ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

MINUTES

 

3 November 2005, Reeves Center, 2000 14th Street

 

Attending: Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, M. Smith, Stephens, Parker,

                                                       Akinmboni, Mathews

Absent: Commissioner Wright

 

Quorum was achieved at 7PM. Secretary Spalding noted that the Zoning Commission PUD case for additional height in Columbia Heights had been approved, and that the BZA case for the new Parks and Rec building had also passed.  Secretary Spalding also noted the absence of regular constituent attendee Clyde Howard, and passed on news that Clyde should be back from the hospital this weekend.  Minutes of the October meeting were moved, seconded and adopted (9-0-0).  Treasurer Stephens asked the Commission to reconsider the September report, adding both an eCorp charge for $15.00 and a quarterly deposit of $7,739.55, and this amended report was moved, seconded and adopted (9-0-0).  Treasurer Stephens gave the October report indicating an initial balance of $72,878.21 and a final check book balance of $72,200.73, and report was moved, seconded and adopted (9-0-0).  Treasurer Stephens introduced the 4th Quarter Report showing an initial balance of $68,159.81, deposits of $7.739.55, disbursements of $3,085.36, and a final balance of $72,814.00, and the report was moved, seconded and adopted (9-0-0). 

 

In Community Events and Announcements Commissioner T. Smith introduced a resolution dealing with the tennis courts at Banneker Field, and Chairman Hunter suggested adding this to the additional motions section of the agenda.  Commissioner Moss stated that the Ward 1 Democrats would hold a community forum on the National Capitol Medical Center on Nov. 21st.  Commissioner T. Smith announced that raccoons have been spotted on Georgia Avenue, and that parents should be warning children of the possible dangers. 

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced reconsideration of plans for 1939 12th Street.  The Commission has already voted support to HPRB on this project; however, the building has changed from a mixed use retail/commercial/residential to simply retail/residential.  Commissioner Spalding read through the list of zoning exceptions and variances required.  Developer Josh Adler & Rob Lakritz gave descriptions of the site and history of the project.  Mr. Adler stated that they would be partnering with local developer Paul Robertson on the project.  The retail component is small and they are looking for neighborhood serving retailers like a small gym and a bakery.  The space originally designed for office above the retail ended up too expensive to accomplish, and has been replaced with four levels of residential units above the retail.  The current design calls for fifteen units in the portion of the building over the retail.  The massing is very similar to the project approved by the ANC six months ago.  The exception for the zoning line describes the fact that we’re covering different underlying zoning and allows us to move the design to better accommodate the retail component.  The variance in lot size for the flats is needed since the lots are shallower than normal though actually wider than the minimum requirement, and this leads to an underlying lot of 1760 square feet rather than the minimum 1800 square feet.  There is also a roof setback exception which allows us to locate the elevator overrun at the south end of the taller segment of the building, and this does not conform to the one to one setback normally required.  There is also an exception dealing with the parking.  There are currently twelve parking spaces at grade, and we expect all of them to serve the residential.  The exception deals with counting the spaces behind the flats as part of the fulfillment of the parking for the entire building.  There is also an exception for reduction of the residential recreation space.  We’ve provided all of the units with some recreation space, but the combined total currently required of all of the components of the mixed use building are difficult to satisfy on a lot of this modest size.  Mr. Lakritz added that they are excited about the design of the retail spaces, and stated that they are looking for community suggestions for needed neighborhood serving businesses.  Commissioner Akinmboni asked about the parking supplied, and Mr. Adler responded that they are providing sufficient parking to meet the zoning standards, and also noted that the site is less than a block from the Metro entrance.  Commissioner Spalding moved approval of the BZA request of Lot 74 LLC.  Allison Acosta resident of 1932 11th St. behind the site expressed concerns over the parking off the alley, and questions about trash storage designs.  Mr. Adler responded that the original design included thirty parking spaces accessed by the alley, and now this has been reduced to twelve spaces serving the residential owners.  The trash storage is in an enclosed space at the rear serving both the commercial and residential tenants.  Chairman Hunter asked when the change of use was decided, and Mr. Adler stated that it was about six weeks ago.  Commissioner Stephens stated that having additional parking and encouraging more traffic may not be an optimum solution, and that this site’s proximity to metro should be highlighted.  Ernest Springs asked that developers address the changes at CSNA, and they agreed to do so.  Commissioner Spalding’s motion to approve the zoning component was seconded and adopted (7-1-2).  Commissioner Spalding moved support of the current design before HPRB and seconded and adopted (7-1-2).  Commissioner Spalding was designated to represent this project before both BZA and HPRB.

 

Chairman Hunter introduced consideration of View 14 a PUD coming before the Zoning Commission this month.  This has already been presented to the Commission and has received our approval and asked Mr. Franco if there were any substantial changes, and Mr. Franco said that the changes were not substantial.  Mr. Franco described the 174 unit mixed use development project located on 14th Street with a retail ground level component.  As part of the PUD benefit package we have both on site and off site affordable housing components.  The off site component is working with Jubilee Housing Crestview Apartments on Belmont Street will allow them to help the current tenants buy the property.  Another component of the benefit package has been relocation of the satellite farm and tower antenna owned by Comcast at the south end of the site, and this has proved both difficult and expensive.  We do hope to finally sign a contract with Comcast soon.  Another benefit, requested by Commission Stephens, was for a green roof, and this will be part of the design.  There are some changes that have been suggested in the set down process, and consequently at the corner of 14th and Belmont we’ve stepped back the building.  We also moved the building back from public space at 14th and Florida.  We have also moved back from the experimental terra cotta surface to a traditional brick.  They have also agreed to give back substantial space behind the building for alley expansion and improvement.  Commissioner Moss congratulated Mr. Franco on a great public benefits package and asked about the arrangements with Comcast.  Mr. Franco stated  that the expanded cost of the Comcast segment had initially forced them to consider scaling back the affordable housing component, but they are working with creative financing and ongoing negotiations with Councilmember Graham and Comcast.  Commissioner Stephens stated that it is crucial to retain the current benefit package.  Comcast is given the privilege of working in our community, and this site has not added anything to our community nor have they maintained the site, so for them to walk away with a substantial benefit irks me.  The rest of the city should be considered as participating in this utility’s benefit, and could be mitigated through utility fees.  Mr. Franco stated that Comcast had badly estimated the costs originally, and that they have been willing to participate while not wanting to jeopardize their service.  Commissioner M. Smith congratulated the development team for working with the Crestview Apartment owners.  Chairman Hunter moved support of the View 14 PUD before the Zoning Commission, and it was seconded.  Commissioner Stephens offered a friendly amendment that the Public Benefits Package not be changed due to economic forces placed on the developer, and that Comcast be a participating partner in protecting the benefit package.  Chairman Hunter requested that protection of the benefit package, but we can’t require Comcast to participate.  Mr. Franco assured the Commission that they will not change the benefit package.  Commissioner Stephens asked the developer to describe what an inflation of the Comcast cost would be on the project, and Mr. Franco responded that it could require them to return with an entirely new PUD package if this cannot be kept at appropriate cost levels.  Chairman Hunter accepted the friendly amendment restricted to protection of the benefit package, and this was accepted by Commissioner Stephens.  Commissioner Spalding asked that representatives be designated to represent before Zoning Commission, and Chairman Hunter added his name and Commissioner Spalding’s as representatives for this PUD application.  Motion passed (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Moss reviewed the current status of the HFA PUD, and a public meeting was held to review the proposals of the two finalists West Group and Trammel Crow.  The HFA Board will do a final interview of both applicants on November 12th.  The West Group proposal includes 150 units and a large retailer like Linens and Things.  This is being modeled after a Boston project that features affordable components.  The Trammel Crow group is similar but they did not have presentation boards available at the public meeting.  Chairman Hunter asked that the Commission send a letter requesting that the public be able to attend the November 12th review, and it was moved, seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced the Commission’s second look at the design for 2001 14th Street for review this month at HPRB.  This is the north east corner building that has been vacant for a long time.  I have talked with Steve Callcott who has been working on this design for HPO, and he is pleased with the changes that have been made.  Architect Leo Boeckl stated that the original corner bank building will be restored to its original appearance, and the empty adjacent lot to the north will contain a three story addition.  The visibility of the mezzanine on the addition has been thoroughly explored, and now complies with the requirements set forward by the HPO office.  Mr. Boeckl worked through the sections and elevations of the building.  Commissioner Spalding stated that since this is before HPRB it is the massing and design that we need to address.  Commissioner Moss asked about use and parking, and Mr. Boeckl responded that no parking would be provided due to the size of the building.  Mr. Tsianakis, owner of the property, responded that the use of the ground floor would be retail.  Commissioner Moss responded that this response is very vague and asked for a more specific response.  Mr. Boeckl stated that the design was for generic retail space, and not tailored to any specific retail use.  Commissioner Spalding moved support of the design as presented before HPRB, and that he be designated to represent the Commission in hearings on this project, and it was seconded, and it was adopted (8-0-2).

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced consideration of HPA 05-339 (1461 Florida), and noted that it is in Commissioner M. Smith’s SMD.  This is returning to the Board for Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings in the next few weeks and that we should both delegate representatives to the BCIB meeting and include language that we want to see action taken on this problem property.  Commissioner Spalding moved that he and Commissioner M. Smith represent ANC1B on this property before BCIB, and that the Commission is requesting action including condemnation to the Board, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0). 

 

Commissioner Moss introduced review of HPA 05-511 which is the property of Mr. Sullivan at 319 T Street in LeDroit Park.  This request is for replacement of a garage door.  He has contacted and received support from his neighbors.  Commissioner Moss moved Commission support of this application, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0-1).

 

Commissioner Moss introduced review of HPA 05-523 a perennial nuisance property located at 1914 3rd Street.  It has been purchased and the new owners are planning on a large scale refurbishment.  Commissioner Moss moved that this be tabled.  Commissioner Moss moved that the Commission write to HPRB requesting that this item be delayed to allow for Commission review, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner T. Smith introduced DDOT Public Space request for café seating at Chuck & Bill Bison Lounge in the 2700 block of Georgia Avenue.  This is a modest request for two tables and seven chairs, and has the support of the Pleasant Plains Civic Association.  Commissioner Mathews added that he has reviewed the plans and is in support of the request.  Commissioner T. Smith moved support of the application for use of public space, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0), and Commissioner T. Smith was designated to represent the Commission on this application.

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced consideration of an ABRA application for a new CR license for Blue Moon Bistro to be located at 1214 U Street.  This would place it between Roha and the Sun Trust Bank.  Owner Med Lahlou stated that he is the owner of Tunnicliff’s restaurant just across from the Eastern Market on Capital Hill, and a resident of Mount Pleasant.  There plans for this site is an American Bistro.  Commissioner Spalding noted that the application does not ask for any live entertainment or dancing.  Commissioner Spalding moved support for license 74175 Blue Moon Bistro for a new CR restaurant license to be located at 1214 U Street, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Moss introduced renewal from safekeeping for Class B license at Cookie’s Corner located at 1970 2nd Street, and owners were not present to answer questions, and Commissioner Spalding stated that notification had been sent to them; however, the mail had been returned.  Commissioner Spalding described the process of safekeeping of a liquor license.  Commissioner Moss stated that the community is adamantly opposed to this license.  The proximity to an elementary school, and sales of singles, and no vesting in the community, and ongoing litter problems.  Commissioner Moss moved protest of the renewal from safekeeping of the Class B license for Cookie’s Corner, and Chairman Hunter proposed a friendly amendment that Commissioners Moss, Spalding and Hunter be delegated to represent the protest of this application, and this was accepted by Commissioner Moss, and the motion was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced review of applications 61029 and 61028 for Yegnd and Carbonero located in the 1900 block of 9th, and Chairman Hunter asked if these were the licenses that should have been dealt with at the last meeting, and Commissioner Spalding agreed but added that he has been trying to get more information to add to the record.  Commissioner Spalding stated that he has agreement from the Zoning Administrator that the occupancy of these properties will be reviewed, and a commitment from Jose Sueiro that a multi agency inspection and review will be held once DDOT can participate.  I have also spoken to the Westminster Neighborhood Association who are considering protesting these licenses, the East Enders who oppose the applications, abutting and nearby neighbors who will also be protesting these licenses.  Commissioner Spalding moved that ANC1B protest the application on the basis of: real property values, peace/order/quiet, residential parking needs, overconcentration of licensed establishments, proximity to a residence district, noise, and litter control.  Motion was seconded and a roll call was called for with Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, M. Smith, Stephens, Parker, Akinmboni, and T. Smith voting Yea, Commissioner Mathews voting Nay, and Commissioner Wright absent.  The motion carried (9-1-0). 

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced reconsideration of application 61028 for Carbonero to be located at 1926 9th for a new CR license, and the list of basis for protest mirror that of the previous application, and moved that the Commission protest the application on those terms, and it was seconded.  Commissioner Stephens asked if the problem with overconcentration was the result of each or the combination of both applications, and Chairman Hunter responded that there already exists an overconcentration of licenses in the block.  Chairman Hunter stated that local residents are researching a moratorium for this area, and that he would be inclined to support one, but that we are dealing with the applications before us tonight.  Motion was adopted (9-0-1) with Commissioner Mathews abstaining.

 

Commissioner T. Smith introduced renewal of the Class B license for Chuck’s Market for a Class B license.  Commissioner Smith moved protesting the license on the basis of it’s proximity to Banneker School and recreation center, and the problem with empty bottles in the vicinity of the license.  Commissioner Stephens asked if we are protesting the manner of their doing business or the overconcentration, and Chairman Hunter responded that this is an existing license and was a protest of the manner of their doing business.  Chairman Hunter requested that Commissioners T. Smith, Spalding and Hunter represent the protest, and Commissioner T. Smith accepted the amendment.  Motion was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Hammonds introduced review of Class B renewal for Daily Fish of the Chesapeake located at 2250 Sherman Avenue.  Commissioner Hammonds stated that the owner had told her that the license did not need to be renewed until 2008, and Chairman Hunter responded that that couldn’t be true.  Commissioner Hammonds moved that the Commission protest the license since the owner has not given sufficient notice to the community, and it was seconded.  Commissioner Spalding added that this business is not kept well, and that negotiating towards a voluntary might be profitable to the nearby community.  Commissioner Stephens asked if the business was placarded, and Commissioner Hammonds responded that she did not see the placards unless they were hidden behind the counter.  Chairman Hunter asked if they are in the business of singles sales, and Commissioner Hammonds responded that they do.  Chairman Hunter proposed a friendly amendment to designate Commissioners Hammonds, Spalding and Hunter to represent the Commission in this protest, and that the issue of singles sales be included in the protest language, and Commissioner Hammonds accepted the amendment, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0-1) with Commissioner Mathews abstaining. 

 

Commissioner M. Smith introduced review of Discount Supermarket’s renewal of their Class B license, and owner was present to answer questions.  Commissioner M. Smith stated that he knows of no difficulties with this license and is in full support.  Commissioner M. Smith moved support of renewal of the Class B license for Discount Supermarket, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding introduced review of Class B renewal for Eleven Market located at 1936 11th Street.  Commissioner Spalding stated that there is a problem with the public space in front of this license where purchasers of singles are congregating, loitering and disturbing local residents.  When we held the community meeting to discuss U Turn’s applications we heard overwhelming dissatisfaction with Eleven Market’s license.  Commissioner Spalding moved that this license be protested on the grounds of the effect of the establishment on peace, order and quiet, and specifically target negotiations to rectify the problem of aggressive loitering in the public space in front of the store, and the motion was seconded.  Chairman Hunter added that he had spoken to the owner of the business last week, and that he would be amenable to restriction of sales of singles and cheap wines towards alleviating the loitering, and asked that Commissioners Hunter and Spalding be designated to represent this protest, and it was accepted by Commissioner Spalding.  Motion was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner T. Smith introduced review of Class B renewal for Fairmont Market located at 2628 11th Street.  Commissioner T. Smith indicated that this business was more responsible in maintaining the neighboring public space, and that it did not share many of the problems with the other Class B licenses in the neighborhood.  Commissioner T. Smith moved support of renewal of the Class B license for Fairmont Market. Chairman Hunter asked if they sold singles, and Commissioner T. Smith responded that they do.  Commissioner Spalding added that ANC1B has previously voted to not restrict singles sales, and that the Commission may want to revisit that position.  Chairman Hunter stated that he is aware of that position by a previous Commission, and he may have a motion to present at our December meeting.  Motion was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Parker moved support of Class B renewal for Hi Market located at 2655 15th Street.  This business has been improving over the past year to become a much better neighbor, and I have been working with them to improve their appearance.  The business does not own their property, so we are working with the owners of the building to make the business more presentable to the community.  I don’t think that a voluntary agreement is required at this point since both the owner of the business and the owner of the building are working with the community to better serve the neighborhood.  Motion of support was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Moss moved support of the renewal of Class B license for LeDroit Park Market located at 1901 4th Street.  Owner was present to answer questions.  They participate in community events, hire within the LeDroit Park community, and do not sell single beers.  This is a positive influence in our community.  Motion of support was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Chairman Hunter stated that he had received a notice from Ernest Springs, President of the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association that the W Street Market Class B license was up for renewal.  Secretary Spalding indicated that he had not received any official notification that this license was scheduled for review.  Mr. Springs indicated that the renewal placards were in the windows of the business.  Chairman Hunter stated that this business has a history of problems, and despite not receiving notification, we should for the sake of caution protest this application on the basis of peace, order and quiet.  Chairman Hunter moved that ANC1B protest renewal of the Class B license for W Street Market with Commissioners Hunter and Spalding designated to represent the Commission in the protest, and it was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner Spalding was asked to review the current status of pending protests of licenses before ABRA.  Cada Vez is currently in full protest hearings, and our neighboring Commission has been very active in the protest.  Chairman Hunter indicated that a number of his constituents who live near the license testified in support of the substantial changes proposed by Cada Vez.  Commissioner Spalding indicated that U Turn’s absence from consecutive ABRA hearings on their application for substantial changes and their not signing and returning the agreed voluntary documents led to the Board dismissing their application.  Chairman Hunter added that he has talked to the owner and reinforced the timing problems with reinstatement.  Commissioner Spalding stated that voluntary agreements were agreed to for Collage Café, and I’m not sure whether there are multiple agreements or whether they have been merged.  Commissioner Stephens asked if this was with ANC1B, and Commissioner Spalding indicated that it was not, but rather with residents of the 1300 block of T Street.  The only protest currently active with Kili’s is from CSNA, and Ernest Springs has agreed to work on this protest.  Ernest Springs stated that there hadn’t been any further negotiating, but that they were working from the previously drafter voluntary document.  Commissioner Moss asked to be included as a part of the protest, and that she is adamantly opposed to Kili’s continued operation.  Commissioner Spalding cautioned that ANC1B had voted to support this license.  Chairman Hunter stated that ANC1B did not protest this license in an attempt to give the licensee an opportunity and do business, and while we’re on record as supporting this license that would not preclude Commissioner Moss from asking the ANC to write a letter changing our position.  This would not give us standing, but it would indicate that we have changed our position on the license.  Chairman Hunter moved that ANC1B write ABRA indicating that we no longer support the renewal of Kili’s license, and are opposed to the renewal of their license.  Motion was seconded and a roll call was taken with Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Hunter, M. Smith, Stephens, Parker, and Akinmboni voting Yea, Commissioner Mathews voting Nay, and Commissioner T. Smith abstaining.  Motion carried ((8-1-1).  Commissioner Spalding stated that at the last ABRA status hearing on Duffy’s he represented the views as expressed at our October meeting, and the result was that our protest was dismissed, and that consequently Chairman Hunter has applied for reinstatement.  Chairman Hunter stated that ANC1B had been dismissed since the Board decided that we were refusing to negotiate, and that ANC1B was unavailable to negotiate.  That is an absolutely absurd representation.  When ANC1B voted to protest this license ANC1B specifically said that it wanted the parties to get together and attempt to mediate their concerns.  This does not mean that they will mediate their concerns.  The parties did meet with Commissioner Spalding involved in the negotiations.  At our last Commission meeting it was very clear that members of the community, as well as members of this Commission, still were opposed to Duffy’s operating in that location.  I specifically said that I had reviewed the voluntary agreement, but still found it to be unacceptable.  It was our representation that this matter was before ABRA and that we wanted ABRA to have a hearing.  We held an emergency meeting of the Executive Committee including myself and Commissioners Spalding and Stephens last week, and authorized me to file for reinstatement.  We have served that on the Board and counsel for both sides.  It is my expectation that we will be reinstated, and it would be absurd for us not to be reinstated.  There are two things that we need to do in regard to the Duffy’s application.  I move that ANC1B ask for Councilmember Graham’s support for our petition for reinstatement, and the motion was seconded and adopted (10-0-0).  Chairman Hunter moved that ANC1B vote on the voluntary agreement that resulted from the mediating session.  We commend Commissioner Spalding and all of the parties for sitting down and attempting to resolve this matter, however, it’s clear that many members of the community and this Commission remain opposed to this establishment operating at that location, and that this agreement should be voted down.  Motion was seconded.  Commissioner Mathews asked what the implication of our voting down the proposed voluntary agreement would have to ABRA, and Chairman Hunter responded that it would represent that ANC1B refused to act on the proposed document.  Somehow they got the misconception that we refused to act on it because we were being unreasonable.  In reality we refused to act on it, I believe in deference to Commissioner Spalding because it was in his SMD, and I frankly thought his position was different from the rest of ours.  Commissioner Parker stated that she hoped our rejection of this particular proposed voluntary agreement does not seem to suggest that in fact we’re interested in entering into or negotiating another one.  I would like for our vote to express that we have negotiated as much as we are willing to on this issue so that we don’t have to don’t have to actually take a separate position or consider any other agreement.  Chairman Hunter advised the Commission not to do that, because then they will be able to make the argument that we refuse to negotiate.  This is set for a full protest hearing in early December, but it would be detrimental to include your proposed language at this time.  Commissioner Parker asked that doesn’t it make more sense, rather than vote on this particular agreement, to protest this license?  Chairman Hunter responded that we have moved to protest it, and we have indicated that we want a hearing.  In the event a new agreement comes to us we will look at it, we’re not saying we won’t look at it.  This does not mean we will agree to it.  Motion to reject the proposed voluntary agreement was seconded and adopted (9-0-1) Commissioner Spalding abstaining.

 

CSNA Clean & Green grant application for $1,000 was introduced by Commissioner Hunter.  Chairman Hunter moved support of the grant application, and it was seconded.  Treasurer Stephens asked if we could get a more detailed budget, and Chairman Hunter responded that the activity has already started and that he wouldn’t want us to hold up the request.  Treasurer Stephens offered to request a more detailed budget, and if acceptable would process the grant.  Chairman Hunter responded that he would accept an amendment that CSNA would be required to supply a budget for the funds prior to issuance of the check.  Grant motion was moved and adopted (9-1-0) with Commissioner Mathews opposing.

 

Chairman Hunter introduced consideration of a grant request from One Common Unity & African American Holiday Expo for $2,000 to assist in the production of the yearly event in the Reeves Center.  ANC1B has supported this request in previous years, and it’s an expensive production for which they are asking ANC1B to participate at a modest level.  Chairman Hunter moved support of the grant request, and motion was seconded.  Commissioner Moss described the event as a noble activity in providing stipends to local youth.  Treasurer Stephens pointed out that the grant was to two groups each requesting $1,000 which kept it in line with our guidelines, and stated that some more details would be needed prior to authorization including the sources of the remaining projected $18,000.  This has been asked of our other applicants, and we should request this information for this applicant.  Commissioner Spalding asked about the ability to use Commission funds for youth stipends, and Treasurer Stephens responded that if the monies support their expenses then it is something that we can do.  Motion was adopted (9-0-1) with Commissioner Spalding abstaining.

 

Commissioner Stephens spoke to extension of Yellow Line Metro service.  There has been some active community discussion recently questioning why this service should not be a priority of WMATA.  Commissioner Stephens moved that the Commission attend the upcoming Metro Open House discussion, and also request that WMATA extend service on the Yellow Line through Columbia Heights, and the motion was seconded.  Commissioners Akinmboni and Mathews asked for more information before they could support the motion.  Commissioner Stephens responded that increasing the service on the existing metro track line through our community is one way of addressing the difficulties we’re constantly running into with parking.  Motion was adopted (10-0-0).

 

Commissioner T. Smith introduced asked the Commission to ask for the tennis courts at Banneker to be resurfaced.  This has not been done since 1989, and they currently feature pot holes and weeds sprouting out of the courts.  A number of community programs attempt to use these courts including specific programs directed at youth.  The Friends of Banneker Park would like to see the courts resurfaced prior to April 30th of 2006 in order to allow these programs to continue at this location.  Commissioner T. Smith also stated that the bathrooms at Banneker are no longer in working order.  Commissioner T. Smith moved that ANC1B write a letter to the Department of Parks and Recreation requesting that these tennis courts be resurfaced prior to April 30th of next year, and Chairman Hunter added a friendly amendment that necessary repairs to the bathroom facilities also be prioritized, and the amendment was accepted.  Chairman Hunter also asked that we write to Councilmember Graham and ask for his support for these changes, and that amendment was also accepted by Commissioner T. Smith.  Motion was seconded.  Commissioner Moss asked if equipment was being supplied by Parks & Rec, and Commissioner T. Smith responded that the tennis supplies were provided by the groups using the facility.  Motion was adopted (10-0-0).

 

Meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30PM.