Minutes of Regular
Meeting
Tuesday,
April 14, 2009; 7:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE
Commissioners Present: Francis Campbell, David Garrison (chairing), Neil Glick, Carol Green, Will Hill, Kenan Jarboe, Kirsten Oldenburg, and Mary Wright.
Commissioners Absent: Julie Olson and Michael Patterson.
Also in attendance: ANC6B Executive Director,
Following the introduction of Commissioners, the agenda was amended and adopted by the vote of 8-0. A copy of the amended agenda is attached.
No presentations
Donna Scheeder, announced that The Old Naval Hospital Foundation will hold a Community Meeting on April 20th at 730pm to present and discuss plans for renovations of the Old Naval Hospital, prior to it becoming the Hill Center.
Commissioner Garrison announced there will be an ANC6B Special Call meeting on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, to vote on proposed changes to the Commission’s By Laws. The meeting will begin at 7pm and is open to all.
4.
Presentations
Gynecologic Cancer Foundation Half-
Matt Herring represented Lisa Marie Ordakowski, Race Director for GCF. Herring presented details of the planned race on Capitol Hill, which will occur in conjunction with the organization’s annual conference in DC. GCF is in the process of consulting with MPD and the fire department and eight area churches regarding planned street closures and asked for ANC6B support. The Chair explained the Commission process and referred the matter for discussion at the next Planning & Zoning Committee meeting when GCF can provide more complete race details.
Urban Forestry Administration’s (
Jack Chapman (671-5133) presented information about DDOT’s
street trees program and responded to various questions posed by
Commissioners. An inspection of a apparently dead street tree will occur within about a
month of it being reported (via 311); and removal will occur 6 to 8 months
after inspection. There is no longer an annual pruning schedule but a special
request for pruning can be made to
2010 Census
Lori Anderson, Partnership Specialist, U.S. Census Bureau, discussed the importance of the upcoming Census 2010 and provided a brief overview of the program. She mentioned that the Census Bureau is interested in partnering with organizations and individuals to help make the 2010 count a success. To volunteer, contact Ms Anderson at 202-904-3014 or email: lori.lnne.anderson@census.gov.
Peter Tinubu, WASA project
manager, informed the Commission that—as part of WASA’s
Capital Improvement Program—it will be replacing existing
12-inch pipes and smaller cast iron water mains in ANC6B. The work is scheduled to begin in about 4
weeks and end by November 2009 and will involve the 300-1200 blocks of
Commissioner Glick introduced Mr.
PS
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommended the Commission support the application for the sidewalk café permit. Mr. Kim, representing the restaurant presented the Commission with a copy of the plans and photographs to clarify a question Commissioner Campbell had about the entrance and egress to the building. One resident living nearby the establishment spoke very positively about it being a good neighbor and supported the application. The Commission voted 8-0 to approve the application.
30th Annual Capitol Hill Classic Race (Sunday,
May 17, 2009)
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee had not
taken a position on the 2009 Capitol Hill Classic Race because of a lack of key
information. Lori Beth, of the Cluster
PTA, was present and provided the missing information. The only full street closures will be two
blocks away from
Commissioner Garrison stressed the importance of making sure MPD officers are aware of the need to allow crossing traffic through during gaps in the racers. After more discussions about street closures and coordination with MPD, Commissioner Jarboe moved (with a second from Commissioner Campbell) that the Commission support the race with the proviso that race officials notify MPD of the need to allow north-south traffic to move whenever possible during breaks in the race. The Commission voted 8-0 in support of the motion.
3rd Annual Police Week Race (Saturday, May 16,
2009)
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Police Week Race had not been on the Committee agenda. Mr. Jay Greenberg, representing race officials, informed the Commission the race is organized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association on behalf of COPS, a nonprofit organization, to which proceeds will be donated. About 2,000 participants are expected and route has been coordinated with MPD, FBI police, and Capitol Police. Street closures will occur from 845am to 11am and those on the Hill should reopen by 945am.
Commissioner Jarboe suggested that race officials plan to come before the Commission at least two months in advance of next year’s event. Commissioner Campbell moved (with a second by Commissioner Hill) that the Commission support the race as it will have minimal impact on ANC6B. The Commission voted 8-0 in favor of the motion.
HPA #09-182, 649 E Street SE – Rear addition
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee awaits a
sight line view from
Commissioner Campbell moved (with a second by Commissioner Wright) that the Commission support the application. The Commission voted 7-0-1 in favor of the motion.
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommends the Commission approve the project. Mr. Belton, architect, provided the Commission with additional photographs, showing adjacent property and the alley, and with four more letter of support from neighbors.
The Commission voted 8-0 in support of the Committee report recommendation.
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommends the Commission approve the project, based on the applicant’s submissions and letter of support. There being no presentation of new information, the Commission voted 8-0 in favor of the Committee’s recommendation.
HPA #09-124,
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommends this project for full approval by the Commission. There was no new information presented and the Commission voted 7-1 in favor of the Committee’s recommendation.
HPA #09-186,
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee understands the applicants will hold a public meeting prior to the case being heard by the Historic Preservation Review Board on April 23rd. As such, the Committee recommends that the Commission support the application.
Mr. David Bell, architect, presented an overview of the
proposed design for the
ZC #08-06-8, CZR Rewrite: Low/Moderate Density
Residential
Commissioner Campbell reported that, because of the timing of the release by the Office of Planning of proposals to the Zoning Commission (ZC), the Committee had asked ANC6B Chair Garrison to testify before the ZC on April 9th on the Committee’s four recommendations to ANC6B, laid out in report, which is attached.
Commissioner Garrison moved (with a second by Commissioner Jarboe) that the Commission send a letter to the ZC converting the Chair’s public testimony at the April 9th hearing into the official position of the Commission. The Commission voted 8-0 to approve the motion.
There were no ABC Committee items on the agenda
Chair Garrison announced the reappointment of Commissioner Jarboe as ANC6B’s representative on the Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee (EMCAC).
Newly re-appointed Commissioner Jarboe read his Eastern Market Committee report, which included that planning is underway for the reopening of the North and South Halls this summer. The full report is attached.
Commissioner Green reported that ANC6B began the January-March 2009 quarter with $65,392.34, had receipts of $7,940.55 (mainly, the District Allotment), and spent $7,880.98. This leaves a balance of $65,451.91 at the end of the quarter. Commissioner Green moved (with a second by Commissioner Glick) that the Commission approve the report. The Commission voted 8-0 to approve it.
The Chair stated that three Commissioners (Campbell, Hill, and Patterson) needed new business cards. The Chair moved (with a second by Commissioner Glick) that no more than $200 be spent on obtaining new cards. The Commission voted 8-0 in favor of the motion.
Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second my Commissioner Jarboe) that the Commission adopt the December 8, 2008, meeting minutes. With no discussion, the Commission voted 8-0 to approve the minutes. Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second by Commissioner Green) that the Commission adopt the March 10, 2009, meeting minutes. Again, without discussion, the Commission voted 8-0 in favor of the motion.
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 pm.
Prepared by Kirsten Oldenburg Attest:
_____________ .
Attachments:
Planning & Zoning Committee Report
Eastern Market Report
Agenda, as amended
Report of the Planning and Zoning Committee
May 5, 2009
7:00 pm
Commissioner’s present, Francis Campbell, Chair, Kirsten
Oldenburg, Carol Green,
PS
Erik Holzherr, the owner, of Wisdom presented his plans for a sidewalk café in front of his place of business. The area would be right in front of the establishment. It would consist of 5 tables and 11 chairs. The area would have no permanent structures and would have a secondary point of exit. This exit point is in front of the business next door, a fast food restaurant and the applicant says he can obtain a letter of support from the owner of the neighboring business for this sidewalk café addition. The addition will be marked so as be clear that a 10ft of pedestrian right of way will be maintained.
The only issue of concern is the manhole cover in front of the establishment that is missing a “plug” that could present a possible tripping hazard. Establishing the responsible party to replace the plug, whether it be PEPCO, WASA or some government entity, is of paramount import in addressing this problem. There are no other issues of concern to the Committee at this time and it therefore recommends this project for approval to the full ANC.
Screaming Eagles 5K:
Running for Kicks – Rebecca Johnson Race, Race Chair
Ms. Johnson appeared before the Committee to discuss a 5K race on Saturday September 12, 2009. The applicant submitted a mission statement outlining the objectives, highlights, and purpose of the event. Also submitted were a race diagram, timetable/timeline and route map. The applicant submissions show a well thought out race course which will not require rolling road closures and or traffic disruptions such as have occurred with similar events that have been scheduled in Ward 6 in the past. The Committee thanks the applicant for her sensitivity to this issue and recommends this project for approval to the full ANC.
HPA # 09-185,
Kim Jones, presented for the owners. The applicant wishes to remove a one-story rear addition and build a two-story rear addition that will contain a kitchen on the first floor and a new bedroom on the second. Applicant submitted plans showing the demolition and construction of the addition. However there was no “site plan or survey”, notation of lot occupancy, no letters of support from affect or adjacent neighbors, or sufficient information for the Committee to make an informed decision. Until the applicant can provide additional information as mentioned, the Committee cannot make a recommendation to the full ANC at this time.
HPA #09-231, 511 3RD Street, SE – Two – story rear addition
Jennifer Fowler, architect, presented for owners Ellen Shaw and Pranav Badhwar. Plans submitted show a site plan with existing lot occupancy of 48.7% that would increase to 60%. The submission included information on existing conditions, photos of alley, front, North and South views, demolition plans of the existing structure basement, first and second floors, construction plans for the new additions to the basement, first and second floors, elevation plans of the rear addition when completed and letters of support from affected neighbors. There appear to be no issues of concern from any neighbors or commissioners at this time. Pending any additional or new information the Committee recommends this project for approval to the full ANC.
ZC #08-06-9
(Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Sustainability)
As part of the comprehensive rewrite, the Office of Planning has put forward a number of recommendations for modifications to the regulations to promote environmental sustainability. A summary of the recommendations is as follows:
The Committee
recommends that the Commission support most of these recommendations. However, the Committee has some concerns with
five of the proposals.
Recommendation
#2. Accessory
Dwelling Units (ADUs).
The Committee notes that the issue of allowing accessory
dwelling units as a matter-of-right has come before the ANC before in the
context of ZC #08-06-9 - Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Low &
Moderate Density Residential. At that
time we noted our opposition to allowing carriage houses to be converted to
dwellings as a matter of right. With the
exception of some specific spots, we do not support increased density on
Capitol Hill. Rather, we would remind
the Zoning Commission that Section 1607.2 of the Comprehensive Plan finds that
“the Hill is already one of the densest communities in the
Recommendation
#3. Transit Oriented
Development (TOD).
The Committee understands and supports the need for transit oriented development in appropriate locations. In this regard, the Committee appreciated the efforts incorporated in the recommendations to ensure that the character of single family and rowhouse residential areas are protected from inappropriate application of TOD principles. For example the Committee supports the exclusion of single family and rowhouse residential areas from the proposed TOD areas (“walksheds”) and the requirement for step-downs to surrounding neighborhoods. The Committee, however, remains concerned that this recommendation could be used as a backdoor mechanism for significantly up-zoning certain areas, such as around the Potomac Ave Metro or the Hine site. The Committee would note that the recommendation specifically calls for any TOD walksheds to respect the Comprehensive Plan and any Small Area Plans. The areas around both the Hine site and the Potomac Ave Metro are designated moderate density commercial in the Comprehensive Plan. In addition, the Hine site is in the historic district and the area around the Potomac Ave Metro has been subject to a number of planning exercises, most recently the Pennsylvania Avenue SE Corridor Land Development Plan. The Committee therefore recommends that the ANC request that these two sites not be included in any TOD areas that would be in conflict with the existing planning documents covering these sites.
Recommendation
#6. Sustainable
Energy Features.
The Committee
supports the general concept of allowing energy related sustainability
features. However, the Committee recommends
that the ANC request the same conditions be applied to these features as to
those in recommendation #7 Renewable Energy Generation – specifically, that when
such sustainable energy features are allowed to override certain zoning
requirements (such as setbacks), consideration be give to limiting visual,
noise, and safety impacts, as well as to ensure compatibility with existing
neighborhood character.
Recommendation
#13. Existing Tree
Protection
The Commission
supports OP’s recommends making tree protection
limits applicable to all residential zones.
The Commission recommends that a Tree Protection Management Plan be
required for all new construction.
Recommendation
#17. Pavement Runoff Reduction
The Commission
supports this regulation and recommends that at a minimum use Low Impact
Development numbers for a 1 or 2 year storm in obtaining as close to zero (0)
runoff as possible on-site.
The Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the Office of Planning released a draft planning study dated March 12, 2009 on the Boathouse Row area along the west bank of the Anacostia River. The Committee recommends that the Commission submit the following comments:
“The Commission wishes to commend DC’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Office of Planning for conducting the Boathouse Row Planning Study in such a manner that the ideas and concerns of the Advisory Committee and the public were fully considered.
The draft study that evolved from
the process is very thorough. However,
ANC6B is concerned with the provisional status of the project. There remains uncertainty about how the Study
results will be used, especially given the fact that various projects in and
around the area must be completed before any Boathouse Row changes could occur
(Executive Summary, page 7, section 3).
This leads the Commission to conclude that the future zoning of the
Boathouse Row area will be the most critical element in balancing the desire to
preserve the natural elements of the area with enhancing boating and rowing
uses and improving non-boaters access to the
The Study states that the Boathouse Row area is not yet zoned but is designated in the DC Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use map as “Parks, Recreation and Open Space” (Executive Summary, page 8, section 5). ANC6B understands that the DC Office of Zoning will propose adoption of a waterfront designation, such as W-0 or W-1, for the Boathouse Row area. At this time, the current Waterfront regulations are undergoing zoning rewrite, as are those for Parks and Open Space. This adds to the uncertainty of the future of Boathouse Row. The current W-1 district, for instance, allows for maximum heights and FAR and many uses as a matter of right that the Commission finds unacceptable for Boathouse Row.
Given the concerns and uncertainties expressed above, the Commission does not find it useful to decide between Concept 1 and Concept 2 presented in the Study but looks forward to working with DC officials on a final concept, as referenced in the Study (Executive Summary, page 10, section 9), once the zoning is established and while the short-term enabling projects are underway.
The Commission is also extremely concerned about the
ecology of Boathouse Row and the nearby Anacostia Riverwalk
Trail. Of specific concern is the use of the words "re-landscaping"
or "landscaping" to be done at the site, as opposed to demonstrating
commitment to the ecological restoration and installation of native plants that
are unique to the
The Commission suggests that a plan be created for ecological restoration and removal of invasive plants species. The most invasive plants are English ivy, autumn clematis, and purple loosestrife, which is banned in many states because they chokes waterways. All of these have been observed in abundance by a commissioner who is also a landscape professional. We suggest that a professional horticulturalist that specializes in ecological restoration be retained for these purposes.
The Commission does not foresee the day when the CSX tracks are removed and the city street grid can be extended directly into Boathouse Row (Executive Summary, page 13, section 8). In fact, making it possible to drive along multiple routes into Boathouse Row seems to invalidate the idea of preserving the current “oasis” nature of the area. Instead, the Study should stick with its recommendation of designating parking areas adjacent to Boathouse Row and consider the use of shuttle buses as a way of getting spectators further into the area for any special events. Boathouse Row is a good candidate area where DC could promote walking and biking.”
ANC 6B Eastern Market
update – May 12, 2009
Commissioner Kenan Jarboe
The following is my report on Eastern Market, based on the
EMCAC meeting of
Construction is on schedule and planning continues for the re-opening of the South and North Halls later this summer. The Office of Property Management (OPM) has hired a consulting company “Management Alternatives” to coordinate the move of the merchants from the East Hall to the new South Hall.
OPM does not yet have a definite date for the re-opening, but anticipates a Saturday in early July. The Mayor will be making an announcement this week.
Concerning the opening day celebrations, EMCAC has hired a
professional event planner to help with event.
The event will essentially be a two-block long “block party” with tours,
music and entertainment. OPM is
coordinating with DDOT to ensure that both blocks of
There will also be further events in the Fall when the streetscape is completed. As part of that undertaking, EMCAC is looking at how to tie the re-opening with an overall marketing plan.
Because of some recent incidents, EMCAC and OPM will be discussing with MPD additional police presence at the market on weekend.
As reported previously, the former Hine playground is being
used for parking during the week. Meter
should be installed shortly, as the Memorandum of Understanding to allow for
their installation has been signed.
However, DDOT has yet to open up a second entrance to the lot off of
A small glitch arose with the completion of the landscaping
of the
The Merchants Row Association submitted a letter to EMCAC
asking that
Meeting Agenda
Agenda
1. Adoption of Agenda
2. Community Speakout
3. Community and Commission Announcements
4. Presentation
· Gynecologic Cancer Foundation Half-Marathon and 5K Race November 8, 2009 – Matt Herring, Race Director
·
Urban Forestry Administration
·
2010 Census – Lori Anderson, Partnership
Specialist,
· Replacement of 12-inch and smaller cast iron water mains within ANC 6B – DCWASA, Aleizha Batson
5. Planning and Zoning Committee
·
PS
·
30th Annual Capitol Hill Classic Race
–
·
National Police Memorial Race – Bryan Varndran, Race Director
·
HPA # 09-182, 649 E Street, SE –Rear addition
·
HPA # 09-188,
·
HPA # 09-192,
·
HPA # 09-124,
·
HPA # 09-186,
· ZC # 08-06-8, CZR Rewrite: Low/Moderate Density Residential
6. Eastern Market – Appointment of ANC 6B Representative and EMCAC Report
7. Quarterly Financial Report – Additional Expenditures
8. Approval of Commission Minutes
9. Adjournment
NOTE: Late-Breaking ABC, Payphone, Zoning, or
Historic Preservation Cases may be added to this Agenda.
For additional information,
call 202.543.3344 or e-mail: office@anc6b.org,
website: www.ancb6.org.
Next
Meeting: May 12, 2009