ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B
Government of the District of Columbia
Columbia
Heights / LeDroit
Park / Pleasant Plains / Shaw / University Heights
2 December 2004, True Reformer
Building, 1200 U Street NW
Attending:
Commissioners Guyot, Spalding, Hammonds, Butler, Skinner, Esters
Absent: Commissioners
Thomas, Wilson, Houston, Wright
Quorum was achieved at 7:30PM. In the Secretary’s Report Commissioner
Spalding reported on activities in the past month on which the Commission had
acted. HPRB gave conceptual approval to First African
New Church
on a narrow vote, and it has been sent back to HPO for further work. HPRB approved 437 Elm and the site is now
permitted. HPRB gave conceptual approval
to 511 U St.,
and has sent it back to HPO for further enhancements. BZA approved the third floor addition at 2237 10th Street,
and will decide the 907 9th
Street case next Wednesday. Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary
Buildings is actively addressing the ongoing situation at 2213 13th Street. ABRA negotiations continue with Club U, Tena,
and Cada Vez. DDOT held its third public
meeting on the local transportation and parking study, and two more public
sessions remain. Secretary Spalding
requested that if any Commissioners have a copy of the ANC1B Bylaws that they
get him a copy as soon as possible.
Minutes of the November meeting were presented and moved, seconded and
adopted unanimously (6-0-0). Treasurer
Esters presented the December Treasurer’s Report showing that three checks had
cleared this past month including Ck#1555 for Secretarial expenses for $135.15,
Ck#1556 for Treasurer’s expenses for $261.82, and Ck#1557 for US Postal Box
rental for $410.00. We also recorded a
deposit of $1223.71 from unused funds in the HUCA grant. There are currently five outstanding checks
including Ck#1516 to HUCA for $637.86, Ck#1558 for Secretarial expenses of
$161.28, Ck#1559 to Council of Latina Agencies for $3,000.00, Ck#1560 to HUCA
for $3,000.00, and Ck#1561 to Teaching for Change for $700.00. This leaves a current account balance of
$64,347.13, and the December Treasurer’s Report was moved, seconded and adopted
unanimously (6-0-0). Secretarial
expenses for November of $161.69 was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously
(6-0-0). November Treasurer’s expenses
covering preparation of the quarterly report of $312.00 was moved seconded and
adopted unanimously (6-0-0). Fourth
Quarter quarterly report was moved seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner Skinner proposed an amendment to the agenda to
add an item calling for a special transition meeting, and Commissioner Guyot so
moved, and it was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Newly elected Commissioners were asked to identify themselves. Commissioner Skinner spoke to the transition
meeting, and stated that with the large number of new members it was important
to give them what we need so that they come into the job at least with the
historical background. There’s issues
that a lot of people aren’t familiar with that need to be resolved, mistakes
are definitely going to be made, but it’s in the best interest of the public
that we try to make as many new mistakes as opposed to old mistakes. I suggest that next Thursday at the usual
time to discuss bylaws, meeting locations, and some of the things that we’ve
done in the past so that the new Commission can start on a firm
foundation. Commissioner Guyot stated
that we’re dealing with reformation rather than transformation, but despite
that I think this is a good idea and I move that we do it. Commissioner Spalding asked if this was to be
an official meeting with agendas, minutes and proper notice, and Commissioner
Skinner responded definitely.
Commissioner elect Hunter stated that OANC would be holding an
orientation for new Commissioners on December 4th and that the new
Commission had plans to meet informally on December 11th, and was
unsure of everyone’s schedules for next Thursday. Commissioner Skinner responded that Mr. Simon
gives a good overview to new Commissioners, but it does not address what has
been historically done in specific Commissions.
Let’s be clear here, there’s a time after an election when people may
not even sit in the same room together.
I think it’s on us as mature people; I’m concerned about how my constituents
are going to be served just as much as the newly elected person. Informal meetings are fine but I think we
should come up with a formal transition process so that the continuity of good
works is put there, and maybe some of the things that aren’t good are taken
out. Commissioner Guyot asked for a
second to his motion, and the motion was seconded. Commissioner Spalding indicated that it was
difficult to attain a quorum for tonight’s meeting, and that it might be better
to make this an informal meeting. If this
is set up as a formal meeting and we don’t get a quorum, what do we do? Commissioner Guyot answered that we
proceed. Commissioner Skinner added that
if we call an official meeting and do not achieve a quorum then no official
actions can be taken by the body, but that does not mean that we can’t
disseminate information to those who are present. Commissioner Spalding asked who was going to
help set up the agenda, and Commissioner Guyot responded that the other Commissioners
would supply the agenda items. This is
not the kind of meeting where we’re going to be pushing certain agendas, it’s
just informational. Commissioner
Spalding asked for details like place and time so that he can work towards
setting up the meeting, and Commissioner Skinner responded that his suggestion
was here in the True Reformer at our usual 7PM time. Commissioner Guyot added that it need not be
on a Thursday. Commissioner Skinner
responded that we’re going to push for Thursday. Commissioners Butler and Spalding both indicated that they
had conflicts with the date, and Commissioner Guyot responded that he hoped
they would still vote for the motion.
Motion was moved and adopted (5-1-0), and Commissioner Esters asked if
we should allow the new Commissioners present to vote as well, and Commissioner
Skinner responded not yet, they’re going to get their time.
In Community Events and Announcements Commissioner Guyot
announced that Councilmember David Catania is holding a meeting for all ANC
Commissioners on December 8th.
Scott Pomeroy, Director of the 14th and U Main Streets
Initiative, reminded everyone that on December 10, 11 and 12 the Lincoln
Theatre will be hosting Wynton Marsalis in a world premier of a jazz
composition, and the 14th and U Main Streets Initiative will be installing
lights that will permanently illuminate the Duke Ellington mural that’s now on
the side of this building.
Design review for 901
U Street was introduced by Commissioner
Spalding. This was tabled at our last
meeting, and applicant is not present tonight.
This is the building on the North
West corner of 9th and U that is currently
a two story formstone covered vacant building.
Developer took a design for a three story building to HPRB and was
turned down, and now has a design for a four story building. Commissioner Spalding moved to table, and it
was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Consideration of the Temperance Row proposal was introduced
by Commissioner Spalding. This is the
plan for development of interior block properties owned by the Public Welfare
Foundation in this block. The plan was
rejected by BZA last year, and they are trying to figure out a way to make it
work. I’m sure that this will come back
before the Commission next year, and moved to table. Commissioner Guyot pointed out that ANC1B
voted to support the project. Motion
seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Shana McDavis-Conway addressed the Commission on the works
of DC Hunger Solutions. Ms.
McDavis-Conway said that her organization worked to promote programs like the
summer food service program. The
participation in this program has been low for the past two years, and they are
looking for ways to increase the number of families taking advantage of the
program. Ms. McDavis-Conway asked for
advice on effective marketing of the program.
A number of possible banner ad campaign slogans were introduced for
comment. Commissioner Guyot praised the
language in “Leave
School but take your
lunch with you.” In my work I get to see
how important food is to the people who would otherwise not eat. Commissioner Guyot offered to work with Ms.
McDavis-Conway after he is off the Commission.
Commissioner Butler commented that the program had been associated with
the Boys and Girls Club last summer and was well received in the
community.
Commissioner Spalding introduced a request for comments on
two pay telephone installations from the Public Space Division of the Dept. of
Transportation. The phones are located
at 1001 U Street,
and a pair of phones at 1326 U
Street right next to Bar Nun. We have decreased the number of these
installations in the 1300 block of U, and there have been no complaints about
the two located outside Bar Nun.
Commissioner Spalding requested the Commission to charge the two local
neighborhood associations in historic districts with researching and developing
a plan to influence the design choices in these visible parts of the
streetscape. The location at 10th
and U is a bit more problematic, it is not in a heavily trafficked commercial
area and it is located right across the street from a school. Commissioner Butler stated that it’s right
across the street from the bus stop, and he’s not noticed any drug activity at
that corner. Commissioner Butler asked
who was responsible for the phones, and Commissioner Spalding read from the
application that it was Community Telephone of Falls Church, Virginia. Commissioner Skinner stated that he’s had a
pay phone before and that it’s the person who owns the space is actually the
one who’s in control of the phone. So if
you have any problem with one of these phones, it’s whoever’s property it’s on
that’s ultimately responsible.
Commissioner elect Hunter responded that the responsiveness in past
examples depended on the provider as well.
Arguably Verizon might be more responsive than someone who lives in Virginia, and who was
little or no other contact with the community.
Commissioner Skinner explained that the return on the phone to the owner
of the business is less with Verizon, and they go to other people who give them
a better return on the phone. Verizon
does have a superior service and that’s what they charge a premium for, but for
us as a Commission to start telling private folks which company they should
use. I think we need to be very
particular to location, and those are the places where Public Space is going to
be concerned. Is it a nuisance? Determining the vendor is not a part of what
we do. Commissioner Butler asked about
the historic designs, and Scott Pomeroy indicated that he served on the Public
Service Commission committee that worked on the installation of pay
telephones. In some historic districts a
precedent has been set for using a bell shaped design more in keeping with the
historic zones. The owner of these
phones, Mr. Snow, also served on the committee and is aware of the alternative
designs. Mr. Pomeroy continued by citing
numerous other public space issues with the location at 10th and U
where they are currently using the sidewalk public space for their dumpster,
their grease bin, and since they are a delivery business with no parking there
are a number of issues with the use of this public space. Commissioner Spalding moved support, with
comments from the discussion, for existing pay telephones located at 1001 U St. and 1326 U St., and it
was seconded and adopted (5-1-0).
Commissioner Spalding addressed Mayor’s Agent Case 04-484
regarding subdivision of the land including the First African
New Church
and abutting parcels. Commissioner
Spalding read from the HPRB staff report and recommendation’s support for
combining these lots. Commissioner Guyot
stated that this is a building that the Commission is concerned with, and that
he supports the proposed subdivision. Commissioner
Spalding moved support for the subdivision combination of lots 7, 8, 802 in the
First African New
Church development parcel
before the Mayor’s Agent, and that he be delegated to appear for the Commission
before the Mayor’s Agent on Case 04-484.
Motion was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced ABRA application 71810 of
Café Collage for a new CT tavern license to be located at 1346 T Street. It is located right next door to Café St.
Ex. The applicant began the business
over a year ago and had originally wanted to apply for a liquor license, however,
when there was significant community opposition they opened as a coffee house
and have operated for the past eight months.
From ABRA notification the hours for liquor service are 5PM to midnight,
deli food cold-cuts, coffee, tea, no entertainment, background music only
sidewalk café. Owner was present to
answer Commission questions, and Rachel Storey requested to speak on behalf of
the owner. Ms. Storey explained that she
is a resident and business owner nearby on 14th Street. Commissioner Skinner asked if she was
appearing to help with the language barrier, and Ms. Storey responded
exactly. Commissioner Guyot asked if she
had any interest in the business, and Ms. Storey responded that she is just a
very satisfied customer. Ms. Storey
asked supporters present to stand, and a number of the people attending
stood. Commissioner Skinner stated that
they were on the agenda last month and didn’t show up, and Ms. Storey asked to
clarify the situation last month. I was
in the coffee shop when Commissioner Spalding came in to discuss the appearance
with Kali. He pointed to the last item
on the agenda and said that this is when you guys will be speaking. He then went on to say that you did not need
to get there before ten o’clock. So we
thought he’s the Commissioner he knows best.
I compared the schedule we were given with the one the Commissioners
were given and it had been changed. We
made every effort to be here at the suggested time, and this is the third month
that he’s been basically booted off the schedule. There have also been some other underhanded
tactics including one business that has been threatened by someone claiming to
be a member of the ANC saying that if they supported Café Collage, um, they will
come under great scrutiny. Commissioner
Skinner asked if she was saying that someone purported to be a member of ANC1B,
and Ms. Storey responded that they had said they were a member of the ANC. Ms. Storey continued that she has known the
owners since they opened the shop, and I watched previously for a year while
they built it from nothing. They have
the best coffee in the city. It is a
unique inviting environment. Kali is a
teacher by training, and a resident of the District and specifically 14th St.
for the past eighteen years. Café Collage
is more than a coffee shop; in the year that they’ve been open they’ve hosted a
dozen exhibits of fine art, book readings, artist lecture series and free
internet even if you don’t buy coffee. I
want to address some of the objections that I’ve heard, and the first is that
the front door is on T Street. The objection is that T Street is a residential street, but the
District Government sets Kali’s location as a proper business. They have passed numerous inspections just to
open their business. They have the right
to shape their business as they would like to, especially as it’s no harm to
the community. And despite where their
primary entrance is located there are many businesses that have activities
square on T St. Café St. Ex’s outdoor seating is on T
St., and there are
corner markets all along 14th
Street.
Café Collage is also smart for security, its open later but its low key
so it’s decent people sort of coming in and out. The second objection that I’ve heard is that
there used to be another Ethiopian place on the corner of 14th and
T, and those guys were bad. It’s not the
same location, and they didn’t know those business owners, and how many ways
can I list how completely racist and prejudiced a remark that is. Another concern that I’ve heard is that
there’d be too many cab drivers patronizing Café Collage, and aside from that
clearly sounding like code for “foreign” or “working class” and it has no
bearing on the street or the community and certainly not on whether or not Café
Collage has a liquor license. Unless you’re
saying that you just don’t want something that might be their kind. Another objection is limited parking, and
eighty percent of their traffic will be pedestrian and mobile. Another concern is noise, and I share a back
courtyard with Café Collage and St. Ex and though they try to be careful when
putting out their trash it is sometimes noisy.
Their license is actually for 1AM, and they will be hiring an ABRA
certified bartender. The bottom line is
that these men are honorable and responsible business owners. Ms. Storey stated that she has the petition
supporting the application from fifty residents and business owners. Commissioner Skinner said that he wanted to
explain why he allowed the full discussion of their support, we often times
have long lengthy discussions of why people do not like certain
establishments. Definitely, with the
amount of people that came out just to detail the support the establishment, I
thought it was only fair to allow them to speak at length. Commissioner Spalding asked about the remark
that it is 1AM as the closing time on the application while the ABRA notice
states midnight. Commissioner Guyot told
Ms. Storey that if and when he gets in a fight he wants her on his side. I want to be very clear with this Commission
and with this public; the owner of St. Ex came right here in this room and said
‘I support this application.’ We don’t
hear businesses that will be competing support each other. Then he was pressured by some of the
vigilantes in that community, and told that if you continue to support that
liquor license, then we’re coming at you.
Now, you see the good thing about this is that no one can do that to
me. I went to this place last night, and
I had coffee and it’s the second best coffee in Washington.
This is a group that’s put their money up, they’ve garnered community
support, they’ve complied with the law, otherwise we’d certainly have been told
that. I not only want to support the
application, but once we do that I want to take a position in opposition to any
protest filed against this application. A
constituent asked if any of the supporters present actually lived on the 1300
block of T Street,
and a few hands were raised. It was
stated that they had gone door to door in the 1300 block and asked for
opinions, and thirty six of thirty seven responses were not favorable to the
license. Commissioner Skinner asked
about the question asked, and constituent read the petition “as residents of
the 1300 block of T Street NW,
we oppose the granting of any liquor license on our block, and specifically for
the 1346 T St.
location. We enjoy and respect the
tradition of night life in the U
Street corridor, but we believe these businesses
belong on 14th St.
and U St.
and not in residential neighborhoods like our block.” Jeffrey Ward of the 1300 block of T St. stated that
there’s no difficulty with the business as it exists, but the overwhelming
majority of the residents of this block do not want a liquor license on the
block where they reside. We feel that it
sets a dangerous precedent in this wrap around commercial zoning to start
having liquor licenses granted in perpetuity to locations off of the main
commercial thoroughfares. We ask the ANC
to respect the wishes of the people who own and live on the block who do enjoy
having a coffee shop, but we do not want to see a liquor license granted to
this location. A constituent brought up
the intimidation by a purported Commissioner, and Commissioner Spalding asked
for the identification of the business owner who had been threatened, and the
response was Mike Benson from St. Ex.
Commissioner Guyot said that he hoped the Commission would accept both
of the petitions, and I have a few questions and then I’d like to make a
motion. Commissioner Spalding reminded
Commissioner Guyot that this was located in his single member district. Commissioner Spalding asked to make a motion
and was denied. Commissioner Guyot stated
that it is unprecedented to see the kind of broad based trans racial trans
ethnic support for an applicant, I’ve never seen it. This is an unusual applicant in that I
understand thirteen businesses are in support, and I know the leader of St. Ex
is. I went to see him last night, and I
asked him ‘have you received any pressure because of your support for this
application’ and he told me yes. So,
let’s be very clear, and I expect the opportunity to make two motions. Commissioner Guyot moved that we enthusiastically
support this application, and it was seconded.
Commissioner Spalding asked for a point of personal privilege, and
stated that there had been a sense of propriety on the Commission in allowing
the single member district Commissioners to offer motions on issues immediately
affecting their districts. This is the
second time recently that a new liquor license to be located in my single
member district has been moved by a Commissioner from another single member
district. I allow fellow Commissioners
to offer motions when the issue is located in their single member district, and
Commissioner Guyot interrupted saying that’s the problem you don’t allow me
anything, only God allows me.
Commissioner Skinner stopped the interruption and stated that at any
time any Commissioner can make a motion on any issue that comes before this
Commission. Everything that comes before
this body becomes ownership of the body.
There’s no fiefdom’s on this Commission.
We don’t have power as a single member district Commissioner. Motion was moved and adopted (5-1-0).
Commissioner Guyot offered a related motion, and
Commissioner Skinner asked Commissioner Spalding if he wanted to make a motion,
and Commissioner Spalding responded that he was thinking of leaving. Commissioner Skinner told Commissioner Spalding
that his response was not appropriate.
Commissioner Guyot offered a motion that the Commission vote to oppose
any challenge to this application, and it was seconded. Commissioner Esters responded that ‘any
challenges’ was too broad. Commissioner
Guyot responded that we know its coming.
Commissioner Esters asked why our support of the application was not
enough, and Commissioner Guyot responded that they are two separate
issues. When we had the 14E process they
had on the petitions whether the ANC supported it. The ABRA Board wants to know does the ANC
support the challenge or oppose it.
Commissioner Esters responded that once the challenge appeared the
Commission could speak to it specifically.
Commissioner Guyot withdrew his motion, and said we’ll be with you,
we’ll be down there.
Commissioner Spalding introduced ABRA application 60762 for
renewal of a CT license for Etete Ethiopian Cuisine located at 1942 9th Street. We voted support for this license at our July
meeting, but there were problems with the placarding, and ABRA has placed them
back up for renewal to address the issue of the placarding. Owners were present to answer Commission
questions, and began by apologizing for the problems arising from their opening
party in late October. Commissioner
Skinner asked if we were addressing a problem or on the renewal of the license,
and Commissioner Spalding asked to explain the current situation. The Commission is considering the renewal of
the license, but will also consider commenting on the violation and its effect
on the nearby residents. It’s is ABRA’s
purview to investigate and fine the licensee at either a fact finding or show
cause hearing. When you were here six
months ago you told us that you understood that residents lived close to your
business and that you understood their noise was an issue. Then you locate your opening party in the
parking lot and are not responsive to resident’s requests to squelch the
noise. This, however, is not necessarily
a disqualification for renewing the license, but please never disturb these
residents again. Owner said that they
have had good attendance and good reviews for the restaurant so far. Commissioner Guyot agreed with Commissioner
Spalding’s assessment of the situation faced by this licensee. Commissioner Spalding offered a motion to
support the renewal of Etete Ethiopian’s CT license, and it was seconded and
adopted (6-0-0). Commissioner Spalding
asked that the Commission write a letter expressing concern in regard to the
opening party in late October. Commissioner
Skinner asked for details, and the applicant stated that they held their
opening party in the parking lot that they control and had food and music, and
it was too loud. Commissioner Spalding
added that there is no separation between the parking lot and the abutting
residential property, and that when the resident asked for the music to be
stopped so that he could sleep he was refused.
The Commission agreed to send the letter.
Commissioner Spalding introduced ABRA application for
renewal of a nightclub license for Between Friends. This has been a troubled license, and we’ve
just had another disturbance that will be heard at a show cause before the
Board in the next week. Commissioner
Spalding stated that he was going to ask the Commission to protest this renewal
due to its ongoing effect on the three abutting businesses located just above
the club. I did get a ruling from ABRA
that these businesses are not accorded any standing, which I found very
disappointing since the difficulties of this club are severely affecting their
businesses. We will not be voting on
this tonight since I received a call from ABRA at about 3PM this afternoon
detailing why they did not accept our request for late submission, and moved to
table the review of the license for Between Friends. Commissioner Guyot opposed the motion to
table, I accept the integrity of Mr. Spalding and the veracity of his
statement, but remember…Commissioner Skinner ruled Commissioner Guyot out of
order and asked if there was a second to the motion, and Commissioner Esters
asked if the owner was present, and they were not, and a second for the motion
to table was made. Commissioner Skinner
moved the question and it was adopted (5-1-0).
Commissioner Guyot stated that it was a disgraceful action, this application
was before us last month and Commissioner Spalding said let’s delay it for a
month to let them work this out. This
woman is bordering on bankruptcy and this Commission is causing it. This is the most disgraceful thing ever done
by this Commission. Why shouldn’t this
be handled by ABRA. Commissioner Guyot
moved that we write a letter to ABRA pointing out this Commission’s history
with this applicant pointing out that it was agendized at our last monthly
meeting, and we responded to a request to delay it so that they could work out
problems. It is our understanding that
ABRA has accepted late submissions on applications in the past and that we ask
in a sense of fairness that it do so in this instance. Motion failed to get a second. Commissioner Esters stated that applicant
failed to show last month, and has failed to show up this month, and for any
liquor applicant it has been my position that if you choose to operate within
1B, then the very least that an applicant can do is come before this Commission. We should not be offering support for owners
who fail to show up. Commissioner
Skinner asked if they were given notification of the meeting, and Secretary
Spalding stated that they had been mailed notification in a timely fashion in
both months. Commissioner Guyot reminded
the Commission that we had dealt with the issue of considering licenses when
the owners do not appear, and that our previous policy of not dealing with no
shows had awful consequences. The voted
position of this Commission is that the owners do not have to be present for us
to vote on the applications.
Commissioner Guyot introduced ABRA application for renewal
of a nightclub license for Kili’s Kafe located at 2009 8th Street, and stated
that he went to the club last night. What
I saw was a thriving business that’s in competition with other major
developments like that fire trap called the Dream, and they won a competition
and I’m sure that they’ll tell us about it.
Owners were present to answer questions. A manager stated that they are looking to
serve the community in more ways than just entertainment, and they are
partnering with a catering company providing school lunches for the District of Columbia. They are working closely with 3D to assure
that there’s police presence at all of their events. They employ people to assure that the area
surrounding the club is kept neat. The
building was previously a club, and the soundproofing was already in
place. Commissioner Spalding asked if
this was a transfer, and when did they assume control of the license. Owner purchased the license of 2K9 and this
is the period when their renewal would have occurred. Myla Moss stated that the LeDroit Park Citizens
Association would take up this license.
Commissioner Guyot stated that this license is in his single member
district, and he knows the place, knows its history. I had problems, and they worked out the
problems that I had. Commissioner Guyot
moved support of the renewal, and it was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
In grant applications Commissioner Spalding introduced a
request to permanently light the Duke Ellington mural on the side of this
building. This was tabled at our
November meeting. Scott Pomeroy stated
that the request should be edited from $4,000 to $3,000. Byron Peck, the artist who created the mural
with the help of District school children, stated that in the move recently
caused by the construction of the new building at 13th and U, the
mural is now in a higher position. They
have added panels to enlarge the mural, and are asking for monies to cover the
purchase and installation of up lighting for the mural. Commissioner Skinner asked if they had
pursued other sources of funding, and Mr. Pomeroy responded that they had secured
the funds to move and expand the mural but those sources were now tapped. They have used the funding from last year’s
Jam on U to leverage funds to cover the production this year, and hope that
this mural project will help them raise further funds. The City Arts Commission provided $10,000 for
the removal, storage, expansion, new installation and lighting, but the project
had used the funds and not had enough to cover the cost of the lighting. Commissioner Guyot moved in the name of Duke
Ellington that we fund this request, and it was seconded. Commissioner Esters asked about the contract
supplied, and Mr. Pomeroy stated that if approved they would take the contract
next door, where the electrician was waiting, to finalize the contract. Commissioner Esters asked who was going to
provide the electricity, and Mr. Pomeroy stated that Duke’s City has agreed to
provide the electricity for regular operation.
Grant application was moved and adopted in a vote of (5-1-0).
Grant proposal for One Common Unity in conjunction with the
African American Holiday Marketplace and Expo presented a grant request for
$2,500.00 to rent space in the Reeves
Center for a two day
event. Mr. Das stated that they are
trying to reenergize youths in the spirit of entrepreneurship. Commissioner Guyot asked if entrepreneurship
was the major concentration, and Mr. Das responded that there would be a
hundred businesses at the event, and that Jim Graham would be there….and
Commissioner Guyot warned Mr. Das that he was in danger of losing a vote. Commissioner Esters stated that it appeared
from the application that they were asking for Commission monies to pay
salaries, and Mr. Das responded that this is the rental fee for the Reeves and
this is their explanation of why the fees are what they are. Commissioner Esters asked that the request be
rewritten to reflect that it is the fee for the rental of the Reeves
space. Commissioner Guyot moved to grant
$2,500 for rental of the Reeves
Center, and it was
seconded and adopted (5-1-0).
Grant request of Hung Tao Choy Mei Leadership Institute was
considered, and applicant and application were not present, and Commissioner
Spalding moved to table, and it was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Grant request for Knowledge Community Center & Club was
considered, and applicant and application were not present, and Commissioner
Guyot moved to table, and it was seconded and adopted (5-1-0).
Commissioner Butler introduced a motion to support Somerset
Development Company in a letter to the DC Housing Finance Agency. Commissioner Butler stated that this one of
the last remaining apartment buildings preserving affordable units in the
neighborhood. Nancy Hooff and James
Campbell stated that they were seeking a letter of support from ANC1B for redeveloping
Faircliff Plaza West. This is a 112 unit
building just off 14th
Street and in need of renovation. They hope to give the building another 20
years of life, and to extend the Section 8 contract for another twenty
years. Commissioner Guyot asked the
developer if all of the current tenants would still be tenants when the project
is completed, and Ms. Hooff responded that the renovations would happen with
the tenants in place, and yes all the tenants would remain. Commissioner Butler asked about the ability
of the group to move out problem tenants, and Ms. Hooff responded that there
are lease agreements that if violated could allow eviction. Commissioner Butler asked if problems associated with drug
dealing would be dealt with, and Ms. Hooff responded that they are not yet the
owners, but that they would address this concern. Commissioner Butler moved support, and it was
seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced a late motion regarding the
property under development in the 1000 block of W Street that collapsed during
yesterday’s windstorm, requesting of DCRA a full reporting of the investigation
of this failure, and it was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Adjourned 9:30PM