June 2014 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E
Public Meeting
Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 3, 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 6:44 p.m.)
Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07 (arrived at 7:30 p.m.)
I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Chair Alexander Padro called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

III. PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

No representatives were present from 1D or 3D.

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Offense 1D (PSA 103) 3D (PSA 308)
5/3/2013 to 6/2/2013 5/3/2014 to 6/2/2014 5/3/2013 to 6/2/2013 5/3/2014 to 6/2/2014
Homicide 0 2 0 0
Sexual Abuse 4 5 3 5
Robbery Excluding Gun 36 31 61 32
Robbery with Gun 7 8 13 6
Assault Dangerous Weapon Excluding Gun 15 19 19 14
Assault Dangerous Weapon With Gun 2 3 6 5
Violent Crimes Total 64 68 102 62
Burglary 34 26 28 35
Theft 284 273 180 198
Theft from Auto 144 193 188 161
Stolen Auto 21 34 24 35
Arson 2 0 0 0
Property Crimes Total 485 526 420 429

IV. 302-304 M STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ZONING RELIEF TO ALLOW AN ADDITION TO AN EXISTING ROW HOUSE AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING (FENTON 302-304 M ST, LLC)

Attorney Eric M. Daniel (Griffin, Murphy, Moldenhauer & Wiggins, LLP), and Ulysses Glee and Kristine Adey of The Fenton Group spoke in regard to their request for support for zoning relief to allow an addition to an existing row house and construction of a new single family dwelling at 302-304 M Street, NW. 304 M Street, NW, is currently a vacant lot and they are seeking to build a single family home similar to the one that existed previously. At 302 M Street, NW, they want to build a small rear addition to an existing single family home on the property, which will be renovated. They changed the plans to put it at the rear which requires a variance relief. Commissioner Nigro stated that the applicant did a very nice job of outreach to the community. The applicant appeared before the ANC 6E Zoning & Planning Committee and the committee recommended that their request be supported.

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for zoning relief at 302-304 M Street, NW to allow an addition to an existing row house and construction of a new single family dwelling and that said support be communicated in writing to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) of the District of Columbia. The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

V. 1500 BLOCK OF 7TH STREET, NW, WEST SIDE: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR MINOR MODIFICATION TO PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (JEFFERSON APARTMENT GROUP/KELSEY GARDENS PROPERTY COMPANY)

Greg Van Wie, Development Manager for Jefferson Apartment Group, spoke in regard to their request for support for a minor modification to a Planned Unit Development that had been previously approved. The changes are: (1) seeking to replace the recipient of a donation intended to be made to Shaw Middle School Band, now to go to the Friends of Kennedy Playground; (2) adding four openings to the parapet wall on the roof top of the project to allow for more views and breezes. PEPCO has just turned on power to the project. They are 30 to 45 days away from accepting the first residents.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for support of Jefferson Apartment Group for minor modifications to the Planned Unit Development for the Kelsey Gardens Project on the west side of the 1500 block of 7th Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia. The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

VI. 1031 4TH STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF PREVIOUS ANC APPROVAL FOR ZONING RELIEF FOR NEW MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING (1031 4TH STREET, LLC)

Earle C. Horton, II, spoke in regard to the applicant’s request for modification of a previous ANC approval for zoning relief for a new multi-family building at 1031 4th Street, NW. They eliminated the irregular side yard, buried the PEPCO vault, created more bike storage in the garage, increased lot occupancy to 87%, and added nine residential units, requiring additional parking relief.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the revised zoning relief requested and that said support be communicated in writing to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) of the District of Columbia. The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

[Commissioner Alvin Judd arrives at 6:44 p.m.]

VII. 924 5TH STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR EXTENSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL FOR RENOVATION OF EXISTING BUILDING (THE EZRA COMPANY)

Mark Brody of 5K Partners spoke in regard to their request for support for an extension of Historic Preservation approval for renovation of an existing building at 924 5th Street, NW. A new building is being constructed behind the façade. There will be a different façade on the 4th floor (in his view, this is an extension, not a modification). ANC 6E’s Zoning and Planning Committee has supported their request.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the current concept and extension of Historic Preservation approval for 924 5th Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
VIII. NORTHEAST CORNER OF 5TH AND K STREETS, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SPACE PERMIT TO ALLOW SATURDAY FARMER’S MARKET (FRESHFARM MARKETS)

Reg Godin, Director, Markets & Programs, FreshFarm Markets, spoke regarding their request for support for a Public Space Permit at the northeast corner of 5th and K Streets, NW to allow for a Saturday Farmer’s Market. They are in partnership with Mount Vernon Triangle CID. The market will be open seasonally on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm starting June 7th until October 25th. FreshFarm Markets is asking the ANC to support the use of 2,280 square feet of public space in order to bring fresh fruits and vegetables and other community activities to the Mount Vernon Triangle. There will also be unamplified music and children’s activities. Commissioner Maceda stated that there had been a question of whether the land at 5th and K Streets, NW was public space or otherwise. It was later determined that it was public space.

MOTION: Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for a Public Space Permit on behalf of FreshFarm Markets to allow for a farm stand at the northeast corner of 5th and K Streets, NW and that said support be immediately communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee of DDOT so that the farmer’s market can open that coming weekend. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

IX. 440 K STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR NEW ABC RETAILER’S CLASS A LICENSE BEVERAGE SALES PERMIT (GRAND CATA, LLC)

Julio Robledo of Grand Cata, LLC spoke regarding their request for support for a new ABC Retailer’s Class A License Beverage Sales Permit at 440 K Street, NW. 30% to 40% of their sales are projected to be food. Ms. Lee Jackson of 440 K Street stated they were very selective about who was going to be occupying this space and that Grand Cata, LLC is a boutique wine and spirits store with an experienced owner. Grand Cata, LLC will be a different shopping experience. There will be wine tastings that will showcase the Latino heritage. Commissioner Maceda asked what the hours of operation will be. Mr. Robledo responded Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Commissioner Maceda stated she was not in support of Grand Cata’s application because there are already four liquor stores within a three block radius. ANC 6E’s ABC Licensing Committee previously heard a presentation by Grand Cata, LLC and supported their request.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the request of Grand Cata, LLC for stipulated and permanent ABC Retailer’s Class A License Beverage Sales Permits and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA. The Motion resulted in a tie vote – 3 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Judd, Sr.) – 3 nays (Commissioners Wiggins, Nigro, Maceda) – 0 abstentions and no formal position was taken.

X. 607 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR NEW PERMANENT AND STIPULATED ABC RETAILER’S CLASS C MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY LICENSES WITH SUMMER GARDEN ENDORSEMENT (CAPITAL FRINGE)

Peter Korbel, Chief Operating Officer, and Julianne Brienza, Chief Executive Officer, of Capital Fringe spoke regarding their request for support for new stipulated and permanent ABC Retailer’s Class C Multi-Purpose Facility Licenses with a Summer Garden endorsement. The licenses are for a temporary structure and are only good for the 18 days of the Fringe Festival. They have been in business for nine years and are a non-profit corporation focused on the performing arts. ANC 6E’s ABC Licensing Committee reviewed their application and recommended approval.

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for support of Capital Fringe at 607 New York Avenue, NW for new permanent and stipulated ABC Retailer’s Class C Multi-Purpose Facility Licenses with Summer Garden Endorsement and that said support be communicated in writing to ABRA and the ABC Board. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

[Commissioner Alfreda Judd arrives, 7:30 p.m.]

XI. 1501 9TH STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR CHANGE IN HOURS FOR ABC RETAILER’S CLASS C LICENSE (MANDALAY RESTAURANT)

Ari Wilder spoke regarding Mandalay Restaurant’s (now renamed Chaplin) request for a change in hours for their ABC Retailer’s Class C License. They would like to extend their hours in order to cater more to residents of the City Market at O development. They have a large patio and will only keep it open until midnight. They also have a Public Space Permit application for the patio. Right now it accommodates 55 seats. There is a former parking area that can allow the addition of 22 seats and they would like to use that area to expand the outside seating area from 63 to 68 seats. Commissioner Maceda asked whether they had an entertainment endorsement or not. Mr. Wilder responded that they have not applied for it yet. They already had an ABC license for covering the outdoor space, but did not have a Public Space Permit. There will be a Voluntary Agreement.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for an extension of hours for Mandalay Restaurant dba Chaplin, the establishment at 1501 9th Street, NW and the request for a Public Space Permit to allow outdoor seating, contingent upon the signing of a Voluntary Agreement, and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XII. PRESENTATION ON CENSUS JOBS (U.S. CENSUS BUREAU)

Al Millikan (almillikan@msn.com) of the U.S. Census Bureau spoke regarding preparation for the 2020 Census. The U. S. Census Bureau is looking for candidates to take the 2014 Census Test and, if qualified, be hired for temporary government jobs in the areas of Office Staff, Enumerator, Crew Leader, and Field Operations. The employment test takes about 30 minutes and consists of 28 multiple choice questions. Testing will take place at various public libraries. There will be 1,000 temporary jobs between now and the end of September 2014. Mr. Millikan can be contacted at 202-309-6157. Handouts were provided at the back of the room for interested residents.

XIII. CONSIDERATION OF ANC GRANT APPLICATIONS

Commissioner Padro raised the following two issues regarding ANC Grant Applications:

A. Should grants be made to entities (companies, not individuals) other than non-profits?

The Commissioners were polled and the consensus was that ANC grants only be made non-profits.

B. How often may entities apply for a grant?

The Commissioners were polled and the consensus was that requests for grants may be repeated, but that the ANC wants to be flexible as to how often, i.e., once every 24 months, etc.

Commissioner Maceda stated there should be a time limit for the Commission to acknowledge receipt of a grant application, within 10 days of receipt, for example. The other Commissioners agreed that the Commission should acknowledge receipt of grant applications within 10 business days.

The ANC 6E Grants Committee will be meeting to consider grant applications prior to the Commission’s July 1, 2014 meeting.

XIV. OTHER NEW BUSINESS

A. “Scoop Your Pet’s Poop” Signs: MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E request that DDOT and/or the District Environmental Health Administration install signage related to the legal obligation of residents to scoop their pets’ poop and that said support be communicated in writing to DDOT, the District Environmental Health Administration, and the Mayor’s Office. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

B. Remarks by Charles Allen: Charles Allen, the recent winner of the Democratic nomination for the Ward 6 Council seat, made some brief remarks and expressed his gratitude for the support of the voters of Ward 6. He is looking forward to a constructive relationship with shared priorities.

In regard to Zone 2 Parking for Shaw residents of Ward 6, Commissioner Padro advised there was recent emergency legislation that did not move forward. Mr. Allen responded that, if elected, he will re-introduce the measure January 2, 2015.

C. Agenda and Newsletter Distribution: Commissioner Nigro raised the issue of getting the Public Meeting Agenda at least five days out from the meeting notice deadline and requested that the ANC Newsletter be issued on Tuesday or Wednesday of the week prior to the meeting.

The Commissioners were polled and the consensus was that the Public Meeting Agenda be posted seven (7) days prior to the Public Meeting and that copies of the Newsletter, including hard copies, be distributed the Thursday before the Public Meeting is held.

XV. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XVI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 6, 2014

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

XVII. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

Commissioner Chapple reported that the balance in the checking account was $55,009.26.
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.
XVIII. 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 June 3, 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 June 2014 newsletter be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

3. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Miller Copying in the amount of $97.27 for the printing of meeting notices to ANC 6E06 and ANC 6E07 constituents be approved. The Motion passed 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Wiggins, Judd, Sr., and Judd) – 2 nays (Commissioners Maceda and Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

XIX. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Commissioner Padro announced that Shaw Main Streets’ Open House will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The annual free event offers samples of food and beverages from participating businesses, special offers, and prizes from each business. Interested residents can get their free Shaw Main Streets Open House Passport at any participating business starting at 2:00 PM on the day of the event. Drawings will begin at 5:30 p.m.

B. Commissioner Nigro announced that she will host a Crime Prevention Meeting on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Galbraith A.M.E. Zion Church, 1114 6th Street, NW.

C. Commissioner Maceda announced that: (1) FreshFarm Market’s fruit and vegetable stand will be open on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 5th & K Streets, NW from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; (2) The Drink the District Wine Festival will be held at 500 New York Avenue, NW on Saturday, June 7, 2014 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; (3) On June 23, 2014, Councilmember Anita Bonds will be meeting with people interested in hearing about ADU legislation.
D. Commissioner Padro announced that Saturday, June 7, 2014 is the first Saturday for produce distribution by the Capital Area Food Bank’s mobile marketplace in the 100 block of L Street, NW between 10:00 a.m. and Noon.

E. Library Manager Kathy Jenkins announced that June 1, 2014 was the kickoff for the District’s Library Summer Reading Program in partnership with Chipotle and the Washington Nationals.

F. Naomi Mitchell of Councilmember Tommy Wells’ office announced that the 8th Annual Ward 6 Family Fun Day will be held at Eliot-Hine Middle School, 1830 Constitution Avenue, NE, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sponsors are Harris Teeter and the Washington Nationals.

G. Commissioner Nigro announced that Yoga in the Park will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

H. Update on 8th & O Parcel: Commissioner Padro stated that the Deputy Mayor’s Office announced that four (4) developers were selected for the short list:

1. A&R Development and The Urban Group
2. Four Points LLC and The Warrenton Group
3. Madison Investments and Audubon Enterprises
4. Roadside Development and Dantes Partners

The short-listed teams will present their proposals to the community at 6:30 p.m. on June 30, 2014, at the Immaculate Conception Church auditorium, 717 N Street NW. A “best and final” proposal will then be requested from each shortlisted team before a final selection is made by the summer of 2014.

XVII. NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, July 1, 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, Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Judd, Sr. seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.