October 2012 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C

Public Meeting

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2C convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, October 3, 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

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 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.           PSA 308 REPORT:  METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

   Lt. Derek Larsen, newly assigned to Police Service Area 308, reported on crime activity in the area for the period September 1-30, 2012 as follows:

He cautioned residents to be vigilant, keep their lights on, and to get to know their neighbors.

The Commissioners pointed out the following areas where more police presence is needed:  (1) Kennedy Recreation Center – it has been a struggle to curtail gang activity; officers should stop by there on their foot beats; (2) there is loitering on the 1500 block of 7^th Street, NW; (3) officers need to patrol the alleys, particularly the north side of Ridge Street.

A question and answer period followed.

1. IV.          ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRESENTATION:  COUNCILMEMBER MICHAEL A. BROWN
   
   Councilmember Michael A. Brown, Chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Housing, spoke and noted the following:

   ►there are 1,100 new residents coning into the city every month and this is putting a strain on affordable housing;
   ►he wants to make certain that residents do not get displaced;
   ►the Area Median Income (AMI) should be $60,000 when, in fact, it is $112,000 per year; he is introducing a bill changing the calculation of AMI; the bill would address the discrepancy associated with using the Area Median Income (AMI) as the basis of DC’s affordable housing parameters.
   ►he is focusing on affordable housing; he cited that the Mayor has one of the best housing teams in the country;
   ►he sits on the Committee on Finance and Revenue;
   ►there are a lot of residents on welfare – 40% of children living under the poverty line;
   ►Contact info:  mbrown@dccouncil.us; telephone:  202-724-8105

   Commissioner Padro urged Councilmember Brown to restore the funding for the new Shaw Middle School.

2. V.           ONE CITY AGENDA:  PRESENTATION BY MAYOR’S CHIEF OF STAFF CHRIS MURPHY AND DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF SHEILA BUNN

   Chris Murphy, Mayor Gray’s Chief of Staff, and Sheila Bunn, Deputy Chief of Staff, spoke regarding Mayor Gray’s “One City Action Plan.”  The plan has three goals:  (1) Grow and Diversify the District economy; (2) Educate and Prepare the Workforce for the New Economy; and (3) Improve the Quality of Life for All.

   The following strategies under each goal were touched upon during the PowerPoint presentation:

   Goal 1:  Grow and Diversify the District’s Economy
   Strategy 1:  Grow Existing Sectors
   Strategy 2:  Attract, Nurture and Grow New Innovative Sectors
   Strategy 3:  Promote Opportunities in Neighborhoods
   Strategy 4:  Invest in a Sustainable D.C.

   Goal 2:  Educate and Prepare the Workforce for the New Economy
   Strategy 1:  Ensure Greater Early Success for All Infants and                                                            Toddlers
   Strategy 2:  Educate our Youth for the Economy of Tomorrow
   Strategy 3:  Align Residents’ Job Skills with Our Growing Economy                                                             to Lower Unemployment

   Goal 3:  Improve the Quality of Life for All
   Strategy 1:  Ensure that Every Neighborhood is Safe
   Strategy 2:  Ensure Residents Have Access to Quality Health Care
   Strategy 3:  Ensure Residents With Disabilities Have Access to                                            Services
   Strategy 4:  Ensure Residents Have Access to Healthy Foods and                                       Quality Recreation
   Strategy 5:  Expand Affordable Housing
   Strategy 6:  Ensure That The District Becomes the Greenest City in                                     the Nation
   Strategy 7:  Expand Access to a Variety of Transportation Options
   Strategy 8:  Strengthen Government Accountability

   A question and answer period followed.

3. VI.          PRESENTATION BY ERIC RILEY, MANAGER, WATHA T. DANIEL/SHAW NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY

   Eric Riley spoke regarding the following upcoming activities at the Watha D. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library:

   A.  October 15 – Philosophy Café
   B.  October 17 – DC Music Salon
   C.  October 18 – Scary Story Contest for Children and Teens
   D.  October 22 – History Book Club – black patriots and loyalists
   E.  ESL – every Monday evening and Tuesday and Thursday mornings
   F.  November 3 – Shaw Reading Club:  Works of Nobel Laureates
   G.  Dance classes for children – Recital – December 19, 2012
   H. Soliciting feedback on the library’s performance at www.grade.dc.gov

4. VII.         801 7^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR WALGREEN’S TAKE CARE CLINIC (WALGREEN’S)

   Attorney Clifford Barnes of Epstein, Becker & Green, P.C. and Patricia Jacob, MSN, FNP-C of Take Care Health Services spoke regarding their request for support for a Certificate of Need for a new Walgreen’s Take Care Clinic at the corner of 7^th and H Streets, NW.  They cited the growing need for Primary Care Services in the downtown DC area.  They stated that there was a 46% increase in residents from 38,000 in 2000 to 56,000 in 2010, with 65,000 residents projected by 2015.  It was also noted that retail health clinics are recognized as being able to fulfill unmet healthcare needs and provide an alternative to emergency room another more costly care settings for non-emergent care.  The average cost of a visit is $89.00.  The Clinic will be staffed with Nurse Practitioners and be open 7 days a week – with evening, weekend, and holiday hours.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C provide a Letter of Support for the Certificate of Need for a new Walgreen’s Take Care Clinic at the corner of 7^th and H Streets, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the State Healthcare Planning and Development Agency.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

5. VIII.       901 G STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ALTERATION OF HISTORIC INTERIOR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL LIBRARY (DC PUBLIC LIBRARY)

   Jeff Bonvechio, Director of Capital Construction of the DC Public Library, and Caitlin Buckley, Historic Preservation Specialist Project Manager for Traceries, Inc. spoke regarding their request for support for alteration of historic interior of Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.  The first floor renovations will result in a more open facility and will include state-of the-art computer, electrical and mechanical equipment.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the proposed plans for alternations to the historic interior (first floor) of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

6. IX.          1126 5^TH STREET, NW:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL FOR REAR ADDITION

   Michael Lee Beidler of Trout Design spoke in support for historic preservation approval for a rear addition at 1126 5^th Street, NW which will create a 4 unit condominium (one condominium unit per floor) with two (2) parking spaces on site in the rear in the existing building on this property.  The four (4) new units will occupy the existing building footprint and is designed as a “by right” project, meaning no zoning relief requests or variations are being sought.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the proposed design plans for a rear addition at 1126 5^th Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

7. X.           DC EAGLE:  REQUEST FOR LETTER OF SUPPORT

   Ted Clements of DC Eagle, located at 639 New York Avenue, NW, stated that DC Eagle will not be renewing its lease and is looking to purchase a building instead.  He asked for a Letter of Support from ANC 2C that the club has been in good standing in the community.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that ANC 2C provide a Letter of Good Standing to DC Eagle that they can provide to the other ANCs and note the fact that there have been no issues related to alcohol consumption.  The Motion passed, 3 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Brooks).

8. XI.          BEST BUDDIES CHALLENGE, 10/20/12:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT RACE (SPECIAL OLYMPICS)

   Julie Hanson spoke in regard to the request for support for support for street closures to conduct the Best Buddies Challenge race on October 20, 2012.  The 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m. and streets will reopen at 9:30 a.m.  Best Buddies Challenge is a 501C3 Charity.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Best Buddies Challenge 5K run on October 20, 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, 4 – 0 – 0.

9. XII.         BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER WASHINGTON 5K FOR KIDS RACE, 11/18/12:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT RACE

   Mike Madiger of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington spoke in regard to the request for support for street closures to conduct a 5K Race for Kids on November 18, 2012.  Set-up will be at 5:00 a.m.  The race start time is 8:45 a.m. and everything should be cleaned up by 11:30 a.m.

   MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Brooks seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington 5K for Kids on November 18, 2012, with the stipulation that pop-up tents be used rather than the tents in the proposal in order to alleviate noise issues, 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, 4 – 0 – 0.

10. XIII.       LAW ENFORCEMENT RUN TO REMEMBER 5K, 10/14/12:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT RACE (NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL FUND)

    No representative present.

11. XIV.      WINTERFEST, 01/19/13:  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR STREET CLOSURES TO CONDUCT EVENT (SHAW’S TAVERN)

    Rob Heim of Shaw’s Tavern spoke in regard to a request for support for street closures between Florida Avenue and S Street, NW to conduct a Winterfest street festival on January 19, 2012.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the street closures required to conduct a Winterfest street festival on January 19, 2013 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, 4 – 0 – 0.

12. XV.        CONSIDERATION OF ANC 2C GRANT REQUESTS FROM NONPROFITS:  BREAD FOR THE CITY

    Kristen Kozlowski of Bread for the City spoke in support of Bread for the City’s request of $3,000 in funding for improvements and upgrades to Bread for the City’s Northwest Center Rooftop Garden located in Shaw at 1525 7^th Street, NW.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 2C support the request for a grant of $3,000 from Bread for the City   for improvements and upgrades to their Rooftop Garden located at 1525 7^th Street, NW.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

13. XVI.      OTHER NEW BUSINESS

    None.

14. XVII.     OLD BUSINESS

    None.

15. XVIII.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF 09/05/12 MEETING

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 2C Public Meeting of September 5, 2012 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

16. XIX.      APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

    Commissioner Chapple reported that there is a total of $41,640.03 in the checking account.

    MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

17. XX.        APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY REPORT

    MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Quarterly Report for July/August/September 2012 be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

18. XXI.      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 October 3, 2012 ANC 2C Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 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 2012 newsletter be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 4 – 0 – 0.

19. XXII.     ANNOUNCEMENTS

    None.

20. XXIII.    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, 4 – 0 – 0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.

NEXT ANC 2C MEETING:            Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library