May 2016 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E

Public Meeting

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Present:

Marge Maceda, Chair, ANC 6E05

Alexander M. Padro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E01 (arrived at 6:07 p.m.)

Antonio D. Barnes, Secretary, ANC 6E06

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

Rachelle P. Nigro, ANC 6E04

Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03 (arrived at 6:13 p.m.)

Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07 (arrived at 6:38 p.m.)

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   The meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that the Agenda be approved as amended. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Barnes, Maceda, and Chapple) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  [Commissioners Padro, Wiggins, and Judd had not yet arrived.]

• APPROVAL OF MINUTES

  MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of March 1, 2016 and the ANC 6E Public Meeting of April 5, 2016 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Barnes, Maceda and Chapple) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  [Commissioners Padro, Wiggins, and Judd had not yet arrived].

1. PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT 1D AND 3D

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Commander Stuart Emerman of 3D (PSA 308) – stated that for 30 days this year versus 30 days the previous month, there has been a 75% reduction in Violent Crime, a 19% reduction in Property Crime, and an overall reduction of 25%.  For the 30 previous days to the 30 the year before, there has been a 67% reduction in Violent Crime, a 12% reduction in Property Crime; Calendar YTD 2016 vs. 2015 is showing a12% in Violent Crime and 4% reduction in Property Crime and a 5% reduction in overall crime.

Lt. Deborah Pearce of 3D (PSA 308) – reported that the PSA 308 Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. and will start from the Kennedy Recreation Center.

Officer F. J. Martello of 1D (PSA 103) – reported on crime for the last 30 days.  Robberies were up from 4 to 5, Assaults with a Deadly Weapon were down from 5 to 2; and there were 2 homicides.

Lt. Verna of 5D – Commissioner Nigro introduced Lt. Verna who has been newly assigned to 5D.  She asked Lt. Verna about someone being held up at gunpoint in front of Dunbar High School.  Lt. Verna stated the case is still being investigated.  Commissioner Nigro stated 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. 

1. board of elections statement

   Gavin Wise of the DC Board of Elections spoke regarding the DC Primary Election on June 14, 2016 and provided the following information:

   May 16, 2016: The last date to change one’s party affiliation; also the last date registration application can be accepted if sent by mail;
   May 27, 2016:  Deadline to register and update registration information on-line; individuals wishing to register after May 27, 2016 may do so in person during Early Voting or on Election Day or at the polling place that serves their residence address;
   May 31-June 11, 2016:  Early voting takes place at Judiciary Square;
   June 4-11, 2016:  Ward 6 early voting at Sherwood Recreation Center, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
   June 7, 2016:  Deadline to request an absentee ballot;
   June 14, 2016 by 8:00 p.m.:  Deadline for absentee ballots to arrive to be counted.

   Changes:  (1) no out of precinct voting for convenience; one must vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day; if one has moved and has not updated their address, the person must go the polling location serving their old address; (2) at polling stations, registered voters will get a blank paper ballot; after voting electronically, the individual inserts the blank paper ballot into the machine and their selections are printed on the paper; thereafter, the printed paper will be inserted into the ballot box.

   A question and answer period followed.

2. OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

   Kevin Donahue, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice, and Matt Brown, Project Director spoke and provided an overview of the FY 2017 Proposed Budget, a portion of which will be devoted to the following:

   • Providing an additional $2.5 million to hire and train 30 additional 911 call takers.
   • Utilizing $12 million for third-party ambulance providers to improve emergency response, and adding time for first responder training;
   • Investing $8 million to ensure shore up of the District DNA Crime Lab, which will ensure timely and accurate readings for law enforcement, legal teams, and families.
   • Providing $2.5 million for the Experienced Officer Training Program that will add 60 additional sworn officers on the street in less than half the training time.
   • Providing $3.5 million for crime fighting technology.
   • Additional body-worn cameras.
   • Truancy program funding.
   • Investment in summer youth employment programs.
   • Investment in career connections.
   • Investment in placing social workers in emergency rooms.

A question and answer period followed.

• MEET YOUR COUNCILMEMBER – CHARLES ALLEN

  Councilmember Charles Allen stated he is finishing up his first year on the City Council and reported the following:

  1) “Books from Birth,” his first initiative, was formed to close the achievement gap.  One book per month is mailed to children ages 0 to 5.  They are partnering with the DC Public Library.  Low income families and low literacy areas are being targeted.

  2)  Public Safety:  He attended 20 different safety meetings.  Millions of dollars were added to the MPD budget.  He initiated the Camera Rebate Program.  On July 31, 2016, the program will open up city wide;

  3) Budget:   The Council will start voting on the budget on May 17, 2016.

  4)  Legislation: Looking at increasing the minimum wage and paid family leave.

  5)  Parks:  Added one extra person at the Kennedy Recreation Center. 

  A question and answer period followed.  Commissioner Maceda raised the issue that there are no parks in Mount Vernon Triangle and that a crosswalk is needed on K Street between 4^th & 5^th  Commissioner Padro asked about the status of Shaw Middle School.  Councilmember Allen responded that this will have to be wait until the beginning of the new fiscal year, October 1^st, but the DCPS will be conducting a study.

• zoning – GONZAGA college high school LIGHTING PROJECT

  Phil Feola spoke regarding the applicant’s request for special exception and variance relief in order to construct four (4) approximately 90 foot tall monopoles, each with a light array, serving the existing athletic field on the campus of Gonzaga College High School. The applicant is also requesting to increase the limit on faculty and staff at the campus to 125 from the current limit of 120.

  Commissioner Maceda requested confirmation from the applicant that the lights will be turned off by 10:00 p.m. and that a confirmation is needed from the property owners at 77 H Street, NW that they do not have an objection. 

  MOTION: Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that ANC 6E support the applicant’s BZA Application for Variance/Special Exception in order to construct four (4) approximately 90 foot tall monopoles, each with a light array, serving the athletic field on the campus of Gonzaga College High School, provided that the lights are turned off by 10:00 p.m. and confirmation of no objection from the owners at 77 H Street, NW.  Further, that the limit on faculty and staff at the campus be increased from the current limit of 120 to 125, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).   The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

1. PUBLIC SPACE APPLICATION – KINSHIP RESTAURANT, 1015 7^th street, nw – VALET PARKING

   Commissioner Nigro spoke in support of the applicant.

   MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the public space application for valet parking of Kinship Restaurant, 1015 7^th Street, NW, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

2. PUBLIC SPACE APPLICATION – EAST SIDE OF 655 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW – DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT

   Drew Turner of Douglas Development spoke in support of their request for new improvements to the East side of 655 New York Avenue, NW. ANC 6E previously approved improvements to the West side of New York Avenue.  The improvements to the east side are:  no additional curb cuts, the paving pattern will be the same, three (3) new street lights, trees and planters, nine additional bike racks along New York Avenue, 6^th Street, and L Street, and one (1) additional PEPCO vault along L Street.

   MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the public space application for planned new improvements on the east side of 655 New York Avenue, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).  The Motion passed unanimously, 7 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

   [Commissioner Maceda leaves the meeting at 7:40 p.m.]

3. memorial call box – 1330 7^th streEt, nw

   MOTION: Commissioner Wiggins moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the public space permit of the DC Fire Department to install a call box at 1330 7^th Street, NW on Friday, May 6, 2016 in memory of fire fighter, Lt. Kevin McRae who perished fighting a blaze in Shaw one year ago on May 6th.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• ZONING: 1612-1616 7^TH STREET, NW

  Matt Stevenson of PGN Architects stated they are seeking 4% relief for the 2^nd floor lot occupancy and are working with HPRB regarding the setback.  They are also seeking rear yard relief and parking relief.  Commissioner Padro stated an agreement between the Central Shaw Neighborhood Association and Mr. Brodsky of 1612 Seventh Street NW LP has been reached.

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the BZA Application for Variance/Special Exception of 1612 Seventh Street NW LP for lot occupancy, rear yard relief and parking relief as well as support the HPRB case for this location and that said support be communicated in writing to Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) and the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• HISTORIC: 1336 8^TH STREET, NW – roadside DEVELOPMENT

  Richard Lake of Roadside Development stated they will be developing the vacant lot at 1336 8^th Street, NW.  They are working with HPRB and the City.  They have filed with HPRB and met with the ANC Committee last week.  They are hoping for a June 2^nd hearing with HPRB.  They are looking for a waiver for PUD – 6.3 FAR and 90.5’ over height.  Cameras will be installed.  Commissioner Padro stated that the ANC Development & Zoning Committee met last week and supported the application.

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the BZA Application for Variance/Special Exception of 1612 Seventh Street NW LP for lot occupancy, rear yard relief and parking relief as well as support the HPRB case for this location and that said support be communicated in writing to Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) and the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions

• ABRA: alta strada, 465 k street, nw

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E protest the renewal of the liquor license renewal application of Alta Strada, 465 K Street, NW on the basis of peace, order, and quiet, issues of trash and noise, and lack of a settlement agreement and that said protest be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, and Judd) – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

1. abra: queen of sheba ethiopian restaurant and bar, 1503 9^th street, nw

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E protest the renewal of the liquor license renewal application of Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar, 1503 9^th Street, NW, on the basis of peace, order, and quiet and that said protest be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Nigro, Wiggins, Barnes, Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• ABRA: YARD & TOAST, 1541-43 7^TH STREET, NW

  Rosemarie Salguero stated Yard & Toast is seeking a Retailer Class C Tavern License.  Commissioner Chapple stated he met with the proprietor and wants to get the community more involved about the proprietor’s plans (Yard & Toast is seeking a rooftop deck with 66 people and Commissioner Chapple would like to have an opportunity to reach out to the neighbors and have a meeting).  Commissioner Padro stated the ANC Alcoholic Beverage and Licensing Committee met and protested the application based on their hours of operation on the roof and types of entertainment being offered. 

  MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E protest the ABRA liquor license application of Yard & Toast, 1541-1543 7^th Street, NW on the basis of peace, order, and quiet and that said protest be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Wiggins, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• WMATA ANNOUNCEMENT – METROBUS DETOUR

  Ann Chisholm, WMATA Government Relations Office, reported on the DC Water long-term project that will close 3^rd Street NW between Rhode Island Avenue, NW and Florida Avenue, NW in mid-May 2016 and which will necessitate a Metrobus detour. A handout was provided.  Metrobus Route G2 buses will use the Phase 1 detour for several weeks until June 26, 2016.  Phase 2 will be implemented with smaller buses that can make a more direct routing feasible.  Additional peak period trips will be added to prevent overcrowding.

• consensus vote – abra renewals

  MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the ABRA liquor license renewal applications of: Starbucks (815 O Street, NW), Beau Thai (1550 7^th Street, NW), Convivial (801 O Street, NW), Cambria Suites (899 O Street, NW), L’Hommage (450 K Street, NW), Alba Osteria (421 I Street, NW), Texas de Brazil (455 Massachusetts Avenue, NW), Kinship (1015 7^th Street, NW), and Silo (917-919 5^th Street, NW) and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.
  The Motion passed, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Nigro, Chapple, Judd, and Barnes) – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Wiggins).

• DMPED – PARCEL 42

  Commissioner Padro reported that the ANC 6E Zoning & Planning Committee met on April 28, 2016 to hear proposals submitted by developers.  The Committee recommended that ANC 6E endorse the Parcel 42 Partners Proposal submitted by Ditto/Group 360 Real Estate Advisors/Irving Development.  The proposals strengths were:  architectural excellence, vibrant streetscapes, large amount of retail space, potential hardware store tenant, larger unit sizes for families, and range of income levels accommodated.  Inclusion of a large restaurant as a retail tenant was seen as a negative.

  The Committee ranked the other proposals as follows:

  2)  Donohoe/Spectrum Management/Torti Gallas Urban/Borger Management:  Strengths were identified as LEED Gold, number of three bedroom apartments, pocket park, and size of retail.  Weaknesses were the tot lot being seen as dangerous due to the busy nature of Rhode Island Avenue, NW and being too limited in age range served, uninspiring architecture, and lack of a retail plan.

  3)  Menkiti Group/Veterans on the Rise/Vindara & Co.:  Strengths were the proposed art park, inclusion of for sale units (condos), creation of jobs for veterans, and apparently larger parking spaces.  Negatives were that the retail space as too small due to the need for two residential lobbies, that the plans for the art park were too vague, and that the retail plan was too ill-defined and restaurant-centric.

  4)  Fortis/R2L Architects/Kettler:  Strengths were good retail plan (non-restaurant), good architectural design, LEED Gold, strong streetscape and landscaping, and rooftop garden.  Major negative was too many micro units, and that fewer units would be better, with some larger units for families.

  5)  Lincoln Westmoreland Housing did not present to the Committee, so their proposal was ranked last.

  Commissioner Padro called upon the developers in the following order to highlight their proposals:  1) Menkiti Group; 2) Lincoln Westmoreland; 3) Fortis; 4) Donohoe; 5) Ditto.

  Following their presentations, Commissioner Padro asked the commissioners to rank their preferences of all five (5) developers.  Their preferences follow:

1^st Place:        Ditto
2^nd Place:       Donohoe
3^rd Place:       Menkiti
4^th Place:       Lincoln
5^th Place:       Fortis

MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that ANC 6E recommends that DMPED issue the development rights to Parcel 42 to Ditto/Group 360 Real Estate Advisors/Irving Development and that said recommendation be communicated in writing to DMPED as well as ANC 6E’s rankings of the other proposals as part of its recommendation.   The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, Barnes, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

347. treasurer’s report

     Commissioner Chapple reported that as of April 1, 2016, the balance in the checking account was $58,347.09.

     MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be accepted.   The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Barnes, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• approval of expenses
  125. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Jehle in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E May 3, 2016 Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Barnes, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

  126. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $497.00 for printing costs of the May 2016 Newsletter. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Barnes, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
• OLD BUSINESS

• new business

• ANNOUNCEMENTS

  Commissioner Nigro announced that the new Homewood Suites at 465 Rhode Island Avenue, NW will be opening next week with a formal ribbon cutting in June.

• next meeting – Tuesday, June 7, 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 2, 2016).
• 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, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Barnes, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.