
ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMISSION 1B
Government of the District of Columbia
MINUTES
2 March 2006, True Reformer
Building, 1200 U Street NW
Attending: Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, M. Smith, Stephens,
Akinmboni,
T. Smith, Mathews
Absent: Commissioners Z. Wright, R. Wright
Quorum was achieved just after 7PM. Noting the presence of a large contingent
interested in the possible sale of the Source Theatre, Chairman Hunter stated
that we would consider that issue early in tonight’s meeting. Treasurer Stephens presented the revised
December report showing an initial balance of $79,718.50, expenditures of
$3,707.03, and a final check book balance of $76,011.47. December Treasurer’s Report was moved,
seconded and adopted 9-0. The January
Treasurer’s report showed an initial balance of $76.011.47, expenditures of
$4,015.00 (CK1594 to MLK Celebration Committee for $2,000, bank charges of $15,
CK1595 to Roots Inc. for $2,000), and a resulting check book balance of
$71,996.47. January Treasurer’s report
was moved, seconded and adopted 9-0.
Treasurer moved Secretarial expenses for February totaling $49.10, and
reimbursement was moved, seconded and adopted 9-0. Secretary Spalding moved adoption of the
February minutes, and it was seconded and adopted 9-0.
In Community Events and Announcements the Commission moved
to discussion regarding the sale of the Source Theater. Chairman Hunter stated that the Commission
had heard at our February meeting from Bedrock Management about their
intentions, but the Commission did not take any action on their request for
support of a liquor license since they had not placarded to give the community
notice. John McGaw from the Deputy Mayor
for Planning and Economic Development presented the District’s response to the
possible sale of 1835 14th
Street. Mr.
McGaw stated that the District government has invested almost a million dollars
in Source Theater Company with the public intention of maintaining the space as
an incubator theater in the Arts District.
The Deputy Mayor’s Office has been trying to work with Source Theater’s
management to address issues which have resulted in the Source’s management
choosing to sell the building. The
District’s participation in supporting the theater, however, does not prevent
the ownership from selling the building.
Mr. McGaw stated that in his opinion the Source did not take reasonable
and prudent action to save the theater prior to entering into the sales
contract. Source has responded by
stating that their own studies show the theater is not financially viable. The Deputy Mayor’s Office has asked Source
management and Bedrock to allow a second feasibility study with the possible
conclusion that the space be retained for theater use, and that Bedrock seek
alternative commercial space in the neighborhood. Chairman Hunter asked if the Deputy Mayor’s
Office had consulted with the Attorney General, and Mr. McGaw responded that
they have spoken with staff attorneys in the AG’s office. A formal response has not been issued by the
AG’s office, and Mr. McGaw stated that the attorneys consulted agreed that
there is no leverage available for the District to intervene in the sale. Commissioner Stephens asked for more
background on the dispute over the viability of the operation, and Mr. McGaw
stated that he has been unable to get Source management to share their
documentation. The historical model for
Source involved both producing productions and maintaining the space, and I
believe that their studies show this model to not be economically viable. Due to financial pressures the theater has
gone dark for the past two years, and has primarily been used as a rental
facility by other performing groups.
Commissioner Stephens asked why Mr. McGaw was not proceeding with their
own study, and Mr. McGaw stated that they are waiting for Source and Bedrock to
agree to the process, and they do not want to appear to be interfering with the
contract, which could result in a lawsuit that no one wants. Commissioner Stephens reiterated his comment
from the last meeting that provisioning of more bars, and only new bars in our
neighborhood, does not necessarily serve the community all that well. Chairman Hunter stated that a facility that
size is absolutely inappropriate for a liquor establishment in that particular
neighborhood. Chairman Hunter indicated
that he disagreed with the opinion that taking legal action should not be
considered. Commissioner T. Smith noted
that with the current PUD’s in the community, that perhaps these might offer
space appropriate for Bedrock’s use.
Commissioner Akinmboni asked if Source had offered the sale to current
tenants, and Mr. McGaw responded that they had not. Scott Bolden asked if anyone knows what
Bedrock’s position is, and the fact that it appears that there is community
opposition to the location might make them more approachable. Matty Griffiths,
managing director of Actor’s Theater of Washington, stated that it’s important
for citizens to rise up and say that this is not sensible. When Source went dark they notified other
users of their intentions, but it has been nearly impossible to work with any
of the members of their Board. Mr.
Griffiths stated that the companies that have been using the space are attempting
to form a collaborative, which might ensure viability of the space. Our business plan involves having a manager
beholden to the building. A number of
our companies are growing, and this space can help others grow. When I talked to one of the Commissioners
about this problem he said that the space looked like it had been shut down,
and it was a stealthy move on the part of Source, but with the current show
there is a new marquee up. We are
planning an open house to show the community the space, and offering Ward 1
residents free passes to the current performance. We want to show you that this can be a viable
space. Chairman Hunter sympathized with
the concerns, but stated that the question is now one of process. The ANC has a very limited role with only
advisory powers. Chairman Hunter stated
that filing a lawsuit would give the city leverage to request the contract be
reviewed and delay the sale. Chairman
Hunter asked Mr. Griffiths if they had retained an attorney, and Mr. Griffiths
responded that they have approached some firms to see if they would accept the
case pro bono, but have not had anyone accept it so far. Jay Marks, an actor and Ward 2 resident,
stated that the community needs more active theatre space, and that he was
excited to see the space come to life recently.
Mr. Marks suggested that the power of the ANC might lie in the approval
of the liquor license, and that if the Commission were to indicate to Bedrock
that this might be actively opposed, then perhaps that would lead them to
reconsider the purchase. Jennifer Diehl
spoke to the character of the neighborhood.
Noting the shooting around the corner a few nights ago, Ms. Diehl stated
that theaters bring in a very broad range of patrons. Please keep in mind the recent history of
this neighborhood and the inclusion of an incubator. Where does the new history come from? Chairman Hunter stated that airing this
before the ANC has been productive, but the real powers to approach are the
Mayor and the City Council members. Chairman
Hunter moved that ANC1B go on record as opposed to the sale of the Source
Theater to Bedrock, and that we request that the Mayor and Councilmember Jim
Graham urge the Attorney General to take action to stop the sale, and it was
seconded. Chairman Hunter urged the
legal action to delay the sale and to make available documents that have not
been available so far. Commissioner
Mathews requested that we contact Bedrock and urge them to find an alternative
space. Motion passed (8-0-1) with
Commissioner Spalding abstaining.
Commissioner Stephens moved that the ANC look at the character of the
neighborhood, the mixture of businesses in the neighborhood, and that with the
number of liquor licenses already existing, that we are in favor of a diverse
mixture of businesses in the neighborhood.
Motion was seconded and adopted 9-0.
Chairman Hunter introduced review of the benefits package
associated with the Broadway Atlantic PUD in Zoning Case 05-17. This is a substantial new development planned
for Commissioner Moss’ SMD that includes 650 to 700 units, and this Commission
initially had problems with the number of affordable units included in the
design. We have met with the developer
and now consider the fifteen percent affordable unit composition acceptable. Additionally this developer has agreed to
giving some $100,000 in cash for various community organizations and
programs. Over the course of the last
two months members of the Commission, the Executive Committee and others, has
worked diligently to come up with some recommendations that we could submit to
Zoning to detail this expenditure. Chairman
Hunter read into the record the list:
1) $20,000 to Housing Counseling Services, Inc. for the
creation and representation of tenant associations in apartment buildings
converting to condominiums in the ANC1B area.
2) $15,000 for the purchase of historic street signs, call
boxes, and history plaques in LeDroit
Park.
3) $5,000 for the Mary Terrell house restoration project in LeDroit Park.
4) $10,000 for the 1400 block of W Street—pilot public
safety camera project and the contribution to a police workstation.
5) $10,000 to the Boys and Girls Club and Anthony Bowen YMCA
for the development of a first tee program.
6) $10,000 to the Casey Tree Foundation for the planting of
trees in areas of ANC1B with the greatest need
7) $10,000 for the development of a career exploration
program for children in public housing developments in ANC1B
8) $5,000 to the Hospitality Review Panel for a pilot
project involving business, residential and governmental stakeholders in the
1900 block of 9th
Street
9) $10,000 to the MidCity Business Association for funding
for the Green Team
10) $5,000 to the Westminster Neighborhood Association for
the installation of a playground sprinkler system.
Commissioner Mathews noted that some of the choices are
specific organizations, but that others are just general projects. Speaking from the official position I think I
need to see the specific organizations that these monies are going to go to
prior to giving my approval. Are there
budgets submitted that we can review? We
need to have more information to review to make sure that this money doesn’t just
get thrown out there. Chairman Hunter
responded that some of the choices to go to very specific organizations and
projects, and that there are some that will require some more work. The problem is that we had to give this list
to Zoning, therefore if we did not specify the list then we’d have lost the
chance to include them at any time. The
intention of the Commission is to continue to work through the details with the
developer. The Commission is not getting
a check, and the developer is not writing a check either until the specifics
are acceptable to both of us. Commissioner
Mathews asked what we will be approving this evening. Chairman Hunter responded that we’d be
approving this plan to spend the $100,000 according to the guidance of the list
that I just read into the record.
Commissioner Mathews asked that if we approve this, then is this binding
and what will be the effect on the items that are not fully detailed, and
Chairman Hunter responded that in the agreement with the developer is to follow
the list as submitted at this time. In
the event that one of these project does not come to fruition, that we then
have the ability to find another use consistent with that purpose. Commissioner Mathews stated, then that means
that this is not legally binding, and Chairman Hunter responded that it is
legally binding in that we have entered into this agreement with the developer,
and are representing to the Board of Zoning that that is our intention. If it becomes impractical to do something
that we’ve stated here, then we would ask to redirect those funds for something
else. Commissioner Akinmboni asked if
there would be an RFP issued, since there are other housing counseling services
out there working with our community. Chairman
Hunter responded that no the monies to the Housing Counseling Services would
not be subject to an RFP, however, on items where specific organizations have
not been specified we could use an RFP process to make the awards, but we are
not required to do that. We don’t have
to specify the organizations at this time.
We had a specific deadline to meet with Zoning, but we have some leeway
to revisit the specifics. Commissioner
T. Smith asked about the deadline, and Chairman Hunter stated that the deadline
has already passed. Commissioner Mathews
asked if we could return to the Zoning Commission and ask for an additional
month to provide specific organizations and have an RFP process so that the
spending of these monies could have some more specific systemization. Chairman Hunter responded that no monies are
being spent without systemization; these are just recommendations on how we
recommend this money be spent. The
Commission has done a lot of work to generate this list, and no it is not
feasible for us to ask Zoning for another month. Commissioner Akinmboni stated that there are
a lot of organizations working with children in ANC1B, so if we are going to
give the money to anybody, it would only be fair for this organization to issue
RFP’s and then vote on it. Commissioner
Stephens suggested that we should clarify our role in the middle of a process
that represents a donation from the developer to the community, and for us to
assume that we should have fiscal oversight over the process is beyond our
practical capabilities and also our authority.
Question was called be Commissioner Moss. In a roll call vote Commissioners Moss,
Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, Stephens voted Yea.
Commissioners M. Smith, Akinmboni, T. Smith, Mathews voting Nay. Motion to call the question passed
(5-4). In a roll call on the motion to
approve the suggested list of public benefits Commissioners Moss, Spalding,
Hammonds, Hunter, M. Smith, Stephens, Akinmboni voted Yea. Commissioners T. Smith and Mathews voted Nay,
and the motion passed (7-2).
Commissioner Stephens introduced consideration of BZA 17460,
variances to allow a new apartment building to be located at 1412 Chapin Street. This is a currently vacant lot near the end
of Chapin Street. They have presented to the Meridian Hill
Neighborhood Association. The
applicant’s representative stated that the historic apartment building on this
site was severely damaged in August 2000, and the city consequently ordered
that the building be razed. Applicant
then applied for and received a variance from BZA in March of 2001. The owner has now found a developer and is
seeking identical relief from BZA as that issued in 2001. Steve Schwatt, developer who will purchase
and redevelop the property contingent on BZA approval of the variances, we are
planning on building to the original design.
Applicant stated that Councilmember Graham is in full support of the
project. Commissioner Moss asked if the
local neighborhood association was in support of their project, and whether
they were supported by neighbors.
Applicant noted that the surrounding buildings were either vacant or the
Nehemiah shopping center. Commissioner
Stephens asked applicant to supply specifics on the variances requested. Applicant stated that the variances would
allow them to replace the original building prior to its being razed. We are asking for lot occupancy at 100% as
opposed to the R5B allowed 60%, but the footprint of the preexisting building
was at 100%. We are going from a 1.8 FAR
to a 4.8 FAR. We are asking for 59’ in
height as opposed to the allowed 50’, and the original building was at
59’. Commissioner Stephens added that
the preexisting building had an FAR of 5.25.
Applicant noted that the building would be at the bottom of the grade on
Chapin Street,
and that the extra nine feet of height would be inconsequential in the
streetscape. Commissioner Spalding
mentioned that the project would include on site parking that was not a part of
the original structure, and applicant responded that the parking would be at
grade and almost at a 1/1 ratio.
Chairman Hunter asked if they could add parking to achieve the 1/1
ratio, and applicant stated that in order to do so they would have to go below
grade, and that that would increase the cost the project passed along to
purchasers. We are committed to
providing as much parking as practical.
Commissioner Moss asked again if they had the support of the
neighborhood association, and applicant responded that they have met with the
MHNA and have responded to their requests.
Commissioner Stephens moved support of the application before BZA, and
that the applicant provide copies of the designs to the apartment buildings
across the street from the site, and Commissioner Spalding asked that
Commissioners Stephens and Spalding be designated to represent the application,
and it was seconded. Motion passed
(9-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced consideration of HPRB
06-178, which is redevelopment of the surface parking lot at the corner of Vermont and T
Streets. This is the result of a very
long case before BZA that resulted in an agreement by the Prince Hall Mason’s
to redevelop the site according to a specific schedule, and both Westminster
Neighborhood Association and ANC1B are signatories to the BZA approved
agreement. Part of the agreement
requires ANC1B to support the Lodge through the process of redevelopment, and
architect Greg Zahn is here to present some initial considerations on massing
and subdivision that will be before HPRB.
Mr. Zahn indicated that the Mason’s have entered into an agreement to
sell the property to Macy Development to develop the property, and this is
projected to be a matter of right zoning project. What we are presenting is a subdivision into
seven conforming R4 lots with a private alley to service parking and trash. The parking will be at a 1/1 ratio for the
fourteen units in the seven flats. We
are respecting the forty foot height restriction in R4, and we have met with
WNA and are in talks with CSNA.
Commissioner Spalding asked if this would be before HPRB, and Mr. Zahn
stated that they would be presenting in March on the massing and subdivision,
and Commissioner Spalding stated that he would like a vote to allow him to
support and represent these issues.
Wendy Carter Smith stated some reservations on Mr. Zahn’s ability to
stick with promised design elements, and Mr. Zahn disagreed. Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B
support the conceptual massing and subdivision before HPRB, and designate
himself to represent the Commission on this application, and it was seconded
and adopted (9-0).
HPRB 06-041 was tabled with applicant not present.
Commissioner Hunter introduced review of a request from DCRA
regarding the placement of a food kiosk in the gas station in the 1400 block of
W Street. This is the corner where we
have had ongoing drug activity and homicides, and I told DCRA that I thought it
inappropriate. Chairman Hunter moved
that ANC1B write to the Zoning Administrator expressing our opposition to a
fast food kiosk in this parking lot, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).
Traffic Control Plan (TCP) for redevelopment of 1307 Clifton Street
was introduced by Commissioner Hammonds.
Applicant stated that this is the TCP for a matter of right
redevelopment of a fourteen unit condominium project. This project will block the sidewalk and curb
lane on the north side of the 1300 block of Clifton St. for ten to twelve
months. Commissioner M. Smith asked if
they would be using Jersey barriers, and
applicant said that they would.
Commissioner M. Smith responded that he was looking for a passage on the
north side, and applicant stated that due to the excavation and the narrowness
of the sidewalk they would have to block pedestrian traffic on the north
side. Commissioner T. Smith asked about
setbacks, and applicant responded that they would be following all guidelines
on setbacks. Commissioner Stephens asked
if they had spoken with the school, and applicant stated that he has not yet
spoken with the school. Chairman Hunter
stated that it would be critical to inform the school about the disruption to
traffic to the school, and that he should meet with the school as soon as
possible. Commissioner Hammonds stated
that the building to be redeveloped has been a source of problems for the
neighborhood, and that the renovation was welcomed by the neighbors. Ernest
Springs asked that the
TCP take into consideration the school traffic, and noted that there are still
people hanging out in the vicinity of the site and suggested that the site be
lighted to discourage loitering. Scott
Pomeroy asked that the signage in front of the school be the professional
plastic rather than the wood designs. Commissioner
T. Smith suggested that keeping the flag men available during the morning rush
would be helpful. Commissioner Stephens
also asked the developer to ask DDOT if temporary traffic calming devices might
also be considered due to the proximity of the school. Commissioner Hammonds moved support of the
Traffic Control Plan for 1307
Clifton Street, and it was seconded and adopted
(9-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced review of Duffy’s Irish
Restaurant. The voluntary agreement has
been submitted to ABRA, and they should approve it next Wednesday. Applicant has requested a stipulated license
allowing him to sell alcohol once he is open for business. Chairman Hunter reviewed the history of this
contentious application. We have worked
hard to finally reach an agreement that the protesting parties have signed off
on. Commissioner Spalding moved that
Duffy’s Irish Restaurant be allowed a stipulated license, and it was
seconded. Commissioner Mathews found it
interesting that we have gone now four or five meetings in negotiations with
Duffy’s, and in that time we have denied countless numbers of businesses liquor
licenses for similar things, and we speak about how we don’t want to bring liquor
establishments into our communities, but yet we negotiate new voluntary
agreements and bend over backwards. This
is an outrage, and I want the record to reflect that this is an outrage. Chairman Hunter responded that the
protestants themselves signed off on this agreement, so there’s not one person
still protesting this establishment. We
have spent a lot of work getting to this agreement. In a roll call vote to approve a stipulated
license for Duffy’s Irish Restaurant Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds,
Hunter, M. Smith, Stephens, Akinmboni voted Yea. Commissioners T. Smith and Mathews voted
Nay. Motion passed (7-2).
Commissioner Spalding introduced consideration of an
entertainment endorsement for Café St. Ex.
This is a new licensing mechanism for ABRA, and the Commission should
treat it like an application for a substantial change. When licensees who are providing
entertainment have not so specified in their original application or any
substantial change applications add this feature, we are going to be reviewing
the applications. Café St. Ex is a
popular restaurant on 14th
Street that features dj’s and podcasting in their
basement room, and John Snellgrove is here to represent the application. Mr.
Snellgrove stated that they’ve been open for three years, and ABRA has in the
new regulations decided that dj’s are a type of entertainment that requires the
entertainment endorsement. Chairman
Hunter asked if this had been placarded, and Mr. Snellgrove responded that they
have been placarded for about a month.
Commissioner Moss asked if they would have live bands, and Mr.
Snellgrove responded that you must specify that in the application if you want
to have that type of entertainment.
Commissioner Stephens asked why we weren’t podcasting our ANC
meetings. Commissioner Spalding moved
that ANC1B support the application for an entertainment endorsement for Café
St. Ex, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).
Commissioner Spalding read through a long list of current
protests and current standing of ABRA licenses.
Chairman Hunter introduced a grant application for $1,000 to
Children’s Studio
School to provide a
gardening activities area. Mr. Ed Bruske
was present to represent the parents and teachers. Chairman Hunter explained that the school had
been using an empty lot, but the owner is no longer allowing them to use the
lot. Chairman Hunter asked if this grant
was being sponsored by the school or a friends of the school, and Mr. Bruske
responded that he is a parent of a student at the school. There is no separate organization, just the
parents working with the school. Mr.
Bruske added that there is a parent support organization, but this was not
prepared through them. Commissioner
Mathews asked where the funding beyond the $1,000 was coming from, and Mr.
Bruske responded that it’s coming out of his credit card at this point. Treasurer Stephens reminded Mr. Bruske not to
buy equipment with the ANC funds since that would mean ANC ownership of the
tools. Commissioner Moss reminded
applicant of the reporting requirements of the ANC, and Mr. Bruske stated that
he’s already started a receipt book.
Commissioner Mathews mentioned that he may know of other funding
sources. Chairman Hunter moved support
of a grant of $1,000 to Children’s Studio
School, and it was
seconded and adopted (8-1) with Commissioner Spalding opposing.
Commissioner T. Smith introduced a grant application to DC
Greenworks for $1,000 for traffic calming and beautification along Sherman Avenue. This would involve raising the median in Sherman Avenue from
Euclid north to
Girard Street,
and planting the new median with trees and perennials. This group has been before us with plans for
this work at previous meetings.
Commissioner Spalding asked if this project was working with a local
neighborhood association, and John Bailey stated that he lives on the 700 block
of Girard, and this is an effort that has been the effort of a collection of
neighbors and we are routing the grant through DC Greenworks. Commissioner Spalding noted that it would be
advantageous to align with one of the organized neighborhood association like
Pleasant Plains Civic Association, and Commissioner T. Smith responded that
this has been presented and approved at meetings of the PPCA. Mr. Bailey also mentioned that they have
approached and presented to ANC1A as well, since this will eventually expand up
into their territory. Commissioner T.
Smith moved support, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).
Chairman Hunter discussed hiring Scott Pomeroy to help pull
the forum on PUD’s together. In order to
organize these forums we need consulting and organizing help. I move that we authorize the expenditure of
$2,000 to Mr. Pomeroy to organize and promote the forum on PUD’s, and it was
seconded. Commissioner T. Smith asked
for a description of the duties involved, and Commissioner Moss explained that
it would entail securing a site, finding presenters, and promoting the
forum. Chairman Hunter added that it
would entail historical research into benefit agreements and how they have
worked. Commissioner T. Smith asked
about the hours of the commitment, and Chairman Hunter responded that the work
would take as long as it takes to get the job done. Commissioner Stephens added that we have
budgeted for this type of assistance.
Commissioner Stephens suggested that he is familiar with drafting
consulting contracts, and would be willing to put together a consulting
contract for the Commissioner’s benefit.
Commissioner T. Smith responded that he would really like to have the
contract to review before voting to expend the funds. In a roll call Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, M.
Smith, Stephens, and Akinmboni voting Yea.
Commissioners T. Smith and Mathews voting Nay. Motion passed (7-2).
Scott Pomeroy introduced consideration of a new street
banner program for 14th
Street and U Street.
The MidCity Business Association in association with the African
American Civil War Memorial are attempting to build a self sustaining program
to provide street banners on the corridor.
Examples of the new banners were shown with the sponsor space in the
lower 20% of the banner. Fifteen to
twenty percent of the banners would be reserved for local cultural
attractions. DDOT has required that
since the sponsor lines are included, the ANC has to approve the project. We hope to have the banners up by Jazz
Appreciation month in April.
Commissioner Stephens asked for the locations, and Mr. Pomeroy stated
that it would use existing infrastructure and there are limits to the number of
banners per block. Commissioner T. Smith
asked the size of the banners, and Mr. Pomeroy responded that they will be 30”
by 60”. Commissioner M. Smith asked how
far up 14th the program would run, and Mr. Pomeroy stated that it
would only be going up to Florida Avenue at present, and we will come back on
the area north of Florida Ave. Chairman
Hunter asked about spreading this type of program to Georgia Avenue, and Commissioner T. Smith
responded that there are already banners on Georgia Avenue. Mr. Pomeroy stated that this program is
replicable in other areas once the demonstration is done. There is also a problem with running north
into Columbia Heights
where they may want other banners.
Commissioner Moss moved support of the street banner program, and it was
seconded and adopted (9-0).
Commissioner Spalding spoke to a motion passed by the Adams
Morgan ANC in support of the reappointment of Maria Delaney as Director of
ABRA. I suggest that ANC1B adapt this
resolution to support the reappointment of Ms. Delaney, and it was seconded and
adopted (9-0).
Commissioner Mathews introduced Othniel Alphonse, one of the
founding members of Basics Youth Learning Program. This is a program with participation from Howard University
and the businesses surrounding Howard
University to run this
mentorship program. These programs work
on Saturdays with participation from students across the city. The students are required to find funding for
their participation. We have support
from neighborhood businesses on Georgia
Avenue. We
are hoping to get the program going this spring, and expect to come back to
your April meeting with a grant application.
Chairman Hunter asked Mr. Alphonse to meet with him prior to the next
meeting. Commissioner T. Smith also asked
Mr. Alphonse to meet with him.
Commissioner Spalding presented a flyer produced by the
Cleveland Park Civic Association regarding work on properties in the historic
districts. We have had a regular parade
of illegal work being done, then stopped at a serious cost to the home
owners. I am planning on trying to get
this flyer adapted to fit the Greater U St. and LeDroit Park
historic districts. I expect the cost
involved only to involve paper and ink, but wanted to let the Commission know
that I would be working on this. Once
the flyers have been produced in electronic and paper they would be passed
along to the LPCA and CSNA for distribution.
Chairman Hunter added that this should be up on our web site, and in
future newsletters. Chairman Hunter asked
if this needed financial support, and Commissioner Spalding responded that he
only expected this to cost in terms of Commission paper and ink. Commissioner Stephens asked who this would be
distributed to, and Commissioner Spalding responded that the idea was to
develop the flyer and then make it available to both the LPCA and CSNA in both
electronic and paper formats for their use.
Chairman Hunter stated that he hopes this could be included in any ANC
mailings.
Commissioner Spalding noted that today we heard from DDOT
that 9 ½ Street is in actuality an alley.
So this is in truth 9 ½ Street Alley, and this may dispossess current
constituents from their currently available parking. I ask the Commission to encourage DDOT to
find a way to allow these residents to continue to park in front of their
homes, and this was taken a motion and seconded. Commissioner Stephens asked what this
entails, and whether this would have wider effects. Commissioner Stephens stated that it would be
more appropriate to suggest that the residents with permits be allowed to park
there, and Commissioner Spalding responded that the difficulty is that the
underlying zoning is industrial and these residents are not allowed RPP
permits. The Commission has asked that
this zoning be changed, but with the current zoning and the change to alley
status, these constituents are not going to be allowed to park anywhere. Chairman
Hunter offered a substitute motion that DDOT continue to allow people to park
in this location, and additionally to request that the alley be rezoned for
residential parking, and that if that requires changing the zoning map that we
request that this be requested of Councilmember Graham. Chairman Hunter offered a substitute motion
that ANC1B support the provision of residential parking in the 9 ½ Street
Alley, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).
Commissioner Akinmboni spoke to the problems with after
school programs and regulations.
Chairman Hunter responded that he is working on this with Councilmember Catania,
and that he can work with Commissioner Akinmboni on this issue. Commissioner Akinmboni also announced that
they would be cleaning the Girard Playground on the 18th, and that
everyone should come and help clean.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30.