ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Minutes

Thursday, January 3, 2008, 7 PM, 1200 U Street NW 

 

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, January 3, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in the True Reformer Building, Commissioner Hunter being present as chair, and Commissioner Nadeau present as secretary. Other Commissioners present, Mathews, Smith, Spalding, Conklin, Hammonds, Moss and Akinmboni.

 

At 7:10 p.m. Chairman Hunter introduced Gottlieb Simon, who ran the election for the vacant seat in SMD1B11.  Mr. Simon explained that registered voters should line up at the table to cast their votes starting at 7:15 p.m. and that polls would close at 8:15 p.m.

 

At 7:15 the Chairman then called the meeting to order and asked for introductions.  The minutes were approved unanimously.  There was no officer report, but the treasurer indicated there were secretarial expenses in the amount of $29.99.  Commissioner Hunter moved that the secretary be reimbursed for expenses in the amount of $29.99.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0. 

 

The Chairman called for announcements.

 

Commissioner Nadeau announced that the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development is inviting submissions for Neighborhood Investment Funding.  The deadline for Submission is Friday, January 18, 2008.  Statements of interest may be emailed to eric.scott@dc.gov. Commissioner Nadeau announced that Target and Best Buy will be hiring at their Columbia Heights Locations. There will be a job fair from January 20 – March 5 on Mondays – Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the NCBA Housing Development, 2801 14th Street, NW.

 

Commissioner Smith announced that due to the support of the 9:30 Club and the Prince Hall Masons, 10 Thanksgiving baskets were provided to members of our community in need.

 

Commissioner Moss thanked the Office of Community Relations and Bridget Davis for the fix it that took place in her Single Member District.

 

Commissioner Akinmboni announced that the new center on Girard Street will be hiring on January 9 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

 

Commission Business

 

Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission support the Historic Preservation Review Boards action to designate the Howard Theater (08-03) as an historic site. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0.

 

Commissioner Moss introduced a resident at 319 T Street, NW who is planning a 2-story addition to his row house. Chairman Hunter suggested the owner also present his plans to the neighborhood association.  Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission support the application. Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 9-0.

 

Commissioner Spalding reviewed open ABRA cases.

·         Queen Makeda’s owners have still not been in touch with the Commission.

·         Smarta/Broadway is still in the process of its Show Cause Hearing. 

·         The verdict on Black Cat has not been announced. 

·         Café Collage has been closed, and it would be difficult to protest.  A nearby business owner Mr. Connelly and the next-door neighbor Mr. Ron Richard suggested there are concerns related to the building being up to code, fire escapes, certificate of occupancy, and new owners, as well as concerns about illegal gambling and drugs.  Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission protest the license of Café College on the basis of Peace, Order and Quiet, with the caveat that if we can get answers to our questions the protest will be withdrawn.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.  The Motion was adopted 9-0.

·         The owner of 11th Street Market has agreed to stop selling blunts, papers, cigars, and the mediation has concluded.  Commissioner Hunter will edit the agreement and send the additional language to Commissioner Spalding. 

·         Islander has addressed the complaints of its neighbors. 

·         The Prince Hall Masons protest is ongoing with the roll call hearing coming up. 

·         Tabaq has been protested by the ANC and a group of 5 neighbors.  Commissioner Spalding has drafted a voluntary agreement and the owner has just returned from being out of the country.

·         Commissioner Smith has spoken with the owners of Chuck and Bill Bison’s about loitering, and drug issues.

 

The Owner of Duffy’s Irish Restaurant asked the Commission to consider revising his voluntary agreement to include an adjustment of the hours, live entertainment, and patio seating for 35 people.  Mr. Stanley Mays represented the other parties in the voluntary agreement and indicated they had concerns with smoke, Sunday operation, outdoor advertisement of alcohol and delivery and trash removal in the alley.  Commissioner Nadeau asked if these concerns had ever been addressed with the owner.  Mr. Mays indicated they had not, at his suggestion. Commissioner Moss asked about the zoning of the business. Commissioner Spalding indicated that it is Arts C-2-B, commercial zoning. Mr. White indicated that the voluntary agreement signed originally was the product of a negotiation, and that the neighbors would rather have no business there at all.  Another neighbor indicated her support for the business, which she noted as a family friendly establishment.  During further discussion, Mr. White indicated that the business owner was in further breach of the agreement with the community for not providing agreed upon monthly payments. Chairman Hunter indicated at this time that this was not an ABRA or Commission matter. Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission support amending the voluntary agreement, including consideration of hours, patio and entertainment and ask other parties to consider these proposed changes.  Commissioner Hammonds seconded the motion.  The motion was not adopted 4-5.

 

At this time the election for the vacant seat in 1B11 concluded. Mr. Simon presented the results to Chairman Hunter.  At this time Chairman Hunter read the following statement: A Resolution Concerning the Filling of a Vacancy in 1B11, January 2, 2008.  The Board of Elections and Ethics informed ANC1B that the only candidates who qualified to fill the vacancy in SMD1B11 were Margot Hope Hoerrner and Jomari Peterson; The Commission therefore conducted an election on January 3, 20008 at the True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW; the winner of the election was Margot Hope Hoerrner.  Resolved therefore, that ANC1B requests the Board of Elections and Ethics declare the vacancy filled by Margot Hope Hoerrner by publication in the District of Columbia Register; and, Resolved further that copies of this resolution also be send to the Council, the Mayor, and Margot Hope Hoerrner. Commissioner Moss seconded the resolution. The resolution was adopted 9-0. Following the vote on the resolution, Councilmember Jim Graham swore in the new Commissioner and she took her seat at the table.

 

At this time the Commission heard a presentation by Councilmember Mendelson on Bill 17-0111 Hot Spot Anti-Loitering Law.  CM Mendelson gave background on loitering laws. He indicated that DC has more specific laws in place for creating drug-free zones, prostitution-free zones, etc. He has discussed the bill further with CM Graham, and they are redrafting a bill that will better serve our community.  Chairman Hunter thanked CM Mendelson for attending our meeting and responding to our letter.

 

The Commission heard a presentation about the National Marathon, which will be held March 29, 2008. And will pass through ANC 1B between 7:35 a.m. and 8:55 a.m. For more information visit http://www.nationalmarathon.com. The Commission also heard about the JuMMP Fitness Challenge, which is a program created to get kids ages 8-13 active. 

 

The Commission heard about the adjoining space on 14th Street being acquired by the owner of Marvin.  The owner wishes to have a low-key wine, and hors d’oeuvres with a garden.  It will have the same architecture as Marvin, and the garden will be on the ground floor with a masonry wall or wood fence.  Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission support the new license.  Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 10-0.

 

The Commission heard from the owner of Policy, a new restaurant in ANC2B.  The restaurant will have a named chef and 30 seats on an outdoor terrace.  Several neighbors indicated their concern and indicated that 2B has been working on a voluntary agreement for many months now. Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission support the application of Policy, ABRA 76804 and encourage ANC2B to finish the voluntary agreement process. The motion was not seconded.

 

Officer Elections

 

Chairman Hunter announced the election of new officers, and called for nominations for Chair.

 

Commissioner Conklin nominated Commissioner Thomas Smith as chair.  Commissioner Mathews seconded the nomination.  Chairman Hunter nominated Commissioner Moss as chair. Commissioner Hoerrner seconded the nomination.  The Commission heard from both candidates regarding their qualifications and experience.  Commissioner Smith received 6 votes, Commissioner Moss received 3 votes, and there was one abstention (Akinmboni). Commissioner Smith was elected as Chair.

 

Chairman Hunter called for nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Smith nominated Commissioner Nadeau as Vice Chair. Commissioner Conklin seconded the nomination.  There were no other nominations.  Commissioner Nadeau was elected unanimously.

 

Chairman Hunter called for nominations for Secretary. Commissioner Nadeau nominated Commissioner Spalding as Secretary. Commissioner Spalding asked that the office of Treasurer be considered first. Commissioner Nadeau withdrew her nomination.

 

Chairman Hunter called for nominations for Treasurer. Commissioner Conklin nominated Commissioner Spalding as Treasurer.  Commissioner Smith seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations. Commissioner Spalding was elected unanimously.

 

Chairman Hunter called for nominations for Secretary. There were no nominations for Secretary.  The office of Secretary will remain vacant, with the executive committee fulfilling the duties of Secretary until such time as a new Secretary may be elected.

 

Chairman Hunter thanked the outgoing officers for their service to the Commission.

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.