Advisory
Neighborhood Commission 6B
Minutes
of Regular Meeting
Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 7 PM
ATTENDANCE
Commissioners Present: Francis Campbell, David Garrison (chairing[1]), Neil Glick, Carol Green, Will Hill, Ken Jarboe, Kirsten Oldenburg, Julie Olson, Michael Patterson, and Mary Wright.
Commissioners Absent: None.
1. Adoption of Agenda
Following the introduction of the Commission, the Commission adopted the agenda as presented below.
2. Election of
Officers
Commissioner Olson announced that Naomi Mitchell, Community Relations, Councilmember Tommy Wells’ office, would manage the election of the ANC’s 2009 officers. Only one nomination was made for each position. The Commission voted (10-0) on Commissioner Campbell’s nomination of Commissioner Garrison as Chair. The Commission voted (10-0) on Commissioner Green’s nomination of Commissioner Jarboe as Vice-chair. The Commission voted (10-0) on Commissioner Olson’s nomination of Commissioner Oldenburg as Secretary. The Commission voted (10-0) on Commissioner Jarboe’s nomination of Commissioner Green as Treasurer. The Commission voted (10-0) on Commissioner Garrison’s nomination of Commissioner Olson as Parliamentarian.
3. Community
Speakout
None
4. Commission and Community Announcements.
Commissioner Glick reported on the status
of Councilmember Wells’ Juvenile Task Force.
He indicated that the task force members have discussed confidentiality
and police youth outreach to date. Now
the task force is seeking input from the community via Councilmember Wells’
website on other issues of concern.
Input is due by Monday, January 26, 2009.
Commissioner Campbell reminded the
Commission and the community that the Commission was holding a special meeting
on Thursday, January 22, at
5. Presentations
·
Consolidated
Forensic Laboratory
Donna Marie Alexander,
Coordinator of the DC Police Foundation, Community Education Project briefed
the Commission on the status of the new MPDC Consolidated Forensic Laboratory,
which is to be built on the 400 block of
·
Health Insurance Consulting Project (HICP)
Kamilah Pickett, Outreach Coordinator, George
Washington Community Legal Clinics, briefed the Commission on the Health
Insurance Consulting Project, which provides counseling services to seniors and
disabled on Medicare and Medicaid in the
·
Jeffery (Jeff) Seltzer briefed the
Commission on the status of the South Capitol Street Project, by discussing the
project area, purpose, needs, DEIS comments, FEIS preferred alternatives and
the upcoming milestones. People can
contact Jeff Seltzer at 671-4607 for further information.
6. Planning and
Zoning Committee
·
HPA # 09-099 (
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommended approval of the conceptual review of the conversion of St. Monica’s Church into a 9-unit condominium. The developer/architect Grant Epstein and concerned residents were present at the meeting. Mr. Epstein had no updates. Residents raised the issue of whether there was sufficient turning radius for the garage area. Commissioner Garrison noted that most of the issues raised by the neighbors were zoning matters and thus not formally before the Commission as part of this historic preservation review. After some discussion, the Commission voted (8-1-1) to accept the Committee’s recommendation to support the application, urging the developer to work closely with the nearby residents to assure their concerns are resolved.
·
HPA # 07-327 (
Commissioner Campbell reported that the Committee recommended approval of the refined plans for the south side and rear addition of this previously approved project. The Commission voted (9-0) to approve the application.
7. ABC Committee
·
PQ Capitol Hill, Inc. t/a Le Pain Quotidien,
License #ABRA 080832,
Commissioner Wright reported that the ABC Committee recommended that the ANC support the application for this new retailer “D” Restaurant License and a stipulated beer and wine license contingent upon a signed voluntary agreement. The applicant was in attendance and noted that the Certificate of Occupancy had been granted the establishment but that only 80 (rather than the proposed 99) occupants were approved. The establishment will be applying for a sidewalk café permit, serving 32 patrons. The signed voluntary agreement was made available. The Commission voted (10-0) to approve the application.
·
Commissioner Wright reported that the Committee had reviewed a revised new CT license application for this planned entity. While the applicant has made some changes to the original application, no written modifications of the terms have been received nor is the Committee aware that any formal modifications have been filed with ABRA and the ABC Board. Commission Olson reminded the Commission that the applicant and ANC are already in the mediation phase of its protest based on the original application with a next meeting scheduled for next week. Commissioner Garrison noted that the Committee had not recommended that any further action be taken at this time. Instead, the Commission decided to defer to the ongoing discussions regarding its original protest.
· Temporary Extension of Hours During Inauguration
Commissioner Wright reported that the Committee recommends that the ANC take the position that it has no objection for establishments within its jurisdiction be granted a temporary suspension of the limitation of hours of operation specified in their respective voluntary agreements during Inauguration Weekend, commencing Saturday January 17 and ending at [4am] on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. The Commission voted unanimously to support this recommendation.
·
Other ABC Business
Several
Commissioners noted that further exploration and potential action is warranted
regarding the impact to the area from the number of restaurants and bars on
8. ANC6B Listserve
The ANC discussed Commissioner Olson’s
idea of setting up an ANC6B Listserve.
Commissioners were divided over whether the proposed new capacity would
increase Commissioner work loads, worries about how the new system would be
maintained, and whether the proposed new
communication device would compete with communication systems that individual
Commissioners or neighborhood groups had already set up for similar purposes
effecting portions of the 6B area. At
the conclusion of the discussion, the consensus was to allow individual
Commissioners to monitor Commissioner Olson’s existing listserve for a period
of time with the understanding that the Commission would need to revisit the
proposal at some future date and approve the listserv before it could become an
official 6B service.
9. Staff
Compensation
The Commission discussed and approved
(10-0) the Executive Committee’s recommendation to pay a $500 bonus to ANC6B’s
Staff Assistant, Bert Randolph.
10. Financial Report
The Commission approved (10-0)
Commissioner Green’s motion to approve the First Quarter FY 2009
(October-December 2008) Financial Report.
The Commission also voted unanimously (10-0)
to approve a resolution authorizing the Commission’s participation in the ANC
Security Fund. The Treasurer was
authorized to pay the $25 annual fee for this service and the Chairperson and
Secretary were authorized to execute the necessary participation agreement.
11. Approval
of Commission Minutes
The Commission approved (10-0) Commissioner
Garrison’s motion to approve the minutes of the meetings of October 14, 2008
and November 11, 2008.
12. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:40 pm.
Prepared by Kirsten Oldenburg Attest: .
Report of the Planning and Zoning Committee
January 6, 2009
Commissioners
Present; Francis Campbell, Chair; David Garrison, Vice Chair; Kenan Jarboe,
Kirsten Oldenburg, and
Grant Epstein is the developer and architect. Mr. Epstein is proposing to build a 9 unit condo development in the old St. Monica’s Church building. This project will have 4 parking spaces/garages on site. The project is a “By Right” use under the R-4 zoning regulations since it will be residential use.
With respect to the pending historic preservation review, this proposal would use the current building in its existing configuration with nominal changes to the exterior to address egress and ingress.
One significant change would be to the side yard of the existing property, which would be excavated partially to enable the garage/storage area to be built in the existing basement area. Additionally, the Commission would like to see a turning radius study for the garage area on the side of the structure.
Concerns were raised by neighbors of the church
property about the affect of construction on the abutting pocket park. The property owners of
At this time there are no issues for the Committee and pending any new information recommends this project for approval to the full ANC.
HPA # 07-327,
Owners Barbara Charles and Bob Staples have appeared before the ANC to present plans for a rear and roof additions in July 2007. The ANC approved the plans of the applicants at a Special Call Meeting on July 19, 2007 by a unanimous vote of 5-0. HPRB approved the project at its November 2007 meeting. The applicants appeared before the Committee now to present major changes to plans for the rear exterior (east side of building) and minor changes to the 4th floor exterior on the south side.
Included in the applicants’ submissions are lighting plans showing types and placement of illumination of the first through fourth floors
With prior and present submissions are letters of approval from affected neighbors.
The Committee has no reservations with recommending the applicants’ modified plans for approval to the full ANC pending no additional information.
REPORT OF THE ABC
COMMITTEE
ANC 6B
January 8, 2009
Commissioners
present: Mary Wright, Chair; Julie Olson, David Garrison, Ken Jarboe, and
Temporary extension
of hours during Inauguration
The DC City Council approved the “Inaugural Celebration Extension of Hours Public Safety Emergency Act of 2008” on December 16, 2008. This would allow retailers to extend their hours during the Inaugural celebration to sell or serve alcoholic beverages until 4 a.m. and operate 24 hours a day. The Inaugural period takes place from January 17-20. The Voluntary Agreements with specified hours of operation supersede the extension. The ANC can temporarily suspend hours of operation for those voluntary agreements in order for extensions to be honored.
Given the historic nature of this event, the Committee recommends that the ANC take the position that the ANC has no objection for establishments within its jurisdiction being granted a temporary suspension of the limitation on hours of operation specified in their respective Voluntary Agreements during Inaugural Week commencing January 17 and ending January 20. 2009.
New License
PQ Capitol Hill,
Inc., t/a LePain Quotidien, License #ABRA-080832 located at
Applicant is seeking a new retailer “D” Restaurant License for a communal table bakery store and restaurant and a stipulated beer and wine license. There will be no entertainment or dancing. The seating inside would accommodate approximately 99 patrons with a sidewalk café serving 32 patrons, all in compliance with Public Space requirements. Hours of operation for the restaurant and sidewalk café are Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Hours of operation for the sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages for the restaurant and sidewalk café are Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. -10 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. -10 p.m.
The ABC Committee recommends support of the new license contingent upon a signed voluntary agreement.
Revised CT Application
This is a revised new “CT” license application for Afghan cuisine. Applicant is seeking televised sports events, live entertainment, and amplified music. Plans are to initially open on the second floor. Currently there is a business operating on the first floor under lease for an additional two years. According to the presentation of the applicant, there will be no cover charge, DJ or dancing. Live music will take place on Wednesday and Thursday until 12:30 a.m. and until 1:30 Friday and Saturday. Music will not be audible outside of the premises. The hours of operation would be Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 a.m. The establishment will have a seating capacity inside of approximately 117 patrons (note: there is a discrepancy between the number of seats on the drawings presented by the applicant and the number of seats stated on the drawing), a sidewalk café accommodating 8 patrons, and a summer garden accommodating 23 patrons.
While the ABC committee acknowledges that the applicant has made some changes to the original application, the Committee has not received any written modifications of the terms of the application nor is it aware that any formal modifications have been filed with ABRA and the ABC Board. The applicant and the ANC are in the mediation portion of a protest based on the original application. The Committee will work with the applicant in this mediation process to further define the business plan.
Pending Business
The Committee agrees that further exploration, and potential
action, between businesses and community groups is warranted in regard to the
“tipping point” and impact from the number of restaurants on
Commissioners Present: Francis Campbell, David Garrison (Chairing), Neil Glick, Carol Green, Ken Jarboe, Kirsten Oldenburg, Will Hill
Commissioners Absent: Julie Olson, Michael Patterson, Mary Wright
1. Adoption
of Agenda
Following the introduction of the
Commissioners, the Commission adopted the agenda of the Call Meeting: to
discuss and adopt a Resolution to be sent to the Deputy Mayor on the four
proposals to develop the 50-acre Hill East Waterfront site.
2. Hill
East Waterfront Development
Commissioner Garrison invited the
development firms in attendance to provide the Commission with any new
information since they had presented their proposals at a community meeting on
January 22, 2009. Two firms: HDG
Waterfront and New Hill East gave brief remarks.
Commissioner Garrison then invited the public in attendance to provide their perspectives on the Hill East Waterfront Development proposals. Several attendees spoke out, with the majority indicating a preference for the HDG group’s proposal. Others spoke in more general terms about the desires of the community.
Commissioner Garrison presented a Resolution for discussion and amendment and moved its adoption. Commissioner Campbell seconded the motion. Commissioner Jarboe moved that the Resolution be amended to include language about community involvement and language about neighborhood-oriented recreational facilities. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Green and after discussion, the Commission voted 7-0 to adopt the amendment. A motion by Commissioner Glick concerning financing and a motion by Commissioner Campbell concerning green space did not receive seconds and were not considered. Commissioner Glick moved that the Resolution be amended to include language on assuring ample green spaces. Commissioner Green seconded the motion and after discussion the amendment was adopted by a vote of 7-0. Commissioner Oldenburg moved that the Resolution be amended to include language about parking. The motion was seconded and after discussion was adopted by the Commission by a vote of 7-0.
The Commission then adopted the Hill East Waterfront
Resolution, as amended. The Commission
voted 7-0 to adopt the Resolution.
3. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:30pm
Date:
_________________________________
Attachment: Hill East Waterfront Resolution
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Hill East Waterfront Development
WHEREAS, the Hill East Waterfront development area, otherwise known as Reservation 13, is contained within the boundaries of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B; and
WHEREAS, the city’s recently revised Comprehensive Plan calls for redeveloping this 50-acre parcel “as a mixed use neighborhood that combines housing, office space, health care, civic, education, and recreational uses”; and
WHEREAS, the city’s approved Master Plan vision for the Hill East Waterfront calls for “an urban waterfront district that serves the District of Columbia and connects the surrounding neighborhoods to the Anacostia River via public streets and green parks” that “is pedestrian-oriented, has a human scale, and is a convenient, safe and pleasurable place to visit, work and play”; and
WHEREAS, the city has received proposals from four highly qualified development teams in response to a Request for Expressions of Interest; and
WHEREAS, all four development teams have had several opportunities to present their visions for Hill East Waterfront to the community including most recently at a community meeting on January 22, 2009 hosted by ANC 6B;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that ANC 6B strongly endorses HDG Partners (Hunt) and its vision for Hill East Waterfront; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission endorses the emphasis in the Hunt vision that this area should be at a density that is appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood and connects the neighborhood and Capitol Hill to the Anacostia River, with the objective of accentuating the residential character of the development both in the scale of its housing and the neighborhood-serving retail around the Metro stop;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission feels strongly that Hill East Waterfront not be permitted to become a further extension of the city’s downtown or the intense office and commercial model now under development throughout much of Near Southeast, Navy Yard, Southeast Federal Center, Ballpark areas; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission notes that all four of the teams have offered a variety of thoughtful and useful suggestions for this development, a number of which the Commission urges the city to investigate further, including moving the proposed civic park to the center of C Street and the extension of green space from the civic park toward the river, and introducing traffic control measures along 19th Street at the intersections with Burke and C Streets; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission urges the city to work with the chosen development team to find creative ways to manage the flow of additional cars into this section of Capitol Hill that will be generated by the Hill East Development so that the increased traffic and demand for parking does not unduly burden the surrounding neighborhoods; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission urges the chosen development team to work closely with the community as the development process evolves; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission also urges the chosen development team to work with the community to include, as part of the development, neighborhood-oriented recreation facilities and ample green spaces; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Commission authorizes the Chair to convey this resolution to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development by no later than Friday, January 30, 2009.
APPROVED at a special call meeting of ANC 6B, with a quorum present, by a vote of 7-0.
ATTEST:
Kirsten Oldenburg, Secretary Date: January 29, 2009