Advisory Neighborhood
Commission 6B
Minutes of Regular
ANC-6B Meeting
Tuesday October 12, 2004
Commissioners Present:
Commissioners Absent: Francis Campbell
Chairperson Julie Olson
chaired the meeting and the commissioners introduced themselves.
There was a quorum for
conducting business.
Chair Olson notified the
group that under Planning and Zoning the second item should be Public Space –
Application for Temporary Trash Shelter at
Commissioner Jarboe
recommended that we remove item number 8 (Quarterly Financial Report) because
the Bank Statement was received late.
The ANC will still be within its 45 days to report.
A motion was made and
seconded to accept the agenda as changed.
The vote was unanimously (9-0-0) to accept.
John Boyle, owner of Marty’s
Restaurant appeared before the commission and community requesting permission
to hold a New Year’s Eve Event at which live music would be performed. There was some discussion if this matter
could wait until the November ABC Committee meeting. After the discussion, Commissioner Sheldon
made the motion to amend Marty’s Voluntary Agreement for one-day, New Years Eve
night, December 31st to January 1st to allow for live
music, dancing and other associated activities.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Snowden. The vote was unanimously (9-0-0).
Beth Purcell announced that
there will be Walking Tour of Hill East Historic Sites on Saturday, October 16,
2004. There will be two (2) tours. They will start at 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.,
and will begin at the Congressional Cemetery gate at 1801 E. Street, SE, and
will be held come rain or shine. The
tour is free.
No announcements.
Baseball in DC:
Presenters: Linda Greeland
and Gay Green, Board members of DC Sports and Entertainment Commission
The proposed Baseball in DC
is viewed as an economic development initiative for the current administration
and the proposed location in Southeast will help revitalize the Anacostia
waterfront area, will be consistent with some of the other developments along
the waterfront area. The following items
were given as benefits of bring baseball back to DC:
Additionally, the commission
will receive one- dollars ($1.00) for every ???? over 2.5 million dollars and
that is to go to youth recreation, literacy in education and to help fund free
tickets to youths who want to go to the games.
The team itself will establish a charitable fund foundation to support
certain activities targeted mainly towards youth in this program.
They will also be very
committed DC Resident Hiring Code and LSDBE hiring goals, which means at least
51% of all jobs will be going to DC residents and 35% firms working on the
project will go to small and disadvantaged business.
After more discussion, the
presentation was concluded by providing the audience and commissioners with a
document that outlined there presentation.
The reason this issue needs to be approved is because of the required
renovation for RFK Stadium because the first game is scheduled for April
2005. The proposal has 13 million
dollars in it for the renovations.
Commissioner Sheldon made the
motion that the ANC support bringing baseball to the City, provided that not
one-dime of DC Resident’s tax dollars will go toward financing the ballpark and
no money will be taken from the City’s general funds to finance the
ballpark. There was not second to the
motion. Commissioner Jarboe made the
motion to table the motion and it was seconded commissioner Glick. The vote was 8-1-0.
Venetian Condominium Project
Presenter: Dennis Conners,
Principle of Synergy Design, Representing Macy Development & Construction.
The project is located on the
corner of C and
A detailed presentation was
made using various architectural drawings to illustrate how the finish project
will look.
There was a question
regarding the space behind the proposed building. The response was that the space would be used
as a courtyard for the building.
Several questions regarding
parking were asked. Such as parking
entry (from the alley –
Commissioner Jarboe asked if
they were not required to have the courtyard (recreational) space, could they
lower the height of the project. Per
Commissioner Jarboe, the reason he was asking was because the ANC as supported
rezoning this area to R-4, and in R-4, as he understand it, you do not have the
recreation requirement. He personally
would be in favor of supporting a variance to get rid of the recreation
requirements on the condition the height could be lowered. Because this is his major concern is the
height of the project.
Commissioner Glick stated
that the project is in his ANC and he believes the design is beautiful, but he
feels the building is just one-story to high.
Many of the neighbors in the area have express the feeling that they
don’t want so many tall building in their area.
The neighbor directly across
from the proposed project expressed her concern about the building’s
façade. She stated that her and
neighbors felt the building had a too-modern look and didn’t give the
traditional feel as the current neighborhood structures. Mr. Conners stated that they looked at
several designs to make it blend in more with the currents structured, and the
design they’re presenting is the best they could do.
There were other questions
about the brick that will be used in this project and how it matches with the
brick in the other project across the street on the corner. Mr. Conners stated that the size of the
building and its location meant it could utilize different design criteria.
Additional comments and
concerns were voiced about available parking especially when you consider the
project across from this proposed project.
Presenter: Don Edwards, Consultant for
This is the third in a series
of studies in the Anacostia Waterfront Transportation System that is being
examined for
The group utilized various
visuals to illustrate the depth and breath of their study, and the findings
derived from the studies. They were
looking at how to best address the volume of traffic entering and exiting the
city using these roadways, and the impact on traffic on the local side streets.
They want to divide their
recommendations in the three sections.
The first is those changes that can be accomplished in the near-term
(now). Second would be those changes
that can be accomplished in the next 2 to 3 years. Third and final are the changes that can be
accomplished in the long-term to providing the complete interchange for moving
traffic into and out of the city without negatively impacting local traffic.
There were a number of issues
discussed such as jurisdiction, ownership of roadway, big dig approach,
elevated approach, traffic that comes to the dead end of the
Southeast-Southwest Freeway. Concerning
the Southeast-Southwest Freeway, there were only two alternatives. One is the take the ramp up to
One of the key near-term finds
concerning the dead end of the Southeast-Southwest Freeway, at Barney Circle was
that they needed to do was to either close this exit or open it and make it
legal. Additionally, with the proposed
opening of RFK for baseball will also place a tremendous amount of traffic on
the RFK access road, which means it will be off the table for immediate
potential modifications.
Regarding traffic volume in a
general sense, they did not see any burden being place on the system. Their current traffic model indicates there
are 4,500 vehicles using the system per day.
The current traffic flow is 5,400 vehicles. They are projecting for 2030 the traffic
volume to be able to handle an additional 5,600.
In another study, they are
currently looking at making 17th a two-way street. This change will impact the traffic flow
somewhat. It is their belief that by
changing the roadway from a one-way to two-way traffic will in fact slow
down. The drivers will be more aware of
being in traffic and will reduce their speed.
A representative from DDOT was present and stated that in November they
will be returning to the ANC to make a presentation regarding the outcome of
their study on this issue. Therefore,
the presenters are projecting instead of being able to handle an additional
5,600 more vehicles, it will be more like 4,000 additional.
At
There was a great deal of
concern expressed by the commissioners and the community regarding the negative
impact of placing a traffic circle at this location, especially with the new
condominium and grocery story scheduled to be built at that location. The presenters assured the members that they
are in constant communication with the various city agencies involved in
traffic and planning to make minimize any potential negative impacts. However, later in the discussion, the
presenter admitted that the traffic circle will have a negative impact on
traffic.
Questions were raised
regarding the methodology for conducting their traffic count studies. Specifically were their counts done on
regular week days and no holidays? The
response was that even though the requirement is that the study be conducted during
school time on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursday, and does not include
holidays, however they wanted to provide a more comprehensive study. Therefore, they elected to conduct their
study over the three (3) day periods using 13 hours time periods over 48 hours
each, and not just peak hours.
Commissioner Glick stated
that the intersections on Massachusetts between 15th and 19th
Street, SE has been the scene of several accidents and one involving a police
car in which someone was killed. He also
stated that the ANC had voted on securing stop signs for the area, but it has
been rejected and wanted to know why and what needs to be done to secure at
least
Commissioner Jarboe asked
about their comment that they had been asked to look at use of RFK access road,
and he wanted to know specifically who made the request. The response was that their technical
advisory group has made the request.
Commissioner Jarboe commented that the specific cut-through was talked
about in the Reservation 13 Master Plan, and they were told at the time that no
way, no how, not on the table, not under consideration, and now he hears that
there is a study underway to look at opening it up. He stated his concern is that the right hand
does not know what the left hand. He
also asked if they have talked with the people who are doing the tour bus
study, because they’re also talking about using it. In fact, the last memo he got from them
stated that they were in the process of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding
with the Sports and Entertainment Commission to use that road, and now you’re
telling us the road can’t be used.
The presenter stated that his
comment that the road can’t be used is not necessary true, because it is still
under consideration. There are some
structural issues that will have to be resolved before anything can
happen. She further stated that the tour
buses are not looking at using the illegal exit from Southwest Freeway. She also stated that the Anacostia Waterfront
Initiative Framework Plan did show a park access road and that’s what they’re
really after, that provides access to the park all along the Anacostia
Waterfront, but in particular the
Commissioner Jarboe’s final
comment was that ANC 6B has vehemently voiced their objection to the use of
this roadway, and hoped that one community was not being sacrificed for
another’s benefit.
Commissioner Keith Smith
asked the presenters once the roadways are opened what type of signage will be
used. More specifically, would there be
signage on the freeway signaling the direction to
Commissioner Smith stated
that his biggest concern is that if you build it, they will come. Therefore, he wanted to know is they would be
interested in working with a smaller group in the community for some type of
structural change that would be immediate.
The response was that they most certainly would be interested in meeting
with the community to discuss safety issues.
Pat Taylor, from the
community, stated her concern about the amount of commuter traffic that will be
using 17th, if and when it is opened up. She further asked, if people are currently
using an illegal exit why do they think that once it is legal to use the exit,
more people will not use it. The
response was that by making
Commissioner Hill wanted to
know why they can’t open
A person in the community
asked about the traffic on I Street, SE, and asked what their plans are to
correct it. There were several others in
the community that expressed their concerns about the current traffic volume,
no to mention future additional traffic.
The representative stated that it is not for them to response to that
specific issue, but the representative from DDOT will need to provide ANC6B
with the answer.
One community member asked
about Baseball moving to RFK and its impact on the traffic patterns. The response is that RFK has been there for
some time and has historically handled the traffic volume and the presenters
did not see any substantial added impact on traffic.
According to the presenter,
their approach has to be system-wide.
The real problems have to do with the system design. The freeway and the connections to it were
designed to connect across the river and become the Barney Circle Freeway, and
that never happened. They now have
severe problems due to fact they have not finished the freeway system. The solution is to look at the whole freeway
system and look at where the major problems and what can be done in the
long-term and what can be done in the mean-time. They will do their best to protect the every
individual street, but they really don’t feel that the outcome of their action
would be very severe and this is why they are making their recommendation.
The question was asked
regarding the timeframe for arriving at a decision regarding the recommendation
and when is the next public meeting. Don
Edwards stated that they would be meeting the next day, and would be able to
provide the ANC with a firm date by the end of the week. However, he projected the next public meeting
would be held December 4th at Watkins, but don’t hold him to that
date until confirmed. Their
recommendation must be in before the Xmas holiday period, therefore the
December 4th date looks very good.
Commissioner Keith Smith made
the motion that ANC6B not support the opening of the
Don Edwards will coordinate
with Commissioner Smith and
Chair Olson announced that a
Special ANC6B meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 26th at 7:00
p.m. to discuss and vote on the proposals for financing of the baseball
stadium. The ANC will get its comments
in before the Council votes in November.
HPRB – Cap Mona – 616
Planning and Zoning Committee Vice-Chair,
Applicant seeks to add a
second floor addition to an existing one-story rear porch and construct a
driveway and curb cut at
In an Evaluation and Recommendation
Hearing of the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) on July 22, 2004, the
conceptual rear addition was approved as being “consistent” with the character
of rear additions in the Cleveland Park Historic District in terms of its
overall form, façade, organization and general materials used. The curb cut however is on
HPRB denied the curb cut on
public space because it was inconsistent with the character of the Historic
District, citing cases at
Additionally, HPRB has stated
that the Board would reconsider the curb cut application, if the applicant
could “prove” through records that the subject property is one of four
properties on
The property resides in a
Historic District, and this would be considered a new curb cut. It is the recommendation of the Planning and
Zoning Committee that we support the second floor addition and concur with the
staff report of HPRB to oppose the curb cut.
Chair person Olson asked if
there was any new information to be offered regarding this application.
Mr. Cap Mona, the applicant
and property owner, stood and presented the Commission with a packet of information
to support his belief that his property qualifies for a new curb cut. His argument is that there were four (4)
original curb cuts, gutters and streets were done back in the 1850s therefore,
his property qualifies for a new curb cut.
He further stated that if a new curb cut was granted, they would only be
taking up one parking space.
Commissioner Sheldon asked
Mr. Mona if his argument was that he met the HPRB’s exception to allow for curb
cut because it dates back historically.
Mr. Mona agreed with the statement.
Commissioner Sheldon stated that he had heard that several neighbors
opposed the curb cut and he wanted to know why he thinks they felt this
way. Mr. Mona said he was not sure, but
he had heard that some thought the curb cut would take up three (3) parking
spaces along
Commissioner Jarboe stated
that he would like to hear from the neighbors who were present why they opposed
the curb cut.
One neighbor stated that her
major concern was the lost of parking spaces on
The neighbor directly across
from the proposed curb cut stated that existing curb cut which is historic goes
into the building that was built in 1950s and is also the property with a large
tree in front of the curb cut, so it has been a significant amount of time
since it has been used. So the curb cut
now goes into the property that had been sold off, so what is required to have
access to the backyard of the property at 616 North Carolina required a new
curb cut. She further stated that it is
her opinion that curb cuts are a horrible idea and there definite reasons
against curb cuts such as alternate street cleaning, emergency snow route and
commercial auto repair store that is immediate next door to the proposed curb
cut.
Commissioner Sheldon asked it
there was a Grandfather Clause related to the curb cut. The response was that that was before the
property was sold off and a house was built on it.
Chair Olson stated that it
appears to her that the main issue is the part of the property was sold off at
some point. Therefore, the issue now
becomes one of a new curb cut not an existing curb cut.
Commissioner Olson informed
the audience that the Commissioner would now review the application and make
their final recommendation.
Commissioner Sheldon stated
that he believes there is a real issue in terms of whether or not this is
historic in nature the curb cut. HPRB
has stated that if you can prove it is historic in nature, then they answer
maybe different. He wandered if it was not
proper, in light of the new information, to return the matter to HPRB or the
Sub-Committee and have them take another look at this. He believes the applicant is answering the
but if portion of the HPRB statement regarding the curb cut being historic,
therefore he would be in support of remanding this at this point and have HPRB
look at it again.
Commissioner Jarboe stated his
understanding from the HPRB staff is that they had in fact passed it back to
the Commission. He stated that HPRB
stated they may take the issue up at their next meeting, but they wanted ANC6B
to provide them with feedback.
Commissioner Sheldon stated
he would support the curb cut as long as it has been established to HPRB’s
satisfaction, in terms of it being historically grandfathered in.
Commissioner Smith asked if
the discussion was about an historic curb cut, and if that curb cut still
exists.
Commissioner Jarboe stated he
believes the bottom-line is, is this a new curb cut or not? He believes at some point in time the
original curb cut for this property went away.
The policy has been that if you get rid of it, you don’t get to chance
to come back and get it again.
Commissioner Snowden stated
that he is in favor of supporting the application for curb cut based upon HPRB’s
approval of the materials that the applicant has brought before the Commission
today.
After much discussion
regarding the issue, Chair Olson stated that she believes the Commission should
take a position that it either approve or disapprove the curb cut.
Jarboe made the motion to
change the report to say the ANC oppose the curb cut and it was seconded by
Commissioner Cernich. After some
additional discussion, the vote to change the report was 4-3-2.
The paragraph now reads as follows:
The property resides in a Historic District, and this
would be considered a new curb cut. It
is the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Committee that we support the
second floor addition and ANC 6B oppose the curb cut.
Chair Olson read the new
Planning and Zoning Committee Report stating that the ANC opposes the curb cut,
and asked that all in favor of opposing the curb cut raise their hands and four
(4) voted by raising their hands. She
then asked those in support of the curb cut to raise their hands, and there
were three (3) votes. Finally, she asked
those who abstained to raise their hands and there were two (2) votes. Therefore,
the motion to oppose the curb cut was approved by a vote of 4-3-2.
Temporary Trash Storage at
Presenter: Marisa Scalera of
Oehme, Van Sweden & Associates, Inc., representing property owner.
Ms. Scalera presented the
Commissioners with a detailed drawing of the proposed temporary storage
shelter, and reported that all required permits had been obtained. She also stated that the neighbors have seen
the drawings and have no objections. The
storage unit will not be permanently fixed to the property.
Commissioner Jarboe stated
that this property is in his ANC and when in route to inspect the proposed
location, he noticed at least other temporary storage units already in the
neighborhood.
The motion was made by
Commissioner Jarboe to support the Temporary Trash Storage Shelter and
Commissioner Sheldon seconded the motion.
The vote was 7-0-0 in support.
Commissioner
The Committee considered the renewal applications of
the following establishments:
Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill, App. No. 50233,
License # 60689, Class – CR 01
Hawk N’ Dove, App. No. 9536, License # 964, Class – CT 03
Park Café, App. No. 33333, License # 29448, Class- CR 01
Piazza Pizzeria, App. No. 60847, License # 71335, Class – DR 01 (Ellington’s on
Eighth)
Bachelor’s Mill/Back Door Pub, App. No. 5868, License # 11277, Class – CT 02
Representatives of the following establishments
appeared before the committee regarding the following renewal applications:
Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill
Hawk N’ Dove
Ellington’s on Eighth
The committee sought input from those in attendance at
the meeting regarding each of the establishments seeking renewal. No one in attendance raised any complaints or
concerns regarding any of the license renewals.
The ABC
Committee recommends that the ANC support the renewal of the licenses for
Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill, Hawk N’ Dove, and Ellington’s with the terms of
the current Voluntary Agreements remaining in effect. The committee
recommends supporting these renewals because representatives of the
establishments made the effort to appear before the ABC Committee. The ABC
Committee recommends that the ANC take no position as to the licenses for Park
Café and Bachelor’s Mill contingent on the terms of existing Voluntary
Agreements remaining in effect.
Commissioner
Jarboe moved that the Commission adopt the recommendations on block of all 5 at
one time. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Sheldon. The vote was 7-0-0
to accept.
The Committee also considered the application by
Trusty’s Bar for a Retailer’s Class “C” Tavern License for
Mr. Englert is the owner of several ABC establishments
in the District, including, in ANC 6B, Capitol Lounge and the Pour House. Mr. Englert explained to the committee that
the information contained in the ABRA flyer was inaccurate and that Trusty’s
would not have dancing or live music and that he would be willing to eliminate
even occasional DJ’s from the application.
The committee expressed its desire that Trusty’s explore revising its
application with ABRA to reflect those representations.
Between 10 and 20 members of the community surrounding
the proposed establishment attended the meeting. Many of those in attendance expressed great
concern regarding potential noise safety, parking, and litter problems relating
to a tavern in the neighborhood.
Neighbors were also concerned about the proposed hours of
operation. Neighbors stressed that they
live in a quiet community and have grave doubts regarding the necessity and
propriety of a tavern locating there.
Neighbors noted that a petition had been circulated in opposition to the
establishment.
Mr. Englert offered to meet with community members to
discuss their concerns. He stressed that
he would take measures to mitigate any noise issues, including installing:
sound proofing on exterior walls baffling on doors and windows, and
soundproofing on neighbors’ homes. Mr.
Englert stated that he does not wish to curtail the hours of operation for the
tavern. The committee reminded Mr.
Englert that in the past, the ANC has entered into Voluntary Agreements with
establishments that limit the hours otherwise prescribed by law.
Neighbors expressed the desire for restaurants, cafés,
and retail establishments rather than a tavern.
Two neighbors stated that, during the course of the
committee meeting, their concerns had been addressed and that they supported
the license for Trusty’s.
The committee makes no recommendation regarding the
Trusty’s license and believes that the license application should be considered
by the full ANC. The committee notes
that action on this license application is not necessary at the October ANC
meeting. The hearing date before the ABC
Board is November 24, 2004 and the ANC will meet again before that date.
Commissioner Cernich made the motion to table the
matter and remand it back to the Committee.
It was seconded by Commissioner Jarboe.
Commissioner Sheldon
commented to the commissioners that Mr. Englert owns two other establishments
and that he has been outstanding in implementing carding and abiding by all the
agreements and really trying to be a good citizen on Capitol Hill.
The vote was 9-0-0 to table and remand back to the
Committee.
Funds for Website
Development:
Chair Olson stated she had
been trying to develop a website for over a year and a half without any success
and she doesn’t believe anyone else on the Commission has the know-how to do so
either. Therefore, she is recommending
that the Commission hire someone to do so and pay them a small stipend. She is proposing that a maximum of $1,000.00
be made available to achieve this. She
further stated that it may in fact in the end cost more and then again it may
not.
The point was made that it is
critical that the ANC will have the ability to update the site and manage it
and all agreed this is very important.
Chair Olson stated she
already has someone in mind that can perform the work for the Commission. She has review five (5) of his websites and
she was very impressed with his work.
Commissioner Sheldon will also contact his person about potentially
doing the work for the Commission.
The vote was 8-1-0 in support.
There was not further
business and Commissioner Hill made the motion that the meeting be adjourned
until its next meeting date of November 9, 2004. The motion was seconded, and the vote was 9
to 0.
Meeting Adjourned.
Prepared by Bert Randolph
Attested: