June 2012 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, June 6, 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 (arrived at 8:32 p.m.)

Rachelle P. Nigro, Secretary, ANC 2C04

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m.  Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 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 May 1-31, 2012 as follows:

Lt. Wingate reported that PSA 308 Officers participated in a Community Health Day at 3^rd Street Baptist Church, Senior Wellness Day, and the United House of Prayer Parade.  With Commissioner Nigro’s assistance, PSA 308 is trying to put together some community events in June, July and August.   She invited residents to submit ideas to her at linda.wingate@dc.gov or Commissioner Nigro at nigroanc2c@gmail.com

Commissioner Padro asked about National Night Out and what anti-crime initiatives MPD has planned for this year’s event.  Lt. Wingate responded that this will be posted on the listserve as soon as it becomes available.

AREA 1 – CAPT. BURT HENRY – SUMMER CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVE

MPD Capt. Burt Henry, assigned to the7th District, talked about the Summer Crime Prevention Initiative (SCPI).  This is the third year MPD has participated in the Initiative.  SCPI, which runs from May 1 – August 31, 2012, is a collaboration of MPD, US Attorneys’ Office, and all District of Columbia government agencies designed to:  (1) reduce violent crime through focused prevention and targeted enforcement; (2) identify and arrest violent, chronic offenders and crew leaders; (3) put criminals on notice that, if a crime occurs in a designated SCPI area, all law enforcement resources will be utilized; and (4) conduct community outreach and youth initiatives.  Capt. Henry provided a handout that identified three of the five areas of focus.  He provided the following contact information:   burthenry@dc.gov or cell:  202-409-2027.

A question and answer period followed.  A question was raised about the Camp Brown Program for school aged youth ages 7 to 13.  MPD advised that the program begins after school is out and runs until the middle of August.

1. IV.          641 S STREET, NW: PRESENTATION ON REDEVELOPMENT OF WONDER BREAD FACTORY (DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT)

   Paul Millstein of Douglas Development Corporation provided an update on the redevelopment of the Wonder Bread Factory at 641 S Street, N.W.  He stated that they have already signed a tenant, Work Space Solutions.  They have started demolition on the building, with anticipated delivery in March of 2013, occupied.  There will be 15,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, some lower level retail and the other space will be utilized as office space.  The front façade will be restored.  Parking will be at the basement level.  They are seeking parking relief of 15 spaces.  There will be no commercial traffic related to Wonder Bread on Wiltberger Street.  There will be a job fair in mid-July.  Douglas Development is seeking the following:  (1) parking relief to provide only 27 out of the required 42 spaces; (2) rear alley setback; (3) roof top structures relief.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the zoning relief required for the redevelopment of the Wonder Bread Factory at 641 S Street, N.W. and that ANC 2C write a letter of support incorporating the nine (9) items negotiated between Douglas Development and the Wiltberger Street residents.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

2. V.           435 R STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ZONING RELIEF TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW MULTIFAMILY BUILDING (COMMUNITY THREE DEVELOPMENT, LLC)

   Grant Epstein of Community Three Development, LLC spoke regarding the site at 435 R Street, N.W. that used to be a dry cleaners.  The soil around the site was decontaminated.  It will be a four story building.  The ground floor will have two units.  There will be 22 units in total and 11 parking spaces.  18 units will be one-bedroom and four (4) will be two-bedrooms.  Community Three Development, LLC is seeking the following:  (1) zoning relief for reducing the parking drive aisle from 20’ wide to 17.2’ wide; and (2) to allow two of the parking spaces to be compact spaces;

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support Community Three Development’s application before the BZA that they be allowed to have zoning relief for a parking drive aisle that is 17.2’ wide instead of 20’ wide and that two of the 11 parking spaces be compact spaces.   The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

3. VI.          411 RIDGE STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION (411 RIDGE VENTURE, LLC)

   Ray Valentine and Sanni Mufu spoke regarding 411 Ridge Venture’s request for support for Historic Preservation approval for new construction at 411 Ridge Street, N.W.  The new construction will mimic the other four (4) buildings, but will be smaller width wise.  Commissioner Nigro expressed concern that it will be difficult for cars to negotiate the 10’ wide alley and that they talk to the Truxton Row residents.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the Historic Preservation Approval for new construction at 411 Ridge Street, N.W., with the condition that they address the concerns of people in the Truxton Row Development.

   Friendly Amendment:  Commissioner Padro offered a friendly amendment which was accepted with the following additional language:   “…and with the stipulation that DDOT provide confirmation that the alley will be a usable and legal alley after the construction. “  The amended Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

4. VII.         WEST SIDE OF 1600 BLOCK OF 9^th STREET, NW (BETWEEN RHODE ISLAND AVENUE AND R STREET): CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REQUESTING INSTALLATION OF SUNDAY DIAGONAL PARKING SIGNAGE

   In order to help offset the loss of parking spaces available to churchgoers attending houses of worship near the 900 block of R Street, NW, resulting from the installation of 7-days-per-week Residents Only parking signage, it is proposed that Sunday diagonal back-in parking be established on the east side of Shaw Junior High School’s garage.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C request that DDOT install back-in diagonal parking signage on the west side of the 1600 block of 9^th Street, NW, between Rhode Island Avenue and R Street, to accommodate church parking on Sundays.   The Motion passed, 2 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Nigro).

5. VIII.       SEATON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND SHAW @ GARNET-PATTERSON:  CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS REGARDING DISMISSAL OF PRINCIPALS AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SHAW MIDDLE SCHOOL AT 925 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, NW

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C express its concern related to the dismissal of all the principals in the cluster that is served by ANC 2C and request that DCPS provide an explanation for its actions.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C express its opposition to the plans not to build a new Shaw Middle School at 925 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., that the Mayor, the Chancellor, and DCPS make plans to move forward with the planned site at 925 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., and that the attendance boundaries of this new Middle School include all of the residents in the Shaw community.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

6. IX.          600 F STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STIPULATED AND PERMANENT RETAILER’S CLASS CT ABC LICENSES FOR LOUNGE IN BASEMENT (600 F STREET, NW)

   Brian Miller spoke in support for a Stipulated and Permanent Retailer’s Class CT ABC Licenses for a lounge in the basement of 600 F Street, N.W.  The décor of the lounge will be Japanese.  It will serve cocktails and offer a small food menu.  The capacity will be 41 seats with standing for up to 99.  The hours will be 5:00 p.m. to the end of serving hours.  Entry into the lounge is stairs from the street level on 6^th Street.  Commissioner Padro asked about ADA requirements.  Mr. Miller responded that in this instance they were not required to provide an elevator.  No name has been selected yet for the lounge.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the request for Stipulated and Permanent Retailer’s Class CT ABC licenses for the unnamed lounge at 600 F Street, N.W. and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.
   

7. X.           614 T STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR TRANSFER FROM SAFEKEEPING OF RETAILER’S CLASS B LICENSE (SMADA DELI MARKET)

   A representative of Smada Deli Market spoke regarding support for a transfer from safekeeping of his Retailer’s Class B License to his new location at 614 T Street, N.W.  His establishment is adjacent to the Howard Theatre.  It is a grocery store and will sell beer and wine.  It will be open from 10:00 a.m. to Midnight seven days a week.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the transfer from safekeeping of Smada Deli Market’s Retailer’s Class B License to 614 T Street, N.W., that the proprietor agrees to adopt the public space in front of his establishment and keep it free of trash, and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

8. XI.          NATIONAL RACE TO END WOMEN’S CANCER, NOVEMBER 3, 2012:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES (FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN’S CANCER)

   Betty Sayler of Debbie LeHardy & Company spoke regarding support for street closures for the National Race to End Women’s Cancer on November 3, 2012.
   Street closing will be Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. between 12^th and 13^th Streets, N.W.  Pop-up tents will be used.  The official race start is at 9:00 a.m. and the post-race program concludes at 10:45 a.m., with clean-up and load out by 3:00 p.m.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the 2012 National Race to End Women’s Cancer on November 3, 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, 3 – 0 – 0.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C express in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency the recommendation that pop-up tents be utilized whenever possible at Freedom Plaza and other locations where sound would have a negative impact and that the Special Events Task Force consider adoption of this requirement.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.
   

9. XII.         CONSIDERATION OF ANC 2C GRANT REQUESTS FROM NONPROFITS: FRIENDS OF BUNDY PARK

   Tom Petty, Director of the Friends of Bundy Park, spoke regarding the Friends of Bundy Park Dog Park.  He stated that the dog park has been very well received.  The dog park was funded by KIPP DC and did not cost taxpayers any money.  The Friends of Bundy Park Dog Park will be responsible for raising funds to maintain and improve the dog park.  The dog park is open from 7:00 a.m. until dusk seven (7) days a week.  The Friends of Bundy Park requested a grant from ANC 2C in the amount of $3,000.00 to allow it to sign a contract with Dooty Calls for a full year in advance, and to allow it to provide a water fountain and benches.

   [Commissioner Brooks arrives at 8:32 p.m.]
   
   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C approve the grant application of the Friends of Bundy Park and that it award them the amount of $3,000.00.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Brooks) – 0 abstentions.

10. XIII.       REPORT FROM ANC CHAIRS MEETING WITH MAYOR GRAY, 05/29/12

    Commissioner Padro reported that the ANC Chairs met with Mayor Gray on May 29, 2012.  Distributed at the meeting was a packet containing information from Washington Gas and DC Water.  Washington Gas will be making significant investments that will be paid for by a rate increase and will be replacing many of the lines in our area that are troublesome.   Commissioner Padro raised the issue of frequent outages in the neighborhood and was advised Washington Gas and PEPCO will be improving the infrastructure.   A Washington Gas representative will be invited to speak at the July 11, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting.

    DC Water is becoming more aggressive about response to water main issues.

11. XIV.      DC SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITY: PRESENTATION ON AGENCY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Chelsea Silber of Groundswell spoke regarding the District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility programs and services where up to a $12,000 forgivable loan (loan forgiven at 20% each year over five years; no loan payments are required) for energy-efficient upgrades will be offered to income-eligible homeowners.  Loan applications must be completed by July 15, 2012.  The money is coming from the District Department of the Environment.

1. XV.        OTHER NEW BUSINESS

   Commissioner Padro advised that Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library staff member Casey Danielson has been transferred to another library.  Mr. Danielson had led a very popular music program for young children at the Shaw

   Neighborhood Library.  ANC 2C received requests from residents to ask the DC Public Library to return Mr. Danielson back to the Watha T. Daniel /Shaw Neighborhood Library.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C request the DC Public Library to return staff member Casey Danielson to the Watha D. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library so that he can provide the popular music program for young children.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

2. XVI.      OLD BUSINESS (VOLUNTARY AGREEMENTS FOR GOOD LIBATIONS AND GUILFORD LIQUORS)

   Commissioner Padro advised that new regulations for exemptions from the Single Sales Ban to allow sales of single bottles of beer and ale have been put in place to replace the annual renewal of voluntary agreements.  Now, the only two options offered are to:  (1) either approve a permanent exemption from the single sales ban; or (2) terminate the voluntary agreement altogether.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the termination of the single sales ban exemptions for Good Libations and Guilford Liquors and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

3. XVII.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 04/04/12 PUBLIC MEETING

   MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of April 4, 2012 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

4. XVIII.    APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

   Commissioner Chapple reported that as of May 1, 2012, the checking account had a balance of $46,092.33.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

5. XIX.      APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

   A.  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 June 6, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Brooks) – 0 abstentions.

   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 May/June 2012 ANC 2C Newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

6. XX.        ANNOUNCEMENTS

   None.

7. XXI.      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, 4 – 0 – 0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, July 11, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library