November 2011 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.   Chair Alexander M. Padro presided.

Present:

Alexander M. Padro, Chair, ANC 2C01

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 2C02

Doris L. Brooks, ANC 2C03

Rachelle P. Nigro, Vice Chair & Secretary, ANC 2C04

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.  Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

3. III.           PSA 308 REPORT: LT. JEFFERY CARROLL

   Lt. Jeffery Carroll of Police Service Area 308 reported on crime activity in the area for the period October 3 – November 1, 2011 as follows:

Lt. Carroll reported that there were a total of 43 arrests in the PSA during the reporting period.

He provided a number of handouts to residents on crime prevention and spoke regarding the National Bike Registry and the importance of residents registering their bikes.   Discussion followed regarding bicycle rules and safety.  A question and answer period followed.

1. IV.          WARD 6 COUNCILMEMBER TOMMY WELLS:  REMARKS

   Councilmember Wells opened his remarks by stating that he is in his second term and fifth year on the Council.  Prior to being elected to the Council, he was a member of the DC School Board for six years and an ANC commissioner for six years.  He spoke regarding the redistricting process and reported that ANC 2C will become part of Ward 6 officially on January 1, 2012 and that ANC 2C will keep its name until January 1, 2013, when it will change to ANC 6E.  The current ANC 2C commissioners will serve until then, with elections in November 2012.  He addressed topics of concern to residents in Ward 2 such as resident only parking when events take place at the Washington Convention Center, vacant blighted properties, and under staffing at the Kennedy Recreation Center.  He stated further that he chairs the Libraries, Parks, Recreation and Planning Committee.  He also spoke regarding street lighting.  A question and answer period followed.

2. V.           HOWARD THEATRE STREETSCAPE PROJECT, 1300-1700 BLOCKS OF 7^TH STREET, NW:  UPDATE ON STATUS (OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR FOR PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)

   André Byers, Project Manager, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, introduced Olusegun Olaore, an engineer with DDOT, who provided a PowerPoint presentation on the status of the Howard Theatre Streetscape Project.  He stated the project will be done in three phases.  Phase I will be improvements on “T” Street between 7^th Street and Florida Avenue, with the installation of concrete pavers, relocating/upgrading main water line, installation of high visibility crosswalks, reconstruct/relocate wheelchair ramps to meet ADA guidelines, upgrading drainage systems, designated bike lane, and installation of centralized parking meters.  Ellington Plaza will be reconstructed with concrete pavers, installation of planters and granite benches, and the installation of sculpture.   Phase II will consist of improvements on Wiltberger Street between “T” Street and “S” Street consisting of roadway reconstruction with asphalt pavement, sidewalk reconstruction with concrete/brick, installation of high visibility crosswalk, upgrading streetlights, reconstruct/relocate wheelchair ramps to meet ADA guidelines, installation of drainage system, installation of centralized parking meters.  Phase III will consist of reconstruction of the alley between “S” and “T” Street, reconstruction of the alley between “T” Street and Florida Avenue, and reconstruction of the alley north of “S” Street between Wiltberger Street and the alley.  Contract Award is estimated to be 11/18/2011, with construction estimated to begin 12/1/2011 for Phase I.

   Future improvements on 7^th Street, NW between “N” Street and Florida Avenue include roadway resurfacing, sidewalk reconstruction with asphalt and PCC base, installation of high visibility crosswalks, reconstruct/relocate wheelchair ramps to meet ADA guidelines, upgrading traffic signals and streetlights, upgrading the streetscape and landscape, upgrading drainage structures, and installation of centralized parking meters.

   Commissioner Padro asked whether all the sidewalks will be ADA compliant.  Mr. Olaore responded affirmatively.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C communicate with the Executive Office of the Mayor and DDOT,  request that they budget for the remainder of this project along 7^th, T and N Streets, and urge that the funding be made available expeditiously so that the severe deficiencies along 7^th Street can be addressed as soon as possible.    The Motion passed 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Ms. Brooks).

3. VI.          VERIZON CENTER, 601 F STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR LEGISLATION ALLOWING NEW ELECTRONIC SIGNAGE

   Mr. Randall Boe, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, spoke regarding legislation before the DC City Council to allow Monumental Sports & Entertainment to put electronic signage on the Verizon Center façade.  Mr. Boe noted that, since its completion in 1997, the Verizon Center has served as a springboard for business development in the community and, over the last 13 years, the vicinity has witnessed staggering growth in areas spanning the Office, Market, Retail & Restaurant, Housing, Transportation, and Culture and Entertainment markets.  He stated that, beginning in January 2012, the proposed additional exterior displays on Verizon Center are expected to produce $9 million in new tax revenue as a result of operating income over the next four years.

   Monumental Sports would like to add a total of five (5) new digital displays to the Verizon Center’s exterior façade as follows:

   ►Digital Display #1 on 7^th between G and H Streets, NW;
   ►Digital Display #2 on 7^th between F and G Streets, NW;
   ►Wraparound Digital Display #3 on the corner of 7^th and F Streets, NW;
   ►Digital Display #4 and #5 at Metro escalators;

   The following new static displays would be added:
   ►Two illuminated canvas displays on F Street between 6^th and 7^th Streets, NW;
   ►Two illuminated canvas displays on 6^th Street between F and G Streets, NW;
   
   A question and answer period followed.  Concern was raised about the impact of the illumination on the surrounding residential community.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the proposed legislation to allow additional signage on the Verizon Center’s exterior façade, contingent upon (1) Monumental Sports and Entertainment meeting with the designated organizations most likely to be impacted no later than November 12, 2011 and to provide a written response to any concerns raised by the parties by November 15, 2011; and (2) that ANC 2C communicate with the Chair of the appropriate committee on the DC City Council.

   Discussion followed.
   
   Friendly Amendment:  Commissioner Padro offered a friendly amendment, which was seconded by Commissioner Nigro, in which he added, in the event the meetings and response from Monumental Sports are insufficient to satisfy the concerns of the residential community that is most impacted, that ANC 2C would express its opposition to the DC City Council.  The Motion passed 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Ms. Nigro).

4. VII.         430 M STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR APPLICATION BEFORE HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD (CONGRESSIONAL CAPITAL)

   MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that this matter be tabled until the December 2011 ANC 2C Public Meeting.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

5. VIII.       509 Q STREET, NW:  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PROPOSED PLANS AND RESPONSE FROM ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNER (RAYMUNDO MADRID)

   The ANC 2C had previously endorsed Mr. Madrid’s request for support for a special exception to allow construction of an addition at 509 Q Street, NW and the waiver of the side yard requirement.  This is currently being reviewed by the BZA.  Subsequently, Ms. Catherine Moore, a property owner of an adjacent property, expressed concern over Mr. Madrid’s plans to add an addition to his property.  Ms. Moore asked that ANC 2C support her request that: (1) the rear building be moved back a few feet; (2) the walkway not be raised; and (3) the roof of walkway be made of a transparent material.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the application and plans currently being reviewed by the BZA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

6. IX.          1537 7^th STREET, NW:  PRESENTATION RE: PROPOSED MEDICINAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

   Johnnie Scott Rice, representing a potential applicant for approval by the DC Department of Health for a Medical Marijuana Dispensary to be located on the 1500 block of 7^th Street, NW, made brief remarks. This matter was tabled until after the deadline for submission of applications to DOH.

7. X.           RESIDENTS ONLY PARKING:  APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR DDOT TO ESTABLISH RESIDENTS ONLY PARKING ON BLOCKS WHERE RESIDENTS REQUEST IT

   Commissioner Padro spoke regarding “Residents Only” parking and advised that residents desiring to have one side of their streets restricted to “Residents Only” parking needed to have a petition signed by their neighbors.
   
   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the designation of “Residents Only” parking areas throughout the portion or jurisdiction that would be transferred to Ward 6 and that necessary signatures and petitions be signed within 30 days so that DDOT can implement this measure by February 2012.   The Motion passed 3 yeas – 1 nay (Ms. Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

8. XI.          JINGLE ALL THE WAY 8K, DECEMBER 11, 2011:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES (WASHINGTON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY)

   Ms. Lesley Green, Race Director, spoke on behalf of the Capital Running Company for support for street closures to conduct the Jingle All the Way 8K race on Saturday, December 11, 2011 to benefit Washington Habitat for Humanity.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Jingle All the Way 8K race on December 11, 2011, upon confirmation from the General Manager of the Marriott Hotel that the hotel’s concerns about early morning noise have been addressed, 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.

9. XII.         ST. PATRICK’S DAY 8K, MARCH 11, 2012:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES (SPECIAL OLYMPICS DC AND BACK ON MY FEET)

   Ms. Lesley Green, Race Director, spoke on behalf of the Capital Running Company for support for street closures to conduct the St. Patrick’s Day 8K race on Sunday, March 11, 2012 to benefit the Special Olympics DC and Back on My Feet.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the St. Patrick’s Day 8K race on March 11, 2012, upon confirmation from the General Manager of the Marriott Hotel that the hotel’s concerns about early morning noise have been addressed, 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.

10. XIII.       COMMEMORATIVE NAMING OF ALLEYS:  CONSIDERATION OF COMMISSION POLICY ON REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT

    Commissioner Nigro researched this matter and reported that only persons of major prominence and endorsed by the DC City Council can have alleys named after them.

    Accordingly, ANC 2C did not recommend any action or policy on the earlier request of Ms. Norville for consideration of a commemorative naming of an alley in her grandson’s name.

11. XIV.      ANC 2C GRANTS POLICY AND FORM:  CONSIDERATION OF REVISED POLICY AND FORM

    The Commissioners reviewed a revised Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C Grant Application prepared by Commissioner Padro.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C approve the Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C Grant Application so that non-profits can begin to apply for grants effective January 1, 2012.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

12. XV.        OTHER NEW BUSINESS

    A.  Commissioner Brooks confirmed that her preferred email address had changed and that all future emails should be directed to her grandson at:  mitchbrooks@gmail.com.

    B.  Committee Assignments:  Commissioner Nigro advised that the Communications Committee is active.  She asked whether the Commission was going to move forward with the other committees.  Commissioner Padro advised that the Commission will meet in Executive Session at a later date to assign responsibility for committees moving forward.

13. XVI.      OLD BUSINESS

    A.  1547 7^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR REMOVAL OF BLIGHTED STATUS (WARRENTON GROUP)

    Commissioner Nigro asked about the status of the proposed meeting to which  ANC 2C had been invited to participate with DCRA Director Nicholas Majett and Warren Williams, owner of the property at 1547 7^th Street, NW.

    Commissioner Padro responded that no meeting has been scheduled yet.

    B.  Shaw Tavern Liquor License:  It was reported that Shaw Tavern’s application for an ABC license was not approved.

14. XVII.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 10/05/11 MEETING

    MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of October 5, 2011 be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

15. XVIII.    APPROVAL OF FY2012 ANC 2C BUDGET

    MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the following FY 2012 ANC 2C Budget be approved:

The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

1. XIX.      APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT
   
   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the FY 2011 4^th Quarter Report be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

2. XX.        APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

   A.  MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice in the amount of $125.00 for Minutes of the November 2, 2011 ANC 2C Public Meeting submitted by Karen L. Loveridge, Recording Secretary, be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

   B.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice in the amount of $175.00 from Miller Copying for printing the June/July ANC 2C Newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Brooks) – 0 abstentions.

   C.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoices in the amounts of $197.40 and $199.97 from Fed Ex Office for the printing of the October/November ANC 2C Newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

3. XXI.      ANNOUNCEMENTS

   A.  The City Market at 0 Street project is moving forward.   Mayor Vincent Gray will knock the first hole in the building at 1:30 p.m. on November 15, 2011.
   
   B.  There will be a DC Council hearing on November 16, 2011 regarding the naming of the Kennedy Recreation Center’s Lillian Gordon Water Play Area.

   C.  Next ANC 2C Meeting:  Commissioner Chapple advised that he will not be available for the December 7, 2011 Public Meeting.   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the December 7, 2011 ANC 2C Public Meeting be rescheduled to Wednesday, December 14, 2011.  The Motion passed 3 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Nigro) – 0 abstentions.

4. XXII.     ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:  There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved, seconded and carried that the meeting be adjourned.  The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library