ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION 1B

Government of the District of Columbia

MINUTES

6 September 2006, True Reformer Building, 1200 U Street NW

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

T. Smith, Mathews

Absent: Commissioners Akinmboni, R. Wright

Quorum was achieved shortly after 7PM. In the Secretary’s Report Commission Spalding stated that the DC Auditor’s Office continues to deny ANC1B’s request for reimbursement of office supplies paid for using a credit card. Office of Property Management has still not identified any District owned office space for the Commission. In the ANC election update candidates have pulled signature petitions in all of the single member districts except 1B07 and 1B11. A map showing the two districts was provided, and constituents were urged to help identify and encourage candidates in these districts. Minutes of the August meeting were moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). Treasurer Stephens reviewed the July report showing an initial balance of $66,216.54, expenses of $791.11, and a month ending check book balance of $65,425.43, and this was moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). Treasurer Stephens reviewed the August report showing an initial balance of $65,425.43, expenses of $1,892.39, and a month ending check book balance of $63,533.04, and this was moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). Treasurer Stephens presented the 3^rd Quarter Report showing an initial balance of $67,810.04, a deposit of the District allotment of $7,190.85, expenses totaling $8,784.35, and a resulting ending balance of $66,216.54, and the 3^rd Quarter Report was moved, seconded and adopted (8-0). Treasurer Stephens spoke to the issue of the disallowed office expenses, and stated that the Auditor’s letter was not responsive to our questions. Why a payment method should be challenged when all of the expenses have been reviewed and approved by the Commission is still not addressed. Chairman Hunter added that he has spoken with Gottlieb Simon at OANC on this issue, and that a legislative amendment has been crafted to address this problem. Treasurer Stephens moved Secretarial expenses for August in the amount of $100.57 for ink and paper, and it was seconded and adopted (8-0).

In Community Events and Announcements Commissioner Stephens noted the error in the mailing from the Board of Elections indicating incorrect polling stations, and asked everyone to help neighbors know where they should be voting. Commissioner Mathews announced that the Congressional Black Caucus would be holding its annual legislative conference, and that he has information on all the happenings. Thursday September 14^th will be a key hearing of the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives in regard to DC voting rights. This Saturday the Pleasant Plains Civic Association will be meeting at the Emergence Arts Collective starting at noon. Scott Pomeroy stated that the Green Team, which ANC1B has helped support, will be back in action in the next few weeks. Mr. Pomeroy also noted an upcoming meeting of TIF funding in the Georgia Avenue corridor.

Commissioner Spalding introduced review for HPRB of a project at 2029 & 2031 13^th Street that was before the Commission at our August meeting. We tabled this and asked the architect to present to CSNA, and at the August CSNA meeting there was an extended discussion leading to a vote of support for the project. Bill Bonstra stated that he has met with both CSNA and Steve Callcott at HPO, and that it will be on the September HPRB agenda. One of the changes made is to the front entry, and the modified version includes a greener yard and front window wells while making the entry into the basement as small as possible. We also changed the floor elevations by compressing the building at the rear, consequently lowering the roof at the rear. This combined with pulling back the top story has made the addition much less visible from either 13^th Street or from vantages on V Street to the north. There was some discussion of the modifications to materials suggested at the CSNA meeting, and Commissioner Spalding agreed to get these in writing and forward to the applicant. Commissioner Spalding moved support and that he be designated to represent the Commission on this application, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).

Commissioner Stephens addressed the HPRB proposed Meridian Hill Historic District, and noted that in conversation with Steve Callcott at HPO the presentation to the community is not yet ready. The concept involves a narrow district along 15^th and 16^th Streets from U up to Harvard as an historic area. This was caused by the changes proposed to the former Italian Embassy. Mr. Callcott indicated that his office would be prepared to come before the Commission at a later date.

Commissioner Mathews introduced consideration of Zoning Commission case 06-38 presented by Howard University’s design for a new men’s dormitory. Maybelle Taylor Bennett introduced a number of Howard officials and architects involved in the project. Attorney Stillman explained that they are seeking special exceptions needed for amending the campus plan and for the rooftop structures. The hearing for this application is currently scheduled for January 2007. Architect Kessler gave a listing of the other partners involved in the design build process. The basic elements of the plan are a residence hall that will house 416 students, and a living learning component including meeting rooms and faculty offices, and underground parking. This is the first component in Howard’s redevelopment of the northern end of the campus. Mr. Kessler gave a detailed description of the design of the building and it’s siting. The building materials will be predominately brick, stone and metal windows painted white to blend with the existing campus structures. The three roof structures will be hidden behind a screen, and we will be using a synthetic slate that will be compatible with the other roofing materials on campus. Commissioner Mathews asked about loading when students are arriving or leaving at the beginning and end of the academic year, and Mr. Kessler stated that this has been thoroughly reviewed, and that there are three areas that can be used (loading dock, the pedestrian entrance, and the parking garage). Commissioner Mathews asked about the plans for Drew Hall, and applicant responded that Drew Hall will no longer be used to house freshman males. The facility is aging and inadequate, and the 325 beds will shift to the new facility. Commissioner Mathews asked about the parking, and Mr. Kessler stated that there would be sixty-seven underground parking spaces which will predominately serve the faculty since the freshman are not allowed to have cars. Chairman Hunter stated that he is supportive of the project and personally knows of the housing crunch on campus. I have a brother who is a sophomore, and I’ve had a chance to see the current situation closely. The housing crunch in the larger community exists equally for the kids on campus. The cost of off campus housing leads me to suggest that the University needs to do all that it can to alleviate this situation by developing on campus housing. Chairman Hunter requested that Howard University involved the Commission in all reviews of the upcoming revision to the campus plan. Commissioner Thomas Smith indicated concern over the entrance to the parking garage, and Mr. Kessler stated that they have worked hard on preserving good sight lines for cars entering and exiting the garage. Chairman Hunter asked if they had consulted with neighborhood associations, and Ms. Bennett responded that they had come to the ANC first, but had arranged to meet with local groups like Pleasant Plains Civic Assoc. this month. Commissioner Moss noted the DDOT work with 4^th Street, and applicant stated that DDOT would be reviewing their plans. Commissioner Stephens asked about the current parking situation, and applicant stated that the trade off would be close to even. Tony Norman of the Pleasant Plains Civic Association stated that the association agrees with Chairman Hunter’s statement on the need for on campus housing, but that there are serious community concerns with the parking options presented. Clyde Howard asked about the sight lines to the historic clock tower in the main yard, and Mr. Kessler stated that the distance between the buildings should mitigate most problems with sight lines of the clock tower. Clyde Howard asked about the changes to 6^th St., and Mr. Kessler responded that they would be redoing and improving this piece of road. Mr. Howard asked about a vacant lot at 4^th & Bryant, and applicant stated that there are now development plans at this moment, and that use is currently projected as recreation space at this time. Commissioner Mathews stated that since the hearing is not until January, that the Commission delay approval until Howard University has had a chance to present the plan to community groups, and that he be designated to represent the Commission on this application, and motion was seconded. Commissioners Moss and Hunter stated that they were inclined to support the project with the request that the plan be presented to the community groups. Commissioner T. Smith asked to be added as a designee on this application, and Commissioner Mathews agreed. Motion to table was accepted (6-3).

Commissioner Hammonds introduced review of DDOT 06-66-06 regarding the installation of bicycle lanes on 11^th Street between Clifton St. and Monroe St. Commissioner Spalding added that this appears to be a continuation of the district wide bicycle lane development, and that 11^th Street is considered one of the major bicycle ways. Cheryl Cort added that this is a heavily used street for bicycle traffic. Commissioner Hammonds moved support of the bicycle lanes, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).

Commissioner Spalding introduced the annual request from Prince Hall Masonic Lodge for an allowance from normal hourly parking limitations for their Annual Communication. Every December the Lodge holds its Communication, and they have need of relaxed parking enforcement during the days of the meeting. The schedule this year is Wednesday, December 13^th through Friday, December 15^th, and a list of the effected blocks was given. This application is reviewed by the Ward 1 DDOT Parking specialist, and modifications are made depending on current construction projects a final list of options is decided on. We have supported this request for the past five years, and I move that we support this request again this year, and it was seconded. Commissioner Spalding withdrew his motion to allow Ms. Clark to comment. Eartha Clark asked about the effect of street cleaning scheduling on the allowance. Commissioner Spalding agreed to include concern over street cleaning to our letter. Commissioner Moss asked about the effect of a possible snow emergency, and Commissioner Spalding responded that snow emergency regulations trump whatever allowances have been made, and that he will remind the Lodge of the effect of a possible snow emergency. Commissioner Spalding restated his motion to support the application amended by the commentary following his initial motion, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).

Commissioner Spalding went through the list of ABRA protests and the current status of cases with ABRA. There was discussion on the three licenses at the corner of 11^th and U. Carbonero protest hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15^th. Yegna is scheduled for protest hearing in October. Republic Gardens had a Show Cause hearing last month over three incidents inside the club during the past eighteen months, and this should be resolved this month. Delicatessen Judy, Florida Liquors, Mercadito Ramos, and W St. Market are all in process and should result in agreements soon. Sonya’s Market’s voluntary agreement has been submitted to the Board. Harvard Deli’s renewal application that was dismissed will be rescheduled by the Board now that they have asked for reinstatement.

Commissioner T. Smith introduced consideration of a grant application from Emergence Community Arts Collective for $840 to conduct two financial literacy workshops. Sylvia Robinson from ECAC explained the programs to be presented by Cheryl Richardson of FLAME (Financial Literacy Activities Made Easy). Ms. Richardson went into details of how the workshops would be structured and the materials that would be used. Chairman Hunter questioned the billing for the facility rental at $240 noting that the applicant controls the space. Chairman Hunter thought the program worthwhile, but questioned the small number (24) of participants. My second concern is that the grant asks the ANC to bear the entire cost, and we have made it part of our support to get support from other groups. I am also concerned about paying an organization to use their own space. Ms. Robinson explained that all organizations using the space pay to use the space. Commissioner Mathews stated his support of the application, and noted that the total amount requested was small. Commissioner Stephens noted that this is a small grant only in relation to larger grant requests that exceeded our suggested grant limitations, and added that matching support might be sought from local financial institutions. Scott Pomeroy mentioned a program sponsored by City First Bank that might work sympathetically with this program. Tony Norman stated that his civic association meets at this facility and has donated toward the cost of the use. Commissioner T. Smith moved approval of the grant application, and it was seconded and adopted (8-1) with Commissioner Spalding opposed.

Chairman Hunter addressed concern over the possible lease of the Prince Hall Mason’s ground floor to CVS. The Mason’s have been working with Derrick Woody and other people from the DC Government to identify alternative uses which might be more compatible with the proximity to the African American Civil War Memorial. At this time I don’t think that the Commission needs to take action on this. Chairman Hunter moved to table, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).

Commissioner Moss introduced consideration of a request from the residents of Square 0394 to restore the rear footage currently known as Lot 59 to the properties located on 8^th St. and 9^th St. There have been problems with the use and maintenance of this lot created by the Shaw Urban Renewal Plan. Frank Chauvin gave a history of the unusual redevelopment of the block after the damage from the riots of 1968. The redesign took back the rear of the properties located on the block in order to create a playground in the center of the block. In order to accommodate the residential parking needs Lot 60 was designated as the parking for the residents. Recently DCRLA sold Lot 60 for redevelopment ignoring the parking provided under the terms of the SURP agreement. Lot 60 parking was required by zoning to satisfy the needs of the property owners in redeveloped Square 0394. The planned use of the new Lot 59 park has been a failure for the past thirty years, and has only served as a location for prostitution and drug activities. We are asking DCLRA to amend for the taking of the parking provided by Lot 60, to restore and modernize Lot 59 to accommodate residential parking for the property owners bordering Lot 59. Mrs. Bertha Dudley has been a resident for the past thirty years, and testified that the city installed stone blocks that prohibited residents from using the space, and that were also a hazard for children playing in the space. Nobody has used this space but the killers, the prostitutes and the thieves. We haven’t been able to use the parking lot because there was no lighting. We want the city to give us back our land, and to restore this area. Chairman Hunter asked if the land was taken by imminent domain, and Ms. Dudley responded that the city took the entire block as a part of the renewal project following the riots of 1968. Mr. Chauvin added that under the terms of the SURP agreement, and through it’s amendments as well, there is reference to the requirement to provide one parking space for each of the properties in Square 0394, and that now that this has been breached by the sale of the parking in Lot 60, the zoning requirements and thus the parking for the residents has been taken. Lot 59 should be returned as a real alley with real drainage and real lighting, and to provide for the parking requirements of the buildings on 8^th and 9^th Streets. Mr. Chauvin presented the petition signed by the residents of 8^th and 9^th Streets. Commissioner Moss moved that ANC1B support the efforts of the residents of 8^th and 9^th Streets that Lot 59 be renewed, renovated and parking for residents be established, and that this be addressed by DCLRA. Motion was seconded and adopted (9-0).

Scott Pomeroy asked the Commission to support the Responsible Hospitality Panel in a letter. Specifically the establishment of the pilot program centered on the 1900 block of 9^th Street, the orientation for businesses, the best practices program, the early assistance program, and supporting sending a team to the December conference in Chicago. We’re not asking the ANC for funding, but asking you to encourage others to do so. Commissioner Spalding moved to write the letter of support for the RHP, and it was seconded and adopted (9-0).

Chairman Hunter introduced support for the petition encouraging Trader Joe’s to locate in our community. This was announced at the August meeting. Lydia Charles has been gathering signatures on petitions showing support for this business in our community. The space being looked at is the newly developed retail space in the PN Hoffman project on 14^th Street. I have been asking about this business and have concluded that everyone loves Trader Joe’s. Ms. Charles asked that a letter of support indicate the breadth of support coming from the large geographical territory represented by ANC1B. Chairman Hunter moved that ANC1B support the encouragement of Trader Joe’s locating in ANC1B and it was seconded and adopted (8-0).

Commissioner Spalding introduced support for a motion calling for Council passage of the Comprehensive Plan of 2006. The motion is long, and describes the long work that has gone into the plan’s development, the participation of the community in the process, and the needed changes reflected in the current draft of the plan. The motion concludes with the following clauses: Whereas the proposed Plan is underpinned by a commitment to fairness, equity, inclusiveness, and opportunity for all District residents; and Whereas the District cannot afford to wait any longer to incorporate these principles in its day-to-day actions, and must act now to plan for its future; Therefore, be it resolved that ANC1B supports the Draft District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital; and be it further resolved that ANC1B urges the Council of the District of Columbia to act on the Draft during its 2006 legislative session. Commissioner Spalding moved support of the resolution, and it was seconded and adopted (8-0).

Commissioner T. Smith stated that he would like this issue to return to our October agenda giving time for review by the local civic associations. Chairman Hunter agreed that vetting before the civic associations when possible is definitely a benefit. Presentation was moved to the October agenda.

Commissioner Spalding introduced an additional agenda item. The residents of Wallach Place have presented ANC1B with a petition requesting traffic calming speed humps to be installed, and they need our support. I am aware that we have a burgeoning population of very young constituents on this block, and that speeding has been an issue in regards to these constituents safety. I move that ANC1B support this request for traffic calming measures on Wallach Place. Motion was seconded, and Commissioner Stephens asked if these were to be permanent or temporary structures. Commissioner Spalding responded that they would most likely be temporary humps removed during the winter season. Motion was adopted (9-0).

Motion to adjourn was adopted (9-0) at 9:10PM.