July 2014 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E
Public Meeting
Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. Chair Alexander Padro presided.

Present:

Alexander M. Padro, Chair, ANC 6E01
Rachelle P. Nigro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E04
Marge Maceda, Secretary, ANC 6E05
Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02
Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03
Alvin Judd, Sr., ANC 6E06 (arrived at 6:45 p.m.)
Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07 (arrived at 6:45 p.m.)
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Chair Alexander Padro called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

III. PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

The officer representing 1D stated that a lot more footbeats have been added and manpower has been changed up. He stated that there is a huge problem with thefts from autos and stolen bicycles. Commissioner Maceda asked about the incident at 2nd and Massachusetts Avenue, NW. The officer responded that the individual was arrested and the case is closed. A resident asked who has responsibility for the park at 2nd and Massachusetts Avenue. The officer responded that it is PSA 103 (1D). Commissioner Maceda stated that the Commission has had a hard time getting someone from 1D to appear at the monthly meetings.

Sergeant Ehrlich from 3D stated that there is a new footbeat at 8th & O Streets, NW and that the new officer assigned to this area is doing a good job. He noted that out-of-state license plates are easy prey for thefts from autos. Commissioner Padro stated he has received positive comments about the footbeats and that there has been a reduction crime along 7th Street in 3D. It was also noted that bikes and scooters need to be registered now.
Commissioner Nigro spoke regarding the shooting at the Lux Lounge. She stated the club was closed down. Douglas Development took action and the lease was terminated.

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Offense 1D (PSA 103) 3D (PSA 308)
6/1/2013 to 6/30/2013 6/1/2014 to 6/30/2014 6/1/2013 to 6/30/2013 6/1/2014 to 6/30/2014
Homicide 1 1 0 0
Sexual Abuse 0 0 0 0
Robbery Excluding Gun 0 3 5 1
Robbery with Gun 0 0 2 0
Assault Dangerous Weapon Excluding Gun 2 0 1 3
Assault Dangerous Weapon With Gun 0 0 2 2
Violent Crimes Total 3 4 10 6
Burglary 0 3 4 1
Theft 10 28 12 14
Theft from Auto 11 11 18 23
Stolen Auto 9 3 4 3
Arson 0 0 0 0
Property Crimes Total 30 45 38 41

IV. 1740 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, NW: REQUEST FOR ZONING RELIEF TO ALLOW RENOVATION OF AND ADDITION TO EXISTING BUILDING FOR RESIDENTIAL USE (NEWTON STREET DEVELOPMENT 3, LLC)

Meredith Moldenhauer spoke on behalf of the applicant. She stated that it is a very small lot with 100% lot occupancy. The building has been vacant for many, many years and is in dilapidated condition. There were problems with the construction and the basement suffered damage due to water infiltration. There is no parking on the site. The applicant would like to renovate the building into an 8 unit condo and is asking for relief from three (3) parking spaces required by zoning. The applicant will be renting spaces from an adjacent property and will be providing residents with at least five secure bike parking spaces on the site or a $200 Metro card. In regard to visitor parking, residents will be restricted from obtaining a visitor parking permit.

Commissioner Chapple stated he spoke to the developer and objects to his plans and that the number of units needs to be reduced from eight (8) to four (4) units. Parking is horrendous on this block. Other developers at this location have completed matter of right projects without parking relief. The building was originally a single family home and should not be divided into condo units and the

parking the applicant says is available is a month-to-month lease. He reiterated his opposition to the project and stated that before moving forward with the project, the applicant should address the community’s concerns.

The attorney responded that they would ask BZA for an extension until September.

Commissioner Maceda stated she did not agree that it should be reduced down to four (4) units, but perhaps six (6) units would be better. She added that 40% of the residents in the District do not own cars.

MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E oppose the request submitted by Newton Street Development 3, LLC for zoning relief at 1740 New Jersey Avenue, NW to allow renovation of and addition to existing building for residential use and that said opposition be communicated in writing to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). The Motion passed, 6 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Maceda) – 0 abstentions.

V. 1500 BLOCK OF 7TH STREET, NW, EAST SIDE: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR MODIFICATION OF PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR CITY MARKET AT O PARCEL C (ROADSIDE DEVELOPMENT)

Richard Lake of Roadside Development spoke regarding the applicant’s request for support for modification of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) for City Market at O Parcel C. He provided a PowerPoint presentation and stated that they are trying to capture left over density and want to try and tie the roofs together with two elevators up to the penthouse. Commissioner Padro asked whether this is a technical change that will not be visible from the street. Mr. Lake responded affirmatively. He also stated that they met with HPRB staff and HPO is comfortable with the technical change.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E support the minor modification to the Planned Unit Development at City Market at O and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

Commissioner Maceda reminded the applicant that any changes should be submitted to the ANC Zoning and Planning Committee first.

VI. 1532-34 5TH STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SPACE PERMIT FOR CURB CUT FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION (JAMES SUH)

The developer will be going before the Public Space Committee in September and, therefore, postponed his presentation until the ANC 6E September meeting.
VII. 200-300 BLOCKS OF MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, NW: PRESENTATION ON TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS OF THIRD STREET TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT (PROPERTY GROUP PARTNERS)

Robert Braunohler of Property Group Partners spoke regarding transportation impacts of the Third Street Tunnel construction project. He stated there will be utility relocation on Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd and 3rd Streets, NW where they will be moving a 30: water line and a 13,000 volt transmission line. This work will continue for 15 months and there will be traffic disruption during that time. The work will start on September 20, 2014 and go through September 20, 2015. 2nd Street between E and G Streets, NW will be closed. Phases I through 4 can be found on their website, www.3rdsttunnel.com.

VIII. PARCEL 23 (SOUTHWEST CORNER OF 8TH AND O STREETS, NW): SHORT PRESENTATIONS BY SHORT LISTED DEVELOPERS AND CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSION SUPPORT (DEPUTY MAYOR FOR PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

A. Roadside Development/Dantes Partners

Armond Spikell introduced his team and stated that they were the developers of CityMarket at O. He provided a PowerPoint presentation and stated that they want to continue the retail energy along O Street, NW. They are looking at a collection of smaller buildings and not high rises. Commissioner Maceda asked whether there was going to be any community space. Mr. Spikell responded in the negative.

B. Madison Investments and Audobon Enterprises

Barry Madani stated his firm was founded in 2006 and is DC based. They have completed 12 projects in the DC area. He stated they met with stakeholders in the community and tenants associations. 25 parking spaces will be offered. They are looking for two to three bedroom units. There will be local hiring and 90 permanent new jobs will be created; affordable dining; a total of 71 condo units is planned – seven (7) 3 BRs, twenty-seven (27) 2BRs, with the remaining being 1 BRs. There will be 50 market rate condos – 21 affordable units scaled for 50%, 60%, 80% AMI with the cheapest unit being $115,000 and the most expensive being $250,000. There will be a two level parking garage with 59 spaces with 25 spaces dedicated on the lower level to a nearby church.

C. Four Points LLC and The Warrenton Group

A representative of Four Points LLC stated that their proposal calls for 172 units with 17 of those units affordable; there will be 135 parking spaces below grade with 25 assigned to a religious institution; 11,000 square feet of retail on the ground floor; there will be double height retail space, a full service gym and mezzanine level space; there will be a large community room to be used by neighborhood and nearby religious institutions; they plan on keeping the alley open and may want to widen it. They are offering a total of 20,000 square feet of retail space.

D. A&R Development and The Urban Group

A representative of A&R Development stated that their main focus is mixed use affordable housing; theme is how can we enhance the family and local businesses and also enhance the historic nature of Shaw. There will be 25 parking spaces for the church and 65 spaces for the building. There will also be retail and community space.

Commissioner Wiggins thanked the developers for their presentations. The following table summarizes the first choices of the commissioners:

Commissioner 1st Choice
Frank Wiggins Four Points, LLC
Rachelle Nigro Roadside Development
Marge Maceda Four Points, LLC
Alvin Judd, Sr. Four Points, LLC
Alfreda Judd Roadside Development
Alexander Padro Four Points, LLC
Kevin Chapple Four Points, LLC

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the bid presented by Four Points, LLC for development of Parcel 23 at the southwest corner of 8th & O Streets, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED). The Motion passed, 6 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

IX. CONSIDERATION OF ANC GRANT APPLICATIONS

Representatives of Mt. Vernon Triangle and Girls in Action were not present. Therefore, the two grant applications will be considered at the ANC 6E September meeting.

Commissioner Chapple advised that grants cannot be over $1,500 per the auditor’s guidelines.

X. OTHER NEW BUSINESS

None.

XI. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JUNE 3, 2014 MEETING

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of June 3, 2014 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XIII. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

Commissioner Chapple reported that the balance in the checking account is $54,387.01 and all checks have cleared the account.

MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XIV. APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY REPORT

MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the FY 2014 Quarterly Report be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XV. APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

1. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Loveridge in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E July 1, 2014 Public Meeting be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

2. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Miller Copying in the amount of $400.00 for the printing of the July 2014 newsletter be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XVI. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Commissioner Nigro stated that the annual National Night Out will be held on August 5, 2014.

B. Naomi Mitchell of Councilmember Tommy Wells’ office stated that the DC City Council will be in recess from July 15th to September 15th.
XVII. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, September 2, 2014, Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, NW, 6:30 p.m.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. The meeting adjourned at 8:56 p.m.