Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Minutes of Regular ANC Meeting

January 11, 2005

 

 

Commissioners Present: Julie Olson, Will Hill, Antonette Russell, Neil Glick, Francis Campbell, Scott Cernich, Ken Jarboe, Sandra Brown Thomas, and Mary Wright

 

Commissioners Absent: David Sheldon

 

Chairperson Julie Olson chaired the meeting and the Commissioners introduced themselves.

 

There was a quorum for conducting business.

 

Adoption of Agenda

 

Under Planning & Zoning we are deleting HPA#05-115: 1230 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, and 1229 E. Street, SE, because it will be put off until our February 8th meeting.

 

Adding a BZA Case, Kentucky Courts Building addition, under Planning & Zoning.

 

Under ABC Committee we are adding Capitol Supreme Market Voluntary Agreement, which falls after Ellington’s on Eighth.

 

Number 8 should be ANC Security Fund Resolution and Community reports and Announcements become #9 and Adjournment becomes #10.

 

Commissioner Glick suggested that the Commission move items 6-10 above the presentation permanently thus allowing the Commission to handle business prior to hearing presentations.  The Chair stated she was of the opinion that this matter should be left until after the election of the new Officers and the new Chair can handle this matter.

 

Commissioner Hill made the motion that the Commissions adopt the Agenda as changed.  Since Commissioner Glick motion was not seconded, it will not be included.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Campbell.  The vote was (8-1-0).

 

Election of Officers

 

The Chair declared all Executive Officers seats vacant.  The Chair turned the meeting over to School Board Member Tommy Wells.

 

Mr. Wells congratulated the existing commissioners on their re-election.  He also thanked Ms. Antonette Russell and Ms. Sandra Brown Thomas for running and offered his congratulations for winning their campaign to be Commissioners in ANC 6B.

 

Mr. Wells explained the procedures that will be followed.  He will open the floor first for nominations for Chair, then he will close and hold the election for Chair, then he will move through each officers: Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and Parliamentarian.  Mr. Wells took a moment to recognize the outgoing Chair, Julie Olson, for her outstanding work in leading the ANC’s efforts in being financially solvent and well run during her tenure as Chair.

 

Mr. Wells opened the floor for nominations for Chair of ANC6B.  Commissioner Julie Olson nominated Scott Cernich, and Commissioner Will Hill seconded the nomination.  There were no other nominations.  Commissioner Jarboe moved that the nomination be closed and it was seconded by Commissioner Campbell.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0). 

 

Mr. Wells indicated that the vote will be taken by a show of hands.  Mr. Wells ask all in favor of Commissioner Cernich being the next Chair of ANC6B to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).  Mr. Wells congratulated Commissioner Cernich on his election to office.

 

The floor was opened for the nomination for Vice Chair.  Commissioner Russell nominated Will Hill and it was seconded by Commissioner Cernich.  There were no other nominations for Vice Chair.  Commissioner Wright moved that the nomination be closed and it was seconded by Commissioner Cernich.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).

 

Mr. Wells asked all in favor of Commissioner Will Hill being the next Vice Chair of ANC 6B to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).  Mr. Wells congratulated Commissioner Hill on his election to office.

 

The floor was opened for the nomination for Secretary.  Commissioner Wright nominated Julie Olson and it was seconded by Commissioner Campbell.  There were no other nominations for Secretary.  Commissioner Wright moved that the nomination be closed and it was seconded by Commissioner Campbell.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).

 

Mr. Wells asked all in favor of Commissioner Julie Olson being the next Secretary of ANC 6B to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).  Mr. Wells congratulated Commissioner Olson on her election to office.

 

The floor was opened for the nomination for Treasurer.  Commissioner Campbell nominated Ken Jarboe and it was seconded by Commissioner Wright.  There were no other nominations for Treasurer.  Commissioner Hill moved that the nomination be closed and it was seconded by Commissioner Thomas.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).

 

Mr. Wells asked all in favor of Commissioner Ken Jarboe being the next Treasurer of ANC 6B to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).  Mr. Wells congratulated Commissioner Jarboe on his election to office.

 

The floor was opened for the nomination for Parliamentarian.  Commissioner Russell nominated Neil Glick and it was seconded by Commissioner Wright.  There were no other nominations for Parliamentarian.  Commissioner Jarboe moved that the nomination be closed and it was seconded by Commissioner Campbell.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).

 

Mr. Wells asked all in favor of Commissioner Neil Glick being the next Parliamentarian of ANC 6B to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous (9-0-0).  Mr. Wells congratulated Commissioner Glick on his election to office.

 

With all officers elected, Mr. Wells congratulated all the Commissioners who were elected to serve in their new positions for ANC 6B.  At that, he turned the meeting over to the New Chair, Commissioner Scott Cernich.

 

The Chair, Commissioner Cernich greeted all in attendance and moved immediately into the agenda items.

 

Community Speakout

 

Mr. Jim Meyer, who lives in the 1400 block of C Street, and is President of a group call Hill East Inc.  He and his organization are running a List-serve called New Hill East that reaches about 300 households on the eastern end of Capitol Hill.  There have been several articles and discussions that have appeared in the press dealing with Reservation 13.  His group would like to hold a meeting to discuss the serious issues associated with Reservation 13.  They would like to use this meeting to raise interest in the neighborhoods.  Additionally, they would like to have ANC 6B support this effort and take an active leadership to ensure that they get proper representation with City and Federal officials, specifically GSA, at the meeting. 

 

His other issue is that the waterfront is being used a dumping ground.  He is seeking ANC 6B’s support to make sure that access to Reservation 13 be made available as quickly as possible.   Their main purpose for this request is to encourage people in the neighborhood to come and visit the waterfront.  The also believe the community would be better served if they had some type of stake in waterfront discussions.

 

The next area of discussion was the idea of Alaine Perry of the 1800 block of Burk St, which is next to Reservation 13, is to create a network of people who are interested in Reservation 13 and the waterfront.

 

Alaine Perry, who lives in the 1800 block of Burk Street, stated that she is relatively new to the neighborhood. One of the first things she noticed when she moved to the area was that Reservation 13 was her neighbor and there was a lot of discussions regarding what was going to happen down their and a lot of it controversial.  She felt that there was not a great deal of communication with the community about what was going on in Reservation 13.  Therefore, she spent a great deal of time communicating with her neighbors in regards to what was happening with Reservation 13,  and how they could get more people involved in deciding what would be best for the waterfront area.  Their objective is to improve communications between neighbors regarding Reservation 13 because it is and has potential for being a more beautiful park site, and has the potential of being a source for future revenue for services the community needs.  Therefore, they have created the organization called the Hill East Waterfront Network.

 

They are basing the Hill East Waterfront Network on three basic principals: 1.) Included a mix of public and private projects; 2.) Tax revenues from any private developments should be used to fund public service projects; 3.) Residents of Hill East will be most affected by actions in this area and should have more input in the decision-making process.   She passed out flyers to the Commissioners and community members requesting their involvement in the discussion.

 

Mr. Myers mentioned that he has added up over 20 Million Dollars of things that are going on in Reservation 13 that is sort of making things permanent that are not mentioned in any master plan and that are not discussed in any of the idealistic discussions that have been conducted, and he is concerned that it will become a part of the permanent landscape there, therefore he believes the Commission and community should get a better analysis of what is exactly happening on the Reservation 13 land.

 

Commissioner Glick stated that he supports their efforts and hopes that everyone will get involved in supporting their efforts.

 

Commissioner Jarboe stated that he has had a couple of discussions with Jim Myers and others about this and he like Commissioner Glick, thinks this is an excellent idea.  He especially likes the Waterfront Network idea because these were the principals that were either in the Master Plan or the legislation that adopted the Master Plan, including that half of the funds were required to be dedicated to healthcare.  He went on to say that he would support helping to convene a meeting to discuss this issue and he would be happy to help getting a large community meeting with the appropriate governmental officials to discuss what is going on at Reservation 13.

 

Commissioner Jarboe made the motion that the ANC support the idea and that ANC convene a community meeting to discuss the happenings in Reservation 13.  He would like to call it Hill East Waterfront from this point forward and that the Commission invites the appropriate federal and city officials and private officials.  Commissioner Hill seconded the motion. 

 

The Chair asked all in favor of Commissioner Jarboe’s motion to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous 9-0.  The Chair then asked Commissioner Jarboe if he will oversee this, to which he agreed.

 

Community and Commission Announcements

 

Community Announcements

 

Gary Peterson with the Capitol Hill Restoration Society informed everyone that the Capitol Hill Restoration Society would be celebrating its 50 anniversary this month.  On Saturday, January 29th, at 7:00 p.m. at the new Marine Barracks they will be having a reception and birthday party.  The public is invited.

 

Commission Announcements

 

Commissioner Glick announced that last the residents of Hill East met Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Fire Station to do a neighborhood walk and will be doing it again this week and he wanted to invite anyone interested in joining them to come by this week at the Engine Company 8 Fire Station on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and participate.  The station is on C Street between 15th and 16th Street.

 

Presentations

 

DCMPD – Citizen’s Complaint Review

 

Did not appear

 

Friendship Edison Charter School Mentoring Program

 

Sean Gough, Deputy Director of the Office of Extended Learning Program made a presentation regarding their Mentoring Program and their desire to have members of the adult population to join them in their efforts.  Their mission is to empower at-risk youth at the four campuses to make positive life choices that enable students to maximize their personal potential.  He went on to say they envision a school system in which every youth experiences nurturing relationships with caring adults and receive support from the community, which in turn allows each of them to develop into their full potential capable of making informed, responsible decisions as involved members of the community.  He explained the model and structure that is being used, their curriculum, recent accomplishment, expected outcomes and training session for mentors.  He provided his phone number for all those interested in participating or that might have questions, (202) 396-7624.

 

Planning and Zoning Committee

 

Commission Campbell made the following Panning and Zoning Committee Report:

 

1) BZA #17283: 429 1st Street, SE

 

The applicants, Julie Jones and Jason Pugh, are seeking to add a one story rear addition, with roof desk on top of the addition.  This addition will increase the lot occupancy to approximately 69% - requiring a special exception.  The test for a special exception concerns the impact of the addition on the neighbor’s privacy, on air and light and on the visual character of the neighborhood.  As the addition will not be visible from the street, the impact on the character of the neighborhood is not an issue.

 

The addition will extend as far back as roughly the end the existing two-story building to the north.  Neighbors on both sides have expressed their support for the project.  Given that the addition will extend no further than the existing building to the north and that no windows will be build on the side facing the neighbors to the south, the Committee believes that the addition will create no substantially adverse affect on either privacy or air/light.  The Committee expressed a concern over privacy due to the roof deck, but believes that since the deck is on the top of the one story addition and is only open on one side to a neighboring property, the impact on the neighbor’s privacy will be minimal.

 

The Committee therefore recommends that the ANC support the application for a special exception.

 

The Chair stated that the matter coming as a motion from the Planning and Zoning Committee requires not second and asked if there was any discussion from the Commission. 

 

Commissioner Olson asked if the neighbors were satisfied with the roof deck being on the side and the response was yes.

 

Commissioner Campbell provided the Commissioners with letters of support from the neighbors.

 

The Chair asked all in favor of supporting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous 9-0.

 

2) Kentucky Court

 

The Chair then stated that the Commission would take up a technical amendment to plans for Kentucky Courts that was referred to the Commission from BZA. 

 

Commissioner Campbell asked if there was anyone from Kentucky Courts to discuss the matter.

 

Phinis Jones stood and stated that he was representing Kentucky Courts’ technical modification and he was advised by BZA that he come to the ANC and the Office of Planning to review his request and if both support the modification to BZA case 16860 that the Board would handle it administrative.  He explained that there is a house at 274 Kentucky Ave and the plans do not show where the portion of the dinning room will be extended over the garage area, which it should.  He went on to say that they have received the support from the Office of Planning, which he provided the Commissioners a copy. 

 

Commissioner Campbell asked him if he was basically seeking to make it instead of an open deck, he wanted to make it an enclosed portion of the house to enlarge the dinning room and he responded that that was correct.

 

Commissioner Jarboe him what zoning ordinances this would violate.   He responded that according to the plans the BZA case 16860 was approved and this is just a technical change and would not affect anything.  He also stated that it would not affect the rear yard lot occupancy.

 

Commissioner Cernich asked him if the building on both sides of the building are part of his development and he said yes.  He then asked him what was in this location prior to his project and he responded that it was public housing development and it had been torn down. 

 

Commissioner Jarboe asked Mr. Jones if the ANC support his request the Board will decide if it is a technical amendment and there will be no need for a hearing and he can withdraw his subsequent request.  He responded that that was correct.  To which Commissioner asked if was true that the ANC was not being ask to vote on a variance, but instead it was voting on whether it believes it was a technical amendment or not, and responded that that was correct.

 

Commissioner Campbell made the motion that the ANC support the request.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright.

 

The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous 9-0.

 

ABC Committee

 

The Chair having been the ABC Committee Chair in December presented the Committee report:

 

Ellington on Eight Street, License Upgrade – App. # 23135, License # 7242 is seeking to change its license from a Class “DR” to a Class “CR”, which means they are currently permitted to sell beer and wine and this license upgrade will allow them to sell liquor as well as beer and wine.

 

Commissioner Cernich asked if there was anyone from Ellington on Eight Street present.

 

Ms. Annette Martin the owner stood and introduced herself and stated that she is seeking to make her establishment full-service by selling liquor as well as beer and wine.

 

There were no questions from the community.

 

Commissioner Jarboe stated that her request was in keeping with all the other establishments in the area and he would not have any objection to her request.

 

Commissioner Cernich moved to support the application for Ellington on Eight Street to upgrade their license from a Class “DR” to a Class “CR”.  The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jarboe.

 

The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands.  The vote was unanimous 9-0.

 

The next item was Capitol Supreme Market

 

Commissioner Olson stated that the people at Capitol Supreme Market came to her and explained that they had been warned by the ABC Commissioners that they were not allowed to sell singles based upon their Voluntary Agreement with the ANC.  She stated that they immediately took their singles off the shelf and come to her and asked what they needed to do.  She explained to them that the ANC had a Voluntary Agreement that was signed in March of 1998 that said there were no singles allowed.  They would like to have singles for sell.  They sell premium singles anyway, it is in her SMD and the neighborhood does not have any problems with the sell of singles, and they don’t have any problems with vagrants in that area.  She went on to say just down the street, Rolands, which is on Pennsylvania Ave., does have the opportunity to sell singles in clear and translucent plastic bags, which the ANC has been doing with a lot of the establishments.  Therefore, she is supporting them to have the right to sell singles in clear and translucent plastic bags.  She is bringing it before the Commission because they wanted her to act upon it and they had been warned by the ABC Commission to do something.

 

Commissioner Glick stated that his concern is that the Commission has a very strong policy against singles and if other establishments that have been protested in the past that they will be able to come back and say that since the Commission is giving them singles they want the same thing.

 

Commissioner Wright pointed out that was for Premiums, which the ANC had supported in the past.  It was pointed out the ABC Board did not like that prevision.  Commissioner Glick stated that he was of the opinion that it was important to be consistent across the board regarding singles.

 

Commissioner Cernich asked how many other establishments have a Voluntary Agreement that allows them to sell singles.  Commissioner Jarboe stated there are probably half a dozen, which includes Safeway Grocery Store, or in a number of the Voluntary Agreements they will stop selling singles, including Rolands, if everybody that is in a certain radius stop selling singles.  He went on to say that he can understand the concern of the people who are doing it and it may not be a problem in that area, but that may be because they do not sell singles and they are not suppose to be selling singles.  Commissioner Olson stated that they are selling singles and have been selling singles for the last five (5) years unfortunately, and the ownership has changed hands and she believes that is were the confusion is because they did not know they couldn’t sell singles according to the Voluntary Agreement, so it has been going on for several years and as the neighborhood has improved and even before it improved there was not a problem with them selling singles.

 

Committee reports and announcements

 

Commissioner Cernich made the announcement that the DC Board of Education has given a Notice of Public Hearing that the D.C. Board of Education is reviewing the proposed FY 2006 Operating Budget for the District of Columbia Pubic Schools.  The hearing will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2005, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at the D.C. Board of Education, located on 825 N. Capitol Street, NW, in the 5th Floor

Board Room.

 

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association is having it Gala Winter Celebration & Benefit Auction at the Embassy of Finland on Saturday, February 5, 2005 from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm.

 

The President’s Own, Marine Band, is announcing its 2005 Concert Season. More information is available at the Commissioner’s desk for those interested in getting more information.

 

Adjournment

 

There was no further business and Commissioner Hill made the motion that the meeting be adjourned until its next meeting date of February 8, 2005.  The motion was seconded, and the vote was 9 to 0.

 

Meeting Adjourned.

 

Prepared by Bert Randolph

 

Attested: