ANC1B

Government of the District of Columbia

PO Box 73710, Washington, DC 20056

Myla Moss, Phil Spalding, Catherine Hammonds, Deairich R. Hunter, Brianne Nadeau, Meghan Conklin Zachary Wright, Rosemary Akinmboni, Thomas K. D. Smith, Nate Mathews, Raymond Wright

July Minutes

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, July 5, 2007, 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, Spalding, Hammonds, and Akinmboni.

Commissioner Hunter called meeting to order without a quorum at 7:15 p.m., and called for introductions. It was noted at this time that if a quorum was not present at any point in the meeting that an executive session open to the public would be held to resolve commission business for July.

Announcements & Officers Reports:

No Officers Reports were given and the minutes were not presented.

Scott Pomeroy announced the 8^th Annual Dog Days of Summer event August 4^th and 5^th. More information can be found at http://www.midcitylive.com

Sandra Butler Turesdale announced that the Edna Mae Gallery is now open in the Reeves Center, displaying a history of rhythm and blues. Additionally there is a market open on Friday & Sunday from 7am – 8pm outside the Reeves Center.

Commissioner Spalding reported CSNA held a discussion about the Lincoln Theatre redevelopment as part of its regularly scheduled June meeting. Minutes from the meeting are posted at the CSNA web site. There was also a public meeting June 20 held by the 14^th Street Design and Transportation group. The U Street Transportation and Parking Study held a meeting dealing with tree gradation, safety, corners at 14/U. DDOT will hold a public meeting July 24^th at the Reeves Center in the Edna Fraser Community Room. HPRB has made its first consideration of the Anthony Bowen YMCA Re-design and asked the developers to revise the plans. They claim not to have record of the ANC support letter submitted by Chairman Hunter. There is a new bus shelter at the NW corner of 14^th/U.

Commission Business:

The Commission heard from a representative of the Lofts at Columbia Heights regarding the amendment to ZC-05-14. Commissioners indicated support and asked Commissioner Spalding to attend Monday’s hearing as an extension of his previous appointment to represent the Commission on the original case.

Commissioner Nadeau gave background on the STOP sign being installed at NH/V, DDOT #07-64-TS, and indicated she had initiated its installation. Those present agreed that there was no need to do a letter of support.

The Commission heard from Ms. Truesdale and Mr. Bolton from the U Street Senior Citizens Vendors Associations. The market outside the Reeves Center has already been operating for 2 weeks on Fridays and Sundays, with support from Councilmember Graham, although the ANC did not receive proper notice from DDOT Public Space. Ms. Truesdale indicated that it will eventually have 15 vendors, all of whom must be 55 years or older, 90% of whom must reside in the District. It will include crafts and other merchandise, as well as produce. Commissioner Spalding raised concerns and asked that before voting the Commission determine answers to the following questions: 1) Was ANC1B given proper notice of this application? 2) Why is this use permitted as “Farmers Market”? 3) What is the relationship between a vendor reseller and the DCRA Vendor’s program in terms of control and enforcement? 4) Is this use appropriate for full days on both Friday and Sunday? 5) Should the age of the vendors be the sole criterion for inclusion? Why not include senior and youth targeted organizations based in the immediate neighborhood? 6) Is there any correlation between the submitted design and the actual practice? 7) Is the Commission satisfied that the authorized agent has clean hands in the context of receipts/accounting for ANC grants totaling $8,000?

Chairman Hunter indicated he would convene a meeting with DDOT Public Space to answer these questions.

The Commission heard from representatives Commissioner Ann Theisen (1A) regarding the Columbia Heights Heritage Trail. Chairman Hunter indicated his belief that the Commission would lend its support, but that no action would be taken until the executive session.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed ongoing ABRA cases, indicating that Queen Makeda’s owner has emerged, paying all the back fees and is applying for renewal; the Smarta/Broadway show cause hearing continues; the Manchester hearing has been moved to August; Marvin is opening in August; Wisdom’s hearing is being tabled due to building purchase issues; There is interest in renewing 1940 11^th Street, which was la Casona, likely use as a restaurant; Ula Bistro is closer to being finished; Flamingo 111 U Street has completed its voluntary agreement (officers will sign it at the executive session); Nelly’s will open soon; Black Cat’s hearing is scheduled for July 17 at 10:30 am; 11 Market is rescheduled; 7 Days Grocery protest hearing is in a couple of weeks. At this point in the meeting a lawyer representing the South Columbia Heights Neighborhood Association asked the Commission to submit a protest letter. Commissioners present indicated a letter had been issued previously, and that should the Commission vote again, the same outcome is not likely. No voluntary agreement has been reached. Commissioner Akinmboni, Spalding and Hunter will attend the hearing and will represent the SMD, and the Commission, respectively.

Regarding 1907 9^th Street’s Voluntary Agreement, Commissioner Spalding stated he would abstain from voting on this in executive session because he is not in support of the voluntary agreement, but does not wish to oppose Commissioner Moss, who he indicated is in support. He made the following statement, “I am going to abstain on this vote. I do not support this application, however I’m also not going to oppose the support of the single member district Commissioner. This location does border my SMD, and will affect my constituents. This is a mixed residential and commercial block whose flavor has been increasingly determined by an over-concentration of liquor-licensed businesses. The zoning of the southeast corner of this block was changed from residential to commercial in 1998 over the protest of ANC1B and community groups. One of the fears expressed in this protest over the zoning was the possibility of more liquor-licensed businesses opening in these properties, and the consequent effect on surrounding residents. Currently we have 24 commercially zoned buildings and 17 liquor licenses. The homogeneity and density of use have played a part in increased violence in this block and have led to the need for a paid police detail to patrol the block. While I have no opposition to this applicant or their business plan, I cannot support an additional license in this location.” No action was taken.

Regarding Sala Thai’s Substantial Change in license, Commissioner Spalding indicated that the owners have not responded to his request to discuss this change or appear at the meeting, but because they have caused no difficulty for the neighborhood and have been good neighbors, he would ask the commission to support their application in executive session. Commissioner Nadeau added enthusiastic support of Sushi on U Street.

Commissioner Spalding spoke in support of Solly’s tavern’s application for alcohol service at the sidewalk café. Mr. Sullivan testified on his behalf, citing the sidewalk service as a deterrent to crime. Mr. Riggins, a neighbor on 11^th Street cited concerns about the sidewalk service operating until midnight on Friday and Saturday, related to concerns about loitering and crime already occurring on that block.

At this point in the meeting Sergeant Washington requested to speak so that the officers assembled could get back to their duties.

Commissioner Hammonds requested to speak first, indicating that there has been serious crime on the 1300 block of Clifton, including crimes not being reported. There has been illegal activity on the premises of the Duron parking lot, including cookouts and fireworks. She mentioned activity by CTU. She requested more policing. Commissioner Nadeau indicated that the neighbors in Ms. Hammonds’ SMD had spoken with her about created a neighborhood watch and were working with Meridian Hill to get it going. Mr. Muhammed from Councilmember Graham’s office indicated he was available to discuss these and other issues about crime in PSA 304, as the officers at this meeting represent PSA 305.

Sergeant Washington continued and indicated PSA 305’s support of Solly’s. He also provided an update about arrests on 11^th Street, and requested that the Commission consider banning valet parking on U Street, as it has made it harder for the officers to carry on their duties. Chairman Hunter indicated this issue could be taken up on next month’s agenda.

Business owners on 9^th Street stood up to indicate their wishes to have more police presence. Sergeant Washington indicated that the detail that had been patrolling 9^th street had expired, as the business owners had made a decision to stop funding it. Chairman Hunter indicated he would also like to discuss this issue on next month’s agenda.

The regular agenda was resumed at this point. Commissioner Spalding indicated that for the rest of the ABRA cases, he will have comments and the Commission will need to vote on them in executive session. The owner of Abiti was present, and Commissioner Spalding indicated he would not have a problem with renewing the license. A resident from Wallach place complained about trash from Axis not being properly dealt with. Commissioners agreed this was not a reason to protest the liquor license, but that they would be in touch with the owner of Axis. They encouraged the resident to be in touch with the owner as well. Commissioner Spalding indicated he would like a letter from the Commission to Duke City asking them (once again) to deal with their trash in public space, per their prior agreement. Scott Pomeroy announced that Peter Feather was nominated as ABC Chair, and asked for a letter in support. Commissioner Spalding noted that it was too late, as he is assuming the position on Monday. Commissioners present indicated verbal support and congratulations.

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. No quorum was ever attained.