September 2016 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E

Public Meeting

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

Present:

Marge Maceda, Chair, ANC 6E05

Alexander M. Padro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E01

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

Rachelle P. Nigro, ANC 6E04

Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03

Absent:

Antonio D. Barnes, Secretary, ANC 6E06

Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

   Chair Marge Maceda called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

   MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Agenda be approved as amended. The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Wiggins) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  [Commissioner Chapple had stepped away temporarily].

• APPROVAL OF MINUTES

  MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of July 5, 2016 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.   The Motion passed unanimously, 4 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Wiggins) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  [Commissioner Chapple had stepped away temporarily].

1. PSA REPORTS: METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Sgt. F. H. Fawzi of 5D – Commissioner Nigro expressed her deep concern about a shooting on July 25, 2016 in the 200 block of New York Avenue, NW where 30 shell casings had been found.  Sgt. Fawzi responded that one vehicle was struck and that there were actually 37 shell casings found.  He stated that the case is still open until an arrest is made and that he cannot provide any more information at this time.

Officer T. J. Brown/Lt. Ronald Netter of 3D (PSA 308) – Officer T. J. Brown, a foot beat officer on the evening shift, reported on behalf of Lt. Ronald Netter.  He reported crime in the 1300 block of 6^th Street, NW, the 600 block of O Street, NW, the 1200 block of 5^th Street, NW, and 8^th & O Streets, NW.  He stated that MPD is actively patrolling in these areas.

1. presentation: PEEBLES CORP – 5^TH AND k RESIDENTIAL PROJECT

   Representatives of WDG Architecture presented renderings of a 40 unit condo building that Peebles Corp plans to build at 925 5^th Street, NW.  The old, single story building on the site has been designated historic, so Peebles must incorporate the existing façade and submit its drawings to HPRB next week. The building will be residential primarily, but there is a land use issue regarding retail, which they will present later to the ANC.  For now, they are only seeking ANC 6E support for the HPRB approval.

   Commissioner Padro stated it would be desirable to have a modest setback from the first and second stories and that ANC 6E’s Development and Zoning Committee recommended support for HPRB approval with the provision that there will be a setback between the first and second stories.

   MOTION: Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the request for HPRB approval of Peebles Corporation/WDG Architecture for the proposed residential project at 925 5^th Street, NW, with the condition of the setback between the first and second stories, and that said support be communicated in writing to the Historic Preservation Review Board.     The Motion passed, 4 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Wiggins, Chapple) – 0 nays – 1 abstention (Commissioner Nigro). 

2. presentation – 446 N STREET, NW

   The owners of 446 N Street, NW are seeking ANC 6E support for a variance from the lot occupancy requirements to construct a single-car detached garage at the rear of their property located at 446 N Street, NW. Due to the absence of either a basement or an attic at the property, additional storage space is needed.  Therefore, they wish to build a garage of sufficient size to use for storage in addition to a car.  The requested lot occupancy is 72%.

   MOTION: Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that the request from the owners of 446 N Street NW for ANC 6E support for a variance from the lot occupancy requirements to construct a single-car detached garage at the rear of their property be approved and that said support be communicated in writing to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).  The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Wiggins, Chapple) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

• PRESENTATION – voltron community partners – capitOl vista, 888 new jersey avenue, NW

  In April of 2016, DMPED awarded Voltron Community Partners the right to develop Capitol Visa (888 New Jersey Avenue, NW) as a 100% affordable workforce housing apartment community. The building will be 11 stories, will have100 units, 3,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, and will also feature a club room, fitness center, and a roof terrace.  Voltron Community Partners will contribute $100,000 for community organizations and community engagement, and rents will be 50% less than the market rate.

• presentation – pleasant plains workshop

  Pleasant Plains Workshop promotes art projects all over DC. They were awarded a $50,000 grant by the Office of Planning and were given the Shaw community.  They are seeking fun, creative, and community based projects to coincide with “What’s Going On:  Voices of Shaw”, a public art project that celebrates the micro-communities and variety of cultures and traditions within the Shaw neighborhood.  The exhibition will run from September 24 to October 2, 2016.

2016. PRESENTATION – ED DOXEN, MAYOR’S OFFICE

      Edward Doxen provided his contact information (phone: 202-341-3659; email:  doxen@dc.gov)  and spoke briefly regarding citywide community forums seeking input on the factors that should be considered when selecting a new DCPS Chancellor.  Forums will be held at Eastern High School on September 7, 2016 and Savoy Elementary School on September 14, 2016.

2017. ABRA: DACHA BEER GARDEN – CHANGE OF HOURS

      Commissioner Padro stated that the earlier noise issues experienced with the Dacha Beer Garden have been corrected to the relief of Dacha’s neighbors. The Commission had previously supported this change in hours to allow interior hours (up to 2:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and up to 3:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday).  A one paragraph amendment to the existing settlement agreement will be made.

      MOTION: Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Maceda seconded that ANC 6E support the extension of hours for Dacha Beer Garden, 1602 7^th Street, NW, for inside operation with no changes to the exterior beer garden’s hours, that all of the existing provisions of the settlement agreement remain in force, and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA, subject to the signing of the settlement agreement amendment.   The Motion passed, 4 yeas (Commissioners Nigro, Padro, Maceda, Chapple) – 1 nay (Commissioner Wiggins) – 0 abstentions.

2018. INTRODUCTION OF 6E CANDIDATES FOR ANC ELECTION, NOVEMBER 8, 2016

      Chair Maceda asked ANC 6E candidates who were present at the meeting to introduce themselves and make brief remarks.
      
      ANC 6E 01
      Mary Sutherland: Stated concerns are affordable housing, senior citizens, children, drugs and violence.

      Alexander Padro (incumbent):  Stated there is no single person who is associated with the Shaw neighborhood more than him.  He has spent the past 16 years to advance the revitalization of the Shaw neighborhood, has pushed for no net loss of family housing, worked to preserve and advance affordable housing, fought for a property tax cap, brought retail back to 7^th and 9th Streets, and will continue to pledge to bring back Shaw Junior High School.

      ANC 6E 02
      Anthony Brown:  Stated he is a native Washingtonian and has lived in Shaw since 2009.  He joined ANC 6E Zoning Committee and worked 38 years in the Federal Government.  He is concerned about residential and commercial development, parking, community safety, maintenance, and sanitation.

      
      
      ANC 6E 03
      Frank Wiggins (incumbent):  Stated he is running for a third term.  He is a property manager in the area.  He has strived to promote the DC 311 app.  His concerns are education, public safety, and he supports the constituents in his neighborhood.

      ANC 6E 04
      Sterlicia Rodney:  Stated she is a native Washingtonian, attended Marymount University and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration.  Her profession is non-profit development.

      ANC 6E 05
      Alex Marriott:  Stated he grew up in Upstate New York.  He is a graduate of GW University and is an attorney by profession.  He works with affordable housing.  His biggest concerns are public safety, car break-ins, and bike thefts.

      Marge Maceda (incumbent):  Stated she is President of K and City Vista Condo Board and pushed for having 100 solar panels on the roof which has resulted in energy savings.  She is big on green, active with affordable housing, programs for seniors, and has worked with all developers in 6E 05.  She has been active in getting liquor licenses through along with settlement agreements.  There is a problem with rats and she has been working with the Department of Public Health.  She is very involved in development of two Mount Vernon Triangle parks and pledges to redevelop those parks and offer free recreation programs.

      ANC 6E 07
      Kevin Rogers:  Stated he has lived in the area for 27 years.  He is a public activist and likes working with people.  One of his concerns is parking.  He has worked with Naomi Mitchell and the homeless on New Jersey Avenue.

• TREASURER’S REPORT

  Commissioner Chapple reported the balance in the checking account is $52,728. He distributed a copy of the 2^nd Quarter report and requested approval.

  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the 2^nd Quarterly Report be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

• approval of expenses
  125. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the invoice submitted by Karen Jehle in the amount of $125.00 for recording services for the ANC 6E September 6, 2016 Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

  126. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $497.00 for printing costs of the September 2016 Newsletter. The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
• OLD BUSINESS

1. new business

• next meeting – Tuesday, October 4, 2016, Northwest One Library, 155 L Street, NW, 6:00 p.m. (ANC 6E Zoning and ABRA Committee Meetings will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016).
• announcements
  1. Commissioner Maceda advised that Kathy Jenkins has been transferred to Deanwood Neighborhood Library. On behalf of the Commissioners, she expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Jenkins for her past support of ANC 6E.
  2. Commissioner Nigro stated that she is partnering with the Convention Center to have “Art with the Commissioner” on September 28, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting point will be at Mount Vernon Square.
  3. Naomi Mitchell of Councilmember Charles Allen’s office stated that the Councilmember’s office hours will restart in October from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. alternating between Compass Coffee and Baked Joint. The H Street Festival will be held on September 17, 2016.
  4. Mayor’s Office on Asian & Pacific Islander Affairs will feature a Chinese in Autumn Festival and Movie Night on Friday, September 16, 2016 in Chinatown Park (6^th & I Streets, NW).
  5. Commissioner Padro stated that “Art All Night DC” will be held at 30 venues on September 24, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
• ADJOURNMENT

  MOTION:   There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the meeting be adjourned.  The Motion passed unanimously, 5 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, Chapple, Wiggins, Nigro) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.  The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.