ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

MINUTES

1 September 2005, True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW

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

T. Smith, Mathews

Absent: Commissioners Hunter, Wright

Quorum was achieved just after 7PM. Vice Chairman Moss opened the meeting with introductions of Commissioners. Secretary Spalding reported on Commission related activities in the past month, and moved adoption of the minutes of the August meeting, and it was seconded and adopted (8-0). Treasurer Stephens presented the 2^nd Quarter Report showing an initial balance of $58,371.44, deposits of $15,479.10, and withdrawals of $10.00, leaving a balance of $73,835.54. Adoption of the 2^nd Quarter Report was moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). The Third Quarter Report covering activity from 4/1/05 through 6/30/05 showed an initial balance of $73,835.54, deposits of $1220.86, and withdrawals totaling $6,896.59, leaving a balance of $68,159.81. Treasurer Stephens pointed out that the majority of the funds ($5,900) were for grants. Commissioner Parker asked about the line item expense of $171.50, and Treasurer Stephens responded that this was for payments towards rental of the web site. Third Quarter Report was moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). The August Treasurer’s report indicated an initial balance of $68,159.81, withdrawals for CK1579 to HUCA for $637.86, CK1581 to YMCA for $1,000, and banking service charge of $15, leaving a check book balance of $66,506.95. August Treasurer’s Report was moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). Commissioner Moss recessed the proceedings for a few minutes. The September Treasurer’s Report indicated an initial balance of $66,506.95, a bank charge of $15, and a resulting check book balance of $66,491.95. Commissioner Akinmboni asked about the recurring charge and why we are not getting interest on the balance, and Treasurer Stephens responded that it is not an interest bearing account and that the charge was to allow internet banking service. September Treasurer’s Report was moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). Treasurer Stephens moved reimbursement of secretarial expenses for August of $598.27, which includes a charge of $507.60 for the printing of the Commissioner’s business cards, and it was seconded and adopted (8-0). Commissioner Spalding moved reimbursement of Treasurer’s expenses for August of $64.21 for ink, and it was seconded and adopted (8-0). In Committee Reports Commissioner Moss indicated that the Public Safety Committee announced that the new PSA 305 meeting will be scheduled for first Tuesdays of each month at the Housing Finance Agency at 815 Florida Avenue.

Vice Chairman Moss spoke to the current difficulties along the Gulf Coast and described actions being taken by the City Council and others. Commissioner Parker indicated that the city’s administration is working with the Superintendent of the Public School system to assure that any school age children brought to the city will be accommodated in the school system. Vice Chairman Moss asked Commissioners to comment on activities in their single member districts. Commissioner T. Smith thanked constituents for participating in the school beautification project last weekend. Commissioner Stephens mentioned the start of an orange hat patrol in the area of 14^th & W. Commissioner Parker applauded the beginning of work on the new Columbia Heights Community Center at 15^th & Girard Streets. Commissioner Mathews stated that constituents in his smd were working with DCRA and the Home Again program to rehabilitate vacant properties. Commissioner Akinmboni mentioned that she is working with DDOT to get work done on Fairmont St. Commissioner Moss mentioned that the community has been meeting with Broadway Atlantic LLC on their proposed PUD. LeDroit streetscape phase two is finishing up. Jeff Blum with Level 2 Development stated that they are continuing negotiations with Comcast to finalize replacement and removal of the satellite farm on 14^th St. Sam Brooks with the Adrian Fenty campaign mentioned that Fenty headquarters would be located at 8^th & Florida, and that their campaign kickoff would be at the African American Civil War Memorial on September 10^th. Neil Richardson said that he was present to take notes back to Jim Graham’s office, and asked that any concerns that need to go back to the Councilmember be brought to his attention. Commissioner Mathews asked for a point of personal privilege, and presented a letter and police report to his fellow Commissioners. Commissioner Mathews alleged that he was insulted and then assaulted by Chairman Hunter prior to the Commission’s meeting on August 25^th with the Office of Planning at the Reeves Center attended by Commissioners Hunter, Moss, M. Smith, Stephens, Spalding, T. Smith and Mathews. Commissioner Mathews stated that Chairman Hunter’s continued bias against members of the Commission and his inability to control his temper make him unfit to chair ANC1B. Commissioner Mathews asked the Commission to replace Chairman Hunter. Vice Chairman Moss stated that this is not an appropriate subject for this public meeting. We are here to do the people’s business, and this is a matter for the judicial system if anywhere.

Commissioner Stephens introduced reconsideration of the Commission’s request for removal of recently installed parking meters in locations that the Commission considers inappropriate. Mr. Smith and Mr. Nwadike from DDOT were present to discuss the issue with the Commission. Chairman Moss added that there was no notification of the installation to the nearby residents or to the Commission. We have officially voted on a request to DDOT for removal of specific meters, and to date we do not have a response. Mr. Smith presented a document dated 11/12/04 to Councilmember Graham explaining the DDOT policies in placement of parking meters in mixed residential/commercial zones. Mr. Smith explained that DDOT has to try to balance the parking needs of both the residential and commercial uses in mixed use areas. Commissioner Stephens responded that the letter was in response to a specific case on Wallach Place, and that it was made through DDOT administrators Asher and Noble. These administrators explained to Commissioner Stephens the method for addressing this problem, which has been followed resulting in this Commission’s vote and written request to DDOT for the removal. Commissioner Stephens stated that the owner of the commercial property between Belmont and Chapin is in agreement with the petition for removal. What we have in this specific case is a surfeit of parking, but DDOT has encroached on the available parking for the residents on these streets when the commercial lot is never full. Commissioner Mike Smith added that these two streets currently also are compromised by a number of development projects affecting the availability of parking on these streets. Commissioner Smith asked that DDOT consider disabling these meters for a period of two years during the construction projects, that this would provide relief to taxpayers who are very frustrated with the loss of available street parking. Commissioner Parker reiterated the point that the Commission did vote unanimously to have these meters removed and does expect an answer from DDOT. Vice Chairman Moss asked if DDOT would be notifying anyone if there were further changes in parking in our neighborhood, and Mr. Smith responded that there would be notification. Commissioner Akinmboni reminded Mr. Smith that he was talking about mixed use areas, and that DDOT should be attempting to satisfy both the residential and commercial demands. Mr. Smith responded that DDOT has to also consider the needs of the commercial owners, and that they can’t tailor all of their decisions to just the residential taxpayers. There just has to be places for patrons coming into this community to park their cars. Residential parking can only abut residential properties. Commissioner Stephens reminded Mr. Smith that they have the full support of the owners of the Nehemiah Center for this request. Allowing local residents places to park near their homes is also a public safety issue for this transitioning neighborhood. We have followed all of the instructions given to us by DDOT, and we are asking that DDOT now take action on our request. Commissioner Parker added that if DDOT is considering similar placement of new meters in the neighborhood they should consider giving the Commission thirty days notice of their action. Commissioner Stephens thanked Mr. Smith for attending, but the Commission has taken action on this specific request and we expect a response leading to a resolution from DDOT. David Franco added that the Commission has expressed itself to developers that new retail uses planned as part of the current developments be neighborhood serving and not destination retail that required more parking facilities. Neil Richardson commented that the Councilmember’s office was very concerned with agencies that have not given appropriate notification to ANC’s or community members.

Commissioner Stephens introduced a grant application submitted by Faircliff West Tenants Association for approximately $2,200 in school supplies. Vice Chairman Moss and Secretary Spalding stated that they were not aware of this application, and Treasurer Stephens responded that it was handed in at the last meeting. The representative was unable to attend this meeting due to a family emergency. Vice Chairman Moss asked if any Commissioners had reviewed the request, and Commissioner Stephens stated that he was handed the budget just prior to the start of tonight’s meeting. Commissioner Moss moved to table the application, and it was seconded. Commissioner Stephens stated that this is in his smd, and that he did support a grant to the organization at the Commission’s $1,000 ceiling. Commissioner Parker added that unlike other school supply grant applications, this one is supported by the names of individual residents. Vice Chairman Moss rescinded her motion to table. Treasurer Stephens moved that ANC1B provide up to $1,000 for school supplies, and it was seconded and adopted (8-1-0).

Vice Chairman Moss introduced Thomas Redmon and Milton Baily from the Housing Finance Agency to speak to their rfp for development of their site on Florida Avenue. Neither was in attendance. Vice Chairman Moss explained that HFA has started a process to sell their property for redevelopment, and that she had requested that they attend and describe the process and status of the rfp. Commissioner Spalding mentioned that many of the developer applicants were present in the room, and noting the inability of HFA to inform the community that the developers keep Commission members aware of the progress of the rfp and to provide any details of their own submissions for Commissioners to review. Vice Chairman Moss apologized to those in attendance expecting discussion and clarification of this project.

Vice Chairman Moss introduced review of proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map. A number of Commissioners met with representatives from the Office of Planning to discuss the map for ANC1B. Commissioner Spalding explained that we were looking at discrepancies between the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and the current use and underlying zoning for ANC1B. We did generate a long list of suggested changes to the map, and each of the Commissioners has a copy of those suggestions. These suggestions may also include advice on changes to zoning, though the suggestions will not effect changes they will be forwarded as the Comprehensive Plan is completed to the Zoning Commission for their consideration. An example of this zoning disparity is Harrison Square where the current zoning in medium density commercial and where we now have a new development in the entire square that is moderate density residential. Constituents should discuss any disparities that concern them with their single member district Commissioner, and the Commissioners should incorporate any of these suggestions and forward to the Secretary for inclusion in a motion that will be considered at our October meeting. Commissioner Stephens requested that we try to find a way of presenting this in a visual format, and Secretary Spalding agreed to try to accomplish this with help from the Comprehensive Plan Task Force or Office of Planning.

Commissioner Spalding introduced consideration of Councilmember Graham’s Oversight Hearing on “Noise Issues and Enforcement in Residential/Commercial Areas.” This will be taking place on November 2^nd, but I would like to solicit comments and testimony from constituents in ANC1B, and also ask the Commission to delegate me to represent the Commission at this hearing. Motion to delegate Commissioner Spalding was seconded and adopted (9-0).

Vice Chairman Moss asked for any other business, and Commissioner Mathews passed out pre printed support letters to various DC Government officials supporting career and technical education programs. Commissioner Mathews urged each Commissioner to fill out the form letters and mail to the addressee, and also moved that ANC1B support this effort to bring comprehensive career and technical education back into the public schools. Motion was seconded and adopted on a vote of (6-0-3). Commissioner Stephens reminded the Commissioners that we have not taken a position on inclusionary zoning, and we have until September 8^th to state positions. Gail Montclair added that the vote has been moved forward to September 25^th, and then spoke to the suggestions for initial levels of development that would trigger inclusion in the program. Commissioner Mike Smith raised the issue of establishing the standing committees for ANC1B, and encouraged the Commission to get this accomplished. Vice Chairman Moss agreed and stated that she would try to make this the primary mission of our informal meeting later this month. Clyde Howard stated that he had seen a reference to a hearing on Duffy’s Tavern, and Commissioner Spalding responded that ABRA would be holding a status hearing on September 14^th.

Vice Chairman Moss apologized again for the disruption earlier in the meeting to meet with the MPD officer, and for the non appearance of the administration of the Housing Finance Agency. I know that a lot of developers carved time out of their busy schedules to attend. I will ask for a private meeting with Mr. Bailey, and will then try to set up a meeting for developers to speak with Commissioners. Commissioner Parker commended the Vice Chair for running an excellent meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.