October 2014 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E
Public Meeting
Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. Chair Alexander Padro presided.

Present:

Alexander M. Padro, Chair, ANC 6E01
Rachelle P. Nigro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E04
Marge Maceda, Secretary, ANC 6E05
Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03
Alvin Judd, Sr., ANC 6E06
Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07

Absent:

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

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

II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

III. PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sgt. Gina Leveque (gina.leveque@dc.gov) and Officer McLaughlin of 1D
reported that crime is up 8% in Thefts from Autos and that laptops, GPS devices, and other items continue to be stolen from vehicles. MPD is trying to educate everyone with flyers and ticket-like pink slips placed on vehicle windshields. It was noted that violent crime was down. Commissioner Maceda requested additional copies of the pink slips for her constituents.

Lt. Anthony Greene and Sgt. Floyd were present from 3D along with Officers Brett Clevas and Bryan Adelmeyer of 3D Vice. The biggest problem is theft from autos and theft of bcycles. There were two significant arrests by 3D Vice, (1) one at 1245 5th Street, NW for selling synthetic cannabis; $25,000 worth of synthetic cannabis was confiscated; (2) and the other at 1300 5th Street, NW where an
individual was arrested for selling 46 grams of heroin; $25,000 worth of heroin was recovered along with firearms and $13,000 in U.S. currency. The officers thanked the community for providing the tips that eventually led to these arrests.

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Offense 1D (PSA 103) 3D (PSA 308)
9/1/2013 to 10/1/2013 9/1/2014 to 10/1/2014 9/1/2013 to 10/1/2013 9/1/2014 to 10/1/2014
Homicide 14 0 2 0
Sexual Abuse 2 1 3 7
Robbery Excluding Gun 38 18 45 34
Robbery with Gun 14 12 12 17
Assault Dangerous Weapon Excluding Gun 15 18 14 14
Assault Dangerous Weapon With Gun 2 6 4 2
Violent Crimes Total 85 55 80 74
Burglary 64 26 33 35
Theft 241 265 201 276
Theft from Auto 152 186 211 222
Stolen Auto 31 34 19 32
Arson 0 0 0 0
Property Crimes Total 488 511 464 565

IV. 1200 BLOCK OF 6TH STREET, NW, WEST SIDE: PRESENTATION ON DDOT REPORT REJECTING PERMANENT EXTENSION OF HOURS OF SUNDAY DIAGONAL PARKING (DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION)

James Cheeks, Chief Safety Engineer, DDOT, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the process that DDOT utilized in rejecting a permanent extension of hours of Sunday Diagonal Parking at the 1200 block of 6th Street, NW, west side. DDOT first obtained traffic data and data for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in the area with and without angled parking. Crash data for the period 2011 – 2014 was analyzed and it was noted there was a high frequency of side swipes. A parking analysis was done. Violations and safety hazards were noted. A video analysis was also done. Public comment was also solicited. Thereafter, DDOT recommended to the DC City Council and the Mayor that the angled parking at 6th & M Street, NW and 6th & N Street, NW be removed.

Commissioner Maceda stated she is not against angled parking until 3:00 p.m., but that she would be opposed to DDOT extending it until 9:00 p.m.

Commissioner Padro stated that this is a safety issue, ANC 6E voted to oppose DDOT extending the angled Sunday parking in question until 9:00 p.m., and he looks forward to the removal of the signs. He also stated the ANC has a history of working with churches to accommodate parking issues but, due to safety concerns, not in this case.

Pastor Cunningham of the United House of Prayer asked Mr. Cheeks for the data on the number of accidents on Sundays. He felt the study was flawed in that the data collected was not taken on Sundays. A member of the audience asked whether it was possible to have access to the raw data on which DDOT’s conclusions were based.

V. 1548 8TH STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ZONING RELIEF, EXPEDITED REVIEW, AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL TO ALLOW ADDITION TO EXISTING BUILDING (JACKIE HART)

Jackie Hart spoke in regard to her request for support for zoning relief, expedited review, and historic preservation approval to allow a four (4) foot extension to the back of her home at 1548 8th Street, NW. She would like to install a lift in her home and the additional four feet will permit this and allow for a parking space at the rear.

Commissioner Maceda advised that ANC 6E’s Zoning & Planning met last week and voted to approve the extension.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the request for zoning relief, expedited review, and historic preservation approval to allow a four (4) foot extension at the rear of 1548 8th Street, NW and that said support be communicated in writing to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) and the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

VI. 448 RIDGE STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR ZONING RELIEF TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR NEW TWO-FAMILY RESIDENCES (REATIG ARCHITECTURE)

Nooni Reatig of Reatig Architecture spoke regarding their request for support for zoning relief to allow construction of four new two-family residences at 448 Ridge Street, NW. She stated that Zoning allows construction of two units on each lot. They met with the zoning administrator. There is a requirement of one parking space per lot. There are four lots next to each other (completely land blocked with no alley access). They would need four curb cuts in order to meet the onsite parking requirement. They met with DDOT and HPRB and their request for curb cuts was denied. Their only option was to appear before BZA for parking relief. The location is two blocks away from Metro. On weekends during convention center events, it is hard to park. They are appealing to ANC for support for parking relief before BZA.
Commissioner Nigro stated she is not in support of their request for a variance. Commissioner Maceda advised ANC 6E’s Planning & Zoning Committee met and were vehemently opposed to the curb cuts.

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E oppose the zoning relief requested by Reatig Architecture at 448 Ridge Street, NW, and that said opposition be communicated in writing to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). The Motion passed, 4 yeas – 2 nays – 0 abstentions.

VII. 416 RIDGE STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION APPROVAL FOR RENOVATION OF AND ADDITION TO EXISTING BUILDING (DONNA DOSIK)

Commissioner Maceda stated that ANC 6E’s Planning & Zoning Committee met and approved the conceptual design on the last page of the architectural drawings depicting two separate windows.

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the request for historic preservation approval for renovation of and addition to the existing building at 416 Ridge Street, NW, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

VIII. 600 BLOCK OF RHODE ISLAND AVENUE, NW: UPDATE ON NORTHEAST BOUNDARY TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION-RELATED LANE CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC IMPACTS AND PROPOSED RESTORATION PLANS FOR COOPER-GORDON PARK (DC WATER)

Andrea Williams and another representative of DC Water provided an update on the Northeast Boundary Tunnel construction-related lane closures and traffic impacts and proposed restoration plans for Cooper-Gordon Park. R Street, NW will be closed for three (3) months beginning in 2018. DC Water will do everything possible to mitigate parking impacts during the closure of R Street, NW and will continue public outreach to the community. It is hoped that work on R Street, NW can be expedited in order to reduce the R Street, NW closure to less than three months.

Conceptual renderings of the restored Cooper/Gordon Park were provided. The existing shape of the park will be retained with new curbs and new brick. In addition, an irrigation system will be installed. Willow Oaks and Crape Myrtle will be planted and benches will be added. The Margaret B. Cooper community plaque will be preserved and another plaque added to honor Lillian A. Gordon. $75,000 will be provided for art work. Commissioner Padro advised that this should be increased to $125,000 or $150,000, based on other artwork commissioned for public space in the community. The deadline for public comment is October 31, 2014.

A question was raised as to who owns the park. The Park is owned by the DC Department of General Services, which is also responsible for maintenance.

Commissioner Maceda requested that DC Water work with Verizon, Comcast, PEPCO, etc. to coordinate any proposed upgrades to their networks during the closure period as well to avoid further disruptions to the residents.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Wiggins seconded that ANC 6E communicate its continued concerns related to parking and traffic to the Directors of DC Water and DDOT and work with DDOT and DC Water to mitigate adjacent street closures to the greatest extent possible. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

IX. 655 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW: REQUEST FOR PUBLIC SPACE PERMITS RELATED TO NEW DEVELOPMENT (DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT)

Drew Turner of Douglas Development spoke regarding their request for Public Space Permits related to new development at 655 New York Avenue, NW. They propose to eliminate all curb cuts on New York Avenue, but put three new curb cuts on L Street. Other improvements are: new street lights, new trees and planters, bio retention planter at corner of 7th & L Streets, NW, bike racks on New York Avenue and L Street, NW, PEPCO vaults in planter boxes along New York Avenue, brick pavers along L Street, NW, and pressed concrete pavers along New York Avenue, NW.

Commissioners Nigro and Maceda advised that they are adamantly opposed to bricks or pavers for the paving plan.

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support Douglas Development’s request for Public Space Permits related to new development at 655 New York Avenue, NW (three new curb cuts on L Street, new street lights, new trees and planters, bio retention planter at corner of 7th & L Streets, NW, bike racks at New York Avenue and L Street, NW, and PEPCO vaults in planter boxes along New York Avenue), but that ANC 6E oppose the paving plan calling for bricks or pavers, and that this be communicated in writing to the Public Space Committee of DDOT. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

[Commissioner Padro leaves the meeting temporarily].

X. 700 BLOCK OF P STREET, NW, SOUTH SIDE: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES FOR PUBLIC ART (SHAW MAIN STREETS)

Ralph Brabham, Board Chair of Shaw Main Streets, and Susan Linsky of Roadside Development spoke regarding Shaw Main Streets’ request for support for their application for funding from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for Public Art. The proposed site is the southwest corner of 7th and P

Streets, NW and will occupy six niches facing P Street. The artist is Zachary Oxman, who is well known for his Duke Ellington sculpture outside of the Howard Theatre. His medium is stainless steel. He will feature three extraordinary individuals who have made significant contributions to the social, political and cultural fabric of Washington, DC: Duke Ellington, Robert Gould Shaw, and Alma Thomas.

Commissioner Maceda asked who will maintain the art. She was advised that Long View Gallery and Roadside Development will be responsible for maintenance.

The grant application is due October 17, 2014 and the project should be completed in six (6) months.

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Wiggins seconded that ANC 6E support the application of Shaw Main Streets for $100,000 from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for public art at 7th & P Streets, NW, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The Motion passed, 5 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

[Commissioner Padro returns to the meeting].

XI. 400 BLOCK OF P STREET, NW: REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES FOR PUBLIC ART (CHARLES BERGEN)

Artist Charles Bergen spoke regarding his request for support for his application for funding from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for public art for light posts and four gates around the Bundy Athletic Field, Bundy Dog Park, local churches as well as the KIPP Shaw Campus, who are enthusiastic about his proposal. The proposal is to have sculptures that identify and celebrate the history and institutions in that part of the community. The medium is ¼” thick aluminum covered with automotive paint.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support Charles Bergen’s application for funding from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities for public art on light posts and four gates around the Bundy Athletic Field, Bundy Dog Park, local churches, and the KIPP Shaw Campus and that said support be communicated in writing to the Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XII. DC CIRCULATOR TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN: CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION REQUESTING RELOCATION OF NORTHERN TERMINUS OF RESTORED SOUTHWEST SERVICE FROM M STREET TO R STREET, NW (DISTRICT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION)

Commissioner Padro stated that DDOT is proposing to re-establish the service. He proposed that the turnaround be on R Street rather than M Street.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Wiggins seconded that ANC 6E recommend that the northern terminus of the restored DC Circulator Shaw/Southwest route be on R Street rather than M Street and that said recommendation be communicated in writing to the Director of DDOT. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XIII. MOMS AGAINST GUNS: PRESENTATION BY ORGANIZATION

The representative was unable to stay for the entire meeting and had already left.

XIV. CONSIDERATION OF ANC 6E GRANTS APPLICATIONS: GIRLS IN ACTION

Ikisha Little spoke regarding the grant application from Girls in Action to ANC 6E. Girls in Action is a free outreach program that exposes 25 to 30 under-served and at-risk female youth to leadership skills, financial literacy, media literacy and pregnancy prevention through workshops, book club meetings and talk sessions. They are seeking a $1,500 grant to purchase books for the Book Club leaders.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Judd, Sr. seconded that ANC 6E approve the grant application in the amount of $1,500 from Girls in Action, subject to the final approval and authorization of the DC Auditor. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XV. OTHER NEW BUSINESS

None.

XVI. OLD BUSINESS

None.

XVII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 2, 2014 PUBLIC MEETING

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Wiggins seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of September 2, 2014 be approved with corrections to be submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XVIII. APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT

In Commissioner Chapple’s absence, Commissioner Padro reported that the balance in the checking account as of 9/30/14 is $56,970.32.

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved as submitted. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XIX. APPROVAL OF EXPENSES

A. MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Wiggins seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Jehle in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E October 7, 2014 Public Meeting be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

B. MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the invoice submitted by Miller Copying in the amount of $400.00 for the printing of the October 2014 newsletter be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

C. MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the purchase of new checks from Wells Fargo Bank at a cost of $269.42 be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XX. APPROVAL OF QUARTERLY REPORT

MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that the Quarterly Report for the period July to September 2014 be approved. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

XXI. ANNOUNCEMENTS

A. Naomi Mitchell of Councilmember Tommy Wells’ office stated that a job fair will be held on October 17, 2014 at Arena Stage.

B. Terrence Daly, campaign manager for Karl Racine, distributed flyers in support of Mr. Racine’s race for Attorney General.

C. Commissioner Nigro stated that the DC Council Chairman’s Candidates Forum will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at KIPP DC Shaw Campus, 421 P Street, NW.
D. Commissioner Maceda stated she asked DMPED how many bids were submitted for the 2nd & H Streets project. Two have been submitted, one from Republic Properties Corporation and the other from Peebles Corporation.

E. Commissioner Padro announced that early voting starts on October 20, 2014 at Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW, in advance of Election Day on November 4, 2014.

F. Commissioner Alfreda Judd stated that the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Community Street Fair will be held on October 11, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1st & Pierce Streets, NW.

XVII. NEXT MEETING

Thursday, November 6, 2014, Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, NW, 6:30 p.m.

XVIII. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Wiggins moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. The meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.