Advisory

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Minutes of Regular ANC Meeting

September 9, 2008

Commissioners Present: Julie Olson, Will Hill, Kirsten Oldenburg, Neil Glick, Mary Wright, Carol Green, and Executive Director, Bert Randolph. Commissioners Campbell and Patterson joined the meeting after it had started

Commissioners Absent: David Garrison and Ken Jarboe

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

There was a quorum for conducting business.

Adoption of Agenda

1. Adoption of Agenda

2. Community Speakout

3. Community and Commission Announcements

4. Presentations

· Bike DC September 27^th – Washington Area Bicyclist Association – Sheba Farrin, Assistant Director

5. Planning and Zoning Committee

· BZA # 17817, 1422 Massachusetts Avenue, SE – Special exception for a community service center and a variance from the off-street parking requirements

· HPA # 08-371, 1328 A Street, SE – Adding garage in rear alley

· HPA # 08-435, 645 E Street, SE – New brick wall and garage door in rear alley

· PS # 38906, Good Stuff Eatery, 303 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Unenclosed sidewalk café

· ZC # 08-06-1, Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Height – Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director, Office of Planning

· ZC # 08-06-2, Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking – Ratification of Executive Committee’s Action

· ZC # 08-06-3, Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Loading – Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director, Office of Planning

· ZC # 08-06-4, Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Arts & Culture – Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director, Office of Planning

· ZC # 08-16, Text Amendment Modify Definitions of Child Development Home and Child Development Center – Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director, Office of Planning

· ZC # 08-16A, Text Amendment to the Definition of Child/Elderly Development Center – Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director, Office of Planning

· ZC # 08-20, Text Amendment – DCMR Title 11 – Regulate Firearms Retail Sales Establishments – Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director, Office of Planning

6. ABC Committee

· Barracks Row Entertainment, LLC, t/a Lola’s, Lic. # ABRA-079676, 711 8^th Street, SE – New liquor license

7. Resolution – Historic Preservation Office’s “Preserve America Community” designation

8. Approval of Commission Minutes

9. Adjournment

The Chair announced several changes in the printed agenda: under the Planning and Zoning Committee cases, the Public Space case for Good Stuff Eatery would be removed; and under presentations, the first presentation will be by a group called Neighbors United. The approval of the Commission minutes will be for the May 27^th Special Call meeting and April 8^th and July 16^th meetings.

Commissioner Hill made the motion to accept the agenda as amended. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wright. The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to say aye. The motion passed unanimously.

Community Speakout

Mr. Chander Jayaraman, Project Director with Inclusion Research Institution announced his firm has been hired by the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency to conduct a Community Preparedness Exercise. The event will be held on Thursday, September 25^th here in the Old Naval Hospital and the exercise will run from 6 to 9 p.m. The purpose of the exercise will be to provide District residents, neighborhood leaders and representatives of neighborhood and civic organizations with the opportunity to learn what steps they can take to become more prepared before a disaster strikes.

The goal is to increase the preparedness of DC families and neighborhoods by utilizing tabletop exercises across the District. Using a hurricane scenario, participants will examine existing neighborhood community plans and identify specific concerns and vulnerabilities. Mr. Jayaraman invites everyone who is interested in learning more to please attend. If more information is desired, you can visit their website www.dccommunitypreparedness.org or call 202.338.7153 ext. 212.

Ms. Yoonmee Chang who lives in the 500 block of 9^th Street stated she wanted to bring to the Commission’s attention a problem she was having with noise coming from the establishments in the 500 block of 8^th Street. Ms. Chang stated she and Commissioner Oldenburg are already in discussions about the problems and are working on some solutions.

Ms. Chang stated she had the following problems with some of the commercial establishments on 8^th Street:

Marty’s bar (527 8^th Street, SE) patrons are rowdy especially after the 12 am hour. Doors are flung wide open, music is blaring, patrons congregate on the sidewalk making loud noises, patrons are disorderly as they leave the bar and walk through residential areas. This happens routinely on weekends and some weeknights.
Belga Café (514 8^th Street, SE) has full size tractor-trailers using the alley between 8^th and 9^th Street, SE in the 500 block. Drivers leave tractor motors running with the noise of the truck pointing out onto 9^th Street, SE and the body of the trailers alongside houses causing tremendous amount of noise and shaking of houses. Deliveries can last 30-45 minutes and occur every Friday between 12 pm and 2 pm. The large tractor-trailers cause damage to the alley way.
Increasing noise levels from the street spilling into residential areas are a major concern as new business open on Barracks Row. For instance, how can Lola’s (711 8^th Street, SE) and Matchbox (500 block of 9^th Street, SE) minimize noise within and outside their businesses, especially during night time hours? Matchbox is especially of concern as their location downtown plays loud music throughout their establishment and under the front awing. The Capitol Hill location appears to be building an outdoor deck area.

Ms. Chang asked what can be done about residents who host frequent parties outside their houses every weekend as well as weeknight well past midnight. Commissioner Olson suggested that she call 311 to report any disturbances to the police department and have them come out to inspect the situation.

Regarding the parking problem in the 500 block of 9^th Street, Ms. Chang stated that DDOT has long promised Zone 6 Parking Only signs for the block, which would help reduce the congregation of disorderly patrons through the residential areas closest to Barracks Row. The signs were promised to be installed by August 25, 2008 by Mr. Damon Harvey at DDOT, but no action has been taken. Likewise, she has emailed Mr. Harvey (damon.harvey@dc.gov) about the situation, but has not had any response. Ms. Chang also stated that Commissioner Oldenburg has been working with her to get this matter resolved.

The Chair stated that she and Commissioners Oldenburg and Wright share the 8^th Street Corridor and they will work together to see what they can come up with to help address Ms. Chang’s issues and concerns.

Commissioner Oldenburg stated that on the Belga Café issue, she brought it up at the PSA 106 meeting last week. She has also sent Preston Ward (the Ward 6 daytime DPW inspector) an email and he has offered to come out on a Friday and inspect the situation. Mr. Ward informed Commissioner Oldenburg that trucks can not be parked so as to block the alley and trucks can not be left unattended and idling while deliveries are being made. Additionally, Commissioner Oldenburg plans on having a phone conversation with Mr. Harvey about the zone parking signs. They did get the Enhanced RPP in place for the 400 and 500 blocks, but not in the 700 block, however they did not make one side of the street zone 6 parking only. According the DDOT, they will be coming out to make those sign changes in the two blocks and she will be following up with them to make sure this happens.

The Chair stated that is was the first time she had heard anything about the noise problem at Marty’s and she will speak personally with the owner about the issue. The Chair added that it is illegal to hear music outside in front of an establishment and if this should occur one should call the ABRA Hotline which is 202.329.6347 to report any violations or you can also call 311 to make a complaint.

Robert Menkes who lives in the Bryan Square Development stated he was seeking suggestions for the Bryan Square and Independence Court area in getting some parity with the rest of the area as regards Zone 6 Residential Parking Permit coverage. The Chair stated she would make this a priority issue and would look into the matter herself to see what can be done to make this happen.

Mr. Menkes also stated the Bryan area has experienced a rash of vandalism and car break-ins. His car has been broken into 4 times over the last year. The last break-in occurred last week. Mr. Menkes wanted any suggestions for getting more police enforcement in the area. Commissioner Green suggested that Mr. Menkes attend the PSA 107 meetings to discuss this matter. PSA 107 meetings are on the 3^rd Thursday of the month at 7 PM at Liberty Baptist Church, located at 527 Kentucky Avenue, SE. The Chair also reminded Mr. Menkes to call 911 to report any auto break-in incident to the authorities.

Commissioners Campbell and Patterson joined the meeting.

Community and Commission Announcements

Ms. Traci Stockton with the Mt. Pleasant Solar Coop announced they are looking for individuals who are interested in joining them in discussions regarding the possibility of having residential solar panels installed to receive potential benefits of recent DC Legislation. Anyone who is interested in receiving more information on this matter should contact Ms. Stockton at 703-629-5895.

Commissioner Hill announced the Watkins Field Stakeholder’s Meeting will be held September 24^th from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Watkins School Auditorium. The discussion will center around the replacement of the Sports on the Hill’s soccer field fence and an update on the status of the baseball field.

Commissioner Oldenburg announced that on Sunday, October 5^th from 12 noon until 3:00 p.m. there will be a Special Anacostia Boathouse Tour along the Anacostia Boathouse Row. A BBQ will be held at 1300-1800 Water Street on the same day. This event has been put together by a number of organizations and is being sponsored by the Yacht and Boathouses Clubs on Boathouse Row. They would like people to come down and experience the unique environment that exists along the Anacostia River. There is a master plan being worked on for that area and there is some concern about the extent of the development that the City wants to stimulate.

Commissioner Oldenburg announced that on September 17^th the Capitol Hill Restoration Society will be holding its Preservation Café’s on the topic: “Tailored to Fit: Creating an Accessible Home”. The Café will be held in the downstairs Community Room at Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse at 2^nd and F Street, NE and will be from 6:30 until 7:15 p.m.

Presentations

Neighbors United, Inc. – Eastern Branch Boys and Girls Club Building – Ellen Opper-Weiner, Chair and Jerry May, Executive Director

Ms. Opper-Weiner apologized for late notice and needing to come before the Commission at this time, but they are in a position where the Eastern Boys and Girls Club building could be lost within the next 10 days. The Boys and Girls Club has sold an option to buy the building to a charter school. The charter school plans for a minimum of 300 to a maximum of 450 students. There is no off-street parking available, which will means there would be a zoning issue and a possible need for a special exception. Ms. Opper-Weiner stated that when they first heard of the closing of the Boys and Girls Club, which has been at that location for over 70 years, they decided to form Neighbors United with the focus of trying to find the best use of the facility by the community. Neighbors United has been funded by the City for last year, the current year and for next year. Neighbors United is currently doing some programming for sports at the Payne Elementary School and other locations. However, Neighbors United is concerned that it is not able to serve the larger community because of the lack of a proper facility in which to offer their services. Neighbors United is having conversations with the charter school to see if there is a way they can co-locate in the building. Neighbors United is concerned that the charter school is considering eliminating the indoor pool, a unique feature of the building, in order to provide sufficient space for the number of students the school hopes to attract.

Ms. Opper-Weiner asked that the ANC support the following resolution, which she read.

WHEREAS, the former Eastern Branch of the Boys and Girls Club, has served the Capitol Hill East Community for over seventy years, and

WWHEREAS, the Eastern Branch has been closed since August 17, 2007, creating a void and resulting in a lack of constructive programs for area youth, adults and senior citizens, and

WHEREAS, Neighbors United, Inc., a local non-profit organization with 501 C (3) status, was formed in order to provide services to the Capitol Hill East Community at the Eastern Branch when the Boys and Girls Club first announced its plans to close the Eastern Branch, and

WHEREAS, Neighbors United, Inc. is currently providing recreation and academic programs for youth in the Capitol Hill East Community, and

WHEREAS, the DC Council has appropriated funds for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 for Neighbors United, Inc. to provide programs for youth and others in the Capitol Hill East Community, which acknowledges the existing need for these programs, and

WHEREAS, because the Boys and Girls Club was serving youth in the Capitol Hill East Community, the District of Columbia has not developed sufficient youth recreation and other programs in the community resulting in a serious shortage of youth services for the Capitol Hill East residents, and

WHEREAS, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington has entered into a contract to sell the Eastern Branch to the Imagine Schools, which plans to open a charter school of undefined nature for between 300 and 450 students, which will open at the earliest in September 2010, and

WHEREAS, the Charter School will not be required to serve children in the Capitol Hill East Community, and

WHEREAS, if the sale goes through to the Imagine Schools, the Eastern Branch will be lost forever as a community resource and community center for the residents of the Capitol Hill East Community.

BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED ON THIS _______ day of _________, 2008, by the Commissioners of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B, that we support the following:

1. THAT the most appropriate future use of the Eastern Branch would be as a community center, as proposed by Neighbors United, Inc., which would provide a place for all the residents of the Capitol Hill East Community – old and new, black and white, and of all ages – to come together as a community by providing a wide range of programs for toddlers, youth, adults, families and senior citizens, and would serve as a much-needed community meeting place, and

2. THAT having a charter school at the Eastern Branch site would deprive the neighborhood of a major community resource which would serve the Capitol Hill East residents since there is no other comparable facility which could provide the services and programs which are lacking and are so desperately needed and desire since the closure of the Eastern Branch, and

3. THAT the District of Columbia government should purchase the Eastern Branch and lease the building to Neighbors United, Inc., in order to ensure that the Eastern Branch will be used as a community center for providing recreational, social, educational, and developmental programs and services for all the Capitol Hill East community residents and others on Capitol Hill.

Ms. Opper-Weiner stated they are currently in serious discussions with the Mayor’s Office and the members of the DC City Council. It would be extremely helpful if they could have the local ANC on record as supporting this approach, even though they do not have any way of knowing if the city could find the money to purchase the building. Ms. Opper-Weiner continued by saying they believe they have a unique opportunity to bring the whole community together, old timers and new, to a place that has meant a lot to so many individuals, which is the main reason for their efforts. Additionally, if they have done anything incorrectly in not keeping everyone posted on their activities they are sorry, but their main effort is to try and save the building for the community.

Ms. Opper-Weiner stated the Imagine Schools staffers are very nice people, but Neighbors United does not believe the best use of the building is for a school. Additionally, Imagine Schools would be receiving approximately $10,000.00 a year per student from the city where it to bring a charter school to this building. This would mean they would be receiving annually a minimum of 3 million dollars and up to 4.5 million dollars. Neighbors United at the current time can not compete financially with the school. Congresswoman Norton has stated if she could she would work with them to help secure funding to renovate the building. They are currently searching for a Fund Raising Director and they do intend to have an active fund raising program.

A constituent (name not given) asked if Neighbors United were asking the Commission to go on record as objecting to the charter school using the building. Ms. Opper-Weiner responded that she is not asking for anyone to be opposed to having charter schools on Capitol Hill. Instead they are seeking support from the Commission and the City in purchasing the building. Ms. Opper-Weiner added that the charter school is looking to add a third story to the building, which would mean the building would be out of use for two more years at a minimum. In contrast, Neighbors United is ready to move in immediately and already has funding to support programming at the facility for an entire year.

There was a great deal of discussion between the community and the representatives from Neighbors United, Inc. regarding the current physical condition and the anticipated cost associated with bringing the building up to code and the amount of down time required to convert it into a charter school during which the building would be unusable.

Some community members present argued that Neighbors United had not been as open to full community participation on this matter during previously meetings it held. There were also concerns expressed about whether Neighbors United has the capacity to offer a reasonable secure and accessible facility that would be properly maintained over time in a fashion that would be any better than what the Boys and Girls Club has been able to do in recent years. A few comments were also made expressing a concern about the Commission attempting to speak for the community as a whole in supporting Neighbors United by passing the resolution when everyone in the community is not in support.

Ms. Opper-Weiner stated it never was her group’s intention to exclude anyone from the discussion regarding the best use of the Boys and Girls Club building. She invited anyone interested in speaking with her directly regarding the building’s use to please call her at 202.547.7131 anytime except after 10:00 p.m.

Several constituents spoke in favor of using the Boys and Girls Club as a community center for the people who live in the community. Comments were made that there are already a number of charter schools in the area, but there are not enough places for members of the community to utilize for their benefits. It was also pointed out that the building in question does not have adequate space to support a charter school in that it lacks a playground and off-street parking.

Commissioner Glick stated that public schools are losing ground and he questions the need for another charter school in the neighborhood. He said he believes the area needs more multipurpose type structures to support a variety of activities. He wondered whether a smaller charter school could possibly share some of the space in the building. Therefore he will support the resolution.

Commissioner Campbell stated he has lived in the area for all of his life and has seen the transformation of the community and the Boys and Girls Club. Most of his constituents who live on Burke and Bay Streets and both blocks of A Street were very unhappy when the St. Coletta School was put in because they felt that site could have been put to better use for the benefit of the community. There are currently 63 buses that go in and out that facility twice each day and the people in the area complain about those buses cutting through their streets. Commissioner Campbell added that between Potomac Avenue and Benning Road there are 5 schools and that area of 19^th Street is a school zone and nobody observes the posted speed limit of 10 miles per hour. There is a Metro site there, a school with 250 students, Eastern High School, Elliott and Friendship Edison Charter and another elementary school. All types of vehicles including those from various governmental agencies and other public vehicles all travel at about 40 miles per hour. Commissioner Campbell stated this is an unsafe situation for the students and pedestrians in the area and everyone in his neighborhood are aware of these problems. He has been in numerous discussions with DDOT about putting in speed bumps, enhanced pedestrian crosswalks, radar traps, and rumble strips. He does not think this dangerous traffic situation will change until one of the children is hit crossing the street. Commissioner Campbell added that this proposal would add another charter school to the neighborhood, which will only compound the traffic, parking, and safety issues, especially along 17^th Street. Therefore, Commissioner Campbell and his neighbors are adamantly opposed to the building being used as a charter school. Their opinion is that it would be a much better to use the building as a community center.

Commissioner Patterson stated that all of the comments made regarding this issue are viable and good conversation, but one of the things that troubled him is that the community has not been engaged enough. Commissioner Patterson added that the community is broad and is comprised of the area from Pennsylvania Avenue all the way up to Benning Road and over to 19^th Street. He pointed out that parking will be a problem no matter what organization takes over the building. Commissioner Patterson then stated that he believes what Neighbors United is trying to say is not that this is the best use, but it is a better use of the building. If the building is given away to a private entity, the community does lose the use of a very important piece of land, structure, facilities and amenities. Commissioner Patterson added that the crux of the issue is the children, and the community, and a facility that all of the community can benefit from as it related to the swimming pool, dance clubs, academic enrichment programs, etc. Therefore, Commissioner Patterson believes Neighbors United would benefit the community more in those regards as far as programs and services are concerned than would private entity. Additionally, the charter school would not be able to provide the types of programs and services for the community’s youth that are roaming the street, causing problems for other people on the street, not having anything to do, and ending up having to be dealt with by law enforcement. It is imperative that the community do something for the children and adults who also do not have anything to do. Therefore, he supports the resolution.

Commissioner Oldenburg stated she was very much in favor of having a community center at the Boys and Girls Club and would support the resolution. However, she was concerned about the process involved because it was not previously announced on the agenda and she has not heard anyone speak up from the school, which is not represented at the meeting tonight. Commissioner Oldenburg added she has spent the past month working to pull the community together to discuss a matter that was addressed by the Commission through a resolution when the matter had not been on the published agenda. In that case, there were a number of people who were concerned about the matter but did not know it was being discussed at the Commission meeting and thus they did not have the opportunity to provide input on the matter. Additionally, Commissioner Oldenburg does not see the urgency in having to take action at this time and considering that there are potential zoning issues such as parking associated with this project, this matter will need to come back before the Commission in the future.

Ms. Opper-Weiner responded that the information that was provided to Neighbors United was that a decision would be made by September 20^thas to whether or not they would honor the contract with the Imagine School, thus the need to move quickly.

Commissioner Green stated she supports Neighbors United’s mission and what they are trying to do and believes they would be a great asset in the neighborhood, but she does not support the resolution. Commissioner Green added that she believes it narrows the scope of what the Commission is asking the District to do, to purchase this property, to renovate the property and to only allow it to be used by Neighbors United, which she does not agree with. Therefore, she will not support the resolution.

Commissioner Hill stated he sits on the Chief of Police Citizens Advisory Council and the First District and they have always been fighting to find ways to keep kids off the streets and at no time has the need for an additional charter school been urged. Therefore, he supports the resolution for Neighbors United to use this building.

The Chair stated that if Imagine Schools purchased the building the purchaser would need to address the issue of parking (the requirement that there be two parking spaces for every 3 staffers) and that any change would require a special exception. The Chair asked if there was an issue associated with the change of use status. Ms. Opper-Weiner stated the change of use issue would be associated with the parking requirement. Additionally, Imagine Schools is also considering adding an additional floor and this would also require zoning approval. The Chair then asked how Neighbors United would compete as a community center with the Hill Center that will occupy the Old Naval Hospital in the future as a community center. Ms. Opper-Weiner responded that they would be very different in that facilities at Eastern Branch are extraordinary with a full-size regulation basketball court, the activity room with the stage, and the swimming pool, and they will have a mixed recreational program and more focus on youth services. The Hill Center will not have the room in the Old Naval Hospital for the type of physical activities and events possible at the Eastern Branch facility.

The Chair stated that when Ms. Opper-Weiner called and asked to be placed on the agenda, she didn’t think very much about the request because ANC Chairs often get calls to put items on the agenda at the last minute. That is what happened in this case. The Commission has no requirement to make a motion pertaining to the presentation, but she understands there is a possibility one may be made on this matter. The Chair added that she was not totally aware of the magnitude of the presentation and under normal circumstances this case would have been heard first by the Planning and Zoning Committee. But there is a time crunch associated with this case in this instance because of the apparent need for immediate action in order for Neighbors United to secure the funding from the Council.

Mr. May explained that just before the close of the City Council session in July the Boys and Girls Club attempted to get emergency legislation passed that would have approved the sale of the Eastern Branch Boys and Girls Club to the Imagine Schools. Language in the Budget Support Act of 2009 makes available 3 million dollars for the Boys and Girls Club, contingent upon the submission of an acceptable plan as to what 4 facilities they want to close that will ensure the future use of those facilities for the community. The Boys and Girls Club went in with a one page submission on July 14 in hopes of persuading the Council to pass the emergency legislation. Neighbors United got word of the request and, with the assistance of Councilmember Tommy Wells, were able to get the legislation removed from the agenda. Approximately 10 days ago, Neighbors United were informed that the legislation would be brought back before the Council when it meets in two weeks. The basic issue is that the Council is being asked to approve the charter school as meeting the requirement of the Budget Act. Neighbors United is of the opinion that the charter school does not meet the needs of the community. Additionally, Neighbors United met with Imagine Schools last Wednesday where they were informed the school’s due diligence period expires on September 20. Therefore Neighbors United did not have sufficient prior notice to allow them to follow the normal procedures for getting on the ANC agenda.

The Chair stated that after hearing the reasoning behind the request she will be able to support the resolution. She said she normally does not support resolutions not originated by the ANC but she believes in this case taking action now would be good for the community.

Commissioner Campbell stated that there appears to be opposition to having Neighbors United named in the resolution as the only group appropriate to occupy the building. Therefore, he offered an amendment to the resolution, dropping references to “Neighbors United” and substituting the phrase “as proposed by a community-based group”, thus opening it up to any group that will serve the community. This revision would permit any community-based group that comes up with a viable plan addressing the community’s needs to apply. This would alleviate the community’s concern that a specific group is favored over another and would open it up to anyone who has a similar program for the community.

The Chair stated the resolution would need to be introduced before an amendment can be made to it.

Commissioner Campbell made the motion that the Commission accept the proposed resolution with the substitution of the phrase “as proposed by a community-based group” for the name “Neighbors United.” The motion was seconded by Commissioner Glick. Commissioner Glick then offered a friendly-amendment to change the wording “the most” on line 1 and replace it with the word “an” and to remove the phrase “old and new, black and white and”. Commissioner Campbell accepted Commissioner Glick’s friendly-amendment.

Commissioner Oldenburg offered a friendly-amendment to accept the 1^st paragraph and strike the 2^nd and 3^rd paragraphs because she was having difficulty with the idea that the Commission would be making negative comments about the prospect of a charter school at this site. Commissioner Oldenburg went on to say she did not have a problem with the 1^st paragraph as amended to making it a more generic statement. Additionally, she wanted to strike the 1^st paragraph. The Chair commented that her friendly-amendment as stated would gut the entire resolution. Commissioner Campbell stated he was in opposition to Commissioner Oldenburg’s amendment.

The Chair asked all in favor of resolution as rewritten to raise their hands. The vote was 6 in favor, 1 in opposition, with one abstention.

Bike DC September 27^th – Washington Area Bicyclist Association – Sheba Farrin, Assistant Director

Ms. Farrin stated she has been working with the Metropolitan Police Department and DDOT to ensure that the September 27 bike event will be the least disruptive to the community. Ms. Farrin reviewed the proposed bike event with the Commissioners and explained that all of East Capitol Street from 1^st Street to 19^th Street (RFK Stadium) would be closed from 8:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.

Commissioner Campbell stated he was opposed to this action because this would prevent north-south traffic from crossing East Capitol Street for over 3 hours, which is not acceptable.

The Chair informed Ms. Farrin she would have preferred for her to have come before the Commission a month earlier to allow adequate time to discuss this matter. Ms. Farrin stated she too would have preferred to come before the Commission prior to now, but she was instructed by the city’s Homeland Security Department not to discuss the route until the route had been finalized.

Commissioner Campbell expressed his concern for the negative impact the proposed closing of East Capitol Street would have on bus and the normal Saturday morning neighborhood traffic.

The Chair informed Ms. Farrin that typically when races plan to utilize the streets in ANC 6B they come before the Commission months in advance while they are ironing out their route details to allow us to provide our input as to the least disruptive routes to use. Ms. Farrin stated she appreciates the Commission’s position, but she was only following the instructions she was given regarding not discussing the proposed route with the Commission until the route was finalized.

Commissioner Campbell made the motion to oppose the operation of the Bike DC 2008 Event on Capitol Hill. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Olson. The Chair asked all in favor of the motion to raise their hands. The motion passed with 5 votes in support, 3 in opposition.

Planning and Zoning Committee

The Chair turned the meeting over to Commissioner Campbell the Chair of the Committee to make its report.

BZA #17817, 1422 Massachusetts Avenue SE – Special exception for a community service center and a variance from the off street parking

Presenting were Ann Kemp, Executive Director of the Visitor Service Center and Mr. Kyrus Freeman, a member of the Board of Directors. This organization had appeared before the ANC earlier for an informal discussion of a request for special exception to continue to operate the Visitor Service Center at the Massachusetts address. Included with the application were letters of support from surrounding and adjacent neighbors. They are now appearing before the Committee to request the addition of a variance from the off street parking requirements (C.M.R. 23101.1) along with the prior request for a special exception for a community service center.

The Committee recognizes the valuable work provided by the center and notes the community support of its continued existence at this address. Based on the submissions with the application the Committee has no reservation in recommending this application for approval to the full ANC.

The Chair asked if there was any new information regarding this case. There was none.

The Chair stated this comes before the Commission as a recommendation from the Committee, no motion is needed. The Chair then asked all in favor of the recommendation to raise their hands. The vote was unanimous (8-0).

HPA # 08-371, 1328 A Street SE – Adding garage in the rear alley

The owners Ted and Amanda Walker have submitted plans to construct a detached garage in the rear of their SFD located at 1328 A St. SE. The owners also submitted their plans to HPRB and are scheduled on the Board’s September consent agenda. The owners have submitted detailed plans along with letters of approval from their next door neighbors as well as the Holy Comforter St. Cyprian Church, which is across the alley from the applicant’s property. Also included are pictures of the property as well as various views from affected properties. The Committee appreciates the detail of the submissions and recommends the approval of this project to the full ANC.

The Chair asked if there was any new information regarding this case. There was none.

HPA #08-435,645 E Street, SE – New Brick wall and garage door in rear of alley

The owner Brad Johnson and Paul Wilson, the architect, were the presenters. Mr. Johnson submitted plans for the construction of a new brick wall and a garage door with parking pad (which already exists), a peaked pergola (open rafters) to cover the carport and hot tub. The brick wall will be 7ft high and 12 in. thick. The pergola will be 12 ft. high at its highest point (the peak). The columns are to be decorative fiberglass and will have a wood trim on the alley exposure. The brick wall will replace an existing wood fence. The pictures and plans presented at the Committee meeting present no concerns, and as such the Committee recommends this project for approval to the full ANC.

Commissioner Campbell asked if there was any new information regarding the case. Mr. Johnson stated that they had reduced the height of the pergola to approximately 10 feet.

Commissioner Patterson made a friendly-amendment that the Committee’s report be amended to reflect the change in the height of the pergola from 12 ft to approximately 10 feet and that the applicant had supplied a letter of support from the neighbor.

The Chair stated there is an amendment before for the Commission to change the Committee Report to reflect the changes as outlined by Commissioner Patterson and asked all in favor to raise their hands. The vote was 7 in support, with 1 abstaining.

PS # 38906, Good Stuff Eatery, 303 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Unenclosed sidewalk café

Deleted from the agenda.

ZC # 08-06-1, Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Height – Jennifer Steingasser, Deputy Director, Office of Planning