Advisory Neighborhood Commission 6B
Regular Meeting
Minutes
October 11,
2011 – 7:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: Jared Critchfield, Brian
Flahaven, Ivan Frishberg, Neil Glick (Chairing), Carol Green, Norman Metzger, Kirsten
Oldenburg, Brian Pate. Also present:
1.
Adoption
of Agenda
Commissioner Oldenburg requested
2.
Community
Speakout
None.
3.
Community
and Commission Announcements
Commissioner Metzger announced an October 19 Preservation Café on green roofs sponsored by CHRS (Capitol Hill Restoration Society).
Commissioner Frishberg announced the Brent School PTA (Parent Teacher Association) meeting.
Commissioner Glick announced that the Commission office had
moved to
Commissioner Pate announced the October 20 Outreach and Constituent Services meeting.
4.
Presentations
Albert Karcher, City Year Corps Member, announced Make a Difference community service day on October 22 at the DC General Shelter.
5.
Consent
Agenda
The Consent Agenda was approved by a vote of 8-0.
· Approval of Commission Meeting minutes (3 Special Call, June, July, September
6.
ABC
Committee
Hyungsub Oh represented Capitol Hill Supreme Market for its liquor license renewal. Hearing no concerns or complaints, Commissioner Green moved (with a second from Commissioner Metzger) that the renewal be supported. The motion passed 8-0.
Commissioners voted 8-0 to endorse Norbert Salinas’
nomination as a Resident Member of the Committee. Commissioner Pate moved (with a second from
Commissioner Frishberg) that Phillip Peisch (SMD 03),
7.
Planning
and Zoning Committee
PS
Owner Darrell Snowden answered questions about the fence on public space and explained it was there prior to his purchase of the property. Nearby neighbors Bryan Cassidy, Ryan Thomas, and Patrice McPeak supported removal of the fence. Paul London and Chantal Jean Baptiste said they did not see a need to remove the fence until a plan for development of the public space was prepared. Commissioner Flahaven moved (with a second from Commissioner Critchfield) that the private fence on public space be removed. The motion passed 7-0-1 (Commissioner Glick abstained). Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Glick) that the Chair be able to appoint a Commissioner to represent the Commission at the hearing. The motion passed 8-0.
PS
Owner Mark Menard informed the Commission that his request had already been approved by the Public Space Committee of DDOT (District Department of Transportation) to increase outdoor seating from six seats to fourteen. Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second from Commissioner Frishberg) that the Commission send a letter explaining that this case was sent to the Commission after the expansion was approved and therefore the Commission will take no action on the case. The motion passed 8-0. Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Glick) that the Commission formally invite DDOT Director Terry Bellamy to an upcoming meeting to explain the failure of the Public Space office to administer the Commission’s legal right to hear and evaluate public space requests. The motion passed 8-0.
BZA #18263, 117 C Street, SE—Three special exceptions for lot occupancy to construct a two-story garage at the property rear, rear yard requirements, and open court requirements to construct two one-story additions above the existing house.
Architect Jennifer Fowler and owner Jack Lester answered questions. The plans changed since the Planning and Zoning meeting. Notably the garage will be narrowed by 3.5 feet and will be an addition to the house, connected by a walkway, instead of an accessory structure. Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second from Commissioner Critchfield) that the variance requests be supported. The motion passed 8-0.
8.
Ward 6 Redistricting
Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Critchfield) that the Resolution he presented be approved after accepting Commissioner Oldenburg’s friendly amendments to change the document. The motion passed 8-0.
9. Proposed Sub-Committee: Hine
Redevelopment Project
Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Pate) that the Commission establish a Hine Redevelopment Project Sub-Committee of the Planning and Zoning Committee. Commissioner Oldenburg moved (with a second from Commissioner Glick) that the document allow any Commissioner to nominate Sub-Committee members. The motion failed 3-3-2 (Commissioners Flahaven, Green, and Oldenburg voted yes; Commissioners Critchfield, Frishberg, and Pate voted no; Commissioners Glick and Metzger abstained). The motion to form the Sub-Committee was passed 5-3 (Commissioners Green, Metzger, and Oldenburg voted no). Commissioner Glick nominated (with a second from Commissioner Metzger) Commissioner Frishberg to serve as Chair of the Sub-Committee. The motion passed 8-0.
10. Public Engagement on
Eastern Market Legislation
Commissioner Pate moved (with a second from Commissioner Glick) that the Commission hold a meeting on the proposed Eastern Market legislation with EMCAC (Eastern Market Community Advisory Committee) to solicit community feedback. The motion passed 7-1 (Commissioner Green voted no).
11. Outreach and Constituent Services Task
Force Report
Commissioner Frishberg moved (with a second from Commissioner Glick) that the talking points to discuss with At Large Council Members drafted by Commissioner Pate be approved and planning for City Council office visits commence. The motion passed 5-3 (Commissioners Green, Metzger, and Oldenburg voted no).
12. Capitol Hill East Task Force Report
Commissioner Flahaven delivered the report.
13. Eastern Market Report
Commissioner Pate corrected the report to reflect the EMCAC Treasurer is Barbara Eck. Commissioner Pate moved (with a second from Commissioner Frishberg) that a letter be sent to Washington Gas. The motion passed 8-0.
14. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 10:03 p.m.
Attest: Andrew Jared Critchfield Date:
Secretary
Attachments:
Adopted Agenda
P&Z Report
Outreach & Constituent
Services Taskforce
Capitol Hill Taskforce Report
Meeting Agenda
Agenda
1. Adoption of Agenda
2. Community Speakout
3. Community and Commission Announcements
4. Presentations – 4 minutes maximum time each
·
Make a Difference Day – Albert Karcher, City Year
5. Consent Agenda
· Approval of Commission Minutes (3 Special Call meetings, June, July, and September)
6. ABC Committee
· Approval of Resident Members
Phillip Peisch SMD 03 Tom Wotekl SMD 05
Norberto Salinas SMD 10 T. Chris Kennedy SMD 10Stacy Kornegay SMD 08
Claire Palace SMD 04
7. Planning and Zoning Committee
·
PS
·
PS
· BZA # 18263, 117 C Street, SE – (Application modified per Office of Planning recommendation) Special exception from open court requirement to construct a two-story addition on the rear of the existing row dwelling not meeting the required open court width. Special exception from the lot occupancy requirements and a special exception from rear yard setback restriction to construct a two-story addition with a garage at the rear of the property with a second floor apartment in the CAP/R-4 District
· (Moved to November Agenda) BZA # 18275, 1200 Potomac Avenue, SE - Special exception for a change of nonconforming use allowing a coffee shop on the first floor and a variance from the use provisions to allow a pet supply store on the second floor of an existing two-story building in the R-4-B District
8. Ward 6 Redistricting
9. Proposed Sub-Committee – Hine Redevelopment Project
10. Public Engagement on Eastern Market Legislation
11. Outreach & Constituent Services Taskforce Report
· At-Large-Council Member Talking Points
12. Capitol Hill East Taskforce Report
13. Eastern Market Report
14. Adjournment
* All ABC, BZA, Zoning, Historic Preservation and Transportation cases
on the consent agenda were fully discussed at the appropriate monthly committee
meetings.
NOTE: Late-Breaking ABC, BZA, Zoning,
or Historic Preservation Cases may be added to this Agenda.
For additional information, call 202.543.3344 or
e-mail: office@anc6b.org, website:
www.ancb6.org.
Next Meeting: November 8, 2011
REPORT
Planning
& Zoning Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October
4, 2011
Commissioners present:
Francis Campbell, Kirsten Oldenburg, Norman Metzger, Carol Green, Brian Pate,
Ivan Frishberg, Brian Flahaven. Also present,
Resident Members
present:
PS
The owner did not appear at the Committee meeting but was
notified. Owner has included a letter of explanation in his submission dated
August 1, 2011 to the Department of Transportation, Public Space Committee. In
his letter he contends the fence was there when he purchased the property. Additionally, the owner states he maintains
the fence and that a permit for repair was obtained in 2009. The owner states
he maintains the fence in good condition and that it does not negatively impact
neighbors and or traffic patterns of
Additionally there is an allegation that a small area of the
aforementioned enclosed space is privately owned by a deceased owner and that
this area is now owned by the Catholic Church.
Discussions also revolve around this area being donated to the community
for possible uses such as a community garden. Three community members did
appear before the committee to oppose the application, Brian Cassidy,
A number of concerns exist for the Committee members e.g.; the ownership of the alleged privately owned lot in the enclosed area, the exact measurement of the public space area enclosed by the fence, if the fence was indeed built before the house was purchased by the current owner.
The Committee at this time because of the absence of the owner and because of the concerns of the possible illegal enclosure of public and private space opposes the application and supports efforts for removal of the existing fence from public space. Pending additional information the committee refers this case to the full ANC for its resolution.
PS 3 64478,
Applicant did not appear. No action taken by the Committee
BZA # 18263, 117 C
Street, SE - Special exception to allow a two story addition to an existing
one-family row dwelling and to construct a two-story accessory garage not
meeting the lot occupancy requirements, a special exception from the accessory
building one-story height limitation under section 2500.4 and a variance from
the building lot control restrictions to allow apartment us of the second-story
of the proposed two-story accessory garage in the CAP/R-4 District
Presenting Jenifer Fowler, Architect; Jack
& Stephanie Lester, Owners.
Owners propose to build rear additions to an existing house and build a
new garage with a second story living space on a named public alley with
existing housing units,
Ordinarily the Committee would have some concern regarding the additional living space above the garage but as there are already existing units on the alley and it is a named alley there is precedent.
The owners have letters of support from adjourning property
owners for the garage proposal but one owner, Carl O. Winberg,
through his Attorney, Raymond L Winters, has expressed "deep concern about
any additional height added to the existing structure. Proposed plans submitted
to this office by the applicant show a proposed addition to the existing
dwelling unit. Any addition to the existing structure at that location would
impact sunlight and create a substantial shade problem with the rear yard of
The Committee notes that the two additions to the existing residence are “by right”. The applicant is asking for relief from the requirement that each addition be slightly set back on the open court side of the structure. Thus, the Committee feels that any loss of air and light occurring as a result of allowing this relief is minimal.
Additionally in the same letter Mr. Winberg
supports the proposed garage build. No shadow studies are included in the
owner’s submissions.
Resolution on ANC6B
Boundaries and Districts
WHEREAS ANC6B has great respect for the efforts of the Ward 6 Redistricting Task Force and the guidelines it formally adopted; and
WHEREAS the Task Force adopted by a vote of 7-0 a draft plan on August 8th 2011 that was subsequently endorsed by ANC6B as a plan that would adhere to the guidelines of the Task Force; and
WHEREAS the Task Force Final Recommendations included a subsequent boundary change that was narrowly adopted on a vote of 5-4-1, and moves 1275 residents from ANC6B to ANC6C; and
WHEREAS the residents moved out of ANC6B have a primary and direct interest in the areas of Eastern Market, Eastern Market Metro plaza and the Hine Jr. High School redevelopment project, and will no longer have elected representation on the issues that are most important to their neighborhood; and
WHEREAS the change in the boundary between ANCs 6B and 6C changes a clear boundary along a city quadrant line that has been in effect for more than 30 years; and
WHEREAS a primary justification for the change presented by ANC6C was to balance the case load for ANC6C, while subsequent research has shown that the draft plan adopted on August 8th would likely have reduced workload from current levels and that ANC6B has a case load significantly greater than ANC6C under either the current scenario or the final plan adopted by the Task Force; and
WHEREAS an additional justification presented by ANC6C for the transfer from ANC6B to ANC6C was to provide for an odd number of commissioners on ANC6C, and it is noted that many commissions including ANC6B have decades of experience working productively with an even number of commissioners without any problems stemming from the even number of commissioners; and
WHEREAS the SMD boundaries for ANC6B adopted by the Task Force would cause substantial disruption to the work of ANC6B; and
WHEREAS the current redistricting plan works against the interests of those neighbors impacted, is at odds with the Home Rule Charter and the fundamental tenets of voting rights in the District that provide citizens elected representation in the neighborhood where they live;
NOW
IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that ANC6B
requests that the City Council of the District of Columbia enact an ANC
redistricting plan that maintains East Capitol Street as the boundary between
ANC6B and ANC6C and reflects the boundary and SMD plan adopted by the Ward 6
Redistricting Task Force at its August 8, 2011 meeting. .
ANC6B formally adopted this resolution at its October 11, 2011 meeting by a vote of 8 to 0, and requests that that Councilmember Wells and the City Council consider our recommendations when it drafts the final proposal for ANC redistricting later this year.
Office
Call with Council Member XYZ
September
2011
ANC6B appreciates the opportunity to discuss key
issues in our neighborhood, and values a better understanding of your thoughts
on these matters. Additionally, we
value the opportunity to learn about your priorities, legislative efforts and
critical initiatives. We look forward to
facilitating a personal visit to ANC6B and a broader conversation with your
ANC6B constituents.
ANC6B Critical Issues
·
Eastern
Market - Anticipated Eastern Market legislation is
important to our community and to related initiatives. We seek timely passage with full community
input.
·
Hill
East Development
o ANC6B
desires the timely development of Reservation 13, in accordance with the master
plan developed by the City and community in 2008 (date?).
o ANC6B
is concerned about the current and future management of social services
currently housed at
o ANC6B
is concerned about traffic planning and management on
·
Ethics
Reform – Ethics reform on the Council and in the city is
necessary to bolster the confidence of the population.
·
Small
Business Development – Incentivizing and incubating small
businesses is important to the future growth of Capitol Hill commercial
corridors in a manner that is consistent with the historic nature of the area.
·
Education
Improvement – Continuation of education reform is critical to
the future growth of our community.
o Execution
of the Ward 6 middle school improvement plan is a central component of reform
that directly impacts Ward 6, and should be fully implemented.
o As
the number of families with young children continues to grow in Ward 6, the
demand for elementary school slots in improving schools will increase. Capacity must match demand.
o Sustainment
of the Facility Improvement Program is necessary to ensure that existing
infrastructure is adequate for instruction and able to accommodate current
student populations.
·
Agency
Issues
o DDOT
public space permitting process is not timely, robbing the ability of the ANC
to use its “great weight” authority.
o DC
Open Data initiatives have withered—decreasing the predictability and
transparency of City activities
o DCRA
application of the Fair Housing Act undermines zoning and historic preservation
protections.
Questions for the Council Member
·
What are your legislative priorities in
the coming session?
·
What are your other key initiatives and
priorities?
·
Do you have any specific ideas that
impact ANC6B or Ward 6?
·
How can ANC6B help you?
Report of
ANC 6B Capitol Hill East Task Force
Wednesday,
October 5, 2011
6:30 pm –
8:00 pm,
Commissioners Attending: Brian Flahaven (chair), Carol Green
Resident Members
Attending: Jack
Calhoun (6B07), Kate Wall (6B09)
General Attendance: 30 residents
Topic: Eastern
· Due to financial difficulty, the Boys & Girls Club of
Greater Washington closed Eastern Branch in 2007 and sold the building,
located at 17th and C Streets SE, to the DC government. At that time, Ward
6 Councilmember Tommy Wells formed a task force to consider future uses of the
building.
· The building is managed by the DC Department of Real Estate
Services (soon to be merged into the new DC Dept. of General
Services). Adenegan Olusegun,
a project member with DRES, provided a brief update on the condition of the
building, which has been vacant for four years. He said that an individual
in the department would have responsibility for monitoring and maintaining the
building.
· The building itself is enormous - around 45,000 square feet
- and contains a basketball court and swimming pool. The pool has a large crack
and is in need of significant repair. A number of famous athletes -
Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal - autographed one of the building's walls. A
successful dance program was also headquartered at the building.
· Chuck Burger, chair of Councilmember Wells' Eastern Branch
Task Force, provided an overview of findings included in the task force
report. He also acknowledged the other members of the Eastern Branch Task
Force in attendance.
· Burger said that the task force identified a number of
hurdles to future development of the building, including 1) maintenance work -
one estimate suggests the building needs $13 million in maintenance work to get
it in leasable condition, 2) lack of accessibility - the building would need to
be brought up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance 3)
lack of parking - there is no dedicated parking lot at the
building 4) operational model - the city needs organizations that will be
financially sustainable in the building.
· The Eastern Branch Task Force report lists a number of
potential uses for the site, including:
o
Administrative offices
o
Adult services
o
Community center
o
Conference center and
meeting rooms
o
Dance school
o
Daycare center
o
Office space for
municipal departments
o
Recreation and sports
center
o
Senior center
o
Special education
The task force vision is a building that will provide services and
activities for the spectrum of residents living in Hill East and on Capitol
Hill.
· Burger said that he has been approached by individuals and
organizations interested in the building. Charter schools, individuals, day
care providers, and youth organizations have all expressed interest
in the building. Burger and Eastern Branch Task Force members want to get
feedback from the neighborhood on what uses would be the most valuable for
residents.
· Residents expressed concern about the potential
impact of the site's development on the immediate blocks surrounding
the building. The main concern identified was parking. Potential
solutions to the parking issue include providing satellite lot within
walking distance of the site and/or designating street spaces for building
use during specified hours.
· Attendees voiced support for a building that primarily
served the surrounding neighborhood and the Capitol Hill community as a whole,
as opposed to serving
· A few attendees also urged the community to support
youth-related programs in the building. Youth in the neighborhood currently
lack the recreational facilities that Eastern Branch used to provide.
· As a next step, there was clear support for
a community tour at the building. A number of residents have either not
been in the building or have not been in it in a long time. A tour would allow
residents to learn about the site and its history and could generate some
"buzz" for potential tenants or uses.
· Attendees and the Hill East Task Force also supported
keeping interested residents engaged with the Eastern Branch Task
Force and its future work. The creation of the listserv is the first step in the process. Neighborhood action and support can
help provide the momentum and energy necessary to redevelop the site.
Next Meeting: ANC
6B’s Capitol Hill East Task Force plans to hold a meeting on the future of
Reservation 13 in November/December.