ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
1B
Government of the District of Columbia
Columbia Heights
/ LeDroit Park / Shaw / University Heights
3 July 2003, True Reformer
Building, 1200 U Street NW
Attending:
Commissioners Guyot, Spalding, Hammonds, Thomas, Esters, Wright
Absent:
Commissioners Houston, Butler, Wilson, Glover, Skinner
Quorum
was achieved and meeting began at approximately 7:20 PM. In
the Secretary’s report Commissioner Spalding indicated that extended versions of
reports from Councilmember Evans and the DC Charter Schools were available, and
that new maps from Office of Zoning and Board of Elections were also available
to the Commissioners. Adoption of
minutes of the June 5th meeting were moved, seconded and passed
(6-0-0). Treasurer Glover was not
in attendance, and Commissioner Spalding indicated that the only activity for
the past month was the check for U Street Blue.
In
Community Announcements Commissioner Guyot detailed a hearing on the HAVA
election plans to be held at Judiciary Square on July
8th. Bryan Martin
Firvida announced that the Cardozo Shaw Neighborhood Association would hold
their regular monthly meeting at the True Reformer
Building on the evening of
July 10th. Commissioner
Guyot highlighted the celebrations of the centenary of the True Reformer Building to take place on July
17th.
Board
of Education member Julie Mikuta addressed the Commission on a new push towards
addressing K-12 literacy. The
initial focus will be on addressing K-3 literacy, but hopefully will expand
quickly to the full K-12.
Establishing one core literacy curriculum that can be used across the
city will help in addressing transfer consistency, and also allow administrators
and community organizations in knowing how to match to the core curriculum. The rule that every student will read
ninety minutes a day will serve as a foundation for building the
curriculum. Literacy centered
professional development will be offered to both teachers and
administrators. A change in testing
patterns (from end of year to an ongoing process) will be incorporated in hopes
that frequent diagnostic review can help guide remediation and development more
effectively. The program will
officially roll out in September, however, there will be summer programs
initiated to begin marketing the literacy push. The summer programs will also be
directed at community organizations working with the schools and literacy, and
should give the Board of Education time to coordinate the literacy push with
these organizations. The summer
program will feature a ‘read or be read to twenty minutes a day’ theme, and will
be concluded with certificates and awards.
Commissioner Spalding asked whether the city’s charter schools had bought
into the program, and Ms. Mikuta responded that they had just begun the outreach
to the charters. Commissioner Guyot
spoke to the extended literacy problem in DC, and added that the program could
reach out to adult illiteracy as the momentum of the literacy campaign gained
force. Commissioner Wright added to
Commissioner Guyot’s comments that adult illiteracy was an ongoing problem and
should be addressed as part of the literacy campaign. Constituent Clyde Howard questioned Ms.
Mikuta on the Board of Education’s ability to influence the DC charter schools,
and Ms. Mikuta responded that the independence of the charter’s curriculum
prevented direct influence; however, a well developed literacy curriculum with
solid professional development opportunities would be attractive to charter
school teachers and administrators.
Commissioner Guyot returned to the importance of involving everyone in
the city in addressing literacy, and hoped that the program would generate the
momentum that would attract charters, the elderly and all of the schools to want
to participate.
Traffic
Control Plan (TCP) for Bush Construction’s project “2020 Lofts” in the 2000
block of 12th
Street was detailed by Jason Jacobson from Bush
Construction. This matter of right
development of 146 loft style condominium unit will feature 155 underground
parking spots. The traffic control
plan has been designed in consultation with DDOT and neighborhood groups. The sales trailer currently located on
the northern V
Street edge of the project will be replaced with a
restored 1214 U
Street storefront, which will be returned to the
owner for retail leasing at the end of the sales process. The V Street sidewalk will remain open during
the building process using barriers and covered walkways when appropriate. The
western side of 12th
Street will be the main truck service area, and
two-way traffic can continue to be accommodated through the construction. A second request of the ANC is needed in
terms of removing and replacing the street trees on 12th
Street.
Bush is planning on removing the current maples and replacing with four
inch caliper zelkovas at the end of the construction process. Commissioner Esters inquired about the
use of the excess parking spaces, and applicant responded that they have not
decided what can legally be done with the excess parking. Commissioner Spalding asked if they had
explored contracts with Zip or Flex Car systems, and applicant said that they
had not to date had discussions with either company. A question was raised about any set
aside for affordable housing, and Mr. Jacobson responded that in a matter of
right building they had not made any set asides for affordable housing. The unit pricing will be between
$275,000 and $700,000. Constituent
Clyde Howard asked about their preparations for the water that they’ll
encounter, and Andy Viola (Bush principal) said that their test borings and
engineering indicated only minor difficulties that could be remediated with
typical dewatering techniques.
Scott Pomeroy of the
14th and U Main Streets Initiative requested that Bush pay attention
to the location, size and design of traffic signs placed in the pedestrian
business ways on U Street. Mr.
Pomeroy also asked about DDOT input into the increase in traffic through the
traditionally dangerous intersection of 12th and U, and Mr. Jacobson
indicated that DDOT had not made any specific recommendations to date on the
ramifications to the intersection.
Commissioner Guyot asked that Bush go on record with their specifics of
the TCP dealing with the 12th and U intersection. Mr. Viola responded that they have
already specified flag people, and would add other measures as needed to control
traffic through the intersection.
Mr. Bilal asked for specifics on the washout procedures to be used during
the construction, and Mr. Viola responded that the wash out areas were specified
in the civil design plans, and that further Bush was both the developer and the
builder and would be responsive on site.
Commissioner Spalding moved that the TCP be supported as presented, with
annotations on the specific comments raised at the meeting attached. The motion was seconded and adopted
unanimously (6-0-0). Commissioner
Spalding moved that the landscape design involving the removal of the current
street trees on the west side of 12th Street and replacement with
zelkovas be supported. It was
seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
The
TCP for the Langston Loft project (Metropolis) returned for review. Clifton Longobardi explained that this
request for support was for a modification to the previously approved TCP. The original plan routed pedestrian
traffic through the tree pits on the east side of 14th
Street, and in the modified plan the pedestrian way
is extended beyond the curb into 14th Street. Commissioner Spalding moved approval of
the amendment to the TCP, and it was seconded and approved unanimously (6-0-0).
Bryan Martin Firvida requested that developer carefully monitor parking in the
vicinity of the pedestrian way.
Commissioner
Spalding spoke to the Insanitary Buildings hearings that took place in the
previous week regarding the commercial buildings at 901, 903, 905 and
907 U
Street.
These are inside the Greater U Street Historic District. Scott
Pomeroy attended the hearings and reported that the owner of
901 has applied to combine with 2004 and 2006 9th Street into one lot and
had applied for building permits.
He was not aware that the existing buildings were located inside the
historic district and would have to be reviewed by the DC Office of Historic
Preservation. The owner of 903
could not attend and the hearing has been set forward to July 16th,
but the owner did state that their intention was to sell the property. The owners of 905 and 907 were
questioned about security on the backs of their buildings, and they were also
set forward for ongoing hearings.
Commissioner Spalding requested that the Commission write a letter to the
Office of Historic Preservation reflecting the concerns voiced in his letter as
SMD Commissioner to the Board of Insanitary Buildings. Mr. Pomeroy added that this is one of
the last remaining intact sets of commercial buildings along U Street, and that
it’s location at the 9th
Street gateway to the commercial corridor was also
important. Tim Arnold (Chair, Historic Preservation Committee of
CSNA) added that developers were looking to combine lots to make development
projects more economically viable; however, it is also economically viable to
restore the original buildings for adaptive reuse. The motion was seconded and adopted
unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner
Spalding introduced a request of the Board of Insanitary Buildings to condemn
and raze the ‘Thomas Lunch’ building at the corner of 11th and V
Streets. The developer (Robertson
Development Company) is proposing removing a two storey commercial building and
replacing with eight or ten residential condominiums. Commissioner Spalding stated that he had
spoken to local historian Paul
Williams and to Steve Callcott of the DC Office of Historic
Preservation about the value of the existing building, and that neither thought
there was any specific reason to preserve.
Paul Robertson indicated that they have already worked inside the
historic district and would be doing similar work on the 11th and V
site. Tim
Arnold voiced concern that the current spate of building in the
area not covered by the protections of the historic district did not allow the
same design review accorded buildings being renovated in the historic
district. Commissioner Spalding
responded that Robertson would probably be returning for BZA variance, and that
community input could be heard at that time. Commissioner Spalding moved support of
condemnation and razing of the Thomas Lunch building, and it was seconded and
adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Public
Space permits for locating pay telephones at 2920 Georgia Avenue and at 2330 Georgia Avenue
were taken up. Commissioner Esters
indicated that the phone at 2920
Georgia Avenue was opposed by local businesses that
are afraid of the attention and congregating that have occurred with similar pay
phone installations. Both
Commissioners Esters and Guyot expressed opposition to the set of pay phones
requested at 2330 Georgia
Avenue.
Commissioner Guyot moved opposition to the Public Space requests, and it
was seconded and unanimously adopted (6-0-0).
Liquor
license renewal (Class B) for Baruca S Inc. T/A El Paraiso at 1805 14th
Street was considered. The owner of the grocery indicated that
they had no troubles or community opposition. Commissioner Spalding moved support of
the renewal, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Liquor
license renewal (Class A) for Beletesh Ltd. T/A Serv-U-Liquor at 1935 9th
Street was considered. Commissioner Guyot indicated that there
was a medical reason for the owner’s not attending the June meeting, and this is
a long tenanted business with no community complaints. Commissioner Guyot moved support of the
renewal, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
ABC
Case No. 2696 was considered. This
license was opposed by ANC1B, and is now asking for support of the 14(e)
petition of the neighborhood.
Commissioner Guyot stated that a negotiating session between the
applicant (Yard Liquors) and the neighbors had taken place on July
2nd. The representatives
of the community are Commissioner Guyot, the President of the LeDroit Park Civic
Association, and Mr. Michael Patron (who has been designated the
spokesman). All local residents
were invited to attend the negotiating session. The vote at the session was 21-1 to
oppose the application to open at 501 Florida Avenue. Commissioner Guyot moved support of the
14(e) petition, and Commissioner Spalding offered a friendly amendment that
Commissioner Guyot be designated as ANC1B’s spokesperson before the ABC hearing,
and the amendment was accepted by Commissioner Guyot, and it was seconded and
adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
ABC
Case No. 50237 of F&Z Enterprises for a new CR license (tabled at ANC1B’s
May meeting) was considered.
Commissioner Thomas stated that the reason for the delay in considering
the application was directly tied to the applicant’s difficulties in securing
and displaying correct permit notifications. Commissioner Thomas indicated that she
has not heard any specific concerns or complaints in regard to the
application. Commissioner Spalding
requested that the applicant’s representative (Mr. Pappas) pay attention to
providing Commissioners information on the establishments that he is
representing. Commissioner Spalding
specifically requested advance information on design, menu and any other
indications of the nature of the businesses that can aide the Commissioners in
supporting the licenses.
Commissioner Thomas moved support of the new CR license, and it was
seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Current
status of negotiations towards a Voluntary Agreement regarding Harvard Liquors
renewal license (opposed at ANC1B’s May meeting) was considered. Commissioner Spalding indicated that the
opposition to this renewal was offered by the single member district
Commissioner Skinner. Commissioner
Spalding said that he represented ANC1B at the ABC hearing, and that the case
was rescheduled for July 30th, and that during the interim the
applicant and ANC1B were to negotiate towards a Voluntary Agreement. Commissioner Spalding indicated that he
could not get a response from Commissioner Skinner in regard to this duty, and
that his knowledge of the applicant and the surrounding community was
insufficient to negotiate.
Commissioner Guyot offered the following as a possible solution; that
ANC1B vote to support the Voluntary Agreement contingent on acceptance of the
Voluntary Agreement by Commissioner Skinner or Commissioner Spalding. Commissioner Spalding added that
Commissioners Skinner and Spalding be designated as spokespeople for ANC1B at
the ABC hearings regarding Harvard Liquors. Commissioner Esters asked for further
information on the opposition to the renewal, and indicated that he was aware of
the concerns of local citizens and businesspeople. Commissioner Esters said that one of his
neighbors was attacked in the vicinity of the applicant’s location within the
last month. Commissioner Spalding
indicated that the specific intent of ANC1B’s opposition and the Voluntary
Agreement would be to attack the issue of loitering, but that the negotiating
would have to be led and monitored by people near the applicant’s business. Commissioner Esters offered to work with
Commissioner Skinner and the Pleasant Plains Neighborhood Association on the
Voluntary Agreement. Commissioner
Guyot’s motion was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0). Scott
Pomeroy asked whether the opposition would carry forward in
absence of negotiations towards a voluntary agreement, and Commissioner Spalding
indicated that the opposition would carry forward, however, the ABC Board would
probably give less weight to the opposition if we failed to participate in
negotiations. Commissioner Guyot
stated that this was further proof that ANC1B should reconsider our bylaw
requiring owners to be present, and agreed that the ABC Board would look
unfavorably on our opposition if we failed to participate in negotiations.
DC
Action for Children presented a resolution calling for support and participation
in their advocacy for increased investment in the city’s children. DC Action for Children’s representatives
explained the causes for which they are advocating, and requested that ANC1B
partner with them in their campaign to increase the city’s investment in
services for children, youth and their families. A post card campaign is currently
underway, and copies of the promotional materials and post cards were
distributed to the Commissioners and community members in attendance. This campaign is a part of a larger
campaign “The Children’s Budget”, and DC Action is working to develop both
campaigns. Commissioner Guyot asked
about specifics on how their campaigns attempted to affect the DC budget, and
representatives explained that the signature piece is a publication entitled
“What’s in it for Kid’s?” The
budget analysis contained in the publication is used by other agencies in
lobbying for increased funding.
Commissioner Guyot move support of the resolution presented by DC Action
for Children, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner
Spalding requested that the Commission send a letter of support towards adoption
of landmark status for the First African
New Church to the DC Historic Preservation
Review Board. Commissioner Spalding
indicated that the grant extended to CSNA to apply for landmark status had been
researched and submitted, and that copies were included in the Commissioner’s
packages. A letter has already been
sent to DCRA requesting no action on raze permitting for the property before
action on landmark status. The new
owners have applied for permission to raze the church, and BLRA has been
contacted to flag the application as pending historic designation. Commissioner Spalding requested that
ANC1B support the designation of the First African
New Church before the DCHPRB, and Commissioner
Guyot requested that Commissioner Spalding be designated as ANC1B’s spokesperson
at the hearing. Bryan Martin
Firvida and Tim Arnold of CSNA spoke
in support of the motion, and Mr. Arnold requested that community members keep
an eye on the building to assure that no illegal activities occur prior to the
hearing on the 24th. The
motion was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Bryan
Martin Firvida (President of CSNA) reported that HPRB gave conceptual approval
of the Hoffman PUD on 14th Street. Mr. Martin Firvida also explained that
the gap in the northeast corner of the Greater U Street Historic District is
currently being addressed by the DC Office of Historic Preservation and
CSNA. Constituent Howard asked that
the boundaries of the historic district be better publicized, and Commissioner
Spalding indicated that (finally) the Office of Historic Preservation’s brochure
on the Greater U Street Historic District had been published, but that they’re
having a hard time printing enough copies to go around. Scott
Pomeroy added that DCHP also has pdf (computer files) of the
information available for distribution.
Commissioner
Guyot offered a resolution supporting the adoption by the DC Council of Bill
15-186 the DC Street Furniture Act of 2003. John Ray explained that this bill is
designed to replace the expiring agreement that the city has in
outsourcing/franchising the construction and maintenance of bus shelters and
information kiosks. The current
twenty year contract for the 1,500 bus shelters in the city will expire in
October, and this bill refines the new agreement. The new agreement will have a duration
of ten years with an option to extend for an additional ten years. Examples of possible shelters and
signage were demonstrated, and their design improvements and flexibility were
illustrated. The request of support
is designed to promote the Council’s adoption of replacement legislation and a
new RFP in order to guard against lack of action and having to renew the current
unsatisfactory contract.
Commissioner Guyot questioned the lack of specific language guaranteeing
that the replacement street furniture would be consistent throughout the
city. Commissioner Guyot urged
support contingent on a guarantee that language guaranteeing consistency be
included. Commissioner Spalding
asked Mr. Ray to speak to the length of the contracts, and Mr. Ray explained
that in order to recoup the investment required to build and maintain the
shelters that the longer contract was required. Commissioner Spalding asked whether
there would be design flexibility beyond color and bench siting. Mr. Ray indicated that once the bill had
passed and the RFP extended, the community would be allowed voice in influencing
the design elements. Commissioner
Esters asked for details on the financial arrangement, and Mr. Ray stated that
the successful bidder would be financially responsible for both the construction
and maintenance of shelters and signage, and that the city would receive
franchise fees during the length of the agreed contract (currently approximately
$1.5M per annum, and projected $3M per annum under the new contract). Commissioner Esters asked about
community input into decisions on appropriate advertising included with the
shelters, and Mr. Ray explained that the bill itself restricts the type of
advertising allowed.
Scott Pomeroy stated that he
had been working with an ongoing study by DDOT in regard to the bus shelters,
and that a great deal of community input had been processed. Mr. Pomeroy asked how we can guarantee
maintenance of the new shelters when the current agreement is openly ignored,
and also why the kiosks were being included when it is only the bus shelter
contract that is expiring. Mr.
Pomeroy voiced concern that the wayfinding kiosks could allow objectionable
contrasts of information and advertising e.g. “Welcome to the Greater U Street
Historic District” brought to you by Absolut Vodka. Mr. Ray responded that there wouldn’t be
advertising on bike racks; just on the bus shelters and kiosks, and that
restricting the advertising on the kiosks might be negotiable with the city or
the contractor. Mr. Pomeroy said
that the response was inadequate, and requested again why the kiosks had been
added to the bill. Mr. Ray said
that he did not know why the kiosks had been included. Mr. Pomeroy asked that the bill restrict
itself to just the expiring contract for the bus shelters, and if the contractor
proved reliable then be extended to other furniture like the kiosks. Commissioner Spalding asked about the
current extent of kiosks, and the extent of possible new contract. Mr. Ray responded that there are very
few of the kiosks in the city currently, and that there would be a limit
(perhaps 200) detailed in the RFP.
Commissioner Guyot moved support of the legislation being heard, and to
encourage the community to involve themselves in the process as they see
fit. The motion was seconded and
adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner
Guyot offered a resolution calling for the removal of DC Inspector General
Charles C. Maddox from office according to DC Law 15-22. The motion was seconded
and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner
Guyot requested a letter from the Chairperson to the DC Chief of Police and the
Commander of the Third District MPD concerning ongoing policing problems in the
neighborhood of the 500 block of T Street NW (Commissioner Guyot supplied a list
of ongoing problems). The motion
requesting the letter was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Akbar
Bilal requested hearing a grant request for ‘Save Our Youth’. Mr. Bilal stated that it was his
impression that the request would be on ANC1B’s July agenda. Secretary Spalding indicated that he had
not received a request to place the grant request on the agenda. Chairperson Thomas asked Mr. Bilal to
submit a completed grant request, and that we would assure that it would be on
our August agenda.
Meeting
adjourned at approximately 9:30
PM.