ADVISORY
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B
Government of
the District of
Columbia
Columbia Heights /
LeDroit Park / Shaw / University Heights
MINUTES
5 June 2003, True Reformer
Building, 1200 U Street NW
Attending: Commissioners Spalding, Hammonds, Thomas,
Butler, Glover,
Skinner, Wright
Absent: Commissioners Guyot, Houston, Wilson, Esters
Quorum was achieved and meeting began at 7:20PM.
Per the requirements of the DC Board of Elections & Ethics Mr.
Raymond Wright was appointed to fill the vacant office in 1B11. Minutes of the May 1st
meeting were adopted by a unanimous vote (6-0-0). In the Treasurer’s Report Commissioner
Glover stated that two checks had been drawn. The first (#1515) was to the Cardozo
Shaw Neighborhood Association in fulfillment of grant #0304 for $1,800.00, and
the second (#1516) was to the Howard University Community Association in
fulfillment of grant #0303 for $637.86.
Our current account balance is $85,590.59. Treasurer’s report was moved, seconded
and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner Skinner’s report on developments regarding the
proposed ANC1B Town Hall Meeting was tabled.
John Farmer of Bozzuto Construction presented an update on
the Meridian Hill Condominiums PUD.
In response to ANC1B’s original comments Bozzuto is working with the DC
Office of Planning and expects to be including one unit of each type of housing
incorporated in the project for a total of four units. The PUD would be in Commissioner
Butler’s single member district, and Commissioner Butler stated that community
members and Bozzuto have worked together and that the community is supportive of
the design. Commissioner Butler
moved that ANC1B support the Meridian Hill Condominium project to the Zoning
Commission, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Rosalynn Frazier (Office of Planning Neighborhood Coordinator
for Ward 4) gave a presentation regarding the current status of the Georgia
Avenue Corridor Plan. The Corridor
Plan runs along Georgia
Ave. from Euclid north to Decatur St. The Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro station
and its development is central to the discussions and designs for the changes
planned along the corridor, however, there are few other governmentally
controlled parcels along Georgia Avenue, so much of the scope of the project
involves working with private owners.
Currently, the Metro development is envisaged as one hundred residential
units (20% of which are scheduled to be affordable units) and retail
development. Commissioner Skinner
expressed two concerns with the ongoing process: first that there is no Ward 1
Planner, and that the façade program has been inconsistent in its dealing with
the businesses along Georgia
Avenue.
Ms. Frazier stated that the Office of Planning has interviewed for the
Ward 1 Planner position, and that the position should be filled in the next few
months. Ms. Frazier indicated that
DCHCD was committed to finishing the work of the current façade program, but
that contractual problems had temporarily stalled the process. Commissioner Skinner stated that out of
the twenty-five business participating in the façade improvement program three
are currently complete, and that the delays were a burden on the other
participating businesses.
Commissioner Skinner moved that ANC1B request that the ongoing façade
program be expedited to completion, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously
(6-0-0). A community member
question Ms. Frazier about the Office of Planning’s vision for the future of the
Georgia Avenue Corridor, and Ms. Frazier responded that the Office of Planning
is building its vision from the direct input of the residents and businesses
along the corridor.
Lt. Durand and Sgt. Wilkins from MPD 3rd District
and PSA 306 spoke to the current situation in regard to crime in the southern
portion of ANC1B. Lt. Durand
indicated that the future boundaries of the PSA’s would be changing, and that it
is expected that 3D and Ward 1 would be more closely aligned. Lt. Durand indicated that ongoing crime
patterns in the 1300 and 1400 blocks of V & W Streets are demanding
increased attention from the 3rd District. The ongoing difficulty with charged
individuals being released back into the affected communities represents a
particular problem for both the police and the community. Commissioner Skinner asked about the
perceived imbalance in policing efforts, and Lt. Durand agreed that communities
with vocal political clout often swayed decisions on staffing. Commissioner Thomas commented on the
need for a stronger effort on the part of community members in supporting the
justice systems programs. Lt.
Durand stated that deployment is driven by reported crime statistics.
Gregory Thomas from CSOSA (Court Services and Offender
Supervision Agency for the District of
Columbia) gave an overview of the current programs and
services provided by the agency.
Mr. Thomas asked for community input in the development of their
“Comprehensive Reentry Strategy for Adults in the District of
Columbia.”
Everyone was invited to participate in a planning meeting to be held on
June 12 at 6:30PM at
633 Indiana Ave.
NW.
Commissioner Skinner asked for CSOSA’s evaluation of the current status
inside the boundaries of ANC1B. Mr.
Thomas indicated that CSOSA’s computerized systems are still being developed,
but that he would attempt to determine whether a more specific geographic
breakdown of the statistics was possible.
Commissioner Skinner requested that ANC1B send a letter to CSOSA asking
for a community breakdown of their statistical base.
William Shortinghouse presented his case (BZA Case No. 17026)
for a variance under section 404 at 1326 Girard Street. Commissioner Glover lauded Mr.
Shortinghouse for the outstanding work that he has done in restoring a derelict
property. A rear deck/carport has
been designed for the back of the property, and due to historic takings (alley)
by the city the deck will not be in normal compliance with the R-4 rear yard
requirements. Mr. Shortinghouse
indicated that he has been working with neighboring property owners and has
their support, and that there would be no interference with the light or air of
his neighbors. The Commissioners
requested to be invited to the next explanatory dinner at Mr. Shortinghouse’s
property. Commissioner Glover moved
support of the variance, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously
(7-0-0).
Commissioner Butler introduced the development of a request
to close a portion of the 2000 block of 10th Street during the
construction of Garnet Patterson School’s new gymnasium. This closing would last approximately
one year, and between the hours of 11:30 and 1:30 for the purpose of providing recess space for the
students. Commissioner Butler
indicated that he is collecting signatures of the residents of the affected
block of 10th Street, and that he already has in excess of the 50%
requirement. Commissioner Butler
moved that ANC1B support the street closing as described, and it was seconded
and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).
Consideration was given to Manna CDC’s request for support
for a Public Space Permit for locating the Farmers & Artists Market on the
U Street
side of the Reeves
Center. Manna’s representative had already left
the meeting, however, the Commission did discuss the request. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B
send a letter of support, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).
Treasurer Glover requested that the Commission approve
reimbursing the Secretary for expenses incurred in May in the amount of $94.14,
and it was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).
ABC Case No. 21434 Class A renewal for Serv-U-Liquor at
1935 9th
Street was tabled due to non attendance by owners.
ABC Case No. 25383 Class A renewal for Beverage Etc. at
1905 9th
Street.
Owner William Lewis stated that they have been in business in this
location since 1995, and that they have been renovating the space. Commissioner Butler asked about the
relationship between Euphoria Restaurant at the same address, and Mr. Lewis
explained that Euphoria was his tenant and was working out of the second storey
of the building. Commissioner
Spalding asked the distance from Serv-U-Liquors at 1935 9th, and Mr.
Lewis stated that they were separated by about two hundred feet. Commissioner Thomas asked if there was
any opposition from the community, and Mr. Lewis stated that they had had no
problems. Commissioner Spalding
stated that he had raised these renewals with the Westminster Neighborhood
Association, and that there had been no issues raised by WNA’s membership. Commissioner Skinner moved to support,
and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).
ABC Case No. 2696 consideration of the 14(e) petition
regarding Yard Liquors was tabled due to non attendance by participants.
ABC Case No. 50237 F&Z Enterprises application for a new
CR license (previously tabled at ANC1B’s May meeting) was again tabled.
Grant Application of U Street Blue/Positive Productions for
$4,108.50 towards expected costs of $15,000 in producing a film to be made in
August of 2003 to be shot on U
Street entitled “U Street Blue.” Raafi Rivero (writer & director),
Darrell Westbrook (producer) and Michael Hastings Black (producer) spoke to the
request. Commissioner Thomas
requested information on the casting call, and the producers indicated that it
would be occurring on the Howard campus in the next week. Commissioner Skinner indicated to the
producers that using talent from the neighborhood would be appreciated. Producers stated that business owners
and merchants along U
Street have been participating in the development
process. Lincoln Theatre has been
engaged in discussions regarding premiering the film, and restaurants and
clothing stores along U
Street have agreed to help in the production. Commissioner Spalding requested a review
of the full extent of the $15,000 cost, and the producers explained that the
ANC1B grant would further refine the quality of the end product. Commissioner Spalding asked for
clarification on the expense for lenses, and the producers explained that this
would be for rental of the appropriate lenses during the production period. Commissioner Spalding asked about the
marketing of the film once complete, and producers explained that it would be
entered as a short (20 minutes) film in various film festivals e.g. Sundance,
Chicago Film Festival, LA Film Festival.
Commissioner Skinner asked whether copies of the film would be available,
and producers agreed that eventually copies would be produced in VHS or DVD
formats. Commissioner Glover asked about any possible proceeds from the showing
of the film, and producers indicated that they doubted that any significant
income would be generated and that there would be no personal profit from the
production. Commissioner Glover
stated that he applauded the project, but that he had reservations about the
amount of the grant. Commissioner
Glover stated that he would like to see grants limited and in that spirit moved
to support the grant application in an amended amount of $3,000.00, and the
motion was seconded and adopted unanimously (7-0-0).
Akbar Bilal presented a grant application for $8,000 in
support of “Save Our Youth Inc./Hereafter Foundation.” The grant would extend the reach of the
organizations in working with violence intervention with community at risk
youth. The funds would be used for
publicity, honorariums, hotel accommodations, staging, transportation, field
trips and office supplies. Mr.
Bilal described their intervention in local gang/crew disputes, and the
organizations relationship with existing police and education anti-violence
programs. Commissioner Thomas
stated paying to bring in people to work with these problems from outside the DC
community should be replaced with using the expertise of people in our own DC
neighborhoods. Commissioners Thomas
and Glover indicated that the financial guidelines for the ANC’s precluded
paying for a number of the expenses detailed in the grant request. Commissioner Butler asked whether the
workshops are an ongoing process.
Commissioner Butler asked whether presentations had already be made at
Cardozo
High School, Mr. Bilal
responded that they speak with Principal Ballard and that they team up with them
on various issues, and that they have not to date done any presentations or
workshops. Commissioner Glover
asked if the organizations were funded by the DC Government, and Mr. Bilal
responded that they were not.
Commissioner Glover asked about the time line for the project, and Mr.
Bilal responded that the initial workshops would occur in June of 2003, and the
final presentation at Cardozo High
School would be in September of 2003. Commissioner Butler stated that the
schools would be out of session during this time frame, and Mr. Bilal responded
that it would be like a summer job for the youth. A representative of Councilmember
Graham’s office explained that there are ongoing youth summer employment
programs currently placing neighborhood youth. Commissioner Skinner questioned whether
enough activity was being provided, and that multiple opportunities would
benefit more at risk youths.
Commissioner Glover asked for specific clarifications in regard to the
grant application form (applicant had used an older version of ANC1B’s grant
application form). Commissioner
Spalding stated that he would vote against the application citing the late
arrival of the application and lack of clarity in what would be funded. Commissioners Thomas and Glover also
spoke to the difficulties with specifics in the application, and Commissioner
Skinner requested that we continue the discussion and work out all the
details. Commissioner Glover stated
that most of the listed uses for the money were not allowable, and Commissioner
Skinner responded that the cost of the full program was $16,000 and that they
were asking ANC1B to provide $8,000, and that that should provide the Commission
room to cover the portions of the expenses that are allowable and move the
unallowable expenses to be covered by the other sponsoring organizations. Commissioner Glover stated that the size
of the grant and the limited time for review were problematic, and Commissioner
Skinner responded that as a Commission we could straighten out any difficulties
and address the underlying grant request.
Commissioner Glover stated that there was insufficient time
to review this application for a significant amount of taxpayer funds. Mr. Bilal stated that we should not look
at the messenger and should not get bogged down in titles, cultures or
nationalities, but look at the service to the children, and that SOY was more
than 100% effective in almost 99% of crisis interventions. Commissioner Skinner stated that we
should support the grant and then work out the procedural difficulties. Commissioner Thomas specifically
requested that Commissioners use the current grant application form, and
Secretary Spalding offered to make them available. Commissioner Skinner moved that ANC1B
support SOY’s application for a grant of $8,000 for the monthly anti-violence
workshops from June to September, with the condition that an outline of said
workshops be provided, and that the funds be specifically used for line items
that are allowed by the ANC guidelines.
There was no second to the motion.
Commissioner Spalding reported on hearings before the Mayor’s
Agent in regard to illegal fenestration inside the historic district at
1800 9th
Street and 942 Westminster Street. Commissioner Spalding conveyed the
request from the Mayor’s Agent that ANC1B consider these requests, however,
since there was inadequate time for proper notification and the appellants were
not present that ANC1B not take a position on these cases.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:40PM.
Philip C. Spalding, Secretary