Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Regular Meeting Minutes

March 8, 2011 – 6:30 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

Commissioners Present: Francis Campbell, Jared Critchfield, Brian Flahaven, Ivan Frishberg, David Garrison, Neil Glick (Chairing), Carol Green, Norman Metzger, Kirsten Oldenburg, Brian Pate.

 

Also present: Bert Randolph, Staff Assistant.

 

1.                                       Adoption of Agenda

 

After introductions of the Commissioners, the Chair asked for changes to the Agenda.  Commissioner Critchfield requested a discussion of Commissioners Metzger and Pate testifying at the DCRA Oversight Hearing be added.  With the addition, the agenda was adopted 6-0 (Commissioners Campbell, Frishberg, Garrison, and Metzger arrived late).

 

2.                                       Community Speakout

 

Interim Councilmember Sekou Biddle talked about establishing his office, committee assignments, and previous experience in the field of education and public service.

Amber Jones said she was attending to speak against the licenses given to bars and restaurants along 8th Street and complained about the loud, obnoxious patrons.  Pope Barrow expressed disappointment in the ABC meeting and the votes of the Commission.  Helene Quick said she was baffled by the ABC meeting and is concerned about noise in the alleys late at night from bars and restaurants.  Bernard Renard complained about trash in the alley behind two restaurants without proper permits for trash bins in the 600 and 700 blocks of 7th Street that is attracting and harboring rats. David Yumanowsky said he supports extended parking restrictions.  Commissioner Oldenburg said she was speaking with the Marine Barracks Colonel about parking issues near the barracks.  Karl Kindel said he doesn’t want to restrict parking and is expecting a public meeting to discuss the issue, block by block. Bill Pate presented a letter from Marian Connolly concerning the Hine School redevelopment.  

 

3.                                       Community and Commission Announcements

 

Commissioner Frishberg announced DCPS’ plans to reopen Van Ness Elementary School in 2015.  Commissioner Pate announced the FY 2012 budget hearing Monday, March 14 at Eastern High School.  Naomi Mitchell, of Councilmember Wells’ office, announced a Wednesday, March 9 meeting about the fence surrounding Potomac Gardens.

 

4.                                       Consent Agenda

 

After Commissioner Glick requested 224 7th Street be removed from the Consent Agenda due to new information, Commissioner Flahaven moved (with a second from Commissioner Metzger) that the agenda be approved.  The motion passed 10-0.

·                                            Approval of February 8, 2011 Commission meeting minutes

·        PS # 60???, Sidewalk Cafe with 4-2 top tables and 2-4 top tables total (16 seats)  – Senart’s Oyster House, Xavier Cervera

·        BZA # 18185, 308 G Street, SE – Special Exception to allow a rear sunroom addition to a one-family semi-detached dwelling not meeting lot occupancy and side yard requirements in CAP/R-4 District

·        BZA # 18188, 1613 E Street, SE – Special Exception to permit a two-story rear addition to a one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy, court, and non-conforming structure requirements in R-4 District

 

5.                                    ABC Committee

 

Pacifico, ABRA-086033 – Review of Voluntary Agreement and Resolution of Protest

The ANC drafted a Voluntary Agreement (VA) which when signed by the applicant, Xavier Cervera, and the ANC would settle the ANC’s Protest of the license for Pacifico.   The Protesting Neighbors did not agree to the changes, and were not a party to the VA.  Amber Jones and Helene Quick opposed the hours of the restaurant and the rooftop seating. Commissioner Critchfield suggested the neighbors call the ABRA hotline (202.329.6347) if the establishment violates noise and other issues in the VA. Commissioner Pate moved (with a second from Commissioner Frishberg) that the VA be signed.  The motion passed 8-1 (Commissioner Oldenburg voted no; Commissioner Glick abstained).

 

Chats Liquor, ABRA-000200 – Single Sales Exemption

Commissioner Green informed the Commission that this item was removed from the Agenda.

 

8th Street Bar and Grill

Commissioner Green read the ABC Committee report with three recommendations that the Commission vote to: 1) join the protest of the license and hire an attorney to represent the Commission and neighbors opposing the license (passed 10-0); and 2) authorize the Chair to sign an agreement with the lawyer for a maximum fee of $3,000.00 of which $750.00 or less would come from Commission funds (passed 10-0); and 3) authorize the Treasurer to spend the money designated (passed 10-0).  Commissioner Green also asked for a letter to ABRA suggesting that if a license is granted to 8th Street Bar and Grill it should be a CR and not EE.  The motion passed 10-0.

 

            6a. Testimony At The DCRA Oversight Hearing

Commissioner Critchfield moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) that Commissioners Metzger and Pate represent the Commission with their testimony at the DCRA Oversight Hearing concerning use of the Fair Housing Act and Reasonable Accommodation by the Zoning Administrator without Commission input.  The motion passed 10-0.

 

6.                                    Planning and Zoning Committee

 

Home Run Classic 10K

George Banker announced the Home Run Classic on June 18.  The route does not enter ANC6B boundaries, so no action was taken.

 

2011 National Police Week 5K

Jay Grandberg announced the race slated for May 14 which benefits COPS (Concerns of Police Survivors).  Commissioner Garrison moved (with a second from Commissioner Glick) that the Commission send a letter of support.  The motion passed 10-0.

 

HPA # 11-???, 224 7th Street, SE—demolishing of second floor to enclose dogleg

Xavier Cervera showed plans for the demolition and new construction for a restaurant establishment.  The Commission voted 10-0 to support the request.

 

HPA #11-XXX, 521 11th Street, SE – Redesign of rear side elevation to eliminate the side set back and interior layout changes to accommodate for reduced space

Bernard Renard requested support for a rear renovation and redesigning the front porch. Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second from Commissioner Critchfield) that the rear renovation be approved.  The motion passed 10-0.  Commissioner Oldenburg then moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) that the Commission support renovation of the front porch as it is currently designed.  The motion passed 6-1 (Commissioner Pate voted no; Commissioners Campbell, Critchfield, and Frishberg abstained).

 

HPA # 11-ZZZ, 524 8th Street, SE – Modification of interior floor plan

Commissioner Metzger moved (with a second from Commissioner Campbell) that his statement of “the issue of access by disabled patrons to Nooshi was raised, and while the architect stated that lift capabilities could be added when/if needed, Commissioner Metzger noted the need for further consideration” to the Committee report.  The motion passed 10-0.  Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) that the Commission support the modifications requested and change the Committee report to reflect its concern that the windows of the second floor renovation be frosted to protect the privacy of neighbors to the south. Commissioner Metzger offered an amendment that the letter of support include a statement about accessibility to the second and third floors of the building.  His amendment passed 6-3 (Commissioners Critchfield, Garrison, and Green voted no; Commissioner Frishberg abstained). Commissioner Oldenburg’s motion passed 9-0 (Commissioner Critchfield abstained).

 

HPA # 11-WWW, 524 8th Street, SE - Two enclosed rear additions to existing building.  The first rear addition will enclose existing open deck facing rear service alley.  The second addition involves adding an enclosed mezzanine level to the rear of the existing two-story building.  Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) to approve the requests.  The motion passed 9-0 (Commissioner Critchfield abstained).

 

BZA # 18196, 1605 H Street, SE – Special Exception for a rear deck addition to a one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy requirements in R-4 District.  The motion to support the deck passed 9-0 (Commissioner Oldenburg was out of the room).

 

HPA # 11-YYY, Hine Redevelopment Project

Commissioner Glick announced the March Special Call meeting about the redevelopment. Commissioner Garrison moved (with a second from Commissioner Pate) that the Commission request a one-month delay for the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) to hear the Hine Redevelopment Project.  The motion passed 10-0.  Commissioner Garrison moved (with a second from Commissioner Campbell) that the Commission hold a Special Call meeting on the redevelopment on March 15. The motion passed 10-0.

Commissioner Glick asked for community comments.  They included Will Pate’s concerns about the height and massing, Inez Sletta’s comments that seven stories of glass and aluminum do not look like Capitol Hill, Jeffrey Stein’s concerns that the scale of the buildings are not appropriate for the site, Jim Rowland’s comments that the current school building is more in keeping with the look of the neighborhood than the proposed redevelopment, Marcel LaFollette’s questions to the ANC on the process for decision making so community members can be more helpful in the process, and Barbara Riehle’s reminder that the ANC passed a resolution in 2009 limiting building heights of the redevelopment.

 

7.                                       Retail Mix Taskforce Recommendations

Commissioner Metzger said the Taskforce was formed in February 2010 by then-Chair Commissioner Garrison and introduced resident members Elizabeth Eby, Claudia Holwill, John McGaw, and Barbara Riehle. Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Metzger) that the Commission formally thank all involved in the process, including the resident members of the Taskforce for their efforts.  The motion passed 10-0. Commissioner Frishberg requested the Commission send Part III of the report to the ABC Committee for review and further recommendations and report back to the full ANC to develop a set of guidelines for decision making.  ABC Committee Chair Commissioner Green accepted the request.

 

8.                                       Update on Performance Parking Pilot Program

Commissioner Garrison informed the ANC of discussions with DDOT about lowering the hourly rate at the lot under the freeway, increasing the maximum number of hours a car can park, changing the hours until 9:30 p.m., installing a large “P” sign, and replacing nonworking light bulbs to alleviate parking issues in the streets surrounding 8th Street, SE.  CHAMPS (Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals) and Barracks Row Main Street have secured funding for the painting of a mural along both sides of 8th Street under the freeway and is preparing flyers about the parking options under the freeway for distribution to Barracks Row restaurants and retail establishments. Commissioners Garrison and Oldenburg also talked about pilot parking program expanding its boundaries.  Karl Kindel expressed frustration with the parking program and need for visitor parking passes and requested the opportunity for residents to opt into the parking proposal, block by block.  Thomas Riehle said he supported the block by block request.  Commissioner Metzger noted that he has received no complaints about the parking program during the two years his constituents have had it.

 

9.                                       Proposed Committees/Taskforces

Commissioner Oldenburg introduced her resolution (with a second from Commissioner Frishberg) that a Transportation Committee be established.  The motion passed 10-0.  Commissioner Garrison moved (with a second from Commissioner Frishberg) that Commissioner Oldenburg serve as Transportation Committee Chair. The motion passed 10-0.

Commissioner Pate moved (with a second from Commissioner Frishberg) that the ANC establish an Outreach and Constituent Services Task Force.  The motion passed 8-0 (Commissioners Campbell and Oldenburg abstained).  Commissioner Green moved (with a second from Commissioner Flahaven) that Commissioner Pate serve as Task Force Chair.  The motion passed 7-1 (Commissioner Metzger voted no; Commissioners Campbell and Oldenburg abstained).

Commissioner Flahaven moved (with a second from Commissioner Glick) that the ANC establish a Hill East Task Force.  Commissioner Campbell registered his objection to the creation of the Task Force. The motion passed 6-4 (Commissioners Campbell, Garrison, Metzger, and Oldenburg voted no). Commissioner Campbell said he wanted the record to note that he was vehemently opposed. Commissioner Critchfield moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) that Commissioner Flahaven serve as Task Force Chair.  The motion passed 7-3 (Commissioners Campbell, Garrison, and Oldenburg voted no).

 

10.                                   Eastern Market Report

Commissioner Pate’s report included Eastern Market activities for the Cherry Blossom festival in March and April, a “Top Chef” television show visit in May, changes in the North Hall rental policy, the project monthly deficit of the Market, a new application process for outside vendors, problems with the gas leaks on 7th Street, and the coming Task Force report on Market governance.

 

12.  Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 10:26 p.m.

 

Attest: Andrew Jared Critchfield, Secretary __________________________________________   

 

Attachments:

Agenda, as adopted

ABC Committee Report

Planning & Zoning Committee Report

Resolution – Transportation Committee

Eastern Market Report

 


Meeting Agenda

Church of Jesus Christ of LDS

Location: 522 7th Street, SE

(The Old Safeway Building)

March 8, 2011 – 6:30 PM

(Please note this is an early start time)

Agenda

 

1.   Adoption of Agenda

2.   Community Speakout

3.   Community and Commission Announcements

4.   Consent Agenda

5.   ABC Committee

(These items will also be considered by the ABC Committee on March 3, 2011, at the Southeast Neighborhood Library at 403 7th Street, SE and will start at 7:00 p.m..  Please use the main entrance on 7th Street, SE.

·        Chats Liquor, ABRA-000200 – Single Sales Exemption

·        Pacifico, ABRA-086033 – Review of Voluntary Agreement

            6a. Testimony At the DCRA Oversight Hearing

6.   Planning and Zoning Committee

              (These items will also be considered by the P & Z Committee on March 1, 2011, at a new start time of 6:30 p.m., and will be held at the Caesar Chavez Public Charter School, located at 714- 722 11th Street, SE)

·        Home Run Classic 10 K – George Banker – Informal Presentation will only be heard at the March 1, 2011.

·        2011 National Police Week 5K – Jay Greenberg

·        PS # 60???, 520 8th Street, SE, Sidewalk Cafe with 4-2 top tables and 2-4 top tables total (16 seats)  – Senart’s Oyster House, Xavier Cervera

·        HPA # 11-186, 224 7th Street, SE – New restaurant storefront with a 14 ft wide by approx. 40 ft long rear one-story addition with all historically approved replaced windows

·        HPA # 11-187, 521 11th Street, SE – Redesign of rear side elevation to eliminate the sides set back and interior layout changes to accommodate for reduced space

·        HPA # 11-197, 524 8th Street, SE - Two enclosed rear additions to existing building.  The first rear addition will enclose existing open deck facing rear service alley.  The second addition involves adding an enclosed mezzanine level to the rear of the existing two-story building

·        BZA # 18185, 308 G Street, SE – Special Exception to allow a rear sunroom addition to a one-family semi-detached dwelling not meeting lot occupancy and side yard requirements in CAP/R-4 District

·        BZA # 18188, 1613 E Street, SE – Special Exception to permit a two-story rear addition to a one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy, court, and non-conforming structure requirements in R-4 District

·        BZA # 18196, 1605 H Street, SE – Special Exception for a rear deck addition to a one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy requirements in R-4 District

·        HPA # 11-YYY, Hines Redevelopment Project

7.    Retail Mix Taskforce Recommendations

8.    Update on Performance Parking Pilot Program

9.    Proposed Committees/Taskforces

·        Resolutions

·        Elections

           10.  Eastern Market Report

11.  Approval of Commission Minutes

12.  Adjournment

 

 

*Some items on this agenda will be considered on the consent agenda.  An updated full agenda with items assigned to the consent agenda and regular agenda will be posted on Friday, March 4. All ABC, BZA, Zoning and Historic Preservation cases on the consent agenda will be fully discussed at the appropriate monthly committee meetings.

 

 

NOTE:  Late-Breaking ABC, BZA, 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: April 12, 2011


 

ABC COMMITTEE

South East Neighborhood Library

403 7th Street, SE

Report and Recommendations

March 3, 2011

 

Commissioners in attendance: Carol Green, chair, Neil Glick, Brian Pate, Norm Metzger, David Garrison, Kirsten Oldenburg, Brian Flahaven

 

1. Pacifico VA.  Negotiations between the Applicant and the Protesting Neighbors are at an impasse.  The following conditions have been added to the Voluntary Agreement as a result of previous negotiations between all Parties:  Total Occupancy reduced to 140, seating indoors reduced to 75, seating in the summer garden reduced to 45.  The hours have been reduced to 1:00 am Sunday through Thursday, and 2:00 am Friday and Saturday.  Noise control includes architectural improvements to the property to ensure noise from the establishment, including the summer garden, are not audible outside the establishment.  Applicant will encourage employees to take public transportation and encourage patron to use public parking.

 

The Committee recommends the Commission support the license, ending our Protest, upon signature by the Applicant.   Commissioner Oldenburg dissents from this position, arguing that she thinks the hours for the summer garden should be the same as the hours for the sidewalk café.

2. Chats – removed from the agenda.

 

3. 8th Street Bar and Grill

The protest of this license application is scheduled for March 30, and there is no hope of a settlement.  The Committee Chair and Vice Chair believe it is in the best interest of the ANC and the community that we engage an attorney to argue this case.  The other protestants are business owners and property owners in the immediate area, and three have agreed to share the attorney’s fees equally with the ANC and possibly with BRMS.  The attorney has capped his fee at $3,000.  

 

The Committee recommends the Commission join with the other protesting parties in hiring Andrew McGuire, attorney, to represent the Protestants before the Board at the protest hearing.  The Committee also recommends the Commission authorize the Chair to join the other parties in signing an agreement with the attorney, with the understanding there is a cap of $3,000 on the fee to be paid to Mr. McGuire.  The Commission’s share will not exceed $750.  The Committee recommends the Commission approve said expenditure of funds for this purpose.

 

4. DC Code Title 25 section 609 permits an ANC to convey to the ABC Board their recommendations for settlement of a Protest Hearing.  Should the ANC not prevail at the Protest, the ABC Board is required to give “great weight” to the ANC’s recommendations.

 

The Committee recommends the Commission send a letter to the ABC Board supporting a CR license, without an entertainment endorsement, for the 8th Street Bar and Grill, should the Applicants prevail at the Protest Hearing.

 

Report of the Planning & Zoning Committee

Caesar Chavez Public Charter School

714-722 11th Street, SE

March 1, 2011

6:30 pm

 

Commissioners present: Francis Campbell (chairing), Kirsten Oldenburg, Neil Glick, David Garrison, Carol Green, Brian Flahaven, Jared Critchfield, Brian Pate, Ivan Frishberg, and Norman Metzger[1].  Bert Randolph, Staff Assistance was also present.

 

Home Run Classic 10K – George Banker- Informal Presentation

Applicant did not appear before the Committee for this informal presentation.

 

2011 National Police Week 5K - Jay Greenberg

Applicant did not appear before the Committee.  Therefore, the Committee has no recommendation to make to the Full ANC.

 

PS # 60XXX, 520 8th Street, SE – Sidewalk Cafe with 4-2top tables and 2-4 top tables total (16 seats) -Senart's Oyster & Chop House, Xavier Cervera

Mr. Xavier Cervera, owner of Senart’s Oyster & Chop House, is proposing to add a sidewalk cafe with 6 tables and 16 seats. The sidewalk cafe will be in front of the restaurant and provide a 10 foot wide space from the curb for pedestrians.  Commissioners and audience members voiced no concerns regarding the placement of the proposed sidewalk café.  The Committee recommends the ANC support this application and asks that this item be placed on the consent calendar.

 

HPA # 11-186, 224 7th Street SE - New restaurant storefront with a 14 ft. wide by approximate 40 ft. long rear one-story addition with all historically approved replaced windows

Mr. Xavier Cervera presented plans for a one-story rear extension to the property, which consists of a 3-story front section and a 2-story rear section with an ell (dogleg).  Changes to the front and rear of the property appear to be in keeping with the historic context of the area and will contribute to preservation of the building.  Several neighbors spoke of their support of the project contingent on a number of agreements between the neighbors and Mr. Cervera, who plans to open a restaurant on the first floor of the building.   The Committee requested Mr. Cervera to present plans that include the location and housing for the mechanicals on the rear addition.  The Committee recommends the ANC support this application contingent on presentation of the additional information and agreement with the neighbors.

 

HPA # 11-187, 521 11th Street SE - Redesign of rear side elevation to eliminate the sides set back and interior layout changes to accommodate for reduced space and changes to front porch

Mr. Bernard Renard , owner of both 521 and 523 11th Street properties, presented an application for a change in a previously HPRB approved rear addition and new request to change the front porch.  For the porch, Mr. Renard presented plans with four different options but asked the Committee to consider Option #4. Plans for Option #4 show the front of 521 11th Street with the existing wooden front porch and existing wooden stairway removed and replaced with a new right angled brick stair with iron hand railing & iron fencing with gate added to enclose a small front garden. The front of the building is also shown clad with new siding, replacing the existing permastone siding.

 

In the rear, drawings show the demolition of the rear second floor to accommodate a new addition and mezzanine level along with a lower rear roof to align with the existing roofline of 519 11th street. This is done to address rain runoff & drainage issues.  One page of the submitted plans show a basement addition but the owner stated that the basement plans are now not applicable. Rear plans show double-hung, wood frame windows already approved by BZA.  Additionally BZA had approved option #1 but applicant wishes the Committee to consider Option #4.

 

The owner submitted a letter listing the justification for the extension of time due to economic reasons as well as a detailed explanation of the revisions to the original proposal. All in all these revisions are more in keeping with the historic character of the Capitol historic district especially since with the elimination of the basement, the load & square footage of the house has been reduced. Additional design changes in the reduction of the rear & 3rd floor secondary to the basement elimination create a reduced addition compatible with the neighboring structures.  

 

Pending letters of support from adjacent neighbors, the Committee recommends the full ANC support the revisions to the plans for the rear addition.  Additionally, the Committee supports changes to the front of the property in the application but asks HPRB to require renovation of the existing wooden porch structure, rather than permit the owner’s preference of Option # 4, which would demolish the porch and replace it with a small brick porch with an iron railing.

 

HPA # 11-197, 524 8th Street SE - Two rear additions to existing building. The first rear addition will enclose existing open deck facing rear service alley. The second addition involves adding an enclosed mezzanine level to the rear of the existing two-story building.

Mr. Francisco Beltran, architect, presented plans to enlarge the building.  A Moby Dick restaurant will occupy the first floor and a Nooshi restaurant will occupy the second floor and a proposed 3rd floor/mezzanine level.  First floor plans show a bar area, seating area, food  service & food prep area, kitchen, office space ,rest rooms, walk-in refrigerator ,stair well and entrance/egress.

The second floor shows similar construction with modifications of larger walking rear refrigerator and seating areas.  The proposed third floor will have a seating area of approximately 600 square feet, a stair well and roof top herb garden. This garden will be located at the front of the addition.  A new roof area over the rear of the 2nd floor addition will house mechanical equipment with parapet walls to diminish noise. The mezzanine will have a glass non-operable window running the length of the dining area and floor to ceiling on the south side of the building.  The front facing wall of the mezzanine restaurant space have operable windows, opening out to the herb garden but patrons of the restaurant will be prohibited from roaming in the garden by the placement of retaining wall and/or railings. Support for this project is contingent pending submission of sight lines from surrounding streets, especially G Street to the south, to address issues of privacy from nearby residential property owners.

 

The issue of access by disabled patrons to Nooshi was raised, and while the architect stated that lift capacities could be added when/if needed, Commissioner Metzger noted the need for further consideration.

 

The Committee supports the application but asks HPRB to consider materials from the large south facing window, such as fritter glass, that would reduce restaurant patrons’ view into residential property.  Additionally, the Commission is concerned about the lack of ADA access to the second floor will require another cycle through historic preservation review at a later date.

 

BZA#18185 308 G Street SE - Special Exception to allow a rear sunroom addition to a one family semi detached dwelling not meeting lot occupancy and side yard requirements in CAP/R4 District.

Mr. Ben Brownrigg, architect and builder, presented plans to enclose an existing rear open porch, which does not meet side yard requirements because it sits less than 6ft from the adjacent property. The existing property is at 69% lot coverage and, therefore, exceeds the maximum 60% lot coverage in an R-4 district. The existing conditions and proposed change, therefore, trigger the need for the Special Exception.

 

Submitted plans for enclosing the porch show inside framing and drywall with reinforced fire walls. Exterior foundation piers, bracing and framing are to be replaced along with egress steps. New windows and sliding glass doors are to be added.  Historically, the Commission has allowed up to 70% lot coverage for SFDs. As the condition already exists and Mr. Brownrigg has a letter of support from the adjacent, affected neighbor and no change to the existing footprint is being considered, the Committee is supportive of this application and recommends this proposal be placed on the consent calendar.

 

BZA # 18188 1613 E Street SE - Special exception to permit a two-story rear addition to a one family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy, court , and non-conforming structure requirements in a R-4 District

Ms Noreen Clancy, owner, presented her application for a Special Exception in order to enclose the existing open porch, replace the second story enclosure with a new enclosure that will enable them to enlarge an existing small bedroom. The existing property is at 69% lot occupancy and has a dog-leg of less than 6ft from the property line.  The owner proposes no change in the existing footprint and this would be a matter of right project if the lot coverage did not already exceed 60%. The Commission has historically approved projects the do not exceed 70% lot coverage.  Included in the owner’s submission are pictures, plans and letters of support from immediate neighbors.  The Committee has no concerns at present and no complaints are voiced by audience members. The Committee recommends this project be placed on the consent calendar pending no objections.

 

BZA #18196, 1605 H Street SE - Special exception for a rear deck addition to a one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy requirements in R-4 District.

Mr. Timothy Sullivan, owner, presented his application for a Special Exception to build a nine foot high rear deck to the existing SFD that will result in an increase of the lot occupancy to 69%.  Presently, the owner has a basement exit in the rear. A main floor door exit has no manner of safe egress as no stair or porch structure exists. Similar elevated porch and stairways exist on adjacent and nearby properties as shown by the applicant’s submissions. The proposed elevated deck will not visibly intrude or compromise neighboring properties as they are visible presently from the residence’s main floor. Additionally the applicant appears to have met the requirements per the cited section of D.C.M.R. 223.2 (a), 223.2 (b), 223.2 (c). The owner’s submissions show diagrams of proposed deck structure and materials. The committee requests that the applicant provide letters of support from immediate neighbors and confirm that new lot occupancy will not exceed 70 percent. No concerns are expressed by audience members. Committee recommends support of this proposal pending additional materials to be provided by the applicant at the full commission meeting.

HPA # 11-YYY, - - Hine Redevelopment Project.  

 

Stanton-Eastbanc Development is proposing a mixed use development on the site of the current Hine Junior High School building located between 7th and 8th Streets SE and Pennsylvania Ave and the East-West alley on the 200 block of 7th and 8th Streets.  The plans include residential, office and retail spaces, the re-opening of C Street SE between 7th and 8th streets, and a plaza area at the corner of 7th and C Streets SE.

 

The applicants are seeking initial support from the Commission prior to review by the Historic Preservation Review Board.  Architect Amy Weinstein presented an update of plans previously presented at the February 2nd Special Call meeting of the ANC.  

 

Due to the limited time on the Committee agenda, it was agreed that further meetings would be required to give the Commission and the community more time to provide input to the plans.  Thus, the Committee made no recommendation to the full ANC with regard to support or opposition for the project but did request additional information from the applicants including:

 

1.        A copy of the formal application to HPRB.

2.        Detailed information on the height and setbacks of the project.

3.        Specific information on the approval being sought by the applicants.

 


RESOLUTION TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

 

WHEREAS transportation issues, including those impacting cars, bicycles, pedestrians, and public transit, are an important component of the quality of life for the residents of Capitol Hill; and

 

WHEREAS Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B has in the past addressed transportation issues through its Planning and Zoning Committee;

 

NOW IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that ANC 6B creates a new standing committee on transportation and that the topics within the purview of the committee include

·                                Cars, Bicycles, Transit, and Pedestrians and their systems

·                                Private transit operators (e.g., tour buses)

·                                Roadways, Bridges, and Sidewalks

·                                Parking and enforcement

·                                Traffic Management (stop signs, traffic lights, calming measures etc)

·                                Commercial deliveries

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the authority for the Transportation Committee sunsets at the conclusion of the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of ANC 6B in March 2013.

 

By a vote of 10 to 0.

 

 

Attest:  Secretary                                                          Date:

 


Eastern Market Report – March 2011

Commissioner Brian Pate (SMD 05)

Prepared April 12th, 2011

 

Eastern Market Task Force Report

CM Wells to present

 

Hine Endorsement

EMCAC voted 9-0-1 to endorse the following aspects of the current Hine plans:  a) parking sufficient to support the weekend market and b) the planned plaza’s ability to support the weekend flea market.

 

Gas Leaks

Monte Edwards reported that Washington Gas has not yet conducted a survey of the gas main issue, and that responsiveness to enquiries has been slow.  He does not feel that the leaks present a serious safety issue at this time.  EMCAC is drafting a letter to the CEO of Washington Gas.  

Recommendation:  ANC6B prepare and send a complimentary letter to the CEO of Washington Gas, seeking: a) immediate conduct of a survey to determine the scope and nature of the gas leaks on 7th St b) immediate communication of corrective actions to be taken to fix the gas leaks on 7th St and c) a written commitment to return 7th St to its current condition upon completion of repairs

 

North Hall Resolution

EMCAC voted unanimously to adopt a resolution precluding rental of the North Hall to any individual or organization for the purpose of that individual or entity subletting space to a business which would otherwise be considered eligible to apply to rent vendor space directly from Eastern Market.  The resolution further advised the market manager to consider directly renting the North Hall to arts and crafts and flea market vendors when the Hall has not been rented for other events.

 

New Applicants

The window for new vendor applications (for the outside market) closed on 31 March.  As of the date of the EMCAC meeting (March 30th), the market manager received 16 applications.  The applications will be reviewed by the market manager for completeness, then sent to the Application Advisory Review Committee for scoring and further adjudication.

 

Financials and Finance Committee

The Market Manager reported financials for the first quarter of FY 11.  Happily, the market generated a net income of $15,658 for the quarter.  The market manager originally projected a $16,051 deficit in the first quarter.  While actual total income did not meet target ($177K actual vs 194K planned), positive cash flow resulted from reduced operating expenses ($109K actual vs $158K planned), especially in the following categories:  interior cleaning, trash removal and electric maintenance.

 

 

 

 

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Minutes of Special Call Meeting

 Hine Jr. High School Redevelopment Project

Tuesday, March 15, 2011—6 p.m.

St. Coletta of Greater Washington School

 

 

Commissioners Present: Francis Campbell, Jared Critchfield, Brian Flahaven, Ivan Frishberg, David Garrison, Carol Green, Neil Glick (Chairing), Norman Metzger, Kirsten Oldenburg, Brian Pate.

After the Commissioners introduced themselves the agenda was adopted by a 10-0 vote.

Steve Callcott (steve.callcott@dc.gov), Deputy Director, and Amanda Molson (amanda.molson@dc.gov), Capitol Hill Specialist, of the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) talked about the Historic Preservation Concept Review Process prior to the permit review which will happen on April 28, 2011.  They encouraged the audience to contact them about speaking at the April 28th meeting so there is ample time to hear all those who wish to testify.  They said the Board’s decision would be based on a building’s general compatibility with the neighborhood that provides a generally harmonious relationship with the current neighborhood, and is a product of our time.    The April 28 meeting will include a presentation, testimony of parties in favor and in opposition, an open deliberation among Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) members, and voting on a motion or a series of motions based on staff reports.  They said their office’s report will be posted on their website (preservation.dc.gov) by April 22.

Ken Golding of Stanton-East Banc, LLC then gave brief remarks.  He told the audience that two years ago their group responded to a RFP (request for proposals) and had solicited opinions.  He said he felt a moral imperative to develop a project that is compatible with the dimensions and nature of the surrounding area, including Metro Plaza.

Amy Weinstein, architect, said she would give the same presentation she had given at the ANC Planning and Zoning Committee on March 1, with the addition of one PowerPoint slide.  She said the Hine project now includes 151 residences and is designed in the Victorian style of building to the edge of the property, except for schools, so it holds the street line.  She said on 8th Street there will be 100 feet property line to property line and 90 feet between properties on 7th Street.  On 8th Street the building plans call for a 40 foot height with a 30 foot setback.  On 7th Street the building will be six stories tall and seven stories tall at Pennsylvania Avenue. The 8th Street side will also have partial fifth and sixth floors.  The exterior will feature corbelled columns of brick.

Commissioners then began to ask questions about the Hine plan.  Answers appear in [brackets], if provided.  Questions included height of the original Hine School building and clarification of the property line to property line 100 foot width [includes road bed, curbs, trees, brick sidewalks, and front yards of residences.]  The development team was asked about their flexibility with the term sheet provided by the city.  Joe Sternlieb of East Banc said the city wants them to achieve the March 2009 RFP plan.  They do have 5% flexibility in the terms.  Additional questions included the justification for the extra floor [Pennsylvania Avenue needs height], if inclusion of a hotel would require changes, including the loading dock [the current design accommodates it], the objective of the Pennsylvania Avenue opening and courtyard access as a public space issue [that is being restudied], whether the Shakespeare Theatre dormitory suites are labeled as low-income [no], why the dormitory suites are on 8th Street instead of C Street [they’re English Basement style], whether a grocery store can be accommodated below grade [the C Street below grade space is only 7,000 square feet; additional below grade space is not economically feasible], the height of the buildings [41 feet at 8th Street, 52 feet at Pennsylvania Avenue, 89 feet at Pennsylvania Avenue office space], why the building façade is not broken into multiple sections [breaks in the building are cost-prohibitive as they require additional elevators and stairwells], the unbroken façade of Philadelphia Row (the east side of the 100 block of 11th Street, SE), the concern that a block-long five story wall is not engaging, changes from four floors to fourth, fifth, and sixth floors on 8th Street [almost half of the fifth floor is removed in this plan], whether the roofs will be green [any roof space not accessible will be green; accessible roofs will be landscaped and include pavers], whether the project will be LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) certified [the numbers and percentages are not yet ready], the purpose of the parapet [pergola or pavilion for the roof deck], since the context of the scale is hard to judge, requests for floor area ratio plans, total square footage of the piazza area, a 3-D or fly through plan [those plans require time and effort; they’re working on a sketch up model], if CHRS (Capitol Hill Restoration Society) had provided input on plans or changes [a presentation was made and formal comments are forthcoming].

Audience questions and comments included Marcel LaFollette, who represented Eyes on Hine, a group of residents in the 200 block of 8th Street.  Her comments included the demolition and construction phases, the four stories on 8th Street since residents prefer only three, unhealthy noise levels, a request for variations on the façade of three to four foot setbacks, open space outside, and garage access on 7th Street.  Joanna Kendig said she attended the meeting intending to be critical but was not.  Andrew Petro suggested the north residential building should be only residential and just two stories tall.  He also requested a larger plaza and that the 8th Street residences be broken up and not a continuous façade.  Derek Farwagi asked about the process for the ANC decision and whether the ANC would adhere to the June 30, 2009 ANC resolutions on the Hine project. Rachel Van Wingen suggested the drawings were skewed and don’t represent her residence well.  She asked for more public space, recalling when there was a free public tennis court in the neighborhood. Gail Kohn, Executive Director of Capitol Hill Village, said her membership has great interest in the redevelopment project as there is not much similar housing available in the area. Bob Bresnahan suggested the courtyard seems like an accidental opening and will create a noise canyon.  He requested a professional noise survey to evaluate emergency vehicle noise, etc. Bill Pate suggested the design is incompatible with the neighborhood in terms of massing and height as it will block air and light. He requested green space for the community.  Jim Rowland said the 8th Street façade is too long and too high. Jack Calhoun said the plan reminds him of the Madison Building at the Library of Congress—efficient but not a good feeling. Richard Brennan of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice said he’s pleased the site will be developed, but is concerned about the scale and size of the building and the trash and traffic issues of particularly the north building. Jonathan Page said he felt the building was not compatible with the Stanton East Banc vision of “feel” instead of “uses.”  He encouraged the development team to return to its published vision. Candy Blair said the gap on Pennsylvania Avenue is too wide and that she was not in favor of any part of the plan as it was too big and too high. Michael Bolek said he supported the plan as it is a major business opportunity for him to have clientele live locally. Steve Cymrot said the project is for the entirety of Capitol Hill.  Ann Richard said she’s looking forward to this development and that it will bring revenue to the city. Ryan Velasco said he attended the meeting prepared to dislike the plan, but was supporting it. Lynn Fitzhugh said what she heard did not seem unsolvable that the school was ugly and she wanted to see retail but the current plan is too big. Ken Jarboe asked about the functionality of the parapet and suggested the design would be best if it made a large building look smaller or be perceived as smaller.

The meeting attendees were thanked for the time and energy they are expending in this process. St. Coletta of Greater Washington was thanked for hosting the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

 

Attest: Andrew Jared Critchfield, Secretary __________________________________________  



[1] Late arrival