ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

MINUTES

2 November 2006, True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW

Attending: Commissioners Moss, Spalding, Hammonds, Stephens, Akinmboni, Mathews

Absent: Commissioners Hunter, M. Smith, Z. Wright, T. Smith, R. Wright

Quorum was achieved at approximately 7:00PM. In the Secretary’s report Commissioner Spalding stated that Councilmember Graham’s office is still working on the possibility of making the second floor room in the Reeves Center available for the exclusive use of the Ward 1 ANC’s. Commissioner Spalding moved post office box rental for $410.00, and this was seconded and adopted (6-0). Secretary Spalding listed the candidates for election to ANC1B Commissioner and reminded everyone to get out and vote next Tuesday. Secretary Spalding also mentioned that he will be hosting an election night party at Solly’s for candidates, campaign staff and ANC groupies. The 9^th & U Hospitality Resource Partnership Pilot held its workshops earlier this month, and they have applied for one of the NIF grants described to the Commission at last month’s meeting. Minutes of the October meeting were moved, seconded and adopted (6-0). Treasurer Stephens presented the October monthly report showing an initial balance of $63,068.52, debits of $955.57, and a resulting balance of $62,112.95. Treasurer Stephens noted that on the printed report two of the check dates show September rather than October, and assured the Commission that he would rectify these before submitting the report. October Treasurer’s report was moved, seconded and adopted (6-0). Treasurer Stephens moved reimbursement of secretarial expenses for October in the amount of $77.64 for ink and paper, and this was seconded and adopted (6-0).

In Community Events and Announcements Commissioner Spalding gave a description of the DDOT/Great Streets Lower Georgia Avenue Transportation and Streetscape Study, and noted the community meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 14^th from ^;30 to 8:30PM at 815 Florida Avenue. Vice Chairperson Moss announced that the LeDroit Park community will be holding a public safety town hall meeting on Thursday, November 9^th at the Florida Avenue Baptist Church beginning at 6PM. Chief Ramsey, Commander McCoy, Nicholas Majett from DCRA, Council members Graham and Mendelson, and we hope that you can also join in the discussions. Sharon Robinson from DDOT spoke about the Lower Georgia Avenue community meeting.

Commissioner Stephens asked the Commission to hear both of the traffic control plan (TCP) submissions prior to voting on either one since they are across the street from each other and will need coordination. Both the Jair Lynch Company and Level 2 have been working together and with the community to work out the conflicts in these two projects TCP’s. Jon Kardon from Level 2 introduced the View 14 PUD TCP. Mr. Kardon detailed the presentations before CSNA, MHNA, Belmont Street Community Association and with Commissioner Stephens in developing the plan, but do note that the site and DDOT determine the final details of the TCP. We have tried to minimize the impact of our site on traffic patterns in the immediate vicinity of the site, and also have worked to minimize the impact on parking. Our truck route is designed to minimize the number of construction vehicles on residential streets. Four driving lanes have been maintained on 14^th Street and two way traffic on Belmont St. We were not able to keep a walkway north/south on 14^th Street, and pedestrian traffic will be routed to the west side of 14^th. Some parking will be restricted on Belmont as suggested by DDOT for truck maneuverability. Commissioner Spalding asked about the duration of the project, and whether as the site develops the restrictions of the TCP can be relaxed, and Mr. Kardon responded that they are planning on commencing site work in January of 2007 and expect the project to last two years, and that they will attempt to restore normal traffic as the site work allows. Commissioner Moss asked about snow removal plans for the TCP, and the construction engineer for Level 2 responded that they would handle snow removal on site, but that the jersey barriers on 14^th will prevent massing along the curb and would have to be plowed through. Commissioner Stephens questioned the work hours and the hours for restricted parking with the proposed work hours of 7AM to 7PM while the parking is restricted 8AM to 5PM, and Mr. Kardon responded that the work hours are those allowed by the District and the parking restriction hours were adjusted in response to community suggestions. Commissioner Moss asked about Saturday work, and the engineer responded that they are not planning regular Saturday work, however, if the weather interrupts work during the week they will use Saturdays to catch up on this work. Commissioner Spalding asked if they had full review and sign off from DDOT, and Mr. Kardon responded that they have met all the DDOT requirements. The Commission moved to the presentation by Jair Lynch Company and their TCP for Solea on NCRC Parcel 34. Kaleema Franco and Gilberto Cardenas introduced the Solea design and TCP. Ms. Franco stated that they have met with DDOT and fulfilled their requirements, and they have also met with and coordinated their plan with Level 2’s TCP. Ms. Franco stated that the plan was developed with input from Commissioners, MHNA and the Belmont Street Community Association. The site work is expected to last sixteen months, but do believe that some relief can be achieved after the first ten months. The sidewalk and curb lane along Florida at the south end of the site will be closed. DDOT additionally asked that parking be restricted on the south side of Florida to allow truck turning. A temporary crosswalk will be installed at the north-east section of the site crossing Belmont St. Commissioner Moss asked about moving Metro bus signage, and Ms. Franco responded that there is no signage along the site. Ms. Franco anticipated the question about snow removal, and stated that they would be responsible for removing snow from the pedestrian walkway. Commissioner Spalding asked both developers to address worker parking at their sites, and Ms. Franco responded that they have informed all workers that there is no available parking and that public transport is encouraged, and Mr. Kardon responded that Level 2 would be using their Nehemiah Center site for parking. Commissioner Stephens asked Mr. Kardon to elaborate on the Nehemiah parking, and Mr. Kardon stated that they would be using Nehemiah for approximately six months, and then they would be able to use the developed underground parking on the View 14 site. Commissioner Stephens suggested that Level 2 coordinate with Solea on use of the Nehemiah parking, and they agreed to discuss this possibility. Commissioner Stephens indicated that his main concern with this TCP has been pedestrian safety, and that he was particularly pleased with the extension of the jersey barriers at the intersection of Florida and 14^th. Commissioner Stephens stated that he is troubled by the restriction of parking on the south side of Florida, and that these parked cars do provide some protection for pedestrians and as traffic calming, and asked the ANC to oppose this restriction on parking. Commissioner Stephens also indicated that he expects pedestrians to use the alley to the west of the Solea site, and that lighting in this alley is insufficient. Mr. Cardenas stated that the existing streetlight in the alley would be remaining through the work, and that they would try to coordinate with DDOT on additional lighting. Ernest Springs questioned the positioning of the dumpsters on Florida Ave. and the location of any truck queuing, and Ms. Franco responded that any truck queuing would be on 14^th. Mr. Springs cautioned that truck queuing near the dumpsters could cause significant traffic tie ups similar to the recent work at 15^th and Florida. Commissioner Moss praised both companies for their work on these TCP’s, and noted that it will not be a pretty site for awhile but will result in two nice mixed use buildings. Commissioner Moss asked both developers to inform all parties when changes to the TCP happen. Commissioner Stephens moved endorsement of the TCP for View 14, and it was seconded and adopted (6-0). Commissioner Stephens moved endorsement of the TCP for Solea with the amendments that they work with DDOT and the neighbors to add lighting to the alley, and that the Commission opposes the restriction of parking on the south side of Florida Avenue, and the motion was seconded and adopted (6-0).

Commissioner Spalding introduced consideration of DDOT Public Space application by Betty’s for an unenclosed sidewalk café at 1406 Florida Avenue. The owner of Betty’s was not present to answer Commission questions or present the plans for the sidewalk café. Commissioner Spalding stated that the Commission has still not received this application from Public Space. This is not tied to a liquor license; however, it is in one of the commercial wrap around zones in a predominately residential block. I saw this application on the DDOT Public Space October hearing agenda and promptly called them for an explanation, and they admitted that they may not have notified the Commission and would promptly deliver the application for our review. I am not sure how this can be heard at Public Space’s November hearing without community review, and without seeing the plans we can’t review it. Ernest Springs from the Meridian Hill Neighborhood Assoc. stated that he had invited the owner to be present tonight, and that this application could be approved with adequate review by the neighbors and the ANC. Commissioner Stephens stated that he has heard from community members in regard to this application, and that there have been ongoing problems with this business controlling access to the alleyway and not being a good neighbor. Commissioner Stephens suggested that any consideration be delayed until the business reopens, and that consideration of a sidewalk café in the middle of the winter allows time for full deliberation. Commissioner Spalding added that this sounded like a motion, and Commissioner Stephens responded that it was a motion. Commissioner Spalding asked to add a friendly amendment that the Commission sternly indicate to DDOT Public Space that we cannot review applications if they do not provide them to the Commission, and that additional time be allowed for neighborhood association and ANC review prior to being placed on the Public Space hearing agenda. Commissioner Stephens indicated that the March DDOT Public Space agenda might be appropriate for consideration of this application. Motion with amendment was seconded and adopted (6-0).

Secretary Spalding reviewed the status of the liquor licenses in ANC1B.

Commissioner Mathews introduced consideration of ABRA application for an entertainment endorsement for Chuck & Bill Bison Lounge. This was taken up at the last meeting of the Pleasant Plains Civic Association and they voted to support this application. Commissioner Mathews stated that Chuck & Billy’s already plays live music, but that they recently found out that they needed the entertainment endorsement from ABRA. I move that we support this application. Chuck & Billy’s is a neighborhood institution that has a very good relationship with its surrounding neighborhood. Commissioner Spalding read an endorsement from Commissioner Thomas Smith in whose SMD the license is located. Commissioner Spalding raised the problem of specificity in the entertainment endorsement language. We have asked other C licenses applying for entertainment endorsements to be as specific as possible in their description, and this application simply state “entertainment, cover charge, dancing”. Motion to support was seconded and adopted (6-0). Commissioner Mathews volunteered to ask the applicant to describe their entertainment and to bring that description to the December meeting.

Commissioner Moss announced that she and Chairman Hunter will be submitting a grant application for $1,500 to support the Metropolitan Music Ministry’s Concert Series.

Grant application of the African American Holiday Association for $1,000 was introduced by Commissioner Moss. This group has received grants in past years from ANC1B, and they do a great deal of work with community youth. Treasurer Stephens stated that due to unresolved issues with previous grants he proposes that this application be delayed to our December meeting. Papyste Das responded that he has delivered the needed materials to Treasurer Stephens, and Commissioner Stephens stated that he has not had time to review the materials yet. Ms. Kendi and Mr. Das agreed to delay consideration to the December meeting.

Commissioner Moss introduced consideration of Council PR-16-899 “Great Streets Initiative Bond Bread Building Exchange Approval Resolution of 2006”. Commissioner Spalding stated that the Council is considering a property swap between the District and Howard University. Howard University will be gaining control of the land and building at 2114 Georgia Avenue, and this is one of the final pieces of the Howard Town Center Development. In return the District will be receiving land from Howard University currently used as surface parking located just to the east of Florida Avenue and just below the two dormitory towers. This is also the area where an east west street is being considered by DDOT. Once the swap is completed the Howard Town Center is projected to include a full service grocer, residential development, other retail and parking facilities. There are no developed District plans for development of the land received from Howard; however, the Duke plan envisions medium density residential development at this location. Commissioner Stephens asked when we would get some details from DDOT on the possible east/west road, and Commissioner Spalding responded that with Broadway anxious to start on their Florida Avenue facing parcel the DDOT projections should be available fairly quickly. Jean Homza asked about the location and use of the parcel the District would be receiving. Ms. Homza requested that the Commission request that when the swap occurs that the District continue temporary use as surface parking to accommodate parking for the 9:30 Club and construction related vehicles. Commissioner Spalding moved support of PR-16-899, and that Commissioners Spalding, T. Smith, Mathews and Moss are delegated to represent the Commission on this resolution. Motion was seconded and adopted (6-0).

Nate Mathews introduced Douglas Jordan owner of Food Bard DC in Dupont Circle, and who is in the process of opening a catering service working out of a building at the corner of Georgia and Harvard that was previously a liquor store. Mr. Jordan described his business as specifically catering for DC Charter Schools. They will be converting the second floor of the building on Georgia Avenue to a tutoring and mentoring center. Scott Pomeroy suggested that the African American Civil War Museum often hosts student groups, and that catering to this need might be an avenue of future business.

Commissioner Mathews introduced Dalila Muir of the Overcoming Obesity Campaign. Ms. Muir introduced the 5K Youth Walk 2007 sponsored by the Overcoming Obesity Campaign. This public awareness event will occur on Saturday, May 19^th at Anacostia Park. They will be starting an education campaign in the schools this month. Ms. Muir left information for those who want to participate.

Commissioner Spalding announced formation of a working group to respond to DDOT’s announcement of initiation of multi space parking meters in ANC1B’s territory. Cheryl Cort and Ethan Solomon have volunteered to help develop an ANC response for DDOT to be presented at the December meeting. Commissioner Stephens, Scott Pomeroy and Commissioner Moss all asked to participate, and Mr. Pomeroy suggested assuring that a representative from Georgia Avenue be included.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20PM