regarding their request for a grant of $3,800.00 to assist them in:  (1) refilling the dirt lost due to wear and tear; (2) supplies; (3) a shed to house those supplies; (4) replacement of a shade sail that was irreparably damaged; and (5) tree care.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC2C support a grant to the Friends of Shaw Dog Park in the reduced amount of $2,300.00.   The Motion failed, 2 yeas – 2 nays (Commissioner NIgro, Commissioner Brooks) – 0 abstentions.

    

9. XII.         OTHER NEW BUSINESS 

   None. 

10. XIII.       WASHINGTON GAS:  PRESENTATION AND Q&A ON CONSTRUCTION, SERVICES, RATES, ETC. 

    Carole Mumin, a member of the Consumer Advisory Panel of Washington Gas, spoke regarding activities of Washington Gas.  She reported that on February 29, 2012, Washington Gas went before the Rate Commission and requested $29 million to allow it to install new gas lines underground.  She provided her contact phone number:  202-387-5169 and added that community residents are welcome to call her at any time with questions or comments.

11. XIV.      OLD BUSINESS 

    None.

1. XV.        APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 06/06/12 PUBLIC MEETINGMOTION:

   Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meetings of May 2, 2012 and June 6, 2012 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

2. XVI.      APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT 

   Commissioner Chapple reported that the checking account had a balance of $45,511.18.MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

3. XVII.     APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY REPORTMOTION:

   Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Quarterly Report be accepted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

4. XVIII.    APPROVAL OF EXPENSESA.  MOTION:

   Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen L. Loveridge, Recording Secretary, in the amount of $125.00 for Minutes of the July 11, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).B.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice in the amount of $560.00 from Miller Copying for printing of the June/July 2012 ANC 2C Newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).
   
   C.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the $15.00 late fee for the post office box rental paid by Commissioner Padro be reimbursed to him.  The Motion passed, 2 yeas – 0 nays – 2 abstentions (Commissioner Padro, Commissioner Brooks).

5. XIX.      ANNOUNCEMENTS 

   ANC2C will not meet during the month of August 2012.

6. XX.        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 9:03 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, September 5, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library