ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

AGENDA

Thursday, November 1st, 2007, 7 PM, 1200 U Street NW  

 

The regular monthly meeting of ANC1B was held on Thursday, November 1, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the True Reformer Building, Commissioner Moss being present as chair, and Commissioner Nadeau present as secretary. Other Commissioners present, Mathews, Smith, Spalding, Hunter, and Akinmboni.

 

Commissioner Moss called meeting to order without a quorum at 7:10 p.m., and called for introductions.

 

The minutes were approved unanimously.  There was no treasurer’s report. 

 

Commissioner Moss gave an overview of the Vacancy Election Status.  The Commission has forwarded a letter of vacancy to the Board of Elections and Ethics.  Notice has been submitted to the register and will appear shortly. Candidates may submit petitions to appear on the ballot, and an election or appointment will take place at the December ANC meeting. 

 

Commissioner Spalding announced that the Cardozo-Shaw Neighborhood Association will meet next Thursday at 7pm at 1200 U Street. They will be discussing the Utopia Development project.  Next month’s ANC agenda will include a long list of ABC renewals for CN and CT licenses.  He mentioned that he highly recommends two new restaurants: Vinoteca and Marvin.  A delegation from DC attended a hospitality conference in New Orleans and will incorporate its findings locally.  The Howard Theatre Restoration Project will announce a public meeting shortly.  The first meeting on Morton Park will be held 11/26 from 6-8 pm at Bruce Monroe Elementary School, 3012 Georgia Avenue. 

 

Commissioner Smith provided information about crime in his SMD.  A local business owner was robbed this week; there was a robbery in broad daylight during HU homecoming; many crimes have been concentrated on the 700 block of Fairmont.  He has requested an emergency meeting with MPD and Councilmember Graham and will provide information when this is convened.

 

At 7:20 pm Commissioner Hunter arrived and took over as Chair.

 

Commissioner Moss reminded the Commission that the monthly public safety meeting would be held next Tuesday at 7pm at 813 Florida Avenue.

 

Commissioner Nadeau read invitations that had come in the mail to the Commission.

 

Commissioner Mathews Announced an education forum on Friday about DC in 1968, which will be a discussion of the implications of the riots. This is part of a larger conference being held by a local historical society. 

 

Commission Business

 

Commissioner Spalding provided an update on pending ABC license applications & renewals: There was a fact-finding hearing on the Columbia Lodge, and Commissioner Moss is in discussion with the various parties; tempers have calmed down and they are moving forward.  Commissioner Spalding has not heard from Queen Makeda.  Asmara is meeting with Commissioner Spalding on Monday, regarding the ANC protest. The Black Cat hearing has concluded and we are waiting on the decision.  El Paraiso’s show-cause hearing has still not been called.  11 Street Market’s protest is ongoing, but mediation is set for next week. We are waiting for the show-cause hearing on International Grille before moving forward with the substantial change.  Vinoteca opened this week.  Marvin opened last month, and will be requesting a higher occupancy, up to 188.  Nafka has been protested.  Commissioner Spalding is waiting to hear from the Prince Hall Masons.  Republic Gardens has been shut down by the owner after a legal dispute.  7 Days Grocery has just received an agreement from the lawyers and will go to court November 13.  Betty’s Dreams roll call hearing is next Tuesday.  Commissioner Spalding has gone over the floor plan, security plan and is moving towards a voluntary agreement.  Commissioner Spalding moved that the ANC authorize Commissioner Smith to withdraw the ANC protest if he see’s fit, as he is working to resolve the Commission’s concerns. Commissioner Hunter seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-0. 

 

The Commission received grant applications from Root Youth Inc. Summit  in the amount of $2,000, The Metropolitan Baptist Concert Series in the amount of $2,000, and the DCMP Third District Citizens Advisory Council in the amount of $2,000. The grants will be discussed and voted on at the December meeting.

 

The Commission heard from Chairman Hunter about a nuisance property located at 14th and W Street. A letter of support was received from Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association and the Hamilton Condos on W Street.  Commissioners Nadeau and Smith expressed support for the Commission getting involved as a plaintiff.  Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission authorize him to file a nuisance action against the property owner for activity at the building and adjacent lot.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 7-0.

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission support the request from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Masons for parking relief from 12/12-12/14 for their Annual Communication.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion and offered to help with suspension of street cleaning for the neighbors.  The motion was adopted 7-0.

 

The Commission heard from Commissioner Nadeau regarding Councilmember Graham’s B17-0111 Hot Spot Anti Loitering law.  There was discussion by the Commissioners and the community about the pros and cons of this type of law.  Commissioner Nadeau moved that the Commission write a letter to Councilmember Mendolsohn requesting that he hold a public hearing on B17-0111. Commissioner Spalding seconded the motion.  The motion carried 5-1-1 with Commission Mathews dissenting and Commissioner Smith abstaining.

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission request that DDOT perform an inspection of square 0360 and that it be prioritized for upgrading.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-0.

 

Commissioner Spalding moved that the Commission request that DDOT provide a list of permitted vendor sites, for an inventory. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-0.

 

Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission support the nomination of David Franco to the Housing Trust Production Fund.  Commissioner Moss seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-0. 

 

The Commission discussed hiring administrative staff and reviewed a job description drafted by Commissioner Nadeau.  Commissioner Hunter moved that the Commission draft a letter to the appropriate people at Howard University to designate office space to ANC1B free of charge.  Commissioner Nadeau seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-0.  Commissioner Nadeau moved that the Commission approve the administrative position job description as corrected with an application deadline of December 1.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion. The motion was adopted 7-0. 

 

Commissioner Mathews moved that the Commission support his efforts going forward to pressure DDOT for speed bumps on the 500 & 600 block of Gresham Place.  Commissioner Smith seconded the motion.  The motion was adopted 7-0. 

 

Commissioner Mathews introduced a member of the community who lives in ANC1B11 and is considering running for the vacant seat. 

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.