ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION
1B
Government of the District of Columbia
Columbia Heights
/ LeDroit Park / Shaw / University Heights
7 October
2004, True Reformer
Building, 1200 U Street NW
Attending: Commissioners
Spalding, Hammonds, Butler, Skinner, Esters,
Wright
Absent: Commissioners Guyot,
Thomas, Houston, Wilson
Quorum was late in arriving, and
meeting began with Community Announcements at 7:14PM. Warren Graves from Washington Sports
& Entertainment spoke about the major league baseball decision. Mr. Graves gave details about the
projected site of a new baseball stadium and an explanation on the funding for
building the stadium. A quorum was
achieved at 7:20. Mr. Graves was
asked if the stadium allowed use by other District groups like schools, and Mr.
Graves stated that it was his understanding that six days would be made
available for District use.
Commissioner Skinner asked about Councilmember Fenty’s proposal to adapt
RFK, and Mr. Graves responded that the business community would be unlikely to
support the upgrade of RFK as a substitution for the new stadium. Constituent Paul Robertson asked about
the participation of businesses with gross receipts over $3 million, and Mr.
Graves stated that this is the agreement that has been reached. Mr. Robertson stated that his business
has receipts over three million and no one had asked his opinion, and Mr. Graves
responded that business groups and associations representing the businesses had
signed on to the agreement.
Commissioner Esters asked about the naming rights for the new stadium and
who would control the monies generated from the naming rights, and Mr. Graves
responded that it had been agreed that the revenues from the naming rights would
go to the new owners. Mr. Graves
stated that they are building a web site to answer questions about the team,
stadium, process and financing.
In the Secretary’s report
Commissioner Spalding reported that two zoning issues had been decided including
support for the interim use of the building on 7th
Street by Howard University, and the back deck in the 1200
block of Clifton
Street by Pablo Martinez was allowed. ABRA protest negotiations are ongoing
regarding the applications of Tena Café and Arena Liquor. Minutes of the September meeting were
moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0). In the Treasurer’s report Commissioner
Esters reported that we have an estimated $70,791.67 currently in our account,
but the monthly statement has not arrived and the figure is our best estimate of
the current balance based on known activity. In the past month checks were written
for: CK#1550, History of Rhythm & Blues grant for $4,000, CK#1551 Arts of
Youth grant, $4,000, CK#1552 Secretarial expenses $56.72, CK#1553 to Faircliff
Plaza grant $2,000, CK# 1554 to #10 Parent Assoc. $3,500, for a total of
$13,556.72. Treasurer’s report was
moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0). Submitted secretarial expenses for
September in the amount of $135.15 was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously
(6-0-0). Treasurer’s expense for
preparation of the Quarterly Report of $261.82 was moved, seconded and adopted
unanimously (6-0-0). ANC1B’s
3rd Quarter Report of Financial Activity was presented to the
Commission, and it was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Continuing with Community Events
and Announcements Karyn Good LeBlanc from DDOT IPMA spoke to the ongoing work in
LeDroit
Park. Phase 2 of the LeDroit Streetscape
project will be underway soon, and meetings have been held with the LeDroit Park
Civic Association. Ms. LeBlanc
stated that she wanted to keep all of the neighbors and local groups appraised
of the schedules for work that would be occurring, and will come back to the ANC
to report on specifics as they develop in the work schedule. Ms. LeBlanc can be reached at Karyn.leblanc@dc.gov. Commissioner Skinner asked if they had
arranged for other methods of reaching the community, and Ms. LeBlanc said that
they have asked those with email connections to print copies of current status
and details and to share with their neighbors. Craig MacIvor of the CSNA announced that
on October 16th the median on Vermont Avenue would be holding a tree
planting. This project spearheaded
by the Eastenders Neighborhood Assoc. asked DDOT to remove the concrete from the
median and replace it with soil, and in cooperation with DC Greenworks will be
planting trees and next spring perennials in the median strip. The regular meeting of CSNA will be held
at the True Reformer next Thursday the 14th at 7PM. Ernest Springs announced the formation of the
Meridian Hill Neighborhood Association, which is an expansion of the well known
Florida Avenue Watch. They are
doing a neighborhood cleanup on the 16th, and will come back to ANC1B
for support for future neighborhood cleanups. Commissioner Spalding asked about their
meetings, and Mr. Springs stated that they would be meeting on third
Tuesdays. Roland Roebuck announced
that the Hispanic Festival would be having an activity at Cardozo High School
Stadium on Sunday, October 10th from 11 AM to 6 PM. Information is available from fiestadc@univision.com or www.consejo.org. Commissioner Skinner requested that they
alert the residential neighbors to the event, and Mr. Roebuck agreed that they
would do so. William Jordan with
the Columbia Heights Development Task Force stated that their organization is
trying to form a Main Streets bid.
Mr. Jordan also announced that in
conjunction with the Casey Trees Endowment they would be planting trees on
Saturday, October 23rd from 9 AM to noon, and more information is
available at 202-833-4010 or at www.caseytrees.org. Myla Moss, President of the LeDroit Park Civic Assoc. announced that they
would be holding their community day’s festival on October 23rd, and
that they had launched their website at www.ledroitparkdc.com.
In the presentations portion of
the agenda the Department of Parks and Recreation were not present, and we will
invite them to participate on the November calendar. Janet Phoenix representing the
Howard University Center for Urban Progress announced that they would be
holding a lead poisoning prevention festival from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday,
October 9th at Banneker Park. Ms. Phoenix requested a letter of
support from the ANC to present to the Dept. of Parks and Recreation required
for their use of the park, and the Commission voted unanimously (6-0-0) to draft
and send the required letter.
Dan Driscoll and Lezlie Downing
from Easter Seals appeared before the Commission seeking support for their
application for a grant from DHCD for improvements to their building. Commissioner Spalding reminded the
Commission that we had supported an earlier grant application to DHCD that
Easter Seals did not win. Mr.
Driscoll explained that the previous grant application was well received, but
technicalities prevent the award.
They have continued with the work on their building, and now are asking
for support for a grant from DHCD to address both interior and exterior work to
make the Child Development Center safer and more functional, and hopefully to
increase the number of children that they are able to serve. Mr. Driscoll ran through the list of
improvements that would be covered by the new grant application. Information on the grant application is
available from ddriscoll@eseal.org. Ms. Downing added that over 60% of the
children served are physically challenged with wheel chairs and braces, and that
the grant would help Easter Seals comply with ADA guidelines and ease of use for
those facing physical difficulties using the programs. Commissioner Skinner referenced the
difficulties with gentrification displacing other community serving agencies and
asked if they planned on staying in the community, and Mr. Driscoll responded
that they have been serving the community from this facility since 1955 and
planned on staying with this facility for the foreseeable future. Motion to support Easter Seals grant
application to DHCD was moved, seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Members of the team composed of
the Development Corp. of Columbia
Heights, Roadside Development, and Metropolis Development
introduced the Commission to their design for development of Parcel 34. Shelore Williams from DCCH explained
that their organization had been working with the community and development
projects for many years including their participation in the development of the
Nehemiah Project prior to the installation of the green line. Robert Moore, CEO of DCCH, described the
development of Parcel 34 as a ‘new front door’ for 14th
Street.
Our desire at DCCH has been to attract a stellar development team that
covered retail development, housing specialists and our own history and
knowledge of the community. Merrick
Malone, a principal at Metropolis Development Co., described their current
projects on 14th
Street developing both retail and residential
properties. Our projections for
Parcel 34’s development include 12,000 feet of retail, fifty-eight parking
spaces serving both the retail and residential components, and fifty-five
residential units. Mr. Merrick
described the history of development in this area when the only participants
were DCCH and Manna, and now that everyone is interested it’s time to include
those who bring their rich history of involvement in the neighborhood. David Gennerone of Roadside Development
described their history in placing retail components of development
projects. The current projection is
for one anchor tenant and space for some smaller local businesses. They are partnered with the Madison
Retail Group and focus on destination retail clients. Mr. Moore stressed DCCH’s commitment to
LSDBE programs as a core focus of their proposal. Dale Stuart represented the architects
from CORE who will be designing the building. Mr. Stuart pointed out that they
designed the Minority Aids
Building on
13th, and the new building over the Metro entrance at 13th
and U. Mr. Stuart explained that
because the site impacts both residential streets and the more commercial
14th
Street, they have tried to reflect the buildings on
each of the designs facades.
Because the site is on a grade, the parking entrance will be off
Florida
Avenue, and the entrance to the residential units
will be one level higher and enter off Belmont.
Commissioner Butler asked whether NCRC has made their short list of
developers, and applicant responded that they haven’t and are also not sure of
the date that the short list will be announced. Commissioner Butler suggested that the
parking entrance off Florida Avenue might present a hazardous situation, and
suggested that the architects consider having the entrance use the alley on the
west side of the project.
Commissioner Skinner introduced the possibility of a special meeting of
ANC1B to review the bidder’s designs for Parcel 34, and suggested that
Commission Houston’s recommendation of a meeting on Wednesday, October
27th at 7PM here at the True Reformer be discussed by the
Commission. The Commission voted to
attempt to arrange a special meeting of ANC1B and it carried (6-0-0).
Gene Jones, District Executive
Director, introduced himself to the community, and described the programs
currently available at the Anthony Bowen Y located in the 1300 block of W
Street. Information of the Y is
available at www.ymcawashdc.org. Dee Hunter from Harrison Square
mentioned that his neighbors in Harrison Square have a great deal of
interest in the Y, and may have expertise to share with the Y’s programs and
development.
Commissioner Spalding introduced
review of BZA application 17233 of York Van Nixon IV, who is requesting
variances to allow a third floor addition to an existing nonconforming two
storey single family row house at 2237 10th Street. Marlene Jefferson, architect, stated
that the property is nonconforming due to the rear yard, and they are proposing
to add an additional floor in order to provide an additional bedroom to the
property. Commissioner Spalding
pointed out that the property is not located in the historic district, and is
not subject to design review.
Commissioner Spalding asked the architects to consider tilting the third
storey addition back slightly and changing the three façade windows to dormers
and surfacing with imitation slate.
This might lessen the impact of the massing of the building in a
predominately two storey row of houses.
The benefit is in lessening the impact of increasing the height to three
storeys, with the additional storey resembling a roof structure rather than a
full three storey façade.
Architects agreed to consider the suggestion. Commissioner Spalding moved support for
the application for variances to 2001.3 (a&b), 402.4 & 33103.2, and
additionally requested that he be designated ANC1B’s representative before the
BZA on this application, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding stated
that DDOT has been planning to commence a detailed study of the U Street corridor
for many years, and they have now initiated the process. The area covered has been expanded to
include portions of 7th and 9th Streets impacted by Office
of Planning’s Uptown Destination District work. The first public meeting was held just a
week ago, and everyone is encouraged to attend future public meetings. The next meeting will be held on October
20th. Commissioner
Skinner questioned the name of the project, feeling that ‘U St.’ was not
inclusive enough to encourage people on Georgia Avenue to participate. Motion was made to ask DDOT if the title
of the study could be expanded to better involve the affected communities, and
it was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding addressed
Mayor’s Agent case HPA 03-155 which involves the Office of Historic Preservation
requiring replacement of vinyl windows in 1425 W St. Commissioner Spalding explained that
notice of the hearing was received after our September meeting, and the hearing
occurred prior to our October meeting, but that the Judge allowed us to consider
the case and report our vote by next Monday. Commissioner Spalding detailed that the
building was purchased for $112,000 in 1996, and the six front façade windows
were replaced without permit and in vinyl in 2002. The Office of Historic Preservation
cited the illegal work and required that the windows be replaced with conforming
wood sash. The defendant protested
the decision to the Mayor’s Agent claiming that the decision will result in
unreasonable economic hardship for the owner. At the hearing the defendant’s financial
status was examined, but Commissioner Spalding asked to withhold the particulars
from discussion is the ANC’s very public format. The applicant is employed by the Justice
Department, and has a great deal of available equity in the property to finance
replacement of the six windows.
Commissioner Spalding stated that ANC1B has consistently supported the
Office of Historic Preservation’s requirements on window replacement in the
historic district, and we have done so three times already in this ANC
term. Chairperson Thomas has
indicated her support for OHP’s decision.
Commissioner Spalding offered a motion to support the position of the
Office of Historic Preservation requiring the replacement of six front façade
windows in 1425 W Street with conforming wood windows. Commissioner Skinner asked if the owner
had been invited to the meeting, and Commissioner Spalding responded that he had
spoken with her personally and had given her a copy of tonight’s agenda. Motion was moved, seconded and adopted
on a vote of (5-0-1).
Commissioner Spalding introduced
Historic Preservation Review Board case 03-448 which is a new building on a
vacant corner lot located at the northwest corner of 11th and T
Streets. This was tabled at our
last meeting when the applicant was not present, and when the project appeared
on the HPRB September calendar Commissioner Spalding requested that they delay
consideration until ANC1B had a chance to review the project. This used to be a gas station at one
point, and recently the owner began the process of remediation including removal
of the underground tanks, and this turned out to be more extensive than
expected. Dr. Sahr Bockai and his
architect presented their design for the new building.
The architect stated that when
Dr. Bockai purchased the property he thought it was zoned C-2-A, and had planned
to build eight units on the site.
When they discovered that it was actually R-4 they went back to design a
three unit building. They have used
comments from Steve Callcott to refine their design including a bay. Currently the design reflects three
three bedroom units. Commissioner
Spalding requested a clarification on the number of units and cited the zoning
regulations for R-4 zoning which allows flats, and when the underlying lot is
large enough (900 square feet of lot per unit). Commissioner Spalding asked for the
dimensions of the lot, and the architect responded that the lot was
approximately 22 x 93 feet. Commissioner Spalding stated that this
would give 2046 square feet of lot, and that they would need 2700 square feet of
lot in order to satisfy the zoning requirements for the third unit. The architect continued that they have
incorporated the bay projection and tower unit often seen in corner
properties. Commissioner Spalding
asked if they had any renderings which showed abutting properties to see if the
cornice lines match, and the streetscape rendering showed the new building’s
cornice line above the abutting properties cornice line. Developer Paul Robertson stated that in
his knowledge of the zoning regulations new construction in R-4 is limited to
two units, and the expansion clause with the 900 square foot lot per unit rule
only applies to renovation of existing properties. Architect responded that the basement
unit would not be counted in the FAR of the design, which would in turn allow
the building to incorporate three units.
Commissioner Spalding asked Dr. Bockai if he would be occupying the new
building, and Dr. Bockai stated that he would be occupying one of the
units. Commissioner Spalding
questioned the extensive fenestration in the bay projection facing 11th
Street which do not match the surrounding properties,
and also noted that there was no entrance on the 11th
Street façade.
Commissioner Spalding asked the applicant to review the bay windows along
11th
Street and reduce the size of the windows on this
façade to better reflect the historic patterns in neighboring properties. Commissioner Spalding asked to see the
design for the T
Street façade, and questioned the garden level window
wells which are inconsistent with traditional fenestration in the community, and
that they should be changed to eliminate the wells. Commissioner Spalding also questioned
the arrangement for parking, and the architect first responded that there would
be three surface parking spaces entered from the rear alley, and then stated
that they would be entered off T
Street.
Commissioner Spalding asked them to rethink the parking arrangement since
a wide curb cut along the street would be inconsistent and objected to by the
neighboring residents. Commissioner
Spalding asked about the height and lot occupancy, and the architect responded
that they would be under the 60% allowance on lot occupancy, and that the height
of the building would be eighteen to twenty feet. Commissioner Spalding responded that the
height appeared to be more than twenty feet, and the architect responded that it
would be under thirty feet.
Commissioner Spalding asked if the owner and architect were aware that
this lot had been the subject of a large competition sponsored by the DC chapter
of the American Institute of Architects, and that a number of designs for this
lot had been featured at the National Building Museum, and applicant said that he was
unaware of the competition.
Commissioner Skinner stated that they could still avail themselves of the
work, and Commissioner Spalding volunteered to provide information of the DC AIA
if requested. Commissioner Spalding
stated that the neighbors are concerned about the compatibility of the design,
and that the current design would have difficulties passing the scrutiny of
HPRB. The community does want to
see a building on this corner and wants to support your effort to fill in this
very obvious missing tooth. The
question of allowable units under the zoning regulations must be addressed as
soon as possible. Commissioner
Spalding moved support of the project to HPRB with the reservations expressed at
our meeting attached, and delegating himself to represent this application
before the HPRB. Motion was
seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Maybelle Bennett with the Howard
University Community Association presented designs for adaptive reuse of the
Gage
School. Howard University purchased the property in 2002
from the Peoples Involvement Corporation, and the school building has been
vacant for about thirty years. The
property is located in ANC5C, but does border ANC1B. ANC5C has petitioned HPRB for historic
status for the school building, and HPRB will be hearing both the application
for landmark status and the plans for adaptive reuse at their October
meeting. Bill Herman described the
project as residential reuse of an abandoned school totaling 28 units, and
additional condominiums will be added to the sites in a row house vernacular
style. Parking for all of the units
will be underground beneath the new construction minimizing the impact on the
nearby residential streets. There
will be a total of 86 or 87 residential units in the entire project, and they
will be market rate. The addition
to the school will be slightly widened, but no change is projected for the main
body of the original Gage School building. Windows will be retained in their
original configuration. Dormers
will be added to the roof to capture additional useable space in the school
building. The limited space along
Flagler
St. will be constructed as townhouses turned on their
sides. Ms. Bennett indicated that
they have received support from the SMD Commissioner in whose territory the
project lies, however, ANC5C failed to get a quorum and can not give their
endorsement at this time.
Commissioner Wright indicated that he lives across the street from the
project and that he does support the design. Commissioner Spalding stated that he had
heard from Commissioner Guyot whose SMD is near the project that it has his full
support. A Howard University student asked if the units would be
available to Howard students, and Ms. Bennett stated that one third of the
developed units would be set aside for the Howard University family, however, they are going
to be market rate units and may be out of the financial reach of students. Clyde Howard stated that he remembers
the day when you were not allowed to step foot on the grounds of the Gage School
due to segregation, and questioned the nomination for landmark status. The black students went to Mott and the
white students went to Gage, that’s the history. Ms. Bennett explained that the neighbors
were concerned that Howard would tear down the school, and rushed an application
for landmark status to the HPRB.
Both the landmark status and the plans for adaptive reuse will be before
the HPRB on the 28th of October. Commissioner Esters asked about the
parking allowance, and the architect responded that they were currently planning
seventy-five parking spaces for the eighty-seven units. Commissioner Spalding asked Ms. Bennett
if they preferred ANC1B vote on both the landmark and the adaptive reuse, or
just the adaptive reuse, and Ms. Bennett replied that it made more sense for
ANC1B to address the adaptive reuse and allow the neighbors to argue the
landmark status. Commissioner
Wright moved support for the adaptive reuse of the development including
Gage
School in designs
presented, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding reported
on HPRB’s review of the development plans for the site including the First African New
Church. The Board dismissed CSNA and ANC1B’s
concerns with parking as not germane to their design considerations. The Board did have a number of
criticisms of the current iteration of the design of the new building, and ended
by rejecting the plans and requesting that the developer return with new designs
minus one storey in the new building.
The architect and developer are not sure what they will do with this
rejection, but they do have options including subdividing the property. I haven’t heard that a decision has been
made yet, and will report back when I hear of their new plans for the site. If they return to HPRB review, then
ANC1B will get another opportunity to comment on the revised designs.
Consideration of BZA 17218 was
to be considered next, however, Commissioner Spalding indicated that the
applicants were present this evening prior to the meeting and asked that
consideration be tabled. There is a
motion before the BZA from WNA that notification was incomplete, and applicants
stated that they would accede to another round of notifications. Commissioner Spalding moved that
consideration of BZA 17218 be tabled to the November agenda, and it was seconded
and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding introduced
a raze permit for Jennings Auto Body.
ANC1B has previously supported the raze permit for the Thomas Lunch
building at the corner of 11th and V, and this is an abutting one
story garage structure.
Commissioner Spalding stated that he has solicited comments on any
possible historic value to the building from historian Paul Williams, Steve Callcott at Office of Historic
Preservation, and other concerned community members. No one has responded with any historical
value to the property, and nearby residents expressed enthusiasm for seeing the
business leave.
Commissioner Spalding offered a
motion to support the raze permit for 2112 11th Street (Jennings Auto
Body), and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
Commissioner Skinner introduced
support for HPRB conceptual review of renovations at 511 U Street, and
indicated that he had received support from both the SMD Commissioner Guyot and
the President of the LeDroit Park Civic Association Myla Moss. Commissioner Spalding read suggestions
included in the Office of Historic Preservation’s review of the project, and
asked if these suggestions were acceptable to the applicant. Myla Moss indicated that the LeDroit
Park Civic Assoc. had reviewed these OHP suggestions with the applicant, and
that he was amenable to the suggestions.
Commissioner Skinner moved support for the design before HPRB, and it was
seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
ABRA application 33619 for
renewal of a CR license for Café Nema was introduced by Commissioner
Spalding. This is a popular
restaurant with no known violations and wide community support. Owner of Café Nema was present. Commissioner Spalding asked the owner if
they were considering occupying the space above their restaurant being vacated
by another restaurant, and the owner said that they are considering expansion
into the space above. Commissioner
Spalding moved support of the renewal of the CR restaurant license for Café
Nema, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
ABRA application 50228 for
renewal of a CR license for Mocha Lounge was introduced by Commissioner
Spalding. Owner was not present to
answer Commission questions.
Commissioner Spalding indicated that he has had no complaints about this
license, and moved support for the renewal, and it was seconded and adopted on a
vote of (5-0-1).
ABRA application 29303 for
renewal of a CR license for Chuck & Bill Bison Lounge was introduced by
Commissioner Skinner. Applicant was
present to answer any Commission questions. Commissioner Skinner indicated that the
restaurant is used for community meetings, and that the owner has been an active
participant in community events.
Commissioner Skinner moved support for renewal of the CR license for
Chuck & Bill Bison Lounge, and it was seconded and adopted unanimously
(6-0-0).
ABRA application 33112 for
renewal of a CN nightclub license for Bar Nun was introduced by Commissioner
Spalding. There was a history of
complaints from the residents of Wallach Place, however, in the past two
years these appear to have receded and there have been no complaints about the
operations of Bar Nun. Commissioner
Skinner indicated that he goes there every Saturday night & that it’s the
place to go. Applicant was present,
and said that they’ve been in the same location for eight years. Commissioner Spalding asked the owner to
consider working with the 14th and U Main Streets group on their
façade. Applicant stated that they
are considering changes to make the façade more inviting. Commissioner Spalding moved support for
renewal of the CN nightclub license for Bar Nun, and it was seconded and adopted
(6-0-0).
ABRA application 36085 for
renewal of a CN nightclub license for the Black Cat was introduced by
Commissioner Spalding. Applicant
was present to answer Commission questions. Commissioner Spalding indicated that
this license has been in this location for a long time, is extraordinarily
popular, and there are no know violations or complaints. Commissioner Spalding again raised the
issue of the façade, and applicant stated that they are working with
14th & U Main Streets, but that it is a long process. Commissioner Spalding also asked the
owner to participate in the work currently underway with the Responsible
Hospitality Institute. Commissioner
Spalding moved support of renewal of the CN nightclub license for the Black Cat,
and it was seconded and adopted unanimously (6-0-0).
ABRA application 60883 for T
Sports Bar located at 600 T
St.
Commissioner Skinner asked if anyone in the community had any concerns
about this business. Commissioner
Skinner stated that SMD Commissioner Guyot is in support of the
application. Commissioner Spalding
asked what license was being applied for, and Mr. Pappas responded for the
applicant that they were seeking a CT tavern license. Commissioner Spalding asked if it was a
new license, and Mr. Pappas stated that it was a new license. Commissioner Spalding asked about the
occupancy, and Mr. Pappas responded that it was less than fifty. Commissioner Spalding asked if the other
person at the table was the new owner, and Mr. Pappas agreed that it was. Commissioner Spalding asked the owner if
he owned any other businesses in the District, and if he had any relationship to
other liquor licenses, and applicant stated that it was his first business and
he had no previous relationship with any other licenses. Commissioner Spalding asked if they had
ABRA certified managers ready, and applicant responded that they did. Commissioner Spalding asked Mr. Pappas
if they were asking for support for a stipulated license or the full license or
both, and Mr. Pappas responded that they were seeking support of a stipulated
license. Commissioner Skinner moved
support of a stipulated license towards a full CT tavern license for T Sports
Bar, and it was seconded and adopted (5-0-1).
Another new restaurant requested
consideration from the Commission.
Commissioner Skinner requested that the applicant contact his SMD
Commissioner and Secretary Spalding in order to appear on the November
agenda. This will allow the
Commissioners to due their due diligence, and Commissioner Spalding added that
it also allows some notification to the community.
Grant application from the
Howard University School of Communications Student Council for $700 was
introduced by Maya Gilliam. The
proposal is to bring 100 Cardozo High
School students to a performance entitled “Sensory
Overload”, and to bring them back to teach them everything involved in producing
this type of performance. Treasurer
Esters stated that he has been working with them on the application, and
suggested that they reword the application to show the monies going towards an
educational rather than an entertainment purpose, and to amend the application
to show that the students are coming from just Cardozo and not a combination of
Cardozo and Bannaker Students.
Applicant stated that they have been to Cardozo and have received
assurances that those students participating will be involved in both the
workshops and present at the performance.
Commissioner Esters asked for both a list of the participating students,
and a more detailed description of the workshops. Commissioner Skinner offered a motion to
support the grant request reflecting the changes to the application discussed by
the Commission, and it was seconded and adopted (5-1-0).
Commissioner Spalding offered a
motion to support relaxation of parking restrictions in the immediate area of
the Prince Hall Grand Lodge during their Annual Communication between December
8th and 10th.
We have written a support letter for this event in the past, and moved
that the Commission send a letter of support for this year’s Communication, and
it was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
A motion of support for bricking
the alley between Elm and Oakdale was offered by Commissioner Wright. Commissioner Spalding stated that Ms.
LeBlanc from DDOT IPMA was aware of the community’s request, and that it would
be considered in their phase two plans for the LeDroit streetscape project. The Commission would be supporting the
completion of the work in brick rather than cement. Motion was made to support the motion,
and it was seconded and adopted (6-0-0).
Commissioner Spalding requested
support to write follow up letters of concern in regard to two Board for the
Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings cases that the Commission has already voted
on. In both cases the ongoing work
has not met community standards, and the intent is to ask the Board to revisit
these projects and bring them back into compliance with already issued orders
from the Board. The property at
2219 13th
Street has essentially fallen into the ground, and
the work has resumed, but we would like better supervision of the project. 1461 Florida Avenue was before the Board
about six months ago, and we have abutting property owners concerned with the
underpinning of their buildings. No
work has been seen since the decision of the Board asking for an expedited work
schedule. In this case we would be
asking the Board to enforce their previous decision. Commissioner Spalding requested support
for writing letters on each of these properties, and it was seconded and adopted
unanimously (6-0-0).
Meeting adjourned 9:40 PM