September 2013 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E

Public Meeting

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library, 1630 7^th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.   Chair Rachelle P. Nigro presided.

Present:

Rachelle P. Nigro, Chair, ANC 6E04

Alexander M. Padro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E01

Marge Maceda, Secretary, ANC 6E05

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03

Alvin Judd, Sr., ANC 6E06 (arrived at 6:50 p.m.)

Absent:

Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07

1. I.              CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m.  The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. II.            APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Agenda be approved as submitted.   The Motion passed unanimously, 5 – 0 – 0.

3. III.           PSA REPORT:  METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT, 1D AND 3D

   Commissioner Maceda advised there was no officer present from Police Service Area 103 (1D) because Commander Hixson refuses to send an officer to the meeting.

   Officer Richard Ehrlich of Police Service Area 308 (3D) reported on crime activity in the area for the last 30 days as follows:

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A question and answer period followed.

1. IV.          NATIONAL PARK SERVICE POLICE:  discussion about the triangle parks and other national park properties in anc 6e and how they are patrolled

   Sgt. Ross Dykson (202-610-7500) stated that there are patrols in uniform and also officers in plain clothes in the area.  In addition, there are scooter squads on patrol. They have made several arrests using these three initiatives.

   Commissioner Nigro reported that she encountered resistance when she calls to report incidents.  Sgt. Dykson advised her to speak to the Dispatch Supervisor.  Commissioner Nigro reported that residents are leaving bags and trash bags in the park.  Sgt. Dykson responded that this is an NPS issue and that trash is picked up during the day.

   Commissioner Maceda reported the following:  (1) the homeless are taking over the parks and she organized a meeting with community members at which National Park Service police were represented.  She asked how often the Safeway park was being patrolled.  Cobb Park and the park at 5^th & Massachusetts Avenue have a huge influx of homeless people starting at 9:00 a.m.  Sgt. Dykson advised her to pass her concern to the day supervisor; (2) there is a large influx of people in the neighborhood and the people would like to put in a dog park there.  Sgt. Dykson advised her to call Lt. Adamchik’s office (202-610-7500).

   Commissioner Padro reported that 1538, 1540 and 1542 9^th Street (Carter G. Woodson home) are part of the NPS and that people are trespassing there.  He asked how often units are dispatched there.

2. V.           PRESENTATION BY DOUGLAS DEVELOPMENT:  UPDATE ON SQUARE 450 (7^TH & NEW YORK AVENUE, NW) AND 1100 6^TH STREET, NW

   Andrea Gourdine, Project Manager, Douglas Development, provided an update on 1100 6^th Street, NW and stated that Douglas Development originally proposed renovating and constructing an addition to it.  Now Douglas Development has decided to do a base building renovation and lease it out.  The renovation will start sometime in late Fall and be a 6-8 month project.

   Thereafter she provided an update on Square 450 and stated they are moving forward with the west side of the development by New York Avenue, 7^th Street, and L Street; Douglas Development has decided to move forward with the development and tenants on the New York Avenue side have been given vacate notices; mobilization will begin the first quarter of next year; demolition in spring/summer, excavation in June/July; full construction toward end of 2014 with completion by 2016.

   A question and answer period followed.

   Commissioner Padro asked whether just the rear additions on 7^th Street will be demolished, as the fronts are historic.  Ms. Gourdine confirmed that only the rear additions will be demolished.

   Commissioner Maceda stated that in regard to 1100 6^th Street, NW that as of August 24, 2013, blighted taxes in the amount of $39,000 are owed on this property and asked if they have been paid.  She also asked about the Waffle Shop at 522 10^th Street, NW.  Ms. Gourdine responded that the Waffle Shop is part of the 1000 F Street Development and that Douglas Development has gotten PUD approval to disassemble it and relocate it elsewhere. 

3. VI.          presentation by tensquare, llc:  update on parcel 42 (7^th street & r street, nw)

   Marullus Williams of TenSquare reported that TenSquare was recently awarded the Parcel 42 project at 7^th & R Streets, NW, the term sheet has been signed, and the next step is DC Council approval in January/February 2014.

   Mr. Williams provided a slide presentation with an update on the project.  He stated this is a rental development consisting of a 105-unit residential building with 20% designated as affordable housing (14 units at 50% AMI, 4 units at 40% AMI, and 3 units at 30% AMI).  It will have approximately 5,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. The building, which will have a mix of studio, one- and two-bedrooms, will have a number of amenities, including a pool and green space on the roof.   There will be approximately 40 parking spaces underground.

   Bernard Demczuk, Ph.D., spoke regarding his proposal for the lobby of the building, which will honor the ancestors of the historic Shaw district.  The lobby will reflect the rich history and culture of the community.  It will hold art, photos, artifacts, maps, historic posters and sights and sounds of an era gone, but not forgotten.

   Commissioner Chapple stated that only 40 parking spaces for over 100 people was insufficient and would, very likely, cause problems.

   Commissioner Padro stated he was not happy with the design of the building and voiced similar concerns about parking as well.

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E communicate to the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development that, at a minimum, there should be two levels of parking provided to insure that Parcel 42 does not have a deleterious effect on the community and its quality of life as a result of construction of this project.   The Motion passed, 5 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Maceda) – 0 abstentions.

4. VII.         request for support for a class b (beer & wine sales) and class d (for in-store café) liquor license for giant supermarket, 1400 7^th street, nw

   Commissioner Padro advised that Giant is seeking use of the liquor license that was placed in safekeeping when the old Giant was torn down.  Giant is seeking a Class B liquor license (beer and wine) for the shelves and a Class D (45-50 seat café within the store) liquor license for this flagship store.  A number of representatives were present on behalf of the request for support.  There will be 110 parking spaces within the building and there will be separate parking arrangements for Giant employees.  The store will employ 200 people, with hiring to start in October 2013.  100 of the people hired are expected to be residents of the immediate neighborhood.

   Commissioner Padro, as Chair of the Commission’s ABC Licensing Committee, stated that the Committee found the release from safekeeping of the Class B liquor license to be unobjectionable; however, on the matter of security, the committee recommended that additional armed security be provided, and that security cameras be installed around the entire perimeter of the building (there are presently five (5) cameras outside and 40 inside, with a separate camera for the loading dock).

   The café will serve beer and wine from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. in the base of the tower of the O Street Market building.  The ABC committee expressed concern that that are two exterior entrance doors at 7^th & O Street, NW which would allow entrance into the café from the outside and not through the front door of the supermarket.  The committee recommended having one armed guard in the café.

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the release from safekeeping for the Class B liquor license 092842 on the condition that Giant Supermarket at 1400 7^th Street, NW provide a minimum of three (3) armed guards in the store 24/7.   The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the application of Giant Supermarket at 1400 7^th Street, NW for a Class D liquor license 092843 under the condition that either the two exterior doors to the café be closed and that the doors be equipped with panic bars, or there will be one armed security guard at the entrance to the café at 7^th and O Streets, NW, and another at the entrance to the café from the rest of the store.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

5. VIII.       request for support for a class c liquor license for ivy and coney, 1537 7^th street, nw

   Commissioner Chapple stated that the ABC Licensing Committee reviewed the application.  The owners have had experience operating bars of this type and there will be no negative impacts to peace, order, and quiet.  They intend it to be a Midwest themed, but DC-friendly, sports bar.  They are also proposing a covered rear deck at a later date.

   MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the request the application of Ivy and Coney, 1537 7^th Street, NW, for a Class C liquor license and that said support be communicated in writing to ABRA.  The Motion passed, 5 yeas – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Wiggins).

6. IX.          consideration of resolution requesting that city market at o and jefferson at market place add perimeter security cameras to enhance public safety

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E communicate its recommendation that, in order to enhance public safety, City Market at O and Jefferson at Market Place add perimeter security cameras to be monitored and available to the MPD for review.   The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

7. X.           901 6^th STREET, NW (hAMPTON INN):  REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR A PUBLIC SPACE PERMIT FOR A SIDEWALK CAFE

   Commissioner Maceda advised that there is no objection from her Single Member District to the application of Hampton Inn at 901 6^th Street, NW for a Public Space Permit for a Sidewalk Café.   She did, however, express her opinion that the café should be made available to residents and not just hotel guests and that this should be stated in the letter of support.

   Commissioner Maceda stated she would like a beginning and ending date for the construction with penalties if they don’t complete it on time. Commissioner Padro stated that her request is over reaching and that the ANC cannot impose penalties on them to force the hotel to allow the public to have access to the space. 

MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the application of the Hampton Inn, 901 6^th Street, NW, for a Public Space Permit for an enclosed sidewalk café.    The Motion passed, 5 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Maceda) – 0 abstentions.

1. XI.          1204 3^RD STREET, NW (3^RD STREET CHURCH OF GOD):              request for support for a public space permit:  paving of driveway, paving of sidewalk, fence, retaining wall, landscaping, and catch basins

   Pastor Cheryl Sanders and Scott Hallam spoke regarding their request for support of the 3^rd Street Church of God, 1204 3^rd Street, NW, for a Public Space Permit for paving of driveway, paving of sidewalk, fence, retaining wall, landscaping, and catch basins.  The construction will involve an addition to the administrative building and removal of the existing apron.  Commissioner Maceda asked what effect the construction would have on the three houses that the church wants torn down.  Pastor Sanders responded that the construction would have no effect.

   MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support the application of the 3^rd Street Church of God, 1204 3^rd Street, NW, for a Public Space Permit for paving of driveway, paving of sidewalk, fence, retaining wall, landscaping, and catch basins.   The Motion passed, 5 yeas – 1 nay (Commissioner Maceda) – 0 abstentions.

2. XII.         NEW BUSINESS

   None.

3. XIII.       OLD BUSINESS

   None.

4. XIV.      approval of expenses

   A.  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed for the printing costs of the August 2013 Newsletter in the amount of $413.40.   The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

   b.  motion:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed for copying costs of the agenda for tonight’s meeting in the amount of $8.09.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

   C.   MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed for printing costs for additional copies of the August 2013 Newsletter in the amount of $21.88.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.
   

D.   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Loveridge in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E September 4, 2013 Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

1. XV.        quarterly report

   MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the third quarterly report for FY 2013 be approved as submitted.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

2. XVI.      treasurer’s report

   Commissioner Chapple stated that there is currently $48,074.14 in the checking account.  Three quarterly allotments were received at $9,978.19 each.

3. XVII.     APPROVAL OF minutes – JUly 3, 2013
   
   MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of July 3, 2013 be approved pending receipt of additional corrections.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.

4. XVIII.    announcements

   A.  Commissioner Padro announced the following on behalf of Shaw Main Streets:  (1) There will be a Shaw Main Streets Social Media Mixer on Wednesday, September 11, 2013; (2) Shaw Main Streets annual Open House event will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; (3) Shaw Main Streets will present the second-ever full scale overnight arts festival in DC, based on Paris’ Nuit Blanche, on September 28, 2013 from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

   B.  Commissioner Wiggins announced that the Public Safety Committee will be meet on September 24, 2013 at 6:00 pm

   C.  Ibrahim Mumin announced the following:

   1.                                 i.    Topping out of Marriott Marquis – September 25, 2013;
   2.                                ii.    Application Date for Affordable Housing Rentals at the City Center DC project have been extended to September 12, 2013;
   3.                              iii.    Notice of grant availability (only for job training) from City Center DC went out to non-profits;
   4.                              iv.    DC Public Library Program honoring those killed in 2001 and “Democracy in Crisis,” September 11, 2013;

D.  Commissioner Maceda stated the Mount Vernon Square Civic Association will be continuing its focus on problems about the homeless in the parks.  City agencies have been asked to attend.  This is a continuation of a meeting held on August 19, 2013. 

1. XIX.      next meeting

   Wednesday, October 2, 2013, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Library

2. XX.        ADJOURNMENT

   MOTION:    There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 – 0 – 0.  The meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.