October 2015 Minutes

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E

Public Meeting

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6E convened at the Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, on Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Present:

Marge Maceda, Chair, ANC 6E05

Alexander M. Padro, Vice Chair, ANC 6E01

Antonio D. Barnes, Secretary, ANC 6E06

Kevin L. Chapple, Treasurer, ANC 6E02

Rachelle P. Nigro, ANC 6E04

Alfreda S. Judd, ANC 6E07

Absent:

Frank S. Wiggins, ANC 6E03

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

   Chair Maceda called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. The roll was called and the presence of a quorum was noted.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 

   The agenda was unanimously approved by the Commissioners.

• APPROVAL OF ANC 6E MINUTESMOTION:

  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Nigro seconded that the Minutes of the ANC 6E Public Meeting of September 1, 2015 be approved with corrections to be submitted to the Secretary.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions. 

   

1. PSA REPORTS: 

Crime statistics for the indicated periods are as follows:

Sgt. Martello of 1D (PSA 103) stated that the 1^st District covers the Sursum Corda area.  He did not have any hard crime statistics because the department just switched over to a new system.  In response to a question about a homicide two weeks ago, he stated the police had nothing specific yet.  Commissioner Barnes stated that there have been a lot of shootings in Sursum Corda as well as a rape and a stabbing.  He also stated there is no police presence which is sorely needed.  Sgt. Martello will make his superiors aware of Commissioner Barnes’ concerns.

Officer Douglas Berlin of 3D (PSA 308) reported on crime for the last 30 days as follows:  3 robberies, 1 robbery with gun, 6 burglaries, 13 thefts, and 19 thefts from auto.  Total crime was 43; last year it was 52.  He did, however, state that there has been a spike in burglaries.  Thefts from Auto were down significantly.  Commissioner Padro expressed his thanks to Cdr. Carroll for listening to the community and maintaining Officer Berlin in PSA 308.

Officer Cooper of 5D was present.  The Commissioners addressed their concerns about criminal activity at New Jersey Avenue, New York Avenue, and Kirby Street and stated that a police presence is needed there 24/7.

4. PRESENTATION ON SURSUM CORDA, 1112 FIRST TERRACE, NW – HOLLAND & KNIGHT 

   Leila Batties and Chip Glasgow of Holland & Knight and Michael Patton of Boggs & Partners Architects were present. Leila Batties spoke regarding the Planned Unit Development (PUD) application of Sursum Corda from an R-4 to a C-3/C-4.  The PUD will include the construction of 199 new affordable housing units on-site, the overall average of which will not exceed 60% AMI.  Of the 199 new affordable units, 143 units will be constructed during the first phase of the development and will be reserved for the return of the current Sursum Corda residents.  She stated they did update the benefits and amenities package as it relates to the neighborhood per the following:  (1) contribution of $250,000 to support Boys and Girls Club #2; (2) contribution of $60,000 to Perry School Community Services Center; (3) $25,000 contribution to Walker-Jones Parent Teacher Association; (4) $15,000 contribution to Girls in Action at the Sursum Corda Youth Center; (5) $25,000 contribution to Dunbar High School Parent Teacher Association; (6) donation of equipment and uniforms valued at $25,000 to support programming at RH Terrell Recreation Center.Michael Patton outlined Landscape and Open Space Improvements which included:  (1) construct, create, and maintain new green space at corner of L Street and First Place; (2) improve and maintain the public park at the corner of L Street and First Street; (3) create a new pedestrian promenade through the center of the site from M Street to L Street; (4) construct and maintain the extension of Pierce Street from First Street to First Place;

   A question and answer period followed:

   • Marie Gillerhan (Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church) expressed her concern about affordable housing and asked what ANC 6E is going to do to insure that its commitment to increase affordable housing is a real commitment.
   • Antoinette Irving-Jones (69 L Street) – (1) asked if she moves out with the voucher system, does she have to stay in the District of Columbia for two years? Commissioner Maceda responded she would find out the answer; (2) if the opt out has passed, can former residents still come back?Commissioner Maceda suggested that Commissioner Barnes hold a community meeting and invite the proper City officials to answer any questions the affected residents have.
   • Randy Keesler (Holy Redeemer Roman Catholic Church) – (1) asked who will be responsible for the demolishment of the existing building. He was told that whoever buys the building will be responsible for the demolishment; (2) asked whether the 143 units will remain as affordable housing in the future?  He was told they would be.
5. presentation for 251 h street, nw 

   Allison Prince (Goulston & Storrs), Chrystal Kern (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and Chris Morrison (Perkins + Will) were present. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is out growing its existing building and they want to expand.  They are looking at a C-3/C-4 air shaft parcel.  They will be adding two stories on top of the existing building.  They will file a PUD and Zoning application in the next few weeks and will be coming back with more details.Commissioner Padro asked the following:  (1) how are you addressing the air shaft with the tunnel?  We will hide it in some way; (2) in your PUD, he would expect to see community benefits.

    

• presentation for bible way church development 

  Elizabeth Everhart spoke regarding the development of Plaza West, 1035 4^th Street, NW and 307 K Street, NW. They are asking ANC 6E for a letter of support to the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  The project will involve new construction of a 12 story 223 unit building with two components:  (1) 50 unit intergenerational development (including affordable housing and supportive services for grandparents raising grandchildren with an entrance on 4^th Street, NW; and (2) 173 unit affordable apartment building with an entrance on K Street, NW.  Construction is anticipated to start in December 2015 and last twenty-three (23) months.Commissioner Maceda asked what happened to the dog park.  Commissioner Padro asked what happened to K Street adjacent to the freeway that was promised to be an amenity at 5^th & I Street, NW.  Commissioner Padro also stated his frustration with DMPED and their failure to listen to ANC 6E’s requests and recommendations.  Thereafter, he stated that ANC 6E’s Development and Zoning Committee voted not to provide the requested letter of support.

  MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Judd seconded that ANC 6E send a letter of disapproval to DHCD related to the $18 million requested for the Plaza West project, with a copy of the letter to be sent to the Mayor’s Office and Councilmember Allen. The Motion passed, 3 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Maceda, and Judd) – 2 nays (Commissioners Nigro and Barnes) – 1 abstention (Commissioner Chapple).

   

• t street development: request for zoning relief for height and design (monument realty) 

  Josh Olsen of Monument Realty spoke regarding the T Street Development Project.  The project involves four (4) properties (608 to 618 T Street, NW) that front Ellington Plaza.  Wiltberger Street, NW is not part of the project.  It will be a 50 to 60 unit building, 7 stories high, with 36 – 38 parking spaces.  A draft development agreement was sent to Commissioner Chapple for:  (a) preserving fronts and sides of two of the buildings; (b) seeking two variances from the BZA which are not required under the new zoning regulations:  1) height of building; 2) loading dock; (c) parking – providing 50% more parking than what Zoning requires; (d) traffic – moving entrance to parking garage to Wiltberger Street; (e) limit on RPP permits put into the agreement; (f) preserving fronts of 618 T and 610 T; (g) construction to start at 8:00 a.m. instead of 7:00 a.m.; (h) shadow studies done; (i) they would maintain the Duke Ellington statue and the plaza going forward.A Wiltberger Street resident objected to:  (1) the height of the building which is higher than the Wonder Bread building; (2) traffic; and (3)

  Commissioner Maceda stated the ANC 6E’s Development and Zoning Committee voted to support the project.

  MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the T Street Project and the zoning variances requested, subject to the signing of a Development Agreement as the parties have discussed, and, per the recommendation of Commissioner Padro, that consideration be given to naming the building “The Cecelia.”   The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

   

450. presentation – 655 new york avenue, nw (douglas development) 

     Drew Turner (Douglas Development Corporation) spoke regarding 655 New York Avenue, NW. They are seeking no additional relief to the relief previously granted by the BZA.  They have submitted the minor modification of the larger modification.MOTION:  Commissioner Nigro moved and Commissioner Chapple seconded that ANC 6E support Douglas Development’s minor modification to existing zoning relief order #18502 to include the eastern portion of Square 450.  Douglas Development is seeking no additional relief to the existing BZA order.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

      

451. abra: shouk restaurant, aamc building, 613 k street, nw: request for support for liquor license 

     Ran Nussbacher of Shouk Restaurant spoke regarding their request for support for a Class D liquor license (beer and wine) which will represent 10% of their business.  The restaurant serves lunch and dinner.  Commissioner Maceda advised ANC 6E’s Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee met and recommended support.MOTION:  Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the application of Shouk Restaurant for a Class D liquor license and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

      

452. abra: texas de brazil, 455 massachusetts avenue, nw – request for support for stipulated liquor license 

     The applicant has been operating for about four months now.  ANC 6E supported their application for extended hours at its July meeting and Texas de Brazil is now asking for a stipulated liquor license to serve alcohol during those extended hours.Commissioner Maceda advised that ANC 6E’s Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Committee supported the application.

     MOTION:  Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E support the application of Texas de Brazil, 455 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, for a stipulated liquor license and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

      

• abra: trinity restaurant, 1606 7^th street, nw – request for support for liquor license 

  Commissioner Padro stated that the applicant has agreed to enter into a Settlement Agreement in which they specify their hours of operation, sound mitigation measures, and no entertainment endorsement.MOTION:  Commissioner Padro moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that ANC 6E support the application of Trinity Restaurant, 1606 7^th Street, NW, for a liquor license and that said support be communicated in writing to the ABC Board and ABRA. The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

   

• list of repairs in our anc area for naomi mitchell 

  Commissioner Maceda requested the Commissioners to each prepare a list of safety-related repairs and to email them to Naomi Mitchell. 

   

• update on capital crossing – tony robinson 

  Tony Robinson provided a handout and briefly reported that, effective October 8, 2015, DDOT will announce that the excavation for the new southbound portal to I-395 will begin on or about Saturday, October 17, 2015 and lane shifts will occur as crews start work along Massachusetts Avenue and H Street between 2^nd and 4^th Streets, NW. The work is expected to last eight months.

1. letter of support for crosswalk – mid k street, nw between 4^th and 5^th streets, nwMOTION:

   Commissioner Maceda moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that ANC 6E write a letter of support to DDOT requesting a traffic study and to install a crosswalk at mid K Street, NW between 4^th and 5^th Streets, NW.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Padro, Chapple, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

• TREASURER’S REPORT 
  548. Commissioner Chapple reported that the balance in the checking account is $64,548.20.MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that the Treasurer’s Report be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Padro, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.

        

  549. FY 2016 Budget: Commissioner Chapple presented the following proposed FY 2016 budget and requested approval:Postage/P.O. Box:                                                     $     00
       Printing/Copying:                                                      $  4,200.00
       Newsletter Distribution:                                            $  2,500.00
       Recording Services/Karen Jehle:                          $  1,375.00
       Miscellaneous/Office Supplies:                             $     500.00
       Miscellaneous Purchases:                                      $  2,000.00
       Website/Webhosting:                                               $  2,500.00
       Security Fund:                                                           $       25.00    

$25,500.00
MOTION:  Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Barnes seconded that the FY 2016 Budget be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Padro, Barnes, Maceda, Nigro, and Judd) – 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 October 6, 2015 Public Meeting be approved.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Padro, Maceda, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
  126. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $525.58 for printing costs of the October Newsletter.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Padro, Maceda, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
  127. MOTION: Commissioner Chapple moved and Commissioner Padro seconded that Commissioner Nigro be reimbursed in the amount of $526.35 for printing costs of the May Newsletter.  The Motion passed unanimously, 6 yeas (Commissioners Chapple, Padro, Maceda, Barnes, Nigro, and Judd) – 0 nays – 0 abstentions.
• OLD BUSINESS 
• NEW BUSINESS 

  Darren Buck (email: buck@dc.gov; phone: 202-671-5112) of DDOT stated that DDOT has started a bicycle lane study this year.  A website has been made available to offer comments at:  dccycletrack.com.  A public meeting will be held on October 22, 2015 at Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library.

1. next meetingTuesday, November 3, 2015, Watha T. Daniel/Shaw Neighborhood Library, 1630 7^th Street, NW, 6:30 p.m.

    

• ANNOUNCEMENTS 
  1. Naomi Mitchell stated that Public Safety Meetings are going on as part of the Friends of Kennedy Recreation Center joint initiative and that a movie night will be held on the ball field of Kennedy Recreation Center on October 14, 2015 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  2. Frank Maduro stated that tomorrow is the final day for the job pre-screening at Kennedy Recreation Center. Friday is the day for final interview sessions with 12 employers.

• adjournment 

  The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.