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

 

August Minutes

 

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, August 2, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the True Reformer Building, Commissioner Hunter being present as chair, and Commissioner Nadeau present as secretary. Other Commissioners present, Conklin, Smith, Mathews, Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, and Akinmboni.

 

Commissioner Hunter called meeting to order with a quorum at 7:10 p.m., and called for introductions.

 

Announcements & Officers Reports:

 

As part of the Treasurer’s report, Commissioner Conklin moved that Commissioner Nadeau be reimbursed for secretarial expenses in the amount of $208.86.  Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0.

 

Commissioner Conklin moved that the Commission approve a check to the Postmaster, for P.O. Box renewal in the amount of $484.  Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0.

 

Commissioner Conklin moved that Nikki Akinyae be reimbursed for consulting services in the amount of $100.  Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0.

 

Commissioner Conklin moved that the Commission approve the June 2007 Monthly Report with a closing balance of close to $85,000. Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0.

 

Commissioner Conklin presented the 3rd Quarter Report with an opening balance of $91,000. She noted that this does not reflect the district allotment or $5,500 in expenditures; The expenditures included salaries and wages, printing, copying, and the majority of the expenditures were grants.  The Commission is very near having spent the funds designated for grants in the budget.  Commissioner Conklin moved that the Commission approve the 3rd Quarter Report. Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0.

 

The minutes for June and July were approved unanimously.

 

Commissioner Spalding announced that the Midcity Dog Days Sale would be happening this weekend, and that Saturday from 12pm – 5 the 2nd Annual Developers showcase will be hosted by CSNA in front of the M.A. Winter building.

 

Commissioner Moss recognized the work of the people in LeDroit Park, working together to fight crime. They raised matching funds to purchase a safety camera. Several criminals have been apprehended and convicted due to their efforts.

 

Mr. Ernest Springs announced that Tuesday is the National Night Out and the MPD is hosting activities around the city. PSA 304 will have events at the Boys & Girls Club. The National Park Service will have activities on the lower level of Meridian Hill Park.  The Orange Hat Patrol will also be going out on patrol.

 

Mr. Jon Kardon of Level 2 Development announced that work on the sublevel of View 14 has begun and excavation will begin shortly.

 

Commission Business:

 

Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission approve the vote of the executive Committee to renew the licenses discussed at the July Executive Emergency Session (71886, Sala Thai, 1301 U St., Substantial Change; 75811, Solly’s Tavern, 1942 11th St., Substantial Change; 71832, Abiti Ethiopian Restaurant, 1909 9th St., renew CR01; 74242, Carbonero Restaurant, 1926 9th St., renew CR01; 71881, Alero Restaurant, 1301 U St., renew CR02; 74827, Duke City, 1208 U St., renew CR02;          71086, Saloon, 1205-1207 U St., renew CR02) and other actions taken in relation to these renewals such as Commissioner Spalding writing a letter to ABRA about Carbonero leaving trash in public spaces, and Solly’s Tavern receiving a stipulated license to serve alcohol at its outdoor seating.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-0-1 with Commissioner Spalding abstaining.

 

Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission endorse the action previously taken by DDOT to approve the public space permit for the U Street Senior Citizens’ Vendors Associations. Commissioner Moss seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 5-3 with Commissioners Conklin, Spalding and Nadeau dissenting.

 

Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission support the creation of the Columbia Heights Heritage trail.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0. 

 

The Commission heard a presentation from Ellis Enterprises, Four Points, LLC regarding the development of Parcel 33 at 7th and S, the Broadcast Center “Media One” Commercial development and the Broadcast Center Residential Development.  They described a high density development at the Shaw/Howard Metro station that will have LEED-certified green technology and 45 affordable residential units. Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission support the application # ZC 07-07 of Ellis Enterprises. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0. 

 

Commissioner Moss told the Commission that the new owners of the Cooper House are working with HPRB to restore and renovate the carriage house.  She moved that the Commission support the application to renovate the carriage house at 201 T Street, NW. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0.

 

Commissioner Spalding reviewed ongoing ABRA cases, indicating that the 1907 9th Street Voluntary Agreement is complete; the  Manchester protest hearing will be held August 15th; the application for Vino-teca is coming up; Sala Thai is having a show-cause hearing for sale to a minor and having no licensed manager on site; The fact-finding hearing for International Grille is coming up, but there is no date set; 7 Days Grocery protest hearing is being continued, Commissioner Spalding asked that Commissioner Hunter work with Commissioner Akinmboni on this; Harvard Street Market is getting a serious fine and suspension for selling to minors, it will likely be sold.

 

The Commission heard from the officers of the Prince Hall Masons, residents nearby, and Commissioner Spalding presented letters from other residents in opposition to the renewal of the CR04 license in ABRA case 26242. Commissioner Spalding moved to protest application 26242 on the basis of peace, order and quiet with Commissioner Spalding and Hunter designated to represent the Commission.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-2. The officers of the Prince Hall Masons and residents agreed to meet with the designated Commissioners to discuss a Voluntary Agreement as soon as possible.

 

The Commission heard from the officers of the Columbia Lodge 85, as well as nearby residents.  Residents indicated concerns about trash, debris and fighting as well as parking issues.  Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission protest ABRA case 75284 on the basis of peace, order and quiet with the understanding that Commissioners Moss and Hunter will convene a meeting to work on a Voluntary Agreement.  Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0-1 with Commissioner Mathews abstaining.

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission protest the application of Axum Restaurant for a substantial change of an entertainment endorsement to their existing license on the basis of Peace, Order and Quiet.  Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 8-0-1 with Commissioner Smith abstaining.

 

Commissioner Moss moved that the Commissioner approve the renewal of the license Queen Makeda, and then withdrew the motion. Commissioner Spalding indicated that this business has been closed for quite some time and that the Commission needs to hear from the owner what the plans are for reopening.  At this time the Commission heard from the owner’s son about his mother’s absence due to family issues.  Commissioner Moss then moved that the Commission protest the application for renewal on the basis of peace, order and quiet. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 7-1-1. Commissioner Moss, Spalding and Smith will work with the owner to discuss plans for renewal.

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve the renewal of the license of Café Nema.  Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0. 

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve the renewal of the license of Duke City.  Commissioner Conklin seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-0. 

 

The Commission heard from Commissioner Spalding that residents have asked for a protest of Madjet Restaurant’s license, as they are not properly dealing with trash and grease.  Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission protest the renewal of the license of Madjet Restaurant due to concerns of peace, order and quiet.  Commissioner Conklin seconded the motion.  Commissioner Mathews went on record to say a different forum should be used to resolve issues cited by residents.  The motion was adopted 5-4. 

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve the renewal of the license of Ras Ethiopian. 

Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0.

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission approve the renewal of the license of Yegna. 

Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-1, with Commissioner Spalding dissenting.

 

The Commission heard from the owner of Axis Bar & Grill, requesting new sidewalk café service with seating of up to 8 people.  The Commission recalled the previous public space application that came before them earlier this year. Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission support this application for sidewalk cafe service and that the Voluntary Agreement be amended to include this service.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0. 

 

Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission protest the application of Bouche on the basis of peace, order and quiet until the proprietor may work with the community, the Commission and the Westminster neighborhood association.  Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 8-1-0 with Commissioner Mathew dissenting. 

 

Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission support the renewal of the license for the 930 club.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0. 

 

Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission support the application of the Edna Frazier Cromwell Scholarship Fund for a grant in the amount of $2,000.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 6-3 with Commissioners Spalding, Conklin and Nadeau dissenting.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.