March 2012 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, March 7, 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 6:45 p.m.)

Rachelle P. Nigro, Secretary, ANC 2C04

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

   Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.  Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDAMOTION:

   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 

   Sgt. Linda Wingate (soon to be Lieutenant Wingate) of Police Service Area 308 reported on crime activity in the area for the period February 1 – March 7, 2012 as follows:

She reported that there has been a decrease in the number of robberies as a result of direct patrols on the Day, Evening, and Midnight shifts of MPD.  She added that thefts from autos are up, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.

A question and answer period followed.  Residents reported a number of areas to Sgt. Wingate that needed additional attention.

1. IV.          KENNEDY RECREATION CENTER:  DISCUSSION OF SECURITY, STAFFING AND MAINTENANCE CONCERNS (DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION)Assistant Chief of Police Diane Groomes, T. J. Farmer, Site Manager at Kennedy Recreation Center, and Gail Ward, Ward 2 Manager of Department of Parks and Recreation attended the meeting to discuss security, staffing and maintenance concerns at the Kennedy Recreation Center.

   Commissioner Padro addressed the following concerns of ANC 2C:

   (1) Non-existent exterior lighting, making it an unsafe environment.  Status:  DPR responded that it had added additional lighting in the back of the building, but that additional floodlights are still needed.

   (2)  Insufficient staff to monitor anyone entering from multiple entrances.  Status:  DPR responded that there are no staff at the rear door right now, but DPR will reach out to the Director to address this.  One possible solution may be to close the rear door all together and only use the front entrance.

   After DPR advised that two of their staff were being transferred to other locations, leaving them with only four (4) staff remaining, Commissioner Padro asked how they were going to manage with only four people.  DPR responded that Kennedy Recreation Center is the only center in the city that had six (6) staff assigned to it.

   (3) Insufficient staff to monitor multiple spaces in the building leading to a chaotic atmosphere.  Status:  DPR responded that it can make the children participate in the programs, but it would like the Kennedy community to come into the facility in order to have an additional adult presence and to utilize a proactive approach.

   (4)  Additional security cameras are needed.

   (5) Installation of alarmed emergency exit push bars on the doors.

   Commissioner Padro added that the architect, Sorg and Associates, has offered to redesign the entrance of the building.  Other suggestions were to relocate the front desk and add turnstiles and metal detectors.  Assistant Police Chief Groomes responded that MPD will take the architect’s suggestions regarding security under consideration.  She also noted that MPD already gives their attention to ten to fifteen centers in the city.

   Residents stated that more of a police presence was needed inside Kennedy Recreation Center.

   Commissioner Nigro asked whether IDs were checked when persons entered the building.  DPR responded that there was no protocol to check IDs, only a requirement to sign in at the front desk.

   There was general agreement that all the stakeholders need to come together and form a strategy.  A resident suggested that DPR partner with local universities for staffing assistance.

   Commissioner Padro stated that the Commission will be monitoring activities at Kennedy Recreation Center very closely.

2. V.           CARTER G. WOODSON HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, 1538-42 9^TH STREET, NW:  PRESENTATION ON PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SITE (NATIONAL PARK SERVICE) 

   Dr. Joy Kinard, Director of the Carter G. Woodson Home, provided a brief biography of herself.  She is a native Washingtonian.  She received her B.S. degree from Livingstone College and her Master’s and Ph.D. in history from Howard University.  She has been with the National Park Service since 1994.  She noted that the home is in severe decay.  Bracing will be put up.  She is submitting the paperwork for funding to get the home restored.  It was appraised at $6.7 million.  She stated that there is no guarantee that they will get the funding.  So far, the following work has been done:  (1) rodent removal; (2) lead abatement; and (3) graffiti removal.  If the funds are granted, the restoration of the home will be completed by 2016.  The earthquake damage will be repaired first and then the restoration will be done in two phases.  A copy of the General Management Plan was provided as a handout.  The deadline for residents to comment on the General Management Plan is March 13, 2012.  More information can be found at:  www.nps.gov\cawo.  Commissioner Brooks urged that Shaw neighborhood jobless youth be hired during the restoration process.

• VI.          INTRODUCTION OF WARD 6 PLANNERS FROM OFFICE OF PLANNING AND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

  Ward 6 Liaisons Chris Fitzgerald and Brittney Wright of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement (ONE) introduced themselves and provided the following contact information:  Christopher.Fitzgerald@dc.gov, cell:  202-538-1241; Brittney.Wright@dc.gov, cell:  202-664-7512.  Ward Liaisons work directly with the community to identify, address, and permanently solve persistent problems in every ward of the District

Melissa Bird, Ward 6 Planning Coordinator-Neighborhood Planning, of the District of Columbia Office of Planning introduced herself and provided her contact information:  202-478-1323, email:  Melissa.Bird@dc.gov.

The other invited DDOT Ward 6 Planner, James T. Henry, was a no show.

• VII.         HOWARD THEATRE AREA RESIDENTIAL PARKING PROPOSAL:  OPTIONS FOR IMPROVING AVAILABILITY OF PARKING FOR RESIDENTS DURING HOWARD THEATRE EVENTS 

  Before introducing the speakers, Commissioner Padro advised that a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newly-renovated Howard Theatre will be held on April 9, 2012 from Noon to 3:00 p.m.  There will be a Grand Opening Gala & Benefit Concert on April 12, 2012, and performances will start on April 13, 2012.

Gretchen Wharton and Berin Szoka were invited to present options for improving availability of parking for residents during Howard Theatre events.  Their proposal involves creating a sub zone for Zone 6 and Zone 1.  Parking on one side of the street would be for residents only, there would be a 24/7 parking restriction and guest parking passes.  Other options include changing the existing signs and issuing stickers to residents who live there.

It was noted that ANC 2C had previously approved petitions for residents parking on one side of the street for each block.  Commissioner Padro advised that the Commission is working with Councilmember Phil Mendelson on a pledge to help Ward 2 keep their Ward 2 permits.  Commissioner Chapple voiced his support of the parking plan north of Rhode Island Avenue, south of Florida Avenue and east of 7^th Street.  Residents present were very supportive of the plan.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C endorse the proposed Howard Theatre sub zone parking plan that was presented this evening with maps and additional discussion and encourage DDOT, DPW and, if necessary, the Council of the District of Columbia to take all necessary steps to enact this parking plan as quickly as possible to have measures in place by April 9, 2012.   The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• VIII.       VOTING AREA FOR PRECINCT #21:  REQUEST FOR COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION ON RELOCATION OF PRECINCT LOCATION FROM VERMONT AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH TO WATHA T. DANIEL/SHAW LIBRARY (BOARD OF ELECTIONS & ETHICS)MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C advise the Board of Elections and Ethics that it has no objection to the relocation of  the Precinct Location from Vermont Avenue Baptist Church to Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, effective April 3, 2012.   The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

   

• IX.          BISTRO BOHEM, 1840 6^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SPACE PERMIT FOR OUTDOOR SEATING 

  Jared Mika spoke regarding the Bistro Bohem Restaurant’s request for support for a Public Space Permit for Outdoor Seating for 19 spaces.

MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support Bistro Bohem’s application for a Public Space Permit for 19 spaces and that said support be communicated in writing to the Director of the District Department of Transportation and the Public Space Committee.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• X.           NEW YORK AVENUE BEACH BAR, 641 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STIPULATED AND PERMANENT ABC LICENSES AND APPROVAL OF VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT 

  Tom Brown spoke in support of a Beach Bar to be located in a parking lot on New York Avenue.  70 tons of sand will be brought in.  He is working with U Street Parking and a company to provide security with MPD.  Outdoor entertainment will consist of a DJ and/or an acoustic band.  The beach bar will be open from May 15^th to October 31^st.

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the request of the New York Avenue Beach Bar for  stipulated and permanent ABC licenses and approval of a Voluntary Agreement and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XI.          GOOD LIBATIONS, 1201 5^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR SINGLE SALES BAN EXEMPTION 

  Ronald Green spoke regarding the request of Good Libations for support of a single sales ban exemption.  He noted that the exemption needs to be renewed annually.

MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the request of Good Libations for a Single Sales Ban Exemption, that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration, and that all single sales ban exemptions have one-year terms to be renewed annually.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XII.         STOP THE SILENCE 8K, APRIL 29, 2012:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES (STOP CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE)MOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Stop the Silence 8K race on April 29, 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, 4 – 0 – 0.
  

• XIII.       BIKE DC, MAY 13, 2012:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES (DC COMMUNITY CYCLING)MOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct Bike DC on May 13, 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, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XIV.      ROCK AND ROLL MARATHON, MARCH 17, 2012:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES (GREATER WASHINGTON SPORTS ALLIANCE)MOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Rock and Roll Marathon on March 17, 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, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XV.        WALK MS 2012, APRIL 21, 2012:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES (NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY, NATIONAL CAPITAL CHAPTER)MOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Walk MS race on April 21, 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, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XVI.      MAYORS’ MEETING WITH ANC CHAIRS, FEBRUARY 13, 2012:  HIGHLIGHTS OF MEETING (CHAIR PADRO) 

  Commissioner Padro reported that on February 13, 2012, Mayor Gray held a meeting with the ANC Chairs.  Several presentations were made, one of which was on the City Budget that was very simple to understand.  In addition there were several speakers and ANC Chairs were invited to make comments.  Many of the concerns related to DOES and it is the intention to have a future Chairs meeting on this.  DDOT issues were raised in the neighborhood.  He noted this was a good opportunity to be able to interact with the Chairs from around the city and he thinks there will be additional positive moves that will benefit the community.  Commissioner Padro will advise the Mayor of any specific issues that ANC 2C wishes to present.

• XVII.     OTHER NEW BUSINESS 

  None.

• XVIII.    OLD BUSINESS 

  None.

• XIX.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 2/1/12 MEETINGMOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of February 1, 2012 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

• XX.        APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT 

  Approval of the Treasurer’s Report was deferred until the April 4, 2012 Public Meeting.

• XXI.      APPROVAL OF EXPENSESA.  MOTION:

  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen L. Loveridge, Recording Secretary, in the amount of $125.00 for Minutes of the February 17, 2012 Single District Meeting to Consider Medical Marijuana Dispensary Applications and the invoice submitted by Ms. Loveridge in the amount of $125.00 for Minutes of the March 7, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

B.  MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the invoice in the amount of $580.00 from Miller Copying for printing of the February/March 2012 ANC 2C Newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

• XXII.     ANNOUNCEMENTS 

  Commissioner Padro announced that the Shaw Main Streets 2012 Annual Meeting will be held at Bread for the City on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• XXIII.    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 8:54 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, April 4, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library