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ANC1B

Government of the District of Columbia

PO Box 73710, Washington, DC 20056

 

Myla Moss, Phil Spalding, Catherine Hammonds, Deairich R. Hunter, Brianne Nadeau, Meghan Conklin Zachary Wright, Rosemary Akinmboni, Thomas K. D. Smith, Nate Mathews, Raymond Wright

 

April Minutes

 

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, April 5, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the True Reformer Building, Commissioner Moss being present as chair, and Commissioner Nadeau present as secretary. Other Commissioners present, Spalding, Conklin, Mathews, Akinmboni and Hunter.

 

Commissioner Moss called meeting to order with quorum at 7:05 p.m., and called for introductions.

 

Officers Reports & Announcements:

 

The minutes were approved unanimously. As part of the treasurer’s report Commissioner Conklin announced that she will be wrapping up the outstanding treasury issues and then will resign her position.

 

Commissioner Moss called for announcements and let those present know that grant applications would be heard this month, but that no votes would be taken until next month.

 

Commissioner Spalding announced that Mayor Fenty will be in attendance at the next Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association meeting, Thursday, May 12. He also gave an update on the Prince Hall Mason’s building: parking in the vacant lot has now ceased, and the Historic Preservation Review Board is working with CVS to be sure the façade of the building does not have a negative impact on the African American Civil War Memorial. HPRB approved the application for a 4-story building and BZA passed variances to renovate 1327 Euclid St. He also indicated that he has heard from several agencies that the mailbox is still not set up and mail is being returned. He expressed thanks to the Mayor’s office for executing the Fightback in the1900 block of 9th.

 

Commissioner Mathews invited all to attend the 2nd Annual Pleasant Plains Community Health Fair on April 21st from 11 am to 8 pm on the 600 block of Gresham Place. A number of health and government groups will be there; there will be food, entertainment and a cash prize.

 

Commissioner Moss announced that the Office of Planning has submitted a lease for the Howard Theatre and the community is anxious to move forward with this.

 

Peter Tucker with Parents and Citizens Committee to Stop Medical Experimentation in DC and partner presented information opposing the required HPV vaccination of children in DC.  Commissioner Mathews proposed a motion to oppose making the HPV vaccine required in DC. The motion failed to pass 3-3.

 

A member of the Fire Department announced a number of community offerings, including CPR training the first Thursday of every month at 4600 Shepard Pl, SW; Smoke Detector Giveaways (727-1600); Blood Pressure Screening on a walk-in basis; Car seat Safety Inspection April 18th at 5101 Georgia Ave., NW & 101 Atlantic Street, SE; Fire Safety Presentations to civic associations upon request (727-1614).

 

A staff person from the DC Housing Authority gave an update on the property at 222 W Street, in the neighborhoods of LeDroit Park and Bloomingdale. This included information about drug activity that is now being curtailed and asked for community members to help prevent crime in that building by notifying the police of suspicious activity. He presented a design for a new development called the Williston and indicated he would return at a later date with a further update.

 

Community member Dana Bryson announced that she will be leading a community effort to design and paint a mural on the blank wall of her row house. She will convene meetings to discuss designs, and will be looking for local artists and community members to join the effort. She asked interested parties to contact her at work 742-6596 or via e-mail at dana.bryson@gmail.com.

 

A representative from the Voting Rights March announced the Voting Rights March April 16th. Marchers will gather at 2:30 pm at Freedom Plaza and hold a rally at the Capitol Reflecting Pool at 4pm. To March and volunteer community members may call 462-6000 x25 or sign up at votingrightsmarch.org.

 

Commission Business:

 

Commissioner Spalding gave an ABRA protest update, during which time he highlighted the following: The show cause hearing of Smarta/Broadway began and will continue May 22; The Commission has been admitted as a protestant to the license at 9th Street Café; the full protest hearing of 11th Street Market will take place in May; Solly’s will exploring patio space outside their bar; Manchester Bar had a status hearing last week and Commissioner Spalding has written a voluntary agreement; The Commission has successfully negotiated and submitted voluntary agreements with International Grill and Marvin; Chuck’s Market had a full protest hearing and no decision has been made yet; 7 Days Grocery is on the ABRA Agenda for the week of April 9th and is in Commissioner Akinmboni’s district.

 

Commissioner Spalding explained the history of the vacant properties at BCIB 07-141 & 07-143 at 1819 10th Street, NW. He moved that the Commission designate him as the representative in the matters of BCIB 07-141 & 07-143. Commissioner Moss seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.

 

Discussion of the Public Space Application for curb cut at 911 Florida Ave was postponed until the May Meeting. Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission designate him as the representative on this issue. Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.

 

Grants and Presentations:

 

The Commission heard a presentation from Robin Schuster regarding using the Reeves Center as a Farmers Market on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm beginning June 2. Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission support the Reeves Center Farmers Market. Commissioners Spalding and Conklin seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-0.

 

Commissioner Mathews described the Youth & Community Garden project and indicated that they would be approaching the Commission for grant money and that this should be revisited in May.

 

The Commission heard a presentation from the Mid-Town Academy regarding their grant application and their need for equipment for the children in their program. No Action was taken.

 

The Commission heard a presentation from Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association about their Spring Clean & Green grant application and their need for funding to maintain the spring garden. No Action was taken.

 

The Commission heard a presentation from a member of the LeDroit Park Civic Association about a grant for a crime camera in a high crime area of the neighborhood. No Action was taken.

 

Commissioner Hunter reviewed the grant procedures and indicated that applications must be in the hands of the Commission 30 days before consideration. The preference of the Commission is that applicants will bring applications to the monthly meeting. He announced that an application had been received by the Commy Foundation for consideration at the May meeting.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.