Minutes of Regular Meeting

Tuesday, April 13, 2010; 7:00 p.m.

 

ATTENDANCE

 

Commissioners Present: Francis Campbell, Dave Garrison (chairing), Carol Green, Neil Glick, Kenan Jarboe, Norman Metzger, Kirsten Oldenburg, Michael Patterson, and Mary Wright

 

Commissioners Absent: Will Hill

 

Also in attendance: ANC6B Staff Assistant, Bert Randolph.

 

1.  Adoption of Agenda

 

Following the introduction of Commissioners, the Chair asked for changes to the agenda.  Commissioner Green announced that the Financial Report should not be on the April agenda but would be taken up at the May meeting.  With this change, the agenda was adopted by voice vote. 

 

2.  Community Speakout

 

Ms Antoinette Russell, Operations Director of DC Vote, said that the organization will hold a DC Emancipation Advocacy Day celebration on April 16, 2010, from 8:00am to 12:00pm.   Participants will visit congressional offices to advocate for full representation and full local control for the District of Columbia.  The event will be held at the U.S. Capitol, Capitol Visitors Center, Room HVC-215.

 

3.  Community and Commission Announcements

 

There were none offered.

 

4.  Presentations

 

Capitol Hill Public Schools Parent Organization

Ms Suzanne Wells made a presentation on the CH PSPO organization and its activities.  Individual public school PTA’s have representation on CH PSPO, which was formed in 2005 and initially worked to improve school libraries.  Currently, the organization is focused on a CH Middle School Initiative, which is a proposal to improve middle school opportunities.  This initiative began in 2009 and has culminated in a proposal for a 3-tiered middle school model that includes one large, one mid-sized and several small middle school options on the Hill. 

 

Update on CSX Railroad Tunnel Project Underneath Virginia Avenue

Mr. Stephen Flippin, Director, Federal Affairs, CSX Corporation, provided an update on the status of the tunnel project.  To date, total funding has not been secured; however, the expectation is that it will be.  Currently, CSX is conducting vehicle traffic studies to determine how the project will impact road traffic.  Studies have so far focused on two options for routing vehicles exiting the SW/SE Freeway at 6th Street SE, and Mr. Flippin provided details of the studies’ preliminary results.  CSX expects the NEPA process, which will assess all impacts of the planned “design/build” project, to get underway in mid-2010.  Lastly, CSX unveiled a “future vision” of the areas to be disturbed during the tunnel project such as a design for a linear park between the south side of the freeway and Virginia Avenue, from Garfield Park to Boathouse Row. 

 

Commissioners Jarboe and Garrison suggested other traffic studies such as how Virginia Avenue local traffic will be rerouted and the connections to the 11th Street Bridges project.  Mr. Flippin answered several questions posed by residents and then offered to address individual questions and concerns with whose attendees who wished to go upstairs to a separate meeting room.

 

Update on Barney Circle Historic District Designation—Historic Preservation Office

 

Mr. Steve Calcott, Deputy Director of the DC Historic Preservation Office, accompanied by Ms Amanda Molson and Ms Kim Williams, provided a status report on the 6-year old project to designate a Barney Circle Historic District.  Draft guidelines for the proposed District are now available and will be posted on the HPO website.  Any comments on the guidelines should be sent to the HPO by the end of May 2010.  The HPO will present the proposed designation at the next Barney Circle Neighborhood Watch meeting on April 6 and office expects that it will be presented to the Historic Preservation Review Board at its June 2010 meeting. 

 

In response to a question by Commissioner Jarboe, Ms Williams said that similar guidelines would be created for the CH historic district, eventually.  An owner of property in the proposed Barney Circle historic district complained that this was the first time he had heard about the proposal to create an historic district despite living in the area for 2 years. 

 

Foreclosure Prevention Program—Nathaniel Murrell, United Planning Organization

 

Neither Mr. Murrell nor any other representative was at the meeting so this item was not presented.

 

5.  Planning & Zoning Committee

 

Avon Walk-for-Cancer May 1st—Molly Gasscoigne, Logistics Coordinator

 

Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee has no recommendation as no one was present at the Committee meeting to represent the Avon Walk-for-Cancer.  Ms Gasscoigne was present this evening and apologized for missing the meeting.  She described the event which will involve about 3,000 participants walking along the planned route on sidewalks rather than in the street.  They will follow all pedestrian rules and no MPD involvement is necessary. 

 

Some discussion of the route ensued.  Commissioner Garrison told Ms Gasscoigne that the sidewalk on the south side of the 300 block of A Street SE they were planning to use was in very poor walking condition.  Commissioner Jarboe moved (with a second by Commissioner Garrison) that the Commission support the event but express concern regarding the use of A Street and ask the organizers to study this further.  The Commission voted 8-0 in favor of the motion.[1]

 

BZA #18601, 140 12th Street SE—Special exemption to construct two-story rear addition to existing one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy and open court requirements

 

HPA #10-207, 140 12th Street SE—2-story rear addition with 2-story screened-in back porches

 

Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee finds no negative impact of the BZA component of the project and recommends the applicant’s proposal for approval to the full ANC.  Commissioner Campbell also reported that the Committee recommends that the Commission support the HP application. 

 

Ms Jennifer Fowler, architect, and Ms Linda McMeans, owner, were present; neither had any new information.  The Commission voted 9-0 in support of the BZA application and voted 9-0 in favor of the HP application.

 

HPA #10-209, 419 9th Street SE—2-story rear addition

 

Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee concludes that the proposal does not present historical preservation concerns and recommends that the Commission approve the project. 

 

Mr. Jerry Conlon, owner, and Ms Andrea Houston, architect, were present.  They submitted a block map that had been requested by the Committee.  The Commission voted 9-0 to approve the application.

 

HPA #10-213, 219 8th Street SE—New one-story garage in rear

 

Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommends that the Commission approve the project.  Mr. Andrew Petro, owner, was present, and he did not have any new information.  After some discussion, the Commission voted 9-0 to approve the project.

 

HPA #10-216, 1119 C Street SE—Rear addition

 

Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommends that the Commission approve the application.  Mr. Dave Kammerer, owner, and Mr. Kim Jones, architect were present.  They provided the ANC with letters from neighbors on both sides of 1119 C Street and from one neighbor in the rear, whose residence faces South Carolina Avenue. 

 

The Commission voted 9-0 to approve the application.

 

6.  ABC Committee

 

Exemption for Sales of Singles: Chat’s Liquors, Lic. #ABRA-200, Retailer A, 503 8th Street SE

 

Commissioner Wright reported that the Committee recommends the Commission approve a one-year exemption from the Ward 6 Single Sales ban with the proviso that a new Voluntary Agreement (VA) be signed by the store owner. 

 

Mr. Burnie Williams, owner of Chat’ Liquor, was present.  Commissioner Metzger said he had originally been against allowing single sales at Chat’s but based on Mr. Williams’ testimony at the Committee and support of others, he had changed his mind.  The Commission voted 9-0 in support of the recommendation.  Mr. Williams stated he was willing to sign a new VA.

 

Renewal of License: Aatish On The Hill, Lic. #ABRA-025153, CR 01, 609 Pennsylvania Avenue SE

 

Commissioner Wright reported that the Committee recommends the Commission support the license renewal conditioned on a signed VA.  The owner, Mr. Iftikhar Kan, was unable to attend the meeting because of a death in his family.  Commissioner Wright stated that Mr. Kan has signed a new VA.

 

The Commission voted 9-0 to support the license renewal.

 

Substantial Change: Banana Café & Piano Bar, Lic. #ABRA-26006, CR, 500 8th Street SE

 

Commissioner Wright reported that the Committee recommends the Commission oppose the Banana Café’s request for a substantial change in its license on the terms as included in the establishment’s filing with ABRA and to protest the application in its current form.  In addition, the Committee recommends that the Commission enter into negotiations on this matter with the applicant prior to the ABC hearing date of May 24, 2010.  Further, the Committee recommends that the Commission Chair be authorized to designate one or several Commissioners to appear at the hearing on behalf of ANC6B to protest the substantial change request and to participate in subsequent negotiations with the application through the protest process.

 

Mr. George (Jorge) Garcia-Meitin, owner of Banana Café, was present.  He stated that he wished to drop his request to enlarge the sidewalk café along E Street SE and to drop the request to extend his hours.  He said that the side entrance on E Street would be designated as an emergency exit only and that he had met with his staff to apprise them of this and the importance of keeping their voices low when on the E Street side of the building.  Mr. Garcia-Meitin also told the Commission that he is planning on replacing the windows of the Piano Bar to soundproof the room better. 

 

The Commission voted 9-0 in support of the Committee report.

 

7.  Chair and Vice Chair Report on Special Committee on Retail Mix Workplan

 

Commissioner Jarboe, chair of the Special Committee on Retail Mix, submitted a Work Plan for the Committee covering the next several months.  The Committee plans to hold four public meetings during which various topics will be discussed.  A draft Committee report will be issued for public comments in mid-September 2010 and then submitted to ANC6B for approval at its regularly scheduled meeting in October 2010.  A copy of the workplan is attached.

 

8.  Eastern Market Report

 

Commissioner Jarboe read the Eastern Market Report, a copy of which is attached.

 

9.  Approval of Commission Minutes

 

Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second by Commissioner Wright) that the Commission approve the minutes of the March 9, 2010, regular monthly meeting.  The Commission voted 9-0 to adopt the minutes.

 

10.  Adjournment

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm.

 

Prepared by Kirsten Oldenburg            Attest:                                      _____________ .

 

 

Attachments:

Agenda, as adopted

Planning & Zoning Committee Report

ABC Committee Report

Special Committee on Retail Mix Workplan

Eastern Market Report

 

Meeting Agenda

Location: 535 8th Street, SE

The People’s Church

April 13, 2010 – 7:00 PM

 

Agenda

 

1.   Adoption of Agenda

2.   Community Speakout

3.   Community and Commission Announcements

4.   Presentation

·        Capitol Hill Public Schools Parent Organization (CHPSPO) – Suzanne Wells

·        Update – CSX Railroad Tunnel Project Underneath Virginia Avenue, SE – Stephen Flippin, Director, Federal Affairs, CSX Corporation

·        Barney Circle Historic District Designation Update – Historic Preservation Office

·        Foreclosure Prevention Program– Nathaniel Murrell, United Planning Organization

5.  Planning and Zoning Committee

(These items will also be considered by the P & Z Committee on April 6, 2010)

 

·        Avon Walk-for-Cancer May 1st – Molly Gasscoigne, Logistics Coordinator

·        BZA # 18061, 140 12th Street, SE – Special exception to construct two-story rear addition to existing one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy and open court requirements

·        HPA # 10-207, 140 12th Street, SE – 2-story rear addition with 2-story screened-in back porches

·        HPA # 10-209, 419 4th Street, SE – 2-story rear addition

·        HPA # 10-213, 219 8th Street, SE – New one-story garage in rear

·        HPA # 10- 216, 1119 C Street, SE – Rear addition

·        Barney Circle Design Guidelines – Kim Williams, HPO Staff (Informal Presentation only at P&Z meeting)

6.      ABC Committee

(These items will also be considered by the ABC Committee on April 8, 2010 at the new meeting location: Rumsey Pool, 635 North Carolina, SE, next to Eastern Market)

 

Exemption Sale of Singles

·        Chat’s Liquors, Lic. # ABRA-200, Retailer A, 503 8th Street, SE

 

Renewal of license

·        Aatish On The Hill, Lic. # ABRA-025153, CR 01, 609 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Substantial Change

·        Banana Café & Piano Bar, Lic. # ABRA-26006, CR, 500 8th Street, SE –

o       Change in hours   of operation:

Monday through Thursday        8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

                                                Friday and Saturday                8:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

                                                        Sunday                                   10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

o       Change in Entertainment Endorsement hours:

Sunday through Thursday          6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Friday and Saturday                 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

o       Expansion of Sidewalk Café seating from 28 to 50 seats

 

7.      Chair and Vice Chair Report on Special Committee on Retail Mix Work Plan

8.      Eastern Market Report

9.      Approval of Commission Minutes

10.  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 11, 2010

Report of the Planning & Zoning Committee

The Peoples Church

535 8th Street, SE

April 6, 2010

7:00 pm

 

Commissioner in attendance: Francis Campbell (chairing), Kirsten Oldenburg, Dave Garrison, Norman Metzger, Carol Green, and Kenan Jarboe.  Also present was Bert Randolph, Staff Assistant

 

BZA # 18961, 140 12th Street SE - Special exception to construct a two-story rear addition to existing single family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy and open court requirements.

 

Jennifer Fowler, architect, and Stuart & Linda McMeans, owners, presented.  The owners propose to construct a two story rear addition on an already non-conforming structure that would increase their current lot occupancy from 63.4% to 66.9% and reduce an open court from 5’8’’ to 5’and produce a 5ft open court. The proposed two story addition will replace an existing one story rear addition. The addition will include a basement renovation/addition, first floor kitchen addition and screened in porch and second floor bathroom renovation/addition and screened in porch. The addition will be from lot line to lot line within the existing footprint of the existing addition but owing to the addition will create a non-conforming 5ft court.

 

Applicant has included with their submissions letters of support from neighbors residing at 138 & 142 12th Street SE, pictures of the existing conditions as well as citations to appropriate and relevant DCMR code.

 

The Committee finds no negative impact and therefore recommends the applicant’s proposal for approval to the full ANC.

 

HPA # 10-207, 140 12th Street SE - 2 story rear additions with screened in back porches on both first and second floors.

 

The owners propose to demolish the existing one-story addition and replace it with a two-story addition.  There are no apparent air, light, or privacy issues posed by the application.  Adjacent neighbors have no objection.  Therefore, the Committee recommends that the full Commission support the application.

 

 

 

 

HPA # 10-209, 419 4th Street SE – 2 story rear addition

 

The presentation was made by Jerry Conlon, owner, and Andrea Houston, architect.

The owner proposes to demolish an existing two story rear addition to construct a new 3 story rear addition that will go from lot line to lot line. The proposed addition will extend beyond the existing adjacent structures.  The back of the house cannot be viewed from any public street as the property is land locked and can only be seen by the St Peters school which is in the rear of the property. There is an existing 6 foot wood fence surrounding the property. This will be a 3-story addition which will have a exterior deck on the 3rd floor with a 3 foot railing at the rear.

 

The Committee concludes that the proposal does not present historical preservation concerns.  Nonetheless, the Committee urged the owner to attempt to collect letters of support for his project from adjacent property owners.  The Committee recommends that the Commission approve the project.

 

HPA #10-213, 219 8th Street SE – new one-story garage in rear

 

Andrew & Susanna Petro, owners, wish to build a one-story two-car garage at the rear of their property located at 219 8th Street SE.  They propose to replace the existing concrete slab with a rebar-reinforced concrete pad.  The new garage will be 20 feet wide by 21 feet deep, running from lot line to lot line. Garage will be visible from the public alley and be in similar design to existing garages of adjourning neighbors. The garage roof will be EPDM rubber membrane and will not be visible from any public access. The garage will have a 7ft setback from the existing alley. The adjourning fence of neighbor to the south may be removed per applicant’s submissions.  Letters of support for the project by adjourning neighbors are included in the applicants’ submissions. Facing alley will be a single garage door, on the east side (facing the SFD) will be two windows, 36 x 54, and a 36 inch door. Outer walls appear to be smooth fiber cement siding. No concerns exist at present for the Committee and therefore the recommendation is for approval to the full ANC for this project.

 

HPA #10-216, 1119 C Street SE - Rear addition

 

The presentation was made by Dave Kammerer and Chris Thompson, owners, and Kim Jones, Architect.

 

1119 C Street SE is a semidetached structure that is at the property line on one side and has an existing 3ft 3in side yard that extends the length of the property. The owners wish to construct an enlarged rear two story addition that would incorporate aspects of the existing two story rear addition and enlarge the building’s footprint. The existing lot coverage is 46.4%, which already exceeds the 40% maximum allowed for semidetached single family dwellings.  Traditionally, ANC 6B has supported requests from owners of semi-detached dwellings to increase lot coverage above the 40% ceiling.  In this case, the proposed new footprint will increase the lot coverage to 57.9% and increase the building massing from 715.6 sq. ft. to 890.6 sq. An existing rear covered porch will remain and be incorporated into the new structure. The existing kitchen will have interior cabinets, appliances and walls to be removed to accommodate new construction along with an interior unused chimney.

 

New construction will allow for an enlarged kitchen area and family room on the first floor, and new bedroom on the second floor. Exterior finishes will be cement fiberboard with metal gutters and roof with exterior patio doors on the first floor and double hung windows on the second floor.

 

Per the applicants’ submissions the proposed addition will be of a similar character as adjacent properties. The Committee has no concerns at this time in regards to this project and therefore recommends its approval to the full ANC.

ABC COMMITTEE

Rumsey Pool Meeting Room

635 North Carolina, SE

Report and Recommendations

April 8, 2010

 

Commissioners in attendance: Mary Wright (chair), Kirsten Oldenburg, Carol Green (vice chair), Ken Jarboe, Norman Metzger, and Dave Garrison.  Bert Randolph, Staff Assistant, was also present.

 

License Renewal

 

Aatish On The Hill #ABRA-025153, CR 01, 609 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

 

Aatish is requesting ANC support for their license renewal.  The owner, Mr. Iftikhar Khan,  confirmed that the Certificate of Occupancy allows for 46 seats.  There have been no complaints filed with ABRA.

 

Upon no objections or concerns from the community and conditioned upon a signed voluntary agreement, the Committee recommends that the ANC support the license renewal.

 

Single Sales Exemption

 

Chat’s Liquor #ABRA-200, Retailer A, 503 8th Street, SE

 

Burnie Williams, owner of Chat’s Liquor, is requesting a singles sales exemption to the existing license.  Applicant stated that he wants to move forward by reflecting the changes in the neighborhood and to stay competitive given his customer base.  His intent is to serve high-end specialty beer and spirits, the latter of which many times are used for cooking purposes.  A premium single container can cost $10 or more.  There were initial concerns from neighbors that single sales would lead to panhandlers, empty cans in residences yards, public urination and other undesirable behavior.   After hearing from the Applicant that he wants to positively adapt to the changes in the community and that the beer and spirits he would sell are high-end, the Applicant received largely favorable support from the neighbors.

 

While ABRA does not permit placing a price point on single sales, the ANC can request control restrictions based upon size.  The Voluntary agreement states that the “Applicant is authorized to sell, give, offer, expose for sale, or deliver spirits (liquor) sold in half-pints or smaller volumes.  Applicant may also sell, give, offer, expose for sale or deliver an individual container of beer, malt liquor, or ale if the container is more than 16 ounces but shall not divide a manufacturer’s retail package of more than one container of beer, malt liquor or ale.

 

Commissioner Green was concerned that the hours of operation were not posted and that there were two windows in the front that were cracked and had not been replaced.  Mr. Williams confirmed that the hours will be posted and the windows will be replaced soon.  He is in the process of updating the façade of the business as well as the interior in keeping with the new restaurants that will soon be operating on both sides of Chat’s.

 

The Committee staff confirmed with ABRA that no complaints have been filed against the establishment during the past year.

 

Upon a signed voluntary agreement, the ABC Committee recommends that the Commission approve a revised Voluntary Agreement that includes a single sales exemption for a trial period of one year.

 

Substantial Change

Banana Care & Piano Bar, #ABRA-26006, CR, 500 8th Street, SE

Change in hours of operation:

Monday-Thursday        8 a.m.-2 a.m.

Friday-Saturday           8 a.m.-3 a.m.

Sunday             10 a.m.-2 a.m.

 

Change in Entertainment Endorsement hours:

Sunday-Thursday       6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Friday-Saturday          6 p.m.-3 a.m.

 

Expansion of Sidewalk Café seating from 28 to 50 seats

 

Mr. George Garcia-Meitin, owner of Banana Café, is asking for a substantial change in the establishment’s CR license.  The Committee heard from a number of residents who live in the 800 block of E Street SE and the ANC has received email statements from additional residents who were unable to attend the Committee’s meeting.  The residents are opposed to the proposed extension of the Banana Café’s sidewalk café further east on E Street SE.  They complain about the current noise (both the music and patrons voices) coming from the Piano Bar on the second floor of the restaurant and the noise generated when those patrons leave the Piano Bar from the side exit on E Street SE.  And the residents are opposed to the extension of the establishment’s sidewalk café and Piano Bar hours to 2am on weekdays and Sundays and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

 

The Committee feels that the proposed extension of the sidewalk café and its hours would cause further disruption to the neighborhood.  The Committee opposes any addition to the seating along the E Street side of the establishment.  Further, the Committee feels that a reasonable compromise on the hours would be to restrict the existing sidewalk café to a closing of 11 pm on weekdays and Sunday and 1am on Friday and Saturday.  The Committee has no objection on the proposed opening of the restaurant at 8am on Monday through Saturday and 10am on Sunday but feels that the proposed closing hours of 2am and 3am, respectively, should be 12 am and 1 am.  These new closing hours would comprise a minor extension from the establishment’s current closing hours.

 

The Committee is quite concerned about the noise that neighbors report they hear from the music and patrons in the upstairs Piano Bar and recommends that the owner of the establishment should immediately implement significant soundproofing of the upstairs area.  In addition, the Committee requests that the side exit door on E Street SE be converted to an emergency only exit so that upstairs patrons will exit the establishment through the front door on 8th Street SE.  The Committee was also told of incidents of poor trash management and reminds the Applicant that the establishment must follow DC laws and regulations regarding trash handling and rat abatement.

 

The Committee notes that the Applicant seemed surprised to hear the neighbors’ concerns and expressed a willingness to negotiate the terms for a substantial change to his license.  The Committee welcomes the Applicant’s willingness to revised his request and urges that he do so, especially by dropping his request for additional outdoor seating along E Street and agreeing to a lesser extension in the hours of operation.  In the meantime, the Committee recommends that the Commission oppose the Banana Café’s original request for substantial change in its license on the terms as included in the establishment’s filing with ABRA and to protest the application in its current form.  In addition, the Committee recommends that the Commission enter into negotiations on this matter with the Applicant prior to the ABC hearing date of May 24, 2010.  Further, the Committee recommends that the Commission Chair be authorized to designate one or several Commissioners to appear at the hearing on behalf of ANC 6B to protest the substantial change request and to participate in subsequent negotiations with the Applicant through the protest process.  

 

Statement by Commissioner Dave Garrison, Chair, ANC 6B at 6B February 23, 2009 Meeting

Special Committee on Retail Mix

For some years now, this Commission has wrestled with the question of what our community's vision is for a desirable mix of retail establishments along the main commercial corridors in the southern portion of Capitol Hill.  The composition of our commercial blocks continues to be in flux and we are likely to see more changes in the years ahead.  One strong trend that has dominated these changes, especially along Barracks Row, has been the steady flow of new eating and drinking establishments displacing retail.  In other areas, we have seen a loss of street-level retail in favor of office uses.  

Over the past six months, an informal "roundtable" of business and civic groups in the ANC 6B area has been discussing the options that may be available to better market our commercial areas with the objective of encouraging a healthy mix of retail uses throughout the area.  Our Commission has helped organize that roundtable and participates actively in the discussions. While that important effort continues, ANC 6B will likely face numerous decisions in the near term concerning zoning, public space, historic preservation, and liquor license applications.  While each decision on any of these cases is made on the specifics of the situation, we face the possibility that cumulatively these decisions will move us in a direction that the community, both residential and retail, and ANC6B does not want to go.


To address this concern, under the authority given the Chair by the ANC 6B bylaws, I am this evening announcing the appointment of a special committee of ANC 6B.  The charge to the committee is to consider the range of options available to the ANC and the community and to investigate possible interim strategies to address these problems while the community develops longer term strategies for achieving a balanced retail mix.  For now, we will refer to this as the Special Committee on Retail Mix.

Commissioner Ken Jarboe will chair the committee.  Commissioner Norm Metzger will be the vice chair.  In the tradition of this Commission, all other Commissioners are invited to participate in this special committee's deliberations.  I especially urge those Commissioners whose Single Member Districts include significant commercial segments to join in the work of this committee.  As one of those Commissioners, I intend to be an active member of this special committee.  

I request that the Retail Mix Committee report back to the Commission at its regular meeting in April on its proposed initial work plan.  The committee's meetings, and any hearings it conducts, will be announced via the ANC 6B email list and posted on the 6B web page.  I further request that the committee set as an objective bringing to the Commission its initial recommendations for action, if any, no later than early fall and sooner if feasible.  

I want to thank Commissioners Jarboe and Metzger for stepping forward to take on this important assignment.  I look forward to the committee discussions to follow and the prospect of actionable options for this Commission to consider.

ANC 6B Eastern Market update – April 13, 2010

Commissioner Kenan Jarboe

 

The following is my report on Eastern Market, based on the EMCAC meeting of March 31, 2010, and subsequent events:

 

Katrina Caffey has been hired a the new assistant Market Manager on a 6 month contact replacing Jennifer Eubank and Jennifer Todd has joined DRES as the new 6 month Capital City Fellow replacing Kevin Kovaleski.

 

Long-term leases with the indoor merchants have been drafted and are under review.  The leases will run for 5 years with a 5 year renewal.

 

In addition to the 4 organic farmers and 4 vendors of antique products announced last month, the Market Manager will be using the jury process select 4 prepared food vendors.  The specifics of the jury process were referred to the EMCAC Operations Committee.

 

As part of the additional of new vendors on Sunday, an issue of possible displacement of existing vendors has come up, specifically the additional of the new organic farmers to the Farmers Line under the shed.  EMCAC has asked the Tenant's Council and the Market Manager to come up with a solution that minimizes the displacement of existing non-food vendors with the guiding principle that while there may be some shifting of spaces no one should have the total square footage of their space reduced.

 

DRES is offering a "Days of May" discount of 10% off the rent of the North Hall in May if booked by April 21.

 

EMCAC has requested the city to implement a pilot project to darken the windows, rather than wait for additional tests.  The Capital Improvements Committee believes that the work to date has been conclusive enough to demonstrated the need for additional measure to block direct sunlight coming into the Market.

 

EMCAC is also requesting that the city undertaken an analysis and action to solve the problem of poor acoustics of the North Hall.  There is a growing concern that the poor acoustics will reduce the desirability of the North Hall for rental events.

 

There has been no changed in the status of issue of the traffic flow in the west side drive and parking area, the deli case heights and the actual electric bill.

 

 


[1] Commissioner Patterson was out of the room during the vote.