Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Special Call Meeting Minutes

June 7, 2011—8:30 p.m.

Caesar Chavez Public Charter School

Commissioners Present: Brian Flahaven, Ivan Frishberg, Neil Glick (Chairing), Carol Green, Norman Metzger, Kirsten Oldenburg, Brian Pate. Also present: Bert Randolph, Staff Assistant. Commissioners Absent: Francis Campbell, Jared Critchfield, David Garrison.

Purpose of Special Call: The Commission previously reviewed and approved both Board of Zoning Adjustment cases at its meeting on May 10, 2011 with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0. Prior to resolution of each case, the city informed both applicants that their cases had changed from requests for special exceptions to request for variances. In order to allow the applicants’ cases to remain on schedule for a June BZA hearing, the ANC conducted a special call meeting to review any new circumstances surrounding each case and re-adjudicate the applications.

1. Adoption of Agenda

The agenda was adopted by a vote of 7-0.

2. Variances and Special Exceptions

· BZA # 18218, 1426 K Street, SE – Variance from lot occupancy, court, and alley centerline setback to allow construction of accessory garage addition serving an existing row dwelling in R-4 District. No new substantial information was presented.

Commissioner Green moved (with a second from Commissioner Pate) to support the request. The motion passed 7-0.

· BZA # 18221, 123 – 10^th Street, SE – Special exception to allow a side addition to an existing one-family row dwelling not meeting lot occupancy, court, and non-conforming structure requirements in R-4 District. No new substantial information was presented.

Commissioner Pate moved (with a second from Commissioner Oldenburg) that the application be approved. The motion passed 7-0.

3. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

Attest: Andrew Jared Critchfield Date:

Secretary

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Regular Meeting Minutes

June 14, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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

Also present: Bert Randolph, Staff Assistant. Absent Commissioners: Francis Campbell, Jared Critchfield.

1. Adoption of Agenda

After Commissioner Green requested an addition to the agenda of discussing office moving expenses and Commissioner Frishberg asked that the 7^th Street, SE case be removed from the consent agenda, Commissioner Glick moved (with a second from Commissioner Frishberg) that the Agenda be adopted. The motion passed 8-0.

2. Community Speakout

Mazi Mustafa from MuralsDC announced that the group plans to complete a mural at the Sasha Bruce House, 745 8^th Street, SE. Residents interested in learning more should attend a June 22 meeting at the property.

3. Community and Commission Announcements

Commissioner Green announced that Acting First District Commander Alisia Petty will be at the June 16 PSA (Police Service Area) 107 meeting to discuss PSA realignment.

Commissioner Metzger announced that a presentation on the conversion of the Mt. Joy Baptist Church into residential units will take place on June 23 at the Christ Church Parish Hall.

Commissioner Oldenburg announced that the ANC 6B Transportation Committee will not meet on Thursday, June 16. The meeting will be rescheduled.

Commissioner Flahaven thanked the Commission and residents for supporting Hill East in the redistricting debate and announced that Commissioner Campbell had agreed to serve as vice chair of the ANC 6B Hill East Task Force.

Commissioner Frishberg announced that the ANC 6B Outreach & Constituent Services Task Force, chaired by Commissioner Pate, would hold its first meeting on June 15.

4. Presentations

Mackenzie Baris of the Respect DC Coalition discussed the coalition’s efforts to ensure Walmart is providing community benefits to all DC residents. She distributed a sample resolution that the Commission could consider in the future that would urge the city to establish standards that Walmart must meet to operate in DC.

Chris Taylor (crtaylor@pepco.com) and Reggie Woodson of Pepco discussed the company’s plans to install smart meters on all Capitol Hill homes by the end of the year. Residents will be notified two weeks in advance and can call 202-833-7500 if they would prefer to schedule an appointment for the new meter installation.

5. Consent Agenda

Commissioner Glick moved (with a second from Commissioner Metzger) that the consent agenda be passed. The motion passed 9-0 (Commissioner Critchfield submitted an absentee vote).

· Letter to ABC Board on “Substantial Change” Criteria

· Approval of Commission Minutes (March and May)

6. ABC Committee

· Lola’s – 711 8^th Street, SE, ABRA-086141, Expand license premise to include second and third floors with two billiard and two shuffleboard tables. This expansion increases the seating capacity from 49 to 90.

The license was supported 8-0-1 (Commissioner Garrison abstained; Commissioner Critchfield submitted an absentee vote).

· The Old Naval Hospital Foundation – 921 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, ABRA-086926, New educational, cultural, and community programs to include concerts, meetings, receptions and events. Entertainment will include dancing, occasional DJ and live music for special events. Summer Garden with 500 seats. Total occupancy load is 500.

After many comments from community members, Commissioner Green moved (with a second from Commissioner Pate) that the VA be ratified and the liquor license supported. Commissioner Oldenburg offered a friendly amendment to strike the statement that the entertainment be faced away from E Street. The amendment was accepted. Commissioner Oldenburg then offered a friendly amendment changing the VA to reflect indoor hours for sales, service and entertainment ending at 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The motion passed 8-0.

· Retail Mix Taskforce Recommendations

At the request of Commissioner Garrison, the resolution was tabled until the July meeting.

7. Planning and Zoning Committee

· HPA # 11-242, 212 7^th Street, SE- Acqua Al 2) – One-story rear addition to enclose existing patio for additional seating

The application was supported by a vote of 8-0.

· HPA # 11-224, 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE – Verizon Wireless Rooftop Antennas Installation

Discussion focused on whether or not to screen the antennas from view. The application was supported 6-2 (Commissioners Glick and Green voted no).

· BZA # 18238, 413 8^th Street, SE – Special exception to allow a fast food restaurant (Chipotle Mexican Grill) in the CHC/C-2A District

Commissioner Pate moved that the exception be approved, but there was no second. Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) that the request was tabled until the July meeting. The motion passed 7-1 (Commissioner Pate voted no).

8. Transportation Committee

Because there were no action items for approval, no discussion was held.

9. Ratification of Executive Committee’s Resolution on DC Redistricting

Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Flahaven) that the Resolution be ratified. The motion passed 9-0 (Commissioner Critchfield submitted an absentee ballot).

10. Approval of Anticipated Moving Expenses

Commissioner Glick moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) that the Commission approve up to $600.00 for office moving expenses. The motion passed 8-0.

Commissioner Glick moved (with a second from Commissioner Green) that Gottlieb Simon, Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions Executive Director, be able to negotiate a lease with the Hill Center for office space and authorize the Chair to sign a lease as approved by the Executive Committee. The motion passed 8-0.

11. Eastern Market Report

The report was provided by Commissioner Pate, but not read aloud due to time constraints.

12. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 10:12 p.m.

Attest: Andrew Jared Critchfield Date:

Secretary

Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B

Hine Jr. High School Redevelopment Project

Special Call Meeting Minutes

June 21, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.

The Theater Church

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

4. Adoption of Agenda

Commissioner Glick moved (with a second from Commissioner Garrison) that the agenda be accepted. The motion passed 9-0.

5. Stanton EastBanc Presentation

Amy Weinstein, architect, introduced recent changes to three of the development’s buildings: the 8^th St residential building, the 8^th & D Street building and the 7^th and Pennsylvania Avenue building. Changes to the 8^th Street residential building included moving the façade inset further south, reducing the height of the 6^th floor penthouse, increasing the setback of the penthouse, refashioning the façade to follow the architecutural precepts of terraced housing and replacing entrance stairs with balconies. Changes to the 8^th & D Street building included the addition of four bays, lowering the cornice of the building and removing elements of the 6^th floor. Changes to the 7^th & Pennsylvania Avenue building include increasing 7^th floor setbacks, incorporating Victorian commercial architecture elements, such as cross-bracing, and adding bays to the 7^th Street side of the building.

6. Questions from the Commissioners

Commissioner questions included asking about the building heights, the setbacks and design of the 7^th Street building, the possibility of raising the courtyard to provide more square footage if the courtyard is private, concerns with the design and choice of materials and the street level façade on 7^th Street. Commissioner Pate asked for the new heights of the building. Amy Weinstein responded that the 8^th Street residential building is 40 feet, the 8^th & D Street building is 57 feet and the 7^th & Pennsylvania Avenue building is 80 to 90 feet.

Commissioner Frishberg questioned if there were any changes to the status of the courtyard. The architect responded that the courtyard remained a private courtyard.

Commissioner Metzger expressed that he struggled with the 8^th & D Street building, accepting that the buildings could be contemporary but compatible, though questioning the inspiration for the building. The architect expressed that the building “needs refinement” but will ultimately be Victorian in nature. Commissioner Metzger stated his appreciation for the architect’s work on the Ellen Wilson project.

Commissioner Oldenburg indicated that there were some concerns about the pedestrian friendliness of the 7^th Street façade and asked if this could be designed into the façade. Amy Weinstein indicated that the façade was not yet “fully baked” and that they were working on the ground plane, negotiating with DDOT (District Department of Transportation) on a LID (Low Impact Development) streetscape.

Commissioner Campbell commented that the 8^th Street design still felt overwhelming. Amy Weinstein responded that multiple entries on this façade were not feasible, and that a mid-point entrance was the most pragmatic. Commissioner Campbell stated that it still needed to fit the neighborhood.

Commissioner Pate questioned the absence of lintels, sills and sashes on the 8^th Street façade. The architect said the comment was constructive and would be taken into consideration.

Commissioner Garrison asked about the motive behind the choice of height at 7^th & Pennsylvania Avenue. Amy highlighted examples of six story buildings on Pennsylvania Avenue and cited the Butterfield House as a recent example of a five-and-a-half story building on the street. She said that seven stories “seems fine” and that communities grow over time.

Commissioner Flahaven expressed concern that the courtyard remained closed, but that he was okay with the 7^th Street design and appreciated that the architect would complete additional design work.

7. Questions from Members of the Public

The public then commented on the design changes. Barbara Riehle, representing the Eastern Market Metro Community Association (EMMCA) commented that she felt the design changes were superficial and asked the ANC to oppose the plan. Jonathan Page appreciated changes on 8^th Street and asked for additional changes to be considered. These included adjustments to the treatment of the roofline to incorporate more variation in height and reconsideration of the mid-block entrance. He suggested setting the entrance back 30 feet in order to improve the pedestrian scale of the design. Bob Bresnahan also appreciated changes, but felt the block was too long. He also expressed a concern that we were “losing” parking issues and need to address them. Marcel LaFollette, representing Eyes on Hine (EoH), stated that the entire 8^th Street building needed to conform to the R-4 height limit. She described the 8^th & D Street building as “anachronistic” and not fitting the neighborhood. She felt that the height and massing flaunts DC law and goes against the DC Comprehensive Plan. She also reiterated her request for the developers to prepare and display a 3-D model of the site plan. Ken Jarboe observed that the articulation of the 7^th and Pennsylvania Avenue corner (of the same building) failed to link 7^th and 8^th Streets. Marian Connolly, representing the 200 block of 8^th Street, expressed a general feeling that the architect had made only marginal changes. She remains concerned with the height, massing and density of the development and that the development will “tip the scale” of Capital Hill’s ability to absorb growth. Neighbors did not anticipate the height, mass or scale of the buildings. She urged the ANC to oppose the designs. Jim Rowland commented that he felt the terraced housing approach on 8^th Street loses the residential character of the building and that taking away entrance steps contributed to the monolithic feeling of the building. Vernon Malu expressed concern about parking and stated that the designs represented a “complete departure” from why Stanton/Eastbanc was chosen to be the developer.

Ruth Mitchell stated that the mass is not incompatible with the neighborhood and that she heartily endorses the project, especially when viewing it to the west. She further stated that the courtyard should be kept public. Leonard Hacker testified that the project does not meet 8 of 12 historic preservation design criteria and that the height and mass were the primary problems. Ellen Opper Weiner stated that the design was too austere and not interesting. Gary Peterson suggested that the development team take inspiration from the Hanes Building, as it demonstrated a building with a distinct bottom, middle and top, which makes the 5-story building look more like a 3-story building. He felt that the 7^th & Pennsylvania Avenue building and 8^th & D Street building both needed distinct “tops”. Dave Bennett suggested improving the street scape by bringing back stairs as a design element and that the architect should design the corner of 7^th & Pennsylvania to draw people across the Metro plaza. Mary Cole expressed concern that the design of 8^th & D Street was intended to accommodate commercial uses, and that this was not fair. Mary Fraker worried that the building would begin a “height arms race” and that she would like the courtyard to be a public-accessible feature of the building. Ken Golding, of the development team, articulated that this development is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, that the Hill needs additional residents to support retail, the development provided an opportunity for underground parking and a permanent home for the weekend flea market. He provided 50 letters supporting the market.

8. Commissioner Discussion & Actions

Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Pate) that a memorandum be sent about the new design. Commissioner Glick and Commissioner Pate offered a friendly amendment requesting a variated and segmented top and roof design for the 8^th Street residential building that was withdrawn.

Commissioner Garrison moved (with a second Commissioner Metzger) that the comments about the courtyard be removed from the document as it is not a zoning issue. The motion failed 4-5 (Commissioners Flahaven, Frishberg, Glick, Green, Pate voted no).

Commissioner Pate offered friendly amendments to clarify the language about setbacks and change the designation to the 8^th Street Residential Building. Commissioner Glick moved (with a second from Commissioner Pate) that a number 6 item be added to the memorandum which requests structures should clearly articulate a base, middle and top. The motion passed 8-1 (Commissioner Oldenburg voted no).

Commissioner Flahaven moved (with a second from Commissioner Pate) changing wording of the document to “further refinements” vice “reconsider” concerning the design. The motion passed 5-3-1 (Commissioners Campbell, Frishberg and Glick voted no;; Commissioner Oldenburg abstained).

The motion to send the memorandum passed 6-3 (Commissioners Garrison, Metzger and Oldenburg voted no).

9. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Attest: Andrew Jared Critchfield Date:

Secretary