ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Minutes

Thursday, August 6, 2009. 7:00 PM, Reeves Center, 2000 14^th Street N.W.

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B occurred on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at 7:00 pm in the Reeves Center, Commissioner Nadeau being present as Chair.  Other Commissioners present during the meeting: Eduardo Ferrer, Myla Moss, Meghan Conklin, Peter Raia, Juan Lopez, Sedrick Muhammad, and Deborah Thomas.

Chairperson Nadeau observed the presence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. She began the meeting with the following announcement:

I am Brianne Nadeau, Chair of the Commission. I would like to make the following announcements on behalf of the Commission. We ask that you silence your cell phones. By “silence” I mean either put them on “silence” or turn them off if you are able. The vibration and rings interfere with our recording and we sometimes lose valuable information.

ü This meeting is audio-recorded for the public record and the draft minutes of the meeting, which will be published on our website within one week.

ü We welcome and encourage public comment at appropriate points in the meeting. Normally, we will ask for public comment on issues before the Commission before any motion is offered for official action. Once a motion has been made and seconded, comment and discussion is confined to Commissioners.

ü We ask that all those making presentations, asking questions, or making comments speak loudly and clearly for the benefit of our recording device. You can come forward and sit at the witness table and make sure that your comments are picked up. Please state your name, residence address, and what organization you represent. If you are representing yourself as a resident, rather than an organization, please say so.

ü For the accuracy of our public records, we ask that all those making presentations, asking questions, or making comments complete the very brief speaker information form located on the sign in table at the back of the room. Please give the completed form to our Staff Director, Jim Irwin, either before or after you speak to the Commission. The purpose of this form is to assure correct spelling of your name in the minutes, accurate address and accurate statement of representation.

Thank you for your attendance, participation and cooperation.

Introductions and Officers’ Reports

Chairperson Nadeau asked Commissioners present to introduce themselves.

Secretary’s Report

Chairperson Nadeau noted that the Secretary, Commissioner E. Gail Anderson Holness, was absent, and said she would present the minutes of the previous meeting for approval by the Commission. She noted that the minutes had been circulated electronically to all Commissioners and had been posted on the website. In addition, she referred Commissioners to two reference copies available on the meeting table.

Chairperson Nadeau asked for any corrections or additions to the minutes. There were none.

Chairperson Nadeau moved that the minutes of the July 2009 meeting of ANC 1B be approved as presented.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion as adopted unanimously, 7-0.

Treasurer’s Report

Commissioner Lopez reported that as of July 30^th, the bank balance was $75,327.22.

He advised the Commission that the following checks were written in July:

1714 MidCity Business Association for $2,000; grant 09-10 approved May 6, 2009

1715 Ethiopian Community for $1,000.00; grant 09-11 approved June 4, 2009

1717 Arose Youth Development for $2,000; grant 09-13 approved June 4, 2009

1718 Arts Under the Stars for $4,000; grant 09-14 approved June 4, 2009

1719 Westminster Neighborhood Association for $1,285.00; grant 09-15 approved June 4, 2009

1722 James Irwin for $1,327.05; staff wages approved in the 2009 budget December 4, 2008

1724 DC Caribbean Carnival Inc. for $2,000; grant 09-16 approved April 2, 2009

1725 U.S. Postal Service for $255.00 for post office box rental for six months; approved in the 2009 budget December 4, 2008.

1725 James Irwin for $157.48; office supplies approved in the 2009 budget December 4, 2008

Commissioner Lopez advised the Commission that staff wages for James Irwin and Bianca Body must be approved at this meeting because the expenditure exceeded the 2009 staff salary budget.

Commissioner Muhammad asked about the $4,000.00 grant for Arts Under the Stars; he thought there was a maximum limit of $2,000.00 on grants to community organizations. Chairperson Nadeau said that the Commission suspended the rule limiting the grant amount because Arts Under the Stars is a collaboration of several organizations. She said the discussion on this question included a decision that the Grants Committee would evaluate the guidelines for grants. The Commission has not yet received a report from the Grants Committee. In addition, Staff Director Jim Irwin has submitted suggested administrative procedures for grants, which will also be considered by the Committee.

Commissioner Muhammad asked if the $2,000.00 limit was not a citywide maximum that applied to all ANCs. Chairperson Nadeau said that there is no citywide limit; the $2,000.00 limit was a rule established by Commissioner Hunter when he was Chairperson.

Commissioner Lopez moved that ANC 1B approve payment of staff wages in the amount of $1,236.96 to James Irwin for July, 2009.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7-0.

Commissioner Lopez moved that ANC 1B approve payment of staff wages in the amount of $400.56 to Bianca Body for March, April and May, 2009.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7-0.

Commissioner Lopez moved that ANC 1B approve the Treasurer’s Report for July, 2009.

Commissioner Conklin seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7-0.

Community Events and Announcements

Commission Announcements

Commissioner Moss announced that last Tuesday Mayor Adrian Fenty and Councilmember Jim Graham came to the Gage-Eckington School to announce officially the construction of a community park, including picnic facilities, public space and a dog park. Interior demolition of the old school building will begin next week, and demolition of the structure will begin in about fifteen days. Demolition should be completed in about three months. The park should be open to the public in 2010.

Commissioner Moss also expressed thanks to Louella Johnson, CSOSA, who provided volunteers for the LeDroit Park cleanup.

Chairperson Nadeau commended Commissioner Moss for her tireless work on behalf of the community to make sure that the Gage-Eckington property becomes a valuable community asset as a park.

Commissioner Moss noted that Councilmember Graham should be commended for his efforts to review the budget and identify the funds for the park construction.

Commissioner Raia noted that some blogs have been reporting that the Green Team might not be funded in 2010. Mr. Scott Pomeroy reported that funds originally in the budget were cut, but an alternative source is the Neighborhood Investment Fund. $865,000.00 is available from that source. Mr. Pomeroy suggested that ANC 1B consider endorsing the allocation of funds from the Neighborhood Investment Fund for the Green Team. Commissioner Raia asked that this matter be added to the September meeting agenda.

Commissioner Raia announced that the gospel church concerts that have been occurring at the Reeves Center on Friday nights until after midnight are now ending no later than 9:00 PM as a result of community complaints and police intervention.

Commissioner Muhammad announced that the South Columbia Heights Association would be holding its monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. The guest speaker is Lucinda Babers, Director of the DC Department of Motor Vehicles.

Chairperson Nadeau announced that 1417 Belmont Street N.W. has been demolished. This building had been occupied by the Community of Hope, but had been vacant for several years, had become a shell and a place for drug dealing and loitering. The effort to address the problems created by this vacant building was a collaborative effort among ANC SMDs, other community groups and Councilmember Graham’s office.

Commissioner Ferrer announced that Howard University’s freshman move-in day will be August 15^th, and several streets around the University will be closed. He also announced that the Pleasant Plains Civic Association would be hosting a special meeting on August 31^st at 6:30 PM at the Emerging Arts Collective, 733 Euclid Street N.W. The meeting involves the Arts Collective, the Pleasant Plains Civic Association and several ANC commissioners whose single-member districts (SMD) include parts of lower Georgia Avenue., and Jim Kessler, the developer who will be constructing the Howard Town Center. Mr. Kessler will discuss his plans for this development.

Community Announcements

Ms. Sharon Wise, representing the Gregory Project, said that she has been working with Commissioner Akinmboni on a grant application for the 2009 Youth Leadership March that she had submitted in May. She asked whether their grant application would be considered at this meeting. Commissioner Akinmboni had advised her to attend. Chairperson Nadeau asked if any commissioners had seen the grant application. Commissioner Raia said that he believed Commissioner Akinmboni had e-mailed the application to commissioners two months ago. Ms. Wise said that the event would be on Aug 22^nd. Chairperson Nadeau asked Commissioner Lopez to work with Ms. Wise on the details of her grant application so that a presentation could be made during the Grants Committee Report on the agenda.

Mr. Ron Briggs, 1610 16^th Street N.W., representing the Greater U Street Historic Foundation, announced the Greater U Street Parade and Festival would occur on Saturday, September 19^th, beginning at 11 AM. The parade and festival will celebrate the renaming of the 1300 block of V Street N.W. to Langston Hughes Way, N.W. The parade will begin at the African American Civil War Memorial at 11^th and U Streets N.W. and end at Busboys and Poets at 14^th and V Streets N.W. Mr. Briggs said that all permits have been applied for and meetings with neighbors and businesses have been held. Another planning meeting will be held on Monday, August 10^th at 6:30 PM at the African American Civil War Memorial. The parade has broad community support.

Public Safety and Public Safety Committee Report

Commissioner Moss advised that the August Public Safety Committee meeting was cancelled due to the National Night Out, an annual law enforcement event. The next Committee meeting will be Tuesday, September 1^st, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the DC Housing Finance Agency, at 9^th Street and Florida Avenue N.W.

Commissioner Moss reported that the July meeting of the Committee discussed the need for more police personnel in PSA 305. She said that PSA 305 is very large, covering the area from M Street and Connecticut Avenue NW through the U Street corridor. Only thirty-three officers are assigned to this entire area. Of course, not all of them are on duty at the same time. The Committee was disturbed to learn that ten additional officers have been assigned to Adams Morgan while PSA 305 continues understaffed. She said that Commander Kusick and Chief Lanier are working to get more officers assigned to 305.

Presentations

Howard Theatre Restoration outside artwork

Commissioner Moss introduced Mr. Roy “Chip” Ellis, president of Ellis Development. Mr. Ellis told the Commission that he is a member of the Board of the Howard Restoration Group, which is managing the Howard Theatre restoration and preservation project. They are currently doing research on the façade of the original theatre. The stucco has been removed, revealing the original 1910 façade. They are also considering what to do with the top of the building. The original 1910 structure had a statue of Apollo on a pedestal. They propose to put a modern sculpture of a jazz player with a trumpet in its place. Mr. Ellis said the theatre has a varied and colorful history. At one time, it served as a church. It was closely associated with the civil rights movement. However, the theatre’s strongest association is with the jazz of the 1920s and 1930s. Mr. Ellis said that this close association with the jazz era is the inspiration for the new sculpture, which will have a futuristic appearance. It will be made of weather-resistant stainless steel mesh so that the interior will be visible. The interior will be decorated with musical notes and instruments and the entire sculpture will be illuminated at night with a blue glow.

Mr. Ellis said the Restoration Group is seeking a grant to finance the creation of the statue from the Arts Commission. The exterior plan also includes large pieces of art on the Wiltberger Place side of the building, which will be removable, so that the wall will become a changing art display or art gallery. The goal is to create an arts destination and an arts district.

A member of the community asked if the restored theatre would function solely as a theatre. Mr. Ellis replied that the project is a multi-function facility. It will have a sound stage and a restaurant. The facility will be flexible, accommodating both large-audience festival-style concert events and smaller banquets or fund-raising events. He said the capacity would range from 650 up to 1,000 people for festival-style events. This flexibility will help “keep the lights on” by providing revenue from a wide range of users.

Commissioner Moss thanked Mr. Ellis for his presentation and noted that he will be returning to the Commission at future meetings to report on the progress of various aspects of the project.

Neighborhood Corps

Mr. Nicholas Thorpe, 441 4^th Street N.W., #1140, the Neighborhood Corps program officer for Washington, D.C., said that the Corps is part of the federal emergency preparedness program. It is designed to train people in the community to work as a team assisting first responders in the event of a disaster. The Corps operates a three-week training program, or academy, meeting on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Those who successfully complete the academy receive a Neighborhood Corps response bag with equipment and supplies, a certificate of completion of training. They are entered into the Neighborhood Corps database of volunteers who will be mobilized in the event of an emergency. The next academy is scheduled for September 1-17, 2009, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-9 PM.

In response to questions from Commissioner Raia, Mr. Thorpe said that fire and EMS personnel were the first responders who would be assisted by Neighborhood Corps (NC) volunteers. These volunteers are trained to self-deploy in the event of an emergency or disaster in their neighborhood. Volunteers from the Corps may be on the scene of an emergency before first responders arrive. They will be trained to understand the chain of command, identify the main features or issues of the emergency, whether people need medical assistance, etc. When first responders arrive, NC volunteers will be able to provide valuable information that will save time and facilitate the response. A red vest will identify NC volunteers. The question of devising a secure ID card for NC volunteers is currently being debated in the Homeland Security Department. Cost is a significant issue. With regard to liability, the Good Samaritan Law covers NC volunteers. NC volunteers are trained in CPR. If a volunteer cannot continue in the program, he or she can keep the supply/equipment bag, which can be of use to the individual in the event of an emergency, whether or not they are in the program. The training program is free.

Design Review Applications and Design Committee Report

ARTS Overlay Review

Chairperson Nadeau introduced Andrea Doughty of the ANC 2F Arts Overlay Committee. She said that ANC 2F has taken the lead in studying and analyzing the arts overlay zoning district that extends from the bottom of Logan Circle to the top of Columbia Heights to determine how it can be improved. She thanked ANC 2F for all their work on behalf of all the ANCs located within the arts overlay district.

Andrea Doughty, 1417 Q Street N.W., said that the ANC 2F Arts Overlay Committee was formed in June. Since then, it has held eight public meetings to hear from citizens. Participation in the meetings has been diverse, including developers, business owners, restauranteurs, staff from the DC Office of Planning, community leaders, and residents. The committee is now working on their report and recommendations. Ms. Doughty said she would review the key findings that have emerged from the public meetings.

Ø The current recessionary economic environment is very difficult for arts uses (especially artists and galleries) and small independent retailers. There is a high probability that there will be a substantial loss of arts uses.

Ø Restaurant developments are going pretty well. There have been twelve announcements or openings during the past two months.

Ø Several key development projects are well advanced in the planning stages, including the Utopia, Room and Board, JBG-Whitman Walker Clinic, Central Union Mission projects. These projects are viewed within the U Street Corridor as critical underpinning for continued development of the corridor.

Ø The current economic environment has raised financial challenges that may delay some of these key development projects.

Ms. Doughty said that discussions at the public meetings repeatedly identified four ingredients that participants considered important to future development:

Ø Loss of momentum due to the loss or failure of critical development projects to move forward and the impact that would have on the district;

Ø The special appeal of this neighborhood to developers, businesses and residents was discussed repeatedly; participants think it is based on business diversity and the arts uses;

Ø Daytime foot traffic was a repeated concern, especially what can be done to increase daytime foot traffic to encourage and support retail businesses;

Ø “Dead zones,” such as vacant lots and utility buildings such as the Verizon building that cause gaps in the retail frontage are a concern, especially along 14^th Street, because they discourage retail traffic.

The overall conclusion of the committee is that the arts overlay district, while useful, has not been fully effective in achieving its goals to encourage arts uses. Among other reasons for this, some of the provisions of the zoning regulations were badly written and poorly targeted. For example, none of the incentives in the regulations encourages developers to provide for non-profit and low-profit arts uses.

Another conclusion from the committee process is that there is a symbiotic relationship between the arts uses and retail/restaurant uses. The foot traffic generated by one use supports the others. The arts uses attract traffic, which benefits retailers and restaurants. People drawn to the retail and restaurant businesses also patronize the arts businesses.

Ms. Doughty emphasized that she was making a progress report and that the committee has not yet finalized its conclusions and recommendations. However, she wanted to share with the Commission some of the ideas being considered for official committee recommendations. The committee’s final report is scheduled for September 7^th. She invited the Commission’s comments.

One idea being considered is to split up the arts overlay district, which is now extremely large, into two arts districts: a U Street Corridor Arts District and a 14^th Street Corridor Arts District. The zoning contexts of U Street and 14^th Street are different. The historic buildings, retail environment, width of sidewalks are all different. The scale of the existing district makes it very difficult to form a cohesive strategy or identity.

Another idea under consideration is to provide a more significant zoning bonus for a very targeted group of arts uses, including non-profit, low-profit and live-work spaces. In order to get this bonus, a developer would have to have a very meaningful arts component to its project. The bonus incentives would involve density and height. The committee is still discussing the details.

A third idea for possible recommendation is to level the playing field between development of condos and apartments on the one hand and business development on the other hand. Now, the floor-area ratio for office development is a maximum 2.5 compared with 4.0 for condo/apartment development. Equalizing the FAR would encourage greater small business-small office development and increase daytime foot traffic in the district, benefiting retailers, restaurants and arts uses.

A fourth idea is to build on the symbiotic relationship between retail and restaurant uses and arts uses. Now there is a limitation on restaurants and bars on U Street by limiting linear frontage to 25%. The purpose of this is to preserve the daytime streetscape. However, this limitation has not been enforced, in part because it is badly written and in part, because it is very hard to measure. It appears to the committee that there is no real basis for the 25% number. The committee believes that a limitation is a useful tool, but it can safely be increased to 40-50%. They did not hear any rationale for reserving 75% of the streetscape for other uses. The committee is also considering recommending that the percentage be measured on a much smaller basis, rather than the very large area on which the current measurement is based. This will spread the burden around. While some areas of U Street have reached the 40-50% level, other parts of U and 14^th have almost no restaurant/bar frontage at all. The committee has talked with the zoning administrator, who is confident he can enforce a better-written regulation. However, the committee is concerned about the level of resources available to the zoning administrator and will recommend increased resources for better enforcement.

Ms. Doughty invited questions from the Commission.

Chairperson Nadeau asked what ANC 1B could do that would be helpful. Did the committee want a letter of support? Ms. Doughty said they were not asking for anything at this meeting. She was providing a progress report. The committee is committed to reporting to ANC 2F on September 7^th, so they would like to come back to ANC 1B at its September meeting with their final report (with advance copies to all Commissioners), and ask for support at that time. Another member of the committee accompanying Ms. Doughty suggested that it would be beneficial if ANC 1B would designate one Commissioner as a liaison with the committee.

Chairperson Nadeau suggested that Commissioners Smith, Raia or Thomas would all be appropriate for this role. Commissioner Raia volunteered to serve as liaison with the committee.

Chairperson Nadeau asked the formation of the committee and its term of existence. Ms. Doughty said it was a special committee created by vote of ANC 2F. The membership of the committee, as determined by ANC 2F, is five residents, two business owners and one developer. No elected Commissioners are members of the committee.

Chairperson Nadeau thanked Ms. Doughty and the committee for taking on the tremendous task of reviewing and analyzing these complex zoning issues.

Mr. Phil Spalding, 1929 13^th Street N.W., said that he had and read comments advocating the elimination of all arts overlay districts in the city. He asked if the committee had heard such comments or addressed that question

Ms. Doughty said that the committee had not received any comments of that sort. She said that the general view was that arts overlay districts are important tools for the encouragement of arts and cultural life, and that it is up to the community and community organizations like the ANCs to advocate for them.

1932 9^th Street N.W.

Commissioner Raia introduced Paul So, the owner of 1932 9^th Street N.W.

Mr. So said that he is planning a mixed-use project for this property, which fronts 9^th Street N.W. and 9½ Street N.W. The 9½ Street side will provide studios and live-work space for artists. The 9^th Street frontage will include commercial retail space with three levels of condominium residences above, two units per floor, six total.

Mr. Greg Kearley, the architect for the project, said that this development would bring additional arts uses into the U Street corridor. The project consists of two separate structures, one fronting on 9^th Street and the other on 9½ Street. The 9^th Street structure is the larger of the two. Mr. Kearley said that the site is forty feet wide, twice as wide as the typical 9^th Street lot. Although the building is higher than others on the block are, it is proportional because of the greater width. He said they have been working very closely with Steve Calcott of the Historic Preservation Office on the design and height of the building. The 9½ Street building is also proportional and designed to fit in with the neighboring structures.

Commissioner Moss asked how many condos are contained in both buildings. Mr. Kearley said there are six units in the front building, two per floor, and three units in the back building (9½ Street), one two-bedroom unit and two one-bedroom units, for a total of nine units.

Commissioner Moss asked about parking. Mr. Kearley said that the project meets all parking requirements.

Commissioner Moss asked if the project has been discussed with the residents of 9^th Street N.W. Mr. Kearley said that they met with the ANC one year ago. They also met with Commissioner Thomas Smith two weeks ago. He was very favorable to the project and indicated he would write a letter of support. They have also met with residents, and answered numerous questions. Mr. Kearley said that everything they are doing with the project is a matter of right. They are presenting to the Commission because it is a historic property, and they would like the Commission’s support. There will be a hearing before the Historic Preservation Review Board, at which time people will have the opportunity to comment. That hearing will be on September 24^th.

Chairperson Nadeau observed that the management of residential and commercial uses is a continuing challenge. She asked if the building is designed so that bedrooms are shielded from restaurant and other commercial noise. Mr. Kearley said that the non-residential uses are all located on the 9^th Street side of the project. One condo on each floor in the 9^th Street building overlooks 9^th Street, including the bedroom. The other condo overlooks the courtyard in the rear of the building.

Commissioner Thomas asked about the allocation of retail and commercial space in the 9^th Street building. Mr. Kearley said that the first floor would be retail space, the second floor office space, and the third through fifth floors residential condos. Commissioner Thomas said she was reflecting on the July meeting discussion about restaurant noise disturbing residents and asked about noise control for residents above the commercial space. Mr. Kearley said that the second-floor office space would provide a buffer, as it would typically be open from 9 am to 6 pm. In addition, as an architect, part of his job is to design noise attenuation into the structure of the building. Mr. Phil Spalding pointed out that the building is zoned commercial.

Commissioner Moss asked about the timeline for the project. Mr. Kearley said construction would not begin until 2010.

Mr. Scott Pomeroy asked if the FAR were greater, as may be recommended by the Arts Overlay Committee, would they consider developing more office space. Mr. Kearley said that because the project is historic site, they have not designed it to the maximum height and would not consider increased office space appropriate under the circumstances.

Mr. Pomeroy pointed out that the lot on which the project is being constructed is currently the access for trash collection, which will be closed off by the structure. He asked what accommodation they have provided for neighbors on the block to facilitate trash collection. Mr. Kearley said they had met with other parties on the block and have provided for access for trash to be moved out to 9^th Street. He said that the owner, Mr. So, needs to set the terms for collection to avoid disturbing residence at inappropriate hours. Mr. Spalding advised Mr. Kearley and Mr. So to avoid having trash collection use 9½ Street for access, as that would cause a huge battle. Using the small alley next to the site would avoid that.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B send a letter to the Historic Preservation Review Board supporting the 1932 9^th Street N.W. project and scope of the work as described.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7-0.

The Commission agreed to designate Commissioner Raia as its representative at hearings on this project.

Liquor Licenses & ABC Committee Report

Commissioner Raia said there was no committee report. The next ABC Committee meeting will be in September, but the date has not yet been determined.

ABRA 082443-Cork Market-1805 14^th Street NW-Retailer Class B

Commissioner Raia introduced Khalid Pitts, the owner of Cork Wine Bar

Mr. Pitts said he and his wife opened Cork Wine Bar about 18 months ago. They want to expand their wine program. They conduct wine classes and tastings. People are asking how they can get the wines they present, so they have decided to open up a wine store and market that would sell wine, cheese and other take-home items, along with prepared foods for lunch. They want it to be a country store in the neighborhood and will provide a delivery service. They have purchased 1805 14^th Street N.W. as the site for their market and wine store and are applying for a Class B license. They will begin renovation of the property on August 7^th.

Commissioner Ferrer asked when they plan to open the business. Mr. Pitts said they would open in late September or early October.

Mr. Phil Spalding said that ANC 1B had a voluntary agreement with a previous Class B licensee at 1805 14^th Street. He asked Mr. Pitts if he purchased the existing license assigned to this location. Mr. Pitts said he did not. Mr. Spalding suggested that Commissioner Raia check to see if the existing voluntary agreement is still in force, since the license being sought by Mr. Pitts is the same class license in the same location. He said the existing agreement was written for the specific situation of the previous owner and highly recommended that, if the agreement is still in force, it be rewritten.

Chairperson Nadeau noted that the petition deadline for this application is September 8^th. She asked if more time is needed to clarify the question of the existing voluntary agreement. Commissioner Raia said that he did not think so, that he intended to move to support the application and include in his motion authorization for him to negotiate a voluntary agreement or revise the existing agreement if it is still in force

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support the application for Cork Market for a Retailer Class B license and that he be authorized to negotiate a revised voluntary agreement if the existing agreement is still in force.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7-0.

ABRA 082451-14^th Street Bakery & Wine Bar-2005 14^th Street NW-CT

Commissioner Raia introduced Sheldon Scott 2007 14^th Street N.W., representing the 14^th Street Bakery and Wine Bar.

Mr. Scott said that the business would be located adjacent to Marvin and Gibsons. The plan is to develop a local bakery open in the morning, providing bakery goods and lunch. The wine shop will be on the second floor, including a wine bar and seating on an outside deck. They are applying for a Class CT license. He said that they have been discussing a voluntary agreement with Commissioner Raia and are willing to include a food percentage in that agreement.

Mr. Spalding asked to clarify that the takeout products are food, not wine. Mr. Scott confirmed that and said that the baking and cooking facilities will be in the basement. Mr. Spalding asked what they proposed to do about trash disposal. Mr. Scott said they would have enclosed space for trash storage and were working on obtaining a trash compactor.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support the 14^th Street Bakery and Wine Bar application for a CT license and authorize him to represent the Commission in negotiating a voluntary agreement.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7-0.

Grants Applications & Grant Committee Report

Chairperson Nadeau noted that Commissioners have a copy of an e-mail from the Dance Institute of Washington inquiring about the possibility of a grant. She observed that this organization is not located within the boundaries of ANC 1B and suggested that Commissioners who were interested in supporting this organization might want to contact it and suggest they submit an application. However, because of its location outside the ANC, she was not sure that this was a request the Commission could focus on.

Commissioner Raia noted that all Commissioners had a copy of a grant application from the U Street Historical Foundation in support of the U Street Parade and Festival. The application is for $2,000.00.

Chairperson Nadeau noted that Commissioner Thomas and Commissioner Raia would be working together on reviewing this grant, and it would be considered for approval at the September meeting.

Commissioner Thomas asked if there is a limitation on the amount of individual grants.

Chairperson Nadeau said that, according to rules established by Chairperson Hunter, grants should not exceed $2,000.00, but the Commission has made an exception in the case of a grant application submitted by a consortium of community groups.

2009 Youth Leadership March

Chairperson Nadeau observed that there was one grant application to be considered that inadvertently had not been placed on the agenda. The grant application was circulated by e-mail to all Commissioners two months ago. Due to Commissioner Akinmboni’s absence on family business, she asked Commissioner Lopez to present the grant application.

Commissioner Lopez introduced Sharon Wise, Executive Director of the 2009 Youth Leadership March. He stated that the budget for this event is $7,500.00, and that they are applying for a grant of $2,000.00. The march will begin at the Capitol Building and proceed to Freedom Plaza. Although it does occur within the boundaries of ANC 1B, the event encompasses the entire District of Columbia and is geared to 14-25 year old youth and young adults. The purpose of the grant would be to support purchase of audio sound services, space rental at Freedom Plaza, and food.

Ms. Wise said that the march would involve all 22,000 young people involved in the Mayor’s summer jobs program. It is part of a much broader youth involvement program that has been ongoing for eleven years, designed to address violence in schools and on the streets by breaking down neighborhood boundaries. It incorporates programs to encourage interaction among youth from various neighborhoods and involves all eight Wards. Summer youth employees are planning the event, which will occur on August 22^nd. It is the culmination of a four-day event. Three days of activities will lead up to it.

Ms. Wise said that she is speaking to Advisory Neighborhood Commissions in order to raise funds to cover the budget. The event was previously funded through Councilmember Barry’s office in Ward 8, but that money has been withdrawn. They are now working to fill the funding gap.

ANC 1B will benefit from supporting this project because it showcases youth leaders from all over the city, providing access to their social network and a wide range of services including financial literacy, and green job training. When young people are involved in positive activity, neighborhoods are safer. ANC 1B contributes to this by its grant support.

Chairperson Nadeau asked Ms. Wise what exact expenses the ANC 1B grant funds would be used for, In other words, what receipts would ANC 1B be getting from them?

Ms. Wise said that expenses would include food, audio/sound equipment rental, permits, paying the DJ. Chairperson Nadeau advised Ms. Wise that food is not an allowable expense and that there must be a receipt for every expense supported by grant funds. Ms. Wise said that she would be able to provide receipts, that, due to funding issues, the program was in debt, and all grant funds would be applied to allowable expenses. Ms. Wise also said she wanted to clarify the amount of their grant request: it is $1,000.00, not $2,000

Chairperson Nadeau described the boundaries of ANC 1B and asked Ms. Wise to describe what youth or youth organizations within 1B would be included in the event. Ms. Wise said that their organization targets 78 different youth programs in the Latin American Youth Center, and youth at Carlos Rosario Charter School. While every effort is made to encourage youth to participate, of course they cannot force anyone to participate. They have gotten major support from Carlos Rosario and other organizations in 1B. The goal of their programs and the youth leadership march is to make sure that young people are not fighting each other. The march will bring young people together across neighborhood borders.

Commissioner Thomas said that she is currently working with forty youth from the area of 14^th, V and W Streets NW. They are not currently tied into any youth organizations or programs. She is trying to get them engaged, and this march provides an opportunity for at least twenty to become involved. She asked Ms. Wise if she or someone from her organization could come and speak to these youth. Ms. Wise agreed to do so.

Commissioner Lopez asked how many other ANCs are providing grant support. Ms. Wise said that right now, none is because they had been advised repeatedly not to come to the ANC meetings to make presentations until the month of the event. She said she is now attending ANC meetings all around the city to make her presentation. She pointed out that she did submit the grant application to Commissioner Akinmboni in April or May. She said they have developed a long list of sponsors, many of whom are providing in-kind services and support.

Commissioner Ferrer asked how many youth are involved in the march.

Ms. Wise said that about 900 persons are registered so far.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B approve the grant application from the Gregory Project for the 2009 Youth Leadership March of $2,000.00.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

Chairperson Nadeau asked Ms. Wise if she could provide $2,000.00 of allowable expenses in the form of receipts. Ms. Wise said she could.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 6-0.

Commissioner Thomas said that she had received a call from Councilmember Kwame Brown’s office regarding grant support for college students to help with books and other expenses. She asked whether ANC 1B could provide this kind of support.

Chairperson Nadeau said that ANCs could spend their funds in two ways: grants to community groups and operating expenses of the ANC, administrative salaries, supplies, etc. The Councilmembers can provide this kind of discretionary support, but an ANC cannot do so.

New Business

Meeting Advertising

Chairperson Nadeau said that the Commission has discussed, since January, the need to announce Commission meeting in community newspapers. She said that Jim Irwin has researched ad costs for all the publications they had discussed. His report is in Commissioners’ meeting folders. She said that she would like Commissioners to review the information and consider providing for meeting advertising in the FY2010 budget. This would involve deciding how much advertising and in what publications and can be discussed over the next few weeks. It is the duty of the Commission to provide adequate public notice of its meetings, so the expense is reasonable.

Commissioner Raia asked about the status of the Eatonville sidewalk café and the complaints of condominium residents. Commissioner Thomas said Eatonville has received its license; she has talked with the owner of Eatonville who says all is well. She said she was not sure whether the dispute between residents of Union Row, the developer and the owner has been resolved. Commissioner Raia said Eatonville does now have a voluntary agreement with the residents of Union Row. He said it was a battle because the owner of Eatonville felt he was being attacked. The Commission should consider whether it is better for the ANC to negotiate voluntary agreements rather than leave it to the residents.

Chairperson Nadeau observed that the new procedure is now in place and all ABRA notices are being circulated to all Commissioners when received, and that Jim Irwin is circulating all notices from the post office box to all Commissioners.

Commissioner Thomas moved that the August 2009 meeting of ANC 1B be adjourned.

Commissioner Lopez seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 6-0.

The meeting adjourned at 9:14 PM.