November 2012 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, November 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.; departed at 8:20 p.m.)

Rachelle P. Nigro, Secretary, ANC 2C04

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   Commissioner Padro called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.  Commissioner Nigro called the roll and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

3. III.           RESULTS OF ANC 6E ELECTIONS

   Commissioner Padro announced the following results of the ANC 6E Elections:

1. IV.          PSA 308 REPORT:  METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

   No representative present.

2. V.           HISTORIC DISTRICT EXPANSION:  PRESENTATION ON PROCESS FOR OBTAINING COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD APPROVAL OF PLANS TO EXPAND EXISTING HISTORIC DISTRICTS INTO THE SHAW EAST SURVEY AREA (HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE)
   
   Brendan Meyer, Specialist at Historic Preservation Office, spoke regarding the process for obtaining community support and Historic Preservation Review Board approval of plans to expand historic districts into the Shaw East survey area.  He advised that he is a Specialist in the Permit Center and is also Manager of the Low Income Grant Program.  He advised that his office does not designate districts as historic, but that his office’s role is that of technical assistance.  He noted that Shaw East was surveyed about ten years ago.  He added that to become a historic district starts with the community.  He outlined the following steps in the process:

   1.  The process starts with a Historic District Nominee presenting themselves to his office with the interest of bringing the nomination forward.
   2.  Then his office would revisit that 10-year-old survey and determine whether the application presents a neighborhood with an historic character.
   3.  The process could take 1 – 2 years.
   4.  An historic consultant would then write an historic narrative.
   5.  A key component is that the effort must have real fundamental, broad-based community support; public forums would be held.
   6.  Pros and Cons:  New construction must go through HPRB review; their regulations are not as restrictive as one might think; there are financial incentives to owners to grant an easement into a charitable trust.

   A question and answer period followed.

3. VI.          VERIZON CENTER, 601 F STREET, NW:  UPDATE ON DIGITAL SIGNAGE APPLICATION (MONUMENTAL SPORTS)

   Claude Bailey, attorney for Venable, LLP, representing Monumental Sports, provided an update on the digital signage application at the Verizon Center.  He advised that Monumental Sports is very close to filing the application.  He stated that Monumental Sports is proposing to place six (6) signs on the building:  3 facing 7^th Street and three in the Metro station.  He advised that most of the businesses in the area support the signage.

   Commissioner Padro stated that residents of the Penn Quarter Association and Downtown Neighborhood Association need to be engaged and consulted, as there may be issues with the degree of illumination.  Mr. Bailey responded that these issues will be evaluated.  The ANC has 45 days to provide comments on the application.
   

4. VII.         460-462 RIDGE STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL FOR REVISED CONCEPT FOR ADDITION AND NEW CONSTRUCTION (BLUE SKYE DEVELOPMENT)

   Earle Horten of Blue Skye Development spoke regarding support for Historic Preservation approval for a revised concept for an addition and new construction at 460-462 Ridge Street, NW.  He advised that the request for historic preservation approval had been previously approved by the ANC five to six months ago, but that the Historic Preservation Board did not like the original design.  Architect Patrick Cook of Trout Design stated that a revised proposal has been submitted which brings all new massing to the rear of the property.  A representative from the Metropolitan Community Church stated that the church has a parking easement for two of the parking spaces that will be affected.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C table its support for Historic Preservation approval for the revised concept.  Additionally ANC 2C will advise the Historic Preservation Board staff that it is working with the developer and community and shall further request that the Historic Preservation Board not take any action on this until this matter has been discussed and resolved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

5. VIII.       600 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR EXTENSION OF TIME OF APPROVAL OF MAYOR’S AGENT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDER (GOULD PROPERTY COMPANY)

   Kingdon Gould, III, of Gould Property Company spoke regarding their request for support for an extension of time of approval of Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation Order.  He stated that they are proceeding with drawings, do not have a start date, and have applied for a Public Space Permit.  Gould Property Company is seeing ANC support for streetscape additions (sidewalks, trees, light fixtures, etc.).  They are appearing before the Public Space Committee in December.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the Public Space Application for the streetscape for 600 Massachusetts Avenue, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee of DDOT.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

6. IX.          655 K STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SPACE APPLICATION (ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES)

   Jeff Utz of Goulston & Stoors and Emily Emrick of Shalom Baranes spoke regarding the Association of American Medical Colleges’ request for support for Public Space Application at 655 K Street, NW.  They are proposing to improve the public space that surrounds the property.  There will be retail on the ground

   floor and three levels of below grade parking.  The streetscape they are proposing (paving, landscaping, tree boxes, benches, bike racks) will cover the area from New York Avenue to K Street.  The plans are consistent with DDOT plans.  They will be appearing before the Public Space Committee in December.
   
   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the Public Space Application for 655 K Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee of DDOT.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

7. X.           TOWNHOUSE DC, 700 6^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC SPACE PERMIT FOR OUTDOOR CAFE

   Michael Fonseca and Tina Lavelle spoke regarding Townhouse DC’s request for support for a Public Space Permit for an outdoor café at 700 6^th Street, NW.  It was noted that their original request was for 43 seats, but this had been reduced to 16 seats.  The patio seating area will be 6-1/2 feet wide and 55 feet long.  The restaurant will feature upscale casual dining.  There will be no noise and no music.  The menu will feature local ingredients and local meats.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C support the Public Space Application for Townhouse DC at 700 6^th Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee of DDOT.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

8. XI.          SHAW JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, 925 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR LEASE ON OPEN SPACE IN FRONT OF VACANT SCHOOL (OLD CITY GREEN)

   Frank Asher of Old City Green spoke regarding Old City Green’s request for support for a lease on open space in front of the vacant Shaw Junior High School.  He stated he is working with Seaton Elementary to develop curricula to teach children how food is grown and to learn about mini farming.  A community garden will also be installed for people to grow their on vegetables.  In addition, he requested ANC support to extend the hours at the amphitheater until 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10:00 p.m. on weeknights.  The entire area in front of the school will be fenced.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the proposed lease of space in front of 925 Rhode Island Avenue, NW to Old City Green for temporary use as a garden and education center, that said support be communicated in writing to the Department of General Services, and that music and other activities be supported up until 10:00 p.m.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

9. XII.         MANDALAY CAFÉ, 1501 9^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STIPULATED AND PERMANENT RESTAURANT LIQUOR LICENSES

   Aung Myint of Mandalay Café spoke regarding their request for support for stipulated and permanent restaurant liquor licenses (Class CR).  The seating capacity will be 75-100 and there will be two levels (a dining area and a lounge area).  The anticipated opening date is the second week of January 2013.
   
   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the request for stipulated and permanent restaurant liquor licenses of the Mandalay Café at 1501 9^th Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

10. XIII.       QUEEN OF SHEBA RESTAURANT, 1503 9^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR HOLIDAY HOURS AND SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE TO LIQUOR LICENSE – CHANGE TO TAVERN LICENSE
    
    No representative present.

    [Commissioner Brooks departs the meeting at 8:20 p.m.]

11. XIV.      UPTOWN ETHIOPIAN FUSION CUISINE, 1608 7^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR EXTENDED HOURS OF OPERATION AND HOLIDAY HOURS

    A representative spoke regarding Uptown Ethiopian Fusion Cuisine’s request for ANC support for extended hours of operation and extended holiday hours.  The restaurant will feature live entertainment seven days a week.  Commissioner Padro noted that the applicant has a signed contract to do additional soundproofing to the restaurant.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the application for a change in hours, as well as the application for holiday hours, for the Uptown Ethiopian Fusion Cuisine restaurant at 1608 7^th Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

12. XV.        BISTRO BOHEM, 600 FLORIDA AVENUE, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE – EXPANSION INTO ADJACENT SPACE

    Jarek Mika spoke regarding the request for support for substantial change (expansion into adjacent space) of the Bistro Bohem Restaurant, 600 Florida Avenue, NW.  He noted that the restaurant is currently approved for 65 people.  They are looking to increase the capacity to 73 by expanding into adjacent space.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the application of Bistro Bohem restaurant for expansion into adjacent space and for stipulated and permanent restaurant liquor licenses and that said support be communicated in writing to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

13. XVI.      CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE, 02/10/13:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT PARADE (CHINESE CONSOLIDATED BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION)

    Philip Workman of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and Debi Gasper of The Ad Agency spoke regarding their request for ANC support for street closures to conduct the Chinese New Year Parade on February 10, 2013.  Surrounding churches will be notified and they will be working with DDOT for traffic control and increased monitoring of the firecracker zone.  Commissioner Padro suggested that consideration be given to placing the staging area on the west side of 7^th Street.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C table consideration of the request for support of street closures required to conduct the Chinese New Year Parade on February 10, 2013.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

14. XVII.     JINGLE ALL THE WAY 8K AND KIDS’ DASH, 12/09/12:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT RACE (HABITAT FOR HUMANITY)

    Lee Granados and Kristin Reeves of Pacers Events spoke regarding the request for street closures to conduct the Jingle All the Way 8K and Kids’ Dash on December 9, 2012.  Setup will be done the day before on Freedom Plaza from Noon to 5:00 p.m.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Jingle All the Way 8K and Kids’ Dash on December 9, 2012 and that said support be communicated in writing to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group and to the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

15. XVIII.    ROCK AND ROLL USA MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON, 03/16/13:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT RACE (GREATER WASHINGTON SPORT ALLIANCE)

    Diane Thomas of the Greater Washington Sport Alliance spoke regarding their request for support for street closures to conduct the Rock and Roll USA Marathon and Half Marathon on March 16, 2013.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C take no action on the proposed street closures to conduct the Rock and Roll USA Marathon and Half Marathon on March 16, 2013 and that ANC 2C request that the newly elected ANC 2C take this matter under consideration at its January 2013 meeting.   The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

16. XIX.      CULTURAL DC:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC ART PROJECTS IN MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL LIBRARY LOBBY, MARCH – SEPTEMBER 2013

    Karyn Miller and Cara Pomponio of Cultural DC spoke regarding their request for support for sponsoring public arts projects in the lobby of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.  There will be a series of four public arts projects featuring different artists.  They have submitted a proposal for funding to the DC Commission for the Arts and Humanities and would like a letter of support from ANC 2C.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C provide a letter of support to Cultural DC for their DCCAH application to conduct public art projects in the lobby of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.   The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

17. XX.        OTHER NEW BUSINESS

    None.

18. XXI.      OLD BUSINESS

    None.

19. XXII.     APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 10/03/12 MEETING

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of October 3, 2012 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

20. XXIII.    APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

    Commissioner Chapple reported that there is a total of $37,820.03 in the checking account.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.
    

21. XXIV.   APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

    A.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple 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 November 7, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

    B.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Miller Copying in the amount of $560.00 for the printing of the October/November 2012 newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

    C.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple 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 December 5, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

    D.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Miller Copying in the amount of $560.00 for the printing of the December 2012 newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

    E.  MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in an amount not to exceed $250.00 for annual registration of the website by Go Daddy.com.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.

22. XXV.    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    None.

23. XXVI.   ADJOURNMENT

MOTION:  There being no further business to come before the Commission, it was moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The Motion passed unanimously, 3 – 0 – 0.  The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, December 5, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library