ADVISORY NEIGHBORHHOOD COMMISSION
1B
Government of the District of
Columbia
Columbia Heights
/ LeDroit Park / Shaw / University Heights
4 December 2003,
True Reformer
Building, 1200 U Street NW
Attending: Commissioners Guyot, Spalding Hammonds,
Thomas, Butler,
Glover
Skinner, Esters
Absent: Commissioners Houston, Wilson, Wright
Quorum was delayed and the
meeting began with community announcements. Quorum was achieved at approximately
7:15. In the Secretary’s report Commissioner
Spalding reported that due to the first Thursday in January falling on the first
of the month (and the facility being closed); he had moved the January meeting
to Saturday, January 3rd at 10:30 AM.
Commissioner Spalding indicated that the BZA application of Asian
American LEAD had run into opposition, and that a second hearing would take
place this coming Tuesday afternoon.
Three of the liquor licenses opposed by ANC1B had been passed by the ABC
Board due to ANC1B’s late filing of the protest letters. The Prince Hall Mason’s BZA
reapplication scheduled to be heard at this meeting has been moved to ANC1B’s
January calendar. Minutes for the
November meeting were presented, and a motion to adopt was seconded and the
minutes were adopted on a unanimous vote (6-0-0). In the Treasurer’s report Commissioner
Glover reported that there was no activity in the past month, and that the
current account balance was $92,078.57.
Treasurer’s report was moved and seconded and adopted unanimously
(6-0-0).
Jane Nelson of Nelson Architects
presented new designs for development and review at the December HPRB meeting
for 1931 9th
Street.
Projected is a five story structure with retail on the ground floor. In cooperation with the Office of
Historic Preservation, the plans have been amended to step back the top
floor. Materials will consist of
pressed block and brick. A total of
sixteen residential units are currently planned with four units on each of the
upper floors. Commissioner Guyot
asked whether Norman Woods had been consulted on the design, and Ms. Nelson
replied that she did not know Norman Woods. Commissioner Guyot explained that he
could not recommend any development without input from Mr. Woods. Chairperson Thomas asked if they had
worked with or presented to any members of the immediate community, and Ms.
Nelson responded that she was directed to present to the community through ANC1B
and the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association by the Office of Historic
Preservation. Commissioner Spalding
asked when they would be appearing before HPRB, and Ms. Nelson responded that
they were scheduled for later this month.
Commissioner Spalding stated that it would be timely for ANC1B to offer
some comments on the design for presentation at the HPRB meeting. Commissioner Guyot moved approval of the
design contingent upon the approval of Norman Woods. Commissioner Spalding asked why Norman
Woods should have control over the ANC’s review of conceptual plans before the
HPRB. Commissioner Guyot responded
that the property is in his single member district, and that he can’t be placed
in the position of taking an approval by ANC1B back to Mr. Woods. Ms. Nelson stated that she would be
presenting the following week at CSNA.
Mr. Guyot responded that CSNA would probably have a good turn out, but
that his constituents need to be represented in this decision. Commissioner Spalding asked about the
site, and Ms. Nelson responded that it is currently a vacant site. Commissioner Spalding asked about the
height of the development in the context of 9th Street’s two storey
commercial buildings, and Ms. Nelson responded that OHP had discussed this but
had decided that the richness of the design would be compatible despite the
height. Ms. Nelson also stated that
they were not maximizing the height, and that in the context of already approved
taller structures in the immediate neighborhood the impact would be
lessened. Bryan Martin Firvida
stated that this is the second architect who has submitted plans for this
location, and that CSNA’s historic preservation committee would be reviewing the
plans next week. Commissioner
Guyot’s motion was seconded.
Commissioner Spalding stated that he had no trouble with community
meetings on the design, however, he did not think that the Commission should
vote and then have the decision held hostage to review or amendment by specific
community members or groups, and that he would vote against the current
motion. Commissioner Guyot stated
that ANC1B has a history of doing approval motions in this fashion, and that he
could see no unfairness in giving those who live closest to the project the
final say. Commissioner Spalding
replied that if the Commission were to support the project and then if community
groups wished to oppose or amend how this can be addressed to the HPRB. Commissioner Spalding stated that if the
Commission decided that Nelson should present to community members, then the
Commission should delay their vote until the input had been received. Mr. Guyot stated that if they had met
with Mr. Woods prior to coming to this meeting there would be no obstacle to
moving on the design. Commissioner
Spalding suggested tabling the review and reconsidering at our January meeting,
which would mean passing on the December HPRB meeting. Commissioner Guyot stated that he has
addressed the time constraint concerns, and that he hoped that the Commissioners
would show the same respect for his constituents that he has shown to
theirs. Commissioner Spalding
responded that he had no desire to shortchange any constituents; however, he did
not want to see the Commission shortchanged. Commissioner Guyot moved the question,
and stated that if it failed he would offer a motion in opposition to the
design. The motion failed on a vote
of (2-2-3), and
Commissioner Guyot moved to oppose based on lack of adequate notice. Motion was seconded, and Commissioner
Spalding commented that there seemed no point in opposing what appears to be a
legitimate and well designed project and that if Commissioners felt that there
was inadequate notification or consultation with the affected community, then
the Commission should move to table.
Commissioner Guyot stated that he can’t get his people represented, and
that the way to send a message to developers that you deal with people in the
community is to send this opposition message now. Commissioner Spalding asked Ms. Nelson
if the Office of Historic Preservation had given them any guidelines on who they
should meet with in the community.
Ms. Nelson responded that OHP had instructed them to appear before ANC1B
and CSNA. Commissioner Guyot stated
that that response made his case, and that “I’m now stronger in this” because
how else am I going to get my people represented. Commissioner Spalding responded that
they can be represented, however, this architect has taken on a project to
design a building for our community and been told by the government that the
appropriate community groups to present to are the ANC and CSNA. The architect has followed the direction
given her by the government, and there is no reason why we can’t table and
reconsider in January. Greg Zahn
stated that preservation law in the District specifically directs architects to
the ANC and only the ANC. Bryan
Martin Firvida stated that he felt the ANC should comment on the design, since
it’s a matter of right development and there will probably only be one
opportunity to address the HPRB on this development. Scott
Pomeroy stated that the same developers appeared before the ANC
with designs from another architect, and at that meeting they encountered the
same difficulties of not consulting with the single member district
Commissioner. The developers were
informed at the previous meeting how important it was to work with the SMD
Commissioners, but here they are back in the same situation. Chairperson Thomas stated that she would
have great difficulty in voting on a development that had not been presented to
her constituents. Commissioner
Guyot stated that he hoped the Commissioners would consider his constituents as
he has constantly considered other Commissioner’s constituents. Mr. Clyde Howard asked if the
Commissioners are still required to hold meetings for their SMD
constituents. Chairperson Thomas
responded that you can still do that, but that it is not a requirement. Commissioner Spalding stated that if
Commissioner Guyot’s current motion fails that he will offer a motion to
table. Commissioner Guyot withdrew
his motion to oppose and offered a motion to table, which was seconded and
adopted unanimously (7-0-0).
Treasurer Glover announced that
he had discovered a request for secretarial supplies for the month of November
totaling $91.45 and moved that we reimburse the Secretary, and it was seconded
and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).
Architect Greg Zahn updated
plans currently before HPRB for redevelopment at 1830 11th
Street.
The height, density and volume of the proposed building have all been
reduced. The English basements have
been removed and the mezzanine minimized.
The unit count has been reduced from eight to six, and the next HPRB
review will center on materials questions.
Commissioner Spalding indicated that there had been some concern with the
height of the original iteration, and that the current design appeared to be
more in keeping with the scale of the buildings in the neighborhood. Mr. Zahn also mentioned that the current
structure is non-contributing, and that it would be removed to allow for the new
construction.
Bryan Martin Firvida returned to
the discussion of 1931 9th, and offered to request HPRB to move their
consideration to January in order to allow both community and ANC review prior
to the hearing. Commissioner Guyot
appreciated the offer and said that his constituents would also be
appreciative.
Callistus Nwadike presented the
results of the traffic calming studies presented to ANC1B earlier this
year. Representatives of Parsons
Brinckerhoff (PB) detailed the collection of data and consequent recommendations
to DDOT for calming traffic on 4th Street and on Euclid Street. The study found that speeding was the
most important priority; parking availability and safety were also
considered. Eighty-five per cent of
the vehicles traversing the study areas were found to be speeding. The recommendations for Euclid Street
included speed tables, high visibility crosswalks, signage, neckdowns and
stricter enforcement of parking restrictions for non residents. The recommendations for 4th
Street included textured crosswalks, neckdowns, speed
tables, signage, and increased traffic enforcement once the changes have been
implemented. Commissioner Butler
asked whether the neckdowns would cause the loss of parking spaces, and PB
responded that you would lose one parking space close to the intersection. Commissioner Esters asked why, when they
are most effective when paired, there is only one speed table proposed for
4th Street, and PB responded that increased cuing at the intersection
with Florida Avenue precluded a second speed table. Commissioner Esters asked if there was a
benefit in using the neckdowns to discourage illegal parking in the vicinity of
intersections, and PB responded that that was indeed the case. Commissioner Butler asked if the
neckdowns on Euclid would interfere with the ability to make
turns, and PB responded that they would not interfere with the ability to make a
normal turn. Commissioner Skinner
asked if there were any plans to extend the studies to Georgia Avenue, and
PB responded that Georgia
Avenue would be considered for future calming
studies. Councilmember Smith stated
that he lives near the corner of 4th and T Streets and that about a
half hour ago someone hit his car.
Mr. Smith indicated that with the current allowance for parking on both
sides of 4th
Street there is a hazard to anyone attempting to exit
their cars, and PB responded that two-way traffic is actually more calming than
one way traffic. Mr. Smith agreed
that it might be more effective in curbing speed, however, the risk to
pedestrians and those attempting to exit cars into the street might be as
important as calming the speed risk.
PB also indicated that they had explored taking the parking away, but had
concluded that it was also less viable than maintaining two-way traffic with the
parking. Clyde Howard agreed that
the currently allowed parking has narrowed 4th Street to a point where it
nearly impossible to exit from the driver’s side of a parked car. Mr. Howard also stated that most of the
proposed signage would be ignored, and that noncompliance would continue despite
any signage. A constituent asked
whether installation of the timed pedestrian crossing signals at 13th
and Euclid as well as 14th and
Euclid would be
beneficial, and PB responded that they would pass the suggestion along to
DDOT. Bryan Martin Firvida asked if
there was any progress in calming traffic (stop lights) at the intersection of
12th and U, and Callistus Nwadike responded that the need was
recognized and that once all the bureaucratic hurdles were passed the lights
would be installed (perhaps as long as eighteen months). Commissioner Guyot moved support of the
study, and Chairperson Thomas requested a friendly amendment to include the
questions and comments raised and it was accepted by Commissioner Guyot, and it
was seconded and adopted on a unanimous vote of (8-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced
discussion of 901 U
Street which is currently before the HPRB. The building is a two storey commercial
corner building on the north-west corner of 9th and U. It has, unfortunately, been resurfaced
in formstone, and the developer is desirous of adding an additional storey to
the building. Architect Walker indicated that Mr.
Clay wants to rehabilitate this vacant building. Commissioner Spalding asked if Mr.
Walker had brought designs for the project, and Mr. Walker passed out
rudimentary designs. Commissioner
Guyot suggested to Mr. Walker that they take direction on the exterior of the
building from OHP, and Mr. Walker indicated that they were doing so. Commissioner Spalding asked what they
would do if removing the formstone were not an option, and Mr. Walker stated
that they would either refinish the formstone or put another facing on it. Commissioner Spalding asked about the
exterior treatments being considered for the additional floor if the formstone
was kept, and Mr. Walker said that the third floor would be set back and done in
a different material.
Scott Pomeroy mentioned the
prominence of this building in the commercial corridor and it is very important
to the community. Commissioner
Skinner stated that Mr. Walker should look towards securing funding from the
groups that have a say over his design.
Commissioner Guyot issued an
invitation at the December 3rd NCRC meeting for Mount Vernon Park
Partners to address ANC1B.
Commissioner Guyot moved that the Commission approve the invitation to
speak before the Commission, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously. Mount Vernon Park Partners (MVPP) is one
of three competitors for development of the Wax Museum site at 5th
and K Streets. MVPP is proposing a
mixed use with 574 units of housing equally divided between rental and
ownership. 280 units of rental
housing will include 25% affordable in perpetuity allowing rental to section
eight certificate holders.
Projected are 294 condominium units of which 20% will be affordable. Commissioner Skinner asked how this
extensive number of affordable units was possible, and MVPP stated that the
location allowed the market rate sales and rentals to subsidize the affordable
units. There will be 63,000 square
feet of retail space that will also help in making the development financially
viable. Commissioner Skinner asked
if there would be more than efficiencies available, and MVPP indicated that it
would be a balanced mixture of one, two and three bedroom units. Commissioner Glover asked if the other
two developers would be invited to allow the Commission to compare and make an
informed decision, and Commissioner Guyot stated that there was just no
comparison in listening to the presentations before NCRC last night. Commissioner Guyot moved that ANC1B call
on NCRC to designate MVPP as the developers for the Wax Museum Site and we
commit ourselves to supporting them in the LDA. It was seconded. Commissioner Spalding asked which
Commission the development would be located in, and Commissioner Guyot indicated
that it was in 6C. A community
member asked what authority we had to comment on a development proposal in
another part of the city, and Commissioner Guyot responded that the authority
rested in the NCRC who has invited ANC1B’s participation in every development
that they’ve done. Commissioner
Skinner spoke to the example that realizing a large scale development with
extensive affordable units could show to developers working in our
communities. Motion was moved and
passed on a vote of (5-0-3).
Commissioner Spalding introduced
Chris Donatelli and Larry Klein to present a new retail client for the Ellington
development. Alero is a Mexican
restaurant with two current locations in the District. Commissioner Spalding asked about use of
public space for outdoor seating, and Mr. Klein responded that there would be
some outdoor seating, but that it would be on their property not in public
space. The interior space would be
about 4500 square feet, and Alero would be in the corner red brick location
right at the corner of 13th and U. Commissioner Skinner applauded the
diversity represented by Alero’s presence.
Chairperson Thomas asked if it was to be a family friendly restaurant or
a bar, and owners indicated that it would be family friendly. Commissioner Spalding asked if in the
design of the space they had taken into account noise abatement, and they are
currently working with the interior architects to mitigate noise. Scott
Pomeroy stated that the mix and diversity of commercial
ventures in the Ellington exemplifies what the community is asking for e.g.
local business and minority owned businesses. Commissioner Spalding moved support of a
Class C license for Alero, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (8-0-0).
Commissioner Guyot introduced
the renewal of LeDroit Park Market Class B license and indicated that there were
no complaints or difficulties with this license holder. Commissioner Guyot moved support, and it
was seconded and adopted unanimously (8-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced
a request for a new Class C liquor license for City Diner to be located at
1208 U
Street (next door). Owners indicated that they are hopeful
of an early spring opening. They
are currently working with Steve Callcott at Office of Historic
Preservation. It will be a diner
and will be open extended hours.
The menu items were a bit healthy for the Commissioner’s concept of a
diner, and Commissioner Skinner requested grits while Commissioner Spalding
requested turkey & meatloaf.
Owner presented an architectural design of the floor plan for the
Commissioners. Chairperson Thomas
asked about the extended hours of operation, and Commissioner Spalding indicated
that the hours for serving liquor would be proscribed by their ABRA
application. Commissioner Spalding
asked if they had worked with Scott
Pomeroy and the 14th and U Main Streets program, and
applicants indicated that they had been missing connections. Commissioner Spalding moved support, and
it was seconded and adopted unanimously (8-0-0).
Commissioner Butler reviewed the
work that had led to forging a voluntary agreement with Shop Express. Currently Shop Express is reviewing the
document, and Commissioner Butler hoped that it could be signed in the next few
days. Chairperson Thomas asked if
Horning Brothers had participated in the process, and Commissioner Butler
responded that afraid of confrontations with the community.
Commissioner Guyot charged
Commissioner Butler to work up a voluntary agreement, and the document does
represent the sentiments voiced at the community meeting, and it should be
supported.
Commissioner Guyot stated that
the Commission needed to vote on the document, that the Commission had charged
Commissioner Butler with facilitating and drafting the agreement, but that it
needs to be approved by the Commission in its finalized form. Commissioner Guyot moved that ANC1B
adopt the voluntary agreement, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously
(8-0-0).
Treasurer Glover spoke to our
previously awarded grant to Gifts for the Homeless which ran into difficulties
with the exact nature of the use of the funds. The original grant request would have
allowed shelters to give out blankets and underwear to homeless people, and this
was deemed not allowable under the restrictions of the DC Auditor. In the revised application the blankets
would be given to the shelters, and the shelters will retain ownership of the
materials. Commissioner Glover
moved the revision of the approved grant, and it was seconded and adopted
(7-0-1).
Ayo Handy-Kendi as founder of
the African American Holiday Association presented a grant request for $1,200.00
to defray expenses involved in operating the Marketplace Festival to be held on
December 20 & 21 at the Reeves Center. AAHA’s Youth Entrepreneur Project offers
a hands-on learning and earning experience during the Marketplace Festival. Commissioner Spalding asked for
clarification on where the monies would be going. Commissioner Glover explained that it is
overhead expenses in running the Festival.
Commissioner Glover stated that the application as written might be
disallowed, but that it could be rewritten to cover the overhead of producing
the Festival and be an allowable expense.
Commissioner Guyot stated that he’d never heard a more humane defense of
capitalism is in life, and that we should find a way to rewrite the application
to cover our bases. Commissioner
Esters asked how the kids would qualify for the subsidy, do they have to be part
of some organization or residents of ANC1B, and Ms. Handy-Kendi said that they
could be more aggressive in canvassing for youth participants from ANC1B’s
territory. Scott Pomeroy offered that the event itself could be
the focus of the grant rather than the individual youth entrepreneurs. Mr. Pomeroy offered to help promote this
years Festival & would like to work with Ms. Handy-Kendi to leverage the
resources of the 14th and U Main Streets Program to aid the Festival
in future years. Mr. Pomeroy also
requested that Ms. Handy-Kendi reach out and coordinate with local small
businesses to avoid any conflicts in targeted retailing. Commissioner Skinner moved the question,
and it was seconded and passed (8-0-0).
Commissioner Guyot moved that
ANC1B encourage ABRA to discontinue the 14e process. Commissioner Guyot explained that the
liquor regulations are currently being reviewed, and that there is a more
equitable solution in using the challenge process than in continuing the
14e’s. Scott Pomeroy added that the history of 14e petitions
in the neighborhoods had been divisive, and that other remedies might be more
effective. Motion was seconded and
approved (6-0-2).
Commissioner Guyot introduced a
motion to support the reappointment of Alexander Padro to the DC Public Library
Board. Commissioner Padro stated
that he has served on the board for the past three and one half years, and would
dearly like to continue his work with the Board. Commissioner Padro described his past
work with the Board, and addressed the issues that will be facing the
Board. Motion was seconded and
adopted unanimously (8-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced
a motion to spend $300 to support the Common Denominator’s DCIAA Basketball
Players of the Week. This is a
continuation of ANC1b’s participation in the fall football player of the
week. The support ad appears weekly
and ANC1B is located prominently at the top of the ad listing of sponsors. Commissioner Guyot added that an award
was given at the end of the season and the sponsors were listed on the awards
which will remain in the schools.
Commissioner Guyot also praised the Common Denominator for being one of
the few news sources that lists ANC meetings and agendas. The motion was seconded and approved
unanimously (8-0-0).
Commissioner Skinner stated that
he is meeting with the ownership of Sonya’s Market, which ANC1B had voted to
oppose a Class B renewal. The
owners and community leaders have met and agreed on the areas that should be
included in a voluntary agreement, and the written document should be prepared
soon. Commissioner Guyot moved that
ANC1B vote to support the proposed voluntary agreement conditioned on
Commissioner Skinner’s satisfaction.
Commissioner Spalding asked whether the issue was time sensitive, and
Commissioner Skinner indicated that the hearing would be held this month. Motion was seconded and adopted on a
vote of (7-0-1).
Chairperson Thomas requested
that Commissioners attend the Jobs Summit as described in the flyers enclosed in
their meeting packets.
Commissioner Guyot introduced
the owner of Asmara Café who is in possession of a letter from ANC1B approving a
new CR license which is dated January 3, 2003, and which the ABC Office said had to be
updated. Commissioner Guyot moved
approval of a stipulated license for Asmara Café. Commissioner Guyot read the applicant’s
copy of ANC1B’s letter and asked applicant why it was refused by ABC, and
applicant responded that it was too late to be acceptable. Commissioner Guyot stated that ABC had
clearly changed the rules.
Commissioner Spalding requested that applicant come back in January and
represent to ANC1B. Commissioner
Guyot asked where the business was located, and Commissioner Spalding indicated
that it was in his single member district.
Commissioner Guyot stated “You got killed mister, he did it”.
Commissioner Spalding asked the applicant to return at the January meeting and
inform the community about the business.
Applicant stated that they have received a restaurant license and are
currently doing business.
Commissioner Spalding indicated that he does not know the business and
that a one month delay to allow the SMD Commissioner to learn about the business
was reasonable. Commissioner
Spalding asked Commissioner Guyot to remember that earlier in the meeting he had
been troubled by a development design that had not been shared with the SMD, and
in this case you think that the SMD’s concerns about lack of knowledge are
inconsequential. Commissioner
Skinner complained that we were costing small business money by not approving a
liquor license, and whatever the reasons for the delay we should not be standing
in his way. The minutes of the
January meeting should be more than enough to explain what was discussed. Commissioner Guyot stated that in his
opinion the ABC Board just wants ANC1B to contemporize what you did then. Commissioner Guyot stated that we cannot
say that we didn’t receive notice of this, we cannot say he didn’t come here and
get the letter, neither he nor us had control over the development. Commissioner Glover asked how long
duration exists between reviews of a liquor license, and the Commissioners
responded that it was every two years. Commissioner Skinner moved that we
contemporize the letter, and it was seconded and adopted (7-1-0).
Meeting adjourned at
approximately 10:00 PM.