Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Minutes of Special Called ANC Meeting

July 11, 2006

Commissioners Present: Will Hill, Antonette Russell, Francis Campbell, Mary Wright, Scott Cernich, Ken Jarboe, David Garrison, and Executive Director, Bert Randolph.

Commissioners Absent: Julie Olson, Neil Glick, and Sandra Brown Thomas

Chairperson Scott Cernich chaired the meeting and the Commissioners introduced themselves.

There was a quorum for conducting business.

Commissioner Jarboe asked for permission to remove the Comprehensive Plan from the agenda because he had planned to submit a resolution asking that they delay submitting the plan to the Council, but it appears that it is mute now because they going ahead with it on the 13^th. The Chair approved the removal.

Resolutions

Community Connections – Letter of Support Request

Helen Bergman with Community Connections, which is a not for profit health agency, made a presentation to the Commission regarding its application for a Department of Housing Community Development grant to help defray the cost of acquiring a building at 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, to be used as a headquarters and to continue leasing to other community based non-profits.

Community Connection has offered services on Capitol Hill since 1983 at their current location since 1997. Most of the building is currently leased through 2014 to non-profits and a large pediatric practice that serves families of all income groups from Medicaid recipients to private insurance.

Commissioner Jarboe wanted to know if their agency was a methadone clinic and she responded that it was not. He asked if their plans were to expand their services and she responded that their plans were to keep the building as it is with the current mix of non-profits. He also expressed his concern about the potential lost of retail space and wanted to know if she would be willing, as part of the Commission’s Letter of Support, to sign an agreement that the existing retail space on the first floor would remain retail as it is. She responded that she would.

Commissioner Garrison wanted to know if they planned to renovate the building with the proceeds from the loan. She responded that only minor cosmetic upgrades will be done at that time.

Commissioner Cernich asked if there were any plans to convert the building to residential living and she stated that there were not and in fact there are no plans for any of their services to be residential.

Commissioner Cernich made the motion that the ANC submit a letter of support for their application for the loan. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jarboe.

The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Holy Comforter St. Cyprian Community Action Group (CAG) – Letter of Support Request

Harold Gordon, Founder and President of CAG, a not for profit mental health agency, made a presentation requesting that the Commission write a letter of support for their efforts to acquire a Department of Housing and Community Development grant to renovate its community facility which is located at 124 15^th Street, SE. CAG was founded in 1988 and h operated over the past 15 years in the Carriage House adjacent to the Old Naval Hospital.

CAG proposes to renovate the 10,000 square foot, two-story, brick property, which they own. The total renovation project will consist of the conversion of five (5) adjacent two-story buildings. The ground store-fronts will be a commercial kitchen, client dining room, business offices, restrooms, and an assembly hall. The second floor will include a computer lab, three (3) classrooms, client and staff restrooms, a suite of staff offices, a medical station, and conference room. A third floor will be added and will consist of an open plan multi-purpose room with movable partitions to accommodate a variety of skills training activities.

The renovated structure will be used to facilitate a higher standard of treating/training/rehabilitating a special needs population; the long-term substance abusers, the long-term unemployed, homeless individuals and families, and individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders (mental health and addition).

Commissioner Jarboe stated that since he has had a history with CAG made the motion that the Commission write a letter of support for their loan application. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright.

The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Presentations

Washington Canal Park Design

Uwe Brandes, Director of Projects and Planning and Carol Anderson-Austra, Project Manager with the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation (AWC) made a presentation of the current status of the proposed new Washington Canal Park.

Washington Canal Park will be located on a three-block site along the route of the historic Washington Canal at 2^nd and M Street, SE. It will be the first public park built as part of the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. The canal once connected the Anacostia River to the U.S. Capitol and the Potomac River. The park design will be inspired by the history of Washington Canal and will incorporate state-of-the-art urban storm water management techniques. The park will provide a green pedestrian link between Capitol Hill and the Revitalized waterfront. It will be a focal point for surrounding retail, housing, and office uses, as well as a unique gathering space and centerpiece for the Near Southeast waterfront neighborhood.

The presenters stressed that they value input from the community regarding this project and invited everyone to provide them with their feedback so that they can insure the best project for the community.

Garfield Park Usage – Deputy Director, Parks and Recreation Department

No one was present from the Parks and Recreation Department.

Commissioner Garrison stated that this was a matter, in which, Commissioner Olson had expressed great interest based upon her conversation with the many constituents in her SMD who use the park regularly as well as and her own personal and professional opinion regarding proper maintenance of Garfield Park. Unfortunately, she was not able to attend the meeting.

The Chair made the motion to authorize Commissioner Olson to draft and submit a letter on behalf of the Commission to the Parks and Recreation Department expressing the Commission’s concerns regarding the landscaping and maintenance of Garfield Park. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Garrison. The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Planning and Zoning Committee

The Chair turned the meeting over to Commissioner Campbell, Chair of the P&Z Committee to make the report.

Commissioner Campbell announced that there would be a meeting Monday, July 17^th from 6:30 until 8:30 pm at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, which is located on the corner of East Capitol and 17^th Street, SE. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the issues of the Comstock Homes proposal to build condominiums directly across from Eastern High School. The structures that are currently there will be torn down.

PS # 20068, 613 Pennsylvania Avenue S.E. -18^th Amendment- Sidewalk café

Owner Mark Menard is presenting an application for sidewalk café in the front of the 18^th Amendment Café to include 3 tables and 6 chairs. At issue is the steel grate located in the front of the café. Owners have secured this grate below grade so as to not present a safety issue. They would like to utilize this space for an additional table and 2 chairs but as DDOT would have to inspect and authorize the removal, sealing and or paving over of this space above ground to allow the use of said space, he is not able to do so at this time. However, he will be seeking approval from DDOT to perform the required tasks to permit this action. There being no objection from any Commissioners present and the Committee recommends this application to the full ANC for approval. Additionally, the Committee recommended that the Commission send a letter of support to DDOT for the removal, sealing and or paving over of the grate space.

The Chair stated that the Committee’s recommendation comes before the Commission in the form of a motion requiring no second. The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

PS#?????, 7^th St., SE – Marvelous Market – Sidewalk Café

The applicant, Seth Shapiro, is applying for a PS permit for an outside seating area for the proposed Marvelous Market, which will be located at 301-307 7^th Street S.E. The applicant presented two sets of plans for the outside seating area, which is already a fenced in area. One proposal contained tables and chairs and the second set shows the seating area with benches. No food will be directly “cooked” on the premises, and there would be no actual kitchen. Instead there would be an area for warming food. There was some question as to what will be allowed on the patio area. Since the establishment is considered a deli under present zoning regulations, which will not allow tables and chairs but is also considered a retail bakery, which will allow said table and chairs, there exists some confusion as to what will be allowed. The committee has no objections to either configuration but will authorize Commissioner Garrison to look into this issue in an attempt to clarify the classification of the Marvelous Market and what will be allowed. The Committee recommends both proposals in this project for approval to the full ANC.

The Commissioners discussed the confusion regarding the classification of Marvelous Market as compared with such establishment as Starbucks and Duncan Doughnuts in determining whether chairs or benches would be allowed.

The Chair stated that the Committee’s recommendation comes before the Commission in the form of a motion requiring no second. The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

To facilitate the meeting, the Chair asked Commissioner Wright if she would make the portion of her ABC Committee Report regarding Marvelous Market’s application for a new liquor license.

Commissioner Wright made the following report:

New Liquor License

Lic. #75434, Marvelous Market, 301 7^th Street, S.E.

License is for a new full service grocery business and requests support to sell premium wine and beer. Regular hours of operation are Sunday through Saturday 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and alcohol sales are from 9 a.m. -10 p.m.

Applicant (Seth Shapiro) addressed concerns that a Class B license can not be issued within 400 ft. of another Class B licensee unless there is a “grocery store” exception. According to recent ABC regulations, this means, “The primary business and purpose is the sale of a full range of fresh, canned, and frozen food items, and the sale of alcoholic beverages is incidental to the primary purchase.”

The applicant is a new franchise owner and the store will be more expanded than other Marvelous Market’s and will offer “fresh, canned, and frozen food items” therefore meeting the grocery store requirement. Mr. Shapiro estimates alcohol sales will be around 8-12%. Under the exception, the sale of alcoholic beverages can constitute no more than 15% of the total volume of gross receipts on an annual basis. Licensee agreed not to sell singles under 20 oz. and will sell singles only in a 2-pack. Appropriate signage will be posted that there is no alcohol consumption on the premises and will be strictly enforced. The applicant is willing to sign a cooperative agreement.

The ABC committee recommends support of the ABC license application for Marvelous Market with the condition that the applicant signs a Cooperative (Voluntary) Agreement.

The Executive Director, Bert Randolph, announced that he had received from Marvelous Market their signed Cooperative (Voluntary) Agreement.

Commissioner Jarboe stated that Mr. Shapiro had been asked to show some evidence that illustrated he would be having a full range of the items of fresh, canned and frozen food items in the establishment.

Mr. Shapiro produced some photographs of such items that are currently sold in the other Marvelous Markets, which did support what he had stated.

The Chair stated that the Committee’s recommendation comes before the Commission in the form of a motion requiring no second. The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

SO # 06-221, Squared 737, N-727 & 739, Closing public Streets and Alleys and the dedication of land for public street purposes

Mr. Kyrus Freeman of Holland & Knight, and Mr. Brad Fennell of William C. Smith Company presented an application from the Office of the Surveyor of the District of Columbia for the closure of public streets, the widening of streets, the closure of a public alley also for the purpose of developing the resulting parcels into useable areas for housing. Streets to be opened would be I Street between 2^nd and New Jersey Ave. SE, H Street SE – extended to connect to New Jersey Ave. SE, Widening 2^nd Street – between I & K Streets SE, New Jersey Ave. - North of Canal Street SE. Closing Canal Street North & South Closing a portion of First Street SE., Square 739, and opening Lot 801, Square 737 N for east side of New Jersey, H Street and Square 737. Federal legislation is pending to provide a transfer of ownership from the National Park Service to the District of Columbia for Reservation 17-A for both I and 2^nd Streets.

The proposed would create two parcels of land for development for housing and open I Street as a thoroughfare.

Attached to the application are letters of support for this project from DCRA; Building and Land Regulation; Stanley Jackson, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Michael Kelly, Executive Director, District Housing Authority (DCHA), and drawing of the proposed closures, widening, and parcel creations as a result of the changes proposed. The Committee recommends this project for approval to the full ANC without reservations.

The applicants summarized their request by stating that there is a section of I Street between 2^nd Street, SE and New Jersey Avenue, where a waste transfer building currently sits. By moving forward with the application, they are looking to opening up that portion of I Street. Additionally, they are looking to link 8^th Street, which currently is a dead end with New Jersey Avenue.

The Chair stated that the Committee’s recommendation comes before the Commission in the form of a motion requiring no second. The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

BZA # 17518, 643 South Carolina Ave. SE – Special exception to allow a rear two-story addition to an existing single-family row house (SFRH) not meeting the minimum width requirement for an open court in a R-4 Zone.

Owner, Jennifer Boulanger the resident of 643 South Carolina Avenue, SE, with architect Steve Lawlor, is applying for a special exception to build a two-story rear addition to a SFRH that will create an open court not meeting the minimum width requirement of the Capitol Hill District. The proposed addition is the full lot width in the rear and would require a special exception to comply with section 406.1 of BZA regulations. The addition complies with all other Zoning regulations. The proposed addition will create a nonconforming courtyard where a nonconforming side yard currently exists and will eliminate the existing nonconforming side yard. Adjacent neighbors to the east at 645 South Carolina Ave have a 27 foot addition beyond 643 S. Carolina Ave. SE. The proposed addition will not have an adverse effect on the use of the abutting or adjacent properties. The owners have letters of support from neighbors at 641 S. Carolina Avenue SE, who supports the removal of the brick wall and the tree growing in the gap of the wall and the extension of an existing wood fence will be extended to close any gap. The neighbors of 645 S. Carolina Avenue, Martin and Donna Gleason also have included a letter of support echoing the sentiments expressed by Diego Uriburu the owner and resident of 641 S. Carolina Ave SE. As there exist no issues of concern for members of this committee the committee recommends this project for approval to the full ANC.

The Chair stated that the Committee’s recommendation comes before the Commission in the form of a motion requiring no second. The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Designation of Barney Circle as a Historic District

Mr. Reuben Hameed presented the application for the Barney Circle Neighborhood for Historic Designation whose boundaries are 17^th Street SE, on the east; G. Street SE on the north; Kentucky Ave SE on the west and Barney Circle Street on the south. At present the only concern voiced by members of the Planning and Zoning Committee was that there are no letters and/or petitions of support for this project. Pending letters and/or petitions of support for this project by a significant majority of the residents of the affected area the committee would have no reservations for recommending the approval of the application to the full ANC.

Mr. Hameed presented the committee with signatures that had been obtained from residents in the neighborhood supporting their application for a new historic district. Unfortunately, due to summer vacations and travel, they were only able to contact a portion of the residents. Of the total 139 homes in the proposed neighborhood they were able to contact 78 homeowners (61% of total homeowners). 70 of the 78 homeowners contacted were in support of the designation and only 4 were opposed, which meant that 90 % of those contacted were in support of the application.

Commissioner Russell stated that since she was a member of the Barney Circle Association she would obstain from voting on this matter.

The Chair then made the motion that the ANC draft and submit a resolution in support of the designation of Barney Circle as a Historic District. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright. The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The vote was 6-0-1.

Commissioner Garrison made the point that the ANC is sponsoring the application and that it would be in the ANC’s interest to have one of the Commissioners, preferably either Chair or Commissioner Campbell, represent the Commission by presenting the matter before the Historic Preservation Restoration Board.

#04-02 Historic Landmark Application –Anne Archibald Hall 19^th Street & Massachusetts Ave. SE

Presenters: Nancy Metzger of the Capitol Hill Restoration Society (CHRS) and Glenn Williamson of Amber Real Estate L.L.C representing the Anacostia Waterfront Corporation. Included in the application is a letter from Nancy Metzger, dated July 5, 2006, referencing the original nomination submitted to HPRB in December 2003, which includes additional information about the Anne Archibald Hall, Biography of Anne Mills Archibald and a “Statement of Significance” explaining the reasons for the landmark designation.

Also included is a History of the Archibald Hall building and a narrative description of the architecture used in its design.

Of note is the fact that although this is an application for historic designation it seeks a limited designation, as it will not encompass the addition that was built in 1945. At this time there exist no objections or concerns from any commissioner present and the committee therefore recommends this application to the full ANC for approval.

Glenn Williamson explained that the proposed designation had originally caused some concerns since retaining the entire structure would interfere regarding the city’s plan to restore the original street grid in the redevelopment of Reservation 13. However, after working with the groups, it was determined that a solution could be found. The solution was to preserve the core of the Anne Archibald building but to remove the northern annex, thus enabling the prior street grid to be restored.

Commissioner Garrison made the point that the proposal is to apply for the designation for the entire building and only after the approval would there be a negotiation for tearing down the northern annex. The applicant responded that both requests (i.e. to approve the overall designation and to agree to the demolition of the northern annex) would be submitted together. The applicant felt sure that the entire existing building would be designated, but the designating body would recognize the special merit of implementing the preservation plan and would agree to involve the tearing down of the north annex, which allowing for the resolution of the street pattern issue.

The Chair stated that the Committee’s recommendation comes before the Commission in the form of a motion requiring no second. The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

The Chair again seeking to expedite the program asked Commissioner Wright if she would report on the portion of the ABC Committee Report regarding The Ugly Mug’s application.

Commissioner Wright made the following report:

License Modifications

Lic#71793, The Ugly Mug, 723 8^th Street, S.E.

Licensee requests permission to add sidewalk café to ABC license. Seating capacity is for 16 persons. Hours of operation are Sunday 10-2 a.m., Monday-Thursday 9-2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 9-3 a.m.

Originally, there was a mix up with the issuance of the public notice placard but the placard is now posted. In the interim, license was approved for a public space permit and is now operating on a stipulated license until the August hearing of the ABC Board. Licensee is willing to sign a cooperative agreement to not allow music speakers outdoors.

In a good faith effort, Gaynor Jablonski addressed rumors that he had bypassed the permit process to install the French doors at his establishment. He said that he worked through the process with Bill McLeod and did receive permission from HPRB to install the doors. There appears to have been a failure in communication between HPRB and the ANC.

The ABC committee recommends support of the outdoor café with the condition that the applicant sign a Cooperative (Voluntary) Agreement.

The Executive Director, Bert Randolph, announced that he had received from The Ugly Mug their signed Cooperative (Voluntary) Agreement.

The Chair stated that the Committee’s recommendation comes before the Commission in the form of a motion requiring no second. The Chair asked all in favor of adopting the Committee’s recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Environmental Impact Study – 11^th Street Bridges

The Committee engaged in an extensive discussion with DDOT representatives and at this time makes no recommendation pending obtaining further information regarding the impact of the project on traffic on local streets.

The Chair recognized John Deatrick, Deputy Director; Kathleen Penney, Deputy Chief Engineer; Anne Hassoun, Project Manager, and the consultant from CH2MHILL.

The Chair stated that he wanted to focus the discussion to be on the potential impact the 11^th Street Bridges would have on local traffic.

Ms. Penney stated that they have officially release the Draft 11^th Street Bridges Environmental Impact Statement to the public and they were now present seeking the ANC’s official input on it. Official comments will be accepted until the end of August. She stressed that the project is designed to address the regional transportation needs the 11^th Street Bridge Project will provide for a freeway to freeway connection that does not exist today, which DDOT believes will result in improvements in the neighborhood street grids so that local roads will not carry so much of the region’s traffic. She also stated that this study will not resolve all of the community’s traffic problems. DDOT has commissioned another study called the Capitol Hill Transportation Study that will take the findings from many of the Anacostia Crossing and the 11^th Street Bridge projects to help determine to overall effect on Capitol Hill traffic.

The Planning and Zoning Committee had requested at their meeting that the presenters return with more detailed numbers regarding the impact the 11^th Street Bridge Project will have on neighborhood streets, such as, will the bridge increase, decrease and have no affect on traffic flows through the area.

Ms. Penney stated that by providing the regional connections they don’t automatically solve all of the traffic problems. What the project would do is open up the opportunity for the Capitol Hill Transportation Study to make some traffic calming improvements that will reduce the flow on certain city streets.

Commissioner Garrison asked if their efforts were designed to provide an incentive for commuters to use the primary route to get in and out of the city and to have the Capitol Hill Transportation Study will further create additional incentives to use the alternative traffic routes for entering and exiting the city. Ms. Penny responded that he was correct.

Ms. Penney stated that at the DDOT meeting last week with the P&Z Committee was that there appeared to be an expectation that the 11^th Street Bridge was intended to reduce traffic generally on Capitol Hill streets. That really was not DDOT’s intention. Instead, DDOT’s objective is to create a regional transportation network that makes sense and that will then allow the opportunity to address more local problems through micro area studies. She went on to say that those people who were looking to see a drastic reduction in city street traffic through the rebuilding of the 11^th Street Bridge would not see it with this project.

Commissioner Garrison responded that they (DDOT) had made the point and raised the expectation of such reductions itself when they made their presentation on the project. He went on to say that he could not see how they could make the statement without providing some type of supporting information. His understanding was that they were coming to this meeting such supporting documentation. He then asked if their documents they are presenting support the assertion that the project will reduce congestion on Capitol Hill streets.

She responded that they do, but they are always fearful not to say that any traffic improvement or any construction project is going to make traffic go away. She went on to say that as they predict future growth DDOT wanted to be sure that there is a place for the traffic to go. Additionally, she stated that from the beginning of the study they have been clear in saying that they were not going to make the traffic disappear on the streets, because it can’t be done. According to her, what they can do is provide a fully connected regional network, so that as the traffic grows, the impact of increasing traffic on neighborhoods will not continue to get worse and worse.

Commissioner Jarboe stated that he didn’t think anyone expected that the project was going to make traffic go away, but what he and the others were looking for was some data that justified that traffic congestion on Capitol Hill streets would be less with this project than without the project. He reviewed the data they provided and stated that he had two principle issues. One was Pennsylvania Avenue with its current congestion and serious traffic backups of traffic and the second was the cut-through traffic from East Capitol Street and Benning Road down 17^th Street in the morning and up19^th in the evening and that also feeding into Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue. He went on the say that he understands that the new bridge will not remove all of the local traffic because not all that traffic is looking to exit or enter the city, but to the extent it elevates the problem of the racing traffic on 17^th, and 19^th Streets, and Potomac Avenue, then it is a worthwhile project. He concluded by saying that by looking at the charts, it appears that the traffic of the three (3) streets will be reduced somewhat, and that is important to him. As a result, he is inclined to support the project.

Regarding the Pennsylvania Avenue problem, Commissioner Jarboe stated that the PM backup rush hour traffic is a major problem because of the connections on the other side of the river. He asked Ms. Penney if he would be correct in stating that with the new bridge in place the PM rush hour traffic would be reduced. She responded that he was correct. She went on to say that their main focus with the bridge project is to keep the traffic that was on the freeways from leaving the freeways to use local streets as cut-through or short-cut routes. Commission Jarboe then asked if he was correct in that they would not be doing the connection at the Anacostia Freeway and Pennsylvania Avenue, so there will be no direct connection there. Therefore, anyone going down Pennsylvania Avenue who wants to get on the freeway will still have to maneuver across traffic in order to do so. She responded that he was correct because the thinking was that if the traveler wanted to be on the freeway he/she would find it more efficient to take the 11^th Street Bridge route rather than Pennsylvania Avenue.

Commissioner Campbell express his concern with this approach because he was of the opinion that with Pennsylvania Avenue being at capacity already during rush hours and the proposed bridge project way into the future, it was illogical to think that there would be a significant amount of traffic reduction any time soon in those seeking to access 295 instead of using the alternate 11^th Street Bridge route as they leave the city.

Ms. Penney responded that their model indicated that there will be a reduction of 20,000 vehicles using Pennsylvania who will be wanting to make the left turn (north) onto 295, because they will have used the 11^th Street alternative route. She went on to say that they are not looking to take traffic off Pennsylvania Avenue.

Commissioner Campbell then inquired about how they envisioned in the Capitol Hill Transportation Study making 17^th and 19^th Streets two-way streets, given the current parking configurations on those streets. Ms. Penney responded they would make it so that both streets would only have one-lane of traffic in each direction. Their thinking is that that will make those routes less attractive, thus reducting traffic.

Commissioner Garrison stated that he was of the opinion that the 11^th Street Bridge would allow through commuter traffic to move through the city more efficiently, making short-cuts through local streets not so attractive. With that in mind, the Commission could now concentrate on the Capitol Hill Traffic Study and how it can reduce local traffic.

Mr. Chris Herman, who lives at 610 North Carolina Avenue, SE, stood and voiced his concerns regarding the potential negative impact the bridge will have on neighborhood traffic and he is of the opinion that the Commission and community has less information regarding its impact than what was available when Barney Circle was under consideration. He specifically sited the fact that there was not a mitigation study done, which he believes should be required. He also stated that he though it was unacceptable that there are several studies being conducted, but none of them come together in totality to indicate exactly how all the various changes will eventually impact traffic with in the city and freeways. Mr. Herman expressed serious doubts about the accuracy of the numbers that are being used in the 11^th Street Bridge Study because they do not match the numbers in the Barney Circle Study. He went on to say that he does not believe the Commission has adequate information upon which to make an informed decision regarding the 11^th Street Bridge Project.

Commissioner Jarboe in referring to the Barney Circle Study data Mr. Herman handed out, stated that all the numbers seem to indicate that on Pennsylvania Avenue there would be 9,000 fewer cars, on South Capitol Street there would be almost 2,000 fewer cars, on East Capitol Street, and there would be 10,000 less cars in the build scenario and at Benning Road there would be 12,000 fewer cars and that he could not see how those numbers were not consistent with the 11^th Street Bridge numbers.

Commissioner Jarboe asked what was the deadline for final comments on the Draft EIS? The reply was August 28^th. He then stated that the Commission must make its recommendation regarding this matter at this meeting because the commission will not meet again until the September meeting, which is after the deadline date.

After much more discussion by the Commissioners, community, and 11^th Street Bridge Representatives it is was agreed that both the 11^th Street Bridge Project and the Capitol Hill Transportation Study are designed to move two different types of traffic (regional and local) and when combined they will have a positive overall impact on traffic movement. Additionally, it was pointed out that if the 11^th Street Bridge project is not built then the numerous construction projects throughout the area that will build on those projects will inject additional traffic on local and regional roadway, thus the 11^th Street Bridge will definitely help improve traffic movement.

Commission Jarboe stated that he was willing to make a motion regarding the Draft EIS Study, but it would not include anything on which of the four (4) alternatives the Commission preferred. If he was asked, he would prefer alternative II. He then made the motion that ANC make the recommendation that:

1. the project include a strategy to mitigate the increased traffic on 11^th Street, SE, and

2. the final EIS Report contain more detailed analysis of traffic impacts on local Capitol Hill streets, which would address the goals of discouraging cut-through traffic on local streets, such as the cut-through traffic that currently uses the East Capitol Bridge.

Commissioner Garrison seconded the motion.

The Chair then asked all in favor of Commissioner Jarboe’s motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Quarterly Financial Report

Commissioner Jarboe called the Commissioners attention to the 3^rd Quarter Financial Report and reported that there are no new issues. He then made the motion that the 3^rd Quarter Financial Report be adopted as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Russell.

The Chair then asked all in favor of Commissioner Jarboe’s motion to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Approval of June Minutes

Mr. Randolph stated that each Commissioner had been issued a copy of the June minutes for review and correction.

The Chair asked if there were any corrections or modifications. There were none. The Chair then moved that the Commission adopt the June minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Russell. The Chair asked all in favor to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Committee Reports and Announcements

The Chair announced that the September ANC meeting will be held Wednesday, September 13^th, due to the conflict with the date of the primary election.

Adjournment

There was not further business and Commissioner Hill made the motion that the meeting be adjourned until its next meeting date of September 13, 2006. The motion was seconded, and the vote was 7 to 0.

Meeting Adjourned.

Prepared by Bert Randolph

Attested: