ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

Minutes

Thursday, June 5, 2008, 7 PM, HFA Building

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 7:00 pm in the DC Housing Finance Agency, Commissioner Smith being present as Chair, and Commissioner Nadeau present as Acting Secretary. Other Commissioners present: Akinmboni, Conklin, Hoerrner, Hunter, Mathews, Moss, and Spalding.

At 7:03 pm, Chairman Smith called the meeting to order and asked for introductions.

Officers Reports

Commissioner Nadeau presented the minutes from the May meeting for approval. The minutes were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Commissioner Spalding indicated that the Commissioners had a few pages of financial information in their packets. He also indicated that the financial activity for the month of June was for three checks:

1) Check 1676-42.20- postage to Bianca Body

2) Check 1677- 121.69-for office supplies to Philip Spalding

3) Check 1681- 199.78- to Bianca Body for Administrative Assistant work.

The checks do not require a vote because the funds were previously approved as a part of the budget.

The preliminary third quarter report will be presented at the July meeting with updates for the month of June. The projected 2008 budget statement must be changed to reflect the fiscal year, not the calendar year. A resolution on this change will be offered at the July meeting. The 2009 budget will be presented in September and then voted on in October.

Currently, ANC1B is in the process of getting a full three year audit. The audit is scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, June 9, 2008. A preliminary review of the files shows that the accounting is accurate and ready for the audit. The one persistent problem has been with grant reporting and documentation. The ANC will have to wait and see if the grant reports generate requests for additional information. Commissioner Spalding will e-mail the Commission the results or any problems that arise after the audit.

Committee Reports

There were no committee reports given at the meeting.

Events and Announcements

Commission

Commissioner Moss announced the following:

· The Public Defender Service is hosting a Summit on Community re-entry for persons in the Criminal Justice System. The Summit will be held at the Convention Center on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 from 10am-4pm. The purpose of this summit is to assist those with legal criminal difficulties with education, obtaining a job, housing, and health services.

· Double Jobs Production Company of London has been conducting film shoots for a documentary on the life of Marvin Gaye. The film shoots have taken place on Wiltberger Street between S and T Streets, NW and 8th Street between Georgia Avenue and V Streets, NW.

· Director of the Board of Elections will be sending out notices informing residents that the schools scheduled for closing will be available for voting in the November election. A timeline was not provided for the release date of the notices.

· On Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 3pm there will be a ceremony honoring the retiring President of Howard University President Swygert and U.S. Shadow Senator Florence Pendelton. The ceremony will take place in the Blackburn Center at 3pm on the Howard University campus.

· The LeDroit Park Civic Association established an active ad hoc committee to address the closing of Gage-Eckington Elementary School. Over the last six months meetings were held with the Mayor, Councilmember Jim Graham, and the Office of Education. They are actively working on proactive measures that will keep the school from becoming dormant. They are asking for green space and hope to have a resolution on the issue very soon.

Commissioner Spalding announced the following:

· Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association meeting will be Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 7pm. The meeting will be at Towne, 2009 8^th Street, NW. Steve Calcott of the Historic Preservation Office will give a presentation.

· There will be a DDot meeting on Thurday, June 12, 2008 at 7pm at the Housing Finance Agency building. The will announce the 65% plan for U Street reconstruction and Streetscape. They are not asking for input, but will give a representation of what will happen to U Street from 9^th Street to 18^th Street.

· The Ethiopian Federation of Sports of North America will host a soccer tournament Saturday, June 28, 2008 through Saturday, July 5, 2008 at RFK Stadium. Housing will be at the new Gaylord Center. Thirty to fifty thousand people are expected to attend the tournament. This tournament was discussed in the PSA 305 meeting. Meetings are continuing with the police and the Ethiopian community to plan how to handle the situation when the events occur.

Commissioner Smith announced the following:

· Tennis at Shiloh is a free summer long tennis program for youth under the age of 18 held at Banneker Park. The program began Saturday, May 31, 2008. Adults can also participate in the program for a fee.

· The Howard University Middle School of Math and Science (MS²) will hold its first graduation on Friday, June 6, 2008 at 5pm in the Blackburn Center Ballroom.

· On Saturday, June 7, 2008 the Prince Hall Masonic Order and the Order of the Eastern Star will have a scholarship program. Last year, $75,000 in scholarship money was raised for college bound students in the District.

· The DC Caribbean Carnival will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008. The Parade will be on Georgia Avenue from Missouri Avenue to Banneker Park.

· He and Commissioner Akinmboni shared their views at a hearing held by Councilmember Mendelson on the loitering laws in hotspots in the District of Columbia. The last day for concerned individuals to voice their views is June 18, 2008. The laws will stop 2 or more people from congregating in public space within hotspots. Police have the right to stop and question people if loitering and will ask them to move from the area, if they refuse action will be taken against them. The Commission voted to approve this in November with one abstention vote and one nay vote.

Community

Luella Johnson, Community Relations Specialist of the Court Services and Offenders Supervision Agency (CSOSA), announced that there will be a public safety forum on Thursday, June 26, 2008. CSOSA is partnering with the 3^rd District CAC for this event. The forum will have a variety of law enforcement agencies present, fire and safety information, and the new 3^rd District Acting Commander Kucik will be in attendance. All are encouraged to attend.

Community member Clyde Howard announced a bill that has been introduced to dedicate the Sherman Avenue Fire Station in the name of Burton Johnson, the first African-American Fire Chief in the District. The date for this is to be announced. He also announced the 100^th Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated during the first weekend in July. Five to ten thousand women are expected to be in the District for this event.

Presentations

Chairman Smith introduced the Meridian Public Charter School, located at 13^th and 14^th Streets, NW on Florida Avenue. He called forward representatives from the school to introduce themselves to the Commission and the community. The school has pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The following were present for the school: Ron Richter- Board Chair, Robinette Breedlove- Principal, Vincent Blount- Vice Principal, Darryl Reed- Director of Special Programs, and Calvin Hooks- Curriculum Coordinator. The school has been open for nine years and has a solid financial standing in the event that a new building is needed. The school has over 500 students and may have more next year as a result of the closings of Meyer Elementary and Bruce- Monroe Elementary. The school would like to move into the Meyer Elementary building for the upcoming school year. Within a few years the owner of the building where Meridian is currently housed will be turned into condominiums as soon as the housing market improves. This will add Meridian students to the large number of students that have already been displaced as a result of the closings of Meyer and Bruce-Monroe. The resulting number of displaced students would total 750.

Another reason for using the Meyer building is to expand both the athletic and adult education programs offered at Meridian. Meridian Public Charter School would like a letter of support for their use of Meyer Elementary from ANC1B. Both the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association and the Pleasant Plains Civic Association have already sent a letters of support to the Administration. After hearing questions and comments from the Commission and the community, Chairman Smith announced that Councilmember Carol Schwartz will hold a hearing on surplus buildings on June 18, 2008.

Chairman Smith moved that ANC1B go on record to support Meridian Public Charter School’s use of Meyer Elementary. Commissioner Akinmboni seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

BZA, HPRB, DDOT Applications

BZA

Commissioner Spalding discussed application 17815 for 1201 T Street, NW. This is a traditionally two family property on the corner of 12^th and T Streets, NW with a secondary building that was originally built as a dentist’s office. The new owners would like to adapt this as single family property changing the accessory building into a garage and filling space between that and the existing building. The property has a large number of variances because this is a nonconforming building. It sits on already more than lot occupancy and has both a side and backyard. All work the architect does on this property will trigger all the variances. Both the property owner and architect were present to discuss the plans to renovate the home and answer any questions from the Commission and community.

Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B support BZA application 17815 and that he is designated to represent the Commission. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

Commissioner Moss discussed the proposed curb cut at 418 U Street, NW for driveway construction. David Gelles is the owner of a historic home located at 418 U Street, NW in LeDroit Park. Mr. Gelles has restored the home to its original pristine condition and wants to add a driveway to the home. He has met the requirements of the Historic Preservation Review Board and the requirements to obtain a public space permit from DDOT for driveway construction. The LeDroit Park Civic Association has also given Mr. Gelles its support. Mr. Gelles was present to address any questions or concerns of the Commission and community. Commissioner Moss moved that ANC1B support the curb cut and driveway construction at 418 U Street, NW. Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

Commissioner Conklin discussed the clean-up of the old Nehemiah Shopping Center located at 2400 14^th Street, NW. ANC1B previously voted in favor of a new development at this site. The new owners United Dominion Realty (UDR) applied for a voluntary clean-up at the site to remove an underground storage tank that was used by a dry cleaning service that was in the Nehemiah Shopping Center. There are security concerns about the site, especially after a recent fire department training where the property was not properly closed off resulting in a break-in and damage to the site. Community members also want to know when demolition will begin.

Leila Batiste, lawyer for UDR was present to address any concerns or questions of the community. She stated that voluntary clean-up is necessary before construction can begin on the site. The timeline for the construction is: owners plan to have demolition permits by the end of the summer, apply for foundation permit after demolition, obtain foundation permit in about three months then excavate the property, begin construction activity in late fall or early winter. Ms. Batiste also said the property is fenced and an off- duty police officer patrols the site. The owners are willing to get more security, make the property manager more involved in the upkeep of the property, and implement other proactive measures. In regards to the fire department training, the permit has expired and the windows were boarded, but she will let the owners know about the security concerns. Chairman Smith stressed that it is very important for the owners to address the issues of the community.

Mr. Ernest Springs, a resident and member of the orange hat patrol in the property area, stated that as of this evening the gate on the property is open and the door that the fire department broke off during training is not closed, but leaning up against the property. He also mentioned a stolen car that has been on the property for six months and the recent addition of level two trailers in front of the property that block the street view. These trailers create a hazard and are causing drug sales in a walkway by the property. Mr. Springs wrote a report on vandalism of the property not aware of the fire department training. The owners of the property have contact information for two ANC Commissioners and the President of the Neighborhood Association, but they have not been contacted about the activity on the property. Another community resident raised concerns about the demolition and parking and the process for removing the contaminants from the property. Commissioner Nadeau reiterated that this is an extra sensitive issue because it is a growing and changing community and residents want to know what is going on in their neighborhood. Any additional information is very important and should be released up front and as far in advance as possible.

Commissioner Conklin moved two separate motions. She first moved that ANC1B send a letter to the District Department of the Environment in support of the voluntary clean-up at 2400 14^th Street, NW. Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0. Commissioner Conklin then moved that ANC1B send a letter to development company United Dominion Realty asking them to present ANC1B with a written security plan for their development of 2400 14^th Street, NW. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0. Commissioner Hoerrner then asked Commissioner Conklin when she wanted the security plan from UDR. Ms. Batiste indicated that the ANC would have the plan in 30 days. Commissioner Nadeau stated that was unacceptable and 10 days was better because the owners have a plan that just needs to be put in writing. The Commissioners agreed on the 10 day time frame.

ABRA Licenses

Commissioner Spalding indicated that all information about licenses was included in the Commissioners’ packets. He would take any questions or concerns from Commissioners after the list was reviewed. Commissioner Spalding spoke about the following three licenses:

• Columbia Lodge submitted a safety and security plan. He was not sure if there was ongoing work on a voluntary agreement. Commissioner Moss stated that the voluntary was only applicable for their liquor license expansion for alcohol service on the second level. Currently, she has not seen an application.
• Queen Makeda was protested by the Commission and the owners failed to attend an ABC hearing resulting in the suspension of the business’s license. After seeing some advertising cards, Commissioner Spalding is not sure if the business is open. He visited the website and current information is listed on the site. ABC has been contacted to investigate the situation. Commissioner Spalding has asked that if it is open, the protest on the license be re-opened.
• Noise concerns have been voiced about Mahogany. ABRA, the Metropolitan Police Department, and Councilmember Graham have been investigating these concerns. The business owners are cooperating and hope to have a solution on this matter soon.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed application 78882 Eatonville for a new CR02 license with entertainment. This restaurant will be in the new PM Hoffman building and is owned by Andy Shalal, also owner of Busboys and Poets. The restaurant hours would be 7pm to 2am and 7pm to 3am with entertainment hours of 6pm-2am and 6pm-3am. Mr. Shalal was present to discuss the new restaurant and address any concerns and questions from the Commission and the community. Mr. Shalal indicated that the restaurant is dedicated to Zora Neale Hurston and the menu will be comprised of southern, low country bayou cuisine. The restaurant will have spoken word, folklore, and storytelling as well as background music and art from both local and global artisans. The global artwork will be sold by Global Exchange, a company that sells the work of a village and sends the monies back to the village. The restaurant will provide an alternative, non-club like atmosphere. A resident, Adam Holseger felt that the entertainment should end at midnight. Another resident felt that liquor sales should end at midnight due to the noise that patrons make when exiting the business. After some discussion on these issues Commissioner Hunter moved that ANC1B support Eatonville, license 78882. Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 9-0.

Gary Chaw from Yes! Organic Market was present to address any further questions or concerns about the plans for the store. The application is for a B license to sell upscale wines and imported beer. Mr. Chaw indicated that contractors are currently working in the space, but due to noise issues the work hours have changed. These changes have caused the work time to take longer and he hopes that the store will be open by August. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B support the Class B license of Yes! Organic Market. Commissioner Conklin seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0

Commissioner Spalding discussed application 77546, Almaz. The business is located in the 1200 block of U Street between Duke’s City and Ulah Bistro. There were specific concerns about the business and the owners were presented with a voluntary agreement. Commissioner Spalding asked the owners to provide a safety and security plan. The owners reviewed the voluntary and made some changes that were acceptable and created a safety and security plan. Both plans are included in the Commissioners’ packets. Commissioner Spalding is asking the Commission to protest the license. The business owner is out of the country, but her lawyer was present to discuss any concerns or questions of the Commission and community. Renee Zapata, lawyer for the owner, stated that the owner wants to provide a safe environment during the soccer tournament at the end of the month. She also wants to enter into the voluntary agreement and sign the safety and security plan. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B protest the application for an entertainment endorsement and that the Commission approve him and Chairman Smith signing and submitting the voluntary. Commissioner Spalding stated that he did not want to delay this matter because the July meeting will be at the beginning of the month. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and Commissioner Nadeau asked that peace, order, and quiet be added to the voluntary. Commissioner Spalding agreed and the motion was adopted 8-0.

Adam Holseger a resident of 1390 V Street, NW voiced a concern about the large number of new liquor licenses on one block with entertainment endorsements and late weeknight closings. He does not want U Street to become a carbon copy of 18^th Street, NW. Commissioner Spalding stated that these concerns should be brought to the ABC committee that the Commission has created. The committee will deal with license density and a moratorium on licenses. Commissioner Spalding invited Mr. Holseger and other worried residents to join the ABC committee and to check the Commission’s website for more information. Commissioner Moss pointed out the good relationship the Commission has with ABRA and that residents are kept in mind when voting on the licenses.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed application 78943, Patty Boom Boom. Patty Boom Boom did not have representatives in attendance. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B protest license 78943 for a new CT01. He will provide them with the basic voluntary agreement and safety and security plan. Commissioner Nadeau asked that peace, order, and quiet be added and he agreed. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 9-0. Commissioner Spalding also indicated there was no outdoor component on this license.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed the new CR01 application for Mocha Hut. This will allow the business to serve beer, wine, and liquor. The hours would be 5pm- midnight Monday through Thursday and 11am-midnight Friday and Saturday. The entertainment hours would be Monday through Wednesday 6pm-9pm, Thursday through Saturday 6pm-midnight, and Sunday 6pm-midnight. Audrey and George Wonsack were present to discuss any questions or concerns from the Commission and community. They are applying for a liquor license due to changes in the economy and requests from patrons. The business has been open on U Street for 2.5 years. Audrey Wonsack stated that she did not want to add liquor to the menu because it brings a different crowd to the restaurant. She also stated that if alcohol service becomes a problem it will be shut down. Commissioner Spalding stated that liquor control is a must especially with service to the outdoor tables. Chairman Smith asked that the alcohol be kept indoors or only outside during certain hours. He also stressed the fact that the owners can control the crowd in their restaurant. Commissioner Spalding then moved that ANC1B support the CR01 license at 1301 U Street, NW with a stipulated license for use. Commissioner Moss seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed application 23734 for Jin to add an entertainment endorsement to a CT01. Jin did not have representatives in attendance. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B protest license 23734 for Jin located at 2017 14^th Street. He indicated that he spoke with the applicants and will provide them with the basic voluntary agreement and safety and security plan. Commissioner Nadeau asked that peace, order, and quiet be added and he agreed. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 9-0. Commissioner Spalding also indicated there was no outdoor component on this license. Commissioner Hunter reminded community members that they can submit their concerns to the Commission at any time about this license and any others.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed application 21967 for Café Nema/ Momo’s to substantially change hours and entertainment endorsement. This business has been in the community for a long period of time. Its recent expansion to the second and third floor was supported by the Commission. The proposed sale hours are 10am- 1:30am on Sunday and 10am-2:30am on Monday through Saturday. The entertainment endorsement hours are 7pm-12:30am on Sunday, 8:30pm- 1am on Wednesday and Thursday, 9pm- 2am on Friday, and 10pm- 2:30am on Saturday. A voluntary agreement has already been written and is being discussed with the licensee. A representative from Café Nema was present to discuss questions and concerns of the Commission and community. The representative stated that the prior expansion issue has been resolved, but the business must apply for new hours because they were in accordance with old application guidelines. Commissioner Spalding added that the new ABC protocol is that businesses must apply for a specific entertainment endorsement separate from the regular application. Commissioner Spalding then moved that ANC1B protest license 21967 and allows Commissioner Spalding to finish and sign the voluntary agreement in the next few days. Commissioner Nadeau asked that peace, order, and quiet be added and he agreed. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

A community resident asked a question about peace, order, and quiet. Commissioner Spalding indicated that there are four reasons why a license can be protested, they include:

1) Peace, order, and quiet that covers everything

2) Endanger pedestrian safety

3) Adequate parking supply.

The issue of peace, order, and quiet is the major reason for protest.

Commissioner Spalding reviewed the Dukem application for a temporary allowance to extend sidewalk space to curb during the soccer tournament. Chairman Smith stated that the allowance will not impact foot traffic because the sidewalk is closed due to construction. Commissioner Spalding already wrote a letter as single member district Commissioner asking that public space and ABC do what they can to accommodate this request. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B support the temporary sidewalk extension allowance for Dukem. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

Grant Applications

Commissioner Hunter introduced grant application 08-06 for Empower DC in the amount of $2000. Empower DC has been instrumental in bringing surplus property usage to the forefront in the District. ANC1B supported a resolution last month that called on the District government to modify the surplus property process. Parisa Norusa the Director of Empower DC was present to discuss the grant application. She stated that the grant funds would be used to support community education outreach programs. Empower DC assists people with knowledge on public property issues. Ms. Norusa announced a City Council hearing on June 23, 2008 where representatives from the organization and community residents will voice their concerns about turning closed school buildings into condominiums. Commissioner Hunter then moved that ANC1B approve grant 08-06 request of $2000 for Empower DC. Commissioner Akinmboni seconded the motion and motion was adopted 7-1, Commissioner Spalding voting “no”.

Commissioners Hoerrner and Moss reviewed grant application 08-07 for Park Triangle Productions in the amount of $2000. The grant funds will be used to conduct classes with middle and high school aged youth in the community, especially those living in the Kelly Miller Housing Project. The one day program is for sixty youth who will write and analyze poetry, analyze public service announcements and other media messages, and produce their own public service announcement. The program also has an introduction to video technology component. Facilitators of the program stress the importance of family involvement. The total cost is $2600 for the program. _____________________ was present to further discuss the grant application. She indicated that she would be receiving monies from the DC Humanities Council, the LeDroit Park Market, and the LeDroit Park Civic Association. Commissioner Moss moved that ANC1B support grant application 08-07 in the sum of $2000 for Park Triangle Productions. Commissioner Akinmboni seconded the motion. Commissioner Spalding requested more information on the exact use of the money. He stated that he needs a specific breakdown of expenses because the District government will not pay for certain things. Commissioner Hunter asked that the applicant provide a supplemental budget outlining all expenditures. Chairman Smith amended the motion to add that Commissioners Hoerrner and Moss work with the production company to receive a line item budget for the auditors and treasurer. The motion was adopted 7-1, Commissioner Spalding voting “no”.

Commissioner Akinmboni reviewed grant application 08-09 for Arose Youth Development in the amount of $1500. James Parker, the Program Manager from Arose Youth Development, Incorporated spoke about the organization’s youth development programs with Garfield Plaza and Faircliff Plaza East and West. Currently, the organization is offering a one year arts instruction program in keyboarding and other percussion instruments to 100 students. The organization is requesting a $1500 grant to help purchase tables and chairs for the arts program. CPDC is donating the musical instruments and space at the Wardman Court Community Center for the program. Commissioner Spalding inquired about the housing and supervision of the tables and chairs. Mr. Parker stated that he will supervise the equipment and it will be housed at the Wardman Court Community Center. Chairman Smith indicated that the tables and chairs must remain the property of ANC1B. Commissioner Akinmboni moved that ANC1B support grant application 08-09 in the sum of $1500 for Arose Youth Development. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 7-1, Commissioner Spalding voting “no”.

Chairman Smith made Commissioners aware of the new Mentoring Works2, Incorporated grant application that will be on the July meeting agenda. The grant application is for $2,000.

New Business

Commissioner Hunter moved that the Ward 1 Single Sales ban be tabled to the July meeting. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and Commissioner Nadeau amended the motion to put this issue on the top of next month’s agenda. Commissioner Hunter accepted and the motion was adopted 8-0

Chairman Smith discussed a 10pm curfew for youth under the age of eighteen. He indicated that under Mayor Williams there was a 10pm curfew in place. Chairman Smith wants the Commission to ask the Mayor to look at changing the curfew time due to the increase in youth violence in the District. Community members shared concerns about the curfew. Parisa Norusa pointed out that statistics show the age group of those involved in crime is not age group of those affected by the curfew. Ernest Springs stated that the juvenile crime statistics are not open to public so they are not included in the statistics released to the public or in PSA statistics. He wants these statistics released because a lot of the crimes committed are done by youth under the age of 18. A resident also stated that she is in support of the curfew because it keeps her child safe from those children out there that participate in criminal activity. Commissioner Hunter stated that he would vote against the motion and wants further discussion on the issue because it unfairly targets low income youth. He also stated that a curfew forces youth in public housing to remain in the house without air conditioning. Chairman Smith then moved that ANC1B go on record to support a 10pm youth curfew for youth under the age of 18. Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion. Upon further discussion Commissioner Moss stated that the Commissioners are grappling with ways to address this problem. Chairman Smith stated that this is not the absolute solution, but part of a solution to keep youth under the age of 18 off the street. Commissioner Akinmboni stated that the curfew is needed to save children and it will force parents to be responsible for their children. The motion was adopted 7-1, Commissioner Hunter voting “no”.

Commissioner Nadeau moved that the resolution on the parking pilot program be tabled to the July meeting. Chairman Smith seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

Commissioner Conklin discussed the resolution on 1417 Belmont Street, NW. This problematic property also borders Commissioner Nadeau’s single member district. Complaints have been filed by residents and Commissioner Nadeau testified at a Show Cause hearing before the board of condemnation on this property. There was a collapse on the property two weeks ago that caused a man to be hospitalized because of his injury. DCRA closed off the property because it was found to be unstable. Commissioners Conklin and Nadeau are presenting a letter to send to DCRA requesting to further the condemnation process and report back to ANC1B on why after multiple inspections work is still ongoing. Commissioner Nadeau stressed that this property has not been dealt with properly by DCRA. Commissioner Moss urged importance of the development of a nuisance property list in her single member district and suggested that Commissioners do the same in theirs. She found that presenting this list to DCRA worked in condemning abandoned properties. Commissioner Nadeau moved that ANC1B submit the letter as written. Commissioner Conklin seconded the motion. Upon further discussion Commissioner Hunter suggested that Councilmember Graham write the letter. Commissioner Nadeau stated that Councilmember Graham is also on board and will send his own letter as well. The motion was adopted 8-0.

Commissioner Mathews discussed the current status of the closing of Bruce-Monroe Elementary School. The school was originally placed on the closure list, but after the school and community members fought the closure, it was removed from the closure list. When the latest school closure list was released, Bruce-Monroe was listed as closing at the end of the 2007-2008 school year. Mathews indicated that the school is located in ANC1A, but the location borders both his and Chairman Smith’s single member districts. He would like to make a motion for ANC1B to write a letter to the Mayor and Ward One Councilmember requesting that the school remain open for the summer and in particular the recreation center in the school.

The recreation center was recently renovated and provides a safe space for 30 at-risk youth in the neighborhood. The Columbia Heights Family Support Collaborative works with the students that attend the recreation center. He feels that it is not a good idea to close the school and especially the recreation center at time when it most needed during the summer months. Commissioner Smith added that the Peaceoholics operate functions within the community center as a result of the increased number of violent crimes that occurred last fall on 15^th and Girard over to Georgia Avenue. Commissioner Hoerrner had questions regarding the release date of the updated closure list and the date of the school closure. Commissioner Akinmboni discussed that there were two agendas at a building usage meeting she attended for Bruce-Monroe Elementary School. Commissioner Moss stressed the importance of creating an ad hoc committee to specifically address the closure and detail the usage of the Bruce-Monroe Building when it is closed.

Commissioner Mathews moved that ANC1B go on record opposing the closing of Bruce-Monroe and designate Mathews to write the letter on behalf of the ANC expressing the will of the ANC as well as specifying our reasons for opposing the closure, specifically asking for understanding of the usage on the use of the recreation center. Chairman Smith added an amendment to the motion of co-authoring the letter with Commissioner Mathews. Commissioner Mathews accepted the amendment. Commissioner Hoerrner seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

Commissioner Moss discussed the resolution on the 10^th Anniversary of the Historic U Street African-American Civil War Museum. Commissioner Moss stated that Mr. Frank Smith is asking that ANC1B support the resolution and provide $1000 for the purchase of an advertisement. Commissioner Nadeau had a question about the $1000 stated cost of the advertisement versus the $500 advertisement cost that was listed on a flyer. Mr. Frank Smith the founder of the African-American Civil War Museum was present to speak about the resolution and advertisement cost. He stated that the $1000 ad in the souvenir journal included the ad and passport for ten people to attend all of the events during the celebration. Commissioner Moss moved that ANC1B support the resolution to honor the 10^th Anniversary of African-American Civil War Museum and provide funding in the amount of $1000. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion and the motion was adopted 8-0.

The meeting was adjourned at 9pm.