June 2016 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E

Public Meeting

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Present:

Marge Maceda, Chair, ANC 6E05

Alexander M. Padro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E01

Antonio D. Barnes, Secretary, ANC 6E06

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

Rachelle P. Nigro, ANC 6E04

Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03

Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   Chair Marge Maceda called to order at 6:06 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• APPROVAL OF MINUTES

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of May 3, 2016 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.   The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

1. PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Sgt. F. H. Fawzi of 5D – At last month’s meeting, Commissioner Nigro stated she requested more police presence because there continues to be persons defecating on Kirby Street, by the alley behind the shops, and the 200 block of New York Avenue as well as persons having sex in the alley.  Sgt. Fawzi responded that they now have a special beat that is focused in that area and they have not received any more complaints.

Lt. Ronald Netter of 3D (PSA 308) – provided his contact information (202-412-7747 or 202-427-2081) and stated that, in order to combat crime, his primary goals are to reach out to find job opportunities for the unemployed and alcohol and drug treatment outreach.

Officer F. J. Martello of 1D (PSA 103) – stated that the biggest problem is Thefts from Auto and Thefts are way up.  They are coming from Walmart (clothing) and articles left in vehicles.  Commissioner Maceda stated she appreciated the police presence during an unfortunate suicide.  She urged residents not to leave anything in their vehicles.  Officer Martello stated his department has started placing pink Crime Alert slips on vehicles urging residents not to leave valuables, etc. in their vehicles.

1. dpw presentation: Christopher shorter

   Christopher Shorter, Director of the DC Department of Public Works (DPW), stated that DPW provides the following municipal services:  solid waste management, parking enforcement, and fleet management.  He spoke regarding the following:

   1. Sidewalk Shoveling (Seniors): While the snow season has ended, persons over 65 who want their sidewalks shoveled for the next snow season need to call 311 every year and place their names on this list.

   2. Hardship Recycling Program: He urged those with disabilities to call 311 to have their recycling bins placed at their front door.
   3. Great Graffiti Wipeout: The department is going through each ward and removing graffiti and will continue to do this for another three weeks.

A question and answer period followed.
Commissioner Wiggins stated that a trash truck damaged a brick wall and asked when it will be repaired.

Commissioner Nigro raised the following:  (1) she wanted to know the process for dealing with illegal dumping; (2) there is inconsistent lawn mowing of government parcels of land; Mr. Shorter responded that DPW took over all parcels from the Department of General Services (DGS) and their workload has increased; (3) complained why no tickets were given out to residents who did not shovel their sidewalks during the blizzard.

Commissioner Padro raised the following:  (1) did DPW take over all of DGS’ parcels?  Mr. Shorter responded that DPW originally had 314 parcels and then they took over DGS’ parcels bringing this to a total of 789 parcels.  The grass cutting is done by a private contractor; (2) there is high grass at the old Shaw Middle School, the 900 block of R Street, and the 600 block of 9^th Street; (3) recyclables are not being collected consistently in the 1500 and 1600 block of 8^th Street; (4) there are sections in his district that are not Zone 2 Parking and new DPW employees are ticketing there.

Commissioner Maceda raised the following:  (1) there are people driving on the sidewalk at the corner of 6^th and K Street; (2) trash pickup in Mount Vernon Triangle.

1. central union mission, mission muffins

   Sally Cox of Mission Muffins (missionmuffins.com) spoke regarding the Central Union Mission and its Mission Muffins program. Their six-month program empowers homeless and employment-challenged individuals to start new lives by teaching them baking, retail, marketing and business skills that make them ready for the job market.  During their training period, Mission Muffins works with local business and agencies to find them permanent employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.  Employees live and eat at the Mission at no cost and save their wages for permanent housing.  

• pepco substation k street, nw

  Representatives of Pepco spoke regarding their proposed new substation in Mount Vernon Triangle. The substation is needed because of increased growth in the area.  There are a total of 50 operating Pepco substations located within DC communities and pose no safety hazards to the community.  Substations within residential neighborhoods are common in all DC wards.  Substations are necessary to step down transmission voltages to distribution voltages to serve individual customers.  A substation in the Mount Vernon area will alleviate capacity issues from the 10^th Street, NE and New Jersey Avenue substations and will increase capacity to the growing Mount Vernon area.  A preliminary milestone schedule was provided.  The architectural design of the substation will match existing buildings in the area and will blend in appropriately.  Community input will be sought for design ideas.

  Commissioner Maceda asked whether there will be community outreach and Pepco responded that there will be.  Commissioner Padro stated that the 1^st & K Street, NW property has high grass and rats and Pepco should do more to maintain and upkeep the property during the approval process and before construction begins.

• public space: beau thai, 1550 7^th street, nw, – sidewalk café

  The applicant is seeking ANC support of their Public Space Application for a sidewalk café with a pitched roof of shade-providing panels of glass that mimic the interior ceiling of the restaurant.  The seating capacity will be 50.

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the Public Space Application of Beau Thai, 1550 7^th Street, NW, for a sidewalk café and that said support be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee and the Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).  The Motion passed 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  [Commissioner Nigro had temporarily left the meeting].

12. public space: la jambe, 1550 7^th street, nw – sidewalk café

    The co-owner stated La Jambe is seeking ANC support for a sidewalk café with seating for 12.  An agreement with the ANC was reached for certain hours of operation and no serving of alcohol after midnight.  Their liquor license has been approved.

    MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the Public Space Application of La Jambe, 1550 7^th Street, NW, for a sidewalk café and that said support be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee and the Director of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).  The Motion passed unanimously 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

13. historic: 1710 10^th street, nw – partial 3^rd floor

    Ronald Schneck, Square 134 Architects, stated the applicant is seeking HPRB approval at the end of June to add a partial third floor.  They met with ANC’s Development and Zoning Committee last week.  They will do a flag test and the third floor will not be seen.  They have met with adjacent neighbors and they are supportive.

    MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 6E support the Public Space Application of 1710 10^th Street, NW, for a partial third floor and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).  The Motion passed unanimously 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

14. zoning: 111 massachusetts avenue, nw (douglas development)

    The applicant is seeking ANC support for their PUD re-application for 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.  The existing building was approved as PUD back in 1981.  Two floors are being added to the top of the building.  There will be an arcade at the ground level, allowing for retail.  There will be an all new fitness center and new bike storage.  There will also be a public art project.  $50,000 has been earmarked for equipment at the Northwest One Library and the R. H. Terrell Recreation Center.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Judd seconded that ANC 6E support the PUD re-application for 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia.  The Motion passed unanimously 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

• community outreach assistant – mayor’s office

  The Community Outreach Assistant for the Mayor’s Office on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs (MAOAPIA) stated their goal is to improve the quality of life for Asian residents. She noted the following events:  (1) Weekly Tai Chi Class, Thursdays, 8:00 a.m., (2) Weekly Yoga Class, Mondays, 6:30 p.m., (3) Community Picnic, Saturday, June 25, 2016, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., (4) Asian Outdoor Movie Screenings, June 16^th, July 13^th, August 17^th, September 14^th; (5) Life as AAPI LGBT Youth, June 23, 2016. 

• zoning: 810 o street, nw

                           [Commissioner Padro excuses himself from the meeting].

  The attorney representing the applicant stated that HPRB has granted concept approval for the project and the next step is going before the Zoning Commission.  They are seeking loading dock relief.  There will be 66 units, 6,800 square feet, ground floor retail, two levels of below grade parking with 67 spaces, and 22 bike spaces.  There will be job benefits and amenities and a focus on local entrepreneurs.

  MOTION:  Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the loading dock relief requested by 810 O Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia.   The Motion passed 5 yeas (Commissioners Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 2 abstentions (Commissioners Padro and Barnes). 

   [Commissioner Padro returns to the meeting].

• zoning: liberty place apartments, 881 3^rd street, nw (Mt. Carmel baptist church, 901 3^rd street, nw)

  Rob Richardson, IBF Development, stated they are seeing ANC support for funding for 50% of AMI for seven (7) units and 11 parking spaces for Liberty Place Apartments.  The seven (7) units will be part of a 9-story, 67 unit affordable apartment building at 881 3^rd Street, NW directly adjacent to the Mount Carmel Baptist Church at 901 3^rd Street, NW.  The seven (7) apartments will help meet the Mayor’s goal to eradicate homelessness by 2020 by serving as permanent supportive housing targeted for veterans.  The building will have a fitness center, bike room, lobby, resident meeting and services room, and rooftop pool.  IBF will be financing the construction with a combination of bank construction and permanent loans, low income housing tax credits, tax exempt bonds, and a loan from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  IBF’s first option submitted to DHCD requested a $7,929,992 DHCD loan and $294,000 grant from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH).

  Commissioner Padro stated that the Development and Zoning Committee met and did not make a recommendation because the numbers of the loan were not available at the time of the committee meeting.
  
  MOTION:  Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the development of Liberty Place Apartments at 881 3^rd Street, NW, that DHCD and DBH grant the funds for the project, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia.   The Motion passed 6 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Judd, Padro, Barnes) – 1 nay (Commissioner Maceda) – 0 abstentions.

1. zoning: catholic charities – 611-17 rhode island avenue, nw
   
   Meridith Moldenhauer (Griffin, Murphy, Moldenhauer & Wiggins, LLP) stated the applicant is seeking relief to construct three flats on alley lots at 611-17 Rhode Island Avenue, NW.  They are seeking relief from lot size, lot occupancy, and rear yard.  There will be one parking space in front.  They have met with adjacent neighbors and they are supportive.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the relief requested by Catholic Charities, 611-17 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Zoning Commission of the District of Columbia.  The Motion passed unanimously 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

• abra: le pain quotidien, 433 massachusetts avenue, nw (RENEWAL)

  MOTION:  Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the liquor license renewal application of Le Pain Quotidien, 433 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

• abra: busboys and poets, 5^th & K street, nw – support for protest

  MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E protest the liquor license renewal of Busboys and Poets, 5^th & K Street, NW on the grounds of peace, order, and quiet, and that said protest be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, and Judd) – 2 nays (Commissioner Barnes, Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions. 

• treasurer’s report

  Commissioner Chapple reported the balance in the checking account is $57,050.66.

  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted.  The Motion passed unanimously 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

• approval of expenses
  125. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Jehle in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E June 7, 2016 Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

  126. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $497.00 for printing costs of the June 2016 Newsletter. The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

1. OLD BUSINESS

• new business

• next meeting – Tuesday, July 5, 2016, Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, NW, 6:00 p.m. (ANC 6E Zoning and ABRA Committee Meetings will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2016).
• announcements
  1. Alastair Smith, Development Project Manager, DC Housing Authority stated that the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) will be holding an “Our RFP Public Workshop” on June 21, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the RH Terrell Recreation Center, 155 L Street, NW, for the purpose of an interactive discussion of the community’s goals and preferences for the redevelopment of the District-controlled property located at 1010 North Capitol Street, NW and 33 K Street, NW in the Northwest One neighborhood.
  2. Naomi Mitchell of Councilmember’s Charles Allen’s office announced the following:
     • Security Camera Rebate Program: After July 31, 2016, monies will be available to the entire city.
     • Ward 6 Homeless Shelter: It is back on a SW site on city-owned land at 850 Delaware Avenue, SW.
     • Mount Vernon Triangle’s Annual Meeting will be held tomorrow morning.
     • “Books from Birth”: She asked residents to let her know of any families who may want to participate in the program.
     • “Made in DC” Initiative: DC Councilmember Charles Allen introduced the DC Program Establishment Act to support the promotion of locally created, manufactured, and assembled products and to have the District invest in a “Made in DC” campaign
     • Councilmember Charles Allen will be at Compass Coffee, 1535 7^th Street, NW, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on the first Friday of every month.

• ADJOURNMENT

  MOTION:   There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.