ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Minutes

Thursday, December 2, 2010,

7:00 PM, Reeves Center, 2000 14^th Street N.W.

The regular monthly meeting of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B occurred on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at 7:00 pm in the Reeves Center, Commissioner E. Gail Anderson Holness, 1B11, Chairperson, presiding. Commissioner Myla Moss, 1B01, was present as Secretary. Other Commissioners present during the meeting: Peter Raia, 1B02, Vice Chairperson, Sedrick Muhammad, 1B03, Deborah Thomas, 1B04, Brianne Nadeau, 1B05, Juan Lopez, 1B07, and Eduardo Ferrer, 1B10, Treasurer. Commissioners absent: Melissa McKnight, 1B06, Rosemary Akinmboni, 1B08, Thomas K.D. Smith, 1B09.

Chairperson Anderson Holness observed the presence of a quorum and called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM.

Chairperson Anderson Holness then made the following announcement:

ü 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 Our meeting agenda is based on a strict time frame. We want to address all issues and assure participation by all interested parties, but we also want to make sure that our meeting ends at a reasonable hour. Therefore, we ask that all presentations be limited to five minutes. Mr. Jim Irwin, our staff director, will give each presenter a three-minute and one-minute warning, and then will announce the expiration of time. We request all those asking questions to be as brief and concise as possible. Community announcements at the end of the meeting are limited to two minutes each.

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

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. 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.

Chairperson Anderson Holness asked Commissioners to introduce themselves.

Presentations

Howard University Proposal for Walter Reed Site

Ms. Terry Thompson Mallett, Howard University School of Medical Sciences, presented the Howard University plan for establishing ambulatory/specialty care facility at the Walter Reed site. They will be utilizing two existing buildings for the facility. The target service population is seniors, veterans and the community. There are a wide range of specialties, in addition to primary care, that may be included in the facility and the University is currently seeking community input as to what services they would like. The doctors staffing the facility will be from Howard University.

Diane Thomas, Greater Washington Sports Alliance

Ms. Diane Thomas, Greater Washington Sports Alliance, reviewed the plans for the Sixth Annual SunTrust National Marathon and CareFirst blueCross BlueShield Half marathon scheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2011. She requested that ANC 1B send a letter of support for the event.

Commissioner Nadeau moved that ANC 1B send a letter of support for the National Marathon and Half Marathon.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Chairperson Anderson Holness noted that Commissioner Moss was necessarily delayed, and said that officers’ reports would be deferred until her arrival.

Public Safety and Public Safety Committee Report

Commissioner Muhammad presented the report of the Public Safety Committee:

ANC 1B December Public Safety Committee Report

Commissioners,

Below is a summary of some public safety reports that took place between November 4 and December 1. First is a brief summary from DC FEMS followed by MPD and then MPD's PSA 304 & 305 30 Day Crime Stat report, respectively.

DC FEMS

11/14

Approx at1942 2nd St NW - Haz Mat - gas & poss CO leak - EMS evaluating at least 1 person w poss CO posioning - crews ventilating

Update

Approx 8p - 2nd St NW - haz mat - high CO levels - EMS evaluated 4 persons - no transport - ventilated bldg

11/18

1438 Meridan Pl NW - fire on 3rd fl - 3 sty apt bldg

Update - Meridan Pl NW - dryer fire w extension - bulk fire knocked - moderate smoke conditions

Update - Meridan Pl & 14th St NW - expect traffic issues - no inj - FFs moving smoke - fire out

MPD

11/4

Last Remaining Defendant in Large PCP Ring Convicted of Drug Conspiracy at Trial

WASHINGTON—Coolridge Bell, 46, of New York, N.Y., was convicted by a jury this
week of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute one
kilogram or more of Phencyclidine (PCP). He was the final defendant to be tried
in a multi-agency investigation into a large-scale drug ring that operated in
Washington, D.C. and along the East Coast.

The guilty verdict, returned November 3, 2010, was announced by U.S. Attorney
Ronald C. Machen Jr., John G. Perren, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the
FBI’s Washington Field Office, Cathy L. Lanier, chief of the Metropolitan Police
Department (MPD), and Charles G. Dunne, United States Marshal for the Eastern
District of New York.

Judge Thomas F. Hogan, who presided over the trial in U.S. District Court for
the District of Columbia, scheduled Bell’s sentencing hearing for January 13,
2011.

Bell was a member of a drug ring headed by Lonnell Glover. From 2005 to 2007,
the FBI conducted a long-term investigation that revealed that Glover, now 49,
was a major supplier of PCP and heroin in the District of Columbia and elsewhere
on the East Coast. The investigation was supported by the Department of
Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a nationwide program that
uses multi-agency teams to conducts comprehensive investigations of major drug
trafficking and money laundering organizations.

Between February and June of 2007, Glover and Bell, acting in conjunction with
24 other coconspirators, obtained approximately 50 gallons of PCP and
distributed the drug in New York City and District of Columbia metropolitan
areas. The PCP had a wholesale street value of more than $1 million. During that
same time period, Glover and co-conspirators obtained and distributed multiple
kilograms of heroin in the D.C. area, and attempted to obtain numerous kilograms
of cocaine from the Bahamas. On June 19, 2007, law enforcement members arrested
a total of 26 defendants as a result of the investigation. That same day, law
enforcement recovered over $400,000, numerous firearms, several gallons of PCP,
and a large amount of heroin.

Bell was responsible for trafficking approximately 13 gallons of PCP from D.C.
to New York City. He received the PCP from Glover and then had a network of
individuals who sold the PCP on the streets of New York. Bell remained a
fugitive until September of 2009, when Deputy United States Marshals from the
Eastern District of New York located Bell in the Bronx, New York.

All told, 32 defendants were charged as a result of their participation in the
Glover drug trafficking rings. Thirty defendants have either pleaded guilty or
were found guilty at trial, one defendant was acquitted at trial, and one
defendant died in prison while awaiting trial. Seven separate trials were
conducted against several of the defendants, including Glover. Glover and
several of his co-conspirators were sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment.

In addition, in November of 2009, after a bench trial, Judge Hogan ruled that
Glover’s residence in Temple Hills, Maryland was used to facilitate the drug
conspiracy and therefore forfeited the residence to the government. Judge Hogan
also required Glover to forfeit $1,050,000, which constituted proceeds from his
drug conspiracy.

In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Machen, Acting Assistant Director in
Charge Perren, Chief Lanier and Marshal Dunne commended the work of the law
enforcement members from the FBI, MPD and United States Marshals Service. They
also praised the efforts of Supervisory Paralegal James Mazzitelli and Assistant
United States Attorneys John Han and Anthony Scarpelli, who prosecuted Bell,
Glover, and the remaining defendants.

11/26

The Metropolitan Police Department is investigating an armored car robbery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police Department
on 2027279099 or 888919CRIME
or text at 50411.

DATE & LOCATION OF OFFENSE:

Monday, November 22, 2010

2830 Sherman Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20001

Garda Armor Car Robbery

SUSPECT:

S-1: B/M, 5'6", dark complexion, average build, mid to late 40's,
missing front tooth, dressed in all black hoodie, and pants, low hair cut, armed
with a black automatic handgun

S-2: B/M, 5'11", dark complexion, average build, mid to late 40's,
dressed in all black hoodie, and white pants, low hair cut, armed with a black
automatic handgun

S-3: B/M, 5'6" light complexion, skinny build, inch high Mohawk
hair cut,

11/29

On November 29, 2010, at approximately 7:00 p.m., members of the Third District were investigating the sounds of gun shots in the vicinity of the 1400 block of V Street, N.W. Upon their arrival, members observed a male individual matching the lookout for the suspect. Members pursued the suspect on foot and observed him tossing a gun to the ground. The suspect was apprehended without further incident. A revolver was recovered on the scene.

Actions by Third District members are a testament to our resolve to keep the community safe. As always, we appreciate the public for being our eyes and ears. Thank you.

11/30

November 30, 2010

Homicide in the 1000 Block of Fairmont Street, NW

( Washington )-Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch are investigating the death of a female found in the rear of the 1000 block of Fairmont Street, NW .

On Monday, November 29, 2010, shortly after 1:00 pm, units from the Third District were dispatched to the rear of the 1000 block of Fairmont Street, NW , to investigate the report of an unconscious female. Upon arrival, the units discovered the unconscious female in the alley. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded to the scene and determined that death was apparent. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene and subsequently transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who ruled the manner of death a homicide.

The decedent, a missing person from Prince George ’s County, MD, is identified as 17 year-old Ebony Franklin of the 4600 block of Pistachio Lane , Capitol Heights , MD.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police at (202) 727-9099 or 1-888-919-CRIME (1-888-919-2746).

The Metropolitan Police Department currently offers a reward of up to $25,000 to anyone that provides information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons wanted for any homicide committed in the District of Columbia .

MPD PSA 304

Crime Type

11/4/2009 to 12/1/2009

11/04/2010 to 12/1/2010

% Change

Homicide

1 [view map]

N/A

Sex Abuse

1 [view map]

N/A

Robbery Excluding Gun

4 [view map]

100

Robbery With Gun

2 [view map]

N/A

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Excluding Gun

0 [view map]

100

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Gun

1 [view map]

N/A

Total Violent Crime

9 [view map]

Burglary

2 [view map]

Theft

5 [view map]

Theft F/Auto

16 [view map]

Stolen Auto

3 [view map]

Arson

0 [view map]

N/A

Total Property Crime

26 [view map]

Total Crime

35 [view map]

MPD PSA 305

Crime Type

11/4/2009 to 12/1/2009

11/04/2010 to 12/1/2010

% Change

Homicide

0 [view map]

N/A

Sex Abuse

0 [view map]

N/A

Robbery Excluding Gun

7 [view map]

Robbery With Gun

3 [view map]

200

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Excluding Gun

4 [view map]

No Change

Assault Dangerous Weapon (ADW) Gun

1 [view map]

No Change

Total Violent Crime

15 [view map]

Burglary

9 [view map]

125

Theft

26 [view map]

Theft F/Auto

31 [view map]

No Change

Stolen Auto

5 [view map]

No Change

Arson

0 [view map]

N/A

Total Property Crime

71 [view map]

Total Crime

86 [view map]

Commissioner Sedrick Muhammad

ANC 1BO3

Chairman, ANC 1B Public Safety Committee

Commissioner Muhammad moved that the Committee report be received for information purposes and incorporated into the minutes of the meeting.

Commissioner Ferrer seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Design Review Applications and Design Review Committee Report

Mr. Tony Norman, Chairperson, presented the report of the Design Review Committee:

DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE

Tony Norman, Chairperson

Report and Recommendations

December 2, 2010

The Design Review Committee met at the Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12^th Street N.W., on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Tony Norman at 6:30 PM. Committee members present were: Thomas Dawes, Brad Grant, Eric Fidler, Joel Heisey, Lee Jackson, Darren Jones, Patrick Nelson, Sylvia Robinson

Others present were: Paul Milstein, Douglas Development Corporation, Carolyn Brown, Holland & Knight law firm, Lee Rubenstein, R2L Architects, Sasha Rosen, R2L Architects, Andrea Doughty, ARTS District Marketing Project, Alex Murray, resident of ANC 1B.

SUMMARY

The Committee reviewed three projects:

1. The application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA 18157) for special exceptions and variances for the proposed development at 2221 14^th Street N.W.

2, Proposed installation of light pole banners within ANC 1B for the ARTS District Marketing Project.

3. Recommendations of the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force.

RECOMMENDATIONS

2221 14^th Street N.W. – BZA application

Mr. Eric Fidler moved that the Committee recommend that ANC 1B support Douglas Development’s application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for special exceptions and variances for 2221 14^th Street N.W.

Mr. Joel Heisey seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

ARTS District Marketing Project – DDOT Application to Install Light Pole Banners

Mr. Joel Heisey moved that the Committee recommend that ANC 1B support the application of the ARTS District Marketing Project to DDOT to install light pole banners in ANC 1B for a period of 180 days.

Mr. Brad Grant seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

Georgia Avenue Task Force Recommendations

Mr. Eric Fidler moved that the Committee recommend that ANC 1B support the draft recommendations of the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force for the development of the Lower Georgia Avenue Corridor.

Mr. Tom Dawes seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. (Mr. Joel Heisey abstained.)

REPORT ON RECOMMENDATIONS

2221 14^th Street N.W.

On November 16, 2010, Douglas Development and R2L:Architects returned to ANC 1B's design review committee to discuss the zoning relief needed for the proposed new 30-unit apartment building, with ground floor retail, at 2221 14^th Street, N.W. (the SE corner of 14^th Street and Florida Ave., NW). The property is located in the ARTS/C-3-A District and the applicant is seeking variances and special exceptions in order to construct the building. The property also falls within the Greater U Street Historic District.

The property is constrained by several extraordinary conditions. First, the site only contains 5,530 square feet of land area. Second, the parcel is only 43 feet wide on 14th Street. Third, it has extensive street frontage along Florida Avenue of approximately 103 feet. These conditions create practical difficulties in complying with the strict application of the parking requirements. As a result, the applicant is requesting the following variances:

§ Section 2101.1 – reduce the number of required parking spaces from 15 to 10;

§ Section 2115.1 – provide compact spaces (8’x16’) instead of standard size spaces (9’x19’)

Section 2117.5 – reduce the drive aisle width from the required 20 feet to 18 feet in one discreet location.

The Applicant also seeks the following special exceptions:

o Rear Yard Depth (§774.2) -- a rear yard must be provided for the residential portion of the project with a depth of 2.5 inches for each foot of vertical height, but not less than 12 feet. Here, the Applicant does not propose any rear yard given the constraints of the site.

o Roof Structure Setbacks (§770.6) -- Housing for mechanical equipment or a stairway or elevator penthouse on the roof of a building or structure must be set back from all exterior walls a distance at least equal to its height above the roof upon which it is located. Additionally, the enclosing walls from the roof level must be of equal height. Here, the small, narrow lot size requires the applicant to seek relief from these provisions.

o Height of Roof Structure (§ 1902.1(a)) -- The Uptown Arts Overlay limits any roof structure to a maximum height of 8 feet, 6 inches. Here, however, the Applicant proposes that a portion of the roof structure to rise to a standard height of 18 feet, 6 inches, in order to accommodate the necessary elevator override equipment. The elevator core has been pushed back to the rear corner of the building to limit its view from the street. The penthouse will also be integrated into the overall design of the new structure to ensure its compatibility with the Greater U Street Historic District, in which it is located.

The Design Review Committee recommends that ANC 1B support the requested zoning relief. The property is affected by exceptional and extraordinary conditions that create practical difficulties in complying with the parking requirements. Additionally, special exception relief from the rear yard requirement is appropriate given the extensive street frontage of the property and the design of the building that will protect the light, air and privacy of the occupants. Special exception relief from the roof structure setbacks, enclosure wall height and overall roof structure height is likewise appropriate. The roof structure has been pushed back to the back corner of the site to protect views and is sensitively designed. The requested variances and special exceptions can be granted without causing any adverse effects or detriment to the zone plan and are otherwise consistent with the intent and purposes of the zoning regulations.

ARTS District Marketing Project – DDOT Application to Install Light Pole Banners

The ARTS District Marketing Project is proposing to install 140-180 double-sided light pole banners throughout the Arts District area (bordered by 16^th Street, Florida Avenue, 7^th Street and Massachusetts Avenue) for the maximum period of 180 days. The DDOT asks that applications for light pole banners that will be installed for 90-180 days be reviewed by the affected ANCs. In this case, the affected area includes ANC 1B, 2B (Dupont), 2C (Shaw), and 2F (Logan). The Shaw, Logan and supon ANCs have reviewed and approved the banner request at their meetings on November 3 and November 10.

The Project is requesting ANC 1B’s support for their application to install these banners for the maximum 180 days permitted.

The light pole banners will be concentrated at major commercial intersections (not located at primarily residential intersections), on the following major corridors that lie partially or completely within ANC 1B:

14^thStreet between S Street and Florida Avenue

9^th Street between S Street and Florida Avenue

7^th Street between S Street and Florida Avenue

U Street between 7^th and 16^th Streets

Florida Avenue between 7^th and 16^th Streets

Approximately 10-15 specific locations would be selected from the above corridors and approximately 3-6 banners would be installed at each selected location.

The Project Team has contacted the five commissioners directly affected by this proposal, including Commissioners Moss, Raia, Muhammad, Thomas and Nadeau. In addition, two large public meetings in Shaw and on U Street have been held to get feedback on banner design concepts, the Project Team has met with the other three ANCs, and numerous community meetings have been held. Two focus group meetings provided feedback from specific stakeholders, including affected ANC 1B Commissioners.

Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force Recommendations

On November 1, 2010, the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force adopted draft recommendations for the development of the lower Georgia Avenue corridor. The Task Force requests that ANC 1B support their recommendations, which follow:

A. Retail and Small Business Development

1. Development of new businesses such as:

a. A variety of restaurants including outdoor patio space.

b. Fresh groceries (affordable grocery stores, markets, wholesale clubs, CSAs, food coops, etc.)

c. An improved commercial mix including: hardware stores, pet care stores, bicycle shops, fabric stores, affordable retail, a hotel, book stores, clothing stores, and family oriented activities such as bowling alleys, movie theaters, skating rinks, festivals, etc.

2. Help current businesses be competitive as the neighborhood changes. For example, the GADGET Center and other groups should provide training in online marketing literacy, financial literacy, and education about zoning and licensing laws. Provide support, both financial (e.g., government loans, grants) and infrastructure (e.g., new lighting, bus stops, curb cuts).

3. Coordination between the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force and community anchors such as Howard University to identify opportunities in the area of housing and retail. For example:

a. Review the Howard University Campus Master Plan for opportunities for Howard to incorporate both student and community needs in housing and retail development (e.g., HU Tech Plaza).

b. Howard University and the Task Force should identify building and environmental projects that would meet Howard’s academic needs and provide community service.

c. Encourage a partnership between HU Students and the businesses to exchange services (e.g., cleanup, snow removal, marketing, tech support) for business coupons / currency.

4. Encourage/facilitate the creation of a business association, development corporation, or Business Improvement District. Encourage a better connection between the businesses and resident groups.

5. Identify vacant land parcels and vacant buildings between these development sites and provide economic development incentives (e.g., tax credits) for mixed use development.

6. Create an architectural personality through façade improvement.

7. Ensure that development planning considers the needs of the youth, including both facilities (e.g., community centers, bowling alleys, theaters and entertainment venues that are family and youth oriented) and programs (e.g., sports leagues, gardening projects, life skills and entrepreneurship).

8. Major projects should complement existing businesses rather than driving them out.

B. Streetscape & Transportation

1. Streetscape should include wider sidewalks, additional green spaces and other recreational or social gathering spaces, and should also address safety issues (e.g., lighting for safer nightlife).

2. Streetscape and Transportation should support retail by:

a. Extending either the Shaw Circulator or the Adams Morgan Circulator (or both) to serve Georgia Avenue.

b. Partnerships with Howard University and the Washington Hospital Center, which both run private shuttles.

c. Urging the city to invest in Georgia Avenue as a Model Green Corridor with, for example, electric car charging stations, biofuel stations and other green enabling technologies.

d. Installing bike / car sharing stations along GA Ave.

3. Fully restore and expand funding for a Great Streets Program, as well as bonding and other programs.

4. Create a visual gateway when they are entering or leaving the area (e.g., murals, banners, or signs).

C. Housing

1. Develop housing that serves the current population at all income levels (i.e., Affordable, Workforce, Market Rate) and a mix of renters and owners. Needs along the corridor may vary. Investigate housing trends and models to determine consensus within the community on what is desirable or lacking.

2. New housing units should support the needs of small families in addition to other households.

D. Public Space

1. Expand more green space (parks, etc.) and civic space for recreational and other activities. Planting more trees, especially fruit trees (apple, pear, peach, cherry) should be considered.

2. Demand the city present a fact-based study and long range plan for the schools at Bruce-Monroe and Parkview before ruling out either site for building or remodeling.”

3. Include a community-accessible recreation / park area at the Bruce-Monroe site

4. Program the public space with regular community and arts/cultural events.

5. Prioritize park/green space, libraries, schools and youth recreation.

E. Employment

1. The Pre Employment Preparation job training model in Shaw should be replicated for upcoming Georgia Avenue projects to achieve similar employment and training success. This program was sponsored by the Washington Convention Center during its construction, and now utilizes this concept on the O St. Market development, convention center hotel development and Center City on 9^th St.

F. Marketing

1. Develop targeted marketing strategies and plans to promote the history of the corridor and the identification of development opportunities for developers, small businesses and entrepreneurs.

2. Identify major sources of funds for infrastructure and the marketing of existing businesses and potential new businesses which are seeking to come to the corridor.

3. Create a theme or personality for the Georgia Avenue corridor centered on African American history, art and cultural preservation and green living / technology in DC.

4. Promote tourism in the area by establishing walking and bus tours that take advantage of the Georgia Avenue/Pleasant Plains Heritage Trail, Howard Theater, Howard University and other historical sites.

5. Advertise financial incentives (e.g., HUB zones, tax incremental financing) for businesses.

G. Environmental

1. Establish Georgia Avenue as a destination for green programs in DC, for example:

a. Partner to create energy efficient model homes based on typical older townhouses

b. Create application of LEED specification for use in renovation of typical older DC homes

c. Local production of bio-fuels from organic matter and materials.

2. Establish communal programs to assist residents and businesses to be more green, for example:

a. Composting programs for individual residences and businesses.

b. Partnerships to promote and provide widespread use of communal solar power.

c. Replacement of oil furnaces with more efficient, less fossil based (bio-fuels).

d. Promote solar hot water heaters for new construction and renovations.

e. Promote water conservation and efficiency

f. Promote reduction of trash producing products and services.

2221 14^th Street N.W. – BZA application

Mr. Norman noted that the Committee recommended that the Commission support the application. He said that the applicant had also met with the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association. He introduced Mr. Sasha Rosen, R2L Architects, who briefly reviewed the project.

Commissioner Thomas moved that ANC 1B support Douglas Development’s application to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for special exceptions and variances for 2221 14^th Street N.W.

Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

ARTS District Marketing Project – DDOT Application to Install Light Pole Banners

Mr. Norman said that the Committee reviewed the proposal to install light pole banners and was very excited about the project. He introduced Ms. Andrea Doughty and Ms. Veronica Jackson to discuss the application.

There were no questions from Commissioners.

Ms. Jean Homza, MidCity Business Association, said that this had been an extremely divisive project for the Association because it had interrupted the branding that they had been involved in, especially for their daytime businesses. She said that she asked the commission to act in such a way that the banners in ANC 1B were up for the shortest amount of time that the District Department of Transportation would approve.

Commissioner Nadeau asked that Ms. Homza and Ms. Jackson review the project and present their designs.

Ms. Jackson distributed copies of the banner designs and reviewed the design concept.

Chairperson Anderson Holness asked if they had been aware that the MidCity Business Association was doing branding in the community.

Ms. Doughty said that she had had informal discussions with the Association and was aware that they had been planning over a long period of time to install banners. She said that they would be happy to work collaboratively with the Association on their project and would certainly remove the project’s banners to make room for Association banners.

Ms. Doughty said that the project covered four ANCs in Wards One and Two. In addition to ANC 1B, the project included ANC 2C, ANC 2F and ANC 2B. The other ANCs have given their support for the banners to hang for 180 days.

Chairperson Anderson Holness asked how long the Arts project had been in existence.

Ms. Doughty said the project was a collaborative project between four different non-profit organizations: Cultural Tourism DC, Logan Circle Community Association, MidCity Residents Association, and the Constance Maffin Memorial Fund. These organizations have been in existence for a range of years from a few to about thirty years.

Chairperson Anderson Holness asked how long the collaboration between them had been going on.

Ms. Doughty said they had been working together for about one year.

Commissioner Ferrer asked if there was a reason why the MidCity Business Association was not involved in the collaboration.

Ms. Doughty said that they tried to work closely with the Association as much as possible and would continue to do so. However, the only eligible organizations for Neighborhood Investment Fund (NIF) funding for the project are 501(c)3 organizations. The Association is a 501(c)6 organization and therefore not eligible for funding.

Commissioner Ferrer observed that they could have been part of the collaboration.

Ms. Doughty said that they were part of the joint compliance group that meets monthly to monitor the project team and supervise the execution of the project.

Ms. Homza said that, while the Association was not a 501(c)3 organization, Councilmembers Jack Evans and Kwame Brown thought that it was going to benefit directly from the grant. With regard to the joint compliance group, Ms. Homza said the Association was allowed to sit in the meetings, but had no voice or say in any of the decision-making.

Commissioner Lopez asked when the banners would be installed and what would happen after the 180 days expired. Would they apply for another 180 days?

Ms. Doughty said the banners would be installed during the month of December. At the expiration of the 180 days, any other organization that wants to hang banners can take down the Arts District banners. She said that after 180 days, another part of the grant project would go into effect, establishing an organization that would continue to advocate on behalf of the Arts District in terms of zoning, taxation and development issues over time.

Commissioner Ferrer asked how Ms. Doughty envisioned this new organization working with the MidCity Business Association.

Ms. Doughty said that they had been and continued to be open to working with any organization, particularly the MidCity Business Association, and they had worked hard to address the Association’s concerns as far as possible.

Commissioner Nadeau noted that Ms. Doughty had come before the Commission twice last year, and the Commission had supported the initiative. No one could imagine that an Arts District would be opposed or cause issues in the community, but somehow since the Commission voted to approve this initiative, it has started causing divisiveness in a community that has been working very well for years. Commissioner Nadeau said she did not know how or why it happened, all she knew was that leaders in the community were up in arms and very upset. She suggested that Ms. Doughty and the Arts District Project take some time to evaluate what was going on and fix it. The
Commission wanted an Arts District but it also wanted the MidCity Business Association to be successful too. The situation needs to be fixed. The community is at a crossroads, there will be a new Commission in January, it’s a great opportunity for a new start, so find a way and get it together.

Commissioner Thomas said she agreed with Commissioner Nadeau. She had seen the e-mails going back and forth and the problems did not make any sense. The Arts District Project and the MidCity Business Association needed to find a way to work together.

Commissioner Muhammad asked at what stage was the MidCity Business Association branding project.

Ms. Homza said that the Arts District project had usurped their project and taken over the light poles. They could not hang their banners. They had been hoping that the funding was going to be the seed money for their project. She added that the U Street Neighborhood Association had refused to support the Arts District Project application.

Commissioner Raia said the community was not divided. The division was between the Arts District Project and the MidCity Business Association. The community is not against what the Arts District Project is doing, it is the MidCity Business Association. The issue is about who is controlling what area. These two groups need to work that out.

Commission Ferrer asked if there was some way that the MidCity brand could be incorporated into the designs of the banners. The Association has been working in the community for a long time and has done a lot to bring U Street back to life. It would be great if this project could benefit, including the Association and the businesses that have been here for so long.

Commissioner Muhammad suggested that the Commission support the application for the minimum of 90 days.

Ms. Doughty said that banners could be hung for up to 89 days without ANC support, but DDOT preferred to have ANC support for anything over that. She said that, if ANC 1B supported the banners for only 90 days, the project would incur an additional cost to take the banners down in the ANC 1B area and hang them somewhere else. This cost would result in the production and hanging of fewer banners.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support the application of the Arts District Project to DDOT to hang light pole banners in the ANC 1B area for 180 days.

The motion failed for lack of a second.

Commissioner Thomas moved that ANC 1B support the Arts District Project application, provided that the MidCity Business Association design be incorporated into the banners and the project and the Association work together.

Chairperson Anderson Holness suggested that Commissioner Thomas’s motion got too much into the internal affairs of the project and the association, and that it should speak to the question of the DDOT application.

The motion failed for lack of a second.

Chairperson Anderson Holness asked Mr. Norman to review the committee’s recommendation on the application. Mr. Norman said that he wished Ms. Homza had brought her concerns to the committee so that they could be discussed, but the committee was unaware of any problem, was very excited about the project, and had unanimously recommended that ANC 1B support their application to hang banners for 180 days.

Commissioner Muhammad moved that consideration of this application be postponed until the January 2011 meeting.

Commissioner Ferrer seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted, 6 yes, 1 no. Commissioner Raia voted no.

Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force Recommendations

Mr. Norman reviewed the recommendations of the Task Force and the process that developed them. He said the Committee recommended that ANC 1B support them.

Commissioner Ferrer moved that ANC 1B accept and support the recommendations of the Georgia Avenue Community Development Task Force.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Officers Reports

Secretary’s Report – Minutes of November 2010 meeting

Commissioner Moss submitted the draft minutes of the November, 2010 meeting for approval.

Commissioner Moss moved that the draft minutes of the November 4, 2010 meeting be approved.

Commissioner Ferrer seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes 0 no, 1 abstain. Commissioner Ferrer abstained.

Treasurer’s Support

Commissioner Ferrer presented the Treasurer’s Report:

ANC 1B Treasurers Report – November, 2010

Overview

The November, 2010 Industrial Bank Statement is attached. The current balance is $45,835.12.

The following checks were approved at the October 7, 2010 meeting:

Name	Check #	Amount	Purpose
James H. Irwin	1795	$1,292.80	Staff wages
James H. Irwin	1796	$35.97	Reimbursement of website hosting fees paid
Capital Services & Supplies	1797	401.57	Office supplies
Col. Hgts Village Tenants Assoc	1798	500.00	Grant #11-01

The following checks were cashed last month:

Date Cashed	Name	Check #	Amount	Purpose	Meeting Approval Date
11/8/10	James Irwin	1795	$1,405.92	Staff wages	Budget approved 10/1/09
11/8/10	James Irwin	1796	$35.97	Reimbursement for website hosting fees paid	11/4/10
11/9/10	UPS Store	1790	108.75	Printing	10/7/10
11/17/10	Col. Hgts. Village Tenants Assoc	1798	$500.00	Grant #11-01	11/4/10

Expenses to be approved

Name	Amount	Purpose
James Irwin	$1,292.80	Staff wages-net pay
James Irwin	18.21	Reimbursement for postage

Commissioner Ferrer moved that expenses be approved.

Commissioner Lopez seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 7 yes, 0 no.

Commissioner Ferrer moved that the Treasurer’s Report be approved.

Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

Liquor Licenses and ABC Committee Report

Alero Restaurant & Lounge, 1301 U Street N.W -- application for substantial change in Retail Class C Restaurant license

Commissioner Raia said that the application was for an increase in hours for Alero’s sidewalk café, with closing time of 1:00 AM instead of 11:30 PM. He said he had talked with people at the Ellington and on 13^th Street. Residents had no issues with this change.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support the application of Alero for a substantial change in its license to change the closing time for its sidewalk café from 11:30 PM to 1:00 AM.

Commissioner Thomas seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, 1201 U Street N.W -- application for substantial change to Class C Restaurant License

Commissioner Raia noted that no representative of the applicant was present.

Commissioner Raia said the issue with this application was a request for outdoor seating open until 4:00 AM. He noted that the Commission had never supported a sidewalk café operating until 4:00 AM and the applicant was not present to discuss the application.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B protest the application of Islander for a substantial change in license on the basis of peace, order, quiet and parking.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

Liquor License Renewal Applications

Commissioner Raia suggested that a number of liquor license applications were non-controversial and could be approved in one motion.

Commissioner Nadeau asked if there had been any complaints about noise from Patty Boom Boom.

Commissioner Raia said he had not had any complaints.

Commissioner Nadeau said that the noise seemed very loud and suggested that they be encouraged to install soundproofing.

Commissioner Raia agreed.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support the renewal of the following liquor licenses:

Hominy/Bohemian Caverns, 2001 11^th Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

LIV Nightclub, 2001 11^th Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Nightclub license

Dickson Wine, 903 U Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

Velvet Lounge, 915 U Street N.W. – Renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

Indulj, 1208 U Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

Desperados Pizza, 1342 U Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

Patty Boom Boom, 1359 U Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

Marvin, 2007 14^th Street N.W.— renewal of retail Class C Tavern License

The Gibson, 2009 14^th Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

Café Collage, 1346 T Street N.W. – renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

Duffy’s Irish Restaurant, 2106 Vermont Avenue N.W. -- renewal of Retail Class C Tavern License and application to terminate voluntary agreement

Mr. Andrew Kline, representing the applicant, reviewed the application to terminate the voluntary agreement. He said tha Duffy’s was the only business in the neighborhood that was restricted in terms of inside hours of operation, and the restriction was quite severe. The application is to terminate the voluntary agreement so that Duffy’s can operate with full hours as allowed by law. Mr. Kline said that Duffy’s does not have permission to operate a sidewalk café and would have to come before the Commission again if it ever wanted to open a sidewalk café.

Mr. Charles White, whose mother resides next door to Duffy’s, asked the Commission to oppose the application. He said that the noise and traffic from the restaurant was very disturbing and the voluntary agreement was necessary to minimize the problem. Without the voluntary agreement, the situation would be intolerable for his mother. It would be impossible for an 84-year old resident to enjoy her property undisturbed so that Mr. Duffy’s business could benefit.

Mr. Duffy said that the statement of the problem was greatly exaggerated. He said that he had staff outside every evening to regulate traffic and keep patrons away from Mrs. White’s property. The intersection is very busy and there is a lot of traffic from other nearby restaurants and bars, Howard University, and the nearby condominium buildings.

Commissioner Nadeau said that Mr. Duffy had established his business at a time when no one else was willing to come into the community. He had taken a risk and his business had become a great asset to the neighborhood. She urged that the Commission support his request.

Commissioner Ferrer asked if Mr. Duffy would be willing to enter into a voluntary agreement that addresses other issues but omits any limitation on inside hours.

Mr. Kline said he believed that they would have that opportunity in the course of the process.

Commissioner Raia said that he wanted to separate the license renewal from the termination of the voluntary agreement.

Commissioner Raia moved that ANC 1B support the renewal of Duffy’s application to renew his retail class c tavern license.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

Commissioner Nadeau moved that ANC 1B support Duffy’s application to vacate the voluntary agreement.

Commissioner Lopez seconded the motion.

Commissioner Moss said that she was not comfortable with no voluntary agreement in force at all. She said she could support modification of the agreement, but not total termination.

The Chair called for a roll call vote and the motion failed on a tie vote as follows:

YES NO

Muhammad Moss

Thomas Raia

Nadeau Ferrer

Lopez Anderson Holness

Commissioner Ferrer moved to vacate that portion of the voluntary agreement that limits Duffys’ indoor hours of operation.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted, 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. Commissioner Nadeau abstained.

Martin’s Restaurant, 1919 9^th Street N.W. -- application for new restaurant and tavern license

Mr. Michael Worthy, attorney representing the applicant, said that his client had renovated the establishment and ready to open for business. He was anxious to be a good neighbor and was willing to enter into a voluntary agreement. Mr. Worthy emphasized that there would be no outside promoters involved in the business.

Commissioner Moss moved that ANC 1B support Martin’s application for a new liquor license.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted, 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. Commissioner Nadeau abstained.

Blue Sky Housing 8th Street, LLC--Parcel 39 corner of 8th & T Streets NW. -- Proposed condominium development

Commissioner Moss said that this developer has been given the opportunity to redevelop this land parcel by the District government. They are requesting support from the Commission for the transfer of this land to the developer.

Mr. Earl Horton said they were seeking a letter of support from the Commission for the disposition of the land. He said they were not yet at the design phase, but the property is in a historic district, so they would be coming back to the Design Review Committee and the Commission to seek support once a design and plans had been completed.

Commissiooner Moss moved that ANC 1B send a letter to Mayor Adrian Fenty with a copy to the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development supporting the transfer of this land to Blue Sky Housing 8^th Street LLC.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 8 yes, 0 no.

Grant Applications and Grants Committee Report

Commissioner Akinmboni being necessarily absent, Commissioner Nadeau presented the committee report:

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B

GRANTS COMMITTEE REPORT

November 4, 2010

Commissioner Rosemary Akinmboni, Chairperson

The Committee met at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in the Commission office, 2000 14^th Street N.W., Suite 100B.

Commissioner Brianne Nadeau, Kwanza Graham and Halima Roebuck and applicants from Inner Voices were present.

Inner Voices has been doing work for 37 years in prisons, has worked to reintegrate ex-offenders and has served all around the city registering ex-offenders to vote, setting up job fairs and more. They anticipate up to 3,000 people attending this year’s Christmas Day Dinner. They are working with private sponsors such as Chick-Filet, Total Health Clinic, United Black Fund and others. They will also have in-kind sponsorships from local businesses.

Publicity has targeted Ward One, and guests at the event will be homeless, need, elderly and formerly incarcerated members of our community. They have worked with the Columbia Heights Shaw Collaborative and CM Graham’s office to organize the event, recruit participants and find funding.

Halima moved that the committee recommend the Commission support the grant for the full request of $500. Kwanza seconded the motion. It was adopted unanimously.

Mr. Perry Redd, Chief Administrator for Inner Voices, described the Christmas dinner project for which they are seeking grant support. Grant funds would be used to pay for rental of a large tent, liability insurance, and restroom facilities.

Commissioner Moss moved that ANC 1B approve the grant application of Inner Voices, Inc. for $500.00.

Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion.

The motion was adopted unanimously, 6 yes, 0 no.

New Business

Approval of Office Space Lease – Reeves Center

Commissioner Muhammad moved that ANC 1B approve a lease agreement with the District of Columbia Department of Real Estate Services for the use of office space in the Reeves Center, 2000 14^th Street N.W. and that the lease be signed within 24 hours.

Commissioner Ferrer seconded the motion.

Commissioner Lopez said that he did not want to vote on the lease at this meeting. A new Commission was taking office in January and he wanted the new Commission to review the lease before approving it. He thought the rent was too high and further review was necessary.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said that the Commission had been occupying the office and had said it would vote on this lease. The office space was brought to the commission by the prior administration.

Commissioner Nadeau said that it was not correct that the former administration brought the commission to this contract, because the Commission had been told there would be no rent.

Chairperson Anderson Holness said there was no rent. The Commission was being charged for certain items on the lease agreement.

Commissioner Nadeau said the word “rent” was used in the lease agreement.

Commissioner Nadeau asked for a roll call vote.

The motion was adopted, 6 yes, 2 no, 0 abstain by roll call vote as follows:

YES NO

Moss Nadeau

Raia Lopez

Muhammad

Thomas

Ferrer

Anderson Holness

Community Events & Announcements

Commissioner Muhammad announced he would be having his monthly meeting, along with PSA 304, on Wednesday, December 15^that 7:00 PM, at the Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15^th Street N.W. The guest speaker this month will be Adrian Totten, Interim Director of the D.C Housing Authority.

Commissioner Moss announced that the Atlantic Plumbing building site has now been purchased by JBG. She is planning to meet with them to learn of their intent for the site. The United Negro College Fund project will be breaking ground at the end of December.

Commissioner Ferrer recognized and thanked the 930 Club and Jean Homza who hand out turkeys to needy constituents at Thanksgiving. He thanked his constituents for the honor of serving as a commissioner.

Commissioner Muhammad announced that the ANC 1B Public Safety Committee would meet at the Reeves Center in the second floor conference room on Wednesday, December 8^th, beginning at 7:00 PM.

Chairperson Anderson Holness announced that ANC 1B11 would be holding its regular monthly single-member district meeting on Monday, December 6, 2010, in the Kelly Miller LeDroit Senior Building where they meet every month. She also thanked the 930 Club for its great partnership with ANC 1B.

Ms. Ahnna Smith, ANC 1B08 Commissioner-elect, announced that she would be holding a community meeting next Wednesday evening.

Chairperson Anderson Holness recognized five new Commissioners-elect who were present: Mary Streett, ANC 1B05, Lauren McKenzie, ANC 1B09, Tony Norman, ANC 1B10, and Charlie Meisch, ANC 1B06. She welcomed them to the Commission.

Chairperson Anderson Holness thanked the outgoing Commissioners for their service: Peter Raia, Eduardo Ferrer, Brianne Nadeau, Rosemary Akinmboni and Thomas Smith.

Commissioner Muhammad recognized and thanked Meghan Conklin, ANC 1B06, who resigned from the Commission earlier in the year due to ill health.

Commissioner Moss moved that the December 2010 meeting of ANC 1B be adjourned.

Commissioner Muhammad seconded the motion.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM.