ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

MINUTES

7 December 2006, True Reformer Building

Attending: Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, Stephens, Akinmboni, Mathews

Absent: Commissioners M. Smith, Z. Wright, T. Smith, R. Wright

Quorum was achieved at 7PM. Chairman Hunter asked to place Community Events and Announcements prior to the officer’s reports. Chair recognized Charles Whittaker the Program Coordinator for the Green Team joined by Edward Hammonds also with the Green Team. Mr. Whittaker gave an overview of the Green Team responsibilities and its value to the community. Mr. Whittaker also gave witness to the importance of the employment opportunities for local citizens, and their commitment to the job and the community. Mr. Hammonds challenged everyone to watch how clean they are getting the sidewalks and tree boxes, and said that the crews are really proud of the work that they are doing. Chairman Hunter asked about coordination with city agencies like DPW, and Mr. Hammonds responded that they are working closely with Andre Lee of DPW, but they have been trying to address any lingering problems on their own initiative. Jeffrey Blum of Level 2 Development asked how the business community was supporting the effort, and Mr. Whittaker noted that they are having a fund raiser at Café St. Ex on the 19^th, and that donations can be made to the Columbia Heights Shaw Family Support Collaborative with a designation to the Green Team. Mr. Hammonds said that they are trying to buy a snow blower and some shovels, and also they would like to direct efforts and monies towards hiring a part time weekend crew.

Chairman Hunter introduced Officer Kyle from MPD 3D. A number of groups including the Commission have been working towards reestablishing a police liaison with the business community. Officer Kyle previously held this position, but she was removed from this duty. Now, fortunately, as a result of pressures brought on 3D, Officer Kyle is back in the duties that we believe are needed. Officer Kyle gave out her personal cell phone number 202-834-5342, but reminded everyone that Sunday and Monday were her days off. Martha’s Table has been making extensive use of her services. Commissioner Akinmboni described an ongoing problem in the alleys around Fairmont St. Chairman Hunter stated that two immediately pressing problems are the corner of 11^th and U, and dealing with the summer school problems.

In the Secretary’s Report Commissioner Spalding stated that Councilmember Graham’s office is still working on possible office space for the Ward 1 Commissions, and that Office of Property Management has not come up with any suggestions recently for 1B office space. In the election update the Secretary printed out final vote counts from the BOEE, and welcomed new Commissioners Brianne Nadeau and Meghan Conklin, and after today’s recount in the 1B03 race Commissioner Hammonds has been reelected. Chairman Hunter congratulated everyone who was reelected, and especially those in contested races. Chairman Hunter noted the contribution of retiring Commissioner and Treasurer Stephens, and offered to let him speak at length tonight. The 9^th and U Hospitality Resource Partnership Pilot participants are attending the national gathering in Chicago as we speak. ANC1B does have this room in Public Welfare Foundation’s building for first Thursday’s in 2007, but we have been asked to attempt to find another venue for our June meeting, and I have been working on this already. Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings has given a time extension on cases 06-312 & 06-313 (1359/1361 U Street), and the Historic Preservation Office has been asked to monitor all work. The Zoning Commission voted 5-0 support for amendments to the Broadway Atlantic PUD. Council has passed emergency legislation to allow ANC’s to use credit cards for supplies and get reimbursed. Chairman Hunter stated that he is confident that full adoption under the guidance of Gottlieb Simon and Chairman Cropp will happen in next year’s session. Chairman Hunter thanked Treasurer Stephens for his work on this issue. Minutes of the November meeting were moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). In the Treasurer’s Report Commissioner Stephens gave the November report noting an initial balance of $62,112.95, two checks and a bank charge resulting in $505.23 in debits, and a disbursement from the city of $5,882.04, and a resulting balance of $67,489.76. November Treasurer’s Report was moved, seconded and adopted (7-0). Treasurer stated that we have had two communications from the District’s Auditor. The first explains that $1,867.51 has been withheld from our current allotment for lack of full receipts and reporting of grant expenses. In the second notice from Leonard Barnum it was noted that there is a possible $11,000 of outstanding receipts, and I’ve responded to the Auditor that we will be trying to deliver the receipts. It is clear, however, that the Auditor is going to continue to penalize our future allotments for our insufficient reporting. Chairman Hunter asked which grants were still missing receipts, and Treasurer Stephens responded that we are missing reporting on $500 to Faircliff Plaza Tenants Association, Martin Luther King Celebration Committee $2,000, Root Inc. for $2,000, Metro Teen Aids for $1,000, and the Garfield Terrace Family Council for $2,000. Commissioner Moss asked how soon these needed to be reported to the Auditor, and Treasurer responded that he had told the Auditor that he would report after this meeting, and that the Auditor did not indicate that that would be too late. Chairman Hunter indicated that this should be fully resolved prior to our January meeting. Secretarial expenses for November in the amount of $18.75 for paper was moved, seconded and adopted (7-0).

In Announcements Commissioner Moss announced that the Elks Lodge will be holding a children’s Christmas party on December 23^rd at noon. Commissioner Moss noted that LeDroit Park has been under assault from a recent serious crime wave, and MPD has really stepped up its presence and has made some important arrests. Commissioner Spalding noted that ANC1D (Mount Pleasant) will be holding a transportation summit on January 13^th. Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association will be holding their annual holiday party on the 14^th at Solly’s Tavern starting at 7PM. Commissioner Stephens announced that Washington Parks & People in response to similar crime problems is also holding a community meeting, and we should receive a report from that meeting. Chairman Hunter noted that the extension of service on the Yellow Line of Metro will be starting on December 31^st. Commissioner Stephens and Scott Pomeroy were thanked for their work on this issue.

BZA 17553 an application to expand an existing apartment building located at 1327 Euclid Street was introduced. Applicant was not present. Commissioner Akinmboni said that she has the booklet and that she is reading it. Commissioner Akinmboni stated that she hasn’t met with the applicant. A constituent who lives at 1324 Euclid expressed concerns over how close the building would come to the sidewalk, and the design details and their consistency with the surrounding buildings on the block. Chairman Hunter moved that the ANC go on record as opposing the application, and that we write BZA that due to the lack of a presentation by the applicant the Commission cannot speak to the request, and that BZA delay consideration to allow the Commission to hear the presentation. Motion was seconded and adopted (7-0).

Commissioner Stephens introduced consideration of Zoning Commission case 06-24, a PUD application from Level 2 Development for property located at 2400 14^th Street. This proposed building will replace the existing Nehemiah Shopping Plaza with a mixed use and much larger building. ANC1B has already had an initial presentation at our May meeting, and at that point we agreed to the conceptual design. Since that time the developer has been meeting all of the neighboring community associations, and has been meeting with the new 1B05 Commissioner Meghan Conklin. David Franco and Jeff Blum presented the current state of the PUD application, and a representative from architect Shalom Baranes was also present to answer any questions. Mr. Franco stated that the hearing before the Zoning Commission is scheduled for January 25^th. We have been refining the design based on communications with the local neighborhood associations. Currently the project features 225 residential units, 20,000 square feet of retail, and a parking ratio of .8 per residential unit, and the majority of the parking will be below grade on two levels. The retail component has been designed for neighborhood serving businesses. There are three reliefs that we are asking for as part of the PUD, and the first is residential recreation space, second is a small request on height for the penthouse structures, and third is in regard to the full dimensions of the loading dock. Some of the changes we’ve made in response to neighborhood concerns are in the massing and in the entrance to the below grade parking. We have worked with Office of Planning to reduce the effect of the massing, and we have pulled back the systems on the rooftop to pull the structure back from the western façade of the building. Shalom Baranes crew has changed the monolithic western façade to read as a shorter building with a new structure on top. There have also been similar redesigns to the Chapin (north) side of the building to better define the residential walk up units, and also changing the materials part way up the façade to minimize the effect of the height and massing. We have also done complete shadow studies to illustrate the effect of the massing on the immediate neighboring buildings. We have also redesigned the entry to the below grade parking which was originally a diagonal directing traffic south, and now it is at ninety degrees suggesting routing to both the north and south hopefully alleviating traffic from just Belmont St. In the public benefits package we’re providing spaces for car sharing, 35% LSDBE contracting participation, a one thousand square foot affordable retail unit, fifteen percent of the bonus density for affordable residential units resulting in approximately 15,000 square feet at 80% AMI. Additionally we’re incorporating a number of LEED design principles including a green roof, water efficient landscaping, low-emitting materials and enhanced indoor air quality. We are committing $17,500 to the Boys and Girls Club toward development of the new teen center, $5,000 to support long-term affordable housing solutions for persons recovering from addiction and homelessness to Samaritan Inns, and a $2,500 grant to send two children to summer camp in a program sponsored by the Southern Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association. Commissioner Stephens asked about the specific relief, and Mr. Franco responded that the relief is within the accepted guidelines for PUD’s in this area and zoning allow. Chairman Hunter commented that it will be refreshing to see something other than what currently exists on the site, and it is encouraging to see developers continuing to build despite the existing market conditions. Chairman Hunter suggested that finding any additional parking or flex car spaces would be sincerely appreciated, and Mr. Franco responded that they’d be giving out honorary yellow line passes, which was received in the spirit offered. Chairman Hunter also asked that any affordable units below the 80% AMI level would also be truly appreciated. Chairman Hunter also asked that if possible the contribution to Boys and Girls teen center be increased. Mr. Franco agreed to consider these suggestions. Howard Wilson from the Belmont Street Assoc. asked for further details on the height of elements on the roof, and Mr. Franco stated that they are continuing to work to reduce these heights. Commissioner Stephens gave his strong support of the project, and commended the green roof, and considers the parking provided sufficient. I also think that we need to be mindful of putting the burden of providing affordable units only on the new building projects that we’re reviewing. Commissioner Stephens moved support of the pre hearing submission of the Level 2 Development PUD located at 2400 14^th Street, and it was seconded and adopted (7-0). The Commission designated that new Commissioner Meghan Conklin be designated in addition to Commissioners Hunter and Spalding for representation before the Zoning Commission.

Chairman Hunter introduced consideration of DDOT Public Space application for unenclosed sidewalk café seating for 1406 Florida Avenue. The ANC was not provided notice of the application, and community members have expressed concern over this location, however, DDOT Public Space did approve this application without any community input. Commissioner Spalding added that DDOT Public Space has held the final conditions of the permit open for guidance from the ANC. Chairman Hunter stated that he would organize a meeting with the owner and with the neighboring residents to work out all details. We can then consider this at our January meeting.

Commissioner Moss introduced HPRB review of a project at 1822 4^th Street that was considered at our November meeting. This has now been reviewed by the LeDroit Park Citizens Association. This is currently a mansion and the owner wants to redevelop as eight units, and the major request of the LPCA was that the developer provide one parking space for each unit. Architect Clarence Mobley provided plans of the work for the Commission and proceeded to detail the design. Mr. Mobley stated that he has been working closely with the Office of Historic Preservation, and that they have incorporated all the changes requested by HPO. Stacked parking for ten cars has been provided at the back of the lot. Each of the newly designed units will be around eight hundred square feet and feature two bedrooms. Tim Denee from HPO has agreed that the existing carriage house is in such bad condition that it should be removed. Commissioner Moss moved approval of the submission to HPRB for the three story rear addition, and this was seconded and adopted (6-0-1) with Commissioner Spalding abstaining. Commissioners Moss and Hunter were designated to represent the Commission on this case.

Commissioner Mathews stated that work detailed in DDOT 06-90-06 regarding bicycle lanes on 4^th and 5^th Streets has already been completed, and stated that no action was required.

In the ABRA case review Commissioner Spalding detailed some of the current active cases. Eleven Market is waiting scheduling for a mediation, and Chairman Hunter added that he has been in touch with their attorney and that an agreement was close. We have asked for a mediation. The Black Cat protest hearing began, but it has been continued. Chairman Hunter described the current status of the protest and we’ve heard the applicant’s case, but the Board has asked Dante to provide more explicit plans for the roof deck before proceeding with the protestant’s side of the case. El Paraiso has finally signed the agreement after we agreed to terms six months ago. Manchester Bar has been through a mediation session, but there may not be a reconciliation and it may go to a protest hearing depending on the applicant’s position. We do finally have a signed voluntary with Alero over their entertainment endorsement. Roha Restaurant has had another bottle fight, and will probably be having a fact finding in the next month. Axis Bar and Grill in the 1300 block of U should be opening next week. Chuck and Bill Bison Lounge has a very serious Show Cause hearing coming up in January. There are two new applications. International Grill in the 2000 block of 14^th is asking for a new CR license and is on the January Commission agenda. Flamingo Ethiopian is a proposed new CR at 2632 Georgia Avenue, and this has not yet been formally submitted. Chairman Hunter stated that he has met with the owner of International Grill, and that the owner is planning on adding a lounge on the top floor of the building with entertainment. Commissioner Stephens asked about the serious show cause for Chuck and Bill, and Commissioner Spalding responded that he does not have full details since the Attorney General’s office wouldn’t supply them to the Commission. In January of 2006 MPD 3D was informed by a confidential informant that drugs were being sold out of the business. MPD executed a search warrant and found the bar tender in possession of crack cocaine in sufficient quantity to arrest him for distribution. While searching they also found a loaded pistol and a quantity of marijuana in the business. Unfortunately neither MPD nor ABRA thought it important to inform the Commission of this situation, and we only found out about two weeks ago when a preliminary Show Cause was held. Chairman Hunter stated that the arrest would have been public information, and Commissioner Spalding responded that it was not released in the usual list serves that we receive every day. I asked Marco Santiago to check on this, and he agreed that it had not been included in the public releases. Meanwhile at last month’s meeting we considered an application for an entertainment endorsement for this business, and no one in the room had any knowledge of the serious charges facing this license holder. Commissioner Mathews stated that since it has been a year since this incident and there haven’t been any other problems with Chuck & Bill’s, we should wait for all the facts to come out before taking any action. Commissioner Stephens amended that there have been no incidents that we know about.

Christopher Browne from the Greater Washington Sports Alliance gave a presentation on the 2007 National Marathon. This is the second running; however, we didn’t pass through Ward 1 in our initial course. The Greater Washington Sports Alliance was established in 2003. The Sports Alliance’s mission is to promote existing amateur teams and professional franchises; initiate and support efforts to attract sporting events to Greater Washington; connect the business community to the region’s sports assets; brand Greater Washington as a sports capital; and support youth investment organizations that use sports to build character, encourage leadership, and enhance education. The 2007 Marathon is scheduled for 7AM to 1:30PM on March 24^th. We are holding the event on Saturday to avoid disturbing the church service traffic on Sundays. Goodwill Industries and DPW will be in charge of cleaning up after the event. Chairman Hunter asked about the Alliance’s relationship with the Boys and Girls Club, and asked that they consider adopting the specific Boys and Girls Club on 14^th Street as a recipient.

Commissioner Mathews presented a resolution entitled ‘Great Streets Priorities Lower Georgia Ave’ cosponsored by Commissioner T. Smith. We want to get a resolution on record that indicates the support of the ANC for a certain direction for the Great Streets monies. Specifically we’re asking for widening sidewalks in key areas of retail, cultural heritage signage, greenspace and tree planting, and diagonal parking cutouts where possible. We are also requesting continuing input from ANC’s and civic associations, full funding and follow through on the project, and possible supplementation of the monies if a desired project goes over budget. Resolution was moved, seconded and adopted (7-0).

Commissioner Moss added an item dealing with the crime problems in LeDroit Park. The Council has passed support of siting crime cameras throughout the District, and I’d like the ANC to ask that LeDroit Park be considered for placement of crime cameras. Motion was seconded and adopted (7-0).

Commissioner Moss introduced grant application of the African American Holiday Association for a $1,000 grant. Ayo Handy Kendi described the annual holiday event at the Reeves Center. The organization uses this platform for youth crime and violence prevention, and youth entrepreneurship. With the contribution from the ANC last year about twenty young people received anywhere from between ninety dollars to as much as two hundred and fifty dollars. Chairman Hunter asked what the overall cost of the event was, and Ms. Handy Kendi responded that it is about $29,000. Chairman Hunter asked who else was providing funding, and Ms. Handy Kendi responded that the Community Health Foundation and Industrial Bank were sponsors. Chairman Hunter asked how much the Industrial Bank had given, and Ms. Handy Kendi responded that they gave $100. Chairman Hunter stated that this is a good program with a long history, however, we did get the receipts back late this past year, and we did have complaints that one of the vendors was selling pornographic tapes at one of the booths. This is unacceptable and you do need to monitor the vendors carefully. Commissioner Moss moved support of the grant request, and it was seconded and adopted (6-1) with Commissioner Spalding opposing.

Chairman Hunter stated that he and Commissioner Akinmboni have been talking with the YMCA about getting a physical trainer to go into the seniors buildings twice a week to lead exercise programs. The cost is minimal and something that we should explore. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to work out all of the details on this with Donnie Shaw at the Y, and we’ll postpone consideration of this to January.

Chairman Hunter introduced a grant application for $1,500 for the Metropolitan Music Ministry Series. This is the series of concerts organized by the Metropolitan Baptist Church held during the holiday season. The ad that we purchased last year was very prominently displayed, and helps subsidize this event which costs almost forty thousand dollars. Chairman Hunter moved support of the grant, and it was seconded and adopted (6-1) with Commissioner Spalding opposing.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9PM.